Patent Publication Number: US-9894797-B2

Title: Apparatuses for manipulating power switch of electronic device located in remote position within storage cabinet

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/725,680, entitled “APPARATUSES FOR MANIPULATING POWER SWITCH OF ELECTRONIC DEVICE LOCATED IN REMOTE POSITION WITHIN STORAGE CABINET,” and filed on May 29, 2015, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in full. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention generally relates to storage racks or cabinets for storing electronic device such as computing devices (e.g., servers), power distribution units, and the like and, more particularly, to the manipulation of switches (e.g., power switches, circuit breaker switches, etc.) of electronic devices mounted within storage racks. 
     2. Relevant Background 
     Storage racks for electronic devices are typically standardized frames that are designed to hold a plurality of electronic devices or field replaceable units (FRUs) such as rack-mounted servers, power distribution units (PDUs) or backup devices, and/or the like. Generally, a storage rack includes a number of vertical posts or pillars (e.g., a pair of front pillars and a pair of rear pillars) to which horizontal members, rail assemblies, paneling and the like can be secured (e.g., collectively, a “frame”) to define an interior space made up of a plurality of receiving bays for receiving FRUs. Various types and sizes of FRUs may be installed within a rack system and often have standardized heights as multiples of one rack unit (U). For instance, industry standard rack systems often come in heights of 18U, 22U, 36U, 42U, and the like. In high availability environments (e.g., telecommunications systems), the set of FRUs (e.g., computing devices, related components, and the like) in a frame configuration may be administered as a single compute system that is functionally consistent with administration of a single FRU. 
     Each FRU has a power switch that can be manipulated between or among a number of positions to power on and power off the FRU as appropriate by operators and technicians. The power switch is often electrically interconnected to a circuit breaker that is configured to automatically manipulate (e.g., flip) the power switch into an intermediate position to interrupt current flow to the FRU upon detection of a fault condition. For instance, a power switch may be located on a PDU to which one or more servers are electrically connected and which is configured to appropriately distribute power to the servers. 
     SUMMARY 
     The increased demand for computing resources such as processing capacity, data storage and the like has led to the increased usage of the interior space of storage racks such as by FRUs, cabling, and the like. Furthermore, as many end users have a fixed or dedicated amount of floor space on which to position storage racks, replacing existing storage racks with larger storage racks to increase the volume of the interior space is often not feasible. 
     One problem accompanying the increased usage of the interior space of storage racks by FRUs, cabling, and the like is a decrease in the space through which an operator can extend his or her hand to manipulate power switches in the rack (e.g., to flip switches into an on or off position). For instance, the PDUs to which servers and other computing devices are electrically connected when mounted in a storage rack are often located behind the bays of the servers in the rack or in other words in the space between the rear pillars and the rear opening or rear door of the storage rack. To access the power switches on the PDUs (or other switches on the rear portions of the servers/computing devices), a user must insert his or her hand into or through the space between the rear pillars and the rear opening to manipulate the power switches. 
     However, the increased demand for computing resources and corresponding increased usage of the “real estate” inside of storage racks has led to increased usage of the space between the rear pillars and the rear opening, the same space through which a user&#39;s hand would typically be inserted to manipulate the power switches. In addition to creating difficulties in reaching or accessing the power switches, the above-noted increased real estate usage often makes it difficult for a user to even see the power switches, much less physically reach the power switches. 
     In this regard, disclosed herein are various embodiments of a power switch manipulation apparatus that allows users to manipulate power switches of FRUs mounted within storage racks in a manner free of a user having to physically reach into the storage rack to manipulate the power switches. One embodiment of the disclosed manipulation apparatus broadly includes a base member that may be rigidly secured to a portion of the frame of a storage rack (e.g., on a side or vertical member adjacent a rear door or opening of the rack at the same or similar height as at least one of the power switches) along with a tool that is movably mounted or mountable to the base member for manipulating a power switch of a FRU mounted in the rack. More specifically, the tool has a reduced form factor in one or both of the x-dimension (e.g., horizontal direction along rear door/opening of rack) and the z-dimension (e.g., vertical dimension) to allow it to fit through tight spaces between the rear of the rear and a particular one of the power switches. Furthermore, the base member includes one or more features that are specifically configured to guide a manipulation end or portion of the tool (e.g., upon manipulation of a handle or other portion of the tool protruding out of the rack by a user) to be directly in front of a power switch so that the user can use the handle or other portion of the tool to manipulate the power switch (e.g., into an on or off position) with the manipulation portion of the handle. 
     For instance, the base member may include a guide channel having a longitudinal axis about which the tool is configured to rotate in clockwise and counterclockwise directions and along which the tool is configured to translate (e.g., slide) in first and second opposite directions to guide use of the tool for manipulation of a power switch. As another example, the tool and base member may have respective features that appropriately inhibit translation or rotation of the tool along or about the longitudinal axis to facilitate positioning of the manipulation portion of the tool in front of the power switch. For instance, the tool may include an alignment pin or protrusion that is configured to inhibit further translation of the tool within the guide member along the longitudinal axis after the manipulation portion of the tool has translated to a depth (e.g., in a y-dimension) in the rack substantially equal to that of a power switch of a particular FRU. Also, the base member may include a stop member that is configured to automatically inhibit rotation of the tool about the longitudinal axis when it has reached a rotational position that is in front of the switch; thereafter, the tool may be urged along the longitudinal axis to manipulate the switch. 
     In one aspect, a system for manipulating a power switch of an electronic device is disclosed that includes a base member that is non-movably attachable relative to a power switch of an electronic device and a manipulation member movably mountable to the base member for manipulating the power switch of the electronic device. The manipulation member includes a first arm receivable in a guide channel of the base member, where the first arm is slidable within the guide channel along a longitudinal axis of the first arm, and where the first arm is rotatable within the guide channel about the longitudinal axis of the first arm. The manipulation member also includes a second arm non-movable relative to the first arm and configured to contact the power switch, where sliding of the first arm within the guide channel along the longitudinal axis with the second arm in a first rotational position induces the second arm to contact and manipulate the power switch into a first position, where rotation of the first arm within the guide channel about the longitudinal axis of the first arm in one of a clockwise or counterclockwise direction rotates the second arm into a second rotational position, and where sliding of the first arm within the guide channel along the longitudinal axis of the first arm with the second arm in the second rotational position induces the second arm to contact and manipulate the power switch into a second position. 
     In one arrangement, the first arm may include an alignment mechanism (e.g., a pin or other protrusion that extends from the body of the first arm) that contacts the base member as the first arm slides in the guide member along the longitudinal axis of the first arm to inhibit further sliding of the first arm in the guide member along the longitudinal axis of the first arm absent the first arm being rotated within the guide channel about the longitudinal axis of the first arm to position the second arm in the first rotational position. In another arrangement, the base member may include a stop member that inhibits further rotation of the first and second arms in the one of the clockwise or counterclockwise direction after the second arm has reached the second rotational position. For instance, the base member may include first and second legs that are non-movably attached to each other, where the guide channel is non-movably attached to the first leg, and wherein the stop member is non-movably attached to the second leg. 
     In another aspect, a storage rack for storing a plurality of electronic devices is disclosed that includes a frame defining an interior space for receiving a plurality of electronic devices and an apparatus secured to the frame for manipulating a power switch of at least one of the plurality of electronic devices. The apparatus includes a base member rigidly secured to the frame and having a guide channel that extends along a longitudinal axis along with a tool receivable in the guide channel of the base member for rotation about and translation along the longitudinal axis of the guide channel. Translation of the tool within the guide channel along the longitudinal axis of the guide channel with a manipulation portion of the tool in a first rotational position induces the manipulation portion to contact and manipulate the power switch into a first position, rotation of the tool within the guide channel about the longitudinal axis of the guide channel in one of a clockwise or counterclockwise direction rotates the manipulation portion into a second rotational position, and translation of the tool within the guide channel along the longitudinal axis of the guide channel with the manipulation portion in the second rotational position induces the manipulation portion to contact and manipulate the power switch into a second position. 
     In a further aspect, a method of manipulating a power switch of an electronic device mounted in a storage rack includes inserting a tool into the storage rack, positioning the tool into a guide channel of a base member that is fixed to a vertical member of the storage rack, rotating the tool about a longitudinal axis of the guide channel in one of a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to rotate a manipulation portion of the tool into a rotational position in front of the power switch of the electronic device, and urging the tool along the longitudinal axis of the guide channel in a first direction with the manipulation portion in the rotational position to contact the power switch with the manipulation portion a manipulate the power switch into one of an on or off position. 
     Before the rotating, the method may include urging the tool along the longitudinal axis of the guide channel in the first direction until an alignment member of the tool contacts the base member to inhibit further urging of the tool along the longitudinal axis in the first direction absent the rotating. After the pushing, the method may include rotating the tool about the longitudinal axis of the guide channel in the one of a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to rotate the manipulation portion of the tool into another rotational position in front of the power switch of the electronic device, and urging the tool along the longitudinal axis of the guide channel in the first direction with the manipulation portion in the other rotational position to contact the power switch with the manipulation portion a manipulate the power switch into the other of the on or off position. 
     In another aspect, a system for manipulating a power switch of an electronic device is disclosed. The system includes a base member that is non-movably attachable relative to a power switch of an electronic device and a mechanical linkage movably mountable to the base member for manipulating the power switch of the electronic device. The mechanical linkage includes a first mechanical link pivotally attached to the base member to pivot about a pivot axis and a second mechanical link that is induced by the first mechanical link upon movement of the first mechanical link from a first position to a second position to manipulate a power switch (e.g., to turn it on or off) and/or induced by the power switch to manipulate the first mechanical link back into the first position (e.g., upon tripping of the power switch to provide a visual indication to a user of the tripped condition). 
     In one arrangement, the second mechanical link may be in the form of a rocker assembly that is pivotally attached to the base member to pivot about a pivot axis that is parallel to and spaced from the pivot axis of the first mechanical link. For instance, pivoting of the first mechanical link from the first to the second position in one of clockwise or counterclockwise direction induces the rocker arm to pivot in the other of the clockwise or counterclockwise direction to cause a first rocker leg of the rocker assembly to depress an on button of the power switch. Thereafter, popping out of the on button upon tripping of the power switch presses against the first rocker leg to induce rotation of the rocker leg in the one of the clockwise or counterclockwise direction and simultaneous rotation of the first mechanical link in the other of the clockwise or counterclockwise direction to move the first mechanical link into the first position to provide the visual indication of the tripped position. 
     In another arrangement, the second mechanical link may be in the form of a sliding member that is slidably (translatably) attached to the base member and pivotally attached to the first mechanical link. For instance, pivoting of the first mechanical link from the first to the second position in one of clockwise or counterclockwise direction induces the sliding member to slide in a first of first and second opposite linear directions to depress an on button of the power switch. Thereafter, popping out of the on button upon tripping of the power switch presses against the sliding member to induce sliding of the sliding member in the opposite second linear direction to induce rotation of the first mechanical link in the other of the clockwise or counterclockwise direction to move the first mechanical link into the first position to provide the visual indication of the tripped position. 
