Telecommunications Topics

Telecommunications

Patent Issued for Equipment Enclosure Kit and Assembly Method

2012 JUL 18 (VerticalNews) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Telecommunications Weekly -- American Power Conversion Corporation (West Kingston, RI) has been issued patent number 8210490, according to news reporting originating out of Alexandria, Virginia, by VerticalNews editors.

The patent's inventors are Mattlin, Jeffrey Lee (St. Louis, MO); Bergesch, Joseph H. (Chesterfield, MO); Thomas, Kevin Neil (Florissant, MO); Smith, Paul Thomas (Florissant, MO); Spitaels, James S. (Shrewsbury, MA); Bryan, Daniel (Baltimore, MD).

This patent was filed on October 7, 2011 and was cleared and issued on July 3, 2012.

From the background information supplied by the inventors, news correspondents obtained the following quote: "The present invention relates to racks and enclosures, and more particularly to racks and enclosures used to house data processing, networking and telecommunications equipment.

"Equipment enclosures for electronic equipment, such as data processing, networking and telecommunications equipment have been in use for years. Over the years, a number of different standards have been developed to enable equipment manufacturers to design rack mountable equipment that can be mounted in standard racks manufactured by different manufacturers. One such standard is the Electronic Industries Association's EIA-310-D standard which defines parameters for what has become an industry standard nineteen inch rack.

"Nineteen inch racks are used extensively in data centers and other facilities. With the proliferation of the Internet, it is not uncommon for a data center to contain hundreds of these racks. Further, with the ever decreasing size of computer equipment, and in particular, computer servers, the number of electrical connectors mounted in each rack has been increasing, raising additional power distribution, cooling and cable distribution concerns at the rack level. With these increasing concerns, there is a need for equipment racks that are flexible enough to satisfy a variety of different requirements, capable of meeting industry standards, and sufficiently simple in design to be cost effective, given the quantities of these racks that may be used in a facility."

Supplementing the background information on this patent, VerticalNews reporters also obtained the inventors' summary information for this patent: "A first aspect of the invention is directed to an improved equipment enclosure for housing electronic components. The enclosure includes a front assembly having a front frame, the front assembly defining a front of the enclosure, and a rear assembly having a rear frame. The enclosure further includes at least two side brace members wherein each side brace member has a first end and a second, opposite end. A first connector is adapted to releasably connect the first end of one of the side brace members to the front frame. A second connector is adapted to releasably connect the second end of the one of the side brace members to the rear frame.

"Embodiments of the enclosure may include a plurality of panels releasably attachable to at least one of the front frame, the rear frame, and one of the side brace members to cover open sides of the enclosure. At least one spring finger, coupled to one of the plurality of side panels and at least one of the front frame, the rear frame, and one of the side brace members, provides electrical continuity between the side panels and the at least one of the front frame, the rear frame, and one of the side brace members. Each connector may include an upper tab mounted on one of the front and rear frames, and a top flange formed on the one of the side brace members. The top flange has a downwardly opening channel adapted to receive the upper tab when connecting the one of the side brace members to the one of the front and rear frames. Each connector may further include a lower tab mounted on the one of the front and rear frames, the lower tab having a boss formed thereon, and an opening formed in the one of the side brace members below the top flange. The opening is adapted to receive the boss therein when connecting the one of the side brace members to the one of the front and rear frames. Each connector may further include a channel member mounted on the one of the side brace members. The channel member is adapted to receive the one of the front and rear frames therein when connecting the one of the side brace members to the one of the front and rear frames. A fastener is attached to the one of the front and rear frames. The arrangement is such that the channel member has a finger projecting from the channel member, with the finger being adapted to hook onto the fastener. The fastener is adapted to be tightened to secure the finger in place.

"At least one mounting flange may be releasably mounted on one of the side brace members within an interior of the enclosure. The at least one mounting flange is adapted to support equipment in the enclosure. The at least one mounting flange comprises a clamping assembly to releasably clamp the at least one mounting flange to the one of the side brace members. The clamping assembly comprises a clamping bracket having teeth formed along an upper edge of the clamping bracket. The teeth of the clamping bracket are adapted to mesh with teeth formed in the one of the side brace members to clamp the at least one mounting flange to the one of the side brace members. The clamping assembly further comprises a latch member connected to the clamping bracket. The latch member and the clamping bracket are positioned within a vertical slot formed in the at least one mounting flange, and moveable between a non-clamping position in which the teeth of the clamping bracket are spaced from the teeth of the one of the side brace members and a clamping position in which the teeth of the clamping bracket mesh with the teeth of the one of the side brace members. A viewing slot may be formed in the at least one mounting flange to view whether the latch member and clamping bracket are in the non-clamping position or the clamping position.

