Patent Publication Number: US-11647610-B2

Title: Modular thermal isolation barrier for data processing equipment structure

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a U.S. continuation patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to, U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 16/807,836, filed Mar. 3, 2020, which &#39;836 application published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2020/0205317 A1 on Jun. 25, 2020, which &#39;836 application and the application publication thereof are each expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, and which &#39;836 application is a U.S. continuation patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to, U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 16/519,901, filed Jul. 23, 2019, which &#39;901 application published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2019/0350108 A1 on Nov. 14, 2019 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,595,442 on Mar. 17, 2020, which &#39;901 application, the application publication thereof, and the patent issuing therefrom are each expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, and which &#39;901 application is a U.S. continuation patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to, U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 15/730,881, filed Oct. 12, 2017, which &#39;881 application published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2018/0035570 A1 on Feb. 1, 2018 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,375,861 on Aug. 6, 2019, which &#39;881 application, the application publication thereof, and the patent issuing therefrom are each expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, and which &#39;881 application is a U.S. continuation patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to, U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 15/424,804, filed Feb. 4, 2017, which &#39;804 application published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2017/0150652 A1 on May 25, 2017 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,795,060 on Oct. 17, 2017, which &#39;804 application, the application publication thereof, and the patent issuing therefrom are each expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, and which &#39;804 application is a U.S. continuation patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to, U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 14/866,913, filed Sep. 26, 2015, which &#39;913 application published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2016/0088773 A1 on Mar. 24, 2016 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,572,286 on Feb. 14, 2017, which &#39;913 application, the application publication thereof, and the patent issuing therefrom are each expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, and which &#39;913 application is a U.S. continuation patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to, U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 14/154,016, filed Jan. 13, 2014 and now abandoned, which &#39;016 application published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2014/0196394 A1 on Jul. 17, 2014, which &#39;016 application and the application publication thereof are each expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, and which &#39;016 application is a U.S. nonprovisional patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to, each of the following U.S. provisional patent applications:
         (a) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/751,260, filed Jan. 11, 2013 and entitled, “MODULAR THERMAL ISOLATION BARRIER FOR DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT STRUCTURES,” which &#39;260 application is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and a copy of which is attached hereto as Appendix A, which appendix is likewise expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; and   (b) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/751,254, filed Jan. 11, 2013 and entitled, “DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT STRUCTURE,” which &#39;254 application is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and a copy of which is attached hereto as Appendix B, which appendix is likewise expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.       

    
    
     COPYRIGHT STATEMENT 
     All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     Field of the Present Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to structures and methods of thermal management in a data center, and in particular, to housing data processing equipment, and, in particular, to data processing equipment structures that can be structurally altered to seal around additional openings or obstruction to provide enhanced airflow solutions. 
     Background 
     Racks, frames and enclosures for mounting and storing computer and other electronic components or equipment have been well known for many years. Racks and frames are typically simple rectangular frameworks on which electronic components may be mounted, or on which other mounting members, such as shelves or brackets, may be mounted which in turn may support the electronic components. Enclosures are typically frames on which panels or doors, or both, are hung to provide aesthetic improvement, to protect the components from external influences, to provide security for the components stored inside, or for other reasons. 
     Racks, frames and enclosures have been built in many different sizes and with many different proportions in order to best accommodate the components which they are designed to support and store. Components stored in these enclosures may include audio and video equipment and the like, but quite frequently include computer equipment and related peripheral devices. These components typically include housings enclosing internal operative elements. 
     As is also well known, the electronic equipment mounted in these structures tend to generate large amounts of thermal energy that needs to be exhausted away from the equipment effectively in order to maintain the equipment in proper operating order or to prevent damage thereto. The problem can be especially significant when the components are enclosed in enclosures, because thermal energy generated thereby can concentrate within the equipment enclosure and cause the components to overheat and shut down. As equipment becomes more densely packed with electronics, the quantities of thermal energy have continued to increase in recent years, and thermal energy management has become a significant issue confronting today&#39;s rack, frame and enclosure manufacturers, the manufacturers of the electronic equipment, and the users of such equipment. 
     Typically, multiple racks, frames, enclosures, and the like (sometimes collectively referred to hereinafter as “enclosures”) are housed together in a data center room. Because of the overheating problem, and particularly with multiple enclosures being placed in a single room, thermal management of the data center room is very important. A goal of data center thermal management is to maximize the performance, uptime and life expectancy of the active components being housed in the room. Toward this end, data center rooms are often arranged so as to increase efficiency and optimize performance. 
     One common way of organizing a data center room to meet these objectives involves arranging individual enclosures in rows, with the air intake of each enclosure facing toward one side of the row and the heated air exhaust of each enclosure facing toward the other side of the row. Rows of enclosures are arranged in back-to-back relationship so that enclosures of two separate rows exhaust heated air into a common “hot” aisle between the rows. Heated exhaust air from the hot aisle is then drawn into a cooling unit—often arranged as an in-line unit within the row of enclosures. The cooled air is then deposited back into the ambient space of the data center room to be re-used in the cooling process. 
     In such an arrangement, however, several drawbacks are known to exist. For instance, the establishment of a hot aisle between rows eliminates the possibility of having dedicated cooling units to manage the cooling process for each row individually. Additionally, under existing hot aisle methodology, the entire space of the data center room must be kept cool in order to provide a ready supply of cooled air available to the enclosure intakes. Due to its typically large volume, the data center room is generally incapable of being adequately pressurized. 
     Accordingly, a need exists for improvement in the arrangement of equipment enclosures within a data center room so as to further enhance efficiency and performance. This, and other needs, is addressed by one or more aspects of the present invention. 
     SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     Broadly defined, the present invention according to a first aspect is a data processing equipment structure comprising a plurality of struts and panels, which, together, define an enclosed space. 
     Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is a data processing equipment structure substantially as shown and described. 
     Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is a modular thermal isolation barrier for data processing equipment structures as shown and described. 
     Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is a modular thermal isolation barrier, as shown and described. 
     Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is an edge seal for a modular thermal isolation barrier, as shown and described. 
     Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is a modular thermal isolation barrier, including: a panel; and an edge seal arranged along an edge of the panel. 
     In a feature of this aspect, the modular thermal isolation barrier further includes a rigid support structure coupled along the length of the edge seal. 
     Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is a data processing equipment structure comprising a plurality of rigid support structures, at least some of the rigid support structures coupled to edge seals that are arranged along the respective edges of panels that define an enclosed space. 
     Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is an extruded edge seal for a modular thermal isolation barrier, including: a multi-channel base portion; and a bulb seal portion. 
     In a feature of this aspect, the base portion and bulb seal portion are co-extruded. 
     In another feature of this aspect, the edge seal further includes panel retention fingers disposed within a channel of the multi-channel base portion. 
     Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is a modular thermal isolation barrier for use in sealing gaps in a data processing equipment structure. The modular thermal isolation barrier includes an extruded edge seal and a panel. The extruded edge seal has a seal portion and a base portion with one or more channels. An edge of the panel is disposed within one of the one or more channels of the base portion of the edge seal such that the edge seal is seated against the edge of the panel with the seal portion in position to abut, and establish a seal with, an adjacent structure. 
     In a feature of this aspect, the seal portion may include a bulb-shaped seal for abutting, and establishing a seal with, the adjacent structure. 
     In other features of this aspect, the bulb-shaped seal may be bifurcated at a distal end; the bulb-shaped seal may include convex and concave portions at a distal end; and/or the bulb-shaped seal may include one or more protrusions at a distal end. 
     In another feature of this aspect, the base portion and the seal portion of the edge seal may be co-extruded. 
     In another feature of this aspect, the base portion and the seal portion may be manufactured from different materials. 
     In another feature of this aspect, the base portion and the seal portion may be manufactured from the same material. 
     In other features of this aspect, at least one of the one or more channels of the base portion may include a plurality of panel retention fingers for gripping the edge of the panel; and/or the panel retention fingers may extend from sides of the at least one channel at an inwardly-oriented angle. 
     In other features of this aspect, the base portion may be manufactured from a plastic material; and/or the seal portion may be manufactured from a rubber material. 
     In another feature of this aspect, the plastic material may be an ABS plastic material. 
     In another feature of this aspect, the plastic material may be a PVC plastic material. 
     In another feature of this aspect, the base portion may include a plurality of channels, at least one of which is adapted to fittingly accommodate a separate rigid support structure coupled along the length of the edge seal. 
     Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is a modular thermal isolation barrier for use in sealing gaps in a data processing equipment structure. The modular thermal isolation barrier includes an edge seal, a panel, and a rigid support structure. The edge seal has a seal portion and a base portion with a plurality of channels. An edge of the panel is disposed within one of the plurality of channels of the base portion of the edge seal such that the edge seal is seated against the edge of the panel with the seal portion in position to abut, and establish a seal with, an adjacent structure. The rigid support structure has a generally uniform cross-sectional shape along its length and is coupled to the edge seal at another of the plurality of channels. 
     In a feature of this aspect, the seal portion may include a bulb-shaped seal for abutting, and establishing a seal with, the adjacent structure. 
     In other features of this aspect, the bulb-shaped seal may be bifurcated at a distal end; the bulb-shaped seal may include convex and concave portions at a distal end; and/or the bulb-shaped seal may include one or more protrusions at a distal end. 
     In another feature of this aspect, the base portion and the seal portion of the edge seal may be co-extruded. 
     In another feature of this aspect, the base portion and the seal portion may be manufactured from different materials. 
     In another feature of this aspect, the base portion and the seal portion may be manufactured from the same material. 
     In other features of this aspect, at least one of the plurality of channels of the base portion may include a plurality of panel retention fingers for gripping the edge of the panel; and/or the panel retention fingers may extend from sides of the at least one channel at an inwardly-oriented angle. 
     In other features of this aspect, the base portion may be manufactured from a plastic material; and/or the seal portion may be manufactured from a rubber material. 
     In another feature of this aspect, the plastic material may be an ABS plastic material. 
     In another feature of this aspect, the plastic material may be a PVC plastic material. 
     In other features of this aspect, the rigid support structure may include a pair of opposed retention flanges for coupling the rigid support structure to the edge seal; the rigid support structure may include a plurality of channels extending along its length, at least one of which is ridged to accommodate a threaded fastener; and/or the rigid support structure may be attachable to other support members of the data processing equipment structure. 
     Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is an extruded edge seal for a modular thermal isolation barrier. The extruded edge seal includes a base portion and a bulb-shaped seal portion. The base portion includes a plurality of channels, at least one of which is adapted to fittingly accommodate an edge of a panel. The bulb-shaped seal portion is attached to the base portion and adapted to abut, and establish a seal with, an adjacent structure. 
     In features of this aspect, the bulb-shaped seal portion may be bifurcated at a distal end; the bulb-shaped seal portion may include convex and concave portions at a distal end; and/or the bulb-shaped seal portion includes one or more protrusions at a distal end. 
     In another feature of this aspect, the base portion and the bulb-shaped seal portion of the edge seal may be co-extruded. 
     In another feature of this aspect, the base portion and the bulb-shaped seal portion may be manufactured from different materials. 
     In another feature of this aspect, the base portion and the bulb-shaped seal portion may be manufactured from the same material. 
     In other features of this aspect, at least one of the plurality of channels of the base portion may include a plurality of panel retention fingers for gripping the edge of the panel; and/or the panel retention fingers may extend from sides of the at least one channel at an inwardly-oriented angle. 
     In other features of this aspect, the base portion may be manufactured from a plastic material; and/or the bulb-shaped seal portion may be manufactured from a rubber material. 
     In another feature of this aspect, the plastic material may be an ABS plastic material. 
     In another feature of this aspect, the plastic material may be a PVC plastic material. 
     In another feature of this aspect, at least one of the plurality of channels of the base portion may be adapted to fittingly accommodate a separate rigid support structure coupled along the length of the base portion. 
     Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is a data processing equipment structure. The data processing equipment structure includes a plurality of vertical and horizontal frame components, which, together, define an equipment structure frame, a plurality of panels disposed relative to the equipment structure frame to define a periphery, an enclosure, and one or more modular thermal isolation barriers. A portion of the enclosure is located inside the periphery and a portion of the enclosure is located outside the periphery such that a gap exists between the enclosure and an adjacent one of the plurality of vertical and horizontal frame components of the equipment structure frame. Each of the one or more modular thermal isolation barriers includes a barrier panel and an edge seal, disposed relative to the equipment structure frame such that the edge seal abuts, and establishes a seal with, the enclosure, thereby thermally sealing the gap. 
     In a feature of this aspect, at least one of the plurality of vertical and horizontal frame components may be an extruded rigid support structure. 
     In another feature of this aspect, at least one of the plurality of vertical and horizontal frame components may include an extruded rigid support structure coupled therewith. 
     In another feature of this aspect, the edge seal may include a seal portion and a base portion with one or more channels. 
     In another feature of this aspect, the seal portion may include a bulb-shaped seal for abutting, and establishing a seal with, the enclosure. 
     In other features of this aspect, the bulb-shaped seal may be bifurcated at a distal end; the bulb-shaped seal may include convex and concave portions at a distal end; and/or the bulb-shaped seal may include one or more protrusions at a distal end. 
     In another feature of this aspect, the base portion and the seal portion of the edge seal may be co-extruded. 
     In other features of this aspect, at least one of the one or more channels of the base portion may include a plurality of panel retention fingers for gripping the edge of the barrier panel; and/or the panel retention fingers may extend from sides of the at least one channel at an inwardly-oriented angle. 
     Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is a data processing equipment structure. The data processing equipment structure includes a plurality of vertical and horizontal frame components, which, together, define an equipment structure frame. The data processing equipment structure further includes a pair of modular thermal isolation barriers disposed relative to the equipment structure frame, each having a panel and an edge seal. The modular isolation barriers are deployed against each other such that the respective edge seals abut, and establish a seal with, each other, thereby defining a continuous wall structure of the equipment structure frame. 
     In a feature of this aspect, each edge seal may include a seal portion and a base portion with one or more channels. 
     In another feature of this aspect, the seal portion of each edge seal may include a bulb-shaped seal. 
     In other features of this aspect, the bulb-shaped seal of each edge seal may be bifurcated at a distal end; the bulb-shaped seal of each edge seal may include convex and concave portions at a distal end; and/or the bulb-shaped seal of each edge seal may include a plurality of protrusions at a distal end. 
     In another feature of this aspect, when the edge seals of the pair of modular thermal isolation barriers are deployed against each other, the bifurcated distal ends of the edge seals may abut and deflect each other, thereby sealing a gap between the pair of modular thermal isolation barriers. 
     In another feature of this aspect, when the edge seals of the pair of modular thermal isolation barriers are deployed against each other, the bifurcated distal end of one of the edge seals may envelop and nest around the bifurcated distal end of the other edge seal, thereby sealing a gap between the pair of modular thermal isolation barriers. 
     In another feature of this aspect, when the edge seals of the pair of modular thermal isolation barriers are deployed against each other, the convex and concave portions of the edge seals may abut and matingly fit against each other, thereby sealing a gap between the pair of modular thermal isolation barriers. 
     In another feature of this aspect, when the edge seals of the pair of modular thermal isolation barriers are deployed against each other, one of the plurality of protrusions of one of the edge seals may fit between a pair of adjacent protrusions of the other edge seal, thereby sealing a gap between the pair of modular thermal isolation barriers. 
     In another feature of this aspect, the base portion and the seal portion of each edge seal may be co-extruded. 
     In other features of this aspect, at least one of the one or more channels of the base portion of each edge seal may include a plurality of panel retention fingers for gripping the edge of the corresponding panel; and/or the panel retention fingers of each edge seal may extend from sides of the at least one channel at an inwardly-oriented angle. 
     Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is a data processing equipment structure. The data processing equipment structure includes a plurality of vertical and horizontal frame components, which, together, define an equipment structure frame. The data processing equipment structure further includes a plurality of panels disposed relative to the equipment structure frame to define a periphery. At least one of the plurality of vertical and horizontal frame components is an extruded strut having a generally uniform cross-section. The extruded strut includes an outwardly-facing channel extending along each of a pair of opposing sides of the extruded strut, at least one of which includes a set of evenly-spaced ridges, extending along each of two sides of the channel, for accommodating a threaded fastener. The extruded strut further includes one or more ledges, each having a depth sufficient to accommodate the thickness of one of the plurality of panels. 
     In features of this aspect, the extruded strut may be a vertical frame component; the extruded strut may be a horizontal frame component; each of at least one of the vertical frame components and at least one of the horizontal frame components may be an extruded strut having identical dimensions with each other; and/or the outwardly-facing channels on each pair of opposing sides of the extruded strut may be aligned with each other. 
     Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is a data processing equipment structure. The data processing equipment structure includes a plurality of vertical and horizontal frame components, which, together, define an equipment structure frame. The data processing equipment structure further includes a plurality of panels disposed relative to the equipment structure frame to define a periphery and at least one gusset connecting at least one of the vertical frame components with at least one of the horizontal frame components. The gusset includes a generally triangular body and a pair of mounting plates. Each mounting plate extends generally perpendicularly from one of the edges of the generally triangular body and each includes a mounting aperture and at least one positioning tab. Each mounting tab accommodates a fastener such that one of the pair of mounting plates is mounted to the at least one vertical frame component and the other of the pair of mounting plates is mounted to the horizontal frame component. The at least one positioning tab of one of the pair of mounting plates extends into a corresponding channel of the at least one vertical frame component and the at least one positioning tab of the other of the pair of mounting plates extends into a corresponding channel of the at least one horizontal frame component. 
     Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Further features, embodiments, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, wherein: 
         FIG.  1    is an isometric view of a data processing equipment structure for use with modular thermal isolation barriers to segregate heated air from cooled air in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG.  2    is an isometric view of the data processing equipment structure of  FIG.  1   , illustrating the use of two modular thermal isolation barriers to accommodate an awkwardly located equipment enclosure; 
         FIG.  3    is a fragmentary isometric view of an upper end of the edge seal of one of the modular thermal isolation barriers of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a top or top cross-sectional view of the edge seal of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  5    is a fragmentary top or top cross-sectional view of a modular thermal isolation barrier, using the edge seal of  FIG.  4   , shown deployed against the right side of the equipment enclosure of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  6    is a fragmentary isometric view of an upper end of a rigid support structure adapted to be coupled to the edge seal of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  7    is a fragmentary top or top cross-sectional view of a modular thermal isolation barrier, using the edge seal of  FIG.  4    coupled to the rigid support structure of  FIG.  6   , shown deployed against the right side of the equipment enclosure of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  8    is an isometric view of the data processing equipment structure of  FIG.  1   , illustrating the use of two modular thermal isolation barriers abutting each other to create a continuous wall structure; 
         FIG.  9    is a fragmentary top or top cross-sectional view of two modular thermal isolation barriers, each using the edge seal of  FIG.  4   , shown deployed against each other in the manner shown in  FIG.  8   ; 
         FIG.  10    is a fragmentary top or top cross-sectional view of two modular thermal isolation barriers, each using the edge seal of  FIG.  4   , shown deployed against each other in an alternative arrangement; 
         FIG.  11    is a fragmentary top or cross-sectional view of two alternative modular thermal isolation barriers, each using an alternative edge seal, shown deployed against each other; 
         FIG.  12    is a fragmentary top or cross-sectional view of two alternative modular thermal isolation barriers, each using another alternative edge seal, shown deployed against each other; 
         FIG.  13    is an isometric view of one of the panels of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  14    is an isometric view of one of the horizontal struts of the data processing equipment structure of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  15    is an end view of the strut of  FIG.  14   , illustrating the cross-section thereof; 
         FIG.  16    is an isometric view of one of the gussets of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  17    is an enlarged, partially exploded, fragmentary view of one of the joints of the structure of  FIG.  1   ; and 
         FIG.  18    is an end view of the strut of  FIG.  15   , illustrating a splice bracket installed therein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the present invention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention. 
     Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself. 
     Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the appended claims rather than the description set forth herein. 
     Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail. 
     Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having at least one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” In contrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes “a picnic basket having only one apple.” 
     When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese without crackers,” “a picnic basket having crackers without cheese,” and “a picnic basket having both cheese and crackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well as describes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese.” 
     Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent like components throughout the several views, the preferred embodiments of the present invention are next described. The following description of one or more preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. 
       FIG.  1    is an isometric view of a data processing equipment structure  10  for use with modular thermal isolation barriers to segregate heated air from cooled air in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention. As shown in  FIG.  1   , the data processing equipment structure  10  includes vertical struts  12 , horizontal struts  14 , and panels  18 . The vertical and horizontal struts  12 , 14  are arranged into a framework formed from a plurality of interconnected rectangular frames. Some of the rectangular frames are oriented vertically to form the walls of the structure  10 , while others of the frames are oriented horizontally to form the ceiling or floor of the structure  10 .  FIG.  13    is an isometric view of one of the panels  18  of  FIG.  1   . In at least some embodiments, the panels  18  are supported by these rectangular frames, particularly including the vertical wall frames and the horizontal ceiling frames. In some of these embodiments, each panel  18  is rectangular and is supported on each of its four sides by a vertical or horizontal strut  12 , 14 . 
     As used herein, the term “data processing equipment” refers to a wide range of electronic equipment as well as racks, frames, enclosures, and the like that are typically used to house such equipment. Structures such as the structure  10  of  FIG.  1    house a wide variety of electronic equipment, including storage equipment, servers, switches and other like devices and equipment for data processing. The panels  18  tend to prevent heated air inside the structure  10  from escaping and mixing with cool air outside the structure  10  (or vice versa), or conversely to prevent heated air outside the structure  10  from entering the interior of the structure  10  and mixing with the cool air therein (or vice versa). 
     Although in at least some embodiments, data processing equipment structures other than that of  FIG.  1    may be utilized, the structure  10  of  FIG.  1    has several features, aspects, and other innovations of its own. In the data processing equipment structure  10  of  FIG.  1   , the vertical and horizontal struts  12 , 14  are each of extruded construction and may utilize an identical cross-section. In this regard,  FIG.  14    is an isometric view of one of the horizontal struts  14  of the data processing equipment structure  10  of  FIG.  1   . In fact, the vertical and horizontal struts  12 , 14  may also, in some embodiments, be of identical lengths, and thus may be identical to each other. Thus, in such embodiments, the horizontal strut  14  of  FIG.  14    may also be utilized as a vertical strut  12 . 
       FIG.  15    is an end view of the strut  14  of  FIG.  14   , illustrating the cross-section thereof. As shown therein, the strut  14  includes an outwardly-facing channel  108  running along each of its four sides. In at least some embodiments, including the one illustrated, the channels  108  on each pair of opposing sides are aligned with each other, but in some embodiments the channels are not aligned with each other. In at least some embodiments, the channels  108  are all of the same width and construction. Viewed in cross-section, each channel  108  includes a base and two sides, and a set of evenly-spaced ridges extends along each of the two sides. In at least some embodiments, the ridges on one side of the channel  108  are offset from the ridges on the opposite side of the channel  108 . More particularly, in at least some embodiments, the ridges on one side of the channel  108  are offset from the ridges on the opposite side of the channel  108  by a distance equal to approximately one-half the width of one of the ridges. Such ridges are believed to be particularly useful in receiving and retaining a threaded fastener  103  inserted perpendicularly into the channel  108  when the fastener  103  utilizes threads whose depth and spacing is similar to the depth and spacing of the ridges in the channel  108 . 
     In at least some embodiments, the struts  12 , 14  may be connected together using gussets  16 . In this regard,  FIG.  16    is an isometric view of one of the gussets  16  of  FIG.  1   . As shown therein, the gusset  16  is triangular and includes two mounting plates  101 , each of which includes a mounting aperture  102  and a pair of positioning tabs or other protrusions  104 . The diameter of the mounting aperture  102  is preferably selected to match the width of at least one of the channels  108  in the struts  12 , 14 , and the width of the positioning tabs  104  is selected to fit relatively snugly within the same channel  108 . Thus, the gusset  16  may be connected to a strut  12 , 14  by inserting the positioning tabs  104  of one mounting plate  101  into one of the channels  108  in the strut  12 , 14 , inserting a fastener  103  (shown in  FIG.  17   ) through the mounting aperture  102  and into the same channel  108 , and screwing (rotating) the fastener  103  into the ridges until the gusset  16  is tight against the strut  12 , 14 . The gusset  16  may be connected to a second strut  12 , 14  that is perpendicular to the first strut  12 , 14  by repeating the process using the tabs  104  and aperture  102  of the other mounting plate  101 . In this way, two intersecting (perpendicular) struts may be connected together. More complicated joints or intersections in a data processing equipment structure  10  may be assembled using multiple gussets  16 . In any particular strut  12 , 14 , one, two, three, or all four of the channels  108  may be utilized. In this regard,  FIG.  17    is an enlarged, partially exploded, fragmentary view of one of the joints of the structure  10  of  FIG.  1   . As shown therein, five gussets  16  have been utilized to connect three horizontal struts  14  and one vertical strut  12  together in the manner described above. 
     Referring again to  FIG.  15   , the strut  14  further includes one or more ledges  107 . Each ledge  107  has a depth suitable for receiving one of the panels  18 . The panels  18  may be mounted on or with these ledges  107  as shown in  FIG.  17   . Notably, in  FIG.  17   , the panels  18  are shown as being transparent, with objects behind them shown in broken lines. 
     Referring again to  FIG.  15   , the strut  14  further includes additional channels or slots  105  for receiving a splice bracket  109 . In this regard,  FIG.  18    is an end view of the strut  14  of  FIG.  15   , illustrating a splice bracket  109  installed therein. A splice bracket  109  may be used to attach two struts  14  end-to-end, as shown in  FIG.  1   . The splice bracket  109  includes two ear flanges  110  that are sized and proportioned to fit within the channels or slots  105  on each strut  14 . By inserting one end of the splice bracket  109  in the end of a first strut  14  and the other end of the splice bracket  109  in the end of a second strut  14 , the two struts  14  may be coupled together. The arrangement may be fixed in place by inserting threaded fasteners  103  through apertures in the splice bracket  109  and screwing (rotating) the fasteners  103  into a ridged channel  108  in the struts  14  until the splice bracket  109  is tight against the struts  14 . Several such arrangements are shown in  FIG.  1   . 
     Although in practice, many data processing equipment structures may be constructed in convenient shapes with no unusual obstacles or other incongruous geometry problems, such situations do occur. For example,  FIG.  2    is an isometric view of the data processing equipment structure  10  of  FIG.  1   , illustrating the use of two modular thermal isolation barriers  24  to accommodate an awkwardly located equipment enclosure  22 . In particular, the enclosure extends through a wall of the structure  10 , with portions of the enclosure  22  being located both inside and outside the periphery of the structure  10 . Although from a design perspective, it would be preferable to avoid such a situation, the modular thermal isolation barriers  24  make it possible to accommodate the unusual geometry and to maintain the heated air/cooled air segregation of the data processing equipment structure  10 . 
     Each modular thermal isolation barrier  24  includes a panel  28  and at least one edge seal  26 .  FIG.  3    is a fragmentary isometric view of an upper end of the edge seal  26  of one of the modular thermal isolation barriers  24  of  FIG.  2   , and  FIG.  4    is a top or top cross-sectional view of the edge seal  26  of  FIG.  3   . As shown therein, the edge seal  26  is an extruded member having a generally uniform cross-section along its length. In at least some embodiments, it is manufactured from material which may be cut relatively easily to make pieces of different lengths. 
     As perhaps best shown in  FIG.  4   , the cross-section of the edge seal  26  includes a multi-channel base portion  68 , a “bulb”-type seal portion  67 , and a plurality of panel retention fingers  64  within one of the channels  62  on the base portion  68 . In at least some embodiments, the bulb seal portion  67  is bifurcated at a distal end, resulting in a “C” shape, for a purpose described hereinbelow, but in other embodiments, the bulb seal may be a fully closed structure (i.e., an “O” shape). Other geometries are likewise possible. In some embodiments, the bulb seal portion  67  and the multi-channel base portion  68  are manufactured from the same material in a single extrusion process. In other embodiments, the bulb seal portion  67  and the multi-channel base portion  68  are manufactured from different materials in a co-extrusion process. In still other embodiments, bulb seal portion  67  and the multi-channel base portion  68  are manufactured from different materials in separate extrusion processes, and then are attached together. Likewise, the panel retention fingers  64  may be made of the same material as the base portion  68 , or of a different material. In some of the latter embodiments, the retention fingers  64 , base portion  68 , and bulb seal portion  67  are all made of different materials. In some embodiments, the base portion  68  is made from ABS or PVC plastic (or some other rigid plastic), the retention fingers  64  are made from flexible rubber such as flexible alcryn, and the bulb seal portion  67  is made of a material similar to that of the flexible fingers  64 , or from a softer rubber or foam rubber. The base portion  68  could also be made out of at least some metals, such as aluminum. 
     As perhaps best understood from  FIG.  4   , the base portion  68  includes a plurality of channels  62 , 66 . In particular, an end channel  62  is sized to receive a panel  28 , and two side channels  66  are provided for coupling to a rigid support structure (described hereinbelow). The retention fingers  64  extend at an inwardly-oriented angle from sides of the end channel  62  to help retain an edge of the panel  28 , as described below. 
       FIG.  5    is a fragmentary top or top cross-sectional view of a modular thermal isolation barrier  24 , using the edge seal  26  of  FIG.  4   , shown deployed against the right side of the equipment enclosure  22  of  FIG.  2   . As shown therein, the panel  28  is inserted into the end channel  62 . This insertion is opposed by the retention fingers  64 , but the fingers  64  flex enough, in the direction of insertion, to accommodate the edge of the panel  28 . However, once the panel  28  is fully seated within the channel  62 , the same retention fingers  64  tend to prevent the panel  28  from being removed. This is accomplished by the compression that is introduced by the panel  28  against the fingers  64 , and the angled direction of the fingers  64 . 
     When the modular thermal isolation barrier  24  is deployed as shown in  FIG.  5   , the panel  28  blocks most of the air that could otherwise pass by the side of the equipment enclosure  22  and either into or out of the interior of the data processing equipment structure  10 . The gap between the edge of the panel  28  and the side of the enclosure  22  is filled and sealed by the edge seal  26 , the bulb seal portion  67  of which is compressed against the enclosure  22 . 
     Notably, the use of the modular thermal isolation barriers  24 , as shown in  FIG.  2   , allows the original panel  18  to be omitted and the resulting gap filled with smaller panels  28 . Such a solution is not possible with the original panels  18  by themselves because they are not typically sized to fit non-standard openings. In addition, they are not typically mountable in non-standard locations. The modular thermal isolation barrier  24  thus offers considerable convenience and flexibility to the installer or designer. 
     In the latter regard, it is often desirable to provide additional support to the modular thermal isolation barriers  24 , either as primary support or as secondary support to maintain them in place.  FIG.  6    is a fragmentary isometric view of an upper end of a rigid support structure  70  adapted to be coupled to the edge seal  26  of  FIG.  3   , and  FIG.  7    is a fragmentary top or top cross-sectional view of a modular thermal isolation barrier  24 , using the edge seal  26  of  FIG.  4    coupled to the rigid support structure  70  of  FIG.  6   , shown deployed against the right side of the equipment enclosure  22  of  FIG.  2   . Like the edge seal  26 , the rigid support structure  70  may also be an extruded member having a generally uniform cross-section along its length. In at least some embodiments, it is manufactured from material which may be cut relatively easily to make pieces of different lengths. In one contemplated embodiment, the rigid support structure  70  is made out of aluminum. In another contemplated embodiment, the rigid support structure  70  is made out of a plastic material. 
     The rigid support structure  70  includes six channels  72 , 74 , 76  and a pair of opposed retention flanges  78  for coupling the structure  70  to the edge seal  26 , as shown in  FIG.  7   . The channels include a pair of opposed ridged channels  76  in the sides of the structure  70 , a pair of opposed ridged channels  72  in the ends of the structure  70 , and a pair of opposed supplemental channels  74  in the ends of the structure  70 , adjacent the ridged channels  72 . Each of the ridged channels  72 , 76  is adapted to receive a threaded fastener (not shown) inserted into it, and because the channels  72 , 76  extend the length of the structure  70 , fasteners may be utilized at an infinite number of locations along such length. 
     The rigid support structure  70  may itself be attached to other support members of the data processing equipment structure  10 , such as the vertical struts  12  and horizontal struts  14 . Alternatively or additionally, a data processing equipment structure  10  may be assembled using multiple rigid support structures  70 , alone or in combination with the vertical struts  12  and horizontal struts  14 . The edge seals  26  may be coupled to the rigid support structures  70 , and thus the panels  28  may be supported. 
     In this regard, the modular thermal isolation barriers  24  may be utilized in other ways as well.  FIG.  8    is an isometric view of the data processing equipment structure  10  of  FIG.  1   , illustrating the use of two modular thermal isolation barriers  24  abutting each other to create a continuous wall structure.  FIG.  9    is a fragmentary top or top cross-sectional view of two modular thermal isolation barriers  24 , each using the edge seal  26  of  FIG.  4   , shown deployed against each other in the manner shown in  FIG.  8   . As shown therein, each barrier  24  includes a panel  28  and an edge seal  26 , with the respective edge seals  26  abutting each other in opposed fashion, so as to seal the gap between adjacent panels  28 . In this manner, an entire wall may be created from modular thermal isolation barriers  24 . 
     The edge seals  26  provide an additional sealing feature as well. In particular,  FIG.  10    is a fragmentary top or top cross-sectional view of two modular thermal isolation barriers  24 , each using the edge seal  26  of  FIG.  4   , shown deployed against each other in an alternative arrangement. As shown in  FIG.  10   , the bulb seal portion  83  of one edge seal  26  has been inserted through the bifurcated opening of the bulb seal portion  82  of the other edge seal  26 . The outer bulb seal portion  82  may be forced open wider than normal, and the inner bulb seal portion  83  may be compressed somewhat, but the flexible nature of the bulb seal portions  82 , 83  facilitates this. The resulting “nested” arrangement eliminates nearly all air gaps between adjacent panels  28  and effectively fastens the edge seals  26  together. 
     In at least some embodiments of the present invention, other edge seal geometries are also possible. In this regard,  FIG.  11    is a fragmentary top or cross-sectional view of two alternative modular thermal isolation barriers  124 , each using an alternative edge seal  126 , shown deployed against each other. Each edge seal  126  includes a shaped seal portion  167 , the geometry of which facilitates the edge seals  126  being deployed against each other in such a way that the gap between adjacent panels is effectively sealed. Each shaped seal portion  167  of the edge seals  126  includes convex and concave portions  169 , 171  that can be matingly paired against one another to seal the gap between adjacent panels. 
     Similarly,  FIG.  12    is a fragmentary top or cross-sectional view of two alternative modular thermal isolation barriers  224 , each using another alternative edge seal  226 , shown deployed against each other. Each edge seal  226  includes a shaped seal portion  267 , the geometry of which facilitates the edge seals  226  being deployed against each other in such a way that the gap between adjacent panels is effectively sealed. Each shaped seal portion  267  of the edge seals  226  includes a plurality of protrusions  269 . When deployed against each other, a protrusion  269  on one of the edge seals  226  is positionable between two protrusions  269  on the other edge seal  226 , thereby sealing the gap between adjacent panels. 
     Among other advantages, the present invention provides a barrier against thermal communication between separate air spaces. The invention allows the user to build a structure that may seal one or more walls/planes of an air space around uneven geometry and objects that are placed in between the sealing plane/s. The invention also allows the user to quickly alter the shape of the sealing plane to seal around additional openings or obstructions with minimal disassembly. This structure also has the ability to add stiffeners as needed for more structure and additional mounting points. 
     Based on the foregoing information, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention. 
     Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements; the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.