     In a further aspect, a system for manipulating a power switch of an electronic device includes a base member that is non-movably attachable relative to a power switch of an electronic device, and a manipulation assembly movably mountable to the base member for manipulating the power switch of the electronic device. The manipulation assembly includes a first tool slidably attached to the base member for movement relative to the base member along a first axis in a first direction towards the power switch to manipulate the power switch into an on position and along the first axis in an opposite second direction away from the power switch when manipulated by the power switch, and a second tool slidably attached to the base member for movement relative to the base member along a second axis to manipulate the power switch into an off position. 
     The first tool may be biased with a first biasing force in along the first axis in the first direction towards the power switch (e.g., via a first biasing member interconnected between the first arm and the base member). For instance, the base member may include a first connection surface (e.g., protrusion) that extends along the first axis in the first direction, where the first tool includes a connection surface that extends along the first axis in the second direction, and where the first biasing member is connected between the first connection surface of the base member and the connection surface of the first tool. 
     The second tool may also be biased with a second biasing force along the second axis in the second direction away from the power switch (e.g., via a second biasing member interconnected between the second arm and the base member). For instance, the base member may include a second connection surface that extends along the second axis in the second direction, where the second tool includes a connection surface that extends along the second axis in the first direction, and where the second biasing member is connected between the second connection surface of the base member and the connection surface of the second tool. 
     In another aspect, a method of manipulating a power switch of an electronic device mounted in a storage rack includes urging a first tool along a first axis in a first direction from a first position of the first tool into a second position of the first tool to manipulate a first portion of the power switch into an on position of the power switch, where a first end of the first tool is a first distance from a vertical reference plane that is perpendicular to the first axis in the first position, where the first end of the first tool is a second distance from the vertical reference plane in the second position that is less than the first distance, where a first end of a second tool that is slidable along a second axis that is parallel to the first axis is a first distance from the vertical reference plane when the first tool is in the second position, and where the first distance of the first end of the second tool is equal to the second distance of the first end of the first tool. 
     In one arrangement, the method may further include receiving, on the first tool, a force from the first portion of the power switch that urges the first tool along the first axis in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction. In another arrangement, the method may further include generating the force upon tripping of the power switch. 
     In a further aspect, a storage rack includes a frame defining an interior space for receiving a plurality of computing devices, and a system secured to the frame for manipulating a power switch of an electronic device of the storage rack. The system includes a base member rigidly attached to the frame and being non-movable relative to a power switch of an electronic device, a first tool slidably attached to the base member for movement relative to the base member along a first axis in a first direction towards the power switch to manipulate the power switch into an on position and along the first axis in an opposite second direction away from the power switch when manipulated by the power switch, and a second tool slidably attached to the base member for movement relative to the base member along a second axis to manipulate the power switch into an off position. 
     Any of the embodiments, arrangements, or the like discussed herein may be used (either alone or in combination with other embodiments, arrangement, or the like) with any of the disclosed aspects. Merely introducing a feature in accordance with commonly accepted antecedent basis practice does not limit the corresponding feature to the singular. Any failure to use phrases such as “at least one” does not limit the corresponding feature to the singular. Use of the phrase “at least generally,” “at least partially,” “substantially” or the like in relation to a particular feature encompasses the corresponding characteristic and insubstantial variations thereof. Furthermore, a reference of a feature in conjunction with the phrase “in one embodiment” does not limit the use of the feature to a single embodiment. 
     In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following descriptions. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a partial front perspective view of one embodiment of a storage rack for use in storing electronic devices such as FRUs (e.g., servers, data storage devices, etc.), PDUs, and the like. 
         FIG. 2  is a partial rear perspective view of the storage rack of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is close-up rear perspective view of the storage rack of  FIG. 1  illustrating power switches of a PDU being disposed in a side vertical slot of the rack and a base member of a power switch manipulation apparatus being mounted to the rack for use in manipulating the power switches (with a rotation stop member of the base member being removed for clarity). 
         FIG. 4  is a partial rear perspective view of the storage rack of  FIG. 1  similar to that of  FIG. 2  but with additional componentry being disposed in a space between a rear opening of the rack and rear support pillars thus limiting physical access to power switches of a PDU of the rack. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view similar to that of  FIG. 3  but from a different angle and including both the base member and a tool of the power switch manipulation apparatus. 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view of the power switch manipulation apparatus of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7 a    is a front view illustrating a process of inserting the tool into a guide channel of the base member of the power switch manipulation apparatus of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7 b    is a plan view of  FIG. 7   a.    
         FIG. 8 a    is a front view of the power switch manipulation apparatus of  FIG. 5  illustrating the tool being received in the guide channel of the base member. 
         FIG. 8 b    is a plan view of  FIG. 8   a.    
         FIG. 9 a    is a front view of the power switch manipulation apparatus of  FIG. 5  illustrating the tool being received in the guide channel of the base member and being rotated in one of a clockwise or counterclockwise direction about a longitudinal axis of the guide channel from the position shown in  FIG. 8   a.    
         FIG. 9 b    is a plan view of  FIG. 9   a.    
         FIG. 10  is plan view similar to  FIG. 9 b    but after the tool has been urged along the longitudinal axis of the guide channel so as to engage a power switch into an on position. 
         FIG. 11 a    is a  FIG. 9 a    is a front view of the power switch manipulation apparatus of  FIG. 5  illustrating the tool being received in the guide channel of the base member and being further rotated in the one of the clockwise or counterclockwise direction about the longitudinal axis of the guide channel from the position shown in  FIG. 9   a.    
         FIG. 11 b    is a perspective view of the power switch manipulation apparatus with the tool in the position of  FIG. 11   a.    
         FIG. 12 a    is a front isometric view of a holder for a tool, such as the power switch manipulation apparatus of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 12 b    is a rear isometric view of the holder of  FIG. 12   a.    
         FIG. 13 a    is a front view of the holder of  FIG. 12 a    with a door of the holding being in a closed position. 
         FIG. 13 b    is similar to  FIG. 13 a    but with the door being in a closed position. 
         FIG. 14  is a front isometric view of the holder similar to that in  FIG. 12 a    but with the tool being loaded in the holder and the door being in the closed position. 
         FIG. 15  is a close-up rear perspective view of the storage rack but including another embodiment of the power switch manipulation apparatus, where the power switch manipulation apparatus has manipulated the power switch into an on position. 
         FIG. 16 a    is a front view of the power switch manipulation apparatus of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 16 b    is a front view of the power switch manipulation apparatus of  FIG. 15  but after the power switch has been tripped to manipulate the power switch manipulation apparatus into a different position. 
         FIG. 16 c    is a front view of the power switch manipulation apparatus similar to  FIG. 16 b   , but after a user has depressed an actuator of the apparatus to cause the apparatus to manipulate the power switch into an off or reset position. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the power switch manipulation apparatus. 
         FIG. 18 a    is a front view of the power switch manipulation apparatus of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 18 b    is similar to  FIG. 18 a    but with a covering of the apparatus being removed for clarity. 
         FIG. 19 a    is a front view of the power switch manipulation apparatus of  FIG. 17 , but with a tool in a different position. 
         FIG. 19 b    is similar to  FIG. 19 a    but with a covering of the apparatus being removed for clarity. 
         FIG. 20  is an isometric view of a holder for a tool according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 21  is an isometric view of a holder for a tool according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the power switch manipulation apparatus. 
         FIG. 23  is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the power switch manipulation apparatus. 
         FIG. 24  is a front perspective view of the power switch manipulation apparatus of  FIG. 23 . 
         FIG. 25  is a rear perspective view of the power switch manipulation apparatus of  FIG. 23 . 
         FIG. 26  is a front perspective view of a base member of the power switch manipulation apparatus of  FIG. 23 . 
         FIG. 27  is a rear perspective view of the base member of the power switch manipulation apparatus of  FIG. 23 . 
         FIG. 28  is a front perspective view of a tool of the power switch manipulation apparatus of  FIG. 23 . 
         FIG. 29  is a rear perspective view of the tool of the power switch manipulation apparatus of  FIG. 23 . 
         FIG. 30  is a front perspective view of a cover member of the power switch manipulation apparatus of  FIG. 23 . 
         FIG. 31  is a rear perspective view of the cover member of the power switch manipulation apparatus of  FIG. 23 . 
         FIG. 32 a    is a schematic illustration of the power switch manipulation apparatus of  FIG. 23  with first and second tools of the apparatus being in a first staggered relationship relative to each other and the power switch being in an off condition. 
         FIG. 32 b    is a schematic illustration of the power switch manipulation apparatus of  FIG. 23  with the first and second tools being in an aligned relationship relative to each other and the power switch being in an on condition. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Disclosed herein are various embodiments of a power switch manipulation apparatus  200  that allows users to manipulate power switches of FRUs mounted within storage racks in a manner free of a user having to physically reach into the storage rack to manipulate the power switches. The disclosed power switch manipulation apparatus is useful in crowded storage racks where space is at a premium and/or where users may otherwise have difficulty with physically reaching into the storage rack to flip a power switch of a FRU on or off. One embodiment of the disclosed manipulation apparatus broadly includes a base member that may be rigidly secured to a portion of the frame of a storage rack (e.g., on a side or vertical member adjacent a rear door or opening of the rack at the same or similar height as at least one of the power switches) along with a tool that is movably mounted or mountable to the base member for manipulating a power switch of a FRU mounted in the rack. The tool may have a reduced form factor in one or both of the x-dimension (e.g., horizontal direction along rear door/opening of rack) and the z-dimension (e.g., vertical dimension) to allow it to fit through tight spaces between the rear of the rear and a particular one of the power switches. Furthermore, the base member includes one or more features that are specifically configured to guide a manipulation end or portion of the tool (e.g., upon manipulation of a handle or other portion of the tool protruding out of the rack by a user) to be directly in front of a power switch so that the user can use the handle or other portion of the tool to manipulate the power switch (e.g., into an on or off position) with the manipulation portion of the handle. 
     Before discussing the power switch manipulation apparatus  200  in more detail, reference will be initially made to the storage rack  100  of  FIGS. 1-2  to provide an example of one representative environment in which the manipulation apparatus  200  may be implemented. It is to be understood though that the disclosed manipulation apparatus  200  may be implemented in various other shapes, configurations and sizes of storage racks for electronic devices and/or FRUs, all of which are encompassed herein. Broadly, the storage rack  100  is operable to store one or more FRUs  108  (e.g., electronic devices such as servers, data storage devices, media element players, etc.) in one or more respective bays (not labeled) of the storage rack  100 , such as in a vertically stacked manner (as shown), in a horizontally stacked manner, and/or the like. The storage rack  100  may include a pair of front vertical posts or pillars  112  and a pair of rear vertical posts or pillars  116  that extend upward from a floor or other platform (not shown) and that collectively define a frame of the storage rack  100  and form an interior storage space  103  in which the bays of the storage rack  100  are disposed for receiving respective FRUs  108 . Each of the front and rear vertical pillars  112 ,  116  may be operable to receive and/or engage with a plurality of rail assemblies  104  that define the bays for structurally supporting the FRUs  108 . Generally, each pair of rail assemblies  104  is configured to receive and guide a FRU  108  into the rack such that when fully loaded, a rear portion of the FRU  108  is adjacent or proximate the rear pillars  116  and the front portion of the FRU  108  is adjacent or proximate the front pillars  112 . 
