US20050218091A1 - Mounting fastener for a rack - Google Patents
Mounting fastener for a rack Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050218091A1 US20050218091A1 US10/817,638 US81763804A US2005218091A1 US 20050218091 A1 US20050218091 A1 US 20050218091A1 US 81763804 A US81763804 A US 81763804A US 2005218091 A1 US2005218091 A1 US 2005218091A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- rack
- fastener
- mounting
- aperture
- clip
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B81/00—Cabinets or racks specially adapted for other particular purposes, e.g. for storing guns or skis
- A47B81/06—Furniture aspects of radio, television, gramophone, or record cabinets
- A47B81/061—Furniture aspects of radio, television, gramophone, or record cabinets the device supports being adjustable
- A47B81/064—Furniture aspects of radio, television, gramophone, or record cabinets the device supports being adjustable vertically
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K7/00—Constructional details common to different types of electric apparatus
- H05K7/14—Mounting supporting structure in casing or on frame or rack
- H05K7/1401—Mounting supporting structure in casing or on frame or rack comprising clamping or extracting means
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K7/00—Constructional details common to different types of electric apparatus
- H05K7/14—Mounting supporting structure in casing or on frame or rack
- H05K7/1401—Mounting supporting structure in casing or on frame or rack comprising clamping or extracting means
- H05K7/1411—Mounting supporting structure in casing or on frame or rack comprising clamping or extracting means for securing or extracting box-type drawers
Definitions
- components are often mounted in a rack via fasteners, which couple to apertures along the legs of the rack.
- the two standard aperture shapes are round and square openings.
- the fasteners are different depending on the type of opening, i.e., round or square, disposed in the rack. This variation in mounting fasteners and apertures increases costs and complicates mounting of components, because multiple fasteners are provided to ensure mountability of the component with the different types of racks.
- the mounting fastener also includes a mounting adapter selectively disposed adjacent the fastener, wherein the mounting adapter has a second shaped exterior adapted for insertion of the adapter into a second shaped aperture of the rack.
- FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a fastener assembly and a rack-mountable device exploded from a rack in accordance with embodiments of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view illustrating the rack and the fastener assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the fastener assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the fastener assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a side view of the fastener assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an adapter for the fastener assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view illustrating a leg of the rack and the fastener assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a rack assembly 2 having a threaded clip fastener assembly 4 and a rack-mountable device 6 , exploded from the rack assembly 2 , in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
- the illustrated fastener assembly 4 comprises a threaded clip fastener 8 and a mounting aperture adapter 10 .
- the threaded clip fastener 8 and mounting aperture adapter 10 facilitate attachment of the fastener assembly 4 to different types of rack assemblies 2 .
- the threaded clip fastener 8 alone is mountable to a round opening, while inclusion of the mounting aperture adapter 10 with the threaded clip fastener 8 facilitates mounting to a square opening. Therefore, the fastener assembly 4 facilitates coupling of an attachable apparatus, such as device 6 , to the rack assembly 2 with either a round or a square-shaped configuration of apertures 12 disposed on a leg or rack structure 14 of the rack assembly 2 .
- the illustrated rack assembly 2 has a four-legged frame, which forms the rack structure 14 .
- Other embodiments of the rack assembly 2 may have different configurations and components, such as a two-legged frame, shelves, outer housing panels, electrical wiring, and so forth.
- the rack assembly 2 generally provides support and storage for a number of different types of components, as represented by device 6 .
- device 6 may comprise a server, power supply, stereo component, control system, programmable logic controller, input device, display device, or other electronic or computer components.
- the apertures 12 of the rack structure 14 may have different geometries or mounting configurations, such as a square, rectangular, polygonal, triangular, key-hole, oblong, or other shaped-opening.
- the fastener assembly 4 facilitates coupling of an attachable apparatus, such as the device 6 , with multiple different rack assemblies 2 by adapting the threaded clip fastener 8 to those different shaped apertures 12 . Such cooperation may be facilitated by insertion or removal of the mounting aperture adapter 10 from a position within the threaded clip fastener 8 .
- the fastener assembly 4 facilitates coupling to one shaped aperture 12 (e.g., a round opening) using the threaded clip fastener 8 alone, and facilitates coupling to a different shaped aperture 12 (e.g., a square opening) with the mounting aperture adapter 10 coupled to the threaded clip fastener 8 .
