Bracket assembly

Abstract

The present invention provides a bracket assembly applicable to racks having different longitudinal depths. [Solution] The bracket assembly 20 comprises a first bracket 22, a second bracket 24, a toothed bar 26, a working member, and an operating member. The first bracket is configured with a first mounting member 34. The second bracket is configured with a second mounting member 44. The toothed bar is positioned on the first bracket. The working member is positioned on the second bracket and configured to engage with the toothed bar. When the working member is engaged with the toothed bar, the first bracket is movable only in a first direction relative to the second bracket, and the second bracket is movable only in a second direction opposite to the first direction relative to the first bracket.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a bracket, and more specifically, to a bracket assembly applicable to a rack and adjustable in length.

Background Art

[0002] U.S. Patent No. 6,666,340 discloses a general-purpose rack rail. The general-purpose rack rail is composed of one bracket (inner rail) with a plurality of holes and another bracket (outer rail) with a primary locking mechanism. A biasing mechanism is disposed between the primary locking mechanism and the bracket. The biasing mechanism includes a spring that applies an elastic force to the rack rail. Further, a secondary locking mechanism is provided in the case to prevent the rack rail attached to the rack from coming off the rack. The secondary locking mechanism includes a spring lock actuator and a spring lock claw. The spring lock claw is configured to be rotatable with respect to the bracket (inner rail) and has a serrated pattern configured to fit into the toothed slot of the other bracket (outer rail). The spring lock actuator is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position to control connection or disconnection between the spring lock claw and the spring lock actuator. Further, the two brackets in this case are attached inside the rack. For example, the bracket has mounting pins configured to be attached to the holes of the front posts from the inside of the rack toward the outside of the rack. Similarly, the other bracket also has mounting pins configured to be attached to the holes of the rear posts from the inside of the rack toward the outside of the rack.

[0003] U.S. Patent No. 8,118,178 discloses a rack mount kit comprising an outer rail assembly, an intermediate rail assembly, and an inner rail assembly (not shown). The inner rail assembly is configured to mount computer equipment (e.g., a server), and the outer rail assembly is configured to mount to a rack. Specifically, the outer rail assembly includes a first outer rail member and a second outer rail member that are slidable relative to each other. Each of the first and second outer rail members has a mounting tab. The mounting tab is configured with a pin, which is configured to be inserted into a corresponding hole in the front or rear post of the rack. Furthermore, the first outer rail member (e.g., a front bracket) and the second outer rail member (e.g., a rear bracket) are limited to being mounted externally to the front and rear posts of the rack. For example, the pin provided on the mounting tab of the first outer rail member is configured to be inserted into the hole in the front post from the outside to the inside of the rack. Similarly, a pin provided on the mounting tab of the second outer rail member is configured to be inserted into a hole in the rear post from the outside to the inside of the rack. Furthermore, one of the first and second outer rail members is provided with a plurality of receiving members (receiving components, e.g., holes, teeth, tooth grooves, etc.), and the other of the first and second outer rail members is provided with a locking member (e.g., claw, claw cam, claw teeth, etc.) that interacts with or engages with the receiving members. Furthermore, at least one release mechanism (e.g., a handle or lever) is connected to the locking member via a pin to move the locking member away from the receiving member. Specifically, the user drives and moves the release mechanism by pushing the push mechanism in a first direction, thereby moving the locking member away from the receiving member. [Overview of the project]

[0004] However, developing a diverse range of bracket products is important to meet the needs of different markets.

[0005] The present invention relates to a bracket assembly with adjustable length.

[0006] According to embodiments of the present invention, a bracket assembly is provided. A first bracket comprising a first mounting member, A second bracket that is movable in the longitudinal direction relative to the first bracket, and is configured with a second mounting member, A toothed bur positioned on the first bracket, A working member positioned in the second bracket and configured to engage with a toothed bar, It comprises an operating member that is movably attached to either the first bracket or the second bracket, When the working member is engaged with the toothed bar, the first bracket is movable only in a first direction relative to the second bracket, and the second bracket is movable only in a second direction relative to the first bracket. As a result, the distance defined between the first mounting member and the second mounting member is adjustable from a first length to a second length, where the first direction is opposite to the second direction, and the second length is greater than the first length. The operating member is configured to move from a first operating position to a second operating position in order to disengage the working member from the toothed bar, thereby allowing the first bracket to move in a second direction relative to the second bracket, and the second bracket to move in a first direction relative to the first bracket.

[0007] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a bracket assembly is provided which is applicable to a rack having a first post and a second post, A first bracket comprising a first mounting member, A second bracket that is movable in the longitudinal direction relative to the first bracket, and is configured with a second mounting member, A toothed bur positioned on the first bracket, A working member positioned in the second bracket and configured to engage with a toothed bar, It comprises an operating member that is movably attached to the second bracket, When the working member is engaged with the toothed bar, the first bracket is movable only in a first direction relative to the second bracket, and the second bracket is movable only in a second direction relative to the first bracket. As a result, the distance defined between the first mounting member and the second mounting member is adjustable from a first length to a second length, where the second direction is opposite to the first direction, and the second length is greater than the first length. When the distance is adjusted to a second length, the first mounting member of the first bracket is configured to be attached to the first post, and the second mounting member of the second bracket is configured to be attached to the second post. When the working member is engaged with the toothed bar, the first bracket is not movable in a second direction relative to the second bracket, and the second bracket is not movable in a first direction relative to the first bracket. The operating member is configured to move from a first operating position to a second operating position in order to disengage the working member from the toothed bar, thereby allowing the first bracket to move in a second direction relative to the second bracket, and the second bracket to move in a first direction relative to the first bracket.

[0008] These and other objectives of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art by reading the detailed description of preferred embodiments with reference to the following drawings and illustrations. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows a bracket assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an exploded view of a bracket assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows an auxiliary member and a working member of a bracket assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]This figure shows a bracket assembly having a first length, relating to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows a bracket assembly having a second length, relating to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure shows a bracket assembly having a second length, relating to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure shows a bracket assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, configured to be attached to a rack having a first length and a first longitudinal depth. [Figure 8] This figure shows a bracket assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, configured to be attached to a rack having a second length and a second longitudinal depth. [Figure 9] This figure shows a bracket assembly attached to a rack, with the connecting member in the first locked position, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This figure shows a bracket assembly attached to a rack, with the connecting member in the second locking position, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the bracket assembly 20 comprises a first bracket 22, a second bracket 24, a toothed bar 26, at least one working member (for example, a first working member 28 and a second working member 30, but one working member is sufficient for it to function), and an operating member 32.

[0011] The first bracket 22 has a first end 22a and a second end 22b that are opposite to each other, for example, a front end and a rear end, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The first bracket 22 is configured with at least one first mounting member 34. The first bracket 22 includes a first wall 36a, a second wall 36b, and a longitudinal wall 38 connected between the first wall 36a and the second wall 36b of the first bracket 22. Preferably, the first mounting member 34 is located adjacent to the second end 22b of the first bracket 22. In this embodiment, the second end 22b of the first bracket 22 is configured with an end plate 40, and the first mounting member 34 is positioned on the end plate 40. Furthermore, the end plate 40 of the first bracket 22 is formed with a connecting hole 42.

[0012] The second bracket 24 is movable longitudinally relative to the first bracket 22. In this embodiment, the X-axis is longitudinal (or the length direction of the bracket), the Y-axis is transverse (or the lateral direction of the bracket), and the Z-axis is vertical (or the height direction of the bracket). The second bracket 24 has a first end 24a and a second end 24b that are opposite to each other, for example, a front end and a rear end, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The second bracket 24 is configured with at least one second mounting member 44. The second bracket 24 includes a first wall 46a, a second wall 46b, and a longitudinal wall 48 connected between the first wall 46a and the second wall 46b. Preferably, the second mounting member 44 is positioned adjacent to the first end 24a of the second bracket 24. In this embodiment, the first end 24a of the second bracket 24 is configured with an end plate 50, and the second mounting member 44 is positioned on the end plate 50. Furthermore, the end plate 50 of the second bracket 24 is formed with a connecting hole 52.

[0013] The toothed bar 26 is disposed on the first bracket 22. More specifically, the toothed bar 26 is connected (e.g., fixedly connected) to the longitudinal wall 38 of the first bracket 22. The toothed bar 26 has a predetermined longitudinal length that is shorter than the length of the first bracket 22. The toothed bar 26 has a plurality of teeth spaced from each other, and the plurality of teeth have substantially the same structural configuration. In the present embodiment, a plurality of first teeth 54a and a plurality of second teeth 54b are disposed on both sides of the main body portion 53 of the toothed bar 26, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, it is sufficient to function by disposing teeth on one side of the main body portion 53 of the toothed bar 26. Preferably, the toothed bar 26 is a one-way toothed bar (linear ratchet). For example, both the row of the first teeth 54a and the row of the second teeth 54b may function as a one-way toothed bar.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first working member 28 and the second working member 30 are disposed on the second bracket 24, and the first working member 28 and the second working member 30 are configured to engage with the first teeth 54a and the second teeth 54b of the toothed bar 26, respectively. The first working member 28 and the second working member 30 have substantially the same structural configuration. For example, each of the first working member 28 and the second working member 30 is a backstop pawl. Further, the interaction between the first working member 28 and the toothed bar 26 is substantially the same as the interaction between the second working member 30 and the toothed bar 26. Therefore, when the features of the first working member 28 are described below, the second working member 30 also has substantially the same features.

[0015] Specifically, the first working member 28 can engage (or mesh) with the first teeth 54a of the toothed bur 26 via at least one tooth section T. Alternatively, the tooth section T of the first working member 28 can disengage from the first teeth 54a of the toothed bur 26 (or the tooth section T of the first working member 28 no longer meshes with the first teeth 54a of the toothed bur 26). Preferably, the bracket assembly 20 further includes an auxiliary member 56 configured to be attached to the second bracket 24. The first working member 28 and the second working member 30 are pivotally connected to the auxiliary member 56 on the second bracket 24 via a first shaft member A1 and a second shaft member A2, respectively. Preferably, the auxiliary member 56 is movably mounted on the longitudinal wall 48 of the second bracket 24. For example, at least one of the auxiliary member 56 and the second bracket 24 is formed with at least one longitudinal hole 58, and the other of the auxiliary member 56 and the second bracket 24 is configured with a connecting member 60 configured to pass through a portion of the longitudinal hole 58. In this embodiment, the auxiliary member 56 is formed with a longitudinal hole 58, and the second bracket 24 is configured with a connecting member 60 configured to pass through a portion of the longitudinal hole 58. The connecting member 60 is configured to connect (e.g., to a fixed connection) to the longitudinal wall 48 of the second bracket 24. This allows the auxiliary member 56 to move longitudinally relative to the second bracket 24 within a limited range.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, the operation member 32 is movably attached to the second bracket 24. The operation member 32 is configured to move the first working member 28 (and the second working member 30). The operation member 32 includes an operation portion 62 and an extension portion 64 that extends in the longitudinal direction from the operation portion 62 by a predetermined distance. The extension portion 64 is configured to interact with the first working member 28 (and the second working member 30). In the present embodiment, the extension portion 64 is connected (for example, fixedly connected) to the drive member 66 via the fixing member 65, and thus, the drive member 66 and the operation member 32 are configured to be regarded as integrated. The extension portion 64 is configured to interact with the first working member 28 (and the second working member 30) via the drive member 66. Preferably, the operation member 32 and the drive member 66 each have a first extension hole 68 and a second extension hole 70. The first connection feature portion 72 and the second connection feature portion 74 are configured to pass through a part of the first extension hole 68 and a part of the second extension hole 70, respectively, and thereby, the operation member 32 and the drive member 66 are configured to be attached to the longitudinal wall 48 of the second bracket 24.

[0017] Preferably, the second bracket 24 has a first side portion L1 and a second side portion L2 that are opposite to each other, for example, an outer portion and an inner portion. The first side portion L1 of the second bracket 24 faces the first bracket 22, and the second side portion L2 of the second bracket 24 is configured with the support member 76 (see FIG. 1).

[0018] Preferably, either one of the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24 is formed with a predetermined passage 78, and the predetermined passage 78 is configured to movably attach the other one of the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24. For example, the second bracket 24 is formed with the predetermined passage 78, and the first end portion 22a of the first bracket 22 is configured to be inserted into the predetermined passage 78 of the second bracket 24 through the passage opening of the predetermined passage 78 provided at the second end portion 24b of the second bracket 24. Thereby, the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24 are movable relative to each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0019] Preferably, the bracket assembly 20 further comprises an elastic member 80, which is configured to provide elastic force to the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24. Furthermore, the elastic member 80 is mounted between the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24.

[0020] Preferably, the bracket assembly 20 further includes a restorative elastic member 82 configured to provide a restorative elastic force to the operating member 32.

[0021] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the length of the bracket assembly 20 is adjustable. The toothed bar 26 has a first end 26a and a second end 26b that are opposite to each other, for example, a front end and a rear end, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Specifically, when the tooth section T of the first working member 28 is engaged with the first tooth portion 54a of the toothed bar 26 (or the tooth section T of the second working member 30 is engaged with the second tooth portion 54b of the toothed bar 26), the first bracket 22 is movable only in a first direction D1 relative to the second bracket 24, and the second bracket 24 is movable only in a second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1 relative to the first bracket 22. As a result, the distance defined between the first mounting member 34 and the second mounting member 44 is adjustable from a first length K1 (shown in Figure 4) to a second length K2 (shown in Figure 5), where the second length K2 is greater than the first length K1. When the first working member 28 (and the second working member 30) is engaged with the toothed bar 26, the first bracket 22 is not movable in the second direction D2 relative to the second bracket 24, and the second bracket 24 is not movable in the first direction D1 relative to the first bracket 22.

[0022] Preferably, when the bracket assembly 20 has a first length K1, the first working member 28 (and the second working member 30) is positioned adjacent to the second end 26b of the toothed bar 26. When the bracket assembly 20 has a second length K2, the first working member 28 (and the second working member 30) is positioned adjacent to the first end 26a of the toothed bar 26.

[0023] Preferably, one of the drive member 66 and the first working member 28 of the operating member 32 has a guide feature portion. The guide feature portion has an inclined surface or an arcuate surface. In this embodiment, the drive member 66 provided on the operating member 32 has a first guide feature portion 84, and the first working member 28 has a second guide feature portion 86. When the operating member 32 is in the first operating position P1, the first guide feature portion 84 and the second guide feature portion 86 face each other and are adjacent to each other (see Figure 4). On the other hand, the arrangement of the guide feature portions between the drive member 66 and the second working member 30 of the operating member 32 is similar to the arrangement of the guide feature portions between the drive member 66 and the first working member 28 of the operating member 32. Therefore, further detailed illustration is omitted.

[0024] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the bracket assembly 20 has a second length K2, and when a user wants to shorten the bracket assembly 20, the user may apply a predetermined force F (e.g., a tensile force) to the operating portion 62 of the operating member 32. This moves the operating member 32 from the first operating position P1 to the second operating position P2, driving the first working member 28 and the second working member 30 to disengage from the toothed bar 26 (as shown in Figure 6, the first working member 28 and the second working member 30 are no longer engaged with the toothed bar 26). Thus, the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24 are movable relative to each other in a first direction D1 and a second direction D2. For example, the first bracket 22 is movable relative to the second bracket 24 in a first direction D1 and a second direction D2, and the second bracket 24 is movable relative to the first bracket 22 in a first direction D1 and a second direction D2. When the first bracket 22 is moved in a second direction D2 relative to the second bracket 24, or when the second bracket 24 is moved in a first direction D1 relative to the first bracket 22, the length of the bracket assembly 20 is adjusted and shortened from the second length K2 to the first length K1, or shortened to any length between the first length K1 and the second length K2.

[0025] Preferably, during the process of the operating member 32 moving from the first operating position P1 to the second operating position P2, the operating member 32 is configured to drive and rotate the first working member 28 through mutual contact between the first guide feature portion 84 and the second guide feature portion 86, thereby disengaging the tooth section T of the first working member 28 from the first teeth portion 54a of the toothed bur 26. On the other hand, the configuration for disengaging the tooth section T of the second working member 30 from the second teeth portion 54b of the toothed bur 26 is the same as the configuration for disengaging the tooth section T of the first working member 28 from the first teeth portion 54a of the toothed bur 26. Therefore, further detailed illustrations are omitted.

[0026] Preferably, the longitudinal wall 48 of the second bracket 24 is formed with a predetermined hole 88 that connects the first side L1 and the second side L2 of the second bracket 24. The predetermined hole 88 is located adjacent to or corresponding to a corresponding hole 90 of the operating portion 62 of the operating member 32 (see also Figure 2), allowing the user's finger to pass through the predetermined hole 88 and the corresponding hole 90. This allows the user to easily apply a predetermined force F to the operating portion 62 of the operating member 32.

[0027] Preferably, when the operating member 32 is in the second operating position P2, the return elastic member 82 is configured to store a return elastic force. When the user stops applying a predetermined force F, the operating member 32 is configured to return from the second operating position P2 to the first operating position P1 in accordance with the return elastic force.

[0028] As shown in Figure 7, the bracket assembly 20 is applicable to a rack including a first post 92a and a second post 92b. In this embodiment, a first longitudinal distance is defined between the first post 92a and the second post 92b (the rack has a first longitudinal depth). Furthermore, when the length of the bracket assembly 20 is adjusted to a first length K1, the first mounting member 34 of the first bracket 22 is configured to be attached to the first post 92a, and the second mounting member 34 of the second bracket 24 is configured to be attached to the second post 92b.

[0029] Preferably, the first mounting member 34 of the first bracket 22 is configured to move in a first direction D1 in accordance with the elastic force of the elastic member 80 and is attached to the first mounting hole H1 of the first post 92a (see also Figure 9). Alternatively, the second mounting member 44 of the second bracket 24 is configured to move in a second direction D2 in accordance with the elastic force of the elastic member 80 and is attached to the second mounting hole H2 of the second post 92b. This improves the reliability and safety of the bracket assembly 20 mounted on the rack.

[0030] Preferably, the user may fix the first bracket 22 to the first post 92a by inserting a connecting member (e.g., a screw) into the first fixing hole H1' of the first post 92a and screwing it into the connecting hole 42 of the end plate 40 of the first bracket 22 (see also Figure 9). Furthermore, the user may fix the second bracket 24 to the second post 92b by inserting another connecting member 94 (e.g., a screw) into the second fixing hole H2' of the second post 92b and screwing it into the connecting hole 52 of the end plate 50 of the second bracket 24.

[0031] Preferably, the support member 76 is configured to support an article to be supported (e.g., electronic equipment or a chassis, not shown).

[0032] As shown in Figure 8, the rack includes a first post 92a and a second post 92b. In this embodiment, a second longitudinal distance is defined between the first post 92a and the second post 92b (the rack has a second longitudinal depth), and the second longitudinal distance is greater than the first longitudinal distance. Furthermore, when the length of the bracket assembly 20 is adjusted to a second length K2, the first mounting member 34 of the first bracket 22 is configured to be attached to the first post 92a, and the second mounting member 44 of the second bracket 24 is configured to be attached to the second post 92b.

[0033] Preferably, the first mounting member 34 of the first bracket 22 is configured to move in a first direction D1 in accordance with the elastic force of the elastic member 80 and is attached to the first mounting hole H1 of the first post 92a (see also Figure 9). Alternatively, the second mounting member 44 of the second bracket 24 is configured to move in a second direction D2 in accordance with the elastic force of the elastic member 80 and is attached to the second mounting hole H2 of the second post 92b. This improves the reliability and safety of the bracket assembly 20 mounted on the rack.

[0034] Preferably, the user may fix the first bracket 22 to the first post 92a by inserting a connecting member (e.g., a screw) into the first fixing hole H1' of the first post 92a and screwing it into the connecting hole 42 of the end plate 40 of the first bracket 22 (see also Figure 9). Furthermore, the user may fix the second bracket 24 to the second post 92b by inserting another connecting member 94 (e.g., a screw) into the second fixing hole H2' of the second post 92b and screwing it into the connecting hole 52 of the end plate 50 of the second bracket 24.

[0035] Therefore, the bracket assembly 20 is adjustable to different lengths for mounting on racks having different longitudinal depths. The user can operate the operating member 32 to disengage the first working member 28 (and the second working member 30) from the toothed bar 26, thereby shortening the length of the bracket assembly 20 in order to remove it from the rack.

[0036] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the auxiliary member 56 and the second bracket 24 are movable longitudinally relative to each other, and the first working member 28 and the second working member 30 are movably attached to the auxiliary member 56 (for example, pivotally connected). Therefore, damage caused by excessive tight engagement (or meshing) of the teeth section T between the first working member 28 and the second working member 30 with the teeth of the toothed bur 26 (first teeth 54a and second teeth 54b) can be prevented.

[0037] When the bracket assembly 20 is adjusted to a length corresponding to the longitudinal depth of the rack, the first mounting member 34 of the first bracket 22 can be inserted (attached) into the first mounting hole H1 of the first post 92a, and the second mounting member 44 of the second bracket 24 can be inserted (attached) into the second mounting hole H2 of the second post 92b. Subsequently, the bracket assembly 20 is fastened to the rack with connecting members (e.g., screws), and when attached to the rack, the stability and safety of the bracket assembly are improved.

[0038] However, during the process of attaching the bracket assembly 20 to the rack, a longitudinal gap may occur between the bracket assembly 20 and the rack due to dimensional tolerances of the components. For example, when the first mounting member 34 of the first bracket 22 and the second mounting member 44 of the second bracket 24 are attached (inserted) to the first post 92a and the second post 92b, respectively, a longitudinal gap may occur between the end plate 40 of the first bracket 22 and the first post 92a, or between the end plate 50 of the second bracket 24 and the second post 92b, due to dimensional tolerances of the components. Furthermore, during the process of inserting the connecting member 94 (e.g., a screw) into the second fixing hole H2' of the second post 92b and then fixing (screwing) it into the connecting hole 52 of the end plate 50 of the second bracket 24, a tensile force in the second direction D2 is generated when the connecting member 94 moves from the first locking position M1 (see Figure 9) to the second locking position M2 (see Figure 10). Alternatively, the user can insert a connecting member (e.g., a screw, not shown) into the first fixing hole H1' of the first post 92a and fix (screw) it into the connecting hole 42 of the end plate 40 of the first bracket 22. During such fixing and screwing processes, the second bracket 24 moves slightly longitudinally in the second direction D2 in response to a tensile force in the second direction D2, or the first bracket 22 moves slightly longitudinally in the first direction D1 in response to another tensile force in the first direction D1. This allows the first working member 28 and the second working member 30, which are engaged (or meshed) with the toothed bar 26, to move slightly relative to the toothed bar 26. In other words, by positioning the longitudinal hole 58 between the auxiliary member 56 and the second bracket 24, the auxiliary member 56 and the second bracket 24 are longitudinally movable relative to each other. This reduces the effect of longitudinal gaps due to dimensional tolerances of the components when the bracket assembly 20 is attached to the rack, or prevents damage caused by tensile force that would cause the tooth section T between the first working member 28 and the second working member 30 to engage (or mesh) too tightly with the teeth of the toothed bar 26 (first tooth portion 54a and second tooth portion 54b).Preferably, the maximum longitudinally movable distance of the auxiliary member 56 relative to the second bracket 24 is smaller than the distance between two adjacent first teeth 54a or two adjacent second teeth 54b.

[0039] Furthermore, if the bracket assembly 20 is attached to the rack and the bracket assembly 20 is subjected to an unexpected impact, or if the rack is subjected to an impact during transport, the auxiliary member 56 can move slightly to disperse the impact in such a situation by positioning the longitudinal hole 58 between the auxiliary member 56 and the second bracket 24. This prevents damage caused by the tooth section T between the first working member 28 and the second working member 30 engaging with the teeth (first tooth portion 54a and second tooth portion 54b) of the toothed bar 26.

[0040] Accordingly, the bracket assembly 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention has the following technical features.

[0041] 1. The row of first teeth 54a of the toothed bar 26 can function as a unidirectional toothed bar. A working member, for example, a first working member 28, is a back-movement prevention claw. When the tooth section T of the first working member 28 is engaged (or meshed) with the first teeth 54a of the toothed bar 26, the first bracket 22 is movable only in a first direction D1 relative to the second bracket 24, and the second bracket 24 is movable only in a second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1 relative to the first bracket 22. Thus, the distance defined between the first mounting member 34 and the second mounting member 44 may be adjusted from a first length K1 to a second length K2. Therefore, the bracket assembly 20 may be applied to racks having different longitudinal depths.

[0042] 2. When the first working member 28 is engaged (or meshed) with the toothed bar 26, the first bracket 22 is not movable in the second direction D2 relative to the second bracket 24, and the second bracket 24 is not movable in the first direction D1 relative to the first bracket 22. Therefore, when the bracket assembly 20 is mounted on a rack, the first mounting member 34 is prevented from disengaging from the first mounting hole H1 of the first post 92a, and the second mounting member 44 is prevented from disengaging from the second mounting hole H2 of the second post 92b, thereby improving the safety of the bracket assembly 20 mounted on the rack. This makes it convenient for a single user to mount the bracket assembly 20 on a rack by themselves. Furthermore, the user can disengage the first working member 28 from the toothed bar 26 by operating the operating member 32. In other words, the first working member 28 is driven to a state where it is no longer engaged with the toothed bar 26, thereby allowing the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24 to move freely relative to each other in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. Consequently, by shortening the length of the bracket assembly 20 (for example, from the second length K2 to the first length K1), the bracket assembly 20 can be removed from the rack.

[0043] 3. The auxiliary member 56 and the second bracket 24 are configured to be movable longitudinally relative to each other, and the first working member 28 (and the second working member 30) are movably attached to the auxiliary member 56. Therefore, damage caused by the tooth section T between the first working member 28 and the second working member 30 being excessively tightly engaged (or meshed) with the first teeth 54a and the second teeth 54b of the toothed bur 26 can be prevented.

[0044] 4. The second bracket 24 has a first side L1 and a second side L2 that are opposite to each other. The first side L1 of the second bracket 24 faces the first bracket 22, and a support member 76 is positioned on the second side L2 of the second bracket 24. When the bracket assembly 20 is attached to the rack, the support member 76 is configured to support the articles to be supported.

[0045] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that numerous changes and modifications can be made to the apparatus and method while maintaining the teachings of the present invention. Accordingly, the above disclosure should be interpreted only within the scope of the limitations of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A first bracket comprising a first mounting member, A second bracket which is movable in the longitudinal direction relative to the first bracket, and which is configured with a second mounting member, The toothed bur positioned on the first bracket, A working member is positioned on the second bracket and configured to engage with the toothed bar, The device comprises an operating member that is movably attached to either the first bracket or the second bracket, When the working member is engaged with the toothed bar, the first bracket is movable only in a first direction relative to the second bracket, and the second bracket is movable only in a second direction relative to the first bracket. As a result, the distance defined between the first mounting member and the second mounting member is adjustable from a first length to a second length, where the first direction is opposite to the second direction, and the second length is greater than the first length. The operating member is configured to move from a first operating position to a second operating position in order to disengage the working member from the toothed bar, thereby allowing the first bracket to move in the second direction relative to the second bracket, and the second bracket to move in the first direction relative to the first bracket. Bracket assembly.

2. The bracket assembly according to claim 1, wherein the toothed bar is a unidirectional toothed bar, and the working member is a reverse-movement prevention claw.

3. The bracket assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second bracket has a first side and a second side that are opposite to each other, the first side of the second bracket faces the first bracket, and a support member is disposed on the second side of the second bracket.

4. Furthermore, it includes an elastic member configured to apply elastic force to the first bracket and the second bracket, The bracket assembly according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member is attached between the first bracket and the second bracket.

5. Furthermore, it includes an auxiliary member that is movably attached to the second bracket, The bracket assembly according to claim 1, wherein the working member is pivotally connected to the auxiliary member in the second bracket.

6. The bracket assembly according to claim 5, wherein either the auxiliary member or the second bracket is formed with a longitudinal hole, and the other of the auxiliary member or the second bracket is configured with a connecting member passing through a portion of the longitudinal hole.

7. At least one of the operating member and the working member has a guide feature, The bracket assembly according to claim 1, wherein during the process of the operating member moving from the first operating position to the second operating position, the operating member is configured to disengage the working member from the toothed bar through the guide feature.

8. The bracket assembly according to claim 1, wherein either the first bracket or the second bracket is formed with a predetermined passage, and the predetermined passage is configured to movably attach the other of the first bracket or the second bracket.

9. A bracket assembly applicable to a rack having a first post and a second post, A first bracket comprising a first mounting member, A second bracket which is movable in the longitudinal direction relative to the first bracket, and which is configured with a second mounting member, The toothed bur positioned on the first bracket, A working member is positioned on the second bracket and configured to engage with the toothed bar, The second bracket is movably attached to an operating member, When the working member is engaged with the toothed bar, the first bracket is movable only in a first direction relative to the second bracket, and the second bracket is movable only in a second direction relative to the first bracket. As a result, the distance defined between the first mounting member and the second mounting member is adjustable from a first length to a second length, where the second direction is opposite to the first direction, and the second length is greater than the first length. When the distance is adjusted to the second length, the first mounting member of the first bracket is configured to be attached to the first post, and the second mounting member of the second bracket is configured to be attached to the second post. When the working member is engaged with the toothed bar, the first bracket is not movable in the second direction relative to the second bracket, and the second bracket is not movable in the first direction relative to the first bracket. The operating member is configured to move from a first operating position to a second operating position in order to disengage the working member from the toothed bar, thereby allowing the first bracket to move in the second direction relative to the second bracket, and the second bracket to move in the first direction relative to the first bracket. Bracket assembly.

10. Furthermore, the bracket assembly according to claim 9 is further provided with a restorative elastic member configured to provide a restorative elastic force to the operating member.

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