     Although not necessarily labeled, the frame of the storage rack  100  may be further defined by any appropriate arrangement of horizontal members interconnecting the front and/or pillars  112 ,  116 ; paneling or wall members secured to the front and rear pillars  112 ,  116 , horizontal members, etc.; other vertical members; and the like. The storage rack  100  may also include a front access opening  120  through which the FRUs  108  may be retracted and reinserted, and a rear access opening  124  through which necessary connections may be made to the FRUs  108  (e.g., for coupling the FRUs  108  to external components or to each other, etc.). Access doors (not shown) may be provided over the front and rear access openings  120 ,  124  to limit immediate access to the interior of the storage rack  100 . Grills or other perforations may be included in any appropriate portion of the storage rack  100  to enhance airflow therethrough and the various components of the storage rack  100  may be formed of metal, plastic, composites, and/or the like. 
     In some arrangements, the rear pillars  116  may be set back from the rear access opening  124  of the rack  100  such that a space  128  is defined between the rear pillars  116  and the rear access opening  124  for the passage of cabling, the storage of FRUs, etc. (collectively, componentry  136 ). In one arrangement, and while not limiting, the space  128  may be occupied by componentry  136  of a virtual backplane (e.g., including blind-mate connectors, power and network cabling, etc.) that is configured to incorporate the enhanced availability and serviceability of a blade or chassis-based computing system into the storage rack  100 . For instance, such componentry may include that discussed in U.S. Patent App. Pub. No. 2014/0240909 assigned to the Assignee of the present application and the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in full. 
     However, the increasing usage of the space  128  between the rear pillars  116  and the rear access opening  124  of storage racks such as storage rack  100  can limit the ability of users to physically access or even see power switches within the storage rack  100  that users would otherwise physically access via the rear access opening  124  (e.g., such as power switch  140  of PDU  132 ). In the absence of componentry being disposed in the space  128  adjacent a particular power switch  140 , a gap  144  exists in the space  128  between the rear pillars  116  and the rear access opening  124  of the storage rack  100  that provides sufficient room for a user to physically reach into the space  128  and access the power switch  140  of the PDU  132  (e.g., or switches on the back of FRUs  108 , etc.). 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the power switches  140  of the PDU  132  may protrude from a side surface  148  of the PDU  128  that faces a side surface  164  (labeled in  FIG. 5 ) of a vertical support member  152  of the storage rack  100  such that the power switches  140  are disposed in a vertical slot  156  defined between the side surface  148  and the vertical member  152 . Stated differently, the power switches  140  may be disposed on or protrude from a surface (e.g., such as side surface  148  of the PDU  132 ) that is substantially perpendicular to an inside side surface  160  of the storage rack  100  (e.g., such as a surface of rear pillar  116  that faces FRUs  108  loaded in the storage rack  100 ) and that is offset from the interior storage space  103  of the storage rack  100 . In this regard, a user would reach into or through the space  128  and then approximately 90 degrees to the left (as shown) or right into the vertical slot  156  to access power switches  140 . 
     When the gap  144  has been filled with componentry  136  (e.g., brackets, cabling, etc.), however, the user may be limited or even prevented from physically reaching into the space  128  to access the power switches  140 . Compare  FIGS. 2 and 4 , where componentry  136  is represented by a generic box in  FIG. 4 . With reference now to  FIGS. 2-6 , the power switch manipulation apparatus  200  allows users to manipulate switches within the storage rack  100 , such as one or more of the power switches  140  of the PDU  132 , free of having to physically reach into the storage rack  100  (e.g., into or through space  128  via rear opening  124 ) to manipulate the power switches  140 . That is, despite an opening or passageway to a power switch  140  through which a user can reach his or her hand and arm not being available (e.g., due to componentry  136  blocking such an opening or passageway), the manipulation apparatus  200  nevertheless affords the user the ability to manipulate one or more of the power switches  140  and/or other switches in the rack  100 . 
     Broadly, the manipulation apparatus  200  includes a base member  300  that may be rigidly or otherwise non-movably secured to a portion of the frame of the storage rack  100  along with a tool  400  (e.g., a manipulation member or assembly) that is movably mounted or mountable to the base member  300  for manipulating one or more switches of an FRU mounted in the storage rack  100 , such as power switches  140  of PDUs  132 . As shown, the base member  300  may include a body  304  (e.g., one or more brackets or the like) that may be rigidly secured to the frame in any appropriate manner (e.g., via fasteners, welds, etc.). For instance, the body  304  may include at least a first leg  308  (e.g., a sheet member, a bracket, etc.) that may be rigidly secured to the vertical member  152 , such as via extending fasteners (not shown) through apertures  312  in the first leg  308  and into a front surface  168  of the vertical member  152  (e.g., where the front surface  168  generally forms a portion of the inside side surface  160  of the rack  100 ). 
     The base member  300  may also include a guiding member  316  (e.g., bracket, clip, etc.) secured or otherwise formed on the body  304  and that defines a guiding channel  320  having a longitudinal axis  324  about which the tool  400  is configured to rotate in clockwise and counterclockwise directions and along which the tool  400  is configured to translate (e.g., slide) in first and second opposite directions as will be discussed in more detail below. In one arrangement, the guiding member  316  may include first and second spaced members  328 ,  332  that are interconnected by a third member  336  and that define the guide channel  320  therebetween. For instance, each of the first, second and third members  328 ,  332 ,  336  may be in the form of a sheet member and the guiding member  316  may be secured to the first leg  308  of the body  304  by extending fasteners through apertures (not shown) in the third member  336  and into corresponding apertures  340  in the first leg  308  so that the first and second legs  328 ,  332  protrude or otherwise extend away from the first leg  308  towards the space  128  in the rack  100 . 
     In one embodiment, a distance between the first and second members  328 ,  332  may be substantially equal to or slightly less than an outer diameter or outer maximum dimension of a portion of the tool  400  being received in the guide channel  320  so that the guiding member  316  can retain the tool  400  when inserted therein. In another embodiment, the first and second legs  328 ,  332  may slightly taper towards one another in a direction away from the first leg to apply a slight force against the tool  400  when received in the guide channel  320 . Various other arrangements of guiding members  316  that define corresponding guide channels  320  that allow for rotation and translation of a tool received therein for manipulation of a switch are envisioned and encompassed herein. As an example,  FIG. 22  presents another embodiment in which the guiding member  316 ′ is in the form of a spring-loaded member that defines the guide channel  320 ′ and that is configured to hold the tool  400  against the first leg  308  of the body  304  (but still allows for rotation and translation of the tool  400  in the guide channel  320 ′). For instance, the tool  400  may be slid downwardly between the first leg  308  and an angled tab  317  of the guiding member  316 ′ to force the tool  400  into the guide channel  320 ′ against the spring force of the guiding member  316 ′. Once the tool  400  has entered the guide channel  320 ′, the guiding member  316 ′ may be configured to snap back against the first leg  308  to hold the tool  400  thereagainst. 
     Returning to  FIGS. 5-6 , the body  304  of the base member  300  may further include a second leg  344  rigidly (e.g., non-movably) attached or secured to the first leg  308  and configured to be inserted into the vertical slot  156  to facilitate location of the base member  300  adjacent a particular one of the power switches  140 , to facilitate positioning of a manipulation portion of the tool  400  in front of the power switch  140 , and/or the like. For instance, the first and second legs  308 ,  344  may be substantially perpendicular to each other to allow the first leg  308  to be mounted to the front surface  168  of the vertical member and have the second leg  344  automatically “reach into” the vertical slot  156  to facilitate positioning of the manipulation portion of the tool  400  in front of the power switch  140 . In one arrangement, the second leg  344  may be in the form of or include a sheet member that is configured to lay flush or closely flush (e.g., parallel) with the side surface  164  of the vertical member  152 . For instance, the first and second legs  308 ,  344  may lie in respective planes that are perpendicular to each other. 
     As shown, the base member  300  may include a location apparatus  348  (e.g., one or more brackets, clips, etc.) rigidly (e.g., non-movably) attached or connected to the second leg  344  so as to extend or protrude into the vertical slot  156 . In one arrangement, the location apparatus  348  may include an alignment member or tab  352  that is configured to contact a portion of a power switch  140  (e.g., a bottom portion of the power switch  140  as shown in  FIG. 5 ) so as to stop and locate the base member  300  adjacent the power switch  140  (e.g., at a substantially similar height in the rack as the power switch  140 ) during installation of the base member  300  (e.g., such as when an installer places the first and second legs  308 ,  344  substantially flush against the front and side surfaces  168 ,  164  of the vertical member  152  between adjacent power switches  140  and slides the base member  300  upwards until the alignment tab  352  contacts or otherwise catches on the bottom portion of the power switch  140  (e.g., on a bottom portion of a bezel of the power switch  140  that surrounds a toggle member  172  of the power switch  140 ) to prevent or inhibit further upward movement of the base member  300 ). More particularly, the alignment tab  352  locates the base member  300  relative to the power switch  140  so that the longitudinal axis  324  of the guide channel  320  is at a height in the storage rack  100  the same or similar as that of the power switch  140  (e.g., such as, as shown in the figures, a height in the storage rack  100  the same or similar as that of a first  174  of first and second portions  174 ,  176  of the toggle member  172  of the power switch  140 , where manipulation of the first portion  174  is an “on” position of the power switch  140  and manipulation of the second portion  176  is an “off” position of the power switch  140 , or vice versa). 
     Additionally or alternatively, the location apparatus  348  may include a stop member or tab  356  (removed from  FIG. 3  for clarity, but see  FIGS. 5-6 ) that is configured to inhibit further rotation of the tool  400  about the longitudinal axis  324  of the guide channel  320  so as to position a manipulation portion (e.g., second arm  412  as discussed below) of the tool  400  in front of a particular one of the first and second portions  174 ,  176  of the toggle member  172  (e.g. in front of the second portion  176  as discussed below). For instance, the stop tab  356  may protrude upwardly away from a base (not labeled) of the location apparatus  348  so as to point in a direction out of the vertical slot  156  and provide an angled platform  360  that is configured to receive the manipulation portion of the tool  400  and inhibit further rotation of the manipulation portion of the tool  400  (and thus the tool  400  as a whole) once the manipulation portion has reached a position directly in front of the second portion  176  of the toggle member  172 . The particular angle that the platform  360  forms relative to a horizontal plane through the longitudinal axis  324  of the guide channel  320  (so as to stop further rotation of the tool  400  when the manipulation portion of the tool has reached a position in front of the second portion  176  of the toggle member  172 ) may depend on, for instance, the distance between the centers of the first and second portions  174 ,  176  of the toggle member  172 , the height of the longitudinal axis  324  relative to that of the first and/or second portion  174 ,  176 , and/or the like. While the alignment and stop tabs  352 ,  356  are illustrated as being part of a single, integral piece that protrudes from the second leg  344 , it is also envisioned that the alignment and stop tabs  352 ,  356  could be separate pieces that each respectively extends from the second leg  344  or that is otherwise formed on the second leg  344 . Furthermore, while only a single stop tab  356  is shown, one or more additional stop tabs could be included to inhibit further rotation of the tool in other rotational positions of the second arm  412 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 5-6 , the tool  400  is generally receivable in the guide channel  316  of the base member  300  for rotation about and translation along the longitudinal axis  324  of the guide channel  320  so that the manipulation portion of the tool  400  can appropriately manipulate the power switch  140  (e.g., by contacting and pushing the first or second portions  174 ,  176  of the toggle member  172  as appropriate). Generally, the tool  400  may include a body  404  including at least a first arm  408  that is receivable in the guide channel  320  and rotatable about and translatable along the longitudinal axis  324  of the guide channel  320 . For instance, the first arm  408  may be in the form an elongated member (e.g., rod, shaft, etc.) having a cross-sectional shape and size that allows it to rotate about the longitudinal axis  324  when received in the guide channel  320 . The body  404  may also include a second arm  412  that is rigidly attached to or at least non-movable relative to the first arm  408  in a manner so that upon rotation of the first arm  408  about the longitudinal axis  324 , the second arm  412  is automatically positioned into the vertical slot  156  into a rotational position in front of the power switch  140 . In this regard, the first arm  408  may be of a length substantially equal to or greater than a distance between the rear opening  124  and the vertical slot  156  (e.g., or other location where the switch  140  is located). 
