U.S. patent application number 11/549060 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-14 for universal rack-mountable shelf.
This patent application is currently assigned to Innovation First, Inc. a Texas corporation. Invention is credited to Robert H. III Mimlitch, David Anthony Norman.
Application Number | 20070131628 11/549060 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37397561 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070131628 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mimlitch; Robert H. III ; et
al. |
June 14, 2007 |
UNIVERSAL RACK-MOUNTABLE SHELF
Abstract
A support and method for supporting equipment within a rack
system regardless of its design is disclosed. The base of the
support includes a surface capable of supporting the equipment
reducing unintended movement of the equipment. Brackets capable of
being securely attached to the rack system, regardless of whether
it is two-post or four-post in design, are associated with the base
of the support. The method of the present invention comprises the
steps of selecting a design of rack system, attaching the support
of the present system, and placement of the equipment to be
supported.
Inventors: |
Mimlitch; Robert H. III;
(Rowlett, TX) ; Norman; David Anthony;
(Greenville, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FISH & RICHARDSON P.C.
P.O. BOX 1022
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55440-1022
US
|
Assignee: |
Innovation First, Inc. a Texas
corporation
|
Family ID: |
37397561 |
Appl. No.: |
11/549060 |
Filed: |
October 12, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10389661 |
Mar 14, 2003 |
7134558 |
|
|
11549060 |
Oct 12, 2006 |
|
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|
60365228 |
Mar 14, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
211/26 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 47/024 20130101;
H05K 7/1489 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/026 |
International
Class: |
A47F 7/00 20060101
A47F007/00 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. A support for supporting a load in a rack system of either a
two-post or four-post design, said support comprising: a base; said
base having an upper surface capable of supporting the load and
having at least two longitudinal flanges extending along at least a
portion of a longitudinal dimension of the base including a first
longitudinal flange adjacent to a first lateral edge of the base
and a second longitudinal flange adjacent to a second lateral edge
of the base; and at least one means, for each longitudinal flange,
for securely attaching the base to the rack system, the means for
securely attaching adapted to enable attaching the base to rack
systems having at least two different designs, wherein each
different design is associated with at least one different location
along the longitudinal dimension of the base for attaching the base
using the longitudinal flange.
22. The support of claim 21, wherein at least one of the brackets
is adapted to securely attach the base to at least one of the rack
systems in an inverted position, wherein the base further comprises
a lower surface capable of supporting equipment when the base is
inverted, and wherein attaching the base in the inverted position
accommodates equipment having at least one dimension that cannot be
accommodated when the base is in an upright position.
23. The support of claim 21, wherein at least one of the brackets
is adapted to attach to a first bracket at one or more fixed
locations along the longitudinal dimension of the base.
24. The support of claim 21, wherein the at least one different
location of each different design relates to at least two different
designs selected from the group consisting of: a two-post design
including a first location along the longitudinal dimension of the
base for a first attachment of the base to the rack system; a
two-post design including a second location along the longitudinal
dimension of the base for the first attachment, wherein the second
location differs from the first location; a two-post design
including a third location along the longitudinal dimension of the
base for a second attachment of the base to the rack system,
wherein the second attachment differs from the first attachment; a
two-post design including a fourth location along the longitudinal
dimension of the base for the second attachment, wherein the fourth
location differs from the third location; a four-post design having
a first horizontal dimension along the longitudinal dimension of
the base between attachments of the base to the rack system; and a
four-post design having a second horizontal dimension along the
longitudinal dimension of the base between attachments of the base
to the rack system, wherein the second horizontal dimension differs
from the first horizontal dimension.
25. The support of claim 21, wherein at least two of the two
longitudinal flanges are disposed on different lateral sides of the
upper surface of the base.
26. An apparatus configured to support equipment comprising: a base
comprising: an upper surface capable of supporting equipment; and
at least two longitudinal flanges extending along at least a
portion of a longitudinal dimension of the base; and one or more
brackets for each longitudinal flange configured to enable the base
to be coupled to rack systems having at least two different designs
such that at least one post of each different design can couple to
the base using the one or more brackets at one or more different
locations along the longitudinal flange.
27. The support of claim 26, wherein the upper surface of the base
is adapted to support computers, electrical components, servers,
hubs, switches, or combinations thereof.
28. The support of claim 26, wherein the upper surface includes a
material, one or more openings, a roughened layer, and or
combinations thereof for increasing horizontal friction produced
between the upper surface and the equipment thereon.
