US20020171340A1 - Support member having a recess for routing cables and method of routing cables in an electronic equipment cabinet - Google Patents

Abstract

A cabinet for mounting electronic equipment having support members with recesses for routing electrical cable, a support member having a recess for routing cable and a method for routing electrical cable in an electronic equipment cabinet. The recess in the support member provides a convenient pathway for routing electrical cables to equipment mounted in the cabinet which facilitates conduit installation and minimizes exposer of the cables to damage during operation and servicing. The support members include horizontal and vertical members as well as connecting members having recesses for providing routing of cables from the horizontal to the vertical members. The support members may also be adapted for covering the recesses with trim pieces which conceal the recesses and the cables they contain.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/291,117, entitled “Electronic Instrument Mounting Rack” filed May 15, 2001, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.[0001]
• This application contains subject matter which is related to the subject matter of the following applications, which is assigned to the same assignee as this application and was filed on the same day as this application. The below-listed applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety:[0002]
• “Method of Attaching Supports to an Electronic Equipment Cabinet”, U.S. Ser. No. ______ (attrny. docket 0140.007 A).[0003]
• “A Method and Arrangement for Providing Electrical Power to an Electronic Equipment Cabinet”, U.S. Ser. No. ______ (attrny. docket 0140.007 C).[0004]
• “A Trim Piece, a Trim Piece Mounting Arrangement and a Method of Mounting a Trim Piece for an Electronic Equipment Cabinet”, U.S. Ser. No. ______ (attrny. docket 0140.007 D).[0005]
TECHNICAL FIELD
• This invention relates generally to apparatus and methods used for mounting electronic equipment. Specifically, the present invention provides improved methods and apparatus for mounting electronic equipment in a cabinet, supplying power to the equipment, and supporting the housing, and routing electrical conduit within the housing.[0006]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• In the electronics industry, electronic equipment is typically mounted in enclosures or cabinets to facilitate installation, interfacing with related equipment, and to facilitate access by technicians for servicing and repair. One recognized standard enclosure used by electronic equipment manufacturers is the 19-inch standard for mounting electronic equipment or sub chassis into an enclosure. The 19-inch enclosure standard is defined by the Electronics Industries Association standard EIA310. The EIA310 standard, which is incorporated by reference herein, defines the specifications for the mounting of 19-inch panels and equipment. In compliance with this standard, electronic equipment manufacturers provide products, for example, computers or computer peripheral equipment, that are mountable or installable into 19-inch enclosures, cabinets, or racks, as they are referred to in the art.[0007]
• Conventional electronic equipment racks include some form of frame or support structure upon which the equipment is mounted, typically by mechanical fasteners. This frame provides the structural support of the equipment while providing access to electrical conduit, that is, wires and cables, for power and data transfer. Panels, typically sheet metal or plastic are typically mounted to the frame to protect the equipment and to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the cabinet.[0008]
• Conventional cabinets or racks typically include some form of casters mounted on the bottom of the cabinet for facilitating installation, removal, and servicing of the equipment mounted in the rack. Conventional cabinets may also include some form of seismic support for preventing vibration damage to the equipment or toppling of the cabinets during an earthquake. In conventional equipment racks, casters and seismic supports are typically mounted to a sheet metal plate secured to the bottom of the cabinet. However, the mounting of the casters and seismic supports to the thin sheet metal of the cabinet is somewhat prone to damaging the sheet metal or failure of the caster or support during transport, handling, or vibration loading (for example, an earthquake). There is a need in the art to provide improved structural stiffness and strength to the mounting of casters and seismic supports to cabinets holding electronic equipment.[0009]
• As would be expected, electronic equipment cabinets typically also contain numerous electrical conduits, that is, wires and cables, for power and data transfer. However, depending upon the equipment in the cabinet the number of conduits may be quite numerous and unwieldy. The presence of many exposed conduits, even when properly secured, can interfere with the installation and servicing of the cabinet as well as be prone to damage during installation and servicing. There is a need in the art to provide electronic equipment cabinets in which such cabling can be secured and possibly hidden to facilitate installation and servicing.[0010]