"A positioning system may also be provided to position the at least one mounting flange within the enclosure. The positioning system includes at least two openings formed in the at least one mounting flange, and at least two different, alternating symbols which form a line of symbols along the one of the side brace members. The symbols and openings being constructed and arranged to show one symbol through one opening to indicate a position of the at least one mounting flange along the one of the side brace members. The positioning system includes three openings and three different symbols, the symbols and openings being constructed and arranged to show a different symbol through a different opening when moving the at least one mounting flange an incremental distance along the length of the one of the side brace members. The at least one mounting flange further may include a hook member adapted to ride along a lower edge of the one of the side brace members.

"At least one cable organizer can be releasably mounted on one of the side brace members within an interior region of the enclosure. The cable organizer is adapted to support and tie-off cables. The at least one cable organizer includes a clamping assembly to releasably clamp the cable organizer to the one of the side brace members. The clamping assembly includes a clamping bracket having teeth formed along an upper edge of the clamping bracket. The teeth of the clamping bracket are adapted to mesh with teeth formed in the one of the side brace members to clamp the at least one cable organizer to the one of the side brace members. The clamping assembly further includes a fastener connected to the clamping bracket. The fastener and the clamping bracket are positioned within a vertical slot formed in the at least one cable organizer, and moveable between a non-clamping position in which the teeth of the clamping bracket are spaced from the teeth of the one of the side brace members and a clamping position in which the teeth of the clamping bracket mesh with the teeth of the one of the side brace members.

"Other embodiments include a roof releasably attached to the front and rear frames. The roof has a first end and a second end opposite the first end with at least one tab formed at the first end of the roof. The tab is adapted to fit within a slot formed in one of the front and rear frames. The roof has at least one fastener provided at the second end of the roof, the fastener being adapted to be releasably inserted within an opening formed in the other frame of the front and rear frames. The roof may be formed with at least one cutout provided along an edge of the roof to receive a cable therethrough. The arrangement is such that the roof is removable from the enclosure without disconnecting the cable. A cutout cover may be provided to selectively cover the at least one cutout. The cutout cover includes a plurality of keys constructed and arranged to selectively cover the cutout. Each key has a retaining clip to releasably attach the key to the roof. At least one spring finger, coupled to one of the roof and one of the front and rear frames, provides electrical continuity between the roof and one of the front and rear frames. In another embodiment, at least one roof bridge member is releasably attached to the front and rear frames.

"At least one leveling foot may be mounted on one of the front and rear frames. The leveling foot is adapted to level the enclosure, after receiving electronic components within the enclosure.

"At least one hinge, coupled to the front frame, is adapted to releasably hinge a front door to the front frame. Specifically, the front frame includes a left side rail member and a right side rail member. The at least one hinge is reversible to mount on one of the left side rail member and the right side rail member of the front frame. Each hinge comprises a pin releasably mounted on one of the left and right side rail members and a barrel portion, adapted to receive the pin therein, mounted on the door. The pin is spring-loaded to enable the door to be removed without lifting the door off the hinges.

"A second aspect of the invention is directed to an enclosure for housing electronic components. The enclosure includes a frame assembly having a front frame defining a front of the enclosure, a rear frame, and a plurality of side brace members connecting the front frame and the rear frame. A first pair of side brace members is positioned on one side of the front and rear frames and a second pair of side brace members is positioned on an opposite side of the front and rear frames. At least one mounting flange is releasably mounted on at least one side brace member of one of the first and second pairs of side brace members. At least one clamping assembly releasably clamps the at least one mounting flange to the at least one side brace member.

"Embodiments of the enclosure may include at least one side brace member having teeth formed along a length of the at least one side brace member. The clamping assembly includes a clamping bracket having teeth formed along at least one edge of the clamping bracket. Specifically, the teeth of the clamping bracket are adapted to mesh with teeth formed in the at least one side brace member to clamp the at least one mounting flange to the at least one side brace member. The clamping assembly further includes a latch member connected to the clamping bracket. The latch member and the clamping bracket are positioned within a vertical slot formed in the at least one mounting flange, and moveable between a non-clamping position in which the teeth of the clamping bracket are spaced from the teeth of the at least one side brace member and a clamping position in which the teeth of the clamping bracket mesh with the teeth of the at least one side brace member. The latch member has a cam surface which engages the mounting flange to lock the clamping assembly in place. A viewing slot may be formed in the at least one mounting flange to view whether the latch member and clamping bracket are in the non-clamping position or the clamping position. A positioning system may be further provided to position the at least one mounting flange within the enclosure. The positioning system comprises at least two openings formed in the at least one mounting flange, and at least two different, alternating symbols which form a line of symbols along one of the first and second pairs of side brace members. The symbols and openings are constructed and arranged to show one symbol through one opening to indicate the position of the at least one mounting flange along the one of the first and second pairs of side brace members. The positioning system includes three openings and three different symbols. Specifically, the symbols and openings are constructed and arranged to show a different symbol through a different opening when moving the at least one mounting flange an incremental distance along a length of the one of the first and second pairs of side brace members.

"At least one cable organizer may be releasably mounted on at least one side brace member of one of the first and second pairs of side brace members within an interior region of the enclosure. The cable organizer is adapted to support and tie-off cables. The at least one cable organizer includes a clamping assembly to releasably clamp the cable organizer to the at least one side brace member. The clamping assembly includes a clamping bracket having teeth formed along at least one edge of the clamping bracket. The teeth of the clamping bracket are adapted to mesh with teeth formed in the at least one side brace member to clamp the at least one cable organizer to the at least one side brace member. The clamping assembly further includes a fastener connected to the clamping bracket. The fastener and the clamping bracket are positioned within a vertical slot formed in the cable organizer, and moveable between a non-clamping position in which the teeth of the clamping bracket are spaced from the teeth of the at least one side brace member and a clamping position in which the teeth of the clamping bracket mesh with the teeth of the at least one side brace member.

"A third aspect of the invention is directed to an enclosure comprising a frame assembly including a front frame defining a front of the enclosure, a rear frame, and a plurality of side brace members connecting the front frame and the rear frame. A first pair of side brace members is positioned on one side of the front and rear frames and a second pair of side brace members is positioned on an opposite side of the front and rear frames. At least one mounting flange is releasably mounted on at least one side brace member of one of the first and second pairs of side brace members. The enclosure further includes a positioning system to position the at least one mounting flange within the enclosure.

"Embodiments of this aspect of the invention may include at least two different, alternating symbols which form a line of symbols along the at least one side brace member. The symbols are constructed and arranged to enable the positioning of the at least one mounting flange along the at least one side brace member. The positioning system further includes at least two openings formed in the at least one mounting flange. Specifically, the positioning system comprises three openings and three different symbols. The symbols and openings are constructed and arranged to show a different symbol through a different opening when moving the at least one mounting flange an incremental distance along a length of the at least one side brace member. The at least one mounting flange includes at least one clamping assembly to releasably clamp the at least one mounting flange to the at least one side brace member. The at least one side brace member includes teeth formed along a length of the at least one side brace member. The clamping assembly comprises a clamping bracket having teeth formed along at least one edge of the clamping bracket. The teeth of the clamping bracket are adapted to mesh with teeth formed in the at least one side brace member to clamp the at least one mounting flange to the at least one side brace member. The clamping assembly further comprises a latch member connected to the clamping bracket. The latch member and the clamping bracket are positioned within a vertical slot formed in the at least one mounting flange, and moveable between a non-clamping position in which the teeth of the clamping bracket are spaced from the teeth of the at least one side brace member and a clamping position in which the teeth of the clamping bracket mesh with the teeth of the at least one side brace member. The latch member has a cam surface which engages the at least one mounting flange to lock the clamping assembly in place. A viewing slot may be formed in the at least one mounting flange to view whether the latch member and clamping bracket are in the non-clamping position or the clamping position.

"A fourth aspect of the invention is directed to a kit for assembling at least one enclosure of the type capable of housing electronic components. The kit comprises components for assembling the at least one enclosure including a front assembly having a front frame, the front assembly defining a front of the enclosure, a rear assembly having a rear frame, and at least two side brace members. Each side brace member has a first end and a second end. A plurality of connectors connect the at least two side brace members to the front assembly and the rear assembly.

"Embodiments of the kit may include the provision of a connector having an upper tab mounted on one of the front and rear frames, and a top flange formed on one of the at least two side brace members. The top flange has a downwardly opening channel adapted to receive the upper tab when connecting the one of the at least two side brace members to the one of the front and rear frames. Each connector further includes a lower tab mounted on the one of the front and rear frames, the lower tab having a boss formed thereon, and an opening formed in the one of the at least two side brace members below the top flange. The opening is adapted to receive the boss therein when connecting the one of the at least two side brace members to the one of the front and rear frames. Each connector further includes a channel member mounted on the one of the at least two side brace members. The channel member is adapted to receive the one of the front and rear frames therein when connecting the one of the at least two side brace members to the one of the front and rear frames. A threaded fastener is attached to the one of the front and rear frames. The channel member has a finger projecting from the channel member, with the finger being adapted to hook onto the threaded fastener.

"At least one mounting flange may be releasably mounted on one of the at least two side brace members within an interior of the enclosure. The at least one mounting flange is adapted to support equipment in the enclosure. The at least one mounting flange comprises at least one clamping assembly to releasably clamp the mounting flange to the one of the at least two side brace members. Specifically, the one of the at least two side brace members includes teeth formed along a length of the one of the at least two side brace members. The clamping assembly comprises a clamping bracket having teeth formed along at least one edge of the clamping bracket. The teeth of the clamping bracket are adapted to mesh with the teeth formed in the one of the at least two side brace members to clamp the at least one mounting flange to the one of the at least two side brace members. The clamping assembly further comprises a latch member connected to the clamping bracket. The latch member and the clamping bracket are positioned within a vertical slot formed in the at least one mounting flange, and movable between a non-clamping position in which the teeth of the clamping bracket are spaced from the teeth of the one of the at least two side brace members and a clamping position in which the teeth of the clamping bracket mesh with the teeth of the one of the at least two side brace members. A viewing slot may be formed in the at least one mounting flange to view whether the latch member and clamping bracket are in the non-clamping position or the clamping position.

"Embodiments of the kit may further include a positioning system to position the at least one mounting flange within the enclosure. The positioning system includes at least two openings formed in the at least one mounting flange, and at least two different, alternating symbols which form a line of symbols along one of the at least two side brace members. The symbols and openings are constructed and arranged to show one symbol through one opening to indicate the position of the at least one mounting flange along the one of the at least two side brace members. The positioning system includes three openings and three different symbols. The symbols and openings are constructed and arranged to show a different symbol through a different opening when moving the at least one mounting flange an incremental distance along a length of the one of the at least two side brace members.

"At least one cable organizer may be releasably mounted on one of the at least two side brace members within an interior region of the enclosure. The cable organizer is adapted to support and tie-off cables.

"The components include components for assembling a plurality of enclosures and a transport crate configured to contain the components during at least one of transport and storage. The transport crate is a box-like structure having a plurality of dividers positioned within an interior region of the transport crate to separate components for each of the plurality of enclosures.

"The front assembly further includes a front door hinged on the front frame. At least one hinge is coupled to the front frame. The at least one hinge is adapted to releasably hinge the front door to the front frame. The at least one hinge comprises a pin releasably mounted on the front frame, and a barrel portion, adapted to receive the pin therein, mounted on the door. The pin is spring-loaded to enable the door to be removed without lifting the door off the at least one hinge. The rear assembly further includes at least one rear door hinged on the rear frame. At least one hinge is coupled to the rear frame. The at least one hinge is adapted to releasably hinge the rear door to the rear frame.

"A fifth aspect of the invention includes a connector to releasably connect a first component to a second component. The connector includes an upper tab mounted on the first component, and a top flange formed on the second component. The top flange has a downwardly opening channel adapted to receive the upper tab when connecting the first component to the second component. A lower tab is mounted on the first component. The lower tab has a boss formed thereon. An opening is formed in the second component below the top flange. The opening is adapted to receive the boss therein when connecting the one member to the other member.

"Embodiments of the connector may further include a channel member mounted on the second component. The channel member is adapted to receive the first component therein when connecting the first component to the second component. The channel member has a finger projecting from the channel member with the finger being adapted to hook onto a fastener attached to the first component. The fastener is adapted to be tightened to secure the finger in place.

"A sixth aspect of the invention is directed to a clamping assembly to releasably clamp a first component to a second component. The clamping assembly includes a clamping bracket having teeth formed along at least one edge of the clamping bracket. The teeth of the clamping bracket are adapted to mesh with teeth formed in the second component. The clamping assembly further includes a latch member connected to the clamping bracket. The latch member and the clamping bracket are positioned within a slot formed in the first component, and movable between a non-clamping position in which the teeth of the clamping bracket are spaced from the teeth of the second component and a clamping position in which the teeth of the clamping bracket mesh with the teeth of the second component to prevent any side-to-side movement of the first component with respect to the second component.

"Embodiments of the clamping assembly may include the provision of a latch member having a cam surface which engages the first component to lock the clamping assembly in place. A viewing slot may be formed in the first component to view whether the latch member and clamping bracket are in the non-clamping position or the clamping position. A positioning system may be further included to position the first component with respect to the second component. Specifically, the positioning system comprises at least two openings formed in the first component, and at least two different, alternating symbols which form a line of symbols along the second component. The symbols and openings are constructed and arranged to show one symbol through one opening to indicate a position of the first component along the second component. In one embodiment, the positioning system comprises three openings and three different symbols. The symbols and openings are constructed and arranged to show a different symbol through a different opening when moving the first component an incremental distance along the length of the second component.

