U.S. patent application number 12/468865 was filed with the patent office on 2009-11-19 for seismically hardened two-post electronic equipment rack.
This patent application is currently assigned to CHATSWORTH PRODUCTS, INC.. Invention is credited to William McMillan, III, Ben John Sy.
Application Number | 20090283488 12/468865 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41315146 |
Filed Date | 2009-11-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090283488 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McMillan, III; William ; et
al. |
November 19, 2009 |
SEISMICALLY HARDENED TWO-POST ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT RACK
Abstract
A two-post mounting rack includes a frame bottom, a frame top, a
pair of frame uprights interconnected between the frame bottom and
the frame top, and a base assembly for supporting the frame bottom
on a surface. One or more of the frame bottom, the frame top, the
pair of frame uprights, and the base assembly are seismically
hardened. Each frame upright has a closed cross-sectional shape.
Each frame upright includes a flange with apertures adapted to
provide a mounting location for cable management projections. The
base assembly includes two separate end gusset members. Each end
gusset member includes two corner gussets. Each corner gusset
includes a floor plate and a riser plate. The two corner gussets in
each end gusset member are connected by a bridge member. The frame
top includes an upper cross-member and two lateral reinforcement
plates.
Inventors: |
McMillan, III; William;
(Austin, TX) ; Sy; Ben John; (Austin, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TILLMAN WRIGHT, PLLC
PO BOX 49309
CHARLOTTE
NC
28277-0076
US
|
Assignee: |
CHATSWORTH PRODUCTS, INC.
Westlake Village
CA
|
Family ID: |
41315146 |
Appl. No.: |
12/468865 |
Filed: |
May 19, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61054457 |
May 19, 2008 |
|
|
|
61059738 |
Jun 6, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/183 ;
439/527 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04Q 1/062 20130101;
H05K 7/186 20130101; H04Q 1/09 20130101; H04Q 1/03 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/183 ;
439/527 |
International
Class: |
A47F 5/00 20060101
A47F005/00 |
Claims
1. A seismically hardened two post mounting rack comprising: (a) a
frame bottom; (b) a frame top; and (c) a pair of frame uprights
interconnected between the frame bottom and the frame top, wherein
each frame upright has a closed cross-sectional shape.
2. The seismically hardened two-post mounting rack of claim 1,
wherein each frame upright includes a box beam.
3. The seismically hardened two-post mounting rack of claim 1,
wherein the closed cross-sectional shape is fabricated by welding
together an inner channel member and an outer channel member.
4. The seismically hardened two-post mounting rack of claim 3,
wherein each of the inner and outer channel members is generally
Unshaped in cross section.
5. The seismically hardened two-post mounting rack of claim 4,
wherein the inner and outer channel members jointly define the
closed cross-sectional shape.
6. The seismically hardened two-post mounting rack of claim 4,
wherein the inner channel member has wings extending outwardly at
either side of the U shape of the inner channel member at an angle
that is generally perpendicular to opposing sides of the U
shape.
7. The seismically hardened two-post mounting rack of claim 6,
wherein the wings are welded to the interior base of the U shape of
the outer channel member to define the closed cross-sectional
shape.
8. The seismically hardened two-post mounting rack of claim 1,
further comprising a base assembly for supporting the frame bottom
on a surface.
9. The seismically hardened two-post mounting rack of claim 1,
further comprising a power outlet attached to the frame bottom.
10. The seismically hardened two-post mounting rack of claim 1,
further comprising a power strip attached to a frame upright.
11. The seismically hardened two-post mounting rack of claim 1,
further comprising one or more cable guides attached to a frame
upright.
12. The seismically hardened two-post mounting rack of claim 1,
further comprising a cable raceway attached to the frame top.
13. A seismically hardened two-post mounting rack comprising: (a) a
frame bottom; (b) a frame top; (c) a pair of frame uprights
interconnected between the frame bottom and the frame top, wherein
each frame upright includes a flange with apertures adapted to
provide a mounting location for cable management projections.
14. The seismically hardened two-post mounting rack of claim 13,
wherein the flange is disposed at a distance forward from the main
portion of the frame upright.
15. The seismically hardened two-post mounting rack of claim 13,
further comprising a base assembly for supporting the frame bottom
on a surface.
16. The seismically hardened two-post mounting rack of claim 13,
further comprising a power outlet attached to the frame bottom.
17. The seismically hardened two-post mounting rack of claim 13,
further comprising a power strip attached to a frame upright.
18. The seismically hardened two-post mounting rack of claim 13,
further comprising one or more cable guides attached to a frame
upright.
19. The seismically hardened two-post mounting rack of claim 13,
further comprising a cable raceway attached to the frame top.
20.-38. (canceled)
39. A mounting rack system comprising: (a) a first two-post
mounting rack; (b) a second two-post mounting rack, disposed
laterally adjacent to, but spaced apart from, the first two-post
mounting rack; and (c) a virtual vertical cable manager, created by
and between the first and second adjacent two-post mounting racks.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a U.S. nonprovisional patent
application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e)
to, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/054,457, filed
May 19, 2008, and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No.
61/059,738, filed Jun. 6, 2008, each of which is incorporated by
reference herein.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0002] The entirety of each of the following patents or patent
applications is incorporated herein by reference: [0003] (a) U.S.
Pat. No. 6,394,398 to Reed et al.; [0004] (b) U.S. Pat. No.