     In one arrangement, the second arm  412  may be rigidly attached to a first end of the first arm  408  and non-movably attached thereto at a non-parallel angle so that upon rotation of the first arm  408  about the longitudinal axis  324  of the guide channel  320 , the second arm  412  may reach into the vertical slot  156  at a position in front of the switch  140 . For instance, a longitudinal axis  416  of the first arm  408  may be substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis  420  of the second arm  412  so that the second arm  412  may be substantially flush with a front of the power switch  140  when the second arm  412  reaches into the slot  156 . In one arrangement, the first and second arms  408 ,  412  may be a single piece of material (e.g., bar stock, rod, etc.) that is appropriately bent to form the first and second arms  408 ,  412 . In other arrangements, the first and second arms  408 ,  412  may be separate pieces that are appropriately rigidly attached together. In further arrangements, one or more additional arms may rigidly and non-movably interconnect the first arm  408  to the second arm  412 . 
     As will be discussed below, a user may grasp and manipulate the first arm  408  to induce the second arm  412  to manipulate the power switch  140 . In one arrangement, the user may grasp a portion of the first arm  408  adjacent an opposite end thereof (i.e., an end opposite the end that is attached to the second arm  412 ). For instance, any appropriate non-slip member (e.g., rubber, plastic, etc.) may be attached to or otherwise formed over the opposite end of the first arm  408  to facilitate grasping thereof. As another example, and as shown in  FIGS. 5-6 , the body  404  of the tool  400  may include a third arm  424  rigidly or non-movably attached to or relative to the opposite end of the first arm  408  and configured to be grasped by a user to manipulate the tool  400 . For instance, the third arm  424  may extend along a longitudinal axis  428  that is non-parallel (e.g., perpendicular or the like) to the longitudinal axis  416  of the first arm  408  to provide a mechanical advantage that allows the user to more easily torque or rotate the first arm  408  about the longitudinal axis  324  of the guide channel  320 . In one arrangement, the longitudinal axis  428  of the third arm  424  may also be non-parallel (e.g., perpendicular) to the longitudinal axis  420  of the second arm  412 . The third arm  424  may be part of a single piece along with the first and second arms  408 ,  412  that is appropriately bent or otherwise manipulated to form the first, second and third arms  408 ,  412 ,  424  or may be a separate piece that is appropriately attached to the first arm  408 . 
     To facilitate the reader&#39;s understanding of the various functionalities of the power switch manipulation apparatus  200 , one method of installation and use of the apparatus  200  will now be discussed although it is to be understood that other methods (including more, fewer, or different steps than those specifically discussed) consistent with the teachings presented herein are also envisioned and encompassed in the present disclosure. With reference to  FIGS. 2-5 , a user may initially insert the second leg  344  of the base member  300  into the storage rack  100  guide it into the vertical slot  156  between adjacent power switches  140  and then press the first leg  308  substantially flush against the front surface  168  of the vertical member  152 . The user may then slide the base member upwards until the alignment tab  352  catches on a power switch  140  at which point the user may rigidly secure the base member  300  to the vertical member  152  (e.g., such as by inserting fasteners through apertures  312  in the first leg  308  and/or in other manners). In one arrangement, the alignment tab  352  may be positioned on the second leg  344  in a manner that allows a user to slide the base member  300  downwardly until the alignment tab  352  catches on a top portion of a power switch  140  instead of the bottom portion (e.g., when the alignment tab  352  extends from a top portion of the second leg  344  instead of a bottom portion as shown in the figures). In any case, the user may repeat the above process with additional base members  300  for additional power switches  140  in the storage rack  100 . 
     The user may also position the tool  400  into the guide channel  320  of the base member  300  such as by inserting the first and second arms  408 ,  412  into the space  128  (e.g., such that a plane through the longitudinal axes  416 ,  420  of the first and second arms  408 ,  412  is parallel to the first arm  408  of the base member  400  or otherwise vertical) so that the second arm  412  at least just passes the guide channel  320  and then laterally moving the tool  400  (e.g., in a direction perpendicular to a front surface of the first leg  408 ) to insert the first leg  408  into the guide channel  320  so that the longitudinal axis  416  of the first leg  408  coincides with the longitudinal axis  324  of the guide channel  320 . Compare  FIGS. 7 a -7 b    to  FIGS. 8 a -8 b   . Inserting the tool  400  into the space  128  such that a plane through the longitudinal axes  416 ,  420  of the first and second arms  408 ,  412  is parallel to the first arm  408  of the base member  400  or otherwise vertical advantageously reduces the form factor of the tool  400  in the x-dimension (e.g., across the rear opening  124 ) to limit contact between the tool  400  and any componentry  136  disposed in the space  128 . 
     Once the first leg  408  is received in the guide channel  320 , the user may appropriately slide (e.g., urge, push) the first leg  408  along the longitudinal axes  324 ,  416  in first and/or second opposite directions  432 ,  436  so that the second arm  412  has generally aligned with the vertical slot  156 . See  FIGS. 5 and 8 . Stated differently, the first leg  408  may be slid so that the second leg  412  has passed the second arm  344  of the base member  300  but has not passed the power switch  140 . In one arrangement, the tool  400  may include an alignment feature that facilities the above positioning of the second arm  412 . For instance, the first arm  408  may include an alignment protrusion  440  (e.g., pin, tab, etc.) thereon or extending therefrom that is configured to contact a portion of the base member  300  (e.g., an edge of the first leg  308 ) as the user is sliding the first arm  408  along the longitudinal axes  324 ,  416  in the first direction  432  to inhibit further sliding movement of the first arm  408  in the first direction right as the second arm  412  has been positioned as above (e.g., absent rotation of the first arm  408  about the longitudinal axes  324 ,  416 ). With reference to  FIG. 8 b   , for instance, a user may initially position the first leg  408  in the guide channel  320  of the base member  300  so that a gap exists between the alignment protrusion  440  and the edge of the first leg  308 . Thereafter, pushing of the first leg  408  (e.g., first grasping and urging of the third leg  424 ) in the first direction  432  will be inhibited when the alignment protrusion  440  contacts the edge of the first leg  308  as shown in  FIG. 8   a.    
     The first arm  408  may now be rotated in one of a clockwise or counterclockwise direction about the longitudinal axes  324 ,  416  to position the second arm  412  in front of the power switch  140  so that the power switch  140  can be manipulated. For instance, a user may grasp the third arm  424  of the tool  400  and rotate the tool  400  in a counterclockwise direction by 90° to rotate the second arm  412  from a first rotational position as shown in  FIGS. 5, 8   a , and  8   b  to a second rotational position whereby it reaches into the vertical slot  156  and is positioned in front of the first portion  174  of the toggle member  172  of the power switch  140  (e.g., in the case where the longitudinal axes  324 ,  416  are positioned at the same height in the rack  100  as is the first portion  174  of the toggle member  172 ). Compare  FIGS. 8 a -8 b    and  FIGS. 9 a -9 b   . That is, rotation of the first arm  408  about the longitudinal axes  324 ,  416  induces rotation of the longitudinal axis  416  of the second arm  412  about the longitudinal axis  412  of the firm  408 . In the event the longitudinal axes  324 ,  416  were positioned at a height different than that of the first portion  174 , the tool  400  may be rotated by other amounts to position the second leg  412  in front of the first portion  174 . 
     With the second arm  412  in the second rotational position shown in  FIGS. 9 a , 9 b    and  10 , the user may urge the first arm  408  in the first direction  432  along the longitudinal axes  324 ,  416  (e.g. via pushing the third arm  424 ) to cause the second arm  412  to contact and manipulate (e.g., depress) the first portion  174  of the toggle member  172  so as to position the power switch  140  in one of an on or off position (e.g., as shown, into an on position). With reference to  FIGS. 9 b    and  10 , it can be seen how rotating the second arm  412  into the second rotational position clears the protrusion member  440  from the first leg  308  of the base member so that the first arm  408  can be pushed along the longitudinal axes  324 ,  416  in the first direction  432 . 
     To manipulate the second portion  176  of the toggle member  172  (e.g., to turn the power switch off), the user may continue rotating the first arm  408  in the one of the clockwise or counterclockwise directions (e.g., as shown, in the counterclockwise direction) to position the second arm  412  in a third rotational position that is in front of the second portion  176 . The particular amount of rotation may depend on the dimensions of the toggle member  172  (e.g., height and width of first and second portions  174 ,  176 ). For instance, the user may rotate the tool  400  by an additional approximate 30° (or a total of about 120° from the starting position shown in  FIG. 8 a   ) to position the second arm  412  in front of the second portion  176 . As discussed previously, the platform  360  of the stop member  356  may advantageously inhibit further rotation of the tool  400  about the longitudinal axes  324 ,  416  just as the second arm  412  has reached its position in front of the second portion  176 . See  FIGS. 11 a -11 b    (power switch  140  not shown for clarity, but also see  FIG. 5 ). Once in the third rotational position, the user may slide the tool along the longitudinal axes  324 ,  416  to manipulate the second portion  176  of the toggle member  172 . In some arrangements, the user may have to slightly adjust the longitudinal position of the first arm  408  along the longitudinal axis  324 ,  416  (e.g., in the first and/or second directions  432 ,  436 ) between the second and third rotational positions of the second arm  412 . 
     A user may utilize the same tool  400  to manipulate a plurality of power switches  140  in the storage rack  100 . For instance, a user may sequentially insert the tool  400  into guide channels  324  of a plurality of base member  300  and rotate and push the tool  400  in each guide channel  324  to turn on or turn off each of the power switches as appropriate. In some arrangements, the user may turn the tool  400  directly into the third rotational position of the second arm  412  in front of the second portion  176  (e.g., to position the power switch  140  into an off position). In other arrangements, the user may turn the tool directly into the second rotational position of the second arm  412  in front of the first portion  174  (e.g., to position the power switch  140  into an on position). 
