U.S. patent application number 12/013341 was filed with the patent office on 2009-07-16 for knock-down rack.
This patent application is currently assigned to Telect, Inc.. Invention is credited to Bob Bromiley, David B. Green, Steven M. Holland, Matthew David LaBove, Marcus L. Melane, Steven J. Oliver, F. D. Patterson, JR., Thomas W. Potter, Derrick Thomas.
Application Number | 20090178983 12/013341 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40849745 |
Filed Date | 2009-07-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090178983 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Green; David B. ; et
al. |
July 16, 2009 |
Knock-Down Rack
Abstract
Field-adjustable rack systems for mounting communications
equipment are disclosed, including an adjustable communications
equipment rack where the rack is adjustable from a floor mounted
configuration to a wall mounted configuration, and the overall
width of the rack may be varied by adjusting the base and the top
in a plurality of different configurations. Also, height adjustment
to the communications equipment rack is disclosed where the height
of the rack may be adjusted without removal of the existing mounted
equipment from the rack. Height adjustments are made by coupling a
plurality of extensions to the vertical side rails of the rack, to
arrive at the rack height desired. Methods are described for field
adjusting communications equipment racks into various
configurations, including floor mounted configurations and wall
mounted configurations in a plurality of widths and heights.
Inventors: |
Green; David B.; (Allen,
TX) ; Melane; Marcus L.; (Irving, TX) ;
Potter; Thomas W.; (Plano, TX) ; Bromiley; Bob;
(Allen, TX) ; Thomas; Derrick; (Allen, TX)
; Holland; Steven M.; (Dallas, TX) ; Oliver;
Steven J.; (Allen, TX) ; Patterson, JR.; F. D.;
(Sachse, TX) ; LaBove; Matthew David; (Allen,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LEE & HAYES, PLLC
601 W. RIVERSIDE AVENUE, SUITE 1400
SPOKANE
WA
99201
US
|
Assignee: |
Telect, Inc.
Liberty Lake
WA
|
Family ID: |
40849745 |
Appl. No.: |
12/013341 |
Filed: |
January 11, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/13.1 ;
211/190 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04Q 1/09 20130101; H05K
7/186 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/13.1 ;
211/190 |
International
Class: |
A47F 7/00 20060101
A47F007/00; A47B 57/30 20060101 A47B057/30 |
Claims
1. A rack for mounting communications equipment, the rack
comprising: a base having a plurality of formed members, the base
supporting the rack in an upright position; first and second
vertical side rails of formed construction to attach equipment, the
side rails coupled to the base, and extending substantially
vertically; and a top having a plurality of formed members, the top
being coupled at each end to upper ends of the first side rail and
second side rail, respectively, wherein the base is configured to
be coupled to the rack in at least two different mounting
positions, including a first mounting position at the bottom of the
rack, to allow the rack system to be floor mounted, and a second
mounting position at an intermediate point along the extent of the
rack, to allow the rack system to be wall mounted.
2. The rack of claim 1, wherein the base further comprises: first
and second base plates; first and second substantially planar base
side gusset brackets coupled to the first and second substantially
planar base plates respectively, so that the first and second
substantially planar base side gusset brackets extend substantially
perpendicular to the first and second substantially planar base
plates respectively; and first and second substantially planar base
adjustment plates, wherein the first and second substantially
planar base adjustment plates couple the first and second
substantially planar base plates.
3. The rack of claim 2, wherein the first and second substantially
planar base plates and the first and second substantially planar
base adjustment plates include a plurality of mounting features to
adjust the base in one of a plurality of configurations, thereby
determining the overall width of the base.
4. The rack of claim 1, wherein the top further comprises first and
second top channels, and a top adjustment channel, wherein the top
adjustment channel couples the first and second top channels.
5. The rack of claim 4, wherein the first and second top channels
and the top adjustment channel include a plurality of mounting
features to adjust the top in one of a plurality of configurations,
thereby determining the overall width of the top.
6. The rack of claim 1, wherein the base and the top are adjustable
between a range of about 19 inches (0.48 meters) to about 26 inches
(0.66 meters) in width.
7. The rack of claim 1, wherein the rack is adjustable between a
first configuration in which the width is about 19 inches (0.48
meters), and a second configuration in which the width is about 23
inches (0.58 meters).
8. The rack of claim 7, wherein the rack consists of the same
components in the first configuration as in the second
configuration, and where the footprint area of the rack decreases
with a decrease in the width of the rack, and the footprint area of
the rack increases with an increase in the width of the rack.
9. The rack of claim 1, wherein each component of the rack is
substantially symmetrical about at least one axis, to allow each
component to be installed in more than one possible
orientation.
10. The rack of claim 1, wherein the vertical side rails have a
substantially "C" shaped cross-section.
