Wall-Mountable Support Rack for Equipment

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

0001This application claims priority under 35 USC §119(e) to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/547,801, entitled “Wall-Mountable Support Rack for Equipment,” filed on Oct. 17, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

00021. Technical Field

0003The present invention relates to a support rack, and more particularly to a wall-mountable rack for supporting equipment, such as electronic equipment, and a method of assembly and method of use for the support rack.

0004The physical support of objects or devices (e.g., electronic equipment) presents a number of related issues. For purposes of this application, the term “equipment” shall be used to include, without limitation, computers (of all designs, including servers, desktops and towers), computer components, tape drives, tape backups, hubs, switches, power strips, patch panels, cabling, audio/visual components, and the like.

0005It is generally desirable to support equipment in a rack in a manner that facilitates its operation, if applicable. For example, such support should orient the equipment in proper or recommended spatial orientation. Other orientation may be dictated by functional features of the equipment (e.g., placement of cooling fan inside the equipment) or other considerations. Next, support should be accomplished in a manner that consumes the smallest amount of space, but still provides the user with a desired level of access. Such access may be necessary to monitor, control and/or maintain the equipment being supported. With modern office and storage space at a premium, the development of racks and other stacking devices for such equipment is desirable.

0006The Electronics Industry Association (EIA) has promulgated EIA standard EIA 310-D for vertical hole spacing and horizontal hole spacing (hereinafter referred to as “EIA mounting apertures”) for standard equipment rack mounting systems. The EIA 310-D standard may be obtained from the Electronics Industry Association and at present may be ordered on line at http://electronics.ihs.com/collections/eia/index.htm. Below is a brief summary of some of the information in the standard:

Vertical Hole Spacing

0007The vertical spacing of the vertical rows of mounting apertures is specified by EIA-310D as a repeating pattern of apertures within one Rack Unit (“RU”) of 1.75″. The aperture spacing A=⅝″ (0.625″) (15.90 mm); A=⅝″ (0.625″) (15.90 mm); B=½″ (0.50″) (12.70 mm); A=⅝″; B=½″ and repeats. The mounting apertures may be circular holes or square or rectangular slots. See <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9A</figref>.

Horizontal Spacing

0008The horizontal spacing of the vertical rows of apertures is specified by EIA 310-D at C=18 5/16″ (18.312″) (465.1 mm) from center to center aperture dimension (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9B</figref>).

0009The EIA 310-D Standard also provides recommendations for rack openings for standard equipment racks.

Rack Opening

0010The inside dimension D of the opening in the rack is specified as a minimum of 17.72″ (450 mm). Two Post or relay racks tend to have a larger than normal opening, as do many other racks with round threaded holes. Square hole racks tend to be very close to the minimum opening (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9C</figref>).

Front Panel Width

0011The only dimension on a 19″ rack that actually measures 19″ is the width of the mounting flange dimension E. The physical width F of the rack can vary significantly.

0012One who is familiar with the EIA 310-D standard will appreciate that the current revision “D” of the EIA 310 standard has made some small changes to the spacing distances of the EIA mounting apertures from the prior version “C” of the EIA 310 standard. These changes related to changes in United States law regarding conversion of US inch-based measurements to metric measurements. Applicant acknowledges that the current spacing requirements of the EIA mounting apertures may be changed from time to time in the future. Applicant's invention as described herein is compatible with current and future spacing requirements of the EIA Standard 310 and is compatible with other mounting aperture spacings not compliant with the EIA 310-D standard or future revisions thereto.

0013Existing wall-mountable racks that comply with EIA 310-D standard generally include racks having one of two mounting systems. The first is a front only mounting system for the equipment. The equipment is mounted to two posts and the weight of the equipment is either centered or cantilevered. Generally prior art wall-mountable racks have two types of frames, either open or closed. The prior art closed racks usually employ removable side panels to provide access to the equipment mounted therein. The most common racks are 7-8 feet tall and are free standing. These traditional prior art racks have varying rack mounting depths and internal depth for equipment. Early racks were 19-24 inches deep, as the equipment of the time was near that depth. More modern rack servers are 25-32 inches deep and require far deeper racks. There is still a significant amount of shallow equipment used in IT installations, including patch panels, switches and audio-visual equipment. These shallow boxes typically require 2-12 inches of depth.