29. The support of claim 26, wherein at least one of the brackets
is adapted to attach to at least one fixed location on at least one
of the longitudinal flanges.
30. The support of claim 26, wherein the bracket comprises: a first
flange adapted to attach to at least one of the longitudinal
flanges; and a second flange adapted to attach to at least one post
of at least one of the rack systems.
31. The support of claim 26, wherein at least one of the brackets
is adapted to slidably engage at least one of the longitudinal
flanges.
32. The support of claim 26, wherein at least one of the brackets
comprises: a flange adapted to attach to at least one post of at
least one of the rack systems; and a portion adapted to slidably
engage a longitudinal flange.
33. The support of claim 26, wherein: the portion of the bracket
comprises an adjustment slot adapted to receive a fastener for
mating with at least one hole in at least one of the longitudinal
flanges; and the flange of the bracket comprises at least one hole
adapted to mate with at least one hole in at least one of the
posts.
34. A shelf of a rack system comprising: a base comprising: an
upper surface capable of supporting equipment; and at least two
longitudinal flanges extending along at least a portion of a
longitudinal dimension of the base; wherein one or more of the
longitudinal flanges are configured to be capable of coupling to
two or more rack systems designs including at least a two-post
design and a four-post design, and wherein at least one of the
longitudinal flanges is further configured to enable at least one
post of at least one of the rack system designs to couple to the
longitudinal flange at a different location along the longitudinal
flange than at least one post of a different rack system
design.
35. The shelf of claim 34, wherein the upper surface of the base is
adapted to support computers, electrical components, servers, hubs,
switches, or combinations thereof.
36. The shelf of claim 34, wherein the upper surface includes a
material, one or more openings, a roughened layer, and or
combinations thereof for increasing horizontal friction produced
between the upper surface and the equipment thereon.
37. The shelf of claim 34, wherein at least one of the longitudinal
flanges comprises at least one hole adapted to receive a fastener
for mating with at least one hole in a bracket configured to enable
the base to be coupled to two or more rack systems comprising at
least two different designs.
38. The shelf of claim 34, wherein at least one of the longitudinal
flanges comprises: at least one hole at each of a plurality of
locations comprising fixed locations to enable attachment with one
or more brackets configured to enable the base to be coupled to two
or more rack systems; and at least one hole along the longitudinal
dimension of the base comprising an adjustment slot to enable
slidable engagement with one or more of the brackets.
39. The support of claim 34, wherein the at least one different
location of each different design relates to at least two different
designs selected from the group consisting of: a two-post design
including a first location along the longitudinal dimension of the
base for a first attachment of the base to the rack system; a
two-post design including a second location along the longitudinal
dimension of the base for the first attachment, wherein the second
location differs from the first location; a two-post design
including a third location along the longitudinal dimension of the
base for a second attachment of the base to the rack system,
wherein the second attachment differs from the first attachment; a
two-post design including a fourth location along the longitudinal
dimension of the base for the second attachment, wherein the fourth
location differs from the third location; a four-post design having
a first horizontal dimension along the longitudinal dimension of
the base between attachments of the base to the rack system; and a
four-post design having a second horizontal dimension along the
longitudinal dimension of the base between attachments of the base
to the rack system, wherein the second horizontal dimension differs
from the first horizontal dimension.
40. The support of claim 34, wherein at least two of the two
longitudinal flanges are disposed on different lateral sides of the
upper surface of the base.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to co-pending provisional
application Ser. No. 60/365,228, filed Mar. 14, 2002, which is
incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a support rack, and more
particularly to an apparatus and method for supporting equipment,
such as electronic equipment.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The physical support of objects or devices (e.g., electronic
equipment) on a horizontal plane presents a number of related
issues. For purposes of this application, the term "equipment"
shall be used to include, without limitation, computers (of all
designs, including desktop and tower), computer components, tape
backups, hubs, switches, power supplies, audio/visual components,
and the like.
[0004] It is generally desirable to support equipment in a manner
that facilitates their operation, if applicable. For example, such
support should orient the equipment in proper or recommended
spatial orientation. Other orientation may be dictated by the
function (e.g., placement of cooling fan) or other consideration.
Next, support should be accomplished in a manner that consumes the
smallest amount of space, but still provides the user with a
desired level of access. Such access may be necessary to monitor
and/or maintain the equipment being supported. With modern office
and storage space at a premium, the development of racks and other
stacking devices for such equipment has occurred.
[0005] Existing shelf designs are typically made by rack
manufacturers and are limited to coupling with the respective
manufacturer's two- or four-post rack design, and few, if any,
others. Many manufacturers provide two- or four-post racks designed
to support equipment, such as servers and the like, for being
supported on shelves that are respectively coupled to the two- or
four-post rack systems. However, there is a need for a universal
rack mountable shelf that is adapted to attach to substantially all
two- or four-post rack systems, regardless of manufacturer. In
addition, because space is a premium concern for users of two- or
four-post rack systems, there is a need for multiple mounting
orientations of shelves in the two- or four-post rack system.
SUMMARY
[0006] The present invention is an apparatus and method for
supporting equipment on a horizontal surface or shelf, which may be
secured to a two- or four-post rack having various configurations
known in the art. According to the principles of the present
invention, a universal rack mountable shelf is designed to mount in
substantially all two- and four-post racks, regardless of mounting
depth, rack-post style, and manufacturer. The shelf of the present
invention may be mounted right-side-up or in a reverse
configuration, depending on the requirements of the user.
[0007] In general, the principles of the present invention provide
for a fixed, rack mountable shelf that couples to a two- or
four-post rack and supports electrical equipment such as computer
components, servers or the like. The apparatus of the present
invention includes a base portion having a support surface adapted
to support various types of equipment. Slots or holes may be
provided on the support surface to serve several functions. First,
the slots or holes reduce the overall weight of the shelf. Second,
the slots may be orientated in a right-to-left or left-to-right
direction, which increases the front-to-back friction between the
shelf and the rubber feet of the equipment supported thereon. The
orientation of the slots serves to reduce the likelihood of
equipment inadvertently sliding off of the shelf. Third, the slots
may be oriented in a front-to-back direction to allow equipment to
be coupled to the shelf via straps or other coupling mechanisms.
The coupling of equipment to the shelf may be desirable in regions
prone to structural shifting and the like.
[0008] The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are
set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below.
Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the description and drawings, and from the
claims.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0009] The FIGURES outlined below further illustrate the apparatus
and method of the present invention. Like reference symbols in the
various drawings indicate like elements.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a front, angled view of an embodiment of the
apparatus of the present invention assembled in a 4-post
configuration;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a front, angled view of an embodiment of the
apparatus of the present invention assembled in a 2-post,
center-mount configuration;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a front, angled view of an embodiment of the
apparatus of the present invention assembled in a 2-post,
flush-mount configuration;
[0013] FIG. 4A is a front, angled view of an embodiment of the
apparatus of the present invention assembled in a 4-post, shallow
rack configuration;
[0014] FIG. 4B is a front, angled view of an embodiment of the
apparatus of the present invention assembled in a 4-post, deep rack
configuration;
[0015] FIG. 5A is a front, angled view of an embodiment of the
apparatus of the present invention assembled in a 2-post,
flush-mount configuration;
[0016] FIG. 5B is a front, angled view of an embodiment of the
apparatus of the present invention assembled in a 2-post,
center-mount configuration;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a front, angled view of an embodiment of the
apparatus of the present invention unassembled;
[0018] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the apparatus
of the present invention showing a front bracket attachment;
[0019] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the apparatus
of the present invention showing a front sliding bracket
attachment;
[0020] FIG. 9A is a front view of an embodiment of the apparatus of
the present invention showing a right-side-up mount;
[0021] FIG. 9B is a front view of an embodiment of the apparatus of
the present invention showing a up-side-down mount;
[0022] FIG. 10A is front, angled view of a 4-post rack including an
exemplary configuration of multiple examples of a 4-post embodiment
of the apparatus of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 10B is a front, angled view of a 4-post rack including
an exemplary configuration of multiple examples of a 4-post
embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention and
illustrating the sliding feature of one shelf,
[0024] FIG. 10C is a front, angled view of a 4-post rack including
an exemplary configuration of multiple examples of a 4-post, deep
rack embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 11A is a front view of an embodiment of the apparatus
of the present invention showing a right-side-up mount orientation
to conserve vertical space on the rack;
[0026] FIG. 11B is a front view of an embodiment of the apparatus
of the present invention showing a up-side-down mount orientation
to conserve horizontal space on the rack; and
[0027] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of an
embodiment of the method of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] Various embodiments of the principles of the present
invention are shown in FIGS. 1-12. In general, the principles of
the apparatus of the present invention provide for a rack mountable
shelf 10 that couples to a two- or four-post rack 20 and supports
electronic equipment 25 (shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B), such as a
server.