- the fastener assembly 4 also facilitates coupling of the device 6 to the rack structure 14 by ensuring cooperation between a bolt 16 , the aperture 12 , and the threaded clip fastener 8 (e.g., a threaded hole in the fastener).
- FIG. 1 illustrates the device 6 having a mounting ear 18 , which aligns with the aperture 12 .
- the bolt 16 passes through a hole in the mounting ear 18 and engages the threaded clip fastener 8 and the aperture 12 of the rack structure 14 .
- threads on the bolt 16 engage or interlock with threads on the threaded clip fastener 8 to secure the device 6 to the rack structure 14 .
- the optional mounting aperture adapter 10 cooperates with the threaded clip fastener 8 to facilitate coupling of the threaded clip fastener 8 and device 6 to the rack structure 14 .
- the aperture 12 has a round shape and the threaded clip fastener 8 alone is configured for this round shape.
- the optional mounting aperture adapter 10 is not disposed within the threaded clip fastener 8 .
- other embodiments may have different shapes of the aperture 12 , which can conformingly receive the threaded clip fastener 8 without the mounting aperture adapter 10 .
- FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view illustrating the rack structure 14 and the threaded clip fastener 8 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
- the aperture 12 has a round or circular configuration 20 , which receives a central boss or cylindrical member (i.e., boss portion 44 of FIG. 5 ). of the threaded clip fastener 8 without the mounting aperture adapter 10 .
- alternative embodiments of the threaded clip fastener 8 may have a central member of another shape, such as a square, rectangular, polygonal, triangular, or oval shape, which conforms to a particular configuration of the aperture 12 .
- the threaded clip fastener 8 is shown in both clipped 22 and unclipped 24 positions relative to the rack structure 14 .
- this central boss or cylindrical member extends through and substantially conforms to the circular configuration 20 as the threaded clip fastener 8 wraps around opposite sides of the rack structure 14 over the aperture 12 .
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the threaded clip fastener 8 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 illustrates the threaded clip fastener 8 comprising a threaded hole 30 extending through a U-shaped clip body 32 .
- the threaded hole 30 also extends through an interior L-shaped support structure 33 , which supports a boss member 44 (see FIG. 5 ) having the threaded hole 30 .
- the U-shaped clip body 32 Surrounding the L-shaped support structure 33 and the boss member 44 (see FIG. 5 ), the U-shaped clip body 32 has a lip 34 , a spine 36 , and a base 38 forming a resilient U-shaped structure.
- the lip 34 further comprises a plurality of angled sections 40 , which progressively close onto the base 38 .
- the U-shaped clip body 32 of this embodiment facilitates sliding engagement of the threaded clip fastener 8 about the rack structure 14 until the tongue 33 contacts the edge of the rack structure 14 (See FIGS. 2 and 3 ).
- the engagement between the tongue 33 and the edge of the rack structure 14 facilitates anti-rotation control of the threaded clip fastener 8 , thereby facilitating threaded engagement of the threaded hole 30 with the bolt 16 .
- the plurality of angled sections 40 resiliently compress the threaded clip fastener 8 about the rack structure 14 to secure the threaded hole 30 in alignment with the aperture 12 .
- the U-shaped clip body 32 may comprise a material, such as stainless steel, spring steel, or even plastic.
- Other embodiments of the threaded clip fastener 8 may comprise different geometric configurations and materials.
- FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the threaded clip fastener 8 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 4 illustrates eyelets 42 , which attach the threaded hole 30 to the U-shaped clip body 32 .
- other embodiments of the threaded clip fastener 8 may have an integral nut, latching mechanism, or other tool-based or tool-free mechanisms.
- the threaded hole 30 may be tapped directly into the base 38 of the threaded clip fastener 8 .
- FIG. 5 is a side view of the threaded clip fastener 8 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 illustrates a boss portion 44 and a footing 46 of the U-shaped clip body 32 .
- the threaded clip fastener 8 slidably and springably extends about the rack structure 14 in alignment with the aperture 12 , such that the boss portion 44 fits into the aperture 12 (see positions 24 and 22 in FIG. 2 ).
- a round-shaped boss portion 44 facilitates secure attachment within the correspondingly round-shaped aperture 12 .
- the boss portion 44 may comprise a different shape, which is adapted to fit a particular configuration of the aperture 12 .
- the boss portion 44 may have a square, rectangular, polygonal, triangular, boss-shaped, hook shaped, oblong, or other shaped-structure.