11. The rack of claim 1, wherein the vertical side rails comprise a
lower side rail and at least one vertical extension side rail.
12. The rack of claim 1, wherein a bottom 4 inches (0.10 meters) of
the side rails is usable for mounting communications equipment.
13. The rack of claim 12, wherein a 48 inch (1.22 meter) rack
includes at least 25 Rack Units of space usable for mounting
communications equipment.
14. The rack of claim 1, wherein the rack weighs at most 36 pounds
(16.3 kg).
15. A communications equipment rack system comprising: a support
structure for mounting communications equipment, wherein the
support structure is adjustable in width between a first
configuration in which the width is about 19 inches (0.48 meters),
and a second configuration in which the width is about 23 inches
(0.58 meters), wherein the support structure consists of the same
components in the first configuration as in the second
configuration, and where the footprint area of the support
structure decreases with a decrease in the width of the support
structure, and the footprint area of the support structure
increases with an increase in the width of the support structure,
wherein the support structure is adjustable between a first
position in which the support structure is to be floor mounted, and
a second position in which the support structure is to be wall
mounted.
16. The communications equipment rack system of claim 15, wherein
the support structure is configured for vertical adjustment in the
field while retaining previously mounted equipment to the support
structure.
17. The communications equipment rack system of claim 15, wherein
the full height of the support structure is usable for mounting
communications equipment, including the lowest 4 inches (0.10
meters) of the height of the support structure.
18. A method of field adjusting a configuration of a communications
equipment rack from a first configuration to a second
configuration, the method comprising: decoupling first and second
base side gusset brackets from first and second vertical side
rails, respectively; decoupling first and second base plates from
the first and second vertical side rails, respectively; removing a
base from the bottom of the rack; reattaching the base to an
intermediate point along the extent of the rack, wherein the rack
is configured for wall mounting; and coupling the first and second
base side gusset brackets to the first and second vertical side
rails, respectively, wherein the base comprises the first and
second base side gusset brackets and the first and second base
plates.
19. The method of claim 18, the method further comprising: removing
first and second base adjustment plates from first and second base
plates respectively; removing a top adjustment channel from first
and second top channels; changing spacing between the first and
second base plates and changing spacing between the first and
second top channels, thereby determining an overall width of the
base and the top respectively; reattaching the first and second
base adjustment plates to the first and second base plates; and
reattaching the top adjustment channel to the first and second top
channels.
20. The method of claim 19, the method further comprising: rotating
each of the first and second base adjustment plates approximately
180 degrees about an axis central to and normal to the top-facing
surface of the first and second base adjustment plates prior to
reattachment.
21. The method of claim 19, wherein: adjusting the configuration of
the communications equipment rack from a first configuration to a
second configuration is accomplished using the same components in
the first configuration as in the second configuration, and wherein
adjusting the configuration of the communications equipment rack
from a first configuration to a second configuration decreases the
footprint area of the rack with a decrease in the width of the
rack, and increases the footprint area of the rack with an increase
in the width of the rack.
22. The method of claim 18, the method further comprising: removing
a top from the ends of a first vertical side rail and a second
vertical side rail respectively; coupling first and second
extension side rails to the first and second vertical side rails
respectively; and attaching the top to the ends of the first and
second extension side rails respectively.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein: coupling first and second
extension side rails to the first and second vertical side rails
respectively comprises coupling with first and second side rail
interior adjustment channels.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates to equipment racks for
mounting telecommunications equipment. More specifically, the
disclosure relates to telecommunications equipment racks having
field adjustable members for changing the mounting configuration,
and varying the width and height of the racks.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Equipment within a telecommunications infrastructure may be
maintained in a variety of equipment racks. Traditionally,
equipment racks have been designed with fixed dimensions for
particular equipment, e.g., equipment of a particular type and/or
having specific width and depth. They have been designed for fixed
mounting configurations, also. In other words, equipment racks
traditionally have been designed to be static and not intended to
be modified after manufacture. However, new and different
arrangements of telecommunications equipment are frequently
required for a variety of reasons, such as to handle increased
demands for service due to technology changes, to accommodate new
or different equipment, or new or different installation locations,
and so forth. Updating static equipment racks to accommodate new
equipment and/or equipment arrangements has often been time
consuming, costly, frustrating and even impossible.
[0003] While existing racks are available in various fixed
configurations, available telecommunications racks do not offer the
ability to change the mounting configuration from a floor mounted
configuration to a wall mounted configuration, and change the width
of the rack to accommodate changes in equipment to be mounted.
Conventionally, users have had to replace an old rack with one
having the desired configuration. Also, available
telecommunications racks do not offer the ability to add more
height to the rack should the user need extra rack space to mount
additional equipment in the rack.
