Patent Publication Number: US-2007115616-A1

Title: Mounting systems and methods for, e.g., uninterrupted power supplies and the like

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      The preferred embodiments of the present invention relate to mounting systems for, inter alia, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems, and, in some preferred embodiments, to systems and methods for mounting UPS modules in a UPS system.  
      2. Description of the Related Art  
      An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is typically used as a buffer between commercially supplied power and an electrical load, such as, e.g., a computer, an analyzer or other electronic equipment. Typically, if line voltage is interrupted, power to the load can be maintained for a limited amount of time, such as, for example, to operate the load during the interruption or to provide time to properly shut down the load without resultant damage. By way of example, an on-line UPS commonly includes a converter, an inverter, and a battery charger. The UPS typically converts the commercially supplied AC power to DC power and then back to AC power This conversion, for example, isolates the load equipment from spikes and drops in the commercially supplied power and corrects variances in line voltages. Typically, DC power is used to charge a battery. Then, the battery can be used to supply AC power to the load when the commercially supplied power is interrupted  
      In some commercial applications, loads may change over time. As computer networks are expanded, the loads on a UPS system increase. In order to meet this increasing demand, either a larger UPS system is needed at the onset or, alternatively, a plurality of modular UPS units can be connected together as needed to meet the increasing requirements in power level. Known designs for a modular UPS systems have utilized one of two basic concepts. The first concept is to make each module an independent chassis. In such cases, the modules can then be stacked or piled next to each other in order to make the necessary electrical connections. One problem with this concept is that it is difficult to move the unit and changing a module may require modules to be disconnected during the operation of the system. The second concept of designing a modular UPS has been to build a freestanding chassis that is essentially a large receptacle for the modules. This design overcomes problems of mobility and service, but can increase the size of the unit, make the unit more difficult to manufacture, and limit field expandability. Thus, there is a need for a modular UPS unit that is easy to maintain, expandable and easy to manufacture.  
      An illustrative modular UPS system is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,317,348 (the &#39;348 patent), of the present inventor, the entire incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In this regard,  FIG. 12 (A) of the present application is a reproduction of  FIG. 1  from the &#39;348 patent.  FIG. 12 (A) is a block diagram of a UPS system  10  according to an embodiment of the &#39;348 patent. As shown, the UPS system  10  comprises a plurality of panels  20 , a base  40  and a plurality of modular UPS units  50 . The plurality of panels  20  is connected together to form an internal chassis or central support structure. By utilizing a central support structure, the UPS system is mobile and each UPS modular unit  50  can be removed from the central support structure independent of the other modular UPS units, thus allowing for hot swapping of the modular UPS units. By using the central support structure, the manufacture of the UPS system is simplified, the size of the system is minimized, and the UPS system can be expanded in the field.  
      For further reference,  FIG. 12 (B) of the present application is a reproduction of  FIG. 9  of the &#39;348 patent.  FIG. 12 (B) illustrates how each modular UPS unit  50  is attached to the central support structure according to the &#39;348 patent. In this regard, each panel has a plurality of male fasteners or clips  34 . Each modular UPS unit  50  has a plurality of female fasteners or latches  52  arranged so that they align with the male fasteners on a section of each panel. The modular UPS units are attached to the central support structure by a pair of clips  34  on each panel that snap into matching latches  52  inside each modular UPS unit  50 . In addition, each modular UPS unit  50  has input/output connectors  54  which connect to the input/output connectors  36  on the central support structure to electrically connect the modular UPS units  50  to the UPS system  10 .  
      While a variety of UPS systems and methods are known, there remains a need in the art for improved systems and methods.  
     SUMMARY  
      The preferred embodiments of the present invention can significantly improve upon existing systems and methods.  
      According to some of the preferred embodiments, an innovative latch structure is provided that enables the latching together of two objects, separated by a given distance, while concealing the latching mechanism and while having the latch perform the action of pulling the two objects together. Among other things, according to some of the preferred embodiments, a novel latch structure that includes, in some preferred embodiments, offset the pivot points between an actuating element and a hook element such that, among other things, the parts do not have to be co-planar (e.g., and, thus, do not need to be along the front of the unit) and the travel distance of the latch can be greatly extended. Among other things, the preferred embodiments can enable the latching mechanism to be concealed from the portion of the device exposed to the user during normal usage and can have great functional advantages over existing structures.  
      According to some embodiments, a method of mounting UPS modules on a UPS chassis, the UPS modules being removable from the UPS chassis independently of one another, is performed that includes: providing a UPS chassis having a plurality of I/O connectors electrically connectable to a plurality of UPS modules; in a first step, positioning a UPS module on the chassis at an unlatched position in which the UPS module is supported adjacent the chassis while the UPS module is not powered and is not connected to I/O connectors of the chassis; and in a second step, with a manually-operated latching mechanism, drawing the UPS module laterally in a side-to-side direction to the UPS chassis such that during the second step the UPS module becomes powered and becomes connected to I/O connectors of the chassis.  
      In some embodiments, the method further includes that in the first step, the positioning includes laterally sliding the UPS module on the chassis in a front-to-rear direction. In some examples, in the second step, a manually-operated latching mechanism is operated, wherein a handle section of the latching mechanism extends outward from a front surface of the chassis and a locking element of the latching mechanism extends outward from a side surface of the chassis facing the UPS module. In some examples, the latching mechanism includes an actuator that has the handle section, the actuator being pivotally mounted in a manner to extend outward of a through-hole in the chassis, and the latching mechanism includes a locking arm pivotally attached to an inner position on the actuator, the locking arm including the locking element proximate an inner end thereof. In some examples, the locking element is a hook or a catch pin that is configured to engage a keeper attached to a side of the module.  
      According to some other embodiments, an assembly for latching together electrical components is provided that includes: a support chassis having at least one electrical connector to electrically connect to at least one modular unit; at least one modular unit having at least one corresponding electrical connector to electrically connect to the support chassis; a latch mechanism configured to draw one of the at least one modular unit laterally in a side-to-side direction against the support chassis from an unlatched position in which the at least one electrical connector of the support chassis and the at least one corresponding electrical connector of the one of the at least one modular units are disengaged to a latched position in which the at least one electrical connector of the support chassis and the at least one corresponding electrical connector of the one of the at least one modular units are engaged, wherein the latch mechanism includes an actuator that is pivotally mounted on one of the one of the at least one modular units and the chassis and a latching arm that is pivotally mounted to the actuator in a manner to offset pivot points between a manually operated actuating element and a latching element.  
      In some examples, the latching element is a hook or a catch pin configured to engage a corresponding keeper on the other of the one of the at least one modular unit and the chassis. In some examples, the actuator includes a handle section that is located on a plain substantially parallel to a front side of the one of the at least one modular unit and the chassis while in the latched position and the latching arm is positioned in an offset-plain to a rear side of the plain. In some examples, the offset-plain is internal to the one of the module and the chassis such that the locking arm is substantially obstructed from view from a front side of the one of the at least one module and the chassis when in the latched position. In some other examples, the assembly further includes a switch located such as to be engaged upon moving of the latching mechanism into the latched position. Preferably, the latching mechanism is configured such that upon movement of the latching mechanism from the unlatched position to the latched position, the switch is first activated so as to start the modular unit and then the contacts are engaged.  
      According to some other embodiments, a latching mechanism for latching together electrical components is provided that includes: a latch mechanism configured to draw one component laterally in a side-to-side direction against another component from an unlatched position in which a connector of one component and a connector of the another component are disengaged to a latched position in which the connector of the one component and the connector of the another component are engaged, wherein the latch mechanism includes an actuator that is pivotally mounted on the one component and a latching arm that is pivotally mounted to the actuator in a manner to offset pivot points between a manually operated actuating element and a latching element.  
      The above and/or other aspects, features and/or advantages of various embodiments wilt be further appreciated in view of the following description in conjunction with the accompanying figures. Various embodiments can include and/or exclude different aspects, features and/or advantages where applicable. In addition, various embodiments can combine one or more aspect or feature of other embodiments where applicable. The descriptions of aspects, features and/or advantages of particular embodiments should not be construed as limiting other embodiments or the claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      The preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown by a way of example, and not limitation, in the accompanying figures, in which:  
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing a latch mechanism on a chassis according to some illustrative embodiments of the invention;  
       FIG. 2  is a top view of a latch mechanism shown in  FIG. 1  within a chassis (depicted in phantom to facilitate viewing of the latch mechanism) according to some illustrative embodiments of the invention;  
       FIG. 3  is a top view of a prior art draw latch demonstrating deficiencies of some prior art mechanisms;  
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an actuator element according to some preferred embodiments of the invention;  
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a locking arm according to some preferred embodiments of the invention;  
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a keeper element according to some preferred embodiments of the invention;  
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a latch mechanism according to some preferred embodiments of the invention, including the actuator element shown in  FIG. 4 , the locking arm shown in  FIG. 5  and the keeper element shown in  FIG. 6 ;  
       FIG. 8  is a schematic diagram showing a top view of a module in an unlatched state adjacent a chassis;  
       FIG. 9 (A) is a top view of a module in an un-latched state adjacent a chassis;  
       FIG. 9 (B) is a perspective view of a UPS unit with a plurality of modules attached to a chassis according to some embodiments of the invention, showing all modules in a latched state;  
       FIG. 9 (C) is another perspective view of a UPS unit with a plurality of modules attached to a chassis according to some embodiments of the invention, showing one module in an unlatched state;  
       FIG. 9 (D) is a top perspective view of a portion of a UPS unit showing an illustrative engagement between a module and a chassis in accordance with some embodiments of the invention, employing a C-shaped channel on the module that engages with a corresponding grooves in the chassis side wall;  
       FIG. 9 (E) is a top perspective view depicting the engagement of illustrative C-shaped channels and grooves similar to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 (D) according to some illustrative embodiments;  
       FIG. 9 (F) is a schematic side view depicting the engagement of illustrative C-shaped channels and grooves similar to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 (D) according to some illustrative embodiments;  
       FIG. 10  is a cut away top view depicting the engagement of a module and a chassis with the latching mechanism in an unlatched state according to some illustrative embodiments;  
       FIG. 11  is a schematic top view depicting the arrangement of a latching mechanism within a chassis according to some illustrative embodiments; and  
      FIGS.  12 (A) and  12 (B) are perspective views of a UPS system according to a prior invention of the present inventor. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
      While the present invention may be embodied in many different forms, a number of illustrative embodiments are described herein with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as providing examples of the principles of the invention and that such examples are not intended to limit the invention to preferred embodiments described herein and/or illustrated herein. The basic principle of the present invention will first be described below. This description is simplified for the convenience of easily understanding the present invention, and hence this example should not be taken as limiting the embodiments of the present invention.  
      Referring initially to  FIG. 9 (B), a front perspective view of an illustrative UPS system according to some illustrative embodiments of the invention is depicted. As shown, the system includes a center chassis  1000  with a series of modules  2000  (including, in some preferred embodiments, left-side modules  2000 A and/or right-side modules  2000 B)) attached to either side of the center chassis. In some embodiments, the modules  2000  and the chassis  1000  can include components similar to that described in the above-referenced U.S. Pat. No. 6,317,348, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.  
      In accordance with the preferred embodiments of the invention, the modules  2000  are attached to the chassis  1000  using a novel attachment methodology, as described in detail below.  
      In this regard, preferably, the modules  2000  are mounted on the chassis  1000  in two stages: 1) in a first stage, a module  2000  is positioned upon the chassis  1000  in an unlatched state (see, e.g., modules  2000 A and  2000 B shown in  FIG. 9 (A)); and 2) in a second stage, the module  2000  is moved into a latched position (such as, e.g., modules  2000 A and  2000 B shown in  FIG. 9 (B)).  
      In some preferred embodiments, in order to place the modules onto the chassis into the unlatched state in the first stage, the modules  2000  are attached by sliding the modules onto the chassis  1000  from the front side of the chassis—e.g., in the direction of the arrows A shown in FIGS.  9 (A),  9 (B) and  9 (E). in this regard, the modules  2000  and the chassis  1000  can be adapted so as to initially support the modules upon the chassis in the first stage in a variety of ways. While some preferred embodiments are described herein-below with reference to FIGS.  9 (D) to  9 (F), in various examples the modules  2000  can include flanges or other elements that slide within respective channels on the chassis  1000  (or vise verse). or the modules  2000  can include clips that engage the chassis  1000  and/or any other appropriate engagement mechanisms can be employed between the modules  2000  and chassis  1000 . In some preferred embodiments, when the module  2000  is located in the first stage position (e.g., in an unlatched state), such as, e.g., in the position of module  2000 A shown in  FIG. 9 (A), the module  2000  is angled slightly with respect to the chassis, with a rear end of the module closer to the chassis than a front end of the module. In some examples, this angle can be less than about 10 degrees, or, more preferably, less than about 5 degrees, or, in some preferred embodiments, about 2-½ degrees from a side surface of the chassis as best shown in  FIG. 9 (A).  
      With reference to FIGS.  9 (D) to  9 (F), in some embodiments the inside of the modules  2000  can include a plurality of C-shaped channels  2020 C having upper and lower flange portions  2020  that are adapted so as to engage within respective grooves  1020  along the top and bottom of the outer side wall of the chassis  1000 . With reference to  FIG. 9 (D), the C-shaped channel is drawn schematically at  2020 C. It should be appreciated based on this disclosure that the C-shaped channels  2020 C can include any appropriate shape and need not be C-shaped, as long as they include flanges that can fit within the grooves  1020 . For explanatory purposes,  FIG. 9 (D) depicts flange portions  2020  situated within a groove  1020  (without showing the module  2000  or the chassis structure for simplicity) as a unlatched state when the module  2000  is inserted in the first stage onto the chassis. In this regard the flange of the C-shaped channel is inserted into the groove  1020  in the direction of the arrow A so as to follow within the groove  1020  between the left-side wall  1020 L and between the right-side wall segments  1020 R. In this illustrative embodiment, once the module  2000  is fully inserted to the unlatched position, the flange portions  2020  of the C-shaped channel sections are preferably aligned with openings between the right-side wall segments  1020 R. In this manner, the second stage of the mounting can occur by causing the module  2000  to move relatively to the chassis  1000  in the direction of arrows B, such as, e.g., by use of the latching mechanism described below in some preferred embodiments of the invention. In some preferred embodiments, the edges of the segments  1020 R are tapered (as shown) so as to facilitate positional alignment of the modules  2000  as they are drawn tightly against the chassis  1000 . While in the foregoing example, left-side wall and right-side wall portions are described, it should be understood that in embodiments having modules on opposite or other sides of a chassis  1000 , the arrangement of the side walls may vary based on the orientation from the chassis.  
      In some preferred embodiments in order to place the modules in a latched state on the chassis in the second stages, a novel latching mechanism, such as described below, is utilized. In this regard, as described above, the latching mechanism is preferably adapted so as to laterally move the module in such a manner that the module is pulled tightly against the chassis when drawn into the latched or closed state.  
      In some preferred embodiments, upon movement of the module into a latched or closed state the following occurs: 1) a switch (such as, e.g., switch SW shown in  FIG. 2 ) is caused to close such that, by way of example, the system is turned on and/or an indication light shows a latched condition; and 2) electrical contacts (such as, e.g., connectors  1000 C and  2000 C shown in  FIG. 8 ) between the module and the chassis are brought into electrical contact engagement. As schematically shown in  FIG. 8 , each UPS module  2000  preferably includes input/output connectors  2000 C that connect to the input/output connectors  1000 C on the central support chassis  1000  structure to electrically connect the UPS modules to the UPS system.  
      In some preferred embodiments, as one closes the latch mechanism, the switch is preferably first activated (at a certain point or position) so as to start the unit (e.g., to turn it on), and then the contacts are preferably engaged. On the other hand, upon opening the latch mechanism, preferably the switch is first opened (so as to turn off or kill the unit) and then the contacts are opened. By way of example  FIG. 9 (C) shows a plurality of LED indicator lights, with a single light adjacent respective modules.  
      To facilitate reference,  FIG. 10  depicts the latch mechanism in an unlatched state with the top of the module  2000  and the chassis  1000  cut away to facilitate viewing of the latch mechanism structure. As shown, during movement of the actuator  100  the actuator  100  causes a switch SW to be activated by the latch mechanism (such as, e.g., as described below a portion of the actuator  100  can physically cause the switch to close in some embodiments by pushing against the switch SW during movement of the latch mechanism to a closed state). Preferably, when the latch mechanism is closed the switch SW is also closed. The closing of the switch also preferably initiates a startup sequence for the module. When the latch mechanism is opened, the switch SW preferably also preferably opens and the module is preferably shutdown. As discussed above, the switch SW also preferably activates an LED or other indicator light.  
      In the preferred embodiments the latch mechanism includes an actuator portion  100  which can be, e.g., manually grasped by a user to open or close the latch mechanism. For reference,  FIG. 9 (A) shows a state with latch mechanisms in an open condition with actuators  100  positioned outward from the chassis  1000 , and  FIG. 9 (B) shows a UPS assembly in which the modules  2000  are fully latched upon the chassis  1000 , such that the actuators  100  are positioned in a closed or latched state flush against the side of the modules  2000 .  
      With reference to  FIG. 7 , in some embodiments, a latch mechanism  1  includes the following components. It is initially noted that, as shown in, e.g.,  FIG. 9 (B), in some preferred embodiments, the actuator  100  is the only or substantially the only portion of the latch mechanism  1  which is visible during normal use of the latch mechanism (i.e., when the latch mechanism  1  is in a closed state). As shown in  FIG. 7 , the latch mechanism  1  preferably includes an actuator  100  portion that includes a handle section  101  which is visible during normal use, a set-back section  102  which extends back inside the front face of the module during normal use, an inner arm  103 , and extension portions  104 . As shown, the handle section  101  preferably extends substantially along a plane  101 A (represented as a dashed-line). In operation, in an unlatched state, the plane  101 A is located at an angle to the front face of the module (see, e.g., FIGS.  9 (A) and  10 ) and is located substantially parallel to the front face of the module in a latched state (see, e.g.,  FIG. 9 (B)). As shown in  FIG. 7 , the set-back section  102  preferably includes a pivot mechanism for enabling pivoting movement of the actuator  100  within the chassis  1000 , such as, e.g., pivot pins  110  that extend therefrom which are pivotally engaged within receiving holes inside the chassis  1000 . As further shown in  FIG. 10 , the module  1000  preferably includes support plates above and below the actuator  100  (a plate above the actuator is shown) having through-holes  1000 TH for pivotally receiving the pivot pins  110 . Referring again to  FIG. 7 , the set-back section is preferably set back a distance in the direction of arrows  102 A.  
      As shown in  FIG. 7 , the inner arm  103  preferably extends generally parallel to the handle section  101  along the direction of the dashed-line arrows  103 A. In addition, the extension portions  104  preferably extend further inside the chassis  1000  a distance as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 10 . The inner ends of the extension portions  104  preferably include pivot pins  120  that pivotally support a locking arm  200  described below.  
      In some preferred embodiments, a locking arm or latch arm  200  is provided that includes a base portion  201 , which can, e.g., include a substantially flat plate as shown in  FIG. 7 . The base portion  201  preferably supports actuator-engaging plates  202  at one end proximate to the actuator  100  and locking-pin-receiving plates  203  at a distal end of the base portion. As further shown in  FIG. 7 , the actuator-engaging plates preferably include through-holes  220  configured to pivotally receive the pivot pins  120 . In addition, the locking-pin-receiving plates  203  preferably support a generally cylindrical locking pin or catch pin  210  thereupon. The details of the locking arm  200  are further depicted in  FIG. 5 . With reference to  FIGS. 5, 7  and  10 , in operation, the catch pin  210  of the locking arm  200  can be moved via the actuator  100  so as to engage a keeper  300  which is fixedly mounted to an outer surface of the chassis  100 . In this manner, when the actuator  100  is positioned in the unlatched position on a chassis  1000 , such as, e.g., in the position  2000 A shown in FIGS.  9 (A) and as shown in  FIG. 10 , the handle section  101  of the actuator  100  can be manually moved in the direction of the arrow C shown in  FIG. 10  so as to cause the actuator to pivot around the pivot pins  110 , such that the catch pin  210  is drawn in a direction clockwise around the pivot pins  110  or rightward in  FIG. 10 , whereby by engagement with the keeper  300 , the module  2000  is moved with respect to the chassis  1000  into a latched state with the module tightly fitted against the chassis. Similarly, in order to unlatch the module  2000  from the chassis  1000 , a user can grasp the handle section  101  and pull it outward until it reaches the position shown in  FIG. 10 . During such movement, the latch arm  200  is preferably caused to push against the keeper  300  (such as, e.g., via engagement with a side edge of the through-hole  201 H) so as to cause the module  2000  to move outward relative to the chassis  1000  to the unlatched state shown in  FIG. 10 .  
      With reference to  FIG. 6 , in some preferred embodiments, the keeper  300  is configured so as to have a mounting plate section  310  which can be fixedly attached to the module  2000 , such as, e.g., using bolts, screws or the like received via through-holes  315  in some illustrative examples, and a catch-pin-retainer section  320  which is configured so as to receive the catch pin  210  as shown and described herein. Preferably, the end of the retainer section  320  tapers outward slightly so as to facilitate engagement with the catch pin  210  when the module  2000  is slid onto the chassis in the direction of the arrows A shown in FIGS.  9 (A),  9 (B),  9 (E) and  10 .  
      With reference to  FIGS. 1, 2  and  10 , the chassis  1000  preferably includes two through-holes via which components of the latch mechanism protrude from the chassis to varying extends depending on the positioning of the latch mechanism components during operation. In particular, the front of the chassis  1000  preferably includes a through-hole  1000 HF through which the actuator handle-section  101  extends and the side of the chassis  1000  preferably includes a through-hole  1000 HS through which the locking arm  200  extends. With reference to the schematic illustration in  FIG. 11 , the size of the through-holes can be advantageously minimized such that the components of the latch mechanism can be retained substantially internally to the chassis  1000 . In addition, in view of the pivotal mounting of the locking arm  200 , the sides of the through-hole  1000 HS can be configured and positioned as desired so as to facilitate guiding of the latch arm  200  during its motion into and out of the chassis  1000  via the through-hole  1000 HS.  
      With reference to  FIGS. 1, 2 ,  7  and  10 , the actuator preferably includes at least one engagement projection(s)  140  that extends inwardly from the handle section  101  and that is configured so as to engage (such as, e.g., to snap fit into) with respective receiving openings (not shown) in the module when in a latched state.  
      For further illustration,  FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of the actuator  100  at the side of a chassis with the actuator in an open or unlatched state. As illustrated in embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , when the handle section  101  is moved in the closing direction i.e., in the direction of the arrow C the locking pin or catch pin  210  is concurrently caused to move inward into the side through-hole  1000 HS in the direction of the arrow D. Similarly, when the handle section  101  is moved in an opening direction opposite to that of the arrow C, the catch pin  210  is concurrently caused to move outward from the side through-hole  1000 HS.  
