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A rack system for supporting a computing device includes an adaptor. The
adaptor includes a first support portion defining an opening that is
aligned with a rack opening of a rack support post. The first support
portion and the rack support post receive a fastener through the opening
and the rack opening to attach the adaptor to the rack support post. A
second support portion is attached to an end of the first support
portion. The second support portion includes a first wall and a second
wall that are spaced apart to define a flange opening. A support arm
includes a flange having a body portion and an attachment portion. The
attachment portion is received within the flange opening to attach the
support arm to the adaptor. A rail is attached to the body portion of the
flange. The support arm is attached to the rack support post, via the
adaptor.
Inventors:
Ho; Dan Chau; (Fremont, CA); Pham; Hoa Van; (San Jose, CA)
1. A rack system for supporting a computing device, the rack system
comprising: an adaptor configured to attach a support arm to a rack
support of a rack, the adaptor comprising: a first support portion
extending parallel to the rack support, the first support portion
defining an opening that is aligned with a rack opening of the rack
support, the first support portion and the rack support configured to
receive a fastener through the opening and the rack opening to attach the
adaptor to the rack support; and a second support portion attached to an
end of the first support portion, the second support portion comprising a
first wall and a second wall that are spaced apart to define a flange
opening configured to receive an attachment portion of the support arm,
the support arm attached to the rack support, via the adaptor, when the
adaptor is attached to the rack support and the attachment portion is
received within the flange opening, and the rack system configured to
support the computing device when the support arm is attached to the rack
support.
2. The rack system of claim 1, wherein the rack opening has a circular
shape.
3. The rack system of claim 1, the second support portion comprising: an
intermediate portion that is attached to the first support portion, the
intermediate portion extending non-parallel with respect to the first
support portion; and an outer portion that is attached to the
intermediate portion opposite the first support portion, the outer
portion extending parallel with respect to the first support portion.
4. The rack system of claim 3, wherein when the adaptor is attached to
the rack support, a gap is defined between the outer portion of the
second support portion and the rack support.
5. The rack system of claim 3, wherein the outer portion comprises the
first wall, the second wall, and a third wall extending between the first
wall and the second wall, the flange opening unbounded opposite the third
wall.
6. The rack system of claim 1, the adaptor comprising a third support
portion attached to a second end of the first support portion.
7. The rack system of claim 6, the third support portion comprising a
fourth wall and a fifth wall that are spaced apart to define a second
flange opening configured to receive a second attachment portion of the
support arm, the support arm attached to the rack support, via the
adaptor, when the adaptor is attached to the rack support and the
attachment portion is received within the flange opening and the second
attachment portion is received within the second flange opening.
8. The rack system of claim 6, the third support portion extending
perpendicular to the first support portion.
9. (canceled)
10. A rack system for supporting a computing device, the rack system
comprising: a support arm configured to be attached to a rack support of
a rack via an adaptor, the support arm comprising: a flange comprising a
body portion and an attachment portion attached to an end of the body
portion, the attachment portion comprising: a first attachment wall
extending non-parallel to the body portion; and a second attachment wall
extending non-parallel to the first attachment wall, the second
attachment wall spaced apart from the body portion to define an
attachment opening; wherein the attachment portion is configured to be
received within a flange opening of the adaptor such that a portion of
the adaptor is disposed within the attachment opening between the second
attachment wall of the flange and the body portion of the flange; and a
rail configured to be attached to the body portion of the flange, the
support arm attached to the rack support, via the adaptor, when the
attachment portion is received within the flange opening, and the rack
system configured to support the computing device when the support arm is
attached to the rack support.
11. The rack system of claim 10, the flange comprising a second
attachment portion attached to a second end of the body portion.
12. The rack system of claim 11, the second attachment portion
comprising: a third attachment wall extending non-parallel to the body
portion and parallel to the first attachment wall; and a fourth
attachment wall extending non-parallel to the third attachment wall and
parallel to the second attachment wall; wherein the second attachment
portion is configured to be received within a second flange opening of
the adaptor.
13. The rack system of claim 12, wherein the second attachment wall and
the fourth attachment wall extend co-axially along an attachment wall
axis.
14. The rack system of claim 13, wherein the body portion extends along a
body axis that is parallel to the attachment wall axis.
15. The rack system of claim 10, the rail comprising a first telescoping
portion and a second telescoping portion, the first telescoping portion
movable with respect to the second telescoping portion such that a length
of the rail is adjustable.
16. The rack system of claim 15, the first telescoping portion
comprising: a first telescoping wall; a second telescoping wall spaced
apart from the first telescoping wall; and a third telescoping wall
attached to the first telescoping wall and the second telescoping wall,
the first telescoping wall, the second telescoping wall, and the third
telescoping wall defining a channel within which the second telescoping
portion is received.
17. A rack system for supporting a computing device, the rack system
comprising: an adaptor comprising: a first support portion defining an
opening that is aligned with a rack opening of a rack support of a rack,
the first support portion and the rack support configured to receive a
fastener through the opening and the rack opening to attach the adaptor
to the rack support; and a second support portion attached to an end of
the first support portion, the second support portion comprising a first
wall and a second wall that are spaced apart to define a flange opening,
the second support portion defining a support surface that faces the rack
support, the rack support defining a rack surface that faces the second
support portion, the support surface and the rack surface spaced apart to
define a gap; a support arm comprising: a flange comprising a body
portion and an attachment portion, the attachment portion configured to
be received within the flange opening of the second support portion to
attach the support arm to the adaptor; and a rail configured to be
attached to the body portion of the flange, the support arm attached to
the rack support, via the adaptor, when the adaptor is attached to the
rack support and the attachment portion is received within the flange
opening, and the rack system configured to support the computing device
when the support arm is attached to the rack support.
18. The rack system of claim 17, the adaptor comprising a third support
portion attached to a second end of the first support portion, the third
support portion comprising a fourth wall and a fifth wall that are spaced
apart to define a second flange opening.
19. The rack system of claim 18, the flange comprising a second
attachment portion configured to be received within the second flange
opening of the third support portion to attach the support arm to the
adaptor.
20. A method for supporting a computing device with a rack system, the
method comprising: positioning an adaptor relative to a rack support of a
rack extending along a first axis and defining a rack opening such that
an opening defined within the adaptor is aligned with the rack opening of
the rack support; attaching the adaptor to the rack support by inserting
a fastener through the opening of the adaptor and the rack opening of the
rack support, the adaptor extending along a second axis that is parallel
to the first axis; and attaching a support arm to the adaptor by
inserting an attachment portion of the support arm into a flange opening
of the adaptor such that the support arm is attached to the rack support
via the adaptor, and the rack system supports the computing device when
the support arm is attached to the rack support, the support arm
extending along a third axis that is perpendicular to the first axis.
21. The rack system of claim 17, wherein when the attachment portion is
received within the flange opening of the second support portion, the
attachment portion is disposed within the gap between the support surface
and the rack surface.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Rack systems may be provided for supporting equipment, such as a
computing device (e.g., computers, servers, routers, or the like). Rack
systems may include vertical rack support posts and horizontal support
arms. The vertical rack support posts may comprise one or more apertures
to allow for attaching the horizontal support arms to the vertical rack
support posts. Equipment can then be stored in the rack system by resting
upon the horizontal support arms.
FIGURES
[0002] The application is illustrated by way of example and not limitation
in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references
generally indicate similar elements and in which:
[0003] FIG. 1 illustrates an example rack system for supporting a
computing device;
[0004] FIG. 2 illustrates an example adaptor and a portion of a rack
support post;
[0005] FIG. 3 illustrates an example adaptor;
[0006] FIG. 4 illustrates an example adaptor attached to a rack support
post;
[0007] FIG. 5 illustrates an example support arm for attachment to a rack
support post via an adaptor;
[0008] FIG. 6 illustrates an example support arm having a flange and a
rail;
[0009] FIG. 7 illustrates an example support arm attached to an adaptor;
[0010] FIG. 8 illustrates a portion of an example flange attached to an
adaptor;
[0011] FIG. 9 illustrates a portion of an example flange attached to an
adaptor;
[0012] FIG. 10 illustrates an example rail of a support arm;
[0013] FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example rail of a
support arm; and
[0014] FIG. 12 illustrates an example method for supporting a computing
device with a rack system.
DESCRIPTION
[0015] The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to the
drawings, wherein like reference numerals are generally used to refer to
like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of
explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide
a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. It may be
evident, however, that the claimed subject matter may be practiced
without these specific details. In other instances, structures and
devices are illustrated in block diagram form in order to facilitate
describing the claimed subject matter.
[0016] In rack systems, vertical rack support posts may define one or more
apertures or openings to allow for attaching horizontal support arms to
the vertical rack support posts, such as via fasteners and/or protrusions
on the horizontal support arms. However, some support arms may not mate
well with some rack support posts (e.g., where a support arm is produced
by a different manufacturer than the manufacturer of a rack support
post). For example, the rack support post may have apertures that are a
particular size and/or shape (e.g., square) whereas the support arm may
be configured to mate with apertures having a different size and/or shape
(e.g., round).
[0017] To address at least these problems, a rack system is provided in
which an adaptor can be removably attached to a vertically extending rack
support post. Regardless of the size and/or shape of the openings in the
rack support post, the adaptor can be attached to the rack support post
via fasteners. A horizontally extending support arm can be attached to
the adaptor, such as by a mechanical locking configuration. In this way,
the horizontally extending support arm can be attached to the vertically
extending rack support post via the adaptor, regardless of the shape of
the openings in the rack support post.
[0018] According to an aspect, a rack system for supporting a computing
device is provided. The rack system comprises an adaptor that is
configured to attach a support arm to a rack support post of a rack. The
adaptor comprises a first support portion extending parallel to the rack
support post. The first support portion defines an opening that is
aligned with a rack opening of the rack support post. The first support
portion and the rack support post are configured to receive a fastener
through the opening and the rack opening to attach the adaptor to the
rack support post. The adaptor comprises a second support portion
attached to an end of the first support portion. The second support
portion comprises a first wall and a second wall that are spaced apart to
define a flange opening. The flange opening is configured to receive an
attachment portion of the support arm. The support arm is attached to the
rack support post, via the adaptor, when the adaptor is attached to the
rack support post and the attachment portion is received within the
flange opening. The rack system is configured to support the computing
device when the support arm is attached to the rack support post. It will
be appreciated that although regarded as the rack system, the rack system
may merely comprise the adaptor (e.g., which is removably attachable to a
rack support post)
[0019] According to another aspect, a rack system for supporting a
computing device is provided. The rack system comprises a support arm
configured to be attached to a rack support post of a rack via an
adaptor. The support arm comprises a flange comprising a body portion and
an attachment portion attached to an end of the body portion. The
attachment portion comprises a first attachment wall extending
non-parallel to the body portion. A second attachment wall extends
non-parallel to the first attachment wall. The second attachment wall is
spaced apart from the body portion to define an attachment opening. The
attachment portion is configured to be received within a flange opening
of the adaptor such that a portion of the adaptor is disposed within the
attachment opening between the second attachment wall of the flange and
the body portion of the flange. A rail is configured to be attached to
the body portion of the flange. The support arm is attached to the rack
support post, via the adaptor, when the attachment portion is received
within the flange opening. The rack system is configured to support the
computing device when the support arm is attached to the rack support
post. It will be appreciated that although regarded as the rack system,
the rack system may merely comprise the support arm.
[0020] According to another aspect, a rack system for supporting a
computing device is provided. The rack system comprises an adaptor
comprising a first support portion defining an opening that is aligned
with a rack opening of a rack support post of a rack. The first support
portion and the rack support post are configured to receive a fastener
through the opening and the rack opening to attach the adaptor to the
rack support post. A second support portion is attached to an end of the
first support portion. The second support portion comprises a first wall
and a second wall that are spaced apart to define a flange opening. A
support arm comprises a flange comprising a body portion and an
attachment portion. The attachment portion is configured to be received
within the flange opening of the second support portion to attach the
support arm to the adaptor. A rail is configured to be attached to the
body portion of the flange. The support arm is attached to the rack
support post, via the adaptor, when the adaptor is attached to the rack
support post and the attachment portion is received within the flange
opening. The rack system is configured to support the computing device
when the support arm is attached to the rack support post. It will be
appreciated that although regarded as the rack system, the rack system
may merely comprise the adaptor and the support arm.
[0021] According to another aspect, a method for supporting a computing
device with a rack system is provided. The method comprises positioning
an adaptor relative to a rack support post of a rack extending along a
first axis and defining a rack opening such that an opening defined
within the adaptor is aligned with the rack opening of the rack support
post. The method comprises attaching the adaptor to the rack support post
by inserting a fastener through the opening of the adaptor and the rack
opening of the rack support post. The adaptor extends along a second axis
that is parallel to the first axis. The method comprises attaching a
support arm to the adaptor by inserting an attachment portion of the
support arm into a flange opening of the adaptor such that the support
arm is attached to the rack support post via the adaptor. The rack system
supports the computing device when the support arm is attached to the
rack support post. The support arm extends along a third axis that is
perpendicular to the first axis.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, a rack system 100 for supporting a computing
device is illustrated. In an example, the rack system 100 may define a
substantially hollow interior 102 into which the computing device is
received. The computing device may comprise, for example, computers,
servers, routers, storage controller and storage arrays, as well as other
types of electronic devices. The computing device may, for example, rest
upon or be supported by horizontal support arms of the rack system.
[0023] The rack system 100 comprises a rack 104 that defines the hollow
interior 102. In an example, the rack 104 may comprise, for example, a
first rack support post 106, a second rack support post 108, a third rack
support post 110, and a fourth rack support post 112. The first rack
support post 106, the second rack support post 108, the third rack
support post 110, and the fourth rack support post 112 may be spaced
apart in a quadrilateral configuration (e.g., rectangular, square, etc.).
In an example, the rack 104 (e.g., the rack support posts) may extend
vertically between a bottom rack support post 114 and a top rack support
post 116.
[0024] The rack system 100 comprises one or more support arms that extend
between adjacent rack support posts. For example, an extendable support
arm 120 may extend between the first rack support post 106 and the third
rack support post 110. A second extendable support arm 122 may extend
between the second rack support post 108 and the fourth rack support post
112. In an example, the support arm 120 and the second support arm 122
may extend substantially parallel to one another. The support arm 120 and
the second support arm 122 may extend along sides of the hollow interior
102.
[0025] In an example, the rack support posts 106, 108, 110, 112 may extend
along axes that are substantially parallel to one another. For example,
the first rack support post 106 may extend along a first rack axis 130.
Other rack support posts (e.g., 108, 110, 112) may similarly extend along
other rack axes (e.g., 132, 134, 136) where at least two of the rack axes
(e.g., 130, 132, 134, 136) may be parallel to one another. The support
arms 120, 122 may similarly extend along axes (e.g., 121, 123) that may
be parallel to one another but perpendicular to at least one of the rack
axes (e.g., 130, 132, 134, 136).
[0026] Referring to FIG. 2, a portion of the rack system 100 is
illustrated, in particular a junction in which the support arm 120 (FIG.
1) may engage the first rack support post 106. For simplicity, the
support arm 120 is not illustrated in FIG. 2, though, in other examples,
the support arm 120 may be attached to the first rack support post 106.
[0027] The first rack support post 106 comprises one or more rack openings
or apertures 200. In an example, the rack openings 200 may be arranged
vertically at least partially along a length of the first rack support
post 106. While any number of shapes for the rack openings 200 are
envisioned, in an example, the rack openings 200 may have a circular
shape. It will be appreciated that the other rack support posts (e.g.,
the second rack support post 108, the third rack support post 110, and
the fourth rack support post 112) may have similar or different openings
to the rack openings 200.
[0028] The rack system 100 comprises the rack 104 to which an adaptor 202
can be coupled. The adaptor 202 is configured to attach the support arm
120 (e.g., illustrated in FIG. 1) to the first rack support post 106 of
the rack 104. In an example, the adaptor 202 defines one or more openings
that may be spaced apart a substantially similar distance as at least
some of the rack openings 200. In an example, the adaptor 202 defines a
plurality of openings, such a first opening 203, a second opening 204,
etc. In an aspect, the adaptor 202 defines only one opening. The adaptor
202 may be positioned adjacent to and/or in contact with the first rack
support post 106. In this way, the opening 203 and the second opening 204
of the adaptor 202 are aligned with the rack openings 200 of the first
rack support post 106 to receive fasteners therethrough. In an example,
one or more fasteners (e.g., a first fastener 206, a second fastener 208,
etc.) may be received through the opening 203 and the second opening 204
of the adaptor 202 and through the rack openings 200 of the first rack
support post 106 to couple and secure the adaptor 202 to the first rack
support post 106 of the rack 104. It will be appreciated that one or more
fasteners couple the adaptor 202 to the first rack support post 106. In
an aspect shown in FIG. 2 the first fastener 206 and the second fastener
208 comprise removable screws. However, it should be noted that any type
of fasteners, such as bolts, rivets, or other types of mechanical locking
structures can be used to couple and secure the adaptor 202 to the first
rack support post 106.
[0029] The adaptor 202 extends along a second axis 210 between a first end
212 and a second end 214 of the adaptor 202. In an example, the second
axis 210 can be substantially parallel to the first rack axis 130 along
which the first rack support post 106 of the rack 104 extends when the
adaptor 202 is attached to the first rack support post 106.
[0030] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the adaptor 202 comprises a first
support portion 300. The first support portion 300 may be positioned to
extend vertically parallel to the first rack support post 106 of the rack
104. In an example, the first support portion 300 extends along an axis
between a first end 302 and a second end 304. The first support portion
300 may define the opening 203 and the second opening 204 that are
aligned with the rack opening 200 of the first rack support post 106 of
the rack 104. In an example, the first support portion 300 defines a
substantially flat/planar wall. The first support portion 300 and the
first rack support post 106 of the rack 104 may receive the first
fastener 206 and the second fastener 208 through the openings 200, 203,
204 to couple the first support portion 300 to the first rack support
post 106. In this way, the first support portion 300 may be adjacent to
and in contact with the first rack support post 106.
[0031] The adaptor 202 comprises a second support portion 310. The second
support portion 310 may be attached to an end (e.g., the first end 302)
of the first support portion 300. It will be appreciated that, as used
herein, by being attached, the first support portion 300 and the second
support portion 310 are not limited to comprising two separate structures
that are attached. Rather, in an example, the first support portion 300
and the second support portion 310 may be integrally formed, one piece
formed, a single composite piece, etc. In some examples, the first
support portion 300 and the second support portion 310 may comprise two
separate structures that are attached, such as with mechanical fasteners,
welding, adhesives, etc.
[0032] In an example, the second support portion 310 comprises an
intermediate portion 312 and an outer portion 314. The intermediate
portion 312 may be attached to the first end 302 of the first support
portion 300, and may extend between the first support portion 300 and the
outer portion 314. The outer portion 314 may extend substantially
parallel to and offset from the first support portion 300. The
intermediate portion 312 may extend at an angle with respect to the first
support portion 300 and the outer portion 314. In an example, the
intermediate portion 312 may define an angle with respect to the first
support portion 300 that is between about 20 degrees to about 70 degrees.
In an example, the intermediate portion 312 may define an angle with
respect to the outer portion 314 that is between about 20 degrees to
about 70 degrees. In this way, when the first support portion 300 is
attached to the first rack support post 106 of the rack 104, the outer
portion 314 of the second support portion 310 may be spaced a distance
apart from the first rack support post 106.
[0033] The outer portion 314 of the second support portion 310 comprises a
first wall 316, a second wall 318, and a third wall 320. The first wall
316 and the second wall 318 may be spaced apart to define a flange
opening 322. In an example, the first wall 316 and the second wall 318
may be located at opposing ends of the third wall 320. In this way, the
first wall 316 and the second wall 318 may extend substantially parallel
to each other, while the first wall 316 and the second wall 318 may
extend substantially perpendicular to the third wall 320. The flange
opening 322 may therefore be bounded on three sides (e.g., by the first
wall 316, the second wall 318, and the third wall 320), while being
unbounded opposite the third wall 320. In an example, the first wall 316,
the second wall 318, and the third wall 320 are substantially flat/planar
and extend linearly.
[0034] The adaptor 202 comprises a third support portion 330. The third
support portion 330 may be attached to an end (e.g., the second end 304)
of the first support portion 300. It will be appreciated that by being
attached, the first support portion 300 and the third support portion 330
are not limited to comprising two separate structures that are attached.
Rather, in an example, the first support portion 300 and the third
support portion 330 may be integrally formed, one piece formed, a single
composite piece, etc. In some examples, the first support portion 300 and
the third support portion 330 may comprise two separate structures that
are attached, such as with mechanical fasteners, welding, adhesives, etc.
[0035] The third support portion 330 may extend at an angle with respect
to the first support portion 300. In an example, the third support
portion 330 may extend substantially perpendicularly with the first
support portion 300, so as to define an angle that is about 90 degrees.
In other examples, however, the third support portion 330 is not limited
to extending perpendicularly, and could instead define an angle with
respect to the first support portion 300 that is between about 30 degrees
to about 150 degrees. The third support portion 330 may extend between a
first end and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to the
first support portion 300, and the second end is located a distance away
from the first support portion 300.
[0036] In an example, the third support portion 330 comprises a fourth
wall 332, a fifth wall 334, and a sixth wall 336. Together, the fourth
wall 332, the fifth wall 334, and the sixth wall 336 may be spaced apart
to define a second flange opening 338. In an example, the fourth wall 332
and the fifth wall 334 may be located at opposing ends of the sixth wall
336. In this way, the fourth wall 332 and the fifth wall 334 may extend
substantially parallel to each other, with the fourth wall 332 and the
fifth wall 334 extending substantially perpendicular to the sixth wall
336.
[0037] In an example, the second flange opening 338 may further be defined
by a seventh wall 342 that is spaced a distance apart from the sixth wall
336. The seventh wall 342 may be defined along a side of the first
support portion 300, with the seventh wall 342 extending substantially
parallel to the sixth wall 336. In an example, the fourth wall 332 and
the fifth wall 334 may extend substantially perpendicular to the seventh
wall 342. In this way, the second flange opening 338 may be defined at
least partially within an end of the first support portion 300 and an end
of the third support portion 330. The second flange opening 338 may have
a substantially quadrilateral shape, though other shapes (e.g., rounded
shapes, etc.) are envisioned.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 4, the adaptor 202 is illustrated in attachment
with the first rack support post 106 of the rack 104. In an example, the
first fastener 206 and the second fastener 208 may be received through
the rack openings 200 of the first rack support post 106 and through the
opening 203 and the second opening 204 of the adaptor 202. The first
fastener 206 and the second fastener 208 may be secured and tightened in
any number of ways, such as with a threaded nut, or the like. In this
way, the adaptor 202 may be maintained in a substantially fixed and
non-movable position with respect to the first rack support post 106. The
adaptor 202 can also be loosened and removed from the first rack support
post 106. For example, the threaded nut may be loosened from the first
fastener 206 and the second fastener 208, such that the adaptor 202 can
be removed from the first rack support post 106.
[0039] The adaptor 202 may define one or more gaps between portions of the
adaptor 202 and the first rack support post 106. For example, due to the
shape of the intermediate portion 312, the outer portion 314 of the
second support portion 310 may be spaced a distance apart from the first
rack support post 106 to define a gap 400. In addition, the sixth wall
336 of the third support portion 330 may be spaced a distance apart from
the first rack support post 106 to define a second gap 402. In an
example, the dimensions of the gap 400 and the second gap 402 may be
substantially similar, in that the outer portion 314 of the second
support portion 310 and the sixth wall 336 of the third support portion
330 may be spaced a substantially similar or equal distance from the
first rack support post 106.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 5, with the adaptor 202 attached to the first
rack support post 106 of the rack 104, the support arm 120 may be
attached to the adaptor 202. In this way, the support arm 120 may be
attached to the first rack support post 106 of the rack 104 via the
adaptor 202. In an example, the support arm 120 may comprise a flange 500
and a rail 502, with the flange 500 attached to the adaptor 202.
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a side view of an end of the support
arm 120 is illustrated. In an example, the flange 500 comprises a body
portion 600. The body portion 600 may extend along a body axis 602
between a first end 604 and a second end 606. A first side 608 of the
body portion 600 may be arranged to face the adaptor 202 while a second
side 610 of the body portion 600 may be arranged to face the rail 502.
[0042] The flange 500 comprises an attachment portion 612 and a second
attachment portion 614. The attachment portion 612 may be attached to the
first end 604 of the body portion 600. It will be appreciated that by
being attached, the attachment portion 612 and the body portion 600 are
not limited to comprising two separate structures that are attached.
Rather, in an example, the attachment portion 612 and the body portion
600 may be integrally formed, one piece formed, a single composite piece,
etc. In some examples, the attachment portion 612 and the body portion
600 may comprise two separate structures that are attached, such as with
mechanical fasteners, welding, adhesives, etc.
[0043] The attachment portion 612 comprises one or more attachment walls,
such as a first attachment wall 620 and a second attachment wall 622. The
first attachment wall 620 may be attached to the first end 604 of the
body portion 600 and project from the first side 608. In an example, the
first attachment wall 620 may extend non-parallel to the body portion
600. For example, the first attachment wall 620 may extend along a
direction that is substantially perpendicular to the body axis 602 of the
body portion 600. The first attachment wall 620 may have an inner surface
624 that interfaces with the first side 608 of the body portion 600. In
an example, the inner surface 624 may define a non-planar shape, such as
a rounded, arched shape, for example.
[0044] The second attachment wall 622 may be attached to the first
attachment wall 620 opposite the body portion 600. That is, an end of the
first attachment wall 620 may be attached to the body portion 600 while
an opposing end of the first attachment wall 620 may be attached to the
second attachment wall 622. The second attachment wall 622 may extend
non-parallel to the first attachment wall 620. The second attachment wall
622 may extend substantially perpendicular to the first attachment wall
620. In an example, the second attachment wall 622 may extend
substantially parallel to the body axis 602 along which the body portion
600 extends. The second attachment wall 622 may be spaced apart from the
body portion 600 to define an attachment opening 626. In an example, the
attachment opening 626 may be defined by the first side 608 of the body
portion 600, the inner surface 624 of the first attachment wall 620, and
a second inner surface 628 of the second attachment wall 622. In this
way, the attachment portion 612, comprising the first attachment wall 620
and the second attachment wall 622, may extend non-linearly from the body
portion 600.
[0045] The second attachment portion 614 may be attached to the second end
606 of the body portion 600. It will be appreciated that by being
attached, the second attachment portion 614 and the body portion 600 are
not limited to comprising two separate structures that are attached.
Rather, in an example, the second attachment portion 614 and the body
portion 600 may be integrally formed, one piece formed, a single
composite piece, etc. In some examples, the second attachment portion 614
and the body portion 600 may comprise two separate structures that are
attached, such as with mechanical fasteners, welding, adhesives, etc.
[0046] The second attachment portion 614 comprises a third attachment wall
640 and a fourth attachment wall 642. The third attachment wall 640 may
be attached to the second end 606 of the body portion 600 and project
from the first side 608. In an example, the third attachment wall 640 may
extend non-parallel to the body portion 600. For example, the third
attachment wall 640 may extend along a direction that is substantially
perpendicular to the body axis 602 of the body portion 600. In an
example, the third attachment wall 640 may extend substantially parallel
to the first attachment wall 620. The third attachment wall 640 may have
a third inner surface 644 that faces away from the attachment portion
612. In an example, the third inner surface 644 may define a non-planar
shape, such as a rounded, arched shape, for example.
[0047] The fourth attachment wall 642 may be attached to the third
attachment wall 640 opposite the body portion 600. That is, an end of the
third attachment wall 640 may be attached to the body portion 600 while
an opposing end of the third attachment wall 640 may be attached to the
fourth attachment wall 642. The fourth attachment wall 642 may extend
non-parallel to the third attachment wall 640. The fourth attachment wall
642 may extend substantially perpendicular to the third attachment wall
640. In an example, the fourth attachment wall 642 may extend
substantially parallel to the body axis 602 along which the body portion
600 extends. The fourth attachment wall 642 may be spaced apart from the
body portion 600. In this way, the second attachment portion 614,
comprising the third attachment wall 640 and the fourth attachment wall
642, may extend non-linearly from the body portion 600. In an example,
the second attachment wall 622 and the fourth attachment wall 642 can
extend substantially co-axially along an attachment wall axis 660. The
attachment wall axis 660 may be parallel to the body axis 602.
[0048] The rail 502 may be attached to the body portion 600 of the flange
500. In an example, the rail 502 comprises one or more openings, such as
a rail opening 650, a second rail opening 652, etc. The rail opening 650
and the second rail opening 652 may be aligned with openings in the body
portion 600 of the flange 500. In this way, the rail opening 650 and an
opening in the body portion 600 of the flange 500 may receive a rail
fastener, while the second rail opening 652 and a second opening in the
body portion 600 of the flange 500 may receive a second rail fastener. As
such, the rail fasteners may function to attach the flange 500 to the
rail 502. The rail fasteners may be selectively removed, such that the
rail 502 may be removably attached to the body portion 600 of the flange
500.
[0049] Turning to FIG. 7, the support arm 120 may be attached to the rack
104. More particularly, the flange 500 of the support arm 120 may be
attached to the adaptor 202, which is attached to the first rack support
post 106 of the rack 104. In this way, the flange 500 of the support arm
120 may not be directly attached to the rack 104, such as by being
received through the openings in the first rack support post 106. Rather,
the flange 500 of the support arm 120 may be indirectly attached to the
first rack support post 106 of the rack 104 due to the flange 500 of the
support arm 120 being attached to the adaptor 202 and the adaptor 202
being attached to the first rack support post 106 of the rack 104.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 8, in an example, the second support portion 310
of the adaptor 202 can receive the attachment portion 612 of the flange
500 of the support arm 120 within the flange opening 322 to attach the
support arm 120 to the second support portion 310. For example, the
attachment portion 612 of the flange 500 may be received within the
flange opening 322 of the second support portion 310 of the adaptor 202.
The first attachment wall 620 may be inserted into the flange opening 322
such that the first attachment wall 620 is positioned between the first
wall 316 and the second wall 318 (e.g., the first wall and the second
wall illustrated in FIG. 3). The inner surface 624 of the first
attachment wall 620 may rest upon the third wall 320 of the adaptor 202.
In this way, a portion of the adaptor 202 may be disposed within the
attachment opening 626 between the second attachment wall 622 of the
flange 500, and the body portion 600 of the flange 500. Likewise, in an
example, the second attachment wall 622 may be disposed between the outer
portion 314 of the second support portion 310 of the adaptor 202 and the
first rack support post 106 of the rack 104.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 9, in an example, the third support portion 330
of the adaptor 202 can receive the second attachment portion 614 of the
flange 500 of the support arm 120 within the second flange opening 338 to
attach the support arm 120 to the third support portion 330. In an
example, the second attachment portion 614 may be received within the
second flange opening 338 of the third support portion 330 of the adaptor
202. The fourth attachment wall 642 may be inserted into the second
flange opening 338 such that the fourth attachment wall 642 is positioned
between the fourth wall 332, the fifth wall 334, the sixth wall 336, and
the seventh wall 342 (e.g., illustrated in FIG. 3) of the third support
portion 330 that define the second flange opening 338. In an example, the
third attachment wall 640 may at least partially rest upon an upper
surface of the third support portion 330.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 10, the support arm 120 is illustrated. In an
example, the support arm 120 may extend between a first support end 1000
and a second support end 1002. In an example, the first support end 1000
may be attached to the first rack support post 106 via the adaptor 202.
In an example, the second support end 1002 may be attached to the third
rack support post 110 via an adaptor that is similar to the adaptor 202.
[0053] In an example, a length of the support arm 120 (e.g., the rail 502
of the support arm 120) may be adjusted depending on a distance between
the rack support posts (e.g., the first rack support post 106 and the
third rack support post 110). While any number of structures,
constructions, and configurations may be provided to allow for
adjustability of the length of the rail 502 of the support arm 120, in an
example, the rail 502 comprises a first telescoping portion 1004 and a
second telescoping portion 1006. The first telescoping portion 1004 and
the second telescoping portion 1006 may be movable with respect to each
other to allow for shortening or lengthening of the rail 502 of the
support arm 120.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 11, a cross-sectional view of the rail 502 of the
support arm 120 as viewed from the perspective 11-11 of FIG. 10 is
illustrated. The first telescoping portion 1004 comprises a first
telescoping wall 1100, a second telescoping wall 1102, and a third
telescoping wall 1104. In an example, the first telescoping wall 1100 and
the second telescoping wall 1102 may be spaced apart from one another.
The third telescoping wall 1104 may be attached to the first telescoping
wall 1100 and the second telescoping wall 1102. For example, an end of
the third telescoping wall 1104 may be attached to the first telescoping
wall 1100, while a second end of the third telescoping wall 1104 may be
attached to the second telescoping wall 1102. In this way, the first
telescoping wall 1100, the second telescoping wall 1102, and the third
telescoping wall 1104 may define a channel 1110.
[0055] The first telescoping wall 1100 may extend substantially
perpendicularly with respect to the third telescoping wall 1104. In an
example, the first telescoping wall 1100 comprises a first retention
member 1120. The first retention member 1120 may be located at an
opposite end of the first telescoping wall 1100 from the third
telescoping wall 1104. In an example, the first retention member 1120
projects inwardly towards the second telescoping wall 1102, and may
extend substantially perpendicularly with respect to the first
telescoping wall 1100.
[0056] The second telescoping wall 1102 may extend substantially
perpendicularly with respect to the third telescoping wall 1104. In an
example, the first telescoping wall 1100 and the second telescoping wall
1102 may extend substantially parallel to one another. The second
telescoping wall 1102 may comprise a second retention member 1122. The
second retention member 1122 may be located at an opposite end of the
second telescoping wall 1102 from the third telescoping wall 1104. In an
example, the second retention member 1122 projects inwardly towards the
first telescoping wall 1100. In this way, a distance 1124 separating the
first retention member 1120 and the second retention member 1122 may be
less than a second distance 1126 separating the first telescoping wall
1100 and the second telescoping wall 1102.
[0057] The second telescoping portion 1006 may be received within the
channel 1110 that is defined within the first telescoping portion 1004.
The second telescoping portion 1006 comprises any number of
cross-sectional shapes and sizes, though in an example, may comprise a
quadrilateral shape (e.g., rectangular). In an example, a cross-sectional
size 1128 of the second telescoping portion 1006 may be greater than the
distance 1124 between the first retention member 1120 and the second
retention member 1122, but less than the second distance 1126 between the
first telescoping wall 1100 and the second telescoping wall 1102. In this
way, the second telescoping portion 1006 may move within the channel 1110
of the first telescoping portion 1004, such as co-axially with respect to
the first telescoping portion 1004. However, due to the first retention
member 1120 and the second retention member 1122, the second telescoping
portion 1006 is limited from inadvertently being removed from the channel
1110.
[0058] The first telescoping portion 1004 and the second telescoping
portion 1006 can be selectively attached to each other to selectively
allow for and prohibit relative movement. For example, fasteners,
mechanical locking structures, or the like, can be provided for
selectively attaching the first telescoping portion 1004 and the second
telescoping portion 1006. In an example, the first telescoping portion
1004 and the second telescoping portion 1006 can be attached together, to
limit/reduce movement of the first telescoping portion 1004 and the
second telescoping portion 1006 relative to each other. As such, when
attached, a length of the rail 502 may be fixed. In an example, due to
the fasteners being loosened or removed, movement of the first
telescoping portion 1004 and the second telescoping portion 1006 can be
provided to allow for a lengthening or a shortening of the rail 502. As
such, due to the relative movement of the first telescoping portion 1004
and the second telescoping portion 1006, a length of the rail 502 can be
adjusted.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 12, a method 1200 for supporting a computing
device with the rack system 100 is illustrated. At 1202, the method 1200
comprises positioning an adaptor 202 relative to a rack support post 106
extending along a first axis 130 and defining a rack opening 200 such
that an opening 203 defined within the adaptor 202 is aligned with a rack
opening 200 of the first rack support post 106.
[0060] At 1204, the method 1200 comprises attaching the adaptor 202 to the
first rack support post 106 by inserting the first fastener 206 through
the opening 203 of the adaptor 202 and the rack opening 200 of the first
rack support post 106. The adaptor 202 extends along the second axis 201
that is parallel to the first axis 130. At 1206, the method 1200
comprises attaching the support arm 120 to the adaptor 202 by inserting
the attachment portion 612 of the support arm 120 into the flange opening
322 of the adaptor 202. As such, the support arm 120 is attached to the
first rack support post 106 via the adaptor 202. The rack system 100
supports the computing device when the support arm 120 is attached to the
first rack support post 106. The support arm 120 extends along a third
axis 121 that may be perpendicular to the first axis 130.
[0061] As used in this application, "exemplary" is used herein to mean
serving as an example, instance, illustration, etc., and not necessarily
as advantageous. As used in this application, "or" is intended to mean an
inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or". In addition, "a" and "an"
as used in this application are generally be construed to mean "one or
more" unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to
a singular form. Also, at least one of A and B and/or the like generally
means A or B and/or both A and B. Furthermore, to the extent that
"includes", "having", "has", "with", or variants thereof are used, such
terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term
"comprising".
[0062] Many modifications may be made to the instant disclosure without
departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed subject matter. Unless
specified otherwise, "first," "second," or the like are not intended to
imply a temporal aspect, a spatial aspect, an ordering, etc. Rather, such
terms are merely used as identifiers, names, etc. for features, elements,
items, etc. For example, a first component and a second component
generally correspond to component A and component B or two different or
two identical components or the same component.
[0063] Also, although the disclosure has been shown and described with
respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and
modifications will occur to others skilled in the art based upon a
reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings.
The disclosure includes all such modifications and alterations and is
limited only by the scope of the following claims. In particular regard
to the various functions performed by the above described components
(e.g., elements, resources, etc.), the terms used to describe such
components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any
component which performs the specified function of the described
component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not
structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure. In addition, while a
particular feature of the disclosure may have been disclosed with respect
to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with
one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired
and advantageous for any given or particular application.