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the optional mounting aperture adapter 10 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the mounting aperture adapter 10 having a base portion 60 , a raised square portion or boss 62 , a clip portion 64 , and a round opening 66 .
- the mounting aperture adapter 10 Inserted within the threaded clip fastener 8 (not shown), wraps the round opening 66 about the boss portion 44 (see FIG. 5 ), such that the mounting aperture adapter 10 changes the round-shaped exterior of the boss portion 44 to the square-shaped exterior of the raised square portion 62 .
- FIG. 5 As discussed below with reference to FIG.
- this raised square portion 62 extends through and conforms to a square-shaped aperture 12 , while the U-shaped clip body 32 of the threaded clip fastener 8 wraps around the rack structure 14 .
- Other embodiments of the optional mounting aperture adapter 10 may have other shapes for the raised portion 62 , thereby facilitating adaptation to other shapes of the aperture 12 .
- FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view illustrating the rack structure 14 and the fastener assembly 4 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the rack structure 14 comprising a square contour 70 of the aperture 12 . As illustrated in FIG. 7 , embodiments of the threaded clip fastener 8 and mounting aperture adapter 10 are shown in both an unattached position 71 and an attached 72 position relative to the rack structure 14 .
- the mounting aperture adapter 10 slidably engages the threaded clip fastener 8 and the clip portion 64 extends springably around the boss portion 44 .
- the square portion 62 surrounds the boss portion 44 for insertion into the square contour 70 of the aperture 12 .
- the mounting aperture adapter 10 may comprise material that facilitates attachment by being tacky, flexible, malleable, or elastic.
- the mounting aperture adapter 10 may comprise plastic, stainless steel, or spring steel.
- the opening 66 provides some flexibility in the clip portion 64 , thereby facilitating elastic expansion and contraction about the boss portion 44 .
- the raised square portion 62 fits geometrically within the square contour 70 of aperture 12 on the rack assembly 2 , thereby facilitating mounting with the rack structure 14 as demonstrated by the attached position 72 .
- this square fit between the raised square portion 62 and the square contour 70 functions both to retain the threaded clip fastener 8 at the aperture 12 and, also, to prevent rotation of the threaded clip fastener 8 as the bolt 16 threads into the threaded hole 30 .
- the attached position 72 of the fastener assembly 4 also facilitates secure coupling of the rack-mountable device 6 to the rack assembly 2 .
- the raised portion 62 may comprise a shape different from the contour 70 , such as discussed above.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
- Connection Of Plates (AREA)
Abstract
A mounting fastener for a rack having a clip and a fastener coupled to the clip, wherein the fastener has a first shaped exterior adapted for insertion of the fastener into a first shaped aperture of the rack. The mounting fastener also includes a mounting adapter selectively disposed adjacent the fastener, wherein the mounting adapter has a second shaped exterior adapted for insertion of the adapter into a second shaped aperture of the rack.
Description
- This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art, which may be related to various aspects of the present invention that are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.
- In the computer industry, components are often mounted in a rack via fasteners, which couple to apertures along the legs of the rack. The two standard aperture shapes are round and square openings. As a result, the fasteners are different depending on the type of opening, i.e., round or square, disposed in the rack. This variation in mounting fasteners and apertures increases costs and complicates mounting of components, because multiple fasteners are provided to ensure mountability of the component with the different types of racks.
- A mounting fastener for a rack having a clip and a fastener coupled to the clip, wherein the fastener has a first shaped exterior adapted for insertion of the fastener into a first shaped aperture of the rack. The mounting fastener also includes a mounting adapter selectively disposed adjacent the fastener, wherein the mounting adapter has a second shaped exterior adapted for insertion of the adapter into a second shaped aperture of the rack.
- Advantages of one or more disclosed embodiments may become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which:
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FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a fastener assembly and a rack-mountable device exploded from a rack in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view illustrating the rack and the fastener assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the fastener assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the fastener assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 is a side view of the fastener assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an adapter for the fastener assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; and -
FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view illustrating a leg of the rack and the fastener assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. - One or more specific embodiments of the present technique will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation are described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.
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FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of arack assembly 2 having a threadedclip fastener assembly 4 and a rack-mountable device 6, exploded from therack assembly 2, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The illustratedfastener assembly 4 comprises a threadedclip fastener 8 and amounting aperture adapter 10. As discussed in detail below, the threadedclip fastener 8 and mountingaperture adapter 10 facilitate attachment of thefastener assembly 4 to different types ofrack assemblies 2. For example, the threadedclip fastener 8 alone is mountable to a round opening, while inclusion of themounting aperture adapter 10 with the threadedclip fastener 8 facilitates mounting to a square opening. Therefore, thefastener assembly 4 facilitates coupling of an attachable apparatus, such asdevice 6, to therack assembly 2 with either a round or a square-shaped configuration ofapertures 12 disposed on a leg orrack structure 14 of therack assembly 2. - The illustrated
rack assembly 2 has a four-legged frame, which forms therack structure 14. Other embodiments of therack assembly 2 may have different configurations and components, such as a two-legged frame, shelves, outer housing panels, electrical wiring, and so forth. Thus, therack assembly 2 generally provides support and storage for a number of different types of components, as represented bydevice 6. For example,device 6 may comprise a server, power supply, stereo component, control system, programmable logic controller, input device, display device, or other electronic or computer components. Moreover, theapertures 12 of therack structure 14 may have different geometries or mounting configurations, such as a square, rectangular, polygonal, triangular, key-hole, oblong, or other shaped-opening. - The
fastener assembly 4 facilitates coupling of an attachable apparatus, such as thedevice 6, with multipledifferent rack assemblies 2 by adapting the threadedclip fastener 8 to those differentshaped apertures 12. Such cooperation may be facilitated by insertion or removal of themounting aperture adapter 10 from a position within the threadedclip fastener 8. In other words, thefastener assembly 4 facilitates coupling to one shaped aperture 12 (e.g., a round opening) using the threadedclip fastener 8 alone, and facilitates coupling to a different shaped aperture 12 (e.g., a square opening) with themounting aperture adapter 10 coupled to the threadedclip fastener 8. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
fastener assembly 4 also facilitates coupling of thedevice 6 to therack structure 14 by ensuring cooperation between a bolt 16, theaperture 12, and the threaded clip fastener 8 (e.g., a threaded hole in the fastener). Specifically,FIG. 1 illustrates thedevice 6 having amounting ear 18, which aligns with theaperture 12. During mounting, the bolt 16 passes through a hole in themounting ear 18 and engages the threadedclip fastener 8 and theaperture 12 of therack structure 14. In one embodiment, threads on the bolt 16 engage or interlock with threads on the threadedclip fastener 8 to secure thedevice 6 to therack structure 14. Again, depending on the particular configuration of the aperture 12 (e.g., round or square), the optionalmounting aperture adapter 10 cooperates with the threadedclip fastener 8 to facilitate coupling of the threadedclip fastener 8 anddevice 6 to therack structure 14. In the illustrated embodiment, theaperture 12 has a round shape and the threadedclip fastener 8 alone is configured for this round shape. Thus, the optionalmounting aperture adapter 10 is not disposed within the threadedclip fastener 8. However, other embodiments may have different shapes of theaperture 12, which can conformingly receive the threadedclip fastener 8 without themounting aperture adapter 10. -
FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view illustrating therack structure 14 and the threaded clip fastener 8 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated, theaperture 12 has a round orcircular configuration 20, which receives a central boss or cylindrical member (i.e.,boss portion 44 ofFIG. 5 ). of the threadedclip fastener 8 without themounting aperture adapter 10. However, as mentioned above, alternative embodiments of the threadedclip fastener 8 may have a central member of another shape, such as a square, rectangular, polygonal, triangular, or oval shape, which conforms to a particular configuration of theaperture 12. For illustrative purposes, the threadedclip fastener 8 is shown in both clipped 22 and unclipped 24 positions relative to therack structure 14. During assembly, this central boss or cylindrical member extends through and substantially conforms to thecircular configuration 20 as the threaded clip fastener 8 wraps around opposite sides of therack structure 14 over theaperture 12. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the threaded clip fastener 8 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Specifically,FIG. 3 illustrates the threadedclip fastener 8 comprising a threadedhole 30 extending through aU-shaped clip body 32. The threadedhole 30 also extends through an interior L-shaped support structure 33, which supports a boss member 44 (seeFIG. 5 ) having the threadedhole 30. Surrounding the L-shaped support structure 33 and the boss member 44 (seeFIG. 5 ), the U-shapedclip body 32 has alip 34, aspine 36, and abase 38 forming a resilient U-shaped structure. Thelip 34 further comprises a plurality ofangled sections 40, which progressively close onto thebase 38. Thus, the U-shapedclip body 32 of this embodiment facilitates sliding engagement of the threaded clip fastener 8 about therack structure 14 until thetongue 33 contacts the edge of the rack structure 14 (SeeFIGS. 2 and 3 ). In certain embodiments, the engagement between thetongue 33 and the edge of therack structure 14 facilitates anti-rotation control of the threadedclip fastener 8, thereby facilitating threaded engagement of the threadedhole 30 with the bolt 16. Additionally, the plurality ofangled sections 40 resiliently compress the threadedclip fastener 8 about therack structure 14 to secure the threadedhole 30 in alignment with theaperture 12. For example, the U-shapedclip body 32 may comprise a material, such as stainless steel, spring steel, or even plastic. Other embodiments of the threadedclip fastener 8 may comprise different geometric configurations and materials. -
FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the threadedclip fastener 8 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Specifically,FIG. 4 illustrateseyelets 42, which attach the threadedhole 30 to the U-shapedclip body 32. However, other embodiments of the threadedclip fastener 8 may have an integral nut, latching mechanism, or other tool-based or tool-free mechanisms. For example, the threadedhole 30 may be tapped directly into thebase 38 of the threadedclip fastener 8. -
FIG. 5 is a side view of the threadedclip fastener 8 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Specifically,FIG. 5 illustrates aboss portion 44 and afooting 46 of theU-shaped clip body 32. During mounting, the threadedclip fastener 8 slidably and springably extends about therack structure 14 in alignment with theaperture 12, such that theboss portion 44 fits into the aperture 12 (seepositions FIG. 2 ). In this embodiment, a round-shapedboss portion 44 facilitates secure attachment within the correspondingly round-shapedaperture 12. However, other embodiments of theboss portion 44 may comprise a different shape, which is adapted to fit a particular configuration of theaperture 12. For example, theboss portion 44 may have a square, rectangular, polygonal, triangular, boss-shaped, hook shaped, oblong, or other shaped-structure. -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the optional mountingaperture adapter 10 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Specifically,FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the mountingaperture adapter 10 having abase portion 60, a raised square portion orboss 62, aclip portion 64, and around opening 66. Inserted within the threaded clip fastener 8 (not shown), the mountingaperture adapter 10 wraps theround opening 66 about the boss portion 44 (seeFIG. 5 ), such that the mountingaperture adapter 10 changes the round-shaped exterior of theboss portion 44 to the square-shaped exterior of the raisedsquare portion 62. As discussed below with reference toFIG. 7 , this raisedsquare portion 62 extends through and conforms to a square-shapedaperture 12, while theU-shaped clip body 32 of the threadedclip fastener 8 wraps around therack structure 14. Other embodiments of the optional mountingaperture adapter 10 may have other shapes for the raisedportion 62, thereby facilitating adaptation to other shapes of theaperture 12. -
FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view illustrating therack structure 14 and thefastener assembly 4 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Specifically,FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of therack structure 14 comprising asquare contour 70 of theaperture 12. As illustrated inFIG. 7 , embodiments of the threadedclip fastener 8 and mountingaperture adapter 10 are shown in both anunattached position 71 and an attached 72 position relative to therack structure 14. - In the illustrated embodiment of
FIG. 7 , the mountingaperture adapter 10 slidably engages the threadedclip fastener 8 and theclip portion 64 extends springably around theboss portion 44. Thus, thesquare portion 62 surrounds theboss portion 44 for insertion into thesquare contour 70 of theaperture 12. In certain embodiments, the mountingaperture adapter 10 may comprise material that facilitates attachment by being tacky, flexible, malleable, or elastic. For example, the mountingaperture adapter 10 may comprise plastic, stainless steel, or spring steel. Further, theopening 66 provides some flexibility in theclip portion 64, thereby facilitating elastic expansion and contraction about theboss portion 44. - During mounting of the threaded
clip fastener 8, the raisedsquare portion 62 fits geometrically within thesquare contour 70 ofaperture 12 on therack assembly 2, thereby facilitating mounting with therack structure 14 as demonstrated by the attachedposition 72. In other words, this square fit between the raisedsquare portion 62 and thesquare contour 70 functions both to retain the threadedclip fastener 8 at theaperture 12 and, also, to prevent rotation of the threadedclip fastener 8 as the bolt 16 threads into the threadedhole 30. As discussed above, the attachedposition 72 of thefastener assembly 4 also facilitates secure coupling of the rack-mountable device 6 to therack assembly 2. Again, other embodiments of the raisedportion 62 may comprise a shape different from thecontour 70, such as discussed above. - While the invention may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following appended claims.
Claims (29)
1. A mounting fastener for a rack, comprising:
a clip;
a fastener coupled to the clip, wherein the fastener has a first shaped exterior adapted for insertion of the fastener into a first shaped aperture of the rack; and
a mounting adapter selectively disposed adjacent the fastener, wherein the mounting adapter has a second shaped exterior adapted for insertion of the adapter into a second shaped aperture of the rack.
2. The mounting fastener of claim 1 , wherein the clip comprises a resilient U-shaped structure.
3. The mounting fastener of claim 1 , wherein the fastener comprises a threaded hole.
4. The mounting fastener of claim 3 , wherein the fastener is secured within the clip.
5. The mounting fastener of claim 1 , wherein the fastener comprises a boss member having the first shaped exterior.
6. The mounting fastener of claim 1 , wherein the first shaped exterior is circular and the second shaped exterior is rectangular.
7. The mounting fastener of claim 1 , wherein the mounting adapter is disposed substantially around the fastener.
8. A system, comprising:
a rack device; and
a rack-mounting assembly, comprising:
a clip;
a fastener having a boss portion disposed within the clip, wherein the boss portion has a first external shape permitting insertion of the boss portion into a rack aperture; and
an insert removably disposed about the boss portion and having a second external shape permitting insertion of the insert into a different rack aperture.
9. The system of claim 8 , wherein the rack device comprises a rack structure adapted to support a plurality of rack-mountable components via the rack-mounting assembly.
10. The system of claim 8 , wherein the rack-mountable device comprises a server.
11. The system of claim 8 , wherein the rack-mountable device comprises a power supply.
12. The system of claim 8 , wherein the rack-mountable device comprises a programmable logic controller.
13. The system of claim 8 , wherein the first external shape comprises a circular circumference and the second external shape comprises a polygonal circumference.
14. The system of claim 8 , wherein the insert comprises a C-shaped structure.
15. The system of claim 8 , wherein the clip comprises a pair of members springably biased toward one another.
16. A system, comprising:
means for coupling a rack-mountable device to a first shaped rack aperture; and
means for adapting the means for coupling to a second shaped rack aperture.
17. The system of claim 16 , comprising the rack-mountable device.
18. The system of claim 16 , comprising a rack having at least one of the first and second shaped rack apertures.
19. The system of claim 18 , comprising the rack-mountable device mounted in the rack.
20. A method, comprising the acts of:
providing a rack-mounting assembly comprising a clip and a fastener engageable with a first shaped mounting aperture of a rack; and
providing a fastener-to-aperture adapter engageable with a second shaped mounting aperture of the rack.
21. The method of claim 20 , wherein providing the rack-mounting assembly comprises forming a U-shaped clip having a pair of members biased toward one another.
22. The method of claim 20 , wherein providing the rack-mounting assembly comprises positioning the fastener at least partially within the clip.
23. The method of claim 20 , wherein providing the fastener-to-aperture adapter comprises jacketing the fastener at least partially with the fastener-to-aperture adapter.
24. The method of claim 20 , wherein providing the rack-mount assembly comprises providing an internally threaded boss member of the fastener at least partially within a resilient U-shaped structure of the clip.
25. The method of claim 20 , comprising providing a rack-mountable device that is selectively mountable into a first rack without the fastener-to-aperture adapter and is selectively mountable into a second rack with the fastener-to-aperture adapter disposed about the fastener.
26. A system, comprising:
a rack unit; and
a threaded clip fastener, comprising:
a pair of resilient clip members extending opposite one another;
an internally threaded boss mounted between the pair of resilient clip members, wherein the internally threaded boss has a first external shape to facilitate insertion of the internally threaded boss through a first rack-mounting aperture;
a mounting aperture adapter, comprising:
an opening to facilitate placement of the mounting aperture adapter about the internally threaded boss; and
a boss having a second external shape surrounding the opening to facilitate insertion of the boss through a second rack-mounting aperture different from the first rack-mounting aperture.
27. The system of claim 26 , wherein the rack unit comprises a rack-mountable server.
28. The system of claim 26 , wherein the rack unit comprises a rack structure comprising a plurality of legs adapted to support a plurality of rack-mountable devices.
29. The system of claim 26 , wherein the first external shape is substantially cylindrical and the second external shape is substantially rectangular.
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US10/817,638 US20050218091A1 (en) | 2004-04-02 | 2004-04-02 | Mounting fastener for a rack |
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US10/817,638 US20050218091A1 (en) | 2004-04-02 | 2004-04-02 | Mounting fastener for a rack |
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US20050218091A1 true US20050218091A1 (en) | 2005-10-06 |
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US10/817,638 Abandoned US20050218091A1 (en) | 2004-04-02 | 2004-04-02 | Mounting fastener for a rack |
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Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060232879A1 (en) * | 2005-04-18 | 2006-10-19 | Primera Technology, Inc. | Rack mountable data recording assembly |
US20070163979A1 (en) * | 2006-01-18 | 2007-07-19 | Josh Carruthers | Rack with extruded custom struts |
US20080264880A1 (en) * | 2007-04-26 | 2008-10-30 | Wagner Tod A | Apparatus and Method for Housing Electronic Equipment and Increasing Floor Space Utilization |
US8353489B2 (en) | 2010-09-21 | 2013-01-15 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Mounting kit |
US8534775B1 (en) * | 2012-03-08 | 2013-09-17 | Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. | Server cabinet |
US20140118941A1 (en) * | 2012-10-31 | 2014-05-01 | Tellabs Oy | Device with fire protection |
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US6279754B1 (en) * | 1999-04-30 | 2001-08-28 | Dell Usa, L.P. | Method and apparatus for releasably securing a computer system component within a housing |
US6523918B1 (en) * | 2001-04-24 | 2003-02-25 | Central Industrial Supply Company, Inc. | Pivot mounting bracket with toolless fastener for a server rack |
US6538894B1 (en) * | 2001-02-08 | 2003-03-25 | Unisys Corporation | Front insertion fastener system |
US6709212B1 (en) * | 2002-09-05 | 2004-03-23 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Toggling fastening device |
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US6279754B1 (en) * | 1999-04-30 | 2001-08-28 | Dell Usa, L.P. | Method and apparatus for releasably securing a computer system component within a housing |
US6538894B1 (en) * | 2001-02-08 | 2003-03-25 | Unisys Corporation | Front insertion fastener system |
US6523918B1 (en) * | 2001-04-24 | 2003-02-25 | Central Industrial Supply Company, Inc. | Pivot mounting bracket with toolless fastener for a server rack |
US6709212B1 (en) * | 2002-09-05 | 2004-03-23 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Toggling fastening device |
Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060232879A1 (en) * | 2005-04-18 | 2006-10-19 | Primera Technology, Inc. | Rack mountable data recording assembly |
US20070163979A1 (en) * | 2006-01-18 | 2007-07-19 | Josh Carruthers | Rack with extruded custom struts |
US20080264880A1 (en) * | 2007-04-26 | 2008-10-30 | Wagner Tod A | Apparatus and Method for Housing Electronic Equipment and Increasing Floor Space Utilization |
US20080290052A1 (en) * | 2007-04-26 | 2008-11-27 | Wagner Tod A | Apparatus and Method for Housing Electronic Equipment and Increasing Floor Space Utilization in a Secure Environment |
US8152000B2 (en) | 2007-04-26 | 2012-04-10 | Blackhawk Labs Llc | Apparatus and method for housing electronic equipment and increasing floor space utilization in a secure environment |
US10321598B2 (en) | 2007-04-26 | 2019-06-11 | Blackhawk Labs Llc | Apparatus and method for housing electronic equipment and increasing floor space utilization in a secure environment |
US10806048B2 (en) | 2007-04-26 | 2020-10-13 | Blackhawk Labs Llc | Apparatus and method for housing electronic equipment and increasing floor space utilization in a secure environment |
US8353489B2 (en) | 2010-09-21 | 2013-01-15 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Mounting kit |
US8534775B1 (en) * | 2012-03-08 | 2013-09-17 | Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. | Server cabinet |
US20140118941A1 (en) * | 2012-10-31 | 2014-05-01 | Tellabs Oy | Device with fire protection |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P., TEXAS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:WESTPHALL, PAUL E.;REEL/FRAME:015184/0421 Effective date: 20040402 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |