Server slider and operating method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a server slider and a method of operating the server slider. The server slider may include: a first track; a second rail telescopically engaged with the first rail; and a latch assembly secured to the first end of the first rail. The latch assembly may include a latch movable between a first latched position and a second latched position; a biasing element that biases the latch toward the first latch position; and a handle pivotable between a first handle position and a second handle position to move the latch from the first latch position to the second latch position. In the first latched position, the latch extends to an opening on the second rail to prevent telescopic movement of the first rail in the first direction. Further, in the second latched position, the latch is disengaged from an opening on the second rail to allow telescopic movement of the first rail. The server slider enables the server chassis to slide between a retracted position and an extended position via the above telescopic movement.

Description

[0001] Cross-referencing related applications

[0002] not applicable. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to server racks, and more particularly to a server slider and a method for operating the server slider. Background Technology

[0004] A slider (e.g., a server rack slider) allows a user to selectively access the server chassis within a server rack. The slider can support the server chassis and allow the user to extend the slider (e.g., slide it away from the server rack) to access the server chassis (e.g., for maintenance). In some examples, the slider may include a front latch that holds the server chassis within the server rack (e.g., in a retracted position). Therefore, the user may need to actuate the front latch to extend the slider away from the server rack to access the server chassis. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Some embodiments of the present invention provide a server slider. The server slider may include: a first track; a second track that telescopically engages with the first track; and a latch assembly secured to a first end of the first track. The latch assembly may include: a latch movable between a first latch position and a second latch position; a biasing element biasing the latch toward the first latch position; and a handle pivotable between a first handle position and a second handle position to move the latch from the first latch position to the second latch position. When the latch is in the first latch position and the handle is in the first handle position, the latch extends into an opening in the second track to prevent telescopic movement of the first track relative to the second track in a first direction. Furthermore, when the latch is in the second latch position and the handle is in the second handle position, the latch disengages from the opening in the second track to allow telescopic movement of the first track relative to the second track in the first direction.

[0006] Some embodiments of the present invention provide a method for operating a server slider. The method may include: rotating a handle of a latching assembly from a first position to a second position, wherein in the first position, the latching assembly prevents telescopic movement of a first track relative to a second track in a first direction, and in the second position, the latching assembly allows telescopic movement of the first track relative to the second track in the first direction; and pulling the handle of the latching assembly to move the server slider from a retracted position to an extended position. Attached Figure Description

[0007] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the application:

[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a server system including a server sled having a latching assembly in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2 is Figure 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary configuration of one of the server sleds of

[0010] Figure 3 is Figure 2 is an enlarged first side partial perspective view of a first end of the server sled of

[0011] Figure 4 is Figure 2 is an enlarged second side partial perspective view of a first end of the server sled of

[0012] Figure 5 is Figure 2 is a first side cross-sectional view of a retaining plate of the server sled of

[0013] Figure 6 is Figure 2 is a second side partial elevational view of a latching assembly of the server sled of

[0014] Figure 7 is Figure 2 is a first side isometric cutaway view of a latching assembly of the server sled of in a first position.

[0015] Figure 8 is Figure 2 is a first side isometric cutaway view of a latching assembly of the server sled of in a second position.

[0016] Figure 9 is a first side partial isometric view of a server rack including the server sled of Figure 2 wherein the latching assembly is in a first position of Figure 7 .

[0017] Figure 10 is a first side partial isometric view of a server rack including the server sled of Figure 2 wherein the latching assembly is in a second position of Figure 8 .

[0018] Figure 11 is a first side partial isometric view of a server rack including the server sled of Figure 2 wherein the server sled is in an extended position.

[0019] Figure 12 is a latch assembly comprising Figure 6 Figure 1 is a first side isometric view of another example configuration of one of the server sleds of

[0020] Figure 13 is a first side isometric view of another example configuration of one of the server sleds of Figure 12 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the application. Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles described herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the scope of the embodiments of the application. Therefore, the

[0022] The following detailed description will read with reference to the drawings in which like elements in different drawings are identified with like reference numerals. The drawings described are not necessarily to scale, he describe selected embodiments, and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of the application. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the examples provided herein have a number of useful alternatives and fall within the scope of the embodiments of the application.