7,119,282 to Krietzman, et al.; and [0005] (c) U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/020,745 to Garza et al., filed Jan. 14,
2008 and entitled "CABLE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM."
COPYRIGHT STATEMENT
[0006] All of the material in this patent document is subject to
copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States
and of other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the
facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the
patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office
patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights
whatsoever.
BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0007] 1. Field of the Present Invention
[0008] The present invention relates generally to two-post mounting
racks, and, in particular, to seismically hardened two-post
electronic equipment racks.
[0009] 2. Background
[0010] Two-post mounting racks for electronic equipment are well
known. However, many two-post mounting racks are vulnerable to
seismic events. Prior art solutions to this problem are bulky,
heavy, consume large areas of floor space, and/or are ineffective.
Thus, an improved seismically hardened two-post electronic
equipment rack is needed.
[0011] A further problem is that cables cannot be routed through a
raised floor beneath such a rack in the footprint of the rack.
Thus, a seismically hardened two-post electronic equipment rack
that allows cables to be routed through its footprint is
needed.
[0012] A still further problem is that seismic spacing requirements
create, in some implementations, unused space between adjacent
racks. Because of the importance of using all available space, a
need exists for a rack that allows such space to be utilized.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0013] The present invention comprises a two-post mounting rack.
Broadly defined, the present invention according to one aspect
includes a frame bottom, a frame top, a pair of frame uprights
interconnected between the frame bottom and the frame top, and a
base assembly for supporting the frame bottom on a surface. In
features of this aspect, one or more of the frame bottom, the frame
top, the pair of frame uprights, and the base assembly are
seismically hardened.
[0014] The present invention according to another aspect is a
seismically hardened two-post mounting rack substantially as shown
and described.
[0015] The present invention according to another aspect is a
mounting rack system substantially as shown and described.
[0016] Broadly defined, the present invention according to another
aspect includes a seismically hardened two-post mounting rack
having a frame bottom, a frame top, and a pair of frame uprights
interconnected between the frame bottom and the frame top. Each
frame upright has a closed cross-sectional shape.
[0017] In features of this aspect, each frame upright may include a
box beam; the closed cross-sectional shape may be fabricated by
welding together an inner channel member and an outer channel
member; each of the inner and outer channel members may be
generally U-shaped in cross section; the inner and outer channel
members may jointly define the closed cross-sectional shape; the
inner channel member may have wings extending outwardly at either
side of the U shape of the inner channel member at an angle that is
generally perpendicular to opposing sides of the U shape; the wings
may be welded to the interior base of the U shape of the outer
channel member to define the closed cross-sectional shape; the
seismically hardened two-post mounting rack may further include a
base assembly for supporting the frame bottom on a surface; the
seismically hardened two-post mounting rack may further include a
power outlet attached to the frame bottom; the seismically hardened
two-post mounting rack may further include a power strip attached
to a frame upright; the seismically hardened two-post mounting rack
may further include one or more cable guides attached to a frame
upright; and the seismically hardened two-post mounting rack may
further include a cable raceway attached to the frame top.
[0018] Broadly defined, the present invention according to another
aspect includes a seismically hardened two-post mounting rack
having a frame bottom, a frame top, and a pair of frame uprights
interconnected between the frame bottom and the frame top. Each
frame upright includes a flange with apertures adapted to provide a
mounting location for cable management projections.
[0019] In features of this aspect, the flange may be disposed at a
distance forward from the main portion of the frame upright; the
seismically hardened two-post mounting rack may further include a
base assembly for supporting the frame bottom on a surface; the
seismically hardened two-post mounting rack may further include a
power outlet attached to the frame bottom; the seismically hardened
two-post mounting rack may further include a power strip attached
to a frame upright, the seismically hardened two-post mounting rack
may further include one or more cable guides attached to a frame
upright; and the seismically hardened two-post mounting rack may
further include a cable raceway attached to the frame top.
[0020] Broadly defined, the present invention according to another
includes a seismically hardened two-post mounting rack having a
frame bottom, a frame top, a pair of frame uprights interconnected
between the frame bottom and the frame top, and a base assembly for
supporting the frame bottom on a surface. The base assembly
includes two separate end gusset members.
[0021] In features of this aspect, each end gusset member may
include two corner gussets; each corner gusset may include a floor
plate and a riser plate; each floor plate may have an anchor plate
attached thereto; the floor plates and anchor plates may each have
a slot therein that are aligned with one another; the riser plates
may extend upwardly relative to the floor plate; portions of the
riser plates may be welded to an adjacent frame upright; the two
corner gussets in each end gusset member may be connected by a
bridge member; the seismically hardened two-post mounting rack may
further include a power outlet attached to the frame bottom; the
seismically hardened two-post mounting rack may further include a
power strip attached to a frame upright; the seismically hardened
two-post mounting rack may further include one or more cable guides
attached to a frame upright; and the seismically hardened two-post
mounting rack may further include a cable raceway attached to the
frame top.
[0022] Broadly defined, the present invention according to another
aspect includes a seismically hardened two-post mounting rack
having a frame bottom, a frame top, and a pair of frame uprights
interconnected between the frame bottom and the frame top. The
frame top includes an upper cross-member and two lateral
reinforcement plates.