      In the drawings,  FIGS. 1, 2 ,  4 ,  5 ,  6  and  7  show illustrative components of the latch mechanism  1  with component parts shown substantially to scale in appropriate size proportions according to some illustrative embodiments. In various embodiments, however, the dimensions of the components and/or configurations of components can vary widely based on circumstances.  
      According to some of the preferred embodiments, an innovative latch structure is, thus, provided that enables the latching together of two objects, separated by a given distance, while concealing the latching mechanism and while having the latch perform the action of pulling the two objects together. A standard draw latch shown in  FIG. 3  performs functions of latching two objects together, but it has some significant limitations. In this regard, as shown in  FIG. 3 , a standard draw latch has a lever L, a hook H and a keeper K. In operation, when the lever L is moved in, for example, the direction of the arrow shown in  FIG. 3 , a mechanism causes the hook H to move leftward so as to catch on the keeper K. The lever L can then be moved back, drawing the part that the keeper K is attached to toward the part that the lever L and hook H are attached to. In this type of latch the two parts are required to be co-planar. In such a case, while a standard draw latch can be used to pull two separate co-planar objects together and to latch them in place, the latch is fully exposed and has a limited travel distance.  
      Among other things, according to some of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, a novel latch structure is employed that includes offset the pivot points between an actuating element (e.g., actuator handle section  101 ) and the hook element (e.g., locking arm  200  and catch pin  210 ) such that among other things, the parts do not have to be co-planar (e.g., and, thus, do not need to be along the front of the unit) and the travel distance of the latch can be greatly extended. In the preferred embodiments, a pivot point of a hook H and lever L is, thus, moved out of alignment with a pivot point of the lever L, allowing for a number of improvements. First, of all the two parts no longer need to be in the same plane. Second, the travel distance of the hook can be increased thereby increasing the reach of the latch. Third the latch can be concealed leaving only the actuating lever exposed to the user. Concealing the latch not only offers cosmetic benefits, but also enhances the safety to the user by covering possible pinch points and other benefits.  
      Although a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described in the context of a UPS system, it is to be understood that the invention can be used in other systems made up of modular components. Additionally, while the invention has been illustratively described in its preferred form, it is not intended to limit the scope of the claims that follow the specifics of that design form, inasmuch as variations equivalent thereto are feasible without departing from the novel inventive concepts involved. These and other variations are contemplated to fall within the scope of the claims that follow.  
     BROAD SCOPE OF THE INVENTION  
      While illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described herein, the present invention is not limited to the various preferred embodiments described herein, but includes any and all embodiments having equivalent elements, modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., of aspects across various embodiments), adaptations and/or alterations as would be appreciated by those in the art based on the present disclosure. The limitations in the claims are to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to examples described in the present specification or during the prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive. For example, in the present disclosure, the term “preferably” is non-exclusive and means “preferably, but not limited to.” In this disclosure and during the prosecution of this application, means-plus-function or step-plus-function limitations will only be employed where for a specific claim limitation all of the following conditions are present in that limitation: a) “means for” or “step for” is expressly recited; b) a corresponding function is expressly recited; and c) structure, material or acts that support that structure are not recited. In this disclosure and during the prosecution of this application, the terminology “present invention” or “invention” may be used as a reference to one or more aspect within the present disclosure. The language present invention or invention should not be improperly interpreted as an identification of criticality, should not be improperly interpreted as applying across all aspects or embodiments (i.e., it should be understood that the present invention has a number of aspects and embodiments), and should not be improperly interpreted as limiting the scope of the application or claims. In this disclosure and during the prosecution of this application, the terminology “embodiment” can be used to describe any aspect, feature, process or step, any combination thereof, and/or any portion thereof, etc. In some examples, various embodiments may include overlapping features. In this disclosure, the following abbreviated terminology may be employed: “e.g.” which means “for example.”