     While shown as being mounted on one side of the rack  100 , it is also to be understood that the manipulation apparatus  200  could also be mounted on the other side of the rack  100  when the power switches  140  are disposed on the other side of the rack. When doing so, for instance, the base member  300  may be mounted in an upside down manner (flipped by 180°) and the tool  400  may start from a position that is 180° from the starting position shown in  FIG. 8 a   . The tool  400  may however be rotated in the same one of the clockwise or counterclockwise directions as when the base member  300  is mounted as shown in the figures. Also, in the event the power switches  140  were located on an opposite wall, such as the side wall  164  of the vertical member  152 , the user may urge (e.g., pull) the tool  400  in the second direction  436  along the longitudinal axes  324 ,  416  to manipulate the power switches  140 . 
       FIGS. 12 a -12 b    illustrate one embodiment of a holder  500  (e.g., storage mechanism) for a tool such as the tool  400  of the manipulation apparatus  200  that may be secured in any convenient location (e.g., such as on an upper portion of the rack  100  or the like) to limit loss of the tool and facilitate location of the tool when needed. Broadly, the holder  500  may include a body  504  (e.g., one or more brackets or the like) including at least a first leg  508  (e.g., bracket, sheet member, etc.) that is configured to be attached to any appropriate portion of the rack  100  (e.g., such as extending fasteners through apertures  510  in the first leg  508  and into corresponding apertures in a top portion of the vertical member  152  or in another member of the frame of the storage rack  100 ). The holder  500  may also include a securement member  516  defining a channel  518  attached to or formed by the first leg  508  within which a portion of the tool  400  (e.g., third arm  424 ) may be selectively fixably received. In one arrangement, the securement member  516  may be in the form of a clip that is configured to clamp around the portion of the tool  400  when the tool  400  is forced into the channel  518 . In another arrangement, the securement member  516  may be similar in shape to the guide member  320  of the base member  300 . 
     In one variation, the holder  500  may include a pivotal door  524  that is configured to selectively cover the opening to the channel  518  after the portion of the tool  400  has been received therein. As just one example, a user may loosen a threaded fastener  528  (e.g., thumb screw) about which the door  524  is configured to pivot or rotate and then pivot the door  524  away from the channel  518  to allow access to the channel  518 . Compare  FIGS. 13 a -13 b   . The user may then insert the third leg  424  into the channel  518  and pivot the door  524  back over the channel  518  and tighten down the threaded fastener  528  to secure the third leg  424  in the channel  518 . See  FIG. 14 . 
     In one arrangement, the body  504  may additionally include a second leg  512  (e.g., bracket, sheet member, etc.) rigidly attached to the first leg  508  and that is configure to constrain or secure another portion of the tool  400 . For instance, the holder  500  may include another securement member defining a channel  520  attached to or formed by the second leg  512  within which another portion of the tool  400  (e.g., second arm  412 ) may be selectively fixably received. In one arrangement, the securement member may be in the form of a clip that is configured to clamp around the other portion of the tool  400  when the tool  400  is forced into the channel  520 . In another arrangement, an end of the second arm  412  of the tool  400  may be inserted into a side of the channel  520  (e.g. in a direction into the page in  FIG. 13 b   ). Respective longitudinal axes (not labeled) of the channels  518 ,  520  of the securement members may be oriented relative to each other in a manner similar to how the longitudinal axes  428 ,  416  of the third and second arms  424 ,  412  are oriented relative to each other. 
     In one arrangement, and as shown in  FIGS. 12 a   - 14 , the first and second legs  508 ,  512  may be perpendicularly positioned relative to each other to allow the first and second legs  508 ,  512  to respectively lie flush against first and second perpendicular surfaces of a portion of the frame of the storage rack  100  (e.g., such as front and side surfaces  168 ,  164  of vertical member  152 ). While discussed in the context of holding tool  400 , it is to be understood that the holder  500  may be used to hold, secure and store other tools used in other contexts. In this regard,  FIGS. 20-21  present isometric views of other embodiments of the holder  500 ′,  500 ″ that may be appropriately attached to a surface (e.g., storage rack, other surfaces, etc.) for holding and storing various types of tools. In  FIG. 20 , for instance, the securement channel  520 ′ is oriented perpendicular to the securement channel  520  of  FIG. 12 a    but is still perpendicular to the securement channel  518 . In  FIG. 21 , the holder  500 ″ is devoid of a securement channel on the second leg. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates another embodiment of the manipulation apparatus  200 ′ that is configured to allow users to manipulate switches within the storage rack  100 , such as one or more of the power switches  140  of the PDU  132 , free of having to physically reach into the storage rack  100  (e.g., into or through space  128  via rear opening  124 ) to manipulate the power switches  140 . Broadly, the manipulation apparatus  200 ′ includes a base member  300 ′ and a tool  400 ′ that is movably mounted to the base member  300 ′ in a manner that allows a user manipulate one of the power switches  140 . In one arrangement, the base member  300 ′ may include a body  304 ′ having at least a first leg  308 ′ (e.g., bracket, sheet member, etc.) that may be appropriately rigidly or non-movably secured to the vertical member  152  similar to how the first leg  308  of the manipulation apparatus  200  may be secured to the vertical member (e.g., via inserting fasteners through apertures in the first leg  308 ′, not shown, and/or in other manners). For instance, the first leg  308 ′ may be secured at height substantially the same as a height of a particular one of the power switches  140  in the storage rack  100 . While not shown, the body  304 ′ may in one embodiment include a second leg with an alignment member (e.g., alignment member  352  of  FIGS. 3 and 5 ) configured to catch on a portion of a power switch  140  to facilitate location of the base member  300 ′ adjacent the same. 
     The tool  400 ′ may be in the form of a mechanical linkage pivotally attached to the body  304 ′ of the base member  300 ′ that is configured to manipulate the power switch  140  upon manipulation of the tool  400 ′ by a user and that is configured to be manipulated by the power switch  140  upon tripping of the power switch  140  to provide a visual indication to a user of a tripped condition. Broadly, the tool  400 ′ may include a rocker assembly  600  pivotally attached to the body  304 ′ at pivot point  604  (e.g., via a rivet or the like so as to pivot about a pivot axis that is perpendicular to the body  304 ′) and configured to manipulate or be manipulated by the power switch  140 . The tool  400 ′ also includes an actuation arm  700  pivotally attached to the body  304 ′ at pivot point  704  (e.g., via a rivet or the like so as to pivot about a pivot axis that is perpendicular to the body  304 ′ and parallel to the pivot axis of the rocker assembly  600 ) that is configured to manipulate the rocker assembly  600  (e.g., upon application of a force by a user) or be manipulated by the rocker assembly  600  (e.g. upon application of a force by the power switch  140 , such as by first portion  174  of the trigger assembly  172  popping out in a direction towards the rocker assembly  600 ). 
     The rocker assembly  600  may include a rocker arm  608  (e.g., bracket) including first and second portions  612 ,  616  that are rigidly attached to each other at any appropriate angle (e.g. such as an obtuse angle as shown), where the concave portion of the rocker arm  608  faces away from the power switch  140 , and where the pivot point  604  is disposed between the first and second portions  612 ,  616  so that the first and second portions  612 ,  616  can pivot or rock about the pivot axis through the pivot point  604 . The rocker assembly  600  also includes first and second rocker legs  620 ,  624  respectively attached to the first and second portions  612 ,  616  of the rocker arm  608  in any appropriate manner and configured to reach away from the first and second portions  612 ,  616  and into the vertical slot  156  in front of the first and second portions  174 ,  176  of the toggle member  172 . 
     For instance, the first and second rocker legs  620 ,  624  may be in the form of rigid bands, rods, or the like that have a first portion (not labeled) attached to the first and second portions  612 ,  616  and a second portion (not labeled) angled relative to the first portion (e.g., at a perpendicular angle as shown) to allow the first and second legs  620 ,  624  to reach into the vertical slot  156  in front of the first and second portions  174 ,  176  of the toggle member  172 . In one arrangement, the first and second rocker legs  620 ,  624  may be rigidly or non-movably attached to the first and second portions  612 ,  616  (e.g., such as by welding, or in the case of a one piece member). In another arrangement, the first and second rocker legs  620 ,  624  may be connected to the first and second portions  612 ,  616  via any appropriate flexible or movable joint or connection to maintain the first and second rocker legs  620 ,  624  in a horizontal position when the rocker arm  608  is forced to pivot about its pivot axis at the pivot point  604 . 
     The actuation arm  700  may include first and second portions  708 ,  712  that are rigidly attached to each other at any appropriate angle (e.g., an obtuse angle as shown in  FIG. 15 ). The first portion  708  is configured to be manipulated by a user and provide a visual indication to a user of a tripped condition of the power switch  140  and the second portion  712  is configured to manipulate the first and second portions  612 ,  616  of the rocker arm  608  to induce contact between the first and second rocker legs  620 ,  624  and the first and second portions  174 ,  176  of the toggle assembly  172  of the power switch  140 . 
       FIGS. 15 and 16   a  illustrate a first position of the tool  400 ′ in which the tool  400 ′ has been manipulated by a user to depress or otherwise manipulate the first portion  174  of the toggle assembly  172  so as to position the power switch  140  in an on position. To reach the position shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16   a , a user may depress the first portion  708  of the actuation arm  700  (e.g., push in a downward direction) to induce rotation of the actuation arm  700  about its pivot axis through pivot point  704  in one of a clockwise or counterclockwise direction (e.g., as shown, in a counterclockwise direction). Upon depression of the first portion  708 , the second portion  712  also rotates in the same counterclockwise direction and forcibly slides along the first portion  612  of the rocker arm  608  to induce clockwise rotation of the rocker arm  608  about its pivot axis through pivot point  604  and simultaneous movement of the first rocker leg  620  against first portion  174  of the toggle assembly  172  to depress the first portion  174 . Stated otherwise, the tool  400 ′ essentially forms a cam that translates the rotation of the actuation arm  700  into at least somewhat linear movement of the first and second rocker legs  620 ,  624 . In one arrangement, any appropriate stop or limiting member may be attached to the base member  300 ′ or the like to inhibit further rotation of the actuation arm  700  in the counterclockwise direction (and thus further rotation of the rocker arm  600  in the clockwise direction) past that shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16   a.    
     In one embodiment, the actuation arm  700  or rocker assembly  600  may be configured to trigger any appropriate visual indication apparatus upon reaching the position shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16   a  to provide a visual indication to a user that the first portion  174  of the power switch  140  has been depressed (e.g., that the power switch  140  is in an on position). For instance, respective push buttons (not shown) may be appropriately placed near two end positions of the actuation arm  700 , such as that shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16   a  and that shown in  FIG. 16 b    (discussed below). The push buttons may then be appropriately wired to a different colored indicators (e.g., green and red LEDs) via resistors, where a battery or other alternative power source may be connected to the system to light up a respective LED when its corresponding button is depressed or triggered by the actuation arm  700 . 
     In any case,  FIG. 16 b    illustrates another position of the tool  400 ′ after the power switch  140  has tripped (e.g., so that the first portion  174  of the toggle assembly  172  has popped outwardly in a direction towards the manipulation apparatus  200 ′). As shown, the first portion  174  of the toggle assembly  172  has applied a force against the first rocker arm  620  that pushes the first portion  612  of the rocker arm  608  in a counterclockwise direction from its position shown in  FIG. 16 a    and which simultaneously forces the actuation arm  700  to rotate in a clockwise direction from its position shown in  FIG. 16 a   . More particularly, the counterclockwise movement of the rocker arm  608  from its position shown in  FIG. 16 a    induces the end of the second portion  712  of the actuation arm  700  to slide downwardly along the rocker arm  608  from the first portion  612  onto the second portion  616 , such as towards an end of the second portion  616  near or past where the second portion  616  attaches to second rocker arm  624 . As shown, the first portion  708  of the actuation arm  700  has moved clockwise into a different position than that shown in  FIG. 16 a    (e.g., such as a position where it is sticking straight out from the base member  300 ′ as shown in  FIG. 16 b   ). This position of the first portion  708  may visually represent to a user that the power switch  140  has been tripped and may be the other end position of the actuation arm  700 . As mentioned above, movement of the actuation arm  700  into the position shown in  FIG. 16 b    may trigger another LED to light up to provide another visual indication that the power switch  140  has been tripped. It is also seen how the end of the second rocker arm  624  has moved closer to the second portion  176  of the toggle assembly  172  in the position of the tool  400 ′ shown in  FIG. 16   b.    
     To sequentially turn off and then turn on the power switch  140  (i.e., to reset the power switch  140 ), a user may again depress the first portion  708  back into the position shown in  FIG. 16 a   . As shown in  FIG. 16 c   , the end of the second portion  712  of the actuation arm  700  may initially ride up the second portion  616  of the rocker arm to initially pivot the rocker arm  608  in a counterclockwise direction and force the end of the second rocker leg  624  against the second portion  176  of the trigger assembly  172  and position the power switch  140  into an off position. As the user continues depressing the first portion  708  all the way into the position shown in  FIG. 16 a   , the end of the second portion  712  eventually passes the pivot point  604  and rides onto the first portion  612  of the rocker arm  608  causing the rocker arm  608  to now pivot in an opposite clockwise direction which pushes the first rocker arm  620  against the first portion  174  of the toggle assembly  172  and pulls the second rocker arm  624  away from the second portion  176  of the toggle assembly  172 . Again, the first LED may light up to indicate to a user that the power switch  140  is now in its on position. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates another embodiment of the manipulation apparatus  200 ″ that is configured to allow users to manipulate switches within the storage rack  100  free of having to physically reach into the storage rack  100  (e.g., into or through space  128  via rear opening  124 ) to manipulate the switches. Broadly, the manipulation apparatus  200 ″ includes a base member  300 ″ and a tool  400 ″ that is movably mounted to the base member  300 ′ in a manner that allows a user manipulate one of the switches. In one arrangement, the base member  300 ″ may include a body  304 ″ having at least a first leg  308 ″ (e.g., bracket, sheet member, etc.) that may be appropriately rigidly or non-movably secured to the vertical member  152  similar to how the first leg  308  of the manipulation apparatus  200  may be secured to the vertical member (e.g., via inserting fasteners through apertures in the first leg  308 ″, not labeled, and/or in other manners). As an example, the first leg  308 ″ may be secured at height substantially the same as a height of a particular one of the power switches  140  in the storage rack  100 . For instance, the body  304 ″ may in one embodiment include a second leg  344 ″ with an alignment member  352 ″ (e.g., alignment member  352  of  FIGS. 3 and 5 ) configured to catch on a portion of a power switch to facilitate location of the base member  300 ″ adjacent the same 
     The tool  400 ″ may be in the form of a mechanical linkage movably attached to the body  304 ″ of the base member  300 ″ that is configured to manipulate the power switch  140  upon manipulation of the tool  400 ″ by a user and that is configured to be manipulated by the power switch  140  upon tripping of the switch to provide a visual indication to a user of a tripped condition. Broadly, the tool  400 ″ may include an assembly  900  including first and second arms  904 ,  908  that are pivotally attached to each other at a pivot point  912  (e.g., for pivotal movement of the first arm  904  relative to the second arm  908  about a pivot axis extending through the pivot about and into the page in  FIGS. 18 b  and 19 b   ). Pivotal movement of the first arm  904  is constrained in any appropriate manner, such as through a pin  916  of the first arm  904  being received for sliding movement within a slot  920  in the base member  300 ″, or vice versa. Furthermore, the second arm  908  (e.g., a sliding member) is constrained to translation or sliding movement in a first direction towards a power switch and an opposite second direction away from the power switch such as through pins  924  of the base member  300 ″ being received in slots  928  of the second arm  908 , or vice versa. 
     The second arm  908  is configured to reach away from the pivot point  912  and the first arm  904  and into the vertical slot  156  in front of a power switch (e.g., not shown in  FIGS. 17-19   b , such as one of power switches  140  or a different type of power switch including a single button that may be depressed to turn the power switch on an that pops out when the switch has tripped). For instance, the second arm  908  may be in the form of one or more rigid bands, rods, brackets or the like having a first portion (not labeled) attached to the first arm  904  at the pivot point  912  and a second portion (not labeled) angled relative to the first portion (e.g., at a perpendicular angle as shown) to allow the first and second legs  620 ,  624  to reach into the vertical slot  156  in front of a power switch. In operation, a user may lift up on the first arm  904  to induce the second arm  908  to move in the first linear direction into contact with the power switch so as to depress a button or toggle member of the power switch into an on position. See  FIGS. 19 a -19 b    (where  FIG. 19 b    has a cover member  800  removed for clarity). As can be seen, the tool  400 ″ functions as a cam by converting pivotal movement of the first arm  904  about the pivot point  912  (as constrained via sliding of pin  916  in slot  920 ) in a first rotational direction (e.g., in a clockwise direction) into sliding movement of the second arm  908  (as constrained via sliding of pins  924  in slots  928 ) in a direction towards a power switch. 
     Upon the power switch tripping whereby the power switch pops out, the power switch pushes against the end of the second arm  908  to induce sliding of the second arm  908  in an opposite second direction. As the second arm  908  slides in the opposite direction, the second arm  908  induces the pin  920  to ride down the slot  916  to induce corresponding pivoting the first arm  904  in a second rotational direction (e.g., in a counterclockwise direction) into the depressed position shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18   a - 18   b . The depressed position of the first arm  904  of  FIGS. 18 a -18 b    provides a vision indication to a user that the power switch has tripped. To reset the power switch, the user may lift up on the first arm  904  into the position shown in  FIGS. 19 a -19 b    to cause the second arm  908  to again depress the power switch. While lifting of the first arm  904  has been discussed as causing the second arm  908  to depress the power switch into an on position and tripping of the power switch has been discussed as causing the second arm  908  to depress the first arm  904 , the tool  400 ″ could be appropriately arranged vice versa whereby a user depresses the first arm  904  to turn the power switch on and the first arm  904  lifts up in a tripped state of the power switch. 
       FIGS. 23-32  illustrate another embodiment of the manipulation apparatus  200 ′″ that is configured to allow users to manipulate switches within the storage rack  100 , such as one or more of the power switches  140  of the PDU  132 , free of having to physically reach into the storage rack  100  (e.g., into or through space  128  via rear opening  124 ) to manipulate the power switches  140 . Broadly, the manipulation apparatus  200 ′″ includes a base member  300 ′″ and a tool assembly  400 ′″ (e.g. manipulation assembly) that is movably mounted to the base member  300 ′″ in a manner that allows a user manipulate one of the power switches  140 . In one arrangement, the base member  300 ′″ may include a body  304 ′″ having at least a first leg  308 ′″ (e.g., bracket, sheet member, etc.) that may be appropriately rigidly or non-movably secured to the vertical member  152  similar to how the first leg  308  of the manipulation apparatus  200  may be secured to the vertical member (e.g., via inserting fasteners through apertures in the first leg  308 ′″, not labeled, and/or in other manners). For instance, the first leg  308 ′″ may be secured at a height substantially the same as that of a particular one of the power switches  140  in the storage rack  100 . In one embodiment, the body  304 ′″ may include a second leg  344 ″ with an alignment member  352 ′″ (e.g., alignment member  352  of  FIGS. 3 and 5 ) configured to catch on a portion of a power switch (e.g. lower edge of power switch) to facilitate location of the base member  300 ′″ adjacent the same 
     The tool assembly  400 ′″ may broadly be in the form of at least first and second independently manipulatable tools  1004 ,  1008  that are each constrained to a single degree of motion relative to the base member  300 ′″ (e.g., each being constructed to movement within or parallel to a single plane) for purposes of manipulating and/or being manipulated by a power switch  140 . In one arrangement, the first tool  1004  may be in the form of a bracket that is slidably attached to the body  304 ′″ of the base member  300 ′″, such that urging (e.g., pushing by an operator) of the first tool  1004  in a first direction towards the power switch  140  (e.g., in the y or front/back dimension) is configured to manipulate the first portion  174  of the power switch  140  into an on position of the power switch  140  while urging of the first tool  1004  (e.g., by the first portion  174  of the power switch  140 ) in an opposite second direction away from the power switch (e.g., upon tripping of the first portion  174  or upon manipulation of the second portion  176  by the second tool  1008 , discussed below) is configured to indicate to an operator that the power switch has tripped or has been manipulated into an off position (e.g., by virtue of the position of the first tool  1004  relative to that of the second tool  1008 ). 
     For instance, the first tool  1004  may include a body  1012  including at least a first arm  1016  that is slidable (e.g., translatable, reciprocable) along or parallel to a first axis  1100  (e.g., that is parallel to the y-axis or front/back dimension) relative to the base member  300 ′″ in a first direction generally towards the power switch  140  (e.g., generally towards an interior of the storage rack  100 ) and in an opposite second direction generally away from the power switch (e.g., towards an exterior of the storage rack  100 ). A longitudinal axis of the first arm  1012  may be collinear with or generally parallel to the first axis  1100 . For instance, the first arm  1016  may be in the form an elongated member (e.g., band, rod, bracket, etc.) having a cross-sectional shape and size that allows it slide or translate along the first axis  1100  but that inhibits rotation of the first arm about the first axis  1100  and/or its longitudinal axis. In one arrangement, the first arm  1016  may be of a length substantially equal to or greater than a distance between the rear opening  124  and the vertical slot  156  (e.g., or other location where the switch  140  is located). 
     The body  1012  of the first tool  1004  may also include a second arm  1020  that is rigidly attached to or at least non-movable relative to the first arm  1016  such that movement of the first arm  1016  along the first axis  1100  in a first direction along the y-dimension induces corresponding movement of the second arm  1020  in the first direction along the y-dimension. In one arrangement, the second arm  1020  may be rigidly attached to a second of first and second ends  1017 ,  1018  of the first arm  1016  and non-movably attached thereto at a non-parallel (e.g. perpendicular, 45°, etc.) angle so that the second arm  1020  “reaches into” the vertical slot  156  at a position in front of the switch  140  (e.g., in front of the first/on portion  174  of the switch  140 ). In one arrangement, the body  1012  may be a single piece of material (e.g., bar stock, rod, etc.) that is appropriately bent to form at least the first and second arms  1016 ,  1020 . In other arrangements, the first and second arms  1016 ,  1020  may be separate pieces that are appropriately rigidly attached together. In further arrangements, one or more additional arms may rigidly and non-movably interconnect the first arm  1016  to the second arm  1020 . 