[0004] Further, because most conventional racks have large extruded
bases that block the bottom four to six inches (0.10-0.15 m) of the
equipment mounting rails, the space at the bottom of those racks is
rendered unusable.
SUMMARY
[0005] Telecommunications equipment rack systems are described.
Specifically, field-adjustable rack systems for mounting
communications equipment are disclosed. This summary is not
intended to identify all essential features of the claimed subject
matter.
[0006] In one aspect, illustrative rack systems include an
adjustable rack having a configurable base including a plurality of
formed members. The base supports the rack in an upright position.
First and second vertical side rails of formed construction are
coupled to the base to attach equipment. A top is coupled to the
upper ends of the vertical side rails and includes a plurality of
formed members. The base is attached at the bottom of the rack to
support the rack in a floor mounted configuration, or attached at
an intermediate point along the extent of the rack to support the
rack in a wall mounted configuration. The overall width of the rack
may be varied by adjusting the base and the top in different
configurations. In one implementation, the base and the top are
both adjustable between about nineteen inches (0.48 m) and about
twenty-six inches (0.66 m).
[0007] In another aspect, a telecommunications equipment rack is
configured and reconfigured, changing its dimensions. The same
components are used in each configuration, and reconfiguration. For
example, the width of a rack is adjusted from a first configuration
to a second configuration with new dimensions, and the same
components are used in the first and second configurations.
Additionally, in another aspect, the width of a telecommunications
equipment rack is about nineteen inches (0.48 m) in a first
configuration, and the width of the rack is about twenty-three
inches (0.58 m) in a second configuration. Alternately, the width
may be greater or lesser in other embodiments. Further, in another
aspect, the width of a telecommunications equipment rack is
decreased, and the rack has a decreased footprint area in that
configuration. Also, in another aspect, the width of a
telecommunications equipment rack is increased, and the rack has an
increased footprint area in that configuration.
[0008] In yet another aspect, varying lengths of structural members
are added to a telecommunications equipment rack to change its
configuration. For example, various lengths of side rail extensions
are added to a rack to change its overall height. Side rail
extensions are added to the rack by coupling them to the ends of
the vertical side rails of the rack. Coupling one or more side rail
extensions of various lengths to the vertical side rails of the
rack changes the overall height of the rack. Thus, the rack may be
configured to a desired height based on a unique application.
Further, in one aspect, side rail extensions may be coupled to the
vertical side rails without removing equipment already mounted to
the telecommunications equipment rack.
[0009] In still another aspect, a telecommunications equipment rack
has configurable adjusting members. The configurable adjusting
members are coupled to the base of the equipment rack. This permits
the base to be adjusted into multiple configurations. Alternately
or additionally, configurable adjusting members are coupled to the
top of the equipment rack. This permits the top to be adjusted into
multiple configurations. Further, configurable adjusting members
may be coupled to other locations on an equipment rack to permit
the rack to be configured into multiple configurations. The
configurable adjusting members may have a plurality of mounting
features (e.g., hole patterns, fasteners, brackets and so forth) to
couple rack support structure members in a variety of
configurations. In other words, the same support structure members
may be used with the configurable adjusting members to configure a
rack in a number of different ways. Further, in one aspect, the
bottom four inches (0.10 m) of a telecommunications rack is usable
for mounting equipment. Thus, the same telecommunications equipment
rack may be configured and reconfigured for a wide selection of
equipment and/or arrangements of equipment.
[0010] While described individually, the foregoing aspects are not
mutually exclusive and any number of the aspects may be present in
a given implementation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The detailed description refers to the accompanying figures.
In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of each reference number
identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears.
The use of the same reference numbers in different figures
indicates similar or identical items.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one illustrative
telecommunications rack system, shown in a first configuration.
[0013] FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the left side of the
illustrative telecommunications rack system of FIG. 1. The right
side view is not shown, as it is identical.
[0014] FIG. 3A is a plan view of the top of the illustrative
telecommunications rack system of FIG. 1, shown in a first
configuration.
[0015] FIG. 3B is a plan view of the top of the illustrative
telecommunications rack system of FIG. 1, shown in a second
configuration.
[0016] FIG. 4A is a plan view of the bottom of the illustrative
telecommunications rack system of FIG. 1, shown in a first
configuration.
[0017] FIG. 4B is a plan view of the bottom of the illustrative
telecommunications rack system of FIG. 1, shown in a second
configuration.
[0018] FIG. 5 is an elevation view of the front of the illustrative
telecommunications rack system of FIG. 1, shown in a first
configuration. The back view is not shown, as it is identical.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the illustrative
telecommunications rack system of FIG. 1, shown in a second
configuration.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
a telecommunications rack system, shown in a first
configuration.