• One electronic component that is typically installed in conventional electronic equipment cabinets is a power input unit, that is, the unit or component that receives electric power from an external source, such as a power outlet, and through which power is provided to the equipment in the cabinet. The power input unit may include some form of power conditioning if necessary. In conventional electronic equipment cabinets, the power input unit is typically located within the cabinet, that is, behind a panel or sheet metal barrier and thus not readily accessible to the operator or technician. Thus, in order to access the power input unit, a panel or barrier must be removed. This can be inconvenient when attempting to install, service, or simply access the power input unit. In addition, locating the power input unit within the envelope of the cabinet can consume valuable space within the cabinet that could be used for other equipment. There is also a need in the art to facilitate access to the power input unit of an electronic equipment cabinet, or to more advantageously use the space within the equipment cabinet.[0011]
• These and other deficiencies of the prior art equipment cabinets are addressed by the present invention.[0012]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention provides methods and apparatus which address many of the limitations of prior art methods and apparatus. One aspect of the invention is a cabinet for mounting electronic equipment comprising a rectangular cylindrical frame having a top, a bottom, and sides, and means for supporting the cabinet, the frame comprising vertical support members and horizontal support members, wherein the means for supporting the cabinet are mounted to at least one of the horizontal support members. In one aspect of the invention, the at least one of the horizontal support members is located adjacent the bottom of the cabinet and the means for supporting the cabinet are mounted to at least one of the horizontal support members located adjacent the bottom of the housing. In another aspect of the invention, the means for supporting the cabinet comprises one at least one caster, at least one seismic support, or a combination of at least one caster and at least one seismic support. In one aspect of the invention, the means for supporting the cabinet comprises a plurality of casters or a plurality of seismic supports.[0013]
• Another aspect of the invention is a cabinet for mounting electronic equipment comprising a rectangular cylindrical frame having a top, a bottom, sides, and casters for supporting the housing, the frame comprising vertical support members and horizontal support members, wherein the casters are mounted directly to at least one of the horizontal support members. The casters are typically mounted to one of the horizontal support members located at the bottom of the housing.[0014]
• Another aspect of the present invention is a cabinet for mounting electronic equipment comprising a rectangular cylindrical frame having a top, a bottom, sides, and at least one seismic support for supporting the housing and minimizing the vibration load on the equipment, the frame comprising vertical support members and horizontal support members, wherein the at least one seismic support is mounted directly to at least one of the horizontal support members. Typically, the at least one seismic support is mounted to one of the horizontal support members located at the bottom of the housing.[0015]
• Another aspect of the invention is a method for supporting an electronic equipment cabinet, the cabinet having a frame comprising at least one horizontal member, the method comprising: providing means for supporting the cabinet; and mounting the means for supporting the cabinet to the at least one horizontal member of the frame. In one aspect of this invention, providing means for supporting the cabinet comprises providing at least one of at least one caster and at least one seismic support. In another aspect of this invention, the electronic equipment cabinet has a top and a bottom and the frame comprises at least one horizontal member positioned adjacent the bottom of the cabinet, wherein mounting the means for supporting the cabinet comprises mounting the means for supporting the cabinet to the at least one horizontal member positioned adjacent the bottom of the cabinet.[0016]
• A further aspect of the invention is a supporting arrangement for an electronic equipment cabinet, the cabinet comprising a cylindrical frame having a top and a bottom, at least one panel mounted to the frame, and at least one leveling device, the frame comprising vertical support members and horizontal support members, wherein the support arrangement comprises a supporting element mounted to a horizontal support member positioned adjacent the bottom of the frame. In one aspect of the invention, the supporting element comprises at least one caster. In another aspect of the invention, the supporting element comprises at least one seismic support. In one aspect of the invention, the frame comprises at least one L-shaped support member having a horizontal leg and a vertical leg. In another aspect of the invention, the supporting element comprises at least one caster or at least one seismic support mounted to the horizontal leg of the L-shaped support member.[0017]
• Another aspect of the invention is a cabinet for mounting electronic equipment comprising a rectangular cylindrical frame having a top, bottom, and sides, the frame comprising vertical support members and horizontal support members, wherein at least one of the support members comprises at least one recess for installing electrical conduit, for example, electrical wires and electrical cables and the like. In one aspect of the invention, the at least one recess in the at least one support member comprises a longitudinal recess. In another aspect of the invention, the vertical support members comprise at least one vertical support member having a first recess and the horizontal support members comprise at least one horizontal support member having a second recess, wherein the first and second recesses communicate with each other. In another aspect of the invention, the frame further comprises at least one support member connecting element and wherein the first and second recesses communicate with each other via the at least one support member connecting element.[0018]
• Another aspect of the invention is a method for routing at least one electrical conduit in an electronic equipment cabinet, the cabinet comprising a frame comprising at least one horizontal or vertical member having a longitudinal recess, the method comprising routing the at least one cable in the longitudinal recess. In one aspect of the invention, the frame comprises at least one horizontal member having a longitudinal recess and at least one vertical member having a longitudinal recess, and the method comprises routing the at least one cable through the longitudinal recess of the at least one horizontal member and through the longitudinal recess of the at least one vertical member. In another aspect of the invention, the frame further comprises at least one connecting element between the at least one horizontal member and the at least one vertical member, the at least one connecting element having a recess, and wherein the method comprises routing the at least one cable through the longitudinal recess of the at least one horizontal member, through the recess of the at least one connecting element, and through the longitudinal recess of the at least one vertical member.[0019]
• Another aspect of the invention is a cabinet for mounting electronic equipment comprising a rectangular cylindrical frame having a top, bottom, and sides, the frame defining an internal cavity, and at least one power input unit for supplying power to at least some of the electronic equipment, wherein the at least one power input unit is mounted outside of the internal cavity. In one aspect of the invention, the at least one power input unit is mounted below the bottom of the frame.[0020]
• Another aspect of the invention is a method of providing at least one power input unit to an electronic equipment cabinet, the cabinet comprising a support frame and the support frame defining an internal cavity of the electronic equipment cabinet, the method comprising: providing a power input unit; providing a power input unit interface for the electronic equipment cabinet positioned outside the internal cavity of the electronic equipment cabinet; and installing the power input unit in the power input unit interface. In one aspect of the invention, the electronic equipment cabinet further comprises at least one panel mounted to the frame, and wherein installing the power input unit comprises installing the power input unit without removing any panels from the electronic equipment cabinet. In another aspect of the invention, the support frame has a top and a bottom, wherein providing a power input unit interface comprises providing a power input unit interface below the bottom of the frame.[0021]
• A further aspect of the invention is a trim piece mounting for an electronic equipment cabinet, the cabinet comprising a frame having at least one mounting surface, the trim piece mounting comprising: an elongated member having an inner surface and an outer surface; and means for attaching the elongated member to the mounting surface of the frame. In one aspect of the invention, the mounting surface of the frame comprises a perforated mounting surface and wherein the means of attaching the elongated member to the mounting surface comprises at least one projection located on the inner surface of the elongated member. In another aspect of the invention, the means for attaching the elongated member comprises at least one spacer, the at least one spacer comprising means for attaching the at least one spacer to the mounting surface of the frame and means for attaching the elongated member to the at least one spacer. In another aspect of the invention, the mounting surface on the frame comprises a plurality of threaded holes and the means for attaching the at least one spacer to the mounting surface comprises a threaded projection on the at least one spacer.[0022]
• A still further aspect of the invention is a method of mounting a trim piece to an electronic equipment cabinet having a mounting surface, the method comprising: providing at least one spacer having a main body portion and a recess positioned in the main body portion; providing a trim piece having at least one extension engagable with the recess; mounting the at least one spacer to the mounting surface of the cabinet; and attaching the trim piece to the at least one spacer wherein the at least one extension engages the recess in the spacer. In one aspect of the invention, the mounting surface comprises a plurality of perforations, wherein mounting the at least one spacer to the mounting surface comprises engaging the at least one spacer with the plurality of perforations. In another aspect of the invention, the plurality of perforations comprises a plurality of threaded perforations and the at least one spacer comprises at least one threaded end, wherein mounting the at least one spacer to the mounting surface comprises threading the at least one threaded end of the spacer into the plurality of threaded perforations.[0023]
• An even further aspect of the invention is a trim piece attachable to a mounting surface of an electronic equipment cabinet, the trim piece comprising: an elongated flexible member having an inner surface and an outer surface; and at least one extension on the inner surface for attaching the elongated flexible member to the mounting surface of the frame. In one aspect of the invention, the at least one extension comprises at least two elongated flexible extensions. In another aspect of the invention, the mounting surface comprises at least one spacer mounted to the mounting surface, and wherein the at least two elongated flexible extensions comprise at least two elongated flexible extensions having transverse projections, the transverse projections engagable with the at least one spacer.[0024]
• The present invention addresses many of the limitations of the prior art including providing a secure support for the cabinet casters and seismic supports, providing recesses for the routing of electrical conduit, providing an easily accessible power input unit, and providing easily installable and removable trim pieces, that among, other things, provide a more pleasing appearance to the equipment cabinet. These and other embodiments and aspects of the present invention will become more apparent upon review of the attached drawings, description below, and attached claims.[0025]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of practice, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings in which:[0026]
• FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of an electronic equipment cabinet having one or more aspects of the present invention.[0027]
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the structural frame and supports of the cabinet shown in FIG. 1.[0028]
• FIG. 3 is an exploded detailed view of one of the connections of the frame shown in FIG. 2.[0029]
• FIG. 4 is a detailed view of some of the structural members of the cabinet shown in FIG. 2.[0030]
• FIG. 5 is cross sectional view along the lines[0031]5-5 shown in FIG. 4.
• FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the power input unit mounting for the cabinet shown in FIG. 1.[0032]
• FIG. 7 is perspective view of one power input unit that can be used for the present invention.[0033]
• FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views of the mounting of trim pieces to an electronics cabinet according to another aspect of the present invention.[0034]
• FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the aspect of the invention shown in FIG. 8A as viewed along lines[0035]9-9 in FIG. 8A.
• FIG. 9A is a detail view of the spacer shown in FIG. 9 according to one aspect of the invention.[0036]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• FIG. 1 illustrates a typical elevation view of a rack or[0037]cabinet10 having one or more aspects of the present invention.Cabinet10 includes a rectangularcylindrical frame12 which provides the structural support for the electronic components13 (shown in phantom) mounted incabinet10.Electronic components13 may be computers, data storage devices, or communications devices, among others.Cabinet10 also includes one ormore panels11, typically sheet metal or plastic panels, that are typically mounted to the top, bottom, and sides offrame12 to protect the equipment within and to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance tocabinet10.Cabinet10 of FIG. 1 also includes a set ofcasters14, for example, four casters, that are used to install and removecabinet10. Though not clearly shown in FIG. 1, according to one aspect of the invention,casters14 are not mounted to the sheet metal bottom (not shown) ofcabinet19 butcasters14 are rigidly mounted to the bottom support member offrame12. Also shown in FIG. 1 is a typicalseismic support16. Seismic supports16, which are conventional floor mountings, restraincabinet10 from moving or being toppled during a seismic event, that is, an earthquake. Though only a singleseismic support16 as shown in FIG. 1 may be used, it is understood by those of skill in the art that two or moresuch supports16 may be used when mounting electronic equipment cabinets such ascabinet10. As shown in FIG. 1,frame12 ofcabinet10 may include a horizontal support (26 in FIG. 2) having avertical projection17 to whichseismic support16 can be mounted to frame12, for example, by means ofmechanical fasteners19, for instance, threaded fasteners.Cabinet10 may also include one ormore leveling devices15, for example, adjustable leveling devices, for supportingcabinet10 at a desired installed elevation and orientation. One ormore leveling devices15 may be threaded devices, or wedge-type devices, or ball-and-ramp type leveling devices.
• According to one aspect of the present invention,[0038]cabinet10 may be transported to its desired installation location by means ofcasters14. Then, when positioned as desired, levelingdevices15 may be adjusted to properly supportcabinet15 in its desired elevation, for example, relative to the flooring of the installation. This level adjustment may raise height of levelingdevices15 above the height ofcasters14, for example, whereincasters14 are lifted off the floor of the installation. When located at its desired elevation,cabinet10 may be secured toseismic mount16, for example, via mechanical fasteners, for instance, threaded fasteners.
• According to one aspect of the invention,[0039]cabinet10 also includes at least onepower input device18, for example, a power distribution unit (PDU). Unlike conventional cabinets,power input unit18 ofcabinet10 is mounted below and outsideframe12 ofcabinet10 so that the unit can be easily accessed.Unit18 is inserted into apower input port20 ofcabinet10. As shown in FIG. 1,cabinet10 includes at least twopower input ports20 forunits18, and only one suchpower input unit18 is installed.
• FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of[0040]frame12 ofcabinet10 shown in FIG. 1 withpanels11 removed.Frame12 is typically comprised of extruded metal members, for example, extruded aluminum, formed into a cylindrical shape, for example, a rectangular cylindrical shape, though a circular cylindrical shape may also be used according to one aspect of the present invention. FIG. 2 also illustratescasters14 and aseismic support16 as shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2,frame12 typically includes a plurality, typically four,vertical support members22 and a plurality ofhorizontal support members24. According to another aspect of the present invention, FIG. 2 also illustrates a typical lowerhorizontal support26 offrame12. Among other things,support26 provides a surface for mountingcabinet10, for example, viacasters14 or seismic supports16.Support26 provides a stiffer, more rigid mounting ofcabinet10 than conventional cabinets. Conventional cabinets are typical mounted to a less rigid bottom panel which can be prone to undesirable deflection, for example, under seismic loading. Again, though only oneseismic support16 is illustrated in FIG. 2, it is understood by those in the art that two or moreseismic supports16 may be used.
• FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded detail view of one of the support member connections of[0041]frame12 shown in FIG. 2. Specifically, FIG. 3 illustrates the mechanical connection between two typicallyhorizontal members24A and24B and typicalvertical member22 offrame12. Though these members may be fastened by any conventional means, for example, mechanical fasteners, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the members are secured by means ofconnector28.Members22,24A,24B, andconnector28 are typically made from extruded aluminum, though other materials may be used.Members22,24A, and24B andconnector28 are typically secured to each other by welding, though mechanical fasteners or interference fits may be used. According to another aspect of the invention, at least one ofmembers22 and24A include a recess orcavity30,32, respectively, in which electrical conduit may be inserted and routed as needed.Recesses30,32 are typically longitudinal recesses, that is, recesses that extend at least partially in the direction of elongation ofmembers22 and24A. As shown in FIG. 3,connector28 may also include acorresponding recess34 which communicates withrecesses30 and32 such that conduit can be routed fromrecess30 throughrecess34 to recess32, or vice versa. As shown in FIG. 3,support members22 and24A, andconnector28, may include two recesses, or two or more recesses, for example, located on opposite sides of the members through which conduit may be routed. Thus, thesupport members22 and24A, in addition to providing structural support for the electronic components incabinet10, may also provide a pathway for routing conduit to and from the components13 (see FIG. 1) mounted incabinet10. FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed view of the ofsupports22 and24A andconnector28 of FIG. 3 when assembled. Therecesses30,32, and34 for electrical conduit that these elements provide when assembled are clearly illustrated in FIG. 4.
• FIG. 5 is an axial view down the axis of[0042]member24A as viewed along lines5-5 in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 also illustrates theconnector28 and acover36 that can be affixed overrecess32 inmember24A.Cover36 is typically a plastic cover having flexible extensions ortabs38 that engage and are secured to theinternal surface40 ofrecess30 inhorizontal member24A, for example, via cooperating indentations or projections41 (not shown) insurface40. For example, indentations orprojections41 may comprise notches or ribs, for instance, longitudinal notches or ribs,41 as illustrated more clearly in FIG. 4.
• FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the[0043]power input units18 mounted in the base ofcabinet10 of FIG. 1. A typicalpower input unit18 that may be used for the present invention is shown in FIG. 7. According to one aspect of the invention,power input unit18 may be a power distribution unit, such as a PIM 24030 D power distribution unit (PDU) manufactured by Mack Molding of Arlington, Vt. though other types of units may be used.Power input unit18 is installed inpower input ports20 incabinet10.Power input ports20 may be any typical electrical connection, but in the aspect of the invention shown in FIG. 6 and7,power input ports20 are 6-pin male connectors. As shown in FIG. 7,power input unit18 receives electrical power via anelectrical cable50 having aelectrical connector52.Connector52 can typically be plugged into a wall-mounted electrical outlet or other source of electrical power to supply power tocabinet10 of FIG. 1.
• FIG. 6 illustrates the sheet[0044]metal bottom plate42 which is mounted to the bottom of frame12 (not shown in FIG. 6). According to the present invention,plate42 includes at least onepower input port20, though two such ports (one is hidden by units18) are present in the aspect shown in FIG. 6, and at least one power input unit is installed into at least oneport20. Note that sincepower input units18 are readily removable, they can be installed at any time before, during or after installation. Furthermore, sinceunits18 are located outsideframe12 and external to, for example,plate42,units18 are readily accessible for maintenance, service, or installation of electrical power. In addition, sinceunit18 is located outside of frame12 (see FIG. 1),unit18 does not consume valuable space within the envelope offrame12. According to this invention, one ormore units18 may be installed after installation, that is, it is not necessary to installunit18 during fabrication or during transport ofcabinet10.
• FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a further embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views partially in cross-section similar to the perspective view shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 8A illustrates the mechanical connection between two[0045]horizontal members124A and124B, similar tomembers24A and24B in FIG. 3, and typicalvertical member122, similar tomember22 in FIG. 3.Members124A,124B, and122 comprise members of an equipment rack frame, such asframe12 in FIG. 2. As discussed earlier with respect to FIG. 3,members124A,124B, and122 may be fastened by any conventional means, for example, mechanical fasteners. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3,members124A,124B, and122 are secured by means ofconnector128. Again,members122,124A,124B, andconnector128 are typically made from extruded aluminum, though other materials may be used.Members122,124A, and124B andconnector128 are typically secured to each other by welding, though mechanical fasteners or interference fits may be used. In one aspect of the invention,members122,124A, andconnector128 include one or more recesses or cavities130 (not shown),132, and134, respectively, in which electrical conduit may be inserted and routed as needed.
• FIGS. 8A and 8B also illustrate[0046]recess cover pieces136 and137 which, according to one aspect of the invention, may be positioned over longitudinal recesses insupport members124A and122, respectively. Coverpieces136 and137 may be similar torecess cover36 shown in FIG. 5. Similar to cover36,cover pieces136 and137 typically comprise a plastic cover havingflexible tabs138, similar totabs38 ofcover36, that engage and are secured to theinternal surface recess132 in horizontal member124A, and the recess (not shown) invertical member122. Coverpieces136 may have sides136A and136B which are essentially parallel to each other; however, in one aspect of the invention, sides136A and136 may be non-parallel, for example, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, side136A may have a curvilinear shape, for example, a parabolic shape. In one aspect of the invention, coverpieces136 and17 may include apower switch139, for example, for shutting off electrical power to one or more components inrack10.
• According to the aspect of the invention shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B,[0047]vertical member122 includes atrim piece150 attached tovertical member152. As shown more clearly in FIG. 8B wheretrim piece150 is shown detached fromvertical member122, vertical member122 (which may be similar to many vertical members in the art) typically includes a mountingstrip152 having mountingholes154, for example, threaded mounting holes. Mountingstrip152 may be integral withvertical member122 or may be removably mounted tovertical member122, for example, by means of mechanical fasteners (not shown). Mountingstrip152 and mountingholes154 are typically used in electronic cabinet design to mount electrical equipment in a cabinet, for example, by means of mechanical fasteners, for instance, mounting screws (not shown). According to one aspect of the present invention,trim piece150 is mounted to mountingstrip152 to cover mountingstrip152 and conceal mountingholes154 and any fasteners inserted into mountingholes154.Trim piece150 is typically made from a plastic material, for example, a polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-type plastic, a polystyrene-type plastic, or their equivalents. In one aspect of the invention,trim piece150 is attached to mountingholes154 by means of a “snap on” fit, for example, by means of flexible projections (not shown) which project into and engage one or more mountingholes154 to retaintrim piece150 on mountingstrip152. In one aspect of the invention,trim piece152 comprises one or more, trimpieces152, which may extend partially or completely along the length ofvertical member122, for example, extend over essentially the entire height ofcabinet10.
• A detail of one aspect of the invention shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B is shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of[0048]trim piece150 and mountingstrip152 as viewed along lines9-9 shown in FIG. 8A. As shown in FIG. 9, mountingstrip152 may be L-shaped having oneleg152A mounted to vertical member122 (not shown in FIG. 9) and oneleg152B having mountingholes154. As shown in FIG. 9, according to one aspect of the invention,trim strip150 is mounted to mountingstrip152 by means of at least one stand-offspacer156, typically, a plurality ofspacers156.Spacers156 are mounted to mountingstrip152, for example, via mountingholes154, and one or moretrim pieces150 are mounted tospacers156. In one aspect of the invention,spacers156 are metallic, for example, steel, stainless steel, or aluminum, but in another aspect of theinvention spaces156 may be non-metallic, for example, a plastic.Spacers156 may be mounted to mountingstrip152 by any conventional means, for example, snap-fit, by adhesives, or even by welding or brazing, but in one aspect of the invention,spacers156 are threaded, for example, threaded on oneend158, andspacers156 are mounted to mountingstrip152 by screwingend158 into complementary threadedholes154 in mountingstrip152.
• FIG. 9A illustrates a detailed view of[0049]spacer156. In one aspect of the invention,spacer156 comprises a cylindricalmain section160, for example, circular cylindrical or rectangular cylindrical, having a recess, slot, orgap162. Whenmain section160 is circular cylindrical,recess162 may be an annular slot at least partially encirclingbody section160. Whenmain section160 is rectangular cylindrical,recess162 may be a longitudinal or lateral recess or slot on the side ofbody section160. According to one aspect of the invention,spacer156 has a height H of between about 0.30 inches and about 0.80 inches; a width or diameter W of between about 0.30 inches and about 0.60 inches; and an inner width or diameter w of between about 0.15 inches and about 0.25 inches. In one aspect of the invention, when themain section160 is rectangular cylindrical in shape, the length ofmain section160 may be about equal to the width W ofmain section160, however, the length ofmain section160 may be longer than width W, for example, twice or three times or more as long as width W.
• According to the aspect of the invention shown in FIG. 9,[0050]trim piece150 includesextensions164 havingprojections166, for example,transverse projections166, which engageslots162 inspacer156. In one aspect of the invention,extensions164 are elongated extensions which extend at least partially along the length oftrim piece150. In one aspect of the invention,extensions164 extend along the entire length oftrim pieces150. In another aspect of the invention,extensions164 are annular extensions and at least partially encircle, or completely encircle, circular cylindricalmain section160 ofspacer156. In one aspect of the invention,extensions164 define a cavity intrim piece150 having a bottom168 which contacts spacer156.Extensions164 are preferably flexible and radially or laterally deflect outward whentrim piece150 is compressed against one ormore spacers156 and then radially or laterally deflect inward whereinprojections166 engagerecesses162 to retaintrim piece150.
• The[0051]outer surface170 oftrim piece150, which may be exposed to view, may be colored, decorated, or contoured to provide a pleasing appearance to trimpiece150.Trim piece150 may also include aside extension172 to further conceal mountingstrip152 and also concealspacers156 andextensions164 from view.
• According to one aspect of the present invention, first, one or more, typically a plurality, of[0052]spacers156 are threaded into threadedholes154 in mountingstrip152. Then, one or moretrim pieces150 are positioned abovespacers156 and compressed againstspacers156 whereinextensions164 andprojections166 first deflect and then engagerecesses162 inspacers156.Trim piece150 can simply be removed by pulling ontrim piece150 whereinextensions164 again deflect andprojections166 disengage recesses162. According to one aspect of the invention,trim pieces150 may be repeatedly attached and removed as needed.
• According to another aspect of the invention,[0053]trim pieces150 can be engaged tospacers156 with little or no deflection ofextensions164. In this embodiment of the invention, one or moretrim pieces150 are engaged tospacers156 by positioning an end of onetrim piece150 so thatprojections166 engagerecesses162 and then slidably engagingprojections166 intorecesses162 in one ormore spacers156. In this aspect of the invention,trim pieces150 are preferably made from a flexible material, for example, sheet metal or plastic, to facilitateengaging projections166 inslots164 and sliding one or moretrim pieces150 to engagefurther spacers156 to attach one or moretrim pieces150 to mountingstrip152.
• The aspects of the present invention provide numerous advantages over prior art electronic equipment racks. In one aspect of the invention, an equipment rack is provided that provides a more rigid support for mounting hardware, such as casters and seismic supports, than is provided by prior art racks by mounting this hardware directly to the cabinet frame. Another aspect of the invention, facilitates the routing of wires and cables by providing cable routing paths in the horizontal and vertical members of the frame of the rack. Another aspect of the invention, improves the accessibility of power input modules while reducing the impact of the modules on the space withing the rack. Still another aspect of the present invention provides easily attachable trim pieces which conceal unsightly mounting holes in the rack.[0054]
• While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention described in the following claims.[0055]

Claims (20)

1. A cabinet for mounting electronic equipment comprising a cylindrical frame having a top, bottom, and sides, the frame comprising vertical support members and horizontal support members, wherein at least one of the support members comprises at least one recess for routing electrical wires.

2. The cabinet as recited inclaim 1, wherein the at least one recess in the at least one support member comprises a longitudinal recess.

3. The cabinet recited inclaim 1, wherein the vertical support members comprise at least one vertical support member having a first longitudinal recess and the horizontal support members comprise at least one horizontal support member having a second longitudinal recess, wherein the first and second longitudinal recesses communicate with each other.

4. The cabinet recited inclaim 3, wherein the frame further comprises at least one support member connecting element for having a recess and wherein the first and second longitudinal recesses communicate with each other via the at least one support member connecting element recess.

5. The cabinet recited inclaim 4, wherein the at least one support member connecting element comprises projections which engage the support members.

6. The cabinet as recited inclaim 1, wherein the vertical support members and horizontal support members are fabricated by extrusion.

7. The cabinet as recited inclaim 1, wherein at least one of the vertical support members and horizontal support members comprise means for attaching a cover to the at least one recess for routing electrical cable.

8. The cabinet as recited inclaim 7, wherein the at least one recess comprises an internal surface and wherein the means for attaching a cover to the at least one recess comprises structures located along the internal surface of the recess.

9. The cabinet as recited inclaim 8, wherein the structures located along the internal surface comprises one of indentations and projections.

10. The cabinet as recited inclaim 9, wherein the indentations comprise one of longitudinal notches and longitudinal ribs.

11. A structural support for use in the frame of an electronic equipment cabinet, the structural support comprising an elongated member having at least one longitudinal recess for routing electrical wires.

12. The structural support as recited inclaim 11 wherein the structural support is one of a horizontal structural support and a vertical structural support.

13. The structural support as recited inclaim 11 further comprising a plurality longitudinally extending mounting holes.

14. The structural support as recited inclaim 11, further comprising means for attaching a cover to the at least one longitudinal recess.

15. The structural support as recited inclaim 14, wherein the at least one longitudinal recess comprises an internal surface and wherein the means for attaching a cover to the at least one longitudinal recess comprises structures located along the internal surface of the longitudinal recess.

16. The structural support as recited inclaim 15, wherein the structures located along the internal surface comprises one of indentations and projections.

17. The structural support as recited inclaim 16, wherein the indentations comprise one of longitudinal notches and longitudinal ribs.

18. A method for routing at least one electrical wire in an electronic equipment cabinet, the cabinet comprising a frame comprising at least structural member having a longitudinal recess, the method comprising routing the at least one wire in the longitudinal recess.

19. The method as recited inclaim 18, wherein the frame comprises at least one horizontal member having a longitudinal recess and at least one vertical member having a longitudinal recess, the method comprising routing the at least one wire through the longitudinal recess of the at least one horizontal member and through the longitudinal recess of the at least one vertical member.

20. The method as recited inclaim 19, wherein the frame further comprises at least one connecting element positioned between the at least one horizontal member and the at least one vertical member, the at least one connecting element having a recess, and wherein the method comprises routing the at least one wire through the longitudinal recess of the at least one horizontal member, through the recess of the at least one connecting element and through the longitudinal recess of the at least one vertical member.

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