[0029] Now referring to FIGS. 1-3, the shelf 10 includes a base
portion 30 having a surface 35 adapted to support equipment (shown
in FIGS. 11A and 11B). The surface 35 of the base 30 preferably
provides a high-friction or non-slip surface upon which equipment
can rest to prevent the unintentional movement of equipment. By way
of example, and not limitation, a non-slip surface can be achieved
by: (1) providing slots or holes 40 (or any other type or shape of
opening) in the surface 35, preferably with alternating
orientation; (2) roughening the surface 35 via mechanical means or
other means known in the art (e.g., textured paint); (3) covering
the surface 35 with a material (e.g., commercially available
anti-slip matting or rubber sheet); or (4) some combination
thereof. When coupled with use of rubber or similar material feet
on the equipment to be supported, the surface 35 substantially
reduces the likelihood of unintentional movement of the equipment.
It is noted that use of slots or holes (40) also provides other
benefits to the operation of the shelf 10. For example, such slots
or holes 40 may be oriented in a front-to-back direction to allow
equipment to be coupled to the shelf 10 via straps or other
coupling mechanisms (not shown). The coupling of equipment to the
shelf 10 may be desirable in regions prone to structural shifting
and the like. Additionally, use of slots or holes 40 operate to
reduce the overall weight of the shelf 10.
[0030] Preferably, the shelf 10 is composed of a durable,
relatively lightweight material, such as aluminum or the like
metal, but can be composed of any suitable material or combination
of materials desired. For heavier equipment to be supported, steel
or other heavier construction materials may be employed.
[0031] Two flanges 50 are provided on opposing ends of the base 30.
The flanges 50 may have a plurality of front fixed bracket mounting
holes 60 proximal a front portion for coupling a front fixed
bracket 70 thereto. The plurality of front fixed bracket mounting
holes 60 may, in some embodiments, be aligned vertically or in any
other desired configuration. The number and location of the front
fixed bracket mounting holes 60 may be adjusted depending on the
rack depth and the requirements of the user. A plurality of rear
sliding bracket mounting holes 80 may also be provided on the
flanges 50 for coupling a rear sliding bracket 90 thereto. The
number and location of rear sliding bracket mounting holes 80 may
be adjusted depending on the rack depth and the requirements of the
user. The rear sliding mounting holes 80 may, in certain
embodiments, be aligned horizontally or in any other desired
configuration. A plurality of openings 95 may be provided on the
flanges 50 to allow wires to pass therethrough for guiding and
coupling, and to reduce the weight of the shelf 10. A location 97
(FIG. 6) on the shelf 10 may be provided for indicia (e.g.,
labeling), depending on the requirements and/or desires of the
user.
[0032] Now referring to FIG. 7, the front fixed bracket 70 serves
as a structural attachment between the shelf 10 and the front rack
attachment flange (not shown). The front fixed bracket 70 has a
plurality of shelf-mating holes 75 on a shelf attach flange 72 for
coupling the front fixed bracket 70 to the shelf 10. Fasteners,
such as screws and the like, may be used to couple the front fixed
bracket 70 to the shelf 10 through the shelf-mating holes 75. Rack
mounting holes 77 are provided on the rack attach flange of the
front fixed bracket for coupling to a rack 20. The rack mounting
holes 77 are preferably located per EIA-310-D. The front fixed
bracket 70 is preferably used on both sides of the shelf 10, and
may be coupled to the shelf 10 in the configurations shown and
described in FIGS. 1-11B.
[0033] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the rear sliding bracket 90
includes a rack attach flange 100 and a shelf attach portion 102.
The rack attach flange 100 preferably has a plurality of rack
mounting holes 105 located in accordance with EIA-310-D. A
centrally located adjustment slot 110 is provided on the shelf
attach portion 102. The adjustment slot 110 is adapted to receive
fasteners such as a shoulder nut 115 therethrough. The shoulder nut
may be designed to allow the rear sliding bracket 90 to be adjusted
horizontally with respect to the shelf 10, and mates with screws
and the like to couple the rear sliding bracket 90 to the desired
location on the shelf 10.