[0021] FIG. 8A is a detail view of a side rail interior adjustment
channel as deployed on an embodiment of a telecommunications rack
system.
[0022] FIG. 8B is an exploded view of a side rail interior
adjustment channel as deployed on an embodiment of a
telecommunications rack system.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
a telecommunications rack system, shown in a second
configuration.
[0024] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the illustrative
telecommunications rack system of FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another alternative
embodiment of a telecommunications rack system that may be
wall-mounted, or the like, shown in a first configuration.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a flow diagram showing an illustrative method of
field-adjusting the telecommunications rack system between a first
configuration and a second configuration.
[0027] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram showing an alternative method of
field-adjusting the telecommunications rack system between a first
configuration and a second configuration.
[0028] FIG. 14 is a flow diagram showing a further alternative
method of field-adjusting the telecommunications rack system
between a first configuration and a second configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Overview
[0029] Rack systems having mounting configuration adjustment
mechanisms, width adjustment mechanisms and height adjustment
mechanisms will now be described with reference to the figures.
While the disclosure is described in the context of rack systems
for mounting telecommunications equipment, the rack systems may be
useful for other equipment, such as audio/visual, computer,
network, and the like.
[0030] Further, the implementations described herein may be used in
other environments and are applicable to other contexts. For
example, the apparatuses and systems may additionally or
alternatively comprise wall-mounted or free standing frames,
cabinets, panels, and the like. Thus, the discussion of rack-based
systems herein is also applicable to systems using one or more of
the foregoing types of structures singly in or in combination with
one another.
[0031] It should be noted that the following devices are examples
and may be further modified, combined and separated without
departing from the spirit and scope thereof.
[0032] As discussed above, although existing racks are available in
various fixed configurations, available telecommunications racks do
not offer the ability to change the mounting configuration of a
rack from a floor mounted configuration to a wall mounted
configuration, and change the width of a rack to accommodate
changes in equipment to be mounted. Conventionally, users have had
to replace an old rack with one having the desired dimensions and
mounting configuration. Also, available telecommunications racks do
not offer the ability to add more height to a rack should the user
need extra rack space to mount additional equipment in the
rack.
[0033] Primarily, rack selection is limited to either nineteen inch
or twenty-three inch rack widths in combination with available rack
heights, in either floor mounted or wall mounted configurations.
Rack height, or vertical capacity, is measured in "Rack Units"
where one Rack Unit (RU) is 1.75 inches (0.044 m) of vertical space
in a rack that can be occupied by equipment mounted in the rack.
Racks are referred to by their size. For example, a rack with
mounting holes spaced nineteen inches (0.48 m) apart horizontally
center-to-center is described as a "nineteen inch rack", and a rack
with mounting holes twenty-three inches (0.58 m) apart horizontally
and with thirty-five inches (0.89 m) of vertical space for
equipment mounting is described as a "twenty-three inch 20 RU
rack."
[0034] This disclosure relates to equipment mounting racks that are
field adjustable from a floor mounted configuration to a wall
mounted configuration, or vice versa, and also widthwise and height
wise to accommodate various sizes, types and number of equipment to
be mounted. Additionally, each of the components of the rack is
substantially symmetrical about at least one axis, providing
interchangeability of many of the parts, thus simplifying assembly
of the rack.
[0035] Further, because most conventional racks have large extruded
bases that block the bottom four to six inches (0.15 m) of the
equipment mounting rails, the space at the bottom of those racks is
rendered unusable. This disclosure relates to racks that have an
open base design instead. The open base design provides the ability
to mount equipment along the full height of the rack, including the
bottom four to six inches (0.10-0.15 m) of the rack.
Illustrative Telecommunications Rack System
[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative
implementation of an adjustable rack system 100 for mounting
telecommunications equipment. A rack refers to a support structure
to maintain, hold or provide mountings for a plurality of
components and may be configured in a variety of ways. For example,
the rack 100 may be configured as a support structure for mounting
a cabinet, a terminal block, a panel, a protector block, a chassis,
a digital cross-connect, a switch, a hub, a frame, a bay, a module,
an enclosure, or as any other structure for receiving and holding a
plurality of components. Racks 100 may be used inside a building or
racks 100 may be configured to be placed outside, e.g., an outside
equipment rack.
[0037] The illustrative adjustable telecommunications rack system
100 shown in FIGS. 1-5 and FIG. 10 is generally constructed of
parts formed of metal such as steel or aluminum, but may also be
constructed of other metals or other materials such as fiberglass,
carbon fiber, plastics or polymers provided that the materials have
the necessary strength characteristics required to support
equipment mounted to the rack. In some implementations, the
illustrative rack 100 constructed of these materials weighs at most
about thirty-six pounds, providing for ease in many areas where
weight may be a concern such as transportation or assembly. In
other implementations, however, the adjustable racks according to
this disclosure may weight more than thirty-six pounds. The
illustrative rack 100 shown in FIG. 1 generally comprises a base
102, vertical side rails 104 and 106, and a top 108.
