Adjustable equipment rack

Abstract

An equipment rack is disclosed having two opposing structural support frames connected by a plurality of elongated beams defining an adjustable interior volume having a length, width and depth therein. Each opposing support frame has at least two posts defining two opposing sides. The posts are connected by a plurality of elongated cross beams which include a portion that extends outwardly from at least one of the opposing sides. At least two opposing rails are slidably mounted on the plurality of elongated cross beams to permit movement of the rails along the longitudinal axis of the elongated cross beams. Thus, the interior volume of the adjustable equipment rack may be adjusted, e.g., expanded by sliding the opposing rails of each opposing support frame along the plurality of cross beams and into the portion of the cross beams extending beyond the posts.

Description

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of a co-pending, commonly assigned provisional patent application entitled "Adjustable Server Rack," filed on Sep. 27, 2000, and assigned Ser. No. 60 / 235,714, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.[0002] 1. Field of the Disclosure[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to an adjustable equipment rack and, more particularly, to an equipment rack wherein front and rear equipment mounting rails are adjustable to accommodate electronic equipment of varying sizes, depths and / or configurations.[0004] 2. Background of the Disclosure[0005] Presently, in order to get the benefit of an open rack with equipment mounting rails that are adjustable, a user either has to purchase an equipment cabinet without sides and doors or an old style four post open rack. A disadvantage of using equipment cabinets is that such cabinets are significantly more expensive than a four post open rack and provide less room for acce...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

A disadvantage of using equipment cabinets is that such cabinets are significantly more expensive than a four post open rack and provide less room for accessing and storing equipment.

A disadvantage of using prior four post open racks is that the posts in prior racks are also the mounting rails.

Thus, the posts cannot be adjusted to varying depths once the rack is assembled and installed.

In addition, prior four-post racks lack a sufficient range of adjustment to satisfy all installation requirements.

Images