Patent Document

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Over the years, the computer industry has developed a wide variety of rack systems, which may vary from one industry or application to another. Rack systems generally support a plurality of computer components, such as Web-servers, security systems, applications servers, data servers, and other desired servers and network components. Many of these computer components have a relatively large form factor, heavy weight, and large number of cable connections, which complicates the handling and mounting of the components within the desired rack structure. Many rack systems have a four-legged rack structure, which provides support at all four corners of the computer components mounted in the rack structure. However, other specialized systems may utilize a two-legged rack structure. A two-legged telecommunications rack structure is one such example. Unfortunately, the rack mounting mechanisms are often inflexible, uni-positional, and problematic for mounting and removing the desired computer components. For example, the foregoing two-legged rack structures generally support computer components by a fixed front mounting, which necessitates multiple persons and tools to mount the desired computer component to the two-legged rack structure. 
   SUMMARY 
   According to one embodiment, a rack computer system comprises a rack structure comprising a pair of mounting legs each having a rail interface oriented in a plane transverse to the pair of mounting legs. The rack computer system also comprises a computer chassis comprising a pair of mounting rails movable along the rail interface between a plurality of mounting depths oriented along the plane. 
   In another embodiment, a rack mount for computing devices comprises a dual-legged rack structure, a rail interfaces coupled to the dual-legged rack structure, and mounting rails movably positional along the rail interfaces and adapted for mounting on a computer chassis. 
   In a further embodiment, a computer system comprises means for housing computing components and means for variable-depth mounting the computer chassis to a pair of legs of a rack structure. 
   Another embodiment comprises a method of forming a versatile rack mount. The method comprises providing a rack structure having dual mounting legs, coupling at least part of a rail and rail interface assembly to the dual mounting legs, and enabling variable-depth mounting of a desired computer chassis via the rail and rail interface assembly. 
   In a further embodiment, a method of using a rack computer system comprises moving a computer chassis along a rail mechanism of a dual-legged rack structure and retaining the computer chassis at the desired rail depth along the rail mechanism. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Exemplary embodiments will hereafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements, and: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating a rack structure having a pair of multi-positional rack mounts or rail interfaces in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a close-up perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the multi-positional rack mount or rail interface of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of an alignment member (e.g., a multi-positional rack mount or rail) for aligning the rail interfaces of  FIGS. 1 and 2  with the rack structure of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a computer chassis having a pair of the rails of  FIG. 3  exploded from the rail interfaces of  FIGS. 1-3 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view illustrating a multi-configurable rack computer system having the computer chassis of  FIG. 4  front-mounted to the rack structure of  FIGS. 1 ,  3 , and  4  in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the multi-configurable rack computer system of  FIG. 5  having the computer chassis mounted to the rack structure at an intermediate position by a multi-positional guide; 
       FIG. 7  is a close-up perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the multi-positional guide of  FIG. 6 ; 
       FIG. 8  is a close-up perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the rail and multi-positional guide of  FIGS. 6 and 7 ; 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view illustrating a pair of the rail interfaces of  FIG. 2  mounted to the computer chassis of  FIG. 4  in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention; and 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the computer chassis of  FIG. 9  being mounted to the rack structure illustrated in FIG.  1 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   As discussed in detail below, the illustrated embodiments comprise a variety of unique multi-positional or multi-configurable rack mounting mechanisms, rack structures, and rack computer systems. For example, the multi-positional or multi-configurable mounting mechanisms may include a linear positioning system, such as a rail-to-track mechanism or rail-to-rail interface assembly, which facilitates variable positions or configurations of a computer chassis (e.g., a telecommunications device) within the rack structure. The linear positioning system, e.g., rail mechanism, enables multiple horizontal depths or lateral positions in a plane oriented away from legs of the rack structure, thereby facilitating multiple configurations of the device mounted in the rack structure. By further example, a variety of tool-free couplings and latch mechanisms may be used to simplify the assembly and mounting process. Any suitable computer chassis may be mounted in the rack structure using these multi-positional rack-mounting mechanisms. For example, the computer chassis may include various network servers, Web-servers, applications servers, routers, security systems, telecommunications devices, and other suitable rack mountable devices. Depending on the desired application and environment, the multi-positional rack mounting mechanisms enable the computing devices to be mounted in a variety of positions or configurations within the rack structure. For example, the computer chassis may be mounted in a frontal, central, or rearward position of the rack structure (i.e., multiple positional configurations or mounting depths). The multi-positional or multi-configurable rack mounting mechanisms also enable flexible access to the computing devices at variable positions within the rack structure. 
   Turning now to the Figures, several embodiments of a rack structure and corresponding mounting mechanisms are illustrated.  FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating a rack structure  10  (e.g., a telecommunications or telco rack structure) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the rack structure  10  comprises a plurality of vertical supports, such as mounting legs  12  and  14 , which extend upwardly from a support base  16 . The illustrated support base  16  has lateral support members  18  and  19  extending outwardly from opposite sides of the vertical support or mounting legs  12  and  14 , such that lateral support is provided for various devices mounted to the mounting legs  12  and  14 . Additionally, the support base  16  may comprise a plurality of stationary mounting mechanisms, such as mounting receptacles  20 - 26 , which can be secured to a stationary surface (e.g., bolted to the floor) or a mobile unit (e.g., a cart). If desired, these mounting receptacles  20 - 26  may be used to provide additional stability and security for the various devices mounted to the rack structure  10 . 
   For device mounting, the rack structure  10  also may comprise one or more pairs of multi-positional rack mounts or rail interfaces  28  and  30 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . For example, as discussed in detail below, the rail interfaces  28  and  30  may enable multiple mounting depths or positional configurations of a computer chassis having rails engageable with the rail interfaces  28  and  30 . Additionally, the rail interfaces  28  and  30  may be coupled to the mounting legs  12  and  14  at a variety of vertical positions. A variety of tool-free and/or tool-based mounting mechanisms also may be used to enable the various mounting configurations, the coupling of the rail interfaces  28  and  30  to the mounting legs  12  and  14 , and the coupling of the desired device to the rail interfaces  28  and  30 . For example, each of the illustrated vertical supports or mounting legs  12  and  14  has a plurality of mounting mechanisms, such as mounting receptacles  32  and  34 . On front rack mount sections  36  and  38 , the rail interfaces  28  and  30  also may have various mounting mechanisms, such as front mounting receptacles  40 - 42  and  44 - 46  and front mounting and alignment members  48 - 50  and  52 - 54 , respectively. The rail interfaces  28  and  30  also can include integral or separate fasteners, such as fasteners  56 - 58  and  60 - 62 , respectively. On lateral device mount sections  64 - 66 , the rail interfaces  28  and  30  may further include a variety of mounting mechanisms, such as elongated rail channels or opposite rail support structures  68 - 70  and  72 - 74  and lateral mounting receptacles  76  and  78 , respectively. Any additional or alternative tool-based or tool-free fasteners and receptacles are also within the scope of the present embodiments. For example, the foregoing mounting mechanisms  32 - 78  may comprise threaded fasteners, latch mechanisms, snap-fit mechanisms, spring-loaded couplings, male and female interlocking mechanisms, pins, retainers, straps, rail structures and mating channels, bossed members and slots, servo-mechanisms, electro-mechanical latches, and other suitable couplings. 
   As discussed in further detail below, a desired device may be mounted directly or indirectly (e.g., via rails) to the multi-positional rack mounts or rail interfaces  28  and  30 . For example, the rail interfaces  28  and  30  may be coupled to opposite sides of the desired device, which can then be mounted to the rack structure  10  via fasteners  56 - 62 . Alternatively, the desired device may be mounted to the rail interfaces  28  and  30  after mounting the rail interfaces  28  and  30  to the respective legs  12  and  14  of the rack structure  10 . In either mounting configuration, the rail interfaces  28  and  30  can be mounted to the mounting legs  12  and  14  at the desired vertical mounting position by extending the fasteners  56 - 58  and  60 - 62  through front mounting receptacles  40 - 42  and  44 - 46  and engaging the fasteners connectively into the corresponding mounting receptacles  32  and  34 , respectively. Accordingly, the rail interfaces  28  and  30  are mountable at multiple vertical heights, while also providing multiple horizontal or lateral depths extending away from the legs  12  and  14  in a plane aligned with the rail interfaces  28  and  30 . 
   If desired, an alignment member may be used to ensure proper alignment and orientation of the rail interfaces  28  and  30 .  FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of an alignment member (e.g., a multi-positional rack mount or rail  80 ) for aligning the rail interfaces  28  and  30  of  FIGS. 1 and 2  with the rack structure  10  of FIG.  1 . As illustrated, the alignment member or rail  80  has alignment holes  82 - 84  and  86 - 88 , which can be disposed about the front mounting alignment members  48 - 50  and  52 - 54  of the rail interfaces  28  and  30 . In use, the alignment holes  82 - 88  ensure proper alignment and positioning of the rail interfaces  28  and  30  with the respective legs  12  and  14 . For example, the foregoing alignment member or rail  80  may act as a continuous mounting guide for the rail interfaces  28  and  30  until the fasteners  56 - 58  and  60 - 52  securely couple the rail interfaces  28  and  30  to the corresponding receptacles  32  and  34  in the legs  12  and  14 , respectively. Alternatively, the alignment member or rail  80  can be used for initial alignment of the rail interfaces  28  and  30  followed by subsequent fastening to the legs  12  and  14 . Again, any suitable alignment and mounting mechanism is within the scope of the present embodiments. 
   In addition to the foregoing alignment function, the rail  80  of  FIG. 3  also may be used for mounting a desired device to the rail interfaces  28  and  30 .  FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a computer chassis  90  having a pair of the rails  80  of  FIG. 3  exploded from the rail interfaces  28  and  30  of  FIGS. 1-3 . The illustrated computer chassis  90  may comprise one or more processors, memory modules, hard disk drives, floppy disk drives, optical drives, circuit boards, communication devices (e.g., network, wireless, etc.), audio/video devices, power supplies, fans, and other desired computing components. It also should be noted that one or more computing components may embody removable modular components, such as multiple hard drives, multiple power supplies, redundant cooling fans, and one or more disk drives. However, any suitable components and configurations are within the scope of the illustrated embodiments. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , a pair of the multi-positional rack mounts or rails  80  may be coupled to opposite sides  92  and  94  of the computer chassis  90 , such that the computer chassis  90  can be mounted to the rack structure  10  via the rail interfaces  28  and  30 . The rails  80  may be mounted to the computer chassis  90  by a variety of mounting mechanisms, such as threaded fasteners, snap-fit fasteners, latch mechanisms, spring-loaded fasteners, retainer rings, straps, cotter pins, and other tool-free and/or tool-based fastening mechanisms. However, the illustrated rails  80  have a plurality of latching mechanisms or receptacles  95 , such as keyhole slots  96 ,  98 , and  100 . On the opposite sides  92  and  94 , the computer chassis  90  has mating latch mechanisms, such as bossed members  102 ,  104 , and  106 , which are coupleable with the corresponding keyhole slots  96 ,  98 , and  100  of the rails  80 . 
   For assembly, the rails  80  can be mounted to the sides  92  and  94  by aligning and engaging an enlarged portion  108  of the keyhole slots  96 ,  98 , and  100  with an enlarged portion of the bossed members  102 ,  104 , and  106 . The rails  80  can then be interlocked with the sides  92  and  94  by sliding the keyhole slots  96 ,  98 , and  100  along the bossed members  102 ,  104 , and  106  into a narrowed portion  110  of the keyhole slots  96 ,  98 , and  100 . At this position, the retention of the bossed members  102 ,  104 , and  106  within the narrowed slot portion  110  of the keyhole slots  96 ,  98 , and  100  prevents any vertical or outward separation of the computer chassis  90  from the rails  80 . Lateral retention within the keyhole slots  96 ,  98 , and  100  may be achieved by a variety of mechanisms. In certain embodiments, the keyhole slots  96 ,  98 , and  100  may restrict the lateral/transversal release of the bossed members  102 ,  104 , and  106  from the narrowed slot portion  110  and into the enlarged slot portion  108 , at which point the computer chassis  90  and rails  80  can be separated by an outward/vertical movement. For example, the bossed members  102 ,  104 , and  106  and corresponding keyhole slots  96 ,  98 , and  100  may be structured for a compressive-fit or snap-fit within the narrowed slot portion  110 . Alternatively, the rails  80  may include a wide variety of additional tool-based or tool-free retaining mechanisms, such as a snap-fit mechanism, a spring-loaded latch or pin, threaded fasteners, a retaining clip or pin, or other suitable couplings. For example, externally threaded fasteners  112  may be disposed through the rails  80  and connectively into the computer chassis  90  to prevent lateral disengagement of the foregoing bossed members  102 ,  104 , and  106  from the narrowed slot portion  110  of the keyhole slots  96 ,  98 , and  100 , respectively. Other suitable mounting and the release mechanisms are also within the scope of the illustrated embodiment. 
   As illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the computer chassis  90  may be mounted to the rack structure  10  via sliding engagement between the rails  80  and the rail interfaces  28  and  30 , respectively. The tool-free engagement between the rails  80  and the rail interfaces  28  and  30  facilitates quick and tool-less acceptance and mounting of the computer chassis  90  with the rack structure  10 . Although an additional user may assist, the illustrated embodiments allow a user to single-handedly mount the computer chassis  90  to the rack structure  10  without such assistance. For example, a single user can hold the computer chassis  90 , guide the rails  80  into the rail interfaces  28  and  30 , and tool-lessly install the computer chassis  90  into the rack structure  10 . If the computer chassis  90  is particularly heavy or unwieldy, then the foregoing quick and tool-free mounting mechanism may avoid the use of supports, guides, multiple users, or other additional mounting aids. 
   In the illustrated embodiment, the rails  80  comprise outer rail structures  114  and  116 , which can be movably coupled within the channels or rail support structures  68 - 70  and  72 - 74  of the rail interfaces  28  and  30 . However, any suitable linear positioning mechanism is within the scope of the present technique. The illustrated rails  80  also may have a mounting engagement guide or insert guiding structure, such as a tapered rail section  118 , which facilitates the initial engagement and subsequent sliding of the rails  80  into the rail support structures  68 - 70  and  72 - 74 . Again, the tapered rail section  118  guides the rails  80  into the rail interfaces  28  and  30 , thereby simplifying the mounting of the computer chassis  90  into the rack structure  10  without multiple users or tools. Once the rails  80  are engaged with the rail interfaces  28  and  30 , the computer chassis  90  can be linearly moved to any desired position within the range of the engaged rails  80  and interfaces  28  and  30 . 
   As a result, the multi-positional interaction between the rails  80  and the corresponding rail interfaces  28  and  30  (e.g., collectively a rail mechanism or rail-rail interface assembly) provides a multi-positional mounting functionality to the rack structure  10 , the computer chassis  90 , and the combined rack computer system. For example,  FIG. 5  is a perspective view illustrating a multi-configurable rack computer system  120  having the computer chassis  90  of  FIG. 4  front-mounted to the rack structure  10  of  FIGS. 1 ,  3 , and  4  in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. If desired, the computer chassis  90  may be secured in this front mounted configuration by any suitable attachment mechanism, such as a threaded fastener, a snap-fit mechanism, a spring-loaded latch or pin, a threaded fastener, a latch mechanism, or any other suitable tool-based or tool-free fastener. For example, one or more rack mounting fasteners may be disposed in front mount panels  122  and  124  of the computer chassis  90 . In the illustrated embodiment, one or two fasteners disposed in each of the front mount panels  122  and  124  may be coupled to the front mounting alignment members  48 - 50  and  52 - 54  of the rail interfaces  28  and  30 , respectively. For example, threaded fasteners may be disposed in mount sections  126  and  128  of the front mount panels  122  and  124 , while tool free latch mechanisms  130  and  132  also may be accessible on the front mount panels  122  and  124 . If removal is desired for maintenance or other reasons, then the computer chassis  90  can be easily removed from the rack structure  10  by releasing these fasteners and slidingly disengaging the rails  80  from the rail interfaces  28  and  30 , respectively. 
   Alternatively, the computer chassis  90  may be mounted in a non-frontal configuration.  FIG. 6  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the multi-configurable rack computer system  120  of  FIG. 5  having the computer chassis  90  mounted to the rack structure  10  at an intermediate mounting position  134 . Again, the computer chassis  90  may be secured in this centrally mounted configuration by any suitable attachment mechanism, such as a threaded fastener, a snap-fit mechanism, a spring-loaded latch or pin, a threaded fastener, a latch mechanism, or any other suitable tool-based or tool-free fastener. In the illustrated embodiment, a mounting abutment member or multi-positional guide  136  also may be coupled to one or both of the rails  80 , such that the computer chassis  90  can be maintained in the intermediate mounting position  134 . For example, the multi-positional guide  136  may have a rack-mounting fastener  138 , which can secure the computer chassis  90  to the front mounting and alignment member  48 . Alternatively, the guide  136  may be abutted against one of the rail interfaces  28  and  30  at the intermediate mounting position  134 . The rack-mounting fastener  138  may comprise any suitable fastening mechanisms, including both tool-free and tool-based fasteners. If removal or repositioning is desired for any reason, then the computer chassis  90  can be easily released from the rack structure  10  by disengaging the rack-mounting fastener  138  from member  48  and slidingly moving the rails  80  along the rail interfaces  28  and  30 . 
     FIG. 7  is a close-up perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the multi-positional guide  136  of FIG.  6 . As illustrated, the multi-positional guide  136  comprises a rack abutment or positioning section  140 , which can either abut against or couple to the rack structure  10  at the desired positional relationship between the rails  80  and the rail interfaces  28  and  30 . For example, as discussed above, the rack-mounting fastener  138  may be coupled to member  48  by suitable attachment mechanisms, such as threaded engagement. The multi-positional guide  136  also has an inner rail mount section  142 , which may be coupled to the rail  80  at the desired mounting position for the computer chassis  90 . For example, the illustrated inner rail mount section  142  comprises a mounting receptacle  144  and a tool-free mounting member or rail catch  146 , which has a central insert section  148  surrounded by inner and outer catch sections  150  and  152 . As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the multi-positional guide  136  is mountable to the rail  80  by aligning and inserting the outer catch section  152  into one of a plurality of mating latch structures or slots  154  in the outer rail structure  116  of the rail  80 . Once inserted, the multi-positional guide  136  may be rotated downwardly onto the outer rail structure  114 , where a suitable fastener can be inserted through the mounting receptacle  144  of the multi-positional guide  136  and connectively into one of a plurality of mounting receptacles  156  in the rail  80 . It should be noted that other suitable rail positioning member or stop mechanism is within the scope of the present embodiment. Moreover, a plurality of these multi-positional guides  136  or other stops may be disposed on one or both of the rails  80  to control the linear movement between the rails  80  and the corresponding rail interfaces  28  and  30 . 
   If a flexible or movable mounting connection is not desired, then the rack structure  10  and corresponding multi-positional rack mounts or rail interfaces  28  and  30  also can provide a fixed mount configuration.  FIG. 9  is a perspective view illustrating a pair of the rail interfaces  28  and  30  of  FIG. 2  mounted to the computer chassis  90  of  FIG. 4  in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the multi-positional rack mounts or rail interfaces  28  and  30  are mounted directly to the sides  92  and  94  of the computer chassis  90  via fasteners  158 , which extend through receptacles  78  in the rail interfaces  28  and  30  and connectively into the sides  92  and  94  of the computer chassis  90 . Again, the fasteners  158  may comprise any suitable tool-free or tool-based coupling mechanisms, such as threaded fasteners, snap-fit mechanisms, latches, spring-loaded fasteners, bossed members and keyholes slots, and other suitable fastening mechanisms. 
   Once attached, the rail interfaces  28  and  30  and accompanying computer chassis  90  may be mounted to the rack structure  10  by directly coupling the rail interfaces  28  and  30  to the legs  12  and  14 .  FIG. 10  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the computer chassis  90  of  FIG. 9  being mounted to the rack structure  10  illustrated in FIG.  1 . As illustrated, the rail interfaces  28  and  30  and accompanying computer chassis  90  are positioned at the desired height along the legs  12  and  14 , where the fasteners  56 - 58  and  60 - 62  are inserted through the receptacles  48 - 42  and  44 - 46  and are engaged connectively into the mounting receptacles  32  and  34 , respectively. If removal or repositioning is desired for any reason, then the computer chassis  90  can be removed from the rack structure  10  by disengaging the fasteners  56 - 62  from receptacles  12  and  14 . The computer chassis  90  and rail interfaces  28  and  30  can then be lifted away from the rack structure  10 .

Technology Category: 4