[0038] The base 102, as detailed in FIGS. 2, 4 and 10, comprises a
pair of substantially planar base plates 110 and 112, a pair of
substantially planar side gusset brackets 114 and 116 coupled to
the base plates 110 and 112, and a pair of substantially planar
base adjustment plates 120 and 122 which couple the base plates 110
and 112 together in a plurality of configurations. The base plates
110 and 112 include tabs protruding substantially perpendicular to
the bottom surface of the base plates 110 and 112 to provide a
location for coupling the base 102 to the rack 100. Additionally,
the side gusset brackets 114 and 116 include tabs protruding
substantially perpendicular to the side surface of the gusset
brackets 114 and 116 to provide a location for coupling the side
gusset brackets to the rack 100. In one implementation, the base
102 is adjustable in width between about nineteen inches (0.48 m)
and about twenty-six inches (0.66 m). However, in other
implementations, the base 102 may be adjustable to larger and/or
smaller widths. Also, while the illustrated implementation is
adjustable between two or more discreet positions (e.g., first and
second positions), other implementations may be continuously
adjustable to any width within the range of adjustment of the
rack.
[0039] The base plates 110 and 112 form the foundation of the base,
and support the rack 100 in an upright position. The two side
gusset brackets 114 and 116 are coupled to the outside ends of the
base plates 110 and 112 respectively so that the side gusset
brackets 114 and 116 extend substantially perpendicular to the base
plates 110 and 112 respectively. The base adjustment plates 120 and
122 couple the base plates 110 and 112 together, joining the two
base plates 110 and 112 into a unified base 102. The base plates
110 and 112, and also the base adjustment plates 120 and 122 have a
plurality of mounting features which may be used to adjust the base
in one of a plurality of configurations, whereby the base may have
unique width dimensions when in unique configurations. Selecting
among the plurality of mounting features while coupling the base
plates 110 and 112, using the base adjustment plates 120 and 122,
thereby determines the overall width dimension of the base.
[0040] FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 10 detail the vertical side rails 104 and
106. As shown in the detail of FIG. 5, the vertical side rails 104
and 106 have mounting holes on the front and back face of the
rails, running along the length of the rails, to mount equipment
installed in the rack 100 to the rails 104 and 106. Also shown in
FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 10 are mounting features along the side of the
rails 104 and 106, which may be used to couple the rails to the
rack during assembly in one of a plurality of configurations. FIGS.
1 and 10 detail the formed construction of the vertical side rails
104 and 106 in this illustrative embodiment, showing the
substantially "C" shaped cross-section of the rails. Other
cross-sectional shapes may also be used in alternative embodiments
provided that they have the strength characteristics necessary to
be used for bearing loads in like manner.
[0041] FIGS. 1, 3, 5 and 10 show detail of the top 108. The top 108
comprises first and second top channels 124 and 126; and top
adjustment channel 128. The top adjustment channel 128 couples the
top channels 124 and 126 together, joining the two top channels 124
and 126 into a unified top 108. The top channels 124 and 126, and
also the top adjustment channel 128 have a plurality of mounting
features to be used to adjust the top in one of a plurality of
configurations, whereby the top may have unique width dimensions
when in unique configurations. Selecting among the plurality of
mounting features, while coupling the top channels 124 and 126
using the top adjustment channel 128, thereby determines the
overall width dimension of the top. In an illustrative
implementation, the top 108 is adjustable in width between a range
of about nineteen inches (0.48 m) and about twenty-six inches (0.66
m), and is substantially "C" shaped in cross-section. However, in
other implementations, the top 108 may be adjustable to larger
and/or smaller widths. Also, while the illustrated implementation
is adjustable between two or more discreet positions (e.g., first
and second positions), other implementations may be continuously
adjustable to any width within the range of adjustment of the
rack.
[0042] In an alternate implementation shown in FIG. 7, the vertical
side rails 704 and 706 of rack 700 comprise lower side rails 730
and 732, and extension side rails 734, 736, 738, and 740. The
addition of extension side rails 734, 736, 738, and 740 to the
lower side rails 730 and 732 respectively increases the overall
height of the rack 700 shown. The additional rack height allows for
an in increase of usable mounting space on the rack 700, where a
greater number or greater variety of types of equipment may be
mounted. Although this embodiment shows the addition of two
extension side rails per vertical side rail, it will be apparent to
one who is skilled in the art that any number of side rail
extensions may be added to each vertical side rail equally to
achieve a desired rack height, provided that the rack remains
stable and capable of bearing the equipment load with the addition
of the side rail extensions.
[0043] In one illustrative implementation shown in FIGS. 1-5, the
vertical side rails 104 and 106 of rack 100 are coupled at the
lower end of the rails to the side gusset brackets 114 and 116, and
extend substantially vertically, where they are coupled to the top
108 at the upper end of the vertical side rails 104 and 106. In
another implementation shown in FIG. 11, the vertical side rails
1104 and 1106 of rack 1100 are coupled to the top 1108 at the upper
end of the vertical side rails 1104 and 1106, and are coupled to
the base 1102 by attachment to the side gusset brackets 1114 and
1116 at an intermediate point along the length of the vertical side
rails 1104 and 1106. In this implementation, the configuration is a
rack that may be wall-mounted, or secured to a surface or object in
some similar manner. Not all racks are meant to have a floor
mounted base at the bottom of the rack. Many racks are installed in
locations where alternate base locations are desirable, for example
wall-mounted racks have a base attached to a wall. It will be
apparent to one skilled in the art that the side rails may be
coupled to the base at any point along the length of the side
rails, in order to accommodate a desired configuration or alternate
installation options.
Features of the Illustrative Telecommunications Rack System
[0044] In an illustrative embodiment of the telecommunications rack
100, each component of the rack assembly is substantially
symmetrical about at least one axis. This allows each component to
be installed in more than one possible orientation. This symmetry
can be seen in FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 6, 10 and 11. For example, the two
side rails 104 and 106 are substantially symmetrical about at least
one axis, such as the axis central to and parallel to the length of
the side rails. Due to this symmetry, the side rails may be
interchanged during assembly of the rack. Further, the two base
plates 110 and 112 may be interchanged during assembly of the rack.
Likewise, any of the other substantially symmetrical component
pairs may be interchanged during assembly of the rack. This feature
of symmetrical component pairs has at least the advantage of making
assembly of the rack easy and quick. Further, in an embodiment, the
rack may be assembled using common tools, and in an average time of
about thirty minutes. However, in other implementations, the rack
may be assembled in an average time that is greater or less than
thirty minutes.
[0045] A telecommunications rack 100 may be configured in the field
using common tools, and also reconfigured in the field using common
tools in one of a plurality of configurations. The rack 100 may be
adjusted in the field to accommodate a change or an update in
equipment to be utilized at a field site. Newer equipment may be
required to be mounted in the equipment rack which may have
different dimensions than the older or previous equipment. Rather
than replacing the rack 100, an adjustment may be made to the rack
100 to accommodate the newer equipment. A field adjustment may
include moving the base of the rack from the bottom of the rack to
an intermediate point along the extent of the rack as shown in FIG.
11.
[0046] A field adjustment may also include changing the width of
the rack. In an illustrative embodiment, the rack 100 may be
configured or reconfigured to be in a narrow configuration, shown
in FIG. 1. In one embodiment the narrow configuration may be about
nineteen inches (0.48 m) wide. In other embodiments, the narrow
configuration may be other widths. Alternately, the rack 100 may be
configured or reconfigured to an expanded configuration, shown in
FIG. 6. In one alternative embodiment the expanded configuration
may be about twenty-three inches (0.58 m) wide. In other
embodiments, the expanded configuration may be other widths. In an
illustrative embodiment, the rack 100 may be adjusted in the field
using common tools from a first position of about nineteen inches
(0.48 m) wide to a second position of about twenty-three inches
(0.58 m) wide, or vice versa, where the same components are used
for the nineteen inch wide configuration as for the twenty-three
inch wide configuration. However, in other implementations, the
rack 100 may be adjustable to larger or smaller widths, also using
the same components in each configuration. Also, while the
illustrated implementation is adjustable between two or more
discreet positions (e.g., first and second positions), other
implementations may be continuously adjustable to any width within
the range of adjustment of the rack. Further, in an implementation,
the footprint area of the rack 100 decreases as the rack is
adjusted to decrease the width of the rack 100, and the footprint
area of the rack 100 increases as the rack 100 is adjusted to
increase the width of the rack.
[0047] Furthermore, an illustrative equipment rack 100 may be
adjusted in height, while deployed in the field. For example,
equipment may be required to be mounted on an equipment rack 100
(FIG. 1) in addition to existing equipment already mounted on the
rack 100. If there is not enough space on the rack 100 for the
additional equipment to be mounted, a rack with increased height
may be desired, to provide more room for mounting equipment. Rather
than replacing the existing rack 100 with a taller rack, a user
adjusts an embodiment of rack 100 in the field with common tools to
a taller configuration without removing the equipment already
mounted on the rack. In an illustrative embodiment, a rack 100 may
be adjusted in the field using common tools to one of a plurality
of configurations of varying heights. For example, a rack 100 may
be configured or reconfigured to be about 4 feet in height in a
first configuration. Alternately, the rack 100 may be configured or
reconfigured to be about 7 feet in height in a second
configuration. This configuration is illustrated with the rack 700
shown in FIG. 7. Further, other height configurations are also
possible. It will be apparent to one who is skilled in the art that
a plurality of rack configurations is possible, in various
combinations of width and height dimensions. One embodiment with
adjustments made to increase the width and the height is shown in
FIG. 9. The width and height dimensions discussed here are
illustrative examples only, and are not meant to be limiting.
[0048] Most telecommunications equipment racks have large extruded
bases that block the bottom four to six inches (0.10-0.15 m) of the
equipment mounting rails, rendering that portion of the rack
unusable for mounting equipment. Rack height, or vertical capacity,
is measured in "Rack Units" where one Rack Unit (RU) is 1.75 inches
(0.044 m) of vertical space in a rack that can be occupied by
equipment mounted in the rack. Because many racks have a large
base, several Rack Units of space are lost at the bottom of these
racks. Due to this common design, a four foot tall rack may have
twenty Rack Units of available equipment mounting space. In an
illustrative embodiment of the disclosed equipment rack, a
telecommunications rack 100 may have four to six inches (0.10-0.15
m) of vertical space open and usable for mounting equipment at the
bottom of the rack. As shown in FIGS. 1, 5, and 10, rack 100
comprises a formed base having a plurality of members assembled in
an open design which allows space for equipment to be mounted in
the bottom area of the base. Thus, as the base does not block the
bottom four to six inches (0.10-0.15 m) of the equipment mounting
rails in the described embodiment, that portion of the equipment
mounting rails is not rendered unusable. In an illustrative
embodiment, a four foot tall rack 100 may have about twenty-five
Rack Units of available equipment mounting space. The dimensions
discussed here are illustrative examples only, and are not meant to
be limiting. It will be apparent to one who is skilled in the art
that a plurality of configurations is possible, and racks of
greater height dimensions will have more Rack Units of available
equipment mounting space.
[0049] These and numerous other variations will be apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art.
Illustrative Method of Adjusting Telecommunications Rack System
[0050] An illustrative method of adjusting a telecommunications
rack system 100 from a first configuration where the rack is
configured to be floor mounted, as shown in FIG. 1, to a second
configuration where the rack is configured to be wall mounted, as
shown in FIG. 1, is described in the flow diagram 1200 of FIG. 12.
The order in which the method is described is not intended to be
construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method
blocks may be combined in any order to implement the method, or an
alternate method. At 1202, a user decouples first and second base
side gusset brackets 1114 and 1116 respectively from first and
second vertical side rails 1104 and 1106 respectively. At 1204, the
user decouples first and second base plates 1110 and 1112
respectively from the bottom of first and second vertical side
rails 1104 and 1106 respectively. At 1206, the user removes the
base 1102 from the bottom of the rack 1100. At 1208, the user
reattaches the base 1102 to an intermediate point along the extent
of the rack 1100. At 1210, the user couples the first and second
base side gusset brackets 1114 and 1116 respectively to the first
and second vertical side rails 1104 and 1106 respectively. It will
be apparent to one who is skilled in the art that the method of
1200 as shown in FIG. 12 may also be applied in reverse order to
adjust a telecommunications rack system 1100 from a wall mounted
configuration as shown in FIG. 11 to a floor mounted configuration
as shown in FIG. 1.
[0051] In an alternative embodiment of the method, a user adjusts a
telecommunications rack system 100 from a first configuration as
shown in FIG. 1, to a second configuration as shown in FIG. 6 is
described in the flow diagram 1300 of FIG. 13. Additionally, the
method of 1300 may be employed to adjust a telecommunications rack
system 100 from a first configuration as shown in FIG. 6, to a
second configuration as shown in FIG. 1. At 1302, a user removes
first and second base adjustment plates 120 and 122 from first and
second base plates 110 and 112 respectively. At 1304, the user
removes top channel adjustment plate 128 from first and second top
channels 124 and 126 respectively. At 1306 the user changes the
spacing between the first and second base plates 110 and 112, and
the user also changes the spacing between the first and second top
channels 124 and 126, thereby determining an overall width of the
base 102 and the top 108 respectively. At 1308, the user reattaches
the top channel adjustment plate 128 to the first and second top
channels 124 and 126 respectively, using a plurality of mounting
features on the top channel adjustment plate 128, and the first and
second top channels 124 and 126. At 1310, the user reattaches the
first and second base adjustment plates 120 and 122 to the first
and second base plates 110 and 112 respectively, using a plurality
of mounting features on the first and second base adjustment plates
120 and 122, and the first and second base plates 110 and 112. In
an alternative embodiment of the method, a user adjusts a
telecommunications rack from a first configuration as shown in FIG.
