A handling device

Abstract

A handler system (10) for use in manual handling of wheeled server racks (20) and the like is made up of a first length adjustable strap anchoring bracket (30) with an item contacting face (31) and a second length adjustable strap ratcheting bracket (40) with an item contacting face (41) co-operable with the first anchor bracket (3) to securely clamp and grip the server rack (20) between the anchor and ratchet brackets (30,40) with a strap (50) anchored to the anchor bracket (30) and ratcheted tightly at the ratchet bracket (40) in use. One of the item contacting faces (31,41) is on an inwardly disposed spacer (170, 230) on the strap anchoring bracket arm (100) and / or the strap ratcheting bracket arm (100) to form a space (450) between the strap anchoring bracket (30) and / or the strap ratcheting bracket (40) and the rack (20) in which the space (450) is sized and configured to accommodate protruding structures (21) on the side of the item (20).

Description

[0001] A Handling Device

[0002] Introduction

[0003] This invention relates to a handling device for moving equipment and more particularly to a handler system for moving bulky or heavy wheeled items and equipment such as racks, power supply units, electrical goods and the like.

[0004] Background of the Invention

[0005] Modem computer, communications, power and similar equipment must be handled with care in order to avoid damage to the equipment which can be extremely sensitive and expensive. Such equipment is frequently provided with wheels and can include computer equipment, heavy presses, fire safes, power supply units, refrigerators, communications equipment and the like. Nevertheless, the equipment is frequently heavy and cumbersome and housed or located in confined spaces in which it can be difficult to move the equipment without damaging the equipment or causing injury to operatives moving the equipment.

[0006] For example, computer hardware such as servers are generally housed in racks or cabinets, hereinafter referred to as racks, in data centres with many racks being located side by side in large numbers in the data centres with little space between the racks in order to optimise the number of servers in the data centre. The server racks are generally provided with small wheels to allow for accurate manual positioning of the server racks. However, generally racks are not provided with handles - particularly new racks which can be covered in plastics and / or packaging to present a smooth outer surface for efficient transport of the racks. The racks are also large items and are frequently encased in plastic making them difficult to grasp securely. Accordingly, the racks can be difficult for operatives to safely grip and handle for moving resulting in significant risk of damage to the rack being moved, adjacent racks and / or the operative’s hands / fingers.

[0007] In addition, many racks and similar items have side structures which protrude from the sides of the items which can further complicate the handling of the items. For example, many racks can have wiring enclosures containing sensitive wiring which protrude from the side of the racks and which therefore can be easily damaged during moving operations.

[0008] In order to move racks, operatives have been known to employ improvised solutions such as pulling and pushing racks and the like with straps. However, such improvised devices are also fundamentally unstable as the strap is invariably slack resulting in the risk of serious injury to the operatives and damage to the rack. Moreover, the absence of suitable devices for handling the racks combined with the need to avoid damage to the racks during moving operations can cause increased stress levels for operatives.

[0009] In particular, protruding items such as wiring enclosures are especially vulnerable to damage with such improvised solutions. Similarly, while some handling devices are also known for use in handling racks, the known devices are unsuitable for use with racks and the like having side protruding structures resulting in an increased risk of damage to the structures.

[0010] In addition, where ratchet straps are employed in the known solutions, the straps can be vulnerable to slacking, snagging and damage in use particularly at the comers of racks and the like.

[0011] An object of the invention is to overcome at least some of the problems of the prior art.

[0012] Summary of the Invention

[0013] According to the invention there is provided a handler system for handling items comprising: a strap anchoring bracket having a strap anchoring bracket arm with an item contacting face inwardly abuttable against a side of an item; a strap ratcheting bracket having a strap ratcheting bracket arm with a second item contacting face inwardly abuttable against an opposite side of an item wherein at least one of the item contacting faces is on an inwardly disposed spacer on the strap anchoring bracket arm and / or the strap ratcheting bracket arm to form a space between the strap anchoring bracket and / or the strap ratcheting bracket and an item in which the space is sized and configured to accommodate protruding structures on the side of the item. In any embodiment, the strap anchoring bracket and the strap ratcheting bracket are length adjustable in accordance with the dimensions of an item.

[0014] In one embodiment, the length adjustable strap anchoring bracket comprises a telescopic arm.

[0015] In another or the same embodiment, the length adjustable strap ratcheting bracket comprises a telescopic arm.

[0016] In any embodiment, the telescopic arm comprises a shaft slidably mounted in a sleeve.

[0017] Optionally, the telescopic arm comprises a length setting mechanism to set the length of the telescopic arm. Suitably, the length setting mechanism comprises a pin in the sleeve and at least one opening in the shaft for receiving the pin.

[0018] In any embodiment, the handler system comprises first and second spacers towards each end of the strap anchoring bracket arm or the strap ratcheting bracket arm.

[0019] In any embodiment, the spacer is adjustable.

[0020] In any embodiment, the spacer is movable between a first retracted position and a second extended position by an extender mechanism. In any embodiment, the extender mechanism comprises a lockably adjustable sliding mechanism.

[0021] In any embodiment, the spacer comprises a block-shaped spacer.

[0022] In any embodiment, the spacer is disposed substantially perpendicular to the strap anchoring bracket arm and / or the ratchet strap bracketing arm.

[0023] In any embodiment, the spacer comprises a rack contacting face for abutting an item.

[0024] In any embodiment, the spacer comprises an outer anchor mounting on the outside of the spacer.

[0025] Optionally, the outer anchor mounting comprises an E-Track fitting and / or an E-strap anchor.

[0026] In any embodiment, the strap ratcheting bracket comprises first and second corner grips for gripping the item.

[0027] In any embodiment, the corner grips comprise a front plate and a side plate disposed at an angle to the front plate.

[0028] In one embodiment, the front plate and the side plate comprise a strap holder. In any embodiment, the strap holder comprises a belt-loop like mounting. Suitably, the belt-loop like mounting comprises a channel through which a strap can pass.

[0029] In any embodiment, the strap ratcheting bracket comprises a ratchet.

[0030] Optionally, the ratchet is mounted on the telescopic arm of the strap ratcheting bracket.

[0031] Suitably, the ratchet comprises a ratchet buckle.

[0032] In any embodiment, the ratchet comprises a Mag-Loc ratchet.

[0033] In any embodiment, the strap anchoring bracket and the strap ratcheting bracket comprise at least one handle.

[0034] Suitably, the at least one handle comprises an ergonomic handle.

[0035] Optionally, the ergonomic handle comprises a pair of oppositely disposed handles oriented inwards at an angle of about 45° to the longitudinal axis of the telescopic arm.

[0036] In any embodiment, the handler system further comprises a strap.

[0037] In any embodiment, the strap anchoring bracket and the strap ratcheting bracket comprise buffers for buffering against items to protect the items. In any embodiment, the handler system comprises a server rack or cabinet handler system.

[0038] In any embodiment, the corner grips comprise a front plate and a side plate disposed at an angle to the front plate.

[0039] In one embodiment, the front plate and the side plate comprise a strap holder.

[0040] In any embodiment, the strap holder comprises a belt-loop like mounting. Suitably, the belt-loop like mounting comprises a channel through which a strap can pass.

[0041] In another embodiment, the invention relates to a handler system for handling items comprising: an anchoring strap bracket for placing against a side of an item and a strap ratcheting bracket for placing against an opposite side of an item, the strap ratcheting bracket comprising first and second corner grips for gripping the item wherein the corner grips comprise a front plate and a side plate disposed at an angle to the front plate and wherein the front plate and the side plate comprise a strap holder.

[0042] In any embodiment, the strap holder comprises a belt-loop like mounting.

[0043] In any embodiment, the belt-loop like mounting comprises a channel through which a strap can pass. In any embodiment, the strap anchoring bracket and the strap ratcheting bracket are length adjustable in accordance with the dimensions of an item.

[0044] The advantages of the invention are many. The handler system is adapted to clamp and hold large items such as server racks so that the server racks can be moved in a safe and efficient manner. The length adjustable nature of the strap ratcheting bracket and the strap ratcheting bracket ensures that the handler system is suitable for use with a large range of items of various shapes and sizes. In particular, due to the use of spacers on the strap anchoring bracket and / or the strap ratchet bracket, the handler system of the invention can be safely employed to handle items with irregular surfaces, e.g. with structures protruding from the sides of articles, without causing damage to the structures. Moreover, the extender mechanism allows the handler system of the invention to be size adjusted as required in accordance with the size of protruding structures on an item to be handled.

[0045] In addition, the strap holders and mountings of the handler system of the invention are configured to protect ratchet straps and the like in use and prevent sagging. The location of the strap mountings and front and side holders on corner grips on the brackets allows safe and secure placement of straps without slippage.

[0046] The ergonomic design and positioning of the handler system handles of the handler system ensure that operatives’ hands are protected in use while the ergonomic design also ensures comfortable and strain free use by operatives. As items can be moved without damage to the item or the operative, operative stress levels are also reduced. The strap anchor mounting and in particular the E-track fitting ensures a strong strap attachment to the strap anchoring bracket which can nevertheless be easily detached when required.

[0047] The solid nature of the brackets of the handler system ensure optimal control of items such as server racks in use while the ratchet provided on the ratchet bracket eliminates slack in the strap for enhanced clamping, safety and manoeuvrability.

[0048] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0049] The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0050] Figure 1 is a perspective view from above and one side of the handler system of the invention made up of a length adjustable first strap anchoring handler / bracket and a second length adjustable strap ratcheting handler / bracket clamped in position on opposite short sides of a server rack having a wiring enclosure protruding from one of the short sides with the strap anchoring bracket and the strap ratcheting bracket connected by a ratchet strap extending around the rack;

[0051] Figure 2 is a perspective view from above and the opposite strap ratcheting side of the handler system of Figure 1 on the rack with the ratchet buckle visible on the ratchet bracket; Figure 3 is a short side plan view of rack of Figures 1 and 2 with the strap anchoring bracket having a spacer at each end of the strap anchoring bracket arm to space the strap anchoring bracket from the rack to safely accommodate the wiring enclosure;

[0052] Figure 4 is a long side view of the rack of Figure 3;

[0053] Figure 5 is a top plan view of the rack;

[0054] Figure 6 is a perspective view from above and the strap anchoring bracket side of the handler system with the rack removed for clarity;

[0055] Figure 7 is a perspective view from above and opposite strap ratcheting side of the handler system of Figure 6;

[0056] Figure 8 is an enlarged perspective view from above and one side of the strap anchoring bracket;

[0057] Figure 9 is a perspective view from above and opposite side of the strap anchoring bracket of Figure 8;

[0058] Figure 10 is an enlarged perspective view from above and one side of the strap ratcheting bracket; Figure 11 is a perspective view from above and opposite side of the strap ratcheting bracket of Figure 10;

[0059] Figure 12 is a perspective view from above and the strap anchoring bracket side of a second embodiment of a handler system of the invention in which the spacers are adjustable to accommodate protruding structures of varying sizes on a rack by increasing and / or decreasing the space formed between the handler system and the rack as required with the rack removed for clarity;

[0060] Figure 13 is a perspective view from above and opposite strap ratcheting side of the handler system of Figure 12;

[0061] Figure 14 is an enlarged perspective view from above and one side of the strap anchoring bracket of Figure 12, and

[0062] Figure 15 is a perspective view from above and opposite side of the strap anchoring bracket of Figure 12.

[0063] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0064] As shown in Figures 1 to 11 , a handler system 10 for use in manual handling of wheeled server racks 20 and the like is made up of a first strap anchoring bracket 30 (hereinafter referred to as an anchor bracket 30) and a second strap ratcheting bracket 40 (hereinafter referred to as a ratchet bracket 40) co-operable with the first anchor bracket 30 to securely clamp and grip the server rack 20 between respective item contacting faces 35,45 of the anchor and ratchet brackets 30,40 with a strap 50 anchored to the anchor bracket 30 and ratcheted tightly at the ratchet bracket 40 in use. The anchor bracket 30 and the ratchet bracket 40 are placed at opposite first and second opposite sides 60,70 (generally the short / narrower sides 60,70 where present) of the server rack 20 and the strap 50 extends between the anchor bracket 30 and the ratchet bracket 40 along the remaining opposite sides 80,90 (generally the longer sides 80,90 where present) of the server rack 20. As shown in the drawings, the server rack 20 is therefore typical of such items to be manually handled by the present invention being generally box-like in shape. The short side 60 has a structure 21 protruding therefrom which in the present embodiment is an elongate wiring enclosure 22. Accordingly, as shall be explained more fully below, the anchor bracket 30 is configured to abut or clamp against the short side 80 but remain spaced apart from the short side 80 to accommodate the wiring enclosure 22 between the anchor bracket 30 and short side 80 in use.

[0065] In the present embodiment, the anchor bracket 30 and the ratchet bracket 40 are length adjustable. However, in other embodiments of the invention the anchor and ratchet brackets can be of a particular fixed size as required.

[0066] The length adjustable anchor bracket 30 and the length adjustable ratchet bracket 40 are similar in that both are made up of a telescopic arm 100 for adjusting the length of the anchor bracket 30 and the ratchet bracket 40 in accordance with the dimensions of the server rack 2. Each telescopic arm 10 is provided with a set of handlebar-like handles 110 for manual gripping with each set of handles 110 being made up of a first handle 120 and an oppositely disposed second handle 130 at each end of the telescopic arm 100. The first handle 120 and the second handle 130 are ergonomically shaped for a comfort grip and are each disposed inwards at an angle of approximately 45° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the telescopic arm 100 for added comfort, ease of grip and manoeuvrability in use. The first and second handles 120,130 are also provided with rubber grips 121 ,131 to improve grip in use.

[0067] As shown particularly in Figures 8 and 9, the telescopic arm 100 of the anchor bracket 30 is made up of an elongate sleeve 140 from which an elongate slidable shaft 150 projects. The slidable shaft 150 is moved inwards and outwards with respect to the sleeve 140 to vary the length of the telescopic arm 100 in accordance with the dimensions of the rack 20 to be handled.

[0068] At its free end, the sleeve 140 is provided with an inwardly disposed or item facing first spacer 170, defining the first item contacting face 35, to space or extend the distance between the anchor bracket 30 and the rack 20 in use. In the present embodiment, the first spacer 170 is box like in shape and is disposed substantially perpendicular to the telescopic arm 100. The first spacer 170 is provided with a rack contacting face 180 for abutting the short side 60 of the rack 20 in use. The rack contacting face 180 is provided with a protective buffer 190, such as a heavy grade rubber U-channel shaped protective buffer 190, to protect the rack 20 from damage during a handling operation. The handle 120 is also mounted on the sleeve 140 at its free end opposite to the first spacer 170 so that the handle 120 is outwardly disposed away from the rack 20 in use.

[0069] A first strap mounting 200 for securely attaching the strap 50 to the anchor bracket 30 is provided on the anchor bracket 30. In the present embodiment, the first strap mounting 200 is an outer first strap mounting 200 on the outside of the first spacer 170 and can be an E-track fitting 210 for easily and securely attaching the strap 50 to the first strap anchor mounting 200.

[0070] At its distal end from the sleeve 140, the slidable shaft 150 is inserted in a shaft collar 220 from which the shaft 150 proper projects towards the sleeve 140. The shaft collar 220 is provided with an inwardly disposed or item facing second spacer 230 similar to the first spacer 170 to space or extend the distance between the anchor bracket 30 and the rack 20 in use. The second spacer 230 is also provided with a rack contacting face 240 for abutting the short side 60 of the rack 20 in use. The rack contacting face 240 is also provided with a protective buffer 250, such as a heavy grade rubber U-channel shaped protective buffer 250, to protect the rack 20 from damage during a handling operation. The handle 130 is also mounted on the collar 220 opposite to the second spacer 230 so that the handle 130, like the handle 120, is outwardly disposed away from the rack 20 in use.

[0071] A second strap mounting 260 for securely attaching the strap 50 to the anchor bracket 30 is provided on the anchor bracket 30. In the present embodiment, the second strap mounting 260 is an outer second strap mounting 260 on the outside of the second spacer 230 and as before can be an E-track fitting 270 for easily and securely attaching the strap 50 to the second strap anchor mounting 260.

[0072] Accordingly, in use as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the strap 50 extends around the rack 2 from the first E-track fitting 210 to the second E-track fitting 260.

[0073] The telescopic arm 100 of the anchor bracket 30 is provided with a length setting mechanism 280 in the form of a pin 290 on an outward facing face of the sleeve 140 engageable with the shaft 150 in the sleeve 140. More particularly, the shaft 150 has a series of pin holes 300 defined along its length which can receive the pin 290 on the sleeve 140 to define the length setting mechanism 280.

[0074] As shown particularly in Figures 10 and 11 , the length-adjustable ratchet bracket 40 is broadly similar to the anchor bracket 30 (like numerals indicate like parts) in that the ratchet bracket 40 has a telescopic arm 100 provided with outwardly disposed handles 120,130 and is made up of a sleeve 140 and shaft 150 slidably mounted in the sleeve 140 with the length of the telescopic arm 100 being settable with a length setting mechanism 280 as previously described albeit with the pin 290 being located on an upward facing face of the sleeve 140.

[0075] However, in the present embodiment, the ratchet bracket 40 is not provided with first and second spacers 170, 230 and is configured so that the arm 100 abuts against the rack 20. However, in other embodiments, the ratchet bracket 40 could include spacers 170,230 if desired. At its free end, the shaft 150 of the ratchet bracket 40 is provided with a first (rack) inwardly disposed corner grip 310 to grip a corner of the rack 20 to further form second item contacting faces 45. The corner grip 310 is made up of a front plate 320 for contacting and abutting a (short) side 70 of the rack 20 and a side plate 330, for abutting and contacting an adjacent (long) side 80 of the rack 20. The front plate 320 and the side plate 330 can together define an angle of about 90° to grip the corner of the server rack 20.

[0076] The gripping or internal faces 321 ,331 respectively of the front and side plates 320,330 can be provided with protective buffers 322,333, which can be in the form of rubber buffers as before, to protect the server racks 20 in use.

[0077] The corner grip 310 is also provided with a strap holder 340 to hold the strap 50 in place on the handler system 10 in use. In the present embodiment, the strap holder 340 is a two-part strap holder 340 made up of a front strap holder 350 and a side strap holder 360 to effectively prevent slippage of the strap 50 in use. The front strap holder 350 is made up of a belt-loop like mounting 370 defining a strap channel 380 on the outside face of the front plate 320 through which the strap 50 can pass and the strap 50 is held in place. The ergonomic handle 130 is mounted on the strap holder 340. Similarly, the side strap holder 360 is also made up of a belt-loop like mounting 390 defining a strap channel 400 on the outside face of the side plate 330 through which the strap 50 can pass and the strap 50 is held in place.

[0078] Similarly, the sleeve 140 of the ratchet bracket 40 is provided with a second corner grip 410, similar to the first corner grip 310, on its inside face to grip the rack 20 at its corner and like numerals indicate like parts. The ergonomic handle 120 is mounted on the strap holder 340 of the corner grip 410. The ratchet bracket 40 is further provided with a ratchet 420 which in the present embodiment is a ratchet buckle 430 on its outside face through which the strap 50 is passed for tightening of the strap 50 about the server rack 20 in use. In alternative embodiments of the invention other ratchet 420 types can be used such as ratchet cams and the like. The ratchet buckle 420 can be mounted on a sliding bracket 440 to hold the ratchet 420 in place on the ratchet bracket 40. In the present embodiment, a Mag-Loc ratchet system is employed which provides a quick and effortless means of clamping the handler system 10 of the invention about the rack 20.

[0079] Figures 12 to 15 a second embodiment of a handler system 10 in accordance with the invention broadly similar to the handler system 10 of Figures 1 to 11 and like numerals indicate like parts. However, in the present embodiment, the first and second spacers 170,230 of the strap anchoring bracket 30 are adjustable to accommodate protruding structures on racks 20 of varying sizes by increasing and / or decreasing a space 450 (see also Figure 5) formed between the handler system 10 and a rack 20 as required.

[0080] More particularly, the adjustable spacers 170,230 are generally box-like in shape as previously described, are disposed substantially perpendicular to the telescopic arm 100 and have a rack contacting face 180,240 provided with a protective buffer 190,250. However, in the present embodiment, each rack contacting face 180,240 is mounted on a lockable extender mechanism 460 to increase and decrease the space 450 as required. Each extender mechanism 460 is a lockably adjustable sliding mechanism 470 formed by a slidable plate 480 on which the contacting faces 180,240 are mounted perpendicular to the slidable plate 480 and complementary lockable fixings 490 mounted at the sleeve 140 or collar 220 as previously described. The slidable plate 480 is slidable on the fixings 490 in and along upper and lower parallel horizontal channels 500,510 defined in the bracket 490. In the present embodiment, the lower horizontal channel 510 is disposed parallel with a second lower parallel channel 520 defined on a second plate 530 spaced apart from the slidable plate 480. The channels 500,510,520 can be provided with spaced apart notches 540 for receiving the lockable fixings 490 to set the position of the spacers 170,230 and hence the size of the space 450 required between the handler system 10 and a rack 20 as required. Suitable fixings 490 are socket bolts 550 provided with finger / thumb adjustable knobs 560 to release and lock the bolts in the notches 540 as required. The spacers 170,230 can therefore be set and locked in position in accordance with the spacing required i.e. the spacers 170,230 are movable between a first retracted position and a second extended position by the extender mechanism 460.

[0081] In use, the telescopic arms 100 of the anchor bracket 30 and the ratchet bracket 40 are adjusted in accordance with the size of the server rack 20 to be moved. The strap 50 is looped through the front and side strap holders 350,360 of the first and second corner grips 210, 410 of the ratchet bracket 40 and the ratchet 420. The anchor bracket 30 is positioned at the first side 60 of the server rack 20 over the protruding structure 21 to form a space 450 between the arm 100 of the anchor bracket 30 and the protruding structure 21 - see Figure 5 - without damaging the protruding structure 21 and the ratchet bracket 40 positioned at the second opposite side 70 of the server rack 20. Where the handler system of Figures 12 to 15 is employed, the lockable extender 460 is adjusted to increase and decrease the space 450 as required to accommodate protruding structures of varying sizes in the space 450 formed between the handler system 10 and an item to be handled. The strap 50 is then connected at each end to the first and second strap mountings 200,260 of the anchor bracket 30. With the anchor and ratchet brackets 30,40 positioned at the desired height on the rack 20, the ratchet 420 is then operated by the operative to tighten the strap 50 between the anchor bracket 30 and the ratchet bracket 40 so that the rack 20 is securely clamped between the anchor bracket 30 and the ratchet bracket 40 without damage to protruding structures 21 such as the wiring enclosure

[0082] 22. The rack 2 can then be safely manoeuvred, moved and wheeled by an operative by gripping the ergonomic handlebar-like handles 110 as required.

[0083] In a further embodiment of the invention, the brackets 30,40 can be provided with bracket stabilisers to stabilise the brackets in use and prevent the brackets from sliding on server racks 20 and the like in use.

[0084] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art the system 10 of the invention and in particular the brackets 30,40 and their components can be dimensioned as required in accordance with the dimensions of the server racks 20 or other items to be handled. .

[0085] All surfaces of the handling system 10 that come into contact with items can be provided with heavy grade rubber U-channel shaped protective buffers to protect the items from damage. It should be noted that although the above description describes the handler system 10 as being used with server racks 20, the handler system 10 is suitable for use with a wide range of wheeled items such as computer equipment, heavy presses, fire safes, power supply units, refrigerators, communications equipment and the like. Accordingly, the invention should not be construed as being limited to use with server racks.

Claims

Claims1 . A handler system for handling items comprising: a strap anchoring bracket having a strap anchoring bracket arm with an item contacting face inwardly abuttable against a side of an item; a strap ratcheting bracket having a strap ratcheting bracket arm with a second item contacting face inwardly abuttable against an opposite side of an item wherein at least one of the item contacting faces is on an inwardly disposed spacer on the strap anchoring bracket arm and / or the strap ratcheting bracket arm to form a space between the strap anchoring bracket and / or the strap ratcheting bracket and an item in which the space is sized and configured to accommodate protruding structures on the side of the item.

2. A handler system as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the strap anchoring bracket and the strap ratcheting bracket are length adjustable in accordance with the dimensions of an item.

3. A handler system as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the length adjustable strap anchoring bracket and / or the length adjustable strap ratcheting bracket comprises a telescopic arm.

4. A handler system as claimed in Claim 3 wherein the telescopic arm comprises a shaft slidably mounted in a sleeve.

5. A handler system as claimed in any of Claims 3 or Claim 4 wherein the telescopic arm comprises a length setting mechanism to set the length of the telescopic arm.

6. A handler system as claimed in Claim 5 wherein the length setting mechanism comprises a pin in the sleeve and at least one opening in the shaft for receiving the pin.

7. A handler system as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 6 comprising first and second spacers towards each end of the strap anchoring bracket arm or the strap ratcheting bracket arm.

8. A handler system as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 7 wherein the spacer is adjustable.

9. A handler system as claimed in Claim 8 wherein the spacer is movable between a first retracted position and a second extended position by an extender mechanism.

10. A handler system as claimed in Claim 9 wherein the extender mechanism comprises a lockably adjustable sliding mechanism.

11. A handler system as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 10 wherein the spacer comprises a rack contacting face for abutting an item.

12. A handler system as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 11 wherein the spacer comprises an outer anchor mounting on the outside of the spacer.

13. A handler system as claimed in Claim 12 wherein the outer anchor mounting comprises an E-Track fitting and / or an E-strap anchor.

14. A handler system as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 13 wherein the strap ratcheting bracket comprises first and second corner grips for gripping the item.

15. A handler system as claimed in Claim 14 wherein the corner grips comprise a front plate and a side plate disposed at an angle to the front plate.

16. A handler system as claimed in Claim 15 wherein the front plate and the side plate comprise a strap holder.

17. A handler system as claimed in Claim 16 wherein the strap holder comprises a belt-loop like mounting.

18. A handler system as claimed in Claim 17 wherein the belt-loop like mounting comprises a channel through which a strap can pass.

19. A handler system as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 18 wherein the strap ratcheting bracket comprises a ratchet.

20. A handler system as claimed in Claim 19 wherein the ratchet comprises a Mag-Loc ratchet.21 . A handler system as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 20 wherein the strap anchoring bracket and the strap ratcheting bracket comprise at least one handle.

22. A handler system as claimed in Claim 21 wherein the at least one handle comprises an ergonomic handle.

23. A handler system as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 22 wherein the handler system further comprises a strap.

24. A handler system as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 23 wherein the strap anchoring bracket and the strap ratcheting bracket comprise buffers for buffering against items to protect the items.

25. A handler system as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 24 wherein the handler system comprises a server rack or cabinet handler system.

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