[0023] Before any embodiments of the application are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the application is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The application is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. For example, the use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms "mounted," "connected," "supported," and "coupled," and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, "connected" and "coupled" are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

[0024] ​​In some examples, the server slide can support one or more server sleds within a server rack to allow access to the servers (e.g., within the server sleds). For example, the server slide can allow a user to access the servers for installation, maintenance, or replacement. In some examples, the server slide can include a latch assembly (e.g., a front latch assembly) to prevent unintended extension / retraction motion (e.g., expansion / contraction) of the server slide, which can correspond to unwanted motion of the server sleds.

[0025] In some examples, the server slide can include a first track nested within a second track. In some examples, the first track is configured to telescope within the second track to expand or contract the overall length of the server slide. In some examples, the latch assembly is configured to prevent unintended removal or telescoping motion of the first track relative to the second track. For example, the latch assembly can be configured to selectively engage or disengage with a portion of the second track to prevent motion of the first track relative to the second track.

[0026] In some examples, the latch assembly can include a housing that retains a latch. The latch assembly can be movable between a first position (e.g., an engaged position) and a second position (e.g., a disengaged position) via actuation of a handle pivotally attached to the latch assembly. In some examples, in the first position, the latch can engage a retaining plate mounted to the second track. For example, the latch can extend into a cutout of the retaining plate to inhibit motion of the first track relative to the second track. However, in the second position, the latch can disengage from the retaining plate to allow motion of the first track relative to the second track.

[0027] In some examples, the handle can include a lever configured to engage a portion of the latch through rotation of the handle. Accordingly, as an operator rotates the handle from the first position to the second position, the lever can apply a force to the latch to move the latch from the first position to the second position. In some examples, the latch can be biased toward the first position via one or more biasing elements such that rotation of the handle overcomes the biasing force of the biasing element to move the latch to the second position. Accordingly, if the operator is to release the handle at the second position, the handle can automatically return to the first position (e.g., via force from the latch as the latch automatically returns to the first position due to the biasing force of the one or more biasing elements).

[0028] In some examples, when the first rail is retracted into the second rail, the operator can grasp the handle and rotate the handle about the respective pivot point by approximately 20-100 degrees (inclusive). This rotation of the handle can cause the lever to engage the latch and move the latch from the first (engaged) position to the second (disengaged) position against the biasing force of the one or more biasing elements. Thus, once the operator has rotated the handle to the second position, the latch can no longer prevent relative movement of the first rail and the second rail, and the operator can pull the handle to extend the first rail out of the second rail, thereby extending the server chassis out of the server rack.

[0029] In some examples, to return the server chassis into the server rack, the operator can release the handle, which can automatically return to the first position (e.g., driven by the one or more biasing elements). Correspondingly, the latch can automatically return to the first (engaged) position. The operator can then push the server chassis (e.g., retract the first rail into the second rail) into the server rack. In some examples, when the latch contacts the retaining plate, the latch can automatically move (e.g., corresponding to the one or more biasing elements being compressed) until the latch locks into the cutout of the retaining plate (e.g., in the first (engaged) position). Thus, the server chassis can be retained in the server rack.

[0030] Figure 1 An example of a server system 100 is shown, including a server chassis 115 secured within a server rack 105. In some examples, the server chassis 115 can slide between a first position 140 (e.g., a retracted position) and a second position 145 (e.g., an extended position, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 1 In some examples, in the first position 140, an edge 150 of the server chassis 115 is substantially flush with an edge 135 of the server rack 105. Correspondingly, in the second position 145, the edge 150 of the server chassis 115 can extend beyond the edge 135 of the server rack 105 (e.g., in the direction shown by arrow 130).

[0031] In some examples, to allow the slidable movement of the server chassis 115, the server system 100 can include one or more server slides 120. The server slides 120 can be secured between one or more supports of the server rack 105 and the server chassis 115 to slidably secure the server chassis 115 to the server rack 105. For example, the server slides 120 can facilitate the slidable movement of the server chassis 115 between the first position 140 and the second position 145 (e.g., as shown by arrow 130) via the telescoping movement of the server slides 120.

[0032] In some examples, the server sled 120 can include one or more nested sliding tracks to allow the server sled 120 to extend. For example, the server sled 120 can include a first track nested within and slidable relative to a second track. In some examples, the first track is configured to telescope within the second track to expand or contract the overall length of the server sled 120, which in turn can cause the server chassis 115 to move between the first position 140 and the second position 145.

[0033] In some examples, the server sled 120 can include a latching assembly 125 (e.g., a front latching assembly) adjacent to an edge 150 of the server chassis 115. The latching assembly 125 can help prevent unintended removal or telescoping motion of the first track relative to the second track (e.g., corresponding to movement of the server chassis 115). In one particular example, the latching assembly 125 can automatically lock the first track to the second track to limit relative motion between the first track and the second track (e.g., when the server chassis 115 is in the first position 140). Accordingly, an operator can selectively unlock relative motion between the first track and the second track via the latching assembly 125 (e.g., to allow movement of the server chassis 115 from the first position 140 to the second position 145, as indicated by arrow 130).

[0034] Further, the latching assembly 125 can allow movement of the server chassis 115 from the second position 145 to the first position 140 (e.g., as indicated by arrow 155) when in the second position 145. In some cases, the latching assembly 125 can also automatically lock upon reaching the first position 140.

[0035] In some examples, the server chassis 115 can include a set of multiple server sleds 120 (e.g., one of the server sleds 120 on each of two opposing lateral sides of the server chassis). However, in some examples, only one of the set of server sleds 120 can include the latching assembly 125. In other examples, multiple of the server sleds 120 can include the latching assembly 125.

[0036] Figures 2-4Some examples of a server sled 120 including a latch assembly 125 are shown. As previously mentioned, the server sled 120 can include a first rail 205 (e.g., an inner rail) and a second rail 210 (e.g., a fixed outer rail). In some examples, the server sled 120 can also include a third rail 305 (e.g., an intermediate rail) that can be disposed between the first rail 205 and the second rail 210. In some examples, the first rail 205 can be nested within the third rail 305, which in turn can be nested within the second rail 210. Thus, the first rail 205 and the third rail 305 can be telescopically movable relative to the second rail 210 and can be telescopically movable relative to each other.

[0037] In some examples, the second rail 210 can be fixed to the support 110 such that the second rail 210 is not movable, but instead is fixed in place. For example, the second rail 210 can be fixed to the support 110 via one or more pins 405 that can extend from the second rail 210 into the support 110. In other examples, the second rail 210 can include one or more mounts to secure the server sled 120 to the support 110.

[0038] The server sled 120 can include a first end 220 and a second end 225, where the first rail 205 and the third rail 305 are capable of extending out from the first end 220 to expand the overall length of the server sled 120. As also discussed above, such an extension movement can correspond to movement of the server chassis 115 to the second position 145. Accordingly, the first rail 205 and the third rail 305 are capable of retracting relative to the first end 220 to shorten the overall length of the server sled 120, which corresponds to movement of the server chassis 115 to the first position 140. In other words, the telescoping movement between the first rail 205, the second rail 210, and the third rail 305 allows the server sled 120 to extend or retract as shown by arrow 215 to move the server chassis 115 between the first position 140 and the second position 145.

[0039] In some examples, as shown, in particular, the latch assembly 125 can be secured to the first end 220 of the server via a mount 310 that extends from the first end of the first rail 205. In one particular example, the latch assembly 125 can be disposed between the mount 310 and the second rail 210. Additionally, the first end of the second rail 210 can include a retaining plate 315 that is configured to receive and retain a portion of the latch assembly 125 when the sled 120 is in a retracted position (e.g., as shown) to prevent unintended telescoping movement of the server sled 120. Figure 3 Figure 2

[0040] Turning now to​​Figure 5 An example of a retaining plate 315 is shown. The retaining plate 315 can include a body 505 defining one or more openings 510 configured to receive a pin 405 for securing the second rail 210 to the support 110. Further, the body 505 can define one or more holes 515 configured to receive one or more fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, rivets, or any other known fastener) to secure the retaining plate 315 to the second rail 210. In some examples, the retaining plate 315 can define a surface profile substantially similar to a surface profile of the second rail 210 (i.e., configured to sit in a partially flush or nested arrangement with the second rail 210).

