Supports: racks – Shelf type – Knockdown
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-08
2001-01-16
Chin-Shue, Alvin (Department: 3634)
Supports: racks
Shelf type
Knockdown
Reexamination Certificate
active
06173848
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to rack mounted electronics components and more particularly to rack mounted Local Area Network (LAN) Hub systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Rack mounted systems are used extensively for electronics components. Typically, the racks include edge structures or rails with a series of openings which receive bolts or screws for installing the chassis of the electronics component in the rack.
LAN systems typically use hubs which are relatively large and provide numerous slots for network systems modules. Typically at installation of the hub to a rack system, the chassis weighs between 110 to 220 pounds. The chassis installation can require up to three individuals to both support the chassis and insert the screws into the rack.
SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide a bracket support element providing a mounting shelf which can be used to mount chassis to rack units wherein the bracket element quickly connects to the rack and provides at least temporary support to the chassis while the chassis is appropriately fixed to the rack.
According to the invention, a mounting shelf or bracket support element is provided which includes a back engaging part and a chassis support portion to provide a shelf structure. A rack engaging part includes a first pin for engaging a left rail opening of the rack and a second pin for engaging a right rail opening of the rack. The pins engage the opening of either the left or right rail of the rack disposing the chassis support portion in a position extending substantially horizontally.
The bracket support may be formed of sheet steel. One piece is folded to form an edge defining the position of the chassis support portion relative to a bracket back. The angle formed by the fold is preferably about 90 degrees. A bracket first side portion and a bracket second side portion are formed at lateral side edges. The bracket first side and a bracket second side also form about a 90 degree angle with the bracket back. The pins are supported by the bracket side portions and extend toward the opposite bracket side portion. Openings are preferably provided in the bracket side portions which correspond to the general area of the openings on the rails of the rack. This allows a rack openings to be viewed visually, even if they are behind the bracket side portions. A screw is inserted into each opening and through the associated rack opening to connect the bracket support to the rail of the rack.
Preferably the bracket side portions are labeled with indicia such as L and R for Left and Right. This corresponds with the first bracket side portion (on the left when viewing the bracket from the side of the chassis support portion) being used to engage the openings of a left rail of the rack. In a similar manner the second side bracket portion is provided with the indicia R (the side to the right when viewing the bracket from the side chassis support portion) being used to engage openings on the right rail of the rack.
It is another object of the invention to provide a rack mounting system which is especially useful for large and/or heavy electronics components chassis wherein bracket supports are used to position and temporarily support the chassis while the chassis is attached to the rack.
The system uses the left and right indicia on each bracket element and also preferably uses openings in the bracket to locate the proper position of the chassis relative to openings of the rail. With a bracket inserted on the left and/or right rail the bracket is fixed to the rail using screws and clip nuts and the aligned openings of the rack. The chassis is positioned, supported and fixed in the appropriate position with connections to openings of the rails of the rack. The brackets may be removed by removing the screws and then removing the pins of each bracket from an opening of a rail of the rack. The chassis is then supported by its connections to the rack.
It is still another object of the invention to provide a process for mounting a chassis to a rack including providing a bracket support element with a back engaging part and a chassis support portion to provide a shelf structure. A rack engaging part includes a first pin for engaging a left rail opening of the rack and a second pin portion for engaging a right rail opening of the rack. A bracket pin engages the opening of either the left or right rail of the rack disposing the chassis support portion in a position extending substantially horizontally. Preferably two brackets are provided. The pin of the bracket is inserted into a rack opening at each rail of the rack to provide chassis support portions extending out from each rail. The brackets are preferably each fixed to a rail by inserting a screw into the aligned openings of the bracket and of the rail. The chassis is disposed on the chassis support portions. The chassis is fixed to each rail. Each bracket may then be removed.
The process preferably also includes providing the bracket as a substantially symmetrical element with indicia provided on each of a left and right side of the bracket wherein the indicia indicates the rail (left or right) which the bracket side is intended to connect to. The bracket further preferably provides openings in side parts of the bracket to register the position of the bracket, and the electronics component chassis, relative to the rack and to fix the bracket to the rail. Further, other markings or indicia may be provided on the bracket to register the position of the bracket relative to a position along a rail of the rack. The indicia on the bracket may be combined with indicia on the rail or a template to coordinate the positions and thereby accurately position the chassis.
The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its uses, reference is made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4116509 (1978-09-01), Smith
patent: 4537316 (1985-08-01), Simon et al.
patent: 5644993 (1997-07-01), Dohnalik
3Com Corporation
Chin-Shue Alvin
McGlew and Tuttle , P.C.
Purol Sarah
LandOfFree
Mounting shelf for installation of lan hubs does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Mounting shelf for installation of lan hubs, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Mounting shelf for installation of lan hubs will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2459043