[0023] In features of this aspect, the seismically hardened
two-post mounting rack may further include a series of welded,
interlocking tabs and slots along the upper cross-member, the
lateral reinforcement plates, and the upper end of each frame
upright; the seismically hardened two-post mounting rack may
further include a power outlet attached to the frame bottom; the
seismically hardened two-post mounting rack may further include a
power strip attached to a frame upright; the seismically hardened
two-post mounting rack may further include one or more cable guides
attached to a frame upright; and the seismically hardened two-post
mounting rack may further include a cable raceway attached to the
frame top.
[0024] The present invention according to another aspect is a
mounting rack system including a first two-post mounting rack,
having a frame bottom, a frame top, and a pair of frame uprights
interconnected between the frame bottom and the frame top; and a
second two-post mounting rack disposed next to the first two-post
mounting rack, having a frame bottom, a frame top, and a pair of
frame uprights interconnected between the frame bottom and the
frame top; wherein cable management projections are mounted on the
frame upright, in the first two-post mounting rack, that is closest
to the second two-post mounting rack, and cable management
projections are mounted on the frame upright, in the second
two-post mounting rack, that is closest to the first two-post
mounting rack; and wherein a space is established between (i) the
frame upright, in the first two-post mounting rack, that is closest
to the second two-post mounting rack, and (ii) the frame upright,
in the second two-post mounting rack, that is closest to the first
two-post mounting rack; such that a virtual vertical cable manager
is created between the first and second two-post mounting
racks.
[0025] The present invention according to still another aspect is a
mounting rack system including: a first two-post mounting rack; a
second two-post mounting rack, disposed laterally adjacent to, but
spaced apart from, the first two-post mounting rack; and a virtual
vertical cable manager, created by and between the first and second
adjacent two-post mounting racks.
[0026] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will
become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter.
It should be understood that the detailed description and specific
examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the
invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are
not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] Further features, embodiments, and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description with reference to the drawings, wherein:
[0028] FIG. 1 is a top isometric view of a two-post mounting rack
in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0029] FIG. 2 is a bottom isometric view of the rack of FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the rack of FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 4 is an enlarged isometric view of a lower portion of
the rack of FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 5 is an enlarged isometric view of a lower portion of
the rack of FIG. 2;
[0033] FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a lower portion of
the rack of FIG. 3, taken along line 6-6;
[0034] FIG. 7 is a top cross-sectional view of the rack of FIG. 3,
taken along line 7-7;
[0035] FIG. 8 is an enlarged isometric view of an upper portion of
the rack of FIG. 1;
[0036] FIG. 9 is an enlarged isometric view of an upper portion of
the rack of FIG. 2;
[0037] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of an upper portion
of the rack of FIG. 3, taken along line 10-10;
[0038] FIG. 11 is a front cross-sectional view of an upper portion
of the rack of FIG. 10, taken along line 11-11;
[0039] FIG. 12 is an enlarged top plan view of a side portion of
the rack of FIG. 1;
[0040] FIG. 13 is a front cross-sectional view of a lower portion
of the rack of FIG. 6, taken along line 13-13;
[0041] FIG. 14 is a top cross-sectional view, similar to the view
of FIG. 7, of the rack of FIG. 3, schematically illustrating the
use of conduits to route cables through the floor directly in front
of and behind the rack;
[0042] FIG. 15 is a top cross-sectional view, similar to the view
of FIG. 7, of the rack of FIG. 3, schematically illustrating the
placement of the rack on a raised floor;
[0043] FIG. 16 is a top isometric view of the rack of FIG. 1,
illustrating various optional features and accessories of the
rack;
[0044] FIG. 17 is a top cross-sectional view, similar to the view
of FIG. 7, of two racks like that of FIG. 3, schematically
illustrating the creation of a virtual vertical cable manager
between the two racks; and
[0045] FIG. 18 is a top cross-sectional view, similar to the view
of FIG. 7, of two racks like that of FIG. 3, schematically
illustrating the creation of another virtual vertical cable manager
between the two racks.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0046] As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by
one having ordinary skill in the relevant art ("Ordinary Artisan")
that the present invention has broad utility and application.
Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being
"preferred" is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated
for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may
be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a
full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. Moreover,
many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications,
and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the
embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the
present invention.
[0047] Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein
in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be
understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of
the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of
providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention.
The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not
intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent
protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be
defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not
intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present
invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found
herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.
[0048] Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of
steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are
illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be
understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may
be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order,
the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being
carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an
indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or
methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences
and orders while still falling within the scope of the present
invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent
protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the
appended claims rather than the description set forth herein.
[0049] Additionally, it is important to note that each term used
herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand
such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein.
To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein--as understood
by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such
term--differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition
of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as
understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.
[0050] Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein,
"a" and "an" each generally denotes "at least one," but does not
exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise.
Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having an apple" describes "a
picnic basket having at least one apple" as well as "a picnic
basket having apples." In contrast, reference to "a picnic basket
having a single apple" describes "a picnic basket having only one
apple."
[0051] When used herein to join a list of items, "or" denotes "at
least one of the items," but does not exclude a plurality of items
of the list. Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having cheese or
crackers" describes "a picnic basket having cheese without
crackers", "a picnic basket having crackers without cheese", and "a
picnic basket having both cheese and crackers." Finally, when used
herein to join a list of items, "and" denotes "all of the items of
the list." Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having cheese and
crackers" describes "a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the
picnic basket further has crackers," as well as describes "a picnic
basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has
cheese."
[0052] Also, as used herein, "welding" and "welded" generally
denote the use of any suitable type of conventional weld or welding
technique, particularly including, but not limited to, skip
welding, continuous welding, fill welding and plug welding, either
alone, in combination with one other or in combination with other
welds or welding techniques.
[0053] Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals
represent like components throughout the several views, the
preferred embodiments of the present invention are next described.
The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely
exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the
invention, its application, or uses.
[0054] FIGS. 1-3 are a top isometric view, a bottom isometric view
and a front plan view, respectively, of a two-post mounting rack 10
in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
As shown therein, the two-post mounting rack 10 includes a frame
bottom 20, two frame uprights 40, a frame top 60, a set of vertical
mounting rails 104 and a base assembly 80. Each of these will be
further described hereinbelow.
[0055] FIG. 4 is an enlarged isometric view of a lower portion of
the rack 10 of FIG. 1, FIG. 5 is an enlarged isometric view of a
lower portion of the rack 10 of FIG. 2, and FIG. 6 is a side
cross-sectional view of a lower portion of the rack 10 of FIG. 3,
taken along line 6-6. As shown therein, the frame bottom 20
includes a lower cross-member 22 and two lateral gusset plates
24,26. The lower cross-member 22 is generally U-shaped in
cross-section with a top plate 28 and two side plates 30,32. The
lower cross-member 22 further includes a tab 34 at each corner,
perhaps best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Each lateral gusset plates
24,26 is preferably skip welded along its edges to a respective
side plate 30,32 of the lower cross-member 22. Notches 36, perhaps
best seen in FIG. 5, may be provided along the bottom edges of the
side plates 30,32 such that the gusset plates 24,26 may be affixed
to the side plates 30,32 via a skip weld along the full length of
each notch 36.
[0056] FIG. 7 is a top cross-sectional view of the rack 10 of FIG.
3, taken along line 7-7. As shown therein, each frame upright 40
includes an inner upright member 42 and an outer upright member 44.
The inner upright member 42 has a cross-section that is generally
in the shape of a "U", formed from a U-base 46 and two U-sides 48,
with wings 50 extending laterally from the distal ends of the
U-sides 48; i.e., from the top of the "U." The outer upright member
44 has a cross-section that is likewise generally in the shape of a
"U", formed from a U-base 52 and two side flanges 54, but the
U-base 52 of the outer upright member 44 is dimensioned such that
the entire width of the inner upright member 42, including the "U"
portion as well as the wing 50, may be accommodated between the
side flanges 54 of the outer upright member 44. The inner and outer
upright members 42,44 are affixed to each other, preferably at
least via spot welding between the wings 50 of the inner upright
member 42 and the U-base 52 of the outer upright member 44, to form
one continuous closed shaped section which gives the structural
strength to endure the severe front-to-back, side-to-side forces
that a seismic rack must survive to pass seismic testing. In
constructing the rack 10, it is preferred that all components are
positioned correctly and secured to prevent any movement during the
welding process.
[0057] Each frame upright 40 is attached at its lower end to a
respective end of the frame bottom 20. In particular, the tabs 34
of the lower cross-member 22, as well as the edges along the ends
of the lower cross-member are preferably skip welded to the U-base
46 of the inner upright members 42, the lateral gusset plates 24,26
are preferably plug welded to the U-sides 48 of the inner upright
members 42, and the edges of the lateral gusset plates 24,26 are
preferably additionally skip welded and continuous welded to the
U-sides 48 of the inner upright members 42. Interior corners
between the top surface of the top plate 28, the interior surfaces
of the gusset plates 24,26 and the interior surfaces of the U-base
46 of the inner upright member 42, one example of which is fully
visible in FIG. 4, are preferably fill welded. In constructing the
rack 10, it is preferred that all components are positioned
correctly and secured to prevent any movement during welding
process.
[0058] The vertical mounting rails 104, of which there are
generally four, may be installed along the inner upright members 42
to facilitate the mounting of electronic equipment and accessories
thereto. Such mounting rails 104 may be of conventional
construction and preferably each comprises an angle iron having a
line of mounting apertures 106 penetrating one member thereof. The
mounting apertures 106 are preferably disposed according to a
standardized hole-spacing pattern. In this regard, it is well known
that the vertical dimension of racks is frequently measured in
standardized units. The most common unit of measurement is the
"rack mounting unit" ("RMU"). According to accepted standards, an
RMU is defined as 1.75 inches in height. Electrical components as
well as accessories, which include horizontal raceways, patch
panels, and the like, are also commonly measured in RMUs. For
example, a 2 RMU component is one which is 3.50 inches or less in
height. Thus, a rack which has 45 RMUs may accommodate components
and accessories totaling 45 RMUs. Further, to conserve space,
components and accessories are frequently installed only at
vertical locations corresponding to a whole number of RMUs in order
to avoid interfering with adjacent components and accessories. In
view of the foregoing, which will be appreciated by the Ordinary
Artisan, the mounting apertures 106 are arranged in a pattern that
repeats every RMU spacing. Furthermore, the mounting rails 104 on
each frame upright 40 may be spaced front-to-back at a spacing that
matches conventional spacing, thereby permitting conventional
equipment accessories to be used without modification.
[0059] The vertical mounting rails 104 may preferably be attached
to the inner upright members 42 via any of several selectable
series of mounting openings 108, perhaps best seen in FIGS. 4, 8
and 9. More preferably, four vertical series of mounting openings
108 are provided, with a distance of 1.5 inches between the
front-most series and the second series, 1.75 inches between the
second series and the third series, and 1.5 inches between the
third series and the rear-most series. If the mounting surface of
each of the vertical mounting rails 104 is displaced 0.625 inches
from the mounting openings used for its mounting, then the mounting
surfaces of the vertical mounting rails 104 may be spaced 6 inches
(0.625 inches+1.5 inches+1.75 inches+1.5 inches+0.625 inches), 4.5
inches (0.625 inches+1.5 inches+1.75 inches+0.625 inches), 3 inches
(0.625 inches+1.75 inches+0.625 inches) or 2.75 inches (0.625
inches+1.5 inches+0.625 inches) apart, depending upon the specific
series of openings 108 chosen for the installation location of the
mounting rails 104. The inner upright members 42 may be provided
with built-in nuts, visible for example in FIG. 7, to facilitate
attachment.
[0060] FIG. 8 is an enlarged isometric view of an upper portion of
the rack 10 of FIG. 1; FIG. 9 is an enlarged isometric view of an
upper portion of the rack 10 of FIG. 2; FIG. 10 is a side
cross-sectional view of an upper portion of the rack 10 of FIG. 3,
taken along line 10-10; and FIG. 11 is a front cross-sectional view
of an upper portion of the rack 10 of FIG. 10, taken along line
11-11. As shown therein, the frame top 60 includes an upper
cross-member 62 and two lateral reinforcement plates 64,66. The
upper cross-member 62 is generally U-shaped in cross-section with a
top plate 68 and two side plates 70,72. Each lateral reinforcement
plate 64,66 further includes a mounting tab 74 at each end, perhaps
best shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The frame top 60 is attached at its
ends to the upper ends of the frame uprights 40. In particular, the
edges of the mounting tabs 74 are preferably skip welded to the
U-bases 46 of the inner upright members 42 and the side plates
70,72 of the upper cross-member 62 are preferably additionally skip
welded to the U-sides 48 and wings 50 of the inner upright members
42. In constructing the rack 10, it is preferred that all
components are positioned correctly and secured to prevent any
movement during welding process.
[0061] FIG. 12 is an enlarged top plan view of a side portion of
the rack 10 of FIG. 1. With particular reference to FIGS. 8 and 12,
further strength and rigidity is provided by a series of welded,
interlocking tabs and slots along the upper cross-member 62, the
lateral reinforcement plates 64,66, and the upper end of the inner
upright member 42. More particularly, each lateral reinforcement
plate 64,66 includes a plurality of tabs 76 along its upper edge,
perhaps best shown in FIG. 9. Each tab 76 is arranged to fit into a
corresponding slot 78 penetrating the upper cross-member 62 along
the intersection between the top plate 68 and one of the side
plates 70,72. A tab 56 also extends upward from the upper end of
the inner upright member 42 and is arranged to fit into a
corresponding slot 58, also penetrating the upper cross-member 62
along the intersection between the top plate 68 and one of the side
plates 70,72. The side plates 70,72 of the upper cross-member 62
further include a plurality of doubler tabs 59,79 extending upward
therefrom, each arranged to align with a corresponding tab 56,76
when the tab is properly inserted through its corresponding slot
58,78. Each lateral reinforcement plate 64,66 is preferably skip
welded along its edges to a respective side plate 70,72 of the
upper cross-member 62 and the tabs 56,76 are preferably welded to
the upper cross-member 62 and ground smooth. Furthermore, each tab
56,76 is welded to its corresponding doubler tab 59,79. In
constructing the rack 10, it is preferred that all components are
positioned correctly and secured to prevent any movement during
welding process.
[0062] FIG. 13 is a front cross-sectional view of a lower portion
of the rack 10 of FIG. 6, taken along line 13-13. With particular
reference to FIGS. 4, 7 and 13, the base assembly 80, which with
the frame bottom 20 supports the rack 10 on a floor surface (not
shown), includes two end gusset members 82 and a plurality of
corner anchor plates 84. Each end gusset member 82 includes two
corner gussets 86, each including a floor plate 88 and a riser
plate 90, connected by a bridge member 92. A slot 94, perhaps best
seen in FIG. 5, penetrates the floor plate 88 of each corner gusset
86, and a corresponding slot 96 penetrates each corner anchor plate
84. Each anchor plate 84 is overlaid on top of a respective floor
plate 88 such that their slots 96,94 are aligned as shown in FIG.
4. Preferably, the anchor plates 84 are skip welded in place on the
floor plates 88 and further plug welded to the floor plates 88,
except that in at least some embodiments, no welding occurs between
the anchor plates 84 and the gusset plates 24,26. The edge of the
cross-members 22 and the edge of the gusset plates 24,26 are all
welded together along each of the four lines where these elements
come into close proximity.
[0063] Each of the frame uprights 40 is attached at its lower end
to a respective end of the base assembly 80. In particular, the
riser plate 90 of each corner gusset 86 is welded along their upper
edge to the wings 50, but in at least some embodiments the riser
plates 90 are not directly attached, by welding or any other any
means, along their vertical edge to the wings 50 or the U-sides 48.
The outer edge of the wings 50, the outer surface of the riser
plates 90, and the outer edge of the U-bases 52 are all welded
together along the four lines where these elements come into close
proximity. The lower edge of the U-bases 52, the lower edge of the
wings 50, and the bottom surface of the floor plates 88 are all
welded together along the four lines where these elements come into
close proximity. In constructing the rack 10, it is preferred that
all components are positioned correctly and secured to prevent any
movement during the welding process.
[0064] FIG. 14 is a top cross-sectional view, similar to the view
of FIG. 7, of the rack 10 of FIG. 3, schematically illustrating the
use of conduits 12 to route cables through the floor directly in
front of and behind the rack 10. Unlike prior art racks, the space
14 between the corner gussets 86 both in front of and behind the
rack 10 of the present invention is sufficient to permit a
substantial number of cables to be routed therebetween. For
example, as illustrated, three cable conduits 12 having a diameter
of 4 inches, as is conventional, may be placed side by side in each
of the spaces 14 between the corner gussets 86 both in front of and
behind the rack 10. Cables from such conduits 12 may be routed
through a raised floor beneath the rack 10 and up into the rack 10
itself. Unlike prior art racks, cables may thus be routed through a
floor surface beneath the rack 10 within the overall footprint of
the rack 10, which is quite advantageous in reducing the amount of
floor space consumed in an installation.
[0065] FIG. 15 is a top cross-sectional view, similar to the view
of FIG. 7, of the rack 10 of FIG. 3, schematically illustrating the
placement of the rack 10 on a raised floor. In particular, FIG. 15
illustrates a particular commercial embodiment of the rack of the
present invention, of a class of racks known as "19 inch racks,"
wherein the vertical mounting rails 104 are disposed to accept and
support "19 inch" equipment and accessories, a width of 19 inches
being very common in conventional commercial two-post racks. The
rack is 10 shown placed on a set of four floor tiles 16 comprising
a portion of a raised floor. The floor tiles 16 shown are likewise
of conventional dimensions, i.e., 24 inches wide and 24 inches
long. As will be appreciated, the "19 inch" rack 10 that is
illustrated has external dimensions of slightly less than 24 inches
(23.920 inches in at least one commercial embodiment) and thus fits
easily within the boundaries of a single 24-inch-by-24 inch floor
tile 16. Although not illustrated, it will likewise be appreciated
that in another particular commercial embodiment of the rack of the
present invention, of a class of racks known as "19 inch racks,"
wherein the vertical mounting rails 104 are disposed to accept and
support "23 inch" equipment and accessories, a width of 23 inches
being very common in conventional commercial two-post racks, and
that the "23 inch" rack has external dimensions of slightly less
than 28 inches (27.920 inches in at least one commercial
embodiment).
[0066] The narrow width of racks 10 constructed according to the
designs set forth herein advantageously permits more racks to be
installed in the same room space. Perhaps even more advantageously,
the narrow width of racks 10 constructed according to the designs
set forth herein aids the installer when replacing conventional
racks in an existing installation with racks 10 of the present
invention, because a replacement rack 10 constructed according to
the designs set forth herein may be able to fit in the same
footprint of the conventional rack being replaced. This allows the
installer to replace a single rack without having to shift or
otherwise move an entire row of existing racks merely to
accommodate the new rack 10.
[0067] It will be further appreciated that a "19 inch" rack may be
constructed having a footprint of 23.920 inches wide by 15.00
inches deep, and that a "23 inch" rack may be constructed having a
footprint of 27.920 inches wide by 15.00 inches deep. The distance
between the floor plates 88 on both the front and rear of such a
"19 inch" rack is preferably at least 12 inches, and more
preferably at least 14 inches inches, thereby permitting three
conduits or cable bundles at least 4 inches wide (or 4 inches in
diameter) to be placed side by side between the floor plates 88,
and that the distance between the floor plates 88 on both the front
and rear of such a "23 inch" rack is preferably at least 16 inches,
and more preferably at least 18 inches, thereby permitting four
conduits or cable bundles at least 4 inches wide (or 4 inches in
diameter) to be placed side by side between the floor plates 88. In
at least one preferred embodiment, the distance between the floor
plates 88 on both the front and rear of a "19 inch" rack is 14.10
inches, and the distance between the floor plates 88 on both the
front and rear of a "19 inch" rack is 18.10 inches.
[0068] The overall rigidity of the rack 10 is significantly
enhanced through the use of gussets and other reinforcing layers to
transfer forces from one structural element to another, but
manufacturability is enhanced and material lists are reduced
through use in most or all places of only a single reinforcing
layer to accomplish such transference. Examples include the upper
cross-member 62 reinforced with the reinforcement plates 64,66 and
transference of forces between the upper cross-member 62 and inner
upright member 42 via the reinforcement plates 64,66, the lower
cross-member 22 reinforced with the lateral gusset plates 24,26 and
the transference of forces between the lower cross-member 22 and
the inner upright member 42 via the lateral gusset plates 24,26 and
the tabs 34, the inner upright member 42 reinforced with the outer
upright members 44 and the transference of forces between the frame
uprights 40 and the gusset members 82, and the gusset floor plates
88 reinforced with the corner anchor plates 84 and the transference
of forces between the frame uprights 40 and the floor via the
gusset risers 90 and the gusset floor plates 88.
[0069] FIG. 16 is a top isometric view of the rack 10 of FIG. 1,
illustrating various additional features and components that may be
used with the rack 10. In one additional feature or component
example, the rack 10 may be anchored to the floor beneath the rack
10 using appropriate floor anchors (not shown), which in at least
some embodiments are seismically-rated floor anchors. Such anchors
conventionally use a washer 102 or similar structure, shown added
on top of the anchor plate 84 and floor plate 88 of each corner
gusset 86 in FIG. 16. Such a washer structure 102 may prevent
damage to the anchor and floor plates 84,88 and may prevent a
tie-down bolt or other floor anchor from twisting through the slots
96,94 if one or more structure is damaged during a seismic
event.
[0070] In another additional feature or component example, a
generally-conventional two-plug power outlet 110 may be attached to
the bottom of the rack 10 to provide a power source for electronic
equipment, accessories, and the like (not shown) mounted or
supported in or on the rack 10. Mounting apertures 112, visible in
FIG. 4 and penetrating both each lateral gusset plate 24,26 and a
respective side plate 30,32 of the lower cross-member 22, may be
used to attach the outlet 110 to the frame bottom 20.
[0071] In another additional feature or component example, a ground
terminal block 114, sometimes referred to as a "ground lug," may be
mounted on studs 116 at the top or bottom of the rack 10.
[0072] In another additional feature or component example, a power
strip 118 may be mounted in a channel 120 created between any of
the U-sides 48 of the inner upright members 42, the inner upright
member wing 50 adjacent to it and the corresponding outer upright
member side flange 54 adjacent to it. The power strip 118 may be of
any desired length (height) in order to provide industry standard
power outlets 122 at convenient locations accessible to electronic
equipment (not shown) mounted in the rack 10. The power strip 118
may be mounted in the channel 120 for quick and easy removal
through use of conventional bolts or the like on the back thereof,
arranged to be inserted through, and supported by, keyhole openings
124 penetrating the wings 50 of the inner upright members 42 and
the U-base 52 of the outer upright members 44, such openings 124
being arranged at appropriate locations along the length thereof.
The power strip 118 itself may be powered by plugging its power
cord into one of the outlets in the two plug-power outlet 110
provided at the bottom of the rack 10.
[0073] Seismically hardening a two-post electronic equipment rack,
such as the rack 10 described and illustrated herein, may be
particularly useful when power outlets, such as the two plug-power
outlet 110 and power strip 118 shown in FIG. 16, are mounted
directly thereon, because of the importance of maintaining safe
electrical connections during the occurrence of a seismic event. By
maintaining the structural integrity of the rack, the physical
relationship between equipment and accessories and the outlets into
which they are plugged may likewise be preserved. Such integrity
may be preserved by using the seismically hardened two post rack 10
in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present
invention.
[0074] In another additional feature or component example, one or
more cable guides 126 may be mounted on the side flanges 54 of the
outer upright members 44 of the rack 10. Each cable guide 126
includes a linear projection support bracket 128 and a plurality of
T-shaped projections 130 forwardly extending therefrom. The
projection support bracket 128 has a plurality of evenly-spaced
resilient plug mounts (not illustrated), extending rearward from
the back thereof, that are adapted to mate with rectangular
apertures 132 in the side flanges 54 of the outer upright members
44. The cable guide 126 may be mounted on a side flange 54 by
aligning the plug mounts with the rectangular apertures 132 in the
side flanges 54 and then inserting them through the apertures 132
such that one or more resilient features on the plug mounts are
deflected and then spring back into place as the plug mounts become
fully seated in the rectangular apertures 132. Bosses are
preferably disposed on the plug mounts to maintain the plug mounts,
and thus the cable guides 126, in place.
[0075] Each T-shaped projection 130 includes a reinforced base, a
shaft and a crosspiece. Each pair of adjacent T-shaped projections
130 defines a cable ring formed by the respective bases, shafts and
crosspieces of the projections 130 and the body of the projection
support bracket 128. An opening into each cable ring is provided by
a gap between the ends of the crosspieces of each pair of adjacent
projections 130. This gap permits cables to be inserted into the
ring by passing them sideways through the gap.
[0076] The respective projections 130 are evenly spaced along the
length of the cable guide 126 at a standardized spacing. In the
embodiment shown and described, the spacing between the respective
projections 130 is equal to a single standard rack mounting unit
("RMU"), but it should be obvious that other standard spacings
could be used such as spacings measured in alternative units or
spacings which are multiples of the RMU. By using such a standard
spacing, it is ensured that a cable ring is disposed at, and
dedicated to, each RMU along the height of a rack 10. Benefits of
this, and further applicable details of the T-shaped projections,
cable rings, and the like, are described in, or made apparent by,
the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 7,119,282 to Krietzman, et al.
[0077] Because the cable guide 126 is formed separately from the
side flanges 54 and subsequently attached thereto, rather than
being formed integrally therewith, the cable guide 126 may be
formed from a different material than the side flanges 54. Thus,
although the side flanges 54 may preferably be formed from metal,
the cable guides 126 may be injection-molded from plastic in order
to create rounded or beveled edges along the edges of the T-shaped
projections 130. The rounded edges of the cable rings do not chafe
cables inserted therein like the sharp metal edges of prior art
raceways would, while the rounded edges and corners of the edges of
the ends of the crosspieces enable cables being installed in the
cable rings to be smoothly guided through the gaps. In addition, by
forming the shafts of the projections 130 from plastic rather than
from sheet metal, the width of the shafts may be reduced while
still providing the requisite strength and resiliency, thus
allowing the cable rings to be widened considerably relative to the
width of the shafts. As a result, each cable ring includes a
C-shaped opening having concave top and bottom portions and a
narrow entry gap relative to the width and height of the ring, thus
maximizing the utility of the cable ring in receiving while still
retaining a large number of cables. It will be appreciated,
however, that other types of cable guides may likewise be utilized
without departing from the scope of one or more aspects of the
present invention.
[0078] In another additional feature or component example, a cable
raceway, runway, trough, or other raceway devices may be mounted to
the top of the rack 10. As is well known to the Ordinary Artisan,
cables may be routed horizontally through such raceway devices to
and from other raceway devices mounted on other racks or cabinets,
suspended from the ceiling, or the like. In many implementations,
cables may further be routed from such raceway devices downward
toward electronic equipment and routing accessories mounted in the
rack, including the cable guides 126 described previously. One such
raceway assembly 134 is illustrated in FIG. 16 and may be mounted
to the upper cross-member 62 via mounting apertures 136 such as
those illustrated in FIG. 16. Such a raceway assembly 134 may be
centered front-to-back on the rack 10 or may be offset a desired
distance forward or backward relative to the rack 10. Such
adjustability may be facilitated by providing multiple rows of
mounting apertures 136, one of which is centered front-to-back, at
least one of which is arranged forward of the centered row, and at
least one of which is arranged rearward of the centered row.
Modular raceways, relevant details of which may be described in the
aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 6,394,398 may be utilized to route
cables from the top of one rack 10 to another rack.
[0079] Seismically hardening a two-post electronic equipment rack,
such as the rack 10 described and illustrated herein, may be
particularly useful when used in conjunction with cable raceway
devices, such as the raceway assembly 134 shown in FIG. 16, because
the collapse of a rack on which such raceway devices are supported
may likewise cause the collapse of large portions of adjacent cable
support structures because of the sudden shift in weight of cables
mounted thereon. Such a collapse may likewise affect adjacent racks
and cabinets, thereby exacerbating the sudden and irregular forces
already placed on them more directly by a seismic event. Such a
collapse may be prevented by using the seismically hardened two
post rack 10 in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments
of the present invention.
[0080] FIG. 17 is a top cross-sectional view, similar to the view
of FIG. 7, of two racks 10 like that of FIG. 3, schematically
illustrating the creation of a virtual vertical cable manager 138
between the two racks 10, and FIG. 18 is a top cross-sectional
view, similar to the view of FIG. 7, of two racks 10 like that of
FIG. 3, schematically illustrating the creation of another virtual
vertical cable manager 238 between the two racks 10. In particular,
a virtual vertical cable manager 138,238 is defined and created by
the U bases 52 of adjacent outer upright members 44 on two
different racks 10 and the cable management projections 130 mounted
thereon. These elements create a virtual vertical cable management
channel 140,240 through which cables (not shown) may be routed in
like manner to conventional vertical cable managers, including
those described in the aforementioned U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/020,745. It will be appreciated that doors,
spools and other features may likewise be added to the structure to
provide further functionality.
[0081] The space created, i.e., the virtual vertical cable
management channel 140,240, has a minimum width of x inches, which
in the illustrated embodiment is defined as the distance between
the outer surfaces of the respective U bases 52. It will be
appreciated that the actual cross-sectional shape of the space is
dependent on the exact structures, dimensions and the like selected
or used to create the space. Such a distance is often mandated by
concrete floor anchor standards, which in at least some localities
dictate that floor anchors must be some at least some minimum
distance y apart to avoid tearing chunks of concrete out during a
seismic event. In particular, for a rack 10 constructed according
the designs described and illustrated herein, floor anchors must,
in at least some localities, be at least 9.5 inches apart, thereby
creating considerable space between adjacent racks 10.
[0082] It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, virtual
vertical cable managers may likewise be created between two-post
mounting racks that are not seismically hardened without departing
from the scope of the present invention.
[0083] The use of virtual vertical cable managers 138,238 permits
vertical cable management to be accomplished without necessitating
the purchase of an actual vertical cable manager component, thereby
providing cost savings, flexibility, ease of installation, and the
like. It is also possible to convert between a single-sided virtual
vertical cable manager 138 (as shown in FIG. 17) and a double-sided
virtual vertical cable manager 238 (as shown in FIG. 18) merely by
adding (or removing) projections 130 or the like. Furthermore,
unlike conventional vertical cable managers, there is no need for a
structural support panel or cross-members within the virtual
vertical cable manager 138,238 to provide structural strength. This
improves the front-back cable pass-through management since an
installer no longer needs to thread cables through designated
pass-through openings. Also, this invention allows the middle panel
to be non-structural if a customer wants to have a panel or divider
to separate a front channel and a back channel. The panel can be
made out of non-structural material such as wire, plastic, tubular,
thin sheet metal, or the like. This opens up a window of great
flexibility of cable management within the vertical cable
manager.
[0084] Based on the foregoing information, it is readily understood
by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is
susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and
adaptations of the present invention other than those specifically
described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and
equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably
suggested by the present invention and the foregoing descriptions
thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the
present invention.
[0085] Accordingly, while the present invention has been described
herein in detail in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to
be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and
exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the
purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the
invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed
to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such other
embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent
arrangements; the present invention being limited only by the
claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof. Although
specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and
descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation.
* * * * *