1, to a second configuration as shown in FIG. 6, or vice versa,
using the same components in the first configuration as in the
second configuration. In another alternative embodiment of the
method, a user adjusts a telecommunications rack from a first
configuration as shown in FIG. 1, to a second configuration as
shown in FIG. 6, or vice versa, and the footprint area of the rack
is decreased with a decrease in the width of the rack; and the
footprint area of the rack is increased with an increase in the
width of the rack.
[0052] In another alternative embodiment of the method, a user
adjusts a telecommunications rack from a first configuration as
shown in FIG. 1, to a second configuration as shown in FIG. 6, or
vice versa. Prior to reattaching the first and second base
adjustment plates 120 and 122 to the first and second base plates
110 and 112 respectively as shown at 1310, the user rotates the
first and second base adjustment plates 120 and 122 approximately
180 degrees about an axis central to and normal to the top-facing
surface of the first and second base adjustment plates 120 and 122.
The first and second base adjustment plates 120 and 122 are rotated
to align a plurality of mounting features on the base adjustment
plates 120 and 122 with a plurality of mounting features on the
first and second base plates 110 and 112 respectively. The rotation
described is not meant to be a limitation, as the first and second
base adjustment plates 120 and 122 may be changed in orientation by
any other means to achieve the same results; for example by
flipping them over, and the like.
[0053] Another illustrative method of adjusting the
telecommunications rack system 100 from a first configuration as
shown in FIG. 1, to a second configuration as shown in FIG. 7 is
described in the flow diagram 1400 of FIG. 14. The order in which
the method is described is not intended to be construed as a
limitation, and any number of the described method blocks may be
combined in any order to implement the method, or an alternate
method. Additionally, the method of 1400 may be employed to adjust
a telecommunications rack system 700 from a first configuration as
shown in FIG. 7, to a second configuration as shown in FIG. 1. At
1402, and as detailed in FIG. 10, a user removes the top 708 from
first and second vertical side rails 704 and 706. At 1404, the user
couples first and second extension side rails 734 and 736 to the
first and second vertical side rails 730 and 732 respectively,
increasing the overall height of the rack 100. At 1406, the user
couples third and fourth extension side rails 738 and 740 to the
first and second extension side rails 734 and 736 respectively,
further increasing the overall height of the rack 100. At 1408, the
user attaches the top 708 to the upper ends of the third and fourth
extension side rails 738 and 740 respectively. The number of side
rail extensions added to each vertical side rail as described here
is an illustration only; as it will be apparent to one who is
skilled in the art that any number of side rail extensions may be
added to the first and second vertical side rails 730 and 732 to
achieve the desired rack height, provided that the rack remains
stable and capable of bearing the equipment load with the addition
of the extensions. In an alternative embodiment, the user adjusts
the rack 100 from a first configuration as shown in FIG. 1, to a
second configuration as shown in FIG. 7, or vice versa, as
described in the flow diagram 1400 of FIG. 14 without first
removing any equipment already mounted on the rack. In another
alternative embodiment, the user couples the first and second
extension side rails 734 and 736 to the first and second vertical
side rails 730 and 732 respectively as shown at 1404 of FIG. 14
with side rail interior adjustment channels 746-752 as seen in FIG.
7, and detailed in FIGS. 8A and 8B. Further, it will be apparent to
one who is skilled in the art that side rail interior adjustment
channels may be employed in the same or a similar manner at each
and every location where extension side rails are coupled to
extension side rails, or where extension side rails are coupled to
vertical side rails. Further, side rail interior adjustment
channels may be employed in any other manner to couple side rails
and extensions that is apparent to one skilled in the art.
[0054] In another alternative embodiment of the method, the
telecommunications rack 100 is adjusted from a first configuration
as shown in FIG. 1, to a second configuration as shown in FIG. 9,
or vice versa, by employing both methods as detailed in flow
diagrams 1300 and 1400.
[0055] In other alternative embodiments of the method, the steps
detailed in flow diagrams 1200, 1300 and 1400 are used in
combination with each other to adjust the telecommunications rack
system 100 into a variety of configurations, including a
combination of resulting wall mounted or floor mounted, width or
height adjusted telecommunications rack systems as desired.
[0056] These and numerous other variations will be apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art.
CONCLUSION
[0057] Although implementations have been described in language
specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is
to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited to
the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific
features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of
implementing the invention.
* * * * *