Patent Publication Number: US-2011073554-A1

Title: Component Rack System

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.0 §119(e) to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/246,827, filed on Sep.29, 2009, entitled “Component Rack System,” which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to a component rack system, and, more specifically, to a heavy duty rack system for holding electronic components that is mobile, and stable under heavy loads. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electronic component systems, such as complex computer systems or sound systems, are used in a variety of business and personal applications. Such systems often combine multiple components, some of which may be quite heavy, weighing fifteen pounds or more per component. These systems are preferably set up with the components relatively close to each other, so that connection cables are not required to stretch long distances. However, simply stacking the components one upon the other is not advised, as these components may need ventilation to avoid over heating, and the entire stack might need to be adjusted to reach a single component that needs repair or replacement. 
     To conveniently store electronic component systems, many people use a rack that is capable of holding many components. Such a rack preferably has multiple adjustable shelves, which may be set at a desired height based upon the size and shape of the individual components. The rack should be large enough to allow most of the components to be stored, while still allowing for room between the components to allow for ventilation. In addition, the rack should allow easy access to the back of the components where most of the cable connections are located. 
     A problem exists, however, in providing a rack system for extremely large component systems that need to be stored in small places, such as a computer component system for a fast food restaurant that needs to be stored in a space the size of a small closet. Such component systems typically have too many heavy parts to be stored all on a single, conventional rack system. In addition, if the components need to be accessed often, then the rack may not be able to withstand repeated moving to reach the components. 
     Thus there is a need for a sturdy rack system for electronic components that is capable of holding large and extremely heavy componentry. The rack system should have adjustable shelves so that it may be adapted to hold a wide variety of components. The rack system should be large enough to hold the necessary components and provide proper ventilation while also allowing for storage of the components into small spaces. In addition the rack system should be mobile so that it may be easily accessed without disrupting the electronic components therein. 
     SUMMARY 
     Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such a device by providing a heavy duty rack system with adjustable shelves, designed to hold large electronic componentry. The rack system includes large castors, capable of withstanding great weight, to allow the rack system to be rolled away from a wall to allow access to the back of the components. In order to avoid the system becoming top heavy, which reduces the safety of rolling the rack system away from a wall, the rack system of the present invention is heavily weighted at the bottom. In addition, the rack system may include optional handles to assist with rolling the system. 
     Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to store a large number of electronic components in a relatively small space, while still allowing sufficient ventilation for the components. 
     Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to allow quick and easy access to the rear of the components to allow for easy installation, removal, and/or repair of said components. 
     Still another feature and advantage of the present invention is the adjustability of the rack system, so that it may be configured to store an unlimited variety of electronic components. 
     These and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art after reading the following Detailed Description and Claims in light of the accompanying drawing Figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Accordingly, the present invention will be understood best through consideration of, and reference to, the following Figures, viewed in conjunction with the Detailed Description of the Invention referring thereto, in which like reference numbers throughout the various Figures designate like structure and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the rack system of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the rack system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear view of the rack system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of cut away shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of second cut away shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     
    
    
     It is to be noted that the drawings presented are intended solely for the purpose of illustration and that they are, therefore, neither desired nor intended to limit the invention to any or all of the exact details of construction shown, except insofar as they may be deemed essential to the claimed invention. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     In describing preferred embodiments of the present invention illustrated in the figures, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. 
     In that form of the preferred embodiment of the present invention chosen for purposes of illustration,  FIGS. 1-3  show a component rack system  10  of the present invention. The rack system may include four corner rails  20 , designed with multiple attachments for receiving shelves  30 . Shelves  30  may include half-shelves  35 , full shelves  37 , or any desired combination thereof. In other embodiments, shelves  30  may be proportioned in size, either larger or smaller in comparison to half-shelf  35 , to accommodate an intended use. Shelves  30  may preferably be attached to corner rails  20  at a variety of locations so that the shelves may be adjusted as desired by the end user. 
     The illustrated preferred embodiment also includes side support beams  33  that may be used in conjunction with full shelf  37  to provide support for taller components. For example, if desktop computer towers are stored on full shelf  37 , then there is a danger the computer towers could tip over when the rack system is in motion. Support beams  33  assist in preventing such accidental tipping. 
     Corner rails  20  and shelves  30  are preferably formed form a heavy duty metal to handle the weight of large electronic components. Rails and shelves made from steel and having about ⅛″ thickness have been found useful in this regard. Support beams  33  may be thinner, as they are not intended to bear a principally vertical load. 
     The rack system shown in the Figures also includes important features that assist in providing mobility to the system. These are handles  40 , caster wheels  50 , base plate  60 , and power strip  70 . 
     Caster wheels  50  are added to allow the rack system to be moved in and out of a tight space to provide access to the components stored on the system. Heavy duty casters need to be used to withstand large weight. A useful caster wheel has been assembled using parts sold as Swivel Wheel (Part Number AM-PH62-S) and Rigid Casters (Part Number AM-PH62-R). 
     Handles  40  are preferably added to at least two of corner rails  20  to provide means for easily gripping the rack system for moving. The handles may be positioned lower on the rack, for example, at or below the center of gravity of the rack system, so that one does not tip the rack over by pulling on the handles. 
     Base plate  60  is an important aspect of the rack system, as it provides extra weight to help lower the rack system&#39;s center of gravity and reduce the risk of tipping the rack system when it is rolled. Base plate  60  may be made of any heavy material, such as ¼″ or greater thick steel. Base plate  60  may also be used as an additional shelf, if so desired. In some embodiments, base plate  60  may be made up of several parts, each oriented, by way of non-limiting example, in a vertical direction with respect to the width of the part, each part spanning between, and attached to, two or more vertical rails. When so configured, a shelf  30  may be disposed atop base  60 , if so desired. 
     Optional power strip  70  is helpful in providing a single source of electrical power for the components, so that only the rack needs to be plugged into an electrical outlet. The components on the rack may then be connected to power strip  70  to avoid multiple cords extending to various electrical outlets. Power strip  70  may have a long electric cord, or be attached to an extension cord, so that the rack may be rolled away from the electrical outlet while still plugged in, as the components may need their power during inspection for potential repairs. 
     Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the disclosures herein are exemplary only and various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments as illustrated herein, but is only limited by the following claims.