Supports: racks – Special article – Electrically powered
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-19
2001-04-24
Gibson, Jr., Robert W. (Department: 3634)
Supports: racks
Special article
Electrically powered
C211S189000, C361S829000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06220456
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present disclosure relates in general to computer systems, and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for supporting a computer chassis.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Computer systems shrink in size and increase in power at an astounding rate. While computer users were at one time willing to dedicate an entire floor or even building to computer components, today the market demands that computer power be provided with a small footprint. Footprint is the amount of floorspace that is taken up by the computer component. In order to minimize floorspace, large multicomponent computer systems are often arranged in racks. The computer components are provided in a standard-sized, rectangular chassis. Each chassis is stacked in a rack so that a large number of computer components can be stored in a space having the footprint of a single chassis.
A conventional rack may have two posts to which shelves are attached in between. The computer components can then be placed on the shelves. This arrangement wastes vertical space because the shelves separate each computer chassis from the ones above and below it.
Another conventional rack may have four posts arranged in a rectangle with each computer chassis attached to all of the posts. Unfortunately, this arrangement increases the labor necessary to perform computer administration, because the chassis is detached at each post when removed. When a chassis is fixed in position with neighbors above and below it, removal is necessary to access the inside of the chassis. Once the chassis is detached from the posts, it is no longer supported and may be dropped and damaged or else moved to a surface such as a table for work to be done.
A third conventional system may use ball bearing mounted, multi-part, sliding arms that are attached to the inside of a cabinet. The arms are then fixedly attached to the sides of a chassis. These mounting systems are very expensive. They may allow access to a chassis, but removing or adding a chassis may still involve the task of detaching screws or bolts.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
A method and apparatus for supporting a computer chassis are disclosed that provide one or more significant advantages. None of the advantages, by itself, is critical or necessary to the disclosure.
A rack-mounted computer system is provided that includes at least two posts. A rail is attached to each post. Each of the rails includes two ribs that together define a slot. One portion of the slot has a greater separation between the ribs. A computer component chassis that needs to be mounted includes two faces on its outer surface. Each face has at least one protuberance. The protuberances are shaped to fit at least partially into the slot of one of the rails at the portion having greater separation.
A more specific computer system is also provided in which the protuberances are shaped like stand-off bolts. The head of the protuberance is thick enough to fit through the widened portion of the slot, but not the rest of the slot. The body of the protuberance is thin enough to fit throughout the slot. Therefore, once insertion occurs at the widened portion, the protuberance can be moved along the slot and will not fall out, unless pulled back out through the widened portion.
A more specific computer system is also provided in which the ribs defining the slot thin as they approach the widened portion. As the heads of the protuberances on either side of the chassis are moved into their slots, the rib thickens and forces the heads away from each other. The tension in the protuberances provides extra stability in the sliding engagement of the protuberances with the slots, while allowing easy insertion at the widened portions.
A method is provided for supporting a computer chassis. Two posts are attached to a base so that they are nearly parallel, within five degrees. A rail is attached nearly perpendicularly to each post. The rails are positioned nearly parallel to each other and at the same distance from the base. A computer chassis is inserted so that at least one protuberance on the chassis is engaged in a slot defined by ribs on the first rail and at least one protuberance is engaged in a slot defined by ribs on the second rail.
An more specific method attaches two additional, nearly parallel posts to the base. Each of the rails is attached to two of the four posts.
An alternate method positions two rails at the same height, nearly parallel, and far enough apart to allow a computer chassis to be positioned between them. The computer chassis is provided with a set of colinear protuberances on each of two opposite sides. The protuberances on each side are slid into slots in the rails so that the chassis is supported on both sides.
It is a technical advantage of the disclosed methods and apparatus that computer components are supported in a vertical arrangement.
It is a technical advantage of the disclosed methods and apparatus that the rails can be inexpensively manufactured without separate parts that move relative to each other.
Another technical advantage of the apparatus and method disclosed is that no vertical space is wasted by the support structure. More computer components can fit into the same rack resulting in less footprint per component.
Another technical advantage of the apparatus and method disclosed is that a computer component chassis can slide partially out of the rack for access purposes.
Another technical advantage of the apparatus and method is that a chassis can be removed from the rack with removing screws or fasteners.
Another technical advantage of the apparatus and method is that secure positioning is maintained by tension between the rails.
Other technical advantages of the present disclosure will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims. An embodiment of the disclosure may address one, many or none of the above-disclosed technical advantages.
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Abstract of Japanese Patent No. 11127993, May 18, 1999.
Jensen Ralph Warren
Sands Steve
Baker & Botts L.L.P.
Dell Products L.P.
Gibson , Jr. Robert W.
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