0014Wall-mountable racks are desirable for several types of users. Prior art wall-mountable racks, due to their structural support method, have a depth that is typically limited to 24 inches with 12-18 inches being the most common depths. Such prior art wall mount racks are suitable for patch panels, switches and other shallow equipment. Wall-mountable racks are desirable because they can be placed in closets, back rooms, and other non-server room locations. Some prior art wall-mountable racks have only a front EIA standard mounting only. Some prior art wall-mountable racks pivot. Prior art wall-mountable racks suffer from at least two disadvantages: limited rack space and poor power distribution options. Patch panels and power distribution equipment either use valuable rack space or are mounted externally. Mounting power strips to an adjacent wall requires special mounting methods that are nonstandard and not off-the-shelf items.

0015Since rack space is a premium concern for users of wall-mountable racks, there is a need for a wall-mountable support rack with multiple mounting orientations.

SUMMARY

0016The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

0017<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1A</figref> is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a wall-mountable rack for supporting equipment shown in a first mounted position;

0018<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1B</figref> is a top view of a first embodiment of a wall-mountable rack for supporting equipment shown in a first mounted position;

0019<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1C</figref> is a front view of a first embodiment of a wall-mountable rack for supporting equipment shown in a first mounted position;

0020<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1D</figref> is a side view of a first embodiment of a wall-mountable rack for supporting equipment shown in a first mounted position;

0021<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref> is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a wall-mountable rack for supporting equipment shown in a second mounted position;

0022<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2B</figref> is a top view of a first embodiment of a wall-mountable rack for supporting equipment shown in a second mounted position;

0023<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2C</figref> is a front view of a first embodiment of a wall-mountable rack for supporting equipment shown in a second mounted position;

0024<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2D</figref> is a side view of a first embodiment of a wall-mountable rack for supporting equipment shown in a second mounted position;

0025<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3A</figref> is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a wall-mountable rack for supporting equipment shown in a third mounted position;

0026<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3B</figref> is a top view of a first embodiment of a wall-mountable rack for supporting equipment shown in a third mounted position;

0027<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3C</figref> is a front view of a first embodiment of a wall-mountable rack for supporting equipment shown in a third mounted position;

0028<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3D</figref> is a side view of a first embodiment of a wall-mountable rack for supporting equipment shown in a third mounted position;

0029<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4A</figref> is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a wall-mountable rack for supporting equipment shown in a fourth mounted position;

0030<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4B</figref> is a top view of a first embodiment of a wall-mountable rack for supporting equipment shown in a fourth mounted position;

0031<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4C</figref> is a front view of a first embodiment of a wall-mountable rack for supporting equipment shown in a fourth mounted position;

0032<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4D</figref> is a side view of a first embodiment of a wall-mountable rack for supporting equipment shown in a fourth mounted position;

0033<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5A</figref> is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a wall-mountable rack for supporting equipment shown in the first mounted position with equipment disposed in the rack;

0034<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5B</figref> is a top view of a first embodiment of a wall-mountable rack for supporting equipment shown in first mounted position with equipment disposed in the rack;

0035<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5C</figref> is a front view of a first embodiment of a wall-mountable rack for supporting equipment shown in first mounted position with equipment disposed in the rack;

0036<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5D</figref> is a side view of a first embodiment of a wall-mountable rack for supporting equipment shown in first mounted position with equipment disposed in the rack;

0037<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6A</figref> is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a wall-mountable rack for supporting equipment shown in a first mounted position;

0038<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6B</figref> is a top view of a second embodiment of a wall-mountable rack for supporting equipment shown in a first mounted position;

0039<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6C</figref> is a front view of a second embodiment of a wall-mountable rack for supporting equipment shown in a first mounted position;

0040<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6D</figref> is a side view of a second embodiment of a wall-mountable rack for supporting equipment shown in a first mounted position;

0041<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7A</figref> is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a wall-mountable rack for supporting equipment shown in the first mounted position with equipment disposed in the rack;

0042<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7B</figref> is a top view of a second embodiment of a wall-mountable rack for supporting equipment shown in first mounted position with equipment disposed in the rack;

0043<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7C</figref> is a front view of a second embodiment of a wall-mountable rack for supporting equipment shown in first mounted position with equipment disposed in the rack;

0044<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7D</figref> is a side view of a second embodiment of a wall-mountable rack for supporting equipment shown in first mounted position with equipment disposed in the rack;

0045<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8A</figref> is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a wall-mountable rack for supporting equipment shown in the first mounted position with equipment disposed in the rack;

0046<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8B</figref> is a top view of a second embodiment of a wall-mountable rack for supporting equipment shown in second mounted position with equipment disposed in the rack;

0047<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8C</figref> is a front view of a second embodiment of a wall-mountable rack for supporting equipment shown in second mounted position with equipment disposed in the rack;

0048<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8D</figref> is a side view of a second embodiment of a wall-mountable rack for supporting equipment shown in second mounted position with equipment disposed in the rack.

0049<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9A</figref> is a schematic illustrating the vertical spacing of the vertical rows of mounting apertures in a rack as specified in EIA-310D;

0050<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9B</figref> is a schematic illustrating the horizontal spacing of the vertical rows of mounting apertures of a rack as specified in EIA-310D;

0051<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9C</figref> is a schematic illustrating the width of a rack opening as specified in EIA-310D; and

0052<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9D</figref> is a schematic illustrating the mounting flange dimension of a rack as specified in EIA-310D.

0053Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

0054Various embodiments of the principles of the present invention are shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1A-8D</figref>. The present invention comprises a wall-mountable rack for equipment, and associated method of assembly for the rack and a method for use for the rack. Exemplary equipment that may be mounted in the rack includes: power strips, patch panels, servers, tower computers, tape drives, hubs, switches, cabling and other equipment related thereto.

Definitions

0055As commonly understood in geometry, by definition, a square is a special form of a rectangle. Therefore, as used herein the term “rectangular cube” in the specification and claims is intended to encompass both a rectangular cube and a square cube. The terms upper, lower, right, left, side, front, back, top and bottom are for illustrative purposes. Such terms are not meant to restrict the member so described to that position. As will be further explained herein, the rack <b>100</b> of the present disclosure can be rotated horizontally such that the upper and lower members are positioned on the sides and/or rotated vertically such that the front becomes a side member.

0056Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1A-1D</figref> therein is illustrated a first embodiment of a wall-mountable rack for supporting equipment shown in a first mounted position. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1A</figref> is a perspective view and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1B</figref>, <b>1</b>C and <b>1</b>D are top, front and side views thereof. A wall-mountable rack <b>100</b> for supporting equipment comprises a rectangular cube having linear edge members <b>201</b>, <b>205</b>, <b>211</b>, <b>215</b> and <b>130</b>. An upper rectangular member <b>110</b> is formed from four linear edge members <b>201</b>, <b>205</b>, <b>211</b> and <b>215</b>. Each linear member <b>201</b>, <b>205</b>, <b>211</b> and <b>215</b> is joined at its end to another of the four linear edge members at substantially a 90 degree angle to form a corner <b>116</b> of the rectangular cube. Linear edge member <b>201</b> has a first planar flange <b>202</b> joined to a second planar flange <b>203</b> at substantially a 90 degree angle. Oppositely disposed linear edge member <b>205</b> has first planar flange <b>205</b> joined to a second planar flange <b>206</b> at substantially a 90 degree angle. Linear edge member <b>211</b> has first planar flange <b>212</b> joined to a second planar flange <b>213</b> at substantially a 90 degree angle. Oppositely disposed linear edge member <b>215</b> has first planar flange <b>216</b> joined to a second planar flange <b>217</b> at substantially a 90 degree angle. The upper rectangular member <b>110</b> includes a downwardly disposed leg portion <b>118</b> at each corner <b>116</b>. Each leg <b>118</b> is configured to receive an end portion of a linear side member <b>130</b>. Each of the four side members <b>130</b> has first planar flange <b>231</b> joined to a second planar flange <b>232</b> at substantially a 90 degree angle.

0057In a like manner, a lower rectangular member <b>110</b> is formed from four linear edge members <b>201</b>, <b>205</b>, <b>211</b> and <b>215</b>. Each linear member <b>201</b>, <b>205</b>, <b>211</b> and <b>215</b> is joined at its end to another of the four linear edge members at substantially a 90 degree angle to form a corner <b>116</b> of the rectangular cube. Linear edge member <b>201</b> has a first planar flange <b>202</b> joined to a second planar flange <b>203</b> at substantially a 90 degree angle. Oppositely disposed linear edge member <b>205</b> has first planar flange <b>205</b> joined to a second planar flange <b>206</b> at substantially a 90 degree angle. Linear edge member <b>211</b> has first planar flange <b>212</b> joined to a second planar flange <b>213</b> at substantially a 90 degree angle. Oppositely disposed linear edge member <b>215</b> has first planar flange <b>216</b> joined to a second planar flange <b>217</b> at substantially a 90 degree angle. The lower rectangular member <b>110</b> includes an upwardly disposed leg portion <b>118</b> at each corner. Each leg <b>118</b> is configured to receive an end portion of the side member <b>130</b>.

0058In a first embodiment the two oppositely disposed planar flange members <b>202</b> and <b>206</b> have a plurality of equipment mounting apertures <b>150</b>. It will be understood that equipment mounting apertures <b>150</b> may be EIA mounting apertures as specified in EIA Standard 310-D (and its successor) and/or other mounting aperture configurations and spacings not compliant with the EIA 310 D standard. In a first embodiment each oppositely linear planar members <b>232</b> have a plurality of equipment mounting apertures <b>150</b>. In a first mounting position, the first embodiment of the rectangular cube is oriented with its long axis A<b>1</b> vertically and its short axis A<b>2</b> oriented horizontally. In the first embodiment in the first mounting orientation the top, bottom, front and rear space of the rack <b>100</b> is provided for mounting equipment in equipment mounting apertures <b>150</b>.

0059It will be noted that additional apertures <b>152</b> and <b>154</b> may be present in linear members <b>201</b>, <b>205</b>, <b>211</b>, <b>215</b> and <b>130</b>. Such apertures may be slots, holes or other configurations and may serve one or more of several functions. First, the openings <b>152</b> and <b>154</b> reduce the overall weight of the rack <b>100</b>. Additionally, the openings <b>152</b> and <b>154</b> allow equipment to be coupled to the rack <b>100</b> via straps or other coupling mechanisms. Ventilation is accomplished, in part, via the openings <b>152</b> and <b>154</b>. Additional connection apertures <b>156</b> may be provided to receive fasteners to couple side members <b>130</b> to the upper member <b>110</b> and lower member <b>120</b>. Exemplary fasteners may include screws, bolts and nuts, and rivets.

0060It will be understood that upper member <b>110</b> and lower member <b>120</b> may be formed as an integral piece via molding or casting or may be stamped from a sheet and pressed and welded or fused at the corners <b>116</b>. Likewise, side members <b>130</b> may be formed as an integral piece via molding or casting or may be stamped from a sheet and pressed and/or welded or fused at the linear edges.

0061Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2A-2D</figref>, therein is illustrated a first embodiment of a wall-mountable rack <b>100</b> for supporting equipment shown in a second mounting position wherein the rack <b>100</b> is rotated 90 degrees clockwise about the long axis A<b>1</b> from its first mounting position, such that the front is now a left side and the right side is now the front. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref> is a perspective view and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2B</figref>, <b>2</b>C and <b>2</b>D are top, front and side views of the rotated position. Like reference numerals as described above illustrate the rotated second mounting position.

0062Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3A-3D</figref>, therein is illustrated a first embodiment of a wall-mountable rack <b>100</b> for supporting equipment shown in a third mounting position wherein the rack <b>100</b> is rotated 90 degrees clockwise about the short axis A<b>2</b> from its first mounting position such that the top is now the right side and the bottom is the left side and the front remains the front. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3A</figref> is a perspective view and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3B</figref>, <b>3</b>C and <b>3</b>D are top, front and side views of the rotated position. Like reference numerals as described above illustrate the rotated third mounting position.

0063Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4A-4D</figref>, therein is illustrated a first embodiment of a wall-mountable rack <b>100</b> for supporting equipment shown in a fourth mounting position wherein the rack <b>100</b> is rotated 90 degrees clockwise about the long axis A<b>1</b> and 90 degrees clockwise about the short axis A<b>2</b> from its first mounting position. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4A</figref> is a perspective view and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4B</figref>, <b>4</b>C and <b>4</b>D are top, front and side views of the rotated position. Like reference numerals as described above illustrate the rotated fourth mounting position.

0064Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5A-5D</figref>, therein is illustrated a first embodiment of the wall-mountable rack shown in a first mounted position as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1A-1D</figref>, now illustrated with various equipment mounted therein. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5A</figref> is a perspective view and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5B</figref>, <b>5</b>C and <b>5</b>D are top, front and side views thereof. A power strip <b>510</b> is mounted in equipment apertures <b>150</b> disposed on flanges <b>202</b> and <b>206</b> of linear members <b>201</b> and <b>205</b> respectively of lower rectangular member <b>120</b>. A plurality of patch panels <b>520</b> are mounted in equipment mounting apertures <b>150</b> disposed on flanges <b>202</b> and <b>206</b> of linear members <b>201</b> and <b>205</b> respectively of upper rectangular member <b>110</b>. Various exemplary equipment <b>530</b> such as tape drives, tape back-ups, etc. are illustrated as mounted horizontally in equipment mounting apertures <b>150</b> disposed on flanges <b>232</b> of linear edge member <b>130</b>. Filler panels <b>550</b> are disposed on the upper rectangular member <b>110</b> to fill in open unused space in the upper rectangular member. It will be understood that additional equipment could be mounted in unused space in the rack <b>100</b>. It will be understood that the first embodiment of rack <b>100</b> may be oriented in any of the second, third and fourth mounting positions as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2A</figref>, <b>3</b>A and <b>4</b>A and various equipment may be mounted in rack <b>100</b> in any of these mounting positions.

0065Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6A-6D</figref>, therein is illustrated a second embodiment of a wall-mountable rack <b>100</b> for supporting equipment shown in the first mounted position. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6A</figref> is a perspective view and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6B</figref>, <b>6</b>C and <b>6</b>D are top, front and side views thereof. In this embodiment of the disclosure, equipment mounting apertures <b>150</b> are present on both flanges <b>231</b> and <b>232</b> of linear edge member <b>130</b>. These additional equipment mounting apertures provide additional mounting positions for equipment and additional versatility for orientation of supporting equipment as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7A and 8A</figref>.

0066Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7A-7D</figref>, therein is illustrated a second embodiment of the wall-mountable rack <b>100</b> shown in a first mounting position as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6A-6D</figref>, now illustrated with various equipment mounted therein. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7A</figref> is a perspective view and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7B</figref>, <b>7</b>C and <b>7</b>D are top, front and side views thereof. A power strip <b>510</b> is mounted in equipment mounting apertures <b>150</b> disposed on flanges <b>202</b> and <b>206</b> of linear members <b>201</b> and <b>205</b> respectively of lower rectangular member <b>120</b>. A plurality of patch panels <b>520</b> are mounted in equipment mounting apertures <b>150</b> disposed on flanges <b>202</b> and <b>206</b> of linear members <b>201</b> and <b>205</b> respectively of upper rectangular member <b>110</b>. Various exemplary equipment <b>532</b> and <b>534</b> of different sizes and configurations such as tape drives, tape back-ups, etc., are illustrated as mounted horizontally in equipment mounting apertures <b>150</b> disposed on flanges <b>232</b> of linear edge members <b>130</b>. Filler panel <b>550</b> is disposed on the upper rectangular member <b>110</b> to fill in open unused space in the upper rectangular member. Two servers <b>540</b> are mounted vertically in equipment mounting apertures <b>150</b> disposed on flanges <b>202</b> and <b>206</b> of linear members <b>201</b> and <b>205</b> respectively of upper rectangular member <b>110</b>.

0067Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8A-8D</figref>, therein is illustrated the second embodiment of the wall-mountable rack <b>100</b> shown in a first mounted position as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6A-6D</figref>, now illustrated with various equipment mounted therein. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8A</figref> is a perspective view and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8B</figref>, <b>8</b>C and <b>8</b>D are top, front and side views thereof. A plurality of patch panels <b>520</b> are mounted in equipment mounting apertures <b>150</b> disposed on flanges <b>202</b> and <b>206</b> of linear members <b>201</b> and <b>205</b> respectively of upper rectangular member <b>110</b>. Multiple servers <b>560</b> are mounted vertically in equipment mounting apertures <b>150</b> disposed on flanges <b>202</b> and <b>206</b> of linear members <b>201</b> and <b>205</b> respectively of upper rectangular member <b>110</b>. Exemplary equipment <b>570</b> is mounted horizontally in equipment mounting apertures <b>150</b> disposed on flanges <b>231</b> of linear members <b>130</b>.

0068It will be understood that additional equipment could be mounted in unused space in the rack <b>100</b>. It will be understood that the second embodiment of rack <b>100</b> may be oriented in any of the second, third and fourth mounting positions as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2A</figref>, <b>3</b>A and <b>4</b>A, and various equipment may be mounted in rack <b>100</b> in any of these mounting positions.

0069The rack <b>100</b> of the present invention provides a number of advantages over the prior art wall-mountable racks. The rack <b>100</b> provides additional equipment mounting space at the rear of the rack over prior art designs (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5A and 7A</figref>). The design of rack <b>100</b> allows the rack to be mounted with either front facing rack space or right/left dual rack space (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8A-8D</figref>). The rack <b>100</b> is capable of multiple mounting orientations (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1A</figref>, <b>2</b>A, <b>3</b> A, <b>4</b>A and <b>6</b>A). This versatility in mounting for a single product is very desirable to customers and multiple mounting positions for a single rack reduce the inventory costs of stocking and distributing the rack <b>100</b> over prior art racks.

0070The rack <b>100</b> provides additional equipment mounting space at the top and bottom. Additional top and bottom equipment mounting space allows for mounting of common rack mount power strips <b>510</b> at the top or bottom in a space that does not consume valuable vertical rack space (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5A and 7A</figref>). The advantage of these rack mount power strips <b>510</b> is that they are standard off-the-shelf items. Since incoming power usually is routed from an outlet near the floor, bottom mounting provides a very convenient location for bringing power to the rack. Mounting the rack mount power strip <b>510</b> at the bottom, near the rear of the rack, with the outlets facing up, makes power cable routing to the internal equipment very efficient (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5A</figref>, <b>7</b>A). The additional top and bottom equipment mounting space allows patch panels <b>520</b> to be mounted at the top or bottom instead of the valuable vertical space. Since incoming data cables usually are routed from the ceiling, top mounting provides a very convenient location for bringing data to the rack. Mounting the patch panel <b>520</b> at the top, near the rear of the rack, with the outlets facing down, makes data cable routing to the internal equipment very efficient, eliminating a mass of cables on the outside of the rack (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5A</figref>, <b>7</b>A and <b>8</b>A).

0071Unused space at the top and bottom of rack <b>100</b> can be easily covered, if unused, using common off-the-shelf filler panels <b>550</b>. Since filler panels <b>550</b> are available in many different U heights, this handles the issue that the top or bottom covers would have to be available in many different sizes depending on the amount of space used at each installation. This also eliminates the necessity for custom cover, reducing inventory and distribution costs (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5A and 7A</figref>).

0072Additional top equipment mounting space in rack <b>100</b> provides a method of vertically mounting deeper equipment in the rack than is available in prior art racks. Deep equipment <b>540</b> and <b>560</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7A and 8A</figref>) can be supported solely by the top equipment mounting space, or it can be four-post mounted to both the top and bottom equipment mounting space. Deep equipment <b>540</b> and <b>560</b> can be top mounted in the back, occupying available vertical space at the back of the rack. This leaves room for horizontally mounting equipment <b>530</b> and <b>570</b> in adjacent spaces or in spaces below (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8A</figref>).

0073Additional equipment mounting space on the right and left allows for multi-dimensional rack mounting where shallow equipment can be mounted on the right, front and left of the rack (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8A</figref>). This also allows shallow patch panels <b>570</b> to occupy the right and left while deeper equipment <b>520</b> is mounted vertically from <b>529</b> or horizontally from the front (not shown). It will be understood that filler side panels can be off-the-shelf filler panels as discussed above with regard to top panels <b>550</b>.

0074The present disclosure includes a method for assembly of a wall-mountable rack <b>100</b> for supporting equipment. The rack <b>100</b> may be assembled in any number of manners. The following is one method of assembly. It will be understood that the steps following can be accomplished in different orders and the order in which they are described is not intended to be limiting. Provide four side members <b>130</b>, each side member comprising a linear edge member having a first planar flange <b>231</b> joined to a second planar flange <b>232</b> at substantially a 90 degree angle and wherein at least one planar flange <b>232</b> of each said side members has a plurality of equipment mounting apertures <b>150</b>; provide a preassembled upper rectangular member <b>110</b> comprising four linear edge members <b>201</b>, <b>205</b>, <b>211</b> and <b>215</b>, each linear edge member having a first planar flange <b>202</b>, <b>206</b>, <b>212</b> and <b>216</b> joined to a second planar flange <b>203</b>, <b>207</b>, <b>213</b> and <b>217</b> (respectively) at substantially a 90 degree angle and wherein at least one planar flange <b>202</b>, <b>206</b>, <b>212</b> and <b>216</b> of each said side members has a plurality of equipment mounting apertures <b>150</b>, and each linear member being joined at its end to another of the four linear edge members at substantially a 90 degree angle to form a corner <b>116</b>, said upper rectangular member <b>110</b> having a downwardly disposed leg portion <b>118</b> at each corner, said leg adapted to receive an end portion of one of the side members <b>130</b>, and wherein at least two opposing planar flanges <b>202</b> and <b>206</b>, and <b>212</b> and <b>216</b> of opposing linear edge members of the upper rectangular member <b>110</b> have a plurality of equipment mounting apertures <b>150</b>; providing a preassembled lower rectangular member <b>120</b> comprising four linear edge members <b>201</b>, <b>205</b>, <b>211</b> and <b>215</b>, each linear edge member having a first planar flange <b>202</b>, <b>206</b>, <b>212</b> and <b>216</b> joined to a second planar flange <b>203</b>, <b>207</b>, <b>213</b>, <b>217</b> (respectively) at substantially a 90 degree angle and wherein at least one planar flange <b>202</b>, <b>206</b>, <b>212</b>, and <b>216</b> of each said side member has a plurality of equipment mounting apertures <b>150</b>, and each linear member being joined at its end to another of the four linear edge members at substantially a 90 degree angle to form a corner <b>116</b>, said lower rectangular member <b>120</b> having an upwardly disposed leg portion <b>118</b> at each corner <b>116</b>, said leg adapted to receive an end portion of one of the side members <b>130</b>, and wherein at least two opposing planar flanges <b>202</b> and <b>206</b>, and <b>212</b> and <b>216</b> of opposing linear edge members of the upper rectangular member have a plurality of equipment mounting apertures <b>150</b>; inserting a first end of each of the members <b>130</b> into a corresponding one of the legs <b>118</b> of the upper rectangular section <b>110</b>; inserting the second end of each of the members <b>130</b> into a corresponding one of the legs <b>118</b> of the lower rectangular section <b>110</b>; affixing each of said ends of said side members to each of said legs with a fastener, thereby forming a wall-mountable rack <b>100</b> comprising a rectangular cube having linear edge members.

0075A method of use of a wall-mountable rack <b>100</b> for supporting equipment. The rack <b>100</b> may be used in any number of manners. The following is one method of use. It will be understood that the steps following can be accomplished in different orders and the order in which they are described is not intended to be limiting. Provide an assembled wall-mountable rack <b>100</b> for supporting equipment as heretofore described in either the first or second embodiment; rotating the preassembled rack to any one of the four mounting positions as heretofore described; attaching to at least one equipment mounting aperture at least one piece of electrical equipment selected from the group of power strips and patch panels, servers, tower computers, tape drives, hubs and switches; attaching the wall-mountable rack <b>100</b> to a wall or other means of support.

0076It is to be appreciated that the rack <b>100</b> of the present invention may be mounted on a wall by any attachment method that will adequately support the load of the rack and equipment mounted therein. It is to be further appreciated that the rack <b>100</b> provides numerous configurations for supporting a variety of equipment, depending on the requirements of the user and dimensions of the equipment to be supported. The rack <b>100</b> may be used to accommodate use of the rack <b>100</b> with all manner of equipment capable of being mounted in equipment mounting apertures.

0077A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.