Secure Rack-Based Storage Enclosure

Abstract

A secure rack-based storage enclosure for preventing access to telecommunications equipment includes left and right side panels, top and bottom panels, an open back and front, an interior, and a door pivotally mounted to the front. Rear flanges extend between the top and bottom panels proximate to the back of the enclosure, and the rear flanges cooperate with each of the top and bottom panels to define open notches extending into the interior of the enclosure away from and in communication with the open back of the enclosure. Intermediate flanges extend between the top and bottom panels, and are disposed between the rear flanges and the front of the enclosure. A hinge assembly couples the door to the front panel proximate one of the left and right side panels. An elongate member is pivoted to the other of the left and right side panels opposite the hinge assembly.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims the benefit of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 921,176, filed Jun. 18, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to enclosures, and more particularly to secure enclosures.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Telecommunications equipment is conventionally mounted on a two-post rack which can accommodate a variety of types of telecommunication equipment. A rack is a frame for mounting equipment, and is a convenient, universal, and sturdy assembly on which to do so. A rack typically includes a base and two upwardly-extending metal posts; most but not all are nineteen inches wide and several feet tall. Most racks are unsecured, in that there are no access restrictions to the equipment in the rack. This is because, often, racks are stored behind closed and locked doors, or are located in storage facilities wi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]A secure rack-based storage enclosure is constructed so as to provide wide access to the front of the enclosure so that telecommunications equipment can be easily install, mounted, and serviced in the enclosure. The enclosure further prevents unauthorized access to the telecommunications equipment, and includes left and right side panels, top and bottom panels, an open back and front, an interior, and a door pivotally mounted to the front. Rear flanges extend between the top and bottom panels proximate to the back of the enclosure, and the rear flanges cooperate with each of the top and bottom panels to define open notches extending into the interior of the enclosure away from and in communication with the open back of the enclosure. The notches receive posts of the rack so that the enclosure can be easily and securely mounted to the rack. Intermediate flanges extend between the top and bottom panels, and are disposed between the rear flanges and the front of the enclosure. The intermediate flanges provide convenient mounting locations for telecommunications equipment mounted in the enclosure, independent of the mounting to the rack. A hinge assembly couples the door to the front panel proximate one of the left and right side panels. An elongate member is pivoted to the other of the left and right side panels opposite the hinge assembly.

Problems solved by technology

Most racks are unsecured, in that there are no access restrictions to the equipment in the rack.

In some cases, however, such external security may not be present, and a secure enclosure for the equipment on the rack may be desired.

However, such housings and doors, while providing security, also make installation and maintenance of equipment in the enclosure more difficult.

In large facilities or locations where multiple racks are placed tightly together, access to the enclosure can be made especially difficult if the door to the enclosure cannot be swung entirely open.

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