[0034] As can be appreciated from the description herein and from
FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 7 & 8, the mounting locations on the
shelf 10 for the front fixed bracket 70 and rear sliding bracket 90
allow coupling of the shelf 10 to a two- or four-post rack 25. In
addition and in an exemplary configuration on a two-post rack
(FIGS. 5A & 5B), the shelf 10 may be coupled flush to a surface
of the posts 20 of the two-post rack system. In an additional
exemplary configuration, the shelf 10 may be mounted in a center
configuration (FIGS. 2 & 5B). Both exemplary configurations are
shown side by side in FIGS. 5A and 5B. It can also be appreciated
that the mounting holes of the shelf insure compatibility with
substantially all rack hole styles, including, without limitation,
round holes, threaded holes and square holes. This may be
accomplished through the use of a flange design than may be mounted
on the front of the front post and on the back of the back post.
Now referring to FIGS. 9A, 9B, 11A & 11B, the design of the
shelf 10 allows for coupling of the shelf 10 to two- or four-post
rack systems in a right-side-up (FIGS. 9A & 11A) or
up-side-down (FIGS. 9B & 11B) configuration. This allows wide
equipment 25 to be mounted on the shelf 10. In an up-side-down
configuration, equipment 25 mounted to the shelf 10 may be as wide
as the opening in the rack system as set forth in EIA-310-D. In the
right-side-up configuration, the two flanges 50 on opposing ends of
the base 30 may limit the width of the equipment 25 mounted
thereto. Specifically referring to FIG. 11A, which shows the
right-side-up orientation, it can be seen this configuration
conserves vertical rack space (or in this exemplary case, three
units (3 U)) while limiting the maximum width of the equipment 25
placed on the shelf 10. FIG. 11B shows a second exemplary
configuration of the shelf 10 in an up-side-down orientation, which
provides for maximum equipment width while taking up, in this
example, 1 U of extra space. It can be appreciated that different
users will have different needs, and may utilize the present
invention in multiple configurations to best meet these needs.
[0035] FIGS. 10A-10C show different exemplary configurations of the
universal rack mountable shelves 10 as coupled to a four-post rack
system 150. Referring specifically to FIG. 10A, the fronts of the
shelves 10 are coupled to the four-post rack 150 to allow a flush
configuration of the shelves 10 with respect to the front posts 20
of the rack system 150. This is an exemplary installation for
certain preferred embodiments of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 10B shows a second exemplary configuration of universal
rack mountable shelves 10 coupled to a four-post rack 150. In this
configuration, one shelf 10 is extended in front of the front rack
post 20 via use of the rear sliding bracket 90. It can be
appreciated that all shelves 10 may be configured accordingly, if
desired. This configuration is especially useful for supporting
keyboards and other equipment on the extended shelf 10, or for
alternate accessibility to a component on the shelf 10.
[0037] FIG. 10C is a third exemplary configuration of universal
rack mountable shelves 10 coupled to a four-post rack 150. In this
configuration, all shelves 10 are recessed behind the front posts
20 of the four-post rack 150. It can be appreciated that only one
or a plurality of shelves 10 may be recessed, if desired. This
configuration is especially useful to provide space for patch
cables (not shown). This configuration may also be used to provide
an alternate means for providing additional space in the front of
the rack system 150.
[0038] Now referring to FIG. 12, the steps of the method of the
present invention in shown. To use the universal rack mountable
shelf 10, in Step 10, a two- or four-post rack system is selected.
In Step 20, the front fixed bracket 70 and the rear sliding bracket
90 are then coupled to the shelf 10 and the rack system selected in
Step 10. A load, such as a computer component or the like, may then
be applied in step 30 to the base 30 of the shelf 10 and supported
thereon. If enhanced access to the equipment 25 supported on shelf
10 is desired, in Step 40, the shelf 10 may be extended away from
its resting position within the rack system selected in Step 10.
Once extended, the user has enhanced access to the equipment
supported by the shelf 10.
[0039] It is to be appreciated that the shelf 10 may couple to
substantially any existing two- or four-post rack system and
support loads accordingly. It is to be further appreciated that the
universal rack mountable shelf 10 of the present invention provides
numerous configurations for supporting a variety of loads,
depending on the requirements and desires of the user.
[0040] A number of embodiments of the invention have been
described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within
the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *