Bracket assembly

Abstract

The present invention provides a bracket assembly that can improve safety and reliability while goods are being moved. [Solution] The bracket assembly 20,200 comprises a first bracket 22,202 and a second bracket 24,206. The first bracket is configured with a first mounting member 34,204. The second bracket is movable relative to the first bracket and is configured with a second mounting member 44,208. The support member 76,212 is positioned on one side of the second bracket and is configured to support the article 214 to be supported. The support member is configured with a mounting feature 216, which is configured to attach a part of the article to be supported.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a bracket, and more particularly to a bracket assembly configured to attach an article to be supported.

Background Art

[0002] Chinese Utility Model Publication No. CN201440774U discloses a slide rail mechanism applicable to a computer case. The computer case is configured to be slidably mounted on a rack in a slide direction via a slide rail structure. One side wall of the computer case has a positioning groove (U-shaped groove). On the other hand, the slide rail structure includes a fixed elastic component having a limiting portion. During the process in which the computer case is slidably attached to the rack in the slide direction, the neck section (constricted section) of the limiting portion is configured to abut against the positioning groove, whereby the computer case is blocked and cannot be further moved in the slide direction. In other words, the interaction between the neck section of the limiting portion and the positioning groove can limit the movement range of the computer case, and the computer case cannot be further pushed into the rack.

[0003] U.S. Patent No. 9,161,625 discloses a slide rail assembly, and the slide rail assembly is configured to be attached to a rack and support an article to be supported (e.g., a chassis). When the article to be supported is pushed in from the outside of the rack, one end of the article to be supported is configured to abut against a stop portion of a support member to stop the article to be supported at a predetermined position.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] The above patents teach to stop an article to be supported (computer case or chassis) at a specific position. However, in order to meet different market requirements, it is important to develop diverse products.

[0005] The present invention relates to a bracket assembly configured for mounting an article to be supported.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the bracket assembly is A first bracket comprising a first mounting member, The second bracket is movable longitudinally relative to the first bracket and comprises a second mounting member. The second bracket has a first side and a second side that are opposite to each other, the first side of the second bracket facing the first bracket, and a support member is positioned on the second side of the second bracket and configured to support an article. The support member is configured with a mounting feature, and the mounting feature is configured to attach the article to be supported.

[0007] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a bracket assembly applicable to a rack having a first post and a second post is: A first bracket comprising a first mounting member, A second bracket is movable longitudinally relative to a first bracket and is configured with a second mounting member, the first mounting member and the second mounting member each comprising a second bracket configured to be attached to a first post and a second post, respectively. The second bracket has a first side and a second side that are opposite to each other, the first side of the second bracket facing the first bracket, and a support member is positioned on the second side of the second bracket and configured to support an article. The support member is configured with a mounting feature, which is configured to attach the item to be supported when the item is placed inside the rack.

[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 the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an exploded view of a bracket assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows the auxiliary member and working member of a bracket assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows a bracket assembly having a first length, relating to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows a bracket assembly having a second length, relating to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure shows a bracket assembly having a second length, relating to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure shows a bracket assembly having a first length, configured to be attached to a rack having a first longitudinal depth, according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This figure shows a bracket assembly having a second length, configured to be attached to a rack having a second longitudinal depth, according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This figure shows a bracket assembly attached to a rack with the connecting member in the first locked position, according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This figure shows a bracket assembly attached to a rack with the connecting member in the second locked position, according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This figure shows a bracket assembly attached to a rack, relating to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This figure shows a bracket assembly, which is configured to support an article located at a first predetermined position and is attached to a rack, according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13]This figure shows a bracket assembly, which is mounted on a rack and is configured to support an article located at a second predetermined position when viewed from a first viewing angle, according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This figure shows a bracket assembly, which is mounted on a rack and is configured to support an article located at a second predetermined position when viewed from a second viewing angle, according to a second 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 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 positioned 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 to these. 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 of the second bracket 24. 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 positioned 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 shorter than the length of the first bracket 22. The toothed bar 26 has multiple spaced teeth, and these teeth have substantially the same structural configuration. In this embodiment, both sides of the body 53 of the toothed bar 26 are configured with a plurality of first teeth 54a and a plurality of second teeth 54b, respectively, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, it is sufficient for the toothed bar 26 to function by having the teeth positioned on one side of the body 53. Preferably, the toothed bar 26 is a one-way toothed bar (linear ratchet). For example, both the row of first teeth 54a and the row of second teeth 54b 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 arranged on the second bracket 24, and the first working member 28 and the second working member 30 are each configured to engage with the first tooth portion 54a and the second tooth portion 54b of the toothed bar 26. 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 reverse prevention claw. 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 be engaged (or meshed) with the first tooth portion 54a of the toothed bar 26 via at least one tooth section T. Alternatively, the tooth section T of the first working member 28 can be disengaged from the first tooth portion 54a of the toothed bar 26 (or the tooth section T of the first working member 28 no longer meshes with the first tooth portion 54a of the toothed bar 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 each pivotally connected to the auxiliary member 56 on the second bracket 24 via a first shaft member A1 and a second shaft member A2. Preferably, the auxiliary member 56 is movably attached to the longitudinal wall 48 of the second bracket 24. For example, 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 part of the longitudinal hole 58. In the present 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 part of the longitudinal hole 58. The connecting member 60 is configured to be connected (for example, fixedly connected) to the longitudinal wall 48 of the second bracket 24. Thereby, the auxiliary member 56 is movable longitudinally within a limited range with respect to the second bracket 24.

[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 drive and move the first working member 28 (and also 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 by a predetermined distance from the operation portion 62. The extension portion 64 is configured to interact with the first working member 28 (and also 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 a fixing member 65, whereby the drive member 66 and the operation member 32 are configured to be regarded as an integral body. The extension portion 64 is configured to interact with the first working member 28 (and also 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, whereby the operation member 32 and the drive member 66 are 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 on opposite sides of 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 a support member 76 (see FIG. 1).

[0018] Preferably, one of the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24 is formed with a predetermined passage 78, and the predetermined passage 78 movably attaches the other one of the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24. For example, the second bracket 24 is formed with a predetermined passage 78. 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 at the second end portion 24b of the second bracket 24, whereby 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 includes an elastic member 80 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 to these. 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 (or 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 (or 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 in 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 in 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 (as shown in Figure 4). On the other hand, the arrangement of the guide feature portions between the drive member 66 and the second working member 30 in 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 in the operating member 32. Therefore, additional illustrations are omitted.

[0024] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the bracket assembly 20 has a second length K2, and when the user attempts to shorten the bracket assembly 20, the user can apply a predetermined force F (e.g., 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 shortened from the second length K2 to the first length K1, or to any length between the first length K1 and the second length K2.

[0025] Preferably, during the process of moving the operating member 32 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, additional illustrations are omitted.

[0026] Preferably, the longitudinal wall 48 of the second bracket 24 is formed with a predetermined hole 88, the predetermined hole 88 connecting the first side L1 and the second side L2 of the second bracket 24. The predetermined hole 88 is positioned 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, thereby allowing 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 can be adjusted to different lengths to be mounted on racks having different longitudinal depths, and the user can disengage the first working member 28 (and the second working member 30) from the toothed bar 26 by operating the operating member 32. This shortens the length of the bracket assembly 20 and allows the bracket assembly 20 to be removed 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 the tooth section T between the first working member 28 and the second working member 30 being excessively tightly engaged (or meshed) with the teeth of the toothed bur 26 (the first tooth portion 54a and the second tooth portion 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 attached (inserted) into the first mounting hole H1 of the first post 92a, and the second mounting member 44 of the second bracket 24 can be attached (inserted) into the second mounting hole H2 of the second post 92b. Subsequently, the bracket assembly 20 can be fastened to the rack with connecting members (e.g., screws), improving the stability and safety of the bracket assembly when it is attached to the rack.

[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 (shown in Figure 9) to the second locking position M2 (shown in Figure 10). Alternatively, the user may 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 is moved slightly longitudinally in the second direction D2 in response to a tensile force in the second direction D2, or the first bracket 22 is moved 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 due to tensile force 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 (first teeth 54a and second teeth 54b) of the toothed bar 26.Preferably, the maximum longitudinally movable distance that the auxiliary member 56 has with respect to the second bracket 24 is smaller than the distance between adjacent first teeth 54a or 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 longitudinal hole 58 is positioned between the auxiliary member 56 and the second bracket 24, allowing the auxiliary member 56 to move slightly to disperse the impact in such a situation. This prevents damage to the tooth section T between the first working member 28 and the second working member 30 due to engagement with the teeth (first tooth 54a and second tooth 54b) of the toothed bar 26.

[0040] Figures 11 to 13 show a bracket assembly 200 configured to be attached to a rack according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the first mounting member 204 of the first bracket 202 and the second mounting member 208 of the second bracket 206 are configured to be attached to the first post 210a and the second post 210b of the rack, respectively. The first side portion L1' of the second bracket 206 faces the first bracket 202.

[0041] Unlike the bracket assembly 20 of the first embodiment, the support member 212 (or support rail) positioned on the second side L2' of the bracket 206 of the bracket assembly 200 of the second embodiment is further configured with a mounting feature 216, the mounting feature 216 being configured to mount an article 214 to be supported (such as electronic equipment or a chassis shown in Figures 12 and 13), and the support member 212 being configured to support the article 214. In addition to the mounting feature 216, most of the components of the bracket assembly 200 of the second embodiment (such as toothed bars, working members, operating members, and auxiliary members) are identical or similar to the components of the bracket assembly 20 of the first embodiment.

[0042] Furthermore, when the supported article 214 is retracted from a first predetermined position Q1 (shown in Figure 12) to a second predetermined position Q2 in a predetermined direction (for example, a first direction D1) within the rack (shown in Figure 13), the mounting feature 216 is configured to attach the supported article 214.

[0043] Preferably, the support member 212 has a longitudinal portion 220. The longitudinal portion 220 has a first end 220a and a second end 220b that are opposite to each other, for example, a front end and a rear end, but the present invention is not limited thereto. A bent portion 222 is positioned at the second end 220b of the longitudinal portion 220, and the bent portion 222 has a mounting feature 216. In this embodiment, the bent portion 222 is connected substantially vertically to the second end 220b of the longitudinal portion 220, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0044] Preferably, the support member 212 further includes a support portion 224, and the support portion 224 and the longitudinal portion 220 substantially form an L-shape. The longitudinal portion 220 is connected (e.g., fixedly connected) to the second side L2' of the second bracket 206, and the support portion 224 is configured to support the bottom B of the article 214 to be supported.

[0045] Preferably, the mounting feature portion 216 is formed with an opening defined by a plurality of predetermined walls. In this embodiment, the opening is defined by a first predetermined wall W1, a second predetermined wall W2, and a third predetermined wall W3. The supported article 214 includes a projection portion 226 (or a pin, etc.) that can be inserted into the opening (shown in Figure 13). Furthermore, when the supported article 214 is placed in the rack and in the second predetermined position Q2, the projection portion 226 of the supported article 214 is configured to be inserted into the opening limited by the predetermined walls. This can restrict the supported article 214 from moving in the height direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) or transverse direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) due to unexpected forces, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the supported article 214 placed in the rack. Furthermore, the first transverse width J1 of the opening is greater than the second transverse width J2 of the projection 226 (shown in Figure 13), thereby allowing different supporting articles 214 having different transverse tolerances to fit into the opening.

[0046] Preferably, the mounting feature portion 216 is positioned adjacent to the first mounting member 204 of the first bracket 202.

[0047] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the article to be supported 214 is placed in the rack so that it is in the second predetermined position Q2. The predetermined passage 232 is defined by the first wall 228a, the second wall 228b, and the longitudinal wall 230 of the second bracket 206. The first end of the first bracket 202 is configured to be inserted into the predetermined passage 232 of the second bracket 206 through the passage opening of the predetermined passage 232 (this configuration is the same as in the first embodiment and is therefore not shown for simplicity). In addition, the first mounting member 204 of the first bracket 202 is located outside the predetermined passage 232. On the other hand, the first bracket 202 includes a first wall 234a, a second wall 234b, and a longitudinal wall 236 connected between the first wall 234a and the second wall 234b of the first bracket 202.

[0048] Furthermore, the first wall 228a and the second wall 228b of the second bracket 206 face each other. Each of the first wall 228a and the second wall 228b of the second bracket 206 has a first section S1 and a second section S2 bent relative to the first section S1 (for example, bent approximately perpendicular to the first section S1, but the present invention is not limited thereto). The first wall 228a and the second wall 228b of the second bracket 206 are configured to hold the first wall 234a and the second wall 234b of the first bracket 202, respectively. On the other hand, the first bracket 202 includes a reinforcing structure 238. For example, the longitudinal wall 236 of the first bracket 202 includes a reinforcing structure 238, which is adjacent to the second end 202b and the mounting feature 216 of the first bracket 202. This improves the overall structural strength or support strength of the bracket assembly 200 and prevents the first bracket 202 and the second bracket 206 from moving transversely relative to each other. Consequently, the protruding portion 226 of the supported article 214 can be accurately inserted into the mounting feature 216 (e.g., the opening).

[0049] Preferably, the first bracket 202 is configured with a first protruding feature portion 235 (shown in Figure 14), and the second bracket 206 is configured with a second protruding feature portion 237 (shown in Figure 11). The first protruding feature portion 235 and the second protruding feature portion 237 may be bumps or protruding portions. In this embodiment, the longitudinal wall 236 of the first bracket 202 is configured with the first protruding feature portion 235, and the longitudinal wall 230 of the second bracket 206 is configured with the second protruding feature portion 237. Furthermore, the first protruding feature portion 235 of the longitudinal wall 236 of the first bracket 202 is configured to face and abut against the longitudinal wall 230 of the second bracket 206, and the second protruding feature portion 237 of the longitudinal wall 230 of the second bracket 206 is configured to face and abut against the longitudinal wall 236 of the first bracket 202. This improves the structural strength or support strength between the longitudinal wall 236 of the first bracket 202 and the longitudinal wall 230 of the second bracket 206, and prevents the first bracket 202 and the second bracket 206 from moving transversely relative to each other. Therefore, the protruding portion 226 of the supported article 214 can be accurately inserted into the mounting feature 216 (e.g., the opening).

[0050] Preferably, the second wall 228b of the second bracket 206 is further configured with an extension member 240 (shown in Figure 14), the extension member 240 extending from the second wall 228b and corresponding to the longitudinal wall 236 of the first bracket 202, restricting transverse movement of the first bracket 202 due to unexpected forces.

[0051] Preferably, the reinforcing structure 238 is formed to project away from the article 214 being supported relative to the longitudinal wall 236 of the first bracket 202, thereby improving structural strength (as shown in Figure 14).

[0052] Preferably, the reinforcing structure 238 includes an enlarged portion 242 and a constricted portion 244 extending longitudinally from the enlarged portion 242. In contrast to the constricted portion 244, the enlarged portion 242 is positioned closer to the first mounting member 204, thereby improving the strength of the first mounting member 204 attached to the first post 210a (as shown in Figure 14).

[0053] Preferably, the reinforcing structure 238 has a substantially T-shaped structure, as shown in Figure 14.

[0054] Accordingly, the bracket assembly (20,200) according to the embodiment of the present invention has the following technical features.

[0055] 1. A support member 212 positioned on the second side L2' of the second bracket 206 is configured to support an article 214. The support member 212 is configured with a mounting feature 216, which is configured to attach the article 214. When the article 214 is placed in the rack from a first predetermined position Q1 (shown in Figure 12) to a second predetermined position Q2 (shown in Figure 13), the mounting feature 216 is configured to attach the article 214. For example, a protruding portion 226 of the article 214 is inserted into the mounting feature 216 (e.g., an opening) and is configured to be restricted by a predetermined wall of the mounting feature 216. This prevents the article 214 from moving in the height direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) or transverse direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) due to unexpected forces, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the article 214 placed in the rack.

[0056] 2. The first wall 228a and the second wall 228b of the second bracket 206 face each other, and each of the first wall 228a and the second wall 228b of the second bracket 206 has a first section S1 and a second section S2 that is bent relative to the first section S1. The first wall 228a and the second wall 228b of the second bracket 206 are configured to hold the first wall 234a and the second wall 234b of the first bracket 202, respectively. On the other hand, the longitudinal wall 236 of the first bracket 202 includes a reinforcing structure 238, which is adjacent to the second end 202b of the first bracket 202 and the mounting feature 216. This can improve the overall structural strength or support strength of the bracket assembly 200 and prevent the first bracket 202 and the second bracket 206 from moving transversely relative to each other. Therefore, the protruding portion 226 of the supporting article 214 can be accurately inserted into the mounting feature portion 216 (e.g., the opening).

[0057] 3. The reinforcing structure 238 projects from the longitudinal wall 236 of the first bracket 202 away from the article 214 it supports and functions as a rib. Preferably, the reinforcing structure 238 includes an enlarged portion 242 and a constricted portion 244 extending longitudinally from the enlarged portion 242. In contrast to the constricted portion 244, the enlarged portion 242 is positioned closer to the first mounting member 204, thereby improving the strength of the first mounting member 204 attached to the first post 210a.

[0058] 4. The row of first teeth 54a of the toothed bar 26 can function as a unidirectional toothed bar. The working member (e.g., 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. This makes the distance defined between the first mounting member 34 and the second mounting member 44 adjustable from a first length K1 to a second length K2. Thus, the bracket assembly 20 is applicable to racks having different longitudinal depths.

[0059] 5. 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 coming out of the first mounting hole H1 of the first post 92a, and the second mounting member 44 is prevented from coming out of 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 can be driven to move 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 separated from the rack.

[0060] 6. 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) is movably attached to the auxiliary member 56. Therefore, damage caused by excessive tight engagement (or meshing) of the tooth section T between the first working member 28 and the second working member 30 with the first teeth 54a and the second teeth 54b of the toothed bur 26 can be prevented.

[0061] 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, The second bracket is movable in the longitudinal direction relative to the first bracket and comprises a second mounting member. The second bracket has a first side and a second side that are opposite to each other, the first side of the second bracket facing the first bracket, and a support member is positioned on the second side of the second bracket and configured to support an article to be supported. The support member is configured with a mounting feature, and the mounting feature is configured to attach the article to be supported, in a bracket assembly.

2. The support member includes a longitudinal portion, the longitudinal portion having a first end and a second end that are opposite to each other, the second end of the longitudinal portion being configured with a bent portion, the bent portion having the mounting feature portion, The bracket assembly according to claim 1, wherein the support member further includes a support portion, the support portion and the longitudinal portion substantially form an L-shaped structure, and the support portion is configured to support the bottom of the article to be supported.

3. The mounting feature is formed with an opening defined by a plurality of predetermined walls, and the supporting article includes a projection configured to be inserted into the opening. The width of the opening is greater than the width of the protruding portion. The bracket assembly according to claim 2, wherein the mounting feature portion is arranged adjacent to the first mounting member of the first bracket.

4. The second bracket includes a first wall, a second wall, and a longitudinal wall connected between the first wall and the second wall of the second bracket, and a predetermined passage is defined by the first wall, the second wall, and the longitudinal wall of the second bracket. The first bracket has a first end and a second end that are opposite to each other, and the first end of the first bracket is configured to be inserted into the predetermined passage of the second bracket through the passage opening of the predetermined passage. The first bracket includes a first wall, a second wall, and a longitudinal wall connected to the first wall and the second wall of the first bracket. The bracket assembly according to claim 3, wherein each of the first wall and the second wall of the second bracket has a first section and a second section bent relative to the first section, and the first wall and the second wall of the second bracket are configured to hold the first wall and the second wall of the first bracket, respectively.

5. The bracket assembly according to claim 4, wherein one of the first wall and the second wall of the second bracket is configured with an extension member, the extension member being configured to restrict the transverse movement of the first bracket.

6. The longitudinal wall of the first bracket includes a reinforcing structure, the reinforcing structure is adjacent to the second end of the first bracket and the mounting feature portion, The reinforcing structure has a shape that protrudes from the longitudinal wall of the first bracket, The bracket assembly according to claim 4, wherein the reinforcing structure includes an enlarged portion and a constricted portion extending longitudinally from the enlarged portion.

7. Furthermore, it comprises a toothed bar, a working member, and an operating member. 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, and the operating member is movably mounted on one of the first bracket and 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, thereby adjusting the distance defined between the first mounting member and the second mounting member from a first length to a second length. 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 be operated 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. The toothed bar is a unidirectional toothed bar, and the working member is a reverse-movement prevention claw. The bracket assembly further includes an auxiliary member that is movably attached to the second bracket, The working member is pivotally connected to the auxiliary member in the second bracket. The bracket assembly according to claim 1, wherein one of the auxiliary member and the second bracket is formed with a longitudinal hole, and the other of the auxiliary member and the second bracket is configured with a connecting member passing through a portion of the longitudinal hole.

8. 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 is movable in the longitudinal direction relative to the first bracket, and is configured with a second mounting member, the first mounting member and the second mounting member each comprising a second bracket configured to be attached to the first post and the second post, respectively. The second bracket has a first side and a second side that are opposite to each other, the first side of the second bracket facing the first bracket, and a support member is positioned on the second side of the second bracket and configured to support an article to be supported. The support member is configured with a mounting feature, the mounting feature being configured to attach the supported article when the supported article is placed inside the rack, the bracket assembly.

9. The support member includes a longitudinal portion, the longitudinal portion having a first end and a second end that are opposite to each other, the second end of the longitudinal portion being configured with a bent portion, the bent portion having the mounting feature portion, The support member further includes a support portion, the support portion and the longitudinal portion substantially form an L-shaped structure, and the support portion is configured to support the bottom of the article being supported. The mounting feature is formed with an opening defined by a plurality of predetermined walls, and the supporting article includes a projection configured to be inserted into the opening. The aforementioned mounting feature is positioned adjacent to the first mounting member of the first bracket, The second bracket includes a first wall, a second wall, and a longitudinal wall connected between the first wall and the second wall of the second bracket, and a predetermined passage is defined by the first wall, the second wall, and the longitudinal wall of the second bracket. The first bracket has a first end and a second end that are opposite to each other, and the first end of the first bracket is configured to be inserted into the predetermined passage of the second bracket through the passage opening of the predetermined passage. The first bracket includes a first wall, a second wall, and a longitudinal wall connected to the first wall and the second wall of the first bracket. Each of the first wall and the second wall of the second bracket has a first section and a second section that is bent relative to the first section, and the first wall and the second wall of the second bracket are configured to hold the first wall and the second wall of the first bracket, The longitudinal wall of the first bracket includes a reinforcing structure, the reinforcing structure is adjacent to the second end of the first bracket and the mounting feature portion, The bracket assembly according to claim 8, wherein the reinforcing structure protrudes from the longitudinal wall of the first bracket and has a substantially T-shaped structure.

10. Furthermore, it comprises a toothed bar, a working member, and an operating member. 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, and the operating member is movably mounted on 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, thereby adjusting the distance defined between the first mounting member and the second mounting member from a first length to a second length. The first direction is opposite to the second 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 be operated 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. The bracket assembly according to claim 8, wherein the toothed bar is a unidirectional toothed bar, and the working member is a reverse-movement prevention claw.

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