     The second tool  1008  may be in the form of a bracket that is slidably attached to the body  304 ′″ of the base member  300 ′″ for movement towards and away from the second portion  176  (the “off” portion) of the power switch  140  to allow an operator to manipulate power switch  140  into an off position. For instance, the second tool  1008  may include a body  1024  including at least a first arm  1028  that is slidable (e.g., translatable, reciprocable) along or parallel to a second axis  1200  (e.g., that is parallel to the y-axis or front/back dimension) relative to the base member  300 ′″ in a first direction generally towards the power switch  140  (e.g., generally towards an interior of the storage rack  100 ) and in an opposite second direction generally away from the power switch (e.g., towards an exterior of the storage rack  100 ). A longitudinal axis of the first arm  1024  may be collinear with or generally parallel to the first axis  1200 . The first and second axes  1100 ,  1200  may be parallel. 
     The second tool  1008  may also include a second arm  1032  that is rigidly attached to or at least non-movable relative to the first arm  1028  such that movement of the first arm  1028  along the first axis  1200  in a first direction along the y-dimension induces corresponding movement of the second arm  1032  in the first direction along the y-dimension. For instance, the second arm  1032  may be rigidly attached to a second of first and second ends  1029 ,  1030  of the first arm  1028  and non-movably attached thereto at a non-parallel (e.g. perpendicular, 45°, etc.) angle so that the second arm  1032  “reaches into” the vertical slot  156  at a position in front of the switch  140  (e.g., in front of the second/off portion  176  of the switch  140 ). Like the first tool  1004 , the second tool  1008  may be constructed in any appropriate manner and of any appropriate materials to allow the second tool  1008  to slidably travel in the single degree motion. 
     In one arrangement, the bodies  1012 ,  1024  of the first and second tools  1004 ,  1008  be identical for facilitating assembly of the manipulation apparatus  200 ′″ (e.g., such as when the first and second portions  174 ,  176  of the power switch  140  are in a common plane in which the x and z dimensions both reside). However, it is to be understood that the dimensions and/or geometries of the first and second tools  1004 ,  1008  (e.g., lengths of first arms  1016 ,  1028 , shape of bends of second arms  1020 ,  1032 , etc.) may be adjusted as appropriate to allow the first and second tools  1004 ,  1008  to manipulate power switches  140  of different geometries, positions, etc. 
     The base member  300 ′″ may include first and second guide channels  320   1 ′″,  320   2 ′″ for respectively receiving the first arms  1016 ,  1028  of the first and second tools  1004 ,  1008  and confining movement of the first arms  1016 ,  1028  to sliding movement along the respective first and second axes  1100 ,  1200  in the first and second opposite directions (e.g., by way of limiting or preventing movement of the first and second tools  1004 ,  1008  in the z or up/down dimension). For instance, the first and second guide channels  320   1 ′″,  320   2 ′″ may each be defined by upper and lower guide members  3289 ′″,  332 ′″ that are configured respectively contact or nearly contact upper and lower edges (not labeled) of the respective first arms  1016 ,  1028 . In one arrangement, the upper and lower guide members  328 ′″,  332 ′″ may extend away from the first leg  308 ′″ of the base member  300 ′″, such as at a perpendicular or nearly perpendicular angle relative to the first leg  308 ″. As just one example, each of the guide members  328 ′″,  332 ′″ may be a portion of the first leg  308 ′″ that is appropriately bent or manipulated away from a main body of the first leg  308 ′″ to form the first and second guide channels  320   1 ′″,  320   2 ′. 
     The first tool  1004  may be biased along the first axis  1100  in the first direction (generally towards the power switch  140 ) by a first biasing force that is enough to press the first tool  1004  (e.g., the second arm  1020 ) against or at least towards the first portion  174  of the power switch  140  but short of enough to manipulate (e.g., press) the first portion  174  of the power switch  140  into an on position of the power switch  140 . A user may press the first end  1017  of the first arm  1016  of the first tool  1004  in the first direction to overcome the resistance of the first portion  174  of the power switch  140  to manipulate the same into the on position. The first biasing force then maintains the second arm  1020  of the first tool  1004  against the first portion  174  of the power switch  140  in the on position until the first biasing force is overcome by the first portion  174  of the switch  140  pressing back against the second arm  1020  to move the first tool  1004  in the opposite second direction upon the power switch  140  tripping or a user pressing the second tool  1008  in the first direction to manipulate the second (e.g., off) portion  176  of the power switch  140  (discussed in more detail below). 
     The first biasing force may be provided by a first biasing member  1036  (e.g., spring) that is connected or positioned between a first connection surface (e.g., projection, protrusion, recess, etc.)  366 ′″ of the base member  300 ′″ that may generally extend in the first direction towards the power switch  140  (where the first connection surface  366 ′″ is non-movable relative to the first leg  308 ′″ and the base member  300 ′″ as a whole), and a connection surface (e.g., projection, etc.)  1040  of the first tool  1004  that generally extends in the second direction away from the power switch  140 . In one arrangement, the first connection surface  366 ′″ of the base member  300 ′″ may extend from a portion of the upper guide member  328 ′″ of the first guide channel  320   1 ′″. In any case, a first end of the first biasing member  1036  is generally fixed against the first connection surface  366 ′″ of the base member  300 ′″ and is thus non-moveable relative to the base member  300 ′″, while an opposite second end of the first biasing member  1036  is fixed against the connection surface  1040  of the first tool  1004  but movable relative to the base member  300 ′″ to urge the first tool  1004  in the first direction. That is, the first biasing member  1036  may push off of the first connection surface  366 ′ of the base member  300 ′″ to bias the first tool  1004  in the first direction. 
     In one arrangement, the first biasing member  1036  may be in the form of a compression spring that urges the second arm  1020  of the first tool  1004  against the first portion  174  of the power switch  140  (but not, as discussed above, enough to actually manipulate the first portion  174  free of a user pressing on the first tool  1004 . After the user has pressed the first tool  1004  to manipulate the first portion  174  into the on position, the compression spring may maintain the second arm  1020  of the first tool against the first portion  174  (e.g., by a force that may be overcome by the force generated by the first portion  174  against the second arm  1020  upon tripping of the first portion  174 . In another arrangement, the first biasing member  1036  may be in the form of an extension spring that is configured pull or retract the first tool  1004  slightly away from the first portion  174  of the power switch  140  after a user has pressed the first tool  1004  to manipulate the first portion  174 . In the first position of the first tool  1004  in  FIG. 32 a   , for instance, where the first portion  174  is in the off position, the first portion  174  may be pressing against the second arm  1020  of the first tool  1004  to position the extension spring into an at least slightly compressed position from its normal resting or non-biased position. 
     When a user subsequently depresses the first tool  1004  to turn on the power switch  140 , the built up potential energy in the spring urges the first tool  1004  in the first direction along the axis  1100  towards the switch  140  until the spring reaches its resting or non-biased position (which corresponds to a third position of the first tool  1004 , discussed below) which occurs before the first portion  174  has been manipulated into its on position. In this regard, the continued movement of the first tool  1004  into a second position needed to manipulate the first portion into its on position (e.g., as in  FIG. 32 b   ) serves to stretch the spring and build up potential energy in the spring. Upon release of the first tool  1004  by the user after the first portion  174  has been manipulated into the on position, the built-up potential energy automatically retracts the first tool  1004  away from the first portion  174  into a third position of the first tool  1004  between the first and second positions to leave a gap between the second arm  1020  of the first tool  1004  and the first portion  174  of the power switch  140  (gap not shown in Figures). In one arrangement, the gap may be of a size large enough to allow the first portion  174  to “pop out” a distance necessary to at least stop the flow of electricity through the circuit within which the power switch  140  is connected upon tripping of the power switch  140  in a substantially unimpeded manner (i.e., unimpeded by the first tool  1004 ). After the circuit has been cut, the continued popping out of the first portion  174  serves to compress the spring to again store potential energy in the same. 
     The second tool  1008  may rest in a non-biased position in contact with or slightly spaced away from the second portion  176  of the power switch  140 . Upon a user depressing the second tool  1008  to depress/manipulate the second portion  176  to turn off the power switch  140  and then releasing the second tool  1008 , a second biasing force may bias the second tool  1008  back along the second axis  1200  in the second direction. For instance, the second biasing force may be provided by a second biasing member  1044  (e.g., spring) that is connected or positioned between a second connection surface (e.g., projection, protrusion, recess, depression, etc.)  370 ′″ of the base member  300 ′″ that may generally extend in the second direction away from the power switch  140  (where the second connection surface  370 ′″ is non-movable relative to the first leg  308 ′″ and the base member  300 ′″ as a whole), and a connection surface (e.g., projection)  1048  of the second tool  1008  that generally extends in the first direction towards the power switch  140 . In one arrangement, the second connection surface  370 ′″ of the base member  300 ′″ may extend from a portion of the lower guide member  332 ′″ of the second guide channel  320   2 ′″. In any case, a first end of the second biasing member  1044  is generally fixed against the second connection surface  370 ′″ of the base member  300 ′″ and is thus non-moveable relative to the base member  300 ′″, while an opposite second end of the second biasing member  1044  is fixed against the connection surface  1048  of the second tool  1008  but movable relative to the base member  300 ′″ to urge the second tool  1008  in the second direction. The second biasing member  1044  may be in the form of a compression or extension spring for instance. 
     In one arrangement, each of the first and second tools  1004 ,  1008  may include both of the protrusions  1040 ,  1048  (where the protrusions  1040 ,  1048  extend or point in opposite directions) as shown in the figures, even though, in one embodiment only the protrusion  1040  may be utilized for the first tool  1004  and only the protrusion  1048  may be utilized for the second tool  1008 . This arrangement advantageously allows the directions of the biasing forces of the first and second tools  1004 ,  1008  to be reversed if needed to account for changes in the relative locations of the first and second portions  174 ,  176  of the switch  140 . In this case, additional corresponding protrusions could be added to the base member  300 ′″. 
     In any case, a cover member  1300  may be appropriately secured over the first leg  308 ′″ of the base member  300 ′″ to contain or protect the first legs  1016 ,  1028  of the first and second tools  1004 ,  1004  and the first and second biasing members  1036 ,  1044  between the cover member  1300  and the first leg  308 ′″ and limit or prevent movement of the first and second legs in the x or side to side dimension. As just one example, the cover member  1300  may be in the form of a bracket, plate, and/or the like having the same or similar y and z dimensions to those of the first leg  308 ′″ of the base member  300 ′″ and that may be fixedly secured thereto in any appropriate manner (e.g., such as via extending rivets or the like through aligned apertures in the first leg  308 ′″ and the cover member  1300 ). In one arrangement, the cover member  1300  may include first and second extensions (e.g., protrusions, ribs, etc.)  1304 ,  1308  extending from an inside surface thereof respectively towards the first arms  1016 ,  1028  of the first and second tools  1004 ,  1008  that are configured to contact (e.g., press against) or nearly contact the first arms  1016 ,  1028  when the cover member  1300  is secured to the base member  300 ′″ to limit or prevent x or side to side movement of the first and second tools  1004 ,  1008  (but to still allow for y or front/back movement of the first and second tools  1004 ,  1008  along or parallel to the first and second axes  1100 ,  1200 ). 
     Additionally or alternatively, the cover member  1300  may include pairs of front and rear slots  1312 ,  1316  through which the first arms  1016 ,  1028  of the first and second tools  1004 ,  1008  are configured to slide in the y or front to back dimension. In addition to constraining motion of the first and second tools  1004 ,  1008  to sliding motion in the y dimension, the slots (e.g., the rear slots  1316 ) also advantageously prevent or limit over-travel (or otherwise set a maximum limit on travel in the first direction towards the power switch  140 ) of the first and second tools  1004 ,  1008  in the first direction towards the power switch  140  (e.g., via engagement between edges of the slots and corresponding structures on the first and second tools  1004 ,  1008  (e.g., such as steps, ridges or protrusions on the first arms  1020 ,  1028  of the first and second tools  1004 ,  1008 , not labeled). 
     To facilitate the reader&#39;s understanding of the various functionalities of the power switch manipulation apparatus  200 ′″, one method of installation and use of the apparatus  200 ′″ will now be discussed although it is to be understood that other methods (including more, fewer, or different steps than those specifically discussed) consistent with the teachings presented herein are also envisioned and encompassed in the present disclosure. Initially, the first and second biasing members  1036 ,  1044  may be appropriately attached to the base member  300 ′″ such as by fitting a first end of the first biasing member  1036  over the protrusion  1040  of the first tool  1004  and a first end of the second biasing member  1044  over the protrusion  1048  of the second tool  1008 . The first and second tools  1004 ,  1008  may then be respectively inserted into the first and second guide channels  320   1 ′″,  320   2 ′″ of the base member  300 ′″ and the second ends of the first and second biasing members  1036 ,  1044  may be respectively fitted over the first and second protrusions  366 ′″,  370 ′″ of the base member  300 ′″. Of course, the first and second biasing members  1036 ,  1044  may be first fitted over the first and second protrusions  366 ′″,  370 ′″ of the base member  300 ′″, and then the first and second tools  1004 ,  1008  may be inserted into the first and second guide channels  320   1 ′″,  320   2 ′″ and the first and second biasing members  1036 ,  1044  fitted over the protrusions  1040 ,  1048  of the first and second tools  1004 ,  1008 . 
     In any event, the cover member  1300  may then be positioned over the first and second tools  1004 ,  1008  and first and second biasing members  1036 ,  1044  and secured to the first leg  308 ′″ of the base member  300 ′″. As just one example, apertures  1320  through the cover member  1300  may be aligned with corresponding apertures  313 ′″ through the first leg  308 ′″ of the base member  300 ′″ and fasteners (e.g., rivets, etc.) may be passed through the aligned sets of apertures to secure the cover member  1300  to the base member  300 ′″. As discussed previously, the cover member  1300  serves to protect and contact the first and second tools  1004 ,  1008  and first and second biasing members  1036 ,  1044  as well as constrain motion of the first and second tools  1004 ,  1008  along or parallel to the first and second axes  1100 ,  1200  (e.g., to a single degree of motion, such as sliding motion in first and second opposite directions in the y-dimension). 
     A user may then insert the second leg  344 ′″ of the base member  300 ′″ into the storage rack  100 , guide it into the vertical slot  156  between adjacent power switches  140 , and press the first leg  308 ′″ substantially flush against the front surface  168  of the vertical member  152 . The user may then slide the base member  300 ′″ upwards until the alignment tab  352 ′″ catches on a power switch  140  (e.g., a bottom edge of the power switch  140 ) at which point the user may rigidly secure the base member  300 ′″ to the vertical member  152  (e.g., such as by inserting fasteners through apertures  1324  in the cover member  1300  and through apertures  312 ′″ in the first leg  308  and into the vertical member  152 , and/or in other manners). In one arrangement, the alignment tab  352 ′″ may be positioned on the second leg  344 ′″ in a manner that allows a user to slide the base member  300 ′″ downwardly until the alignment tab  352 ′″ catches on a top portion of a power switch  140  instead of the bottom portion (e.g., when the alignment tab  352 ′″ extends from a top portion of the second leg  344 ′″ instead of a bottom portion as shown in the figures). In any case, the user may repeat the above process with additional base members  300 ′″ for additional power switches  140  in the storage rack  100 . At this point, the first biasing force provided by the first biasing member  1036  may automatically urge the first tool  1004  (e.g., the second arm  1020  of the first tool) against and into contact with the first portion  174  of the power switch  140  but free of manipulating the first portion  174  into the on position of the power switch  140 . 
       FIG. 32 a    presents a schematic illustration of the power switch manipulation apparatus  200 ′″ and the power switch  140  being in an off condition. Specifically, the first portion  174  of the power switch is popped out to the off position and the first tool  1004  is in contact with the first portion  174 . Furthermore, the first and second tools  1004 ,  1008  are in a first staggered relationship relative to each other indicating to a user that the power switch  140  is in the off position. For instance, the first end  1017  of the first arm  1016  of the first tool  1004  may be a first distance  1400  from a fixed vertical reference plane  1600  on the front of the rack  100  that is perpendicular to the first and second axes  1100 ,  1200  (e.g., where the reference plane  1600  extends within the x and z dimensions), and the first end  1029  of the first arm  1028  of the second tool  1008  may be a first distance  1500  from the vertical reference plane  1600 , where the first distance  1400  is greater than the first distance  1500 . The first staggered configuration of the first and second tools  1004 ,  1008  provides a visual indication to an operator that the power switch  140  is off even though the user may not be able to see the power switch  140  or be able to physically touch the power switch  140  due to the location of the power switch  140 . 
     To turn the power switch  140  on, the user may then depress or push (e.g., urge) the first tool  1004  (e.g., the first end  1017 ) in the first direction along the first axis  1100  towards the power switch  140  to overcome the resistance being provided by the first portion  174  and depress the first portion  174  into the on position. With reference to  FIGS. 32 a -32 b   , the first tool  1004  moves from a first position to a second position. At this point, the first and second tools  1004 ,  1008  may be in a generally aligned relationship, where the first end  1017  of the first arm  1016  of the first tool  1004  may be a second distance  1404  from a fixed vertical reference plane  1600  which is substantially equal to the first distance  1500  of the first end  1029  of the second tool  1008  to provide a visual indication to the user and/or operators that the power switch  140  is in an on position. 
     To turn the power switch  140  off, the user may depress or push (e.g., urge) the second tool  1008  (e.g., the first end  1029 ) in the first direction along the second axis  1200  towards the power switch  140  to depress the second portion  176  of the power switch  140  and position the power switch into an off position. For instance, the second arm  1032  of the second tool  1008  may overcome any resistance being provided by the second portion  176  and depress the second portion  176  which correspondingly causes or induces the first portion  174  of the power switch  140  to pop out in the second direction parallel to the first axis  1100 , thus applying a force to the first tool  1004  that moves the first tool in the second direction along or parallel to the first axis  1100  back into the position illustrated in  FIG. 32 a    (where the first staggered relationship of  FIG. 32 a    provides the visual indication to the user of the off position of the power switch  140 ). After depressing the second tool  1008  in the first direction to power off the power switch  140 , the second biasing force provided by the second biasing member  1044  may apply a force against the second tool  1008  (e.g., against the second arm  1032 ) that urges the second tool  1008  back along or parallel to the second axis  1200  in the second direction into or near the position shown in  FIGS. 32 a   - 32   b.    
     With reference again to  FIG. 32 b   , and in the event that the power switch  140  trips, the first portion  174  of the power switch  140  may automatically pop out in the second direction back into the position shown in  FIG. 32 a   . In this case, popping out of the first portion  174  generates a force that urges the first tool  1008  in the second direction along or parallel to the first axis against the first biasing force into the position shown in  FIG. 32 a   . As can be seen, the first and second tools  1004 ,  1008  may now again assume a first staggered configuration which provides a visual indication to a user that the power switch  140  has tripped. To reset the power switch  140  and turn it back on, the user may again depress the first tool  1004  to depress (e.g., engage, manipulate) the first portion  174 . 
     While a particular staggered configuration of the first and second tools  1004 ,  1008  has been shown and described for visually indicating to a user a state (e.g., off, on, tripped) of the power switch  140 , it is to be understood that the dimensions, geometries, etc. of the first and second tools  1004 ,  1008 , of the base member  300 ′″, etc. may be appropriately altered so that different configurations of the first and second tools  1004 ,  1008  (staggered, non-staggered) visually indicate different states of the power switch  140 . For instance, the apparatus  200 ′″ may be configured so that an aligned configuration of the first and second tools (e.g., where the first ends  1017 ,  1029  are the same distance from the vertical reference plane  1600 ) indicates an off position of the power switch  140  (e.g., when the first arm  1016  of the first tool  1004  is shorter than the first arm  1028  of the second tool  1008 ) and a first staggered configuration where the distance between the first arm  1016  of the first tool  1004  and the vertical reference plane  1600  is less than that between the first arm  1028  of the second tool  1008  and the vertical reference plane  1600  indicates an on or tripped position of the power switch  140 . 
     Other arrangements for limiting movement of the first and second tools  1004 ,  1008  to a single degree of motion (e.g., sliding motion) are also envisioned. For instance, each of the first and second tools  1004 ,  1008  may have a non-circular cross section that slides through a correspondingly shaped aperture of the base member  300 ′″. Also, while the single degree of motion (sliding motion) of the first and second tools  1004 ,  1008  has been discussed as being within the y-dimension, it is also envisioned that the single degree of motion could be in other dimensions (e.g., x, z) depending upon the particular position and orientation of the power switch  140 . 
     The various manipulation apparatuses (e.g.,  200 ,  200 ′,  200 ″,  200 ′″) disclosed herein may have reduced form factors in one or both of the x-dimension (e.g., horizontal direction along rear opening  124  of rack  100 ) and the z-dimension (e.g., vertical dimension) to allow the apparatuses to be used in storage racks having limited openings or passageways for users to physically reach into the racks to manipulate power switches or circuit breakers. For instance, the base members may be in the form of sheet members (e.g., sheet metal) having reduced thicknesses so as to protrude limited or reduced amounts into the interior space of the storage racks. Furthermore, the tools disclosed herein may also be in the form of sheet members, thin brackets or rods, or the like having reduced thicknesses so as to protrude limited or reduced amounts into the interior space of the storage racks. 
     Still further, the base members may include one or more features that are specifically configured to guide the tools to be directly in front of a power switch so that the user can use a handle or other portion of the tool to manipulate the power switch (e.g., into an on or off position) free of the user having to physically reach into the rack to manipulate the power switch. While the manipulation apparatuses disclosed herein have been discussed as being mounted adjacent the rear opening  124  of the rack  100  for manipulating power switches near the rear of the rack, it is to be understood that the various manipulation apparatuses may be appropriately located in other portions of the rack where access to power switches with limited physical access openings or passageways is needed (e.g., front or side portions of the rack  100 ). 
     It will be readily appreciated that many additions and/or deviations may be made from the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The illustrations and discussion herein has only been provided to assist the reader in understanding the various aspects of the present disclosure. Furthermore, one or more various combinations of the above discussed arrangements and embodiments are also envisioned. 
     While this specification contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the disclosure or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of the disclosure. Furthermore, certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination. 
     Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and/or parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software and/or hardware product or packaged into multiple software and/or hardware products. 
     The above described embodiments including the preferred embodiment and the best mode of the invention known to the inventor at the time of filing are given by illustrative examples only.