[0041] The retaining plate 315 can include an upper surface 520 including a cutout 525. The cutout 525 can be configured to receive and retain a portion of the latch assembly 125 to lock the first rail 205 to the second rail 210. In some examples, the cutout 525 can be defined by one or more sidewalls 530. Further, the upper surface 520 of the retaining plate 315 can include a ramped surface 535 configured to interact with a portion of the latch assembly 125 to guide the latch assembly 125 into the cutout 525 for retaining the latch assembly in the cutout.

[0042] Figure 6 An example of the latch assembly 125 for securing the first rail 205 against movement relative to the second rail 210 is shown. The latch assembly 125 can include a housing 605 secured to the mounting bracket 310 via one or more fasteners (screws, bolts, rivets, or any other known fastener). In some examples, a handle 610 can be pivotally connected to the housing 605 at a pivot point 615 (e.g., a fastener) to allow pivotal (e.g., rotational) movement of the handle 610 (e.g., as shown by arrow 625). In one particular example, the handle 610 can include a series of ridges 620 along an outer surface of the handle 610 to provide an increased gripping surface along a gripping portion of the handle (e.g., to assist an operator in gripping the handle 610). Further, the handle 610 can include a groove 645 (e.g., a semi-circular groove) to assist an operator in gripping the handle 610 when rotating or pulling the handle 610.

[0043] In the illustrated configuration, the latch 630 extends from an upper surface 650 of the housing 605. The latch 630 can be configured to engage the retention plate 315 to retain the first track 205 relative to the second track 210 (e.g., to telescope within the second track). In some examples, the latch 630 can be biased to a first position 655 (e.g., an engaged position, as shown) to retain the first track 205 within the second track 210. However, the latch 630 can be actuated to a second position 835 (a disengaged position, see Figure 8 ) via rotation of the handle 610 to release the first track 205 for movement relative to the second track 210.

[0044] Still referring to Figure 6 , the latch 630 can include a chamfered surface 635 on one side that can be configured to interact with the sloped surface 535 of the retention plate 315 to automatically actuate the latch 630 into the second position 835 without rotating the handle 610. For example, the chamfered surface 635 and the sloped surface 535 can automatically engage when moving the first track 205 from an extended position (corresponding to the second position 145) to a retracted position (corresponding to the first position 140). On the other side of the latch 630 relative to the chamfered surface 635, the latch 630 can include a wall 640 (e.g., a vertical wall) relative to the direction of extension of the first track 205. As shown, for example, the wall 640 can be configured to interact with the sidewall 530 of the cutout 525 to prevent movement of the first track 205 relative to the second track 210 when the first track 205 is in the retracted position. Figure 7

[0045] Figure 7 An example of the latch assembly 125 is shown with the handle 610 in the first position 700 and the first track 205 in the retracted position. With the handle 610 in the first position 700, the first end 705 of the latch 630 can protrude through an opening 730 in the housing 605 into the cutout 525 of the retention plate 315, which locks the first track 205 to the second track 210 and prevents telescoping movement of the first track 205. For example, if an attempt is made to move the first track 205 in the direction shown by arrow 750, the wall 640 of the latch 630 can abut the sidewall 530 of the cutout 525 to prevent movement of the first track 205.

[0046] ​In some examples, latch 630 may be biased to a first position 655 via one or more biasing elements 715 (e.g., springs) arranged within housing 605, between the second end 755 of latch 630 and the base 720 of housing 605. In a particular example, all biasing elements 715 may circumferentially surround a base 710 extending away from the second end 755 of latch 630. Thus, latch 630 may be retained in the first position 655 to engage cutout 525 and prevent movement of the first track 205 unless a force is applied to latch 630 to overcome the biasing force of the biasing elements 715.

[0047] In some examples, in the first position 700, the lever 725 of the handle 610 may be arranged in the recess 745 of the latch 630. For example, the lever 725 may extend substantially parallel to the upper surface 520 of the retaining plate 315. In some examples, the recess 745 may correspond to an L-shaped profile of the latch 630.

[0048] exist Figure 7 In the arrangement shown, the lever 725 does not exert a retraction force on the latch 630, so the latch 630 can be held in the first position 655 (e.g., by the biasing element 715). Furthermore, in the first position 700, the nose 760 of the handle 610 can contact the outer surface 740 of the housing 605. However, in the first position 700, the limiting portion 735 of the handle 610 may not contact the outer surface 740 of the housing 605.

[0049] In some examples, lever 725 can provide a stop to prevent the latch 630 from moving beyond the desired latch position. For example, as... Figure 7 As shown, the biasing direction of the lever 725 of the latch handle 610 relative to the biasing element 715 extends into the recess 745 between the latch 630 and the housing 605. Thus, for example, the lever 725 prevents the first end 705 of the latch 630 from excessively extending through the opening 730 and the cutout 525.

[0050] Figure 8 An example of the latch assembly 125 is shown, with the handle 610 in a second position 800 and the first rail 205 in a retracted position. With the handle 610 in the second position 800, the first end 705 of the latch 630 can be pushed away from the cutout 525 and pressed below the upper surface 520 of the retaining plate 315, allowing the first rail 205 to move relative to the second guide rail 210 (e.g., as indicated by arrow 830).

[0051] In some examples, to move the handle 610 from a first position 700 to a second position 800, the operator can rotate the handle 610 about a pivot point 615 as indicated by arrow 805, causing the lever 725 to contact the wall 820 of the recess 745. As a result, the lever 725 applies a force to the latch 630 in the direction indicated by arrow 825, which overcomes the biasing force of the biasing element 715 (e.g., compressing the biasing element 715), and the first end 705 of the latch 630 moves downward to the second position 835 as indicated by arrow 825. Therefore, in the second position 835, the first end 705 is disengaged from contact with the retaining plate 315, and the first track 205 can move in the direction indicated by arrow 830.

[0052] In some examples, in order to hold handle 610 in the second position and thus latch 630 in the second position, the operator may need to manually hold handle 610 in the second position (e.g., by applying force). For example, if the operator wants to release handle 610 in the second position 800, biasing element 715 will apply force to lever 725 so that both handle 610 and latch 630 automatically return to the corresponding first positions 700, 655.

[0053] In some examples, to reach the second position 800, the operator can rotate the handle 610 until the limiting part 735 contacts the outer surface 740 of the housing 605. At this point, the first end 705 can be recessed (e.g., fully recessed) into the housing 605, thus avoiding contact obstruction with the retaining plate 315. In a particular example, to reach the second position 800, the operator can rotate the handle approximately 20-100 degrees (including the end point).

[0054] In some examples, the lever 725 may have a specific geometry to provide improved efficiency and operability. For example, as shown, the lever 725 typically extends roughly linearly (radially) away from the pivot point. Similarly, the lever 725 may be substantially perpendicular to the extension direction of the grip portion of the handle 610. For example, these arrangements provide an optimal balance between ease of operation and a small overall footprint (e.g., space envelope). Furthermore, as... Figure 8 As shown, the end of the rod 725 may be rounded (e.g., having at least one rounded corner) to provide smooth movement of the rod 725 along the wall 820 of the recess 745.

[0055] Figures 9-11 The diagram illustrates the use of the above information. Figures 2-8 The described latch assembly 125 is an exemplary process for moving the server chassis 115 between a first position 140 and a second position 145. Figure 9 As shown, in stage 900, the server chassis 115 can be in the first position 140 (e.g., the retracted position, such as...).Figure 1 shown), and the operator can desire to move the server chassis 115 to a second position 145 (e.g., an extended position for maintenance, replacement, etc., as shown). Figure 1 While the server chassis 115 is in the first position 140, the latch assembly 125 can be in a first position 655 to prevent movement of the first rail 205 relative to the second rail 210 via contact between the latch 630 and the cutout 525 of the retaining plate 315.

[0056] At stage 1000, to release the first rail 205 from the second rail 210, the operator can grasp the handle 610 and rotate the handle 610 from the first position 700 to a second position 800, as shown. Figure 10 For example, the operator can rotate the handle 610 as shown by arrow 1005. Once the operator has properly (e.g., fully) rotated the handle 610, the stem 725 of the handle 610 can exert a force on the latch 630 to hold the latch in the second position 835 (e.g., which can be evidenced by a tactile feedback of the limiting portion 735 contacting the outer surface 740 of the housing 605). In other words, the rotation of the handle 610 can compress the biasing element 715 and move the latch 630 downward out of contact with the retaining plate 315 (see also Figure 7 and Figure 8 ).

[0057] At stage 1100, once the latch 630 is in the second position 835, the operator can apply a force to the handle 610 in the direction shown by arrow 1105. With the latch 630 out of contact with the retaining plate 315, the operator can thus move (pull) the server chassis 115 from the first position 140 to the second position 145 out of the server rack 105.

[0058] In some examples, once the operator has moved the server chassis 115 to the second position 145, the operator can release the handle 610. Once the operator has released the handle 610, the biasing element 715 can automatically return the latch 630 to the first position 655. Accordingly, the handle 610 can automatically return to the first position 700. At this point, the operator can be able to return the server chassis 115 to the first position 140 without having to actuate the handle 610, even with the handle 610 and the latch 630 in the respective first positions 700, 655.

[0059] For example, an operator can apply a force (e.g., a thrust) in the direction indicated by arrow 1110 to retract the first rail 205 into the second rail 210. In some examples, as the first rail 205 retracts into the second rail 210, the chamfered surface 635 of the latch 630 contacts the inclined surface 535 of the retaining plate 315, which applies a downward force (or other retraction force) on the latch 630 and compresses the biasing element 715. As a result, the first rail 205 is able to slide within the second rail 210 without actuating the handle 610. Furthermore, once the latch 630 reaches the notch 525, the biasing element 715 can bias upward (or otherwise) the latch 630 within the notch 525 (e.g., into a first position), automatically securing the first rail 205 relative to the second rail 210.

[0060] Figure 12 and Figure 13 The diagram shows the possible connections. Figure 1 Another example of a server slider 1200 used with server system 100 (e.g., as an alternative construction of server slider 1200). As will be appreciated, server slider 1200 shares many components that are used and operate in a manner similar to the examples previously shown and described. For the sake of brevity, these common features are similarly numbered as sequence 1000 and will not be described in detail below. Rather, unless otherwise stated, the previous discussion of features with similar naming or numbering also applies to the exemplary construction of server slider 1200.

[0061] In some examples, server slider 1200 includes a first rail 1205 and a second rail 1210, with latch assembly 125 disposed at a first end 220 of the first rail 1205. However, server slider 1200 may have a smaller overall profile 1215 (e.g., a smaller dimensional height) compared to the previously described server slider 120. For example, server slider 120 may have a 2U form factor, while server slider 1200 may have a 1U form factor. As a result, retainer plate 1315 may be smaller in size than retainer plate 315 previously described, while functioning similarly to retainer plate 315. Furthermore, instead of using mounting bracket 310 to secure latch assembly 125 to the first rail 1205, latch assembly 125 may instead be mounted directly to the first end 220 of the first rail 1205. In another example, retainer plate 1315 may include double (e.g., two) cutouts 525 on opposite sides of retainer plate 1315. The cutout 525 can be symmetrical and positioned such that the second track 1210 can be used on either side of the server rack (e.g., the left or right side).

[0062] In some implementations, methods embodying aspects of the application can be used to utilize, manufacture, install the devices or systems disclosed herein. Accordingly, any particular feature, performance, or intended purpose of a device or system is generally intended to encompass within any description herein a disclosure of a method of using such device for the intended purpose; a method of otherwise implementing such performance; a method of manufacturing such device or system (or a related component of a device or system as a whole); and a method of installing the disclosed (or otherwise known) component to support such purpose or performance. Similarly, unless otherwise indicated or limited, any method of manufacturing or using a particular device or system, including a method for installing a device or system, is intended to inherently include within its discussion a disclosure of the utilized features and implemented performance of such device or system as embodiments of the application.

[0063] Also, unless otherwise indicated or limited, the term "or" means any one of the listed components or actions, and not an exclusive list of alternatives. For example, a list of "A, B, or C" means: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; and A, B, and C. Accordingly, the term "or" as used herein is intended to be an exclusive or inclusive alternative (e.g., the phrase "A or B" means "A, B, or both A and B"). Similarly, "a," "an," and "the" as used herein are defined to mean one or more, unless specified otherwise or limited in context by terms such as "only one." Also, the use of "at least one of' followed by a list of one or more items (for example, "at least one of A, B, or C") is intended to convey the possibility that the list can be a single item (e.g., A) or a combination of two or more items (e.g., A and B, or A and C, or A and B and C, etc.), unless otherwise indicated or limited by the context of the statement. Similarly, the use of "one or more of' followed by a list of one or more items (e.g., "one or more of A, B, or C") is intended to convey the possibility that the list can be a single item (e.g., A) or a combination of two or more items (e.g., A and B, or A and C, or A and B and C, etc.), unless otherwise indicated or limited by the context of the statement.

[0064] As used herein, directional terms are used for ease of discussing particular drawings or examples. For example, references to downward (or other) directions or top (or other) positions can be used in discussing aspects of particular examples or drawings, but do not necessarily require similar orientations or geometries in all installations or configurations.

[0065] Also as used herein, unless otherwise defined or limited, "substantially parallel" means a direction that is within ±12 degrees (e.g., within ±6 degrees) of a reference direction, inclusive of the endpoints.

[0066] Also as used herein, unless otherwise defined or limited, "substantially perpendicular" means a direction that is within ±12 degrees (e.g., within ±6 degrees) of perpendicular to a reference direction, inclusive of the endpoints.

[0067] Also as used herein, unless otherwise defined or limited, "integral" and its derivatives (e.g., "integrally") describe elements that are manufactured as a single piece without the need for fasteners, adhesives, or the like to secure the separate components together. For example, elements that are stamped, cast, or otherwise molded from a single piece of sheet metal or using a single mold without the need for rivets, screws, or adhesives to hold separately formed pieces together are integral (and integrally formed) elements. In contrast, elements that are formed from multiple pieces that are initially formed separately and then connected together at a later time are not integral (and integrally formed) elements.

[0068] Also as used herein, unless otherwise defined or limited, the terms "about" and "approximately" with respect to a reference value, as used herein, mean a variation of ±15% or less of the reference value, inclusive of the endpoints of the range. Similarly, the term "substantially equal to" (and like terms) with respect to a reference value, as used herein, means a variation of less than ±10% of the reference value, inclusive of the endpoints. Where specified, "substantially" can specifically indicate a change in one numerical direction relative to a reference value. For example, "substantially less than" (and like terms) compared to a reference value means a value that is 10% or more less than the reference value, while "substantially greater than" (and like terms) compared to a reference value means a value that is 10% or more greater than the reference value.

[0069] Also as used herein, unless otherwise defined or limited, "substantially the same" means that two or more components or systems that are manufactured or used according to the same process and specifications have variations between the components or systems that are within the limits of acceptable tolerances for the relevant process and specifications. For example, two components can be considered substantially the same if they are manufactured in the same material, according to the same standardized manufacturing steps, and within the same acceptable dimensional tolerances (e.g., specified according to a particular process or product).

[0070] Unless specifically indicated otherwise, ordinal number designations employed herein facilitate reference generally based on the order in which particular components exist in the relevant portion of the disclosure. In this regard, for example, designations such as “first,” “second,” and the like generally represent only the order in which the components so designated are introduced for discussion, and generally do not specify or require a particular spatial, functional, temporal, or structural primacy or order.

[0071] The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the application. Thus, the present application is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A server sled, comprising: a first rail; a second rail telescopically engaged with the first rail; and a latch assembly secured to a first end of the first rail, the latch assembly comprising: a latch movable between a first latch position and a second latch position; a biasing element biasing the latch toward the first latch position; and a handle pivotable between a first handle position and a second handle position to move the latch from the first latch position to the second latch position; with the latch in the first latch position and the handle in the first handle position, the latch extends into an opening on the second rail to prevent telescopical movement of the first rail relative to the second rail in a first direction, and with the latch in the second latch position and the handle in the second handle position, the latch disengages from the opening on the second rail to allow telescopical movement of the first rail relative to the second rail in the first direction.

2. The server sled of claim 1, wherein, The biasing element biases the latch into engagement with the second rail in a biasing direction that is substantially perpendicular to the telescopical movement of the first rail.

3. The server sled of claim 1, wherein, The first rail comprises a housing at least partially enclosing the latch and guiding sliding movement of the latch relative to the first rail between the first latch position and the second latch position.

4. The server sled of claim 3, wherein, The housing is secured to the first rail via a mount secured to and extending from a first end of a first rail body.

5. The server sled of claim 3, wherein, The handle comprises: a grip portion extending outside the housing; and a stem extending within the housing to translate the latch relative to the housing during pivotal movement of the handle.

6. The server sled of claim 5, wherein, The stem extends within the housing to contact the latch within a recess of the latch to one or more of: translate the latch relative to the housing during pivotal movement of the handle; or prevent the latch from moving beyond the first latch position.

7. The server sled of claim 1, wherein, The handle is pivotally secured to the latch assembly via a fastener, wherein the fastener forms a pivot point about which the handle rotates.

8. The server sled of claim 1, wherein, The second rail comprises a body and a retaining plate secured to the body at a first end of the second rail, the retaining plate comprising an upper surface defining a cutout; and with the handle in the first handle position, the latch engages the cutout to prevent telescopical movement of the first rail relative to the second rail.

9. The server sled of claim 8, wherein, A first end of the latch comprises a chamfered surface and a wall opposite the chamfered surface, the wall configured to contact a wall of the cutout to prevent telescopical movement of the first rail relative to the second rail.

10. The server sled of claim 9, wherein, The upper surface of the retaining plate comprises a ramped portion, wherein the ramped portion contacts the chamfered surface of the latch to guide the latch into the cutout during telescopical movement of the first rail relative to the second rail in a second direction.

11. A method of operating a server sled, the method comprising: rotating a handle of a latch assembly from a first position in which the latch assembly prevents telescopical movement of a first rail relative to a second rail in a first direction to a second position in which the latch assembly allows telescopical movement of the first rail relative to the second rail in the first direction; and pulling the handle of the latch assembly to move the server sled from a retracted position to an extended position.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, Rotating the handle of the latch assembly moves the latch of the latch assembly against a biasing force of a biasing element that biases the latch into engagement with the second rail.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein, The first rail includes a first end and a second, opposite end, wherein the latch assembly is secured to the first end of the first rail.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, The latch assembly is secured to the first rail via a mounting bracket extending from the first end of the first rail.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein, Pivoting the handle of the latch assembly pivots the handle about a pivot point formed by a fastener securing the handle to the latch assembly.

16. The method of claim 11, further comprising: securing a retaining plate to the first end of the second rail, the retaining plate including an upper surface defining a cutout.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein, The latch of the latch assembly engages the cutout when the handle is in the first position to prevent telescoping movement of the first rail relative to the second rail.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein, The first end of the latch includes a chamfered surface and a wall opposite the chamfered surface.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein, The upper surface of the retaining plate includes a ramped portion, wherein the ramped portion contacts the chamfered surface of the latch to guide the latch into the cutout during telescoping movement of the first rail relative to the second rail in a second direction.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein, The wall of the latch abuts a sidewall of the cutout to prevent telescoping movement of the first rail relative to the second rail in a first direction.

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