"A seventh aspect of the invention is directed to a method of assembling components of an enclosure from a kit comprising the components. The components include a front rectangular frame, a rear rectangular frame, and four side brace members. Each side brace member has opposite ends. The method comprises, for each side brace member, connecting one end of the side brace member to a respective corner of the front frame, and connecting an opposite end of the side brace member to a respective corner of the rear frame. The step of connecting each end of a side brace member to a respective corner of one of the front frame and the rear frame comprises selecting at least one of positioning a flange provided on one of the side brace member and one of the front frame and the rear frame over a tab provided on the other of the side brace member and one of the front frame and the rear frame, inserting a boss formed on a second tab provided on one of the frame and the side brace member into an opening formed the other of the frame and the side brace member, and positioning the frame within a channel member mounted on the side brace member.

"Connecting each end of a side brace member to a respective corner of one of the front frame and the rear frame may further include hooking a finger of the channel member over a fastener secured to the one of the front frame and the rear frame. The method may also include releasably clamping a mounting flange to a side brace member, and positioning the mounting flange within the enclosure with a positioning system.

"An eighth aspect of the invention is directed to an electrical connector for connecting an electrical component to a second component. The electrical connector includes a U-shaped body adapted to lie along a plane and having a pair of oppositely extending flanges. The flanges are adapted to be secured to the second component. A tab is integrally formed with the body and so that the tab extends along the same plane as the body. The arrangement being such that the body protects the tab during use.

"Embodiments of the electrical connector may include means for attaching the electrical connector to the second component. Specifically, the means for attaching the electrical connector to the second component includes a weld. The means for attaching the electrical connector to the second component may further include an opening formed in one of the flanges. The opening is sized for receiving a fastener therein. A positioning tab is formed on the other flange. The arrangement is such that the positioning tab is received within a slotted opening formed in the second component.

"A ninth aspect of the invention is directed to an enclosure for housing electronic components. The enclosure includes a front assembly having a front frame, the front assembly defining a front of the enclosure, a rear assembly having a rear frame, at least two side brace members, each side brace member having a first end and a second, opposite end, first connector means to releasably connect the first end of one of the side brace members to the front frame, and second connector means to releasably connect the second end of the one of the side brace members to the rear frame.

"Embodiments of the first and second connector means for the enclosure may include an upper tab mounted on one of the front and rear frames, and a top flange formed on the one of the side brace members. The top flange has a downwardly opening channel adapted to receive the upper tab when connecting the one of the side brace members to the one of the front and rear frames. Each of the first connector means and the second connector means may further include a lower tab mounted on the one of the front and rear frames. The lower tab has a boss formed thereon. An opening is formed in the one of the side brace members below the top flange. The opening is adapted to receive the boss therein when connecting the one of the side brace members to the one of the front and rear frames. Each of the first connector means and the second connector means may further include a channel member mounted on the one of the side brace members. The channel member is adapted to receive the one of the front and rear frames therein when connecting the one of the side brace members to the one of the front and rear frames. Each of the first connector means and the second connector means may further include a fastener attached to the one of the front and rear frames. The channel member has a finger projecting from the channel member. The finger is adapted to hook onto the fastener.

"A tenth aspect of the invention is directed to an enclosure for housing electronic components. The enclosure includes a frame assembly having a front frame defining a front of the enclosure, a rear frame, and a plurality of side brace members connecting the front frame and the rear frame. A first pair of side brace members is positioned on one side of the front and rear frames and a second pair of side brace members is positioned on an opposite side of the front and rear frames. At least one mounting flange is releasably mounted on at least one side brace member of one of the first and second pairs of side brace members. Clamping means is provided to releasably clamp the at least one mounting flange to the at least one side brace member.

"Embodiments of the enclosure further include the provision of the at least one side brace member having teeth formed along a length of the at least one side brace member. The clamping means comprises a clamping bracket having teeth formed along at least one edge of the clamping bracket. The teeth of the clamping bracket are adapted to mesh with teeth formed in the at least one side brace member to clamp the at least one mounting flange to the at least one side brace member. The clamping means further comprises a latch member connected to the clamping bracket. The latch member and the clamping bracket are positioned within a slot formed in the at least one mounting flange and moveable between a non-clamping position in which the teeth of the clamping bracket are spaced from the teeth of the at least one side brace member and a clamping position in which the teeth of the clamping bracket mesh with the teeth of the at least one side brace member. The latch member has a cam surface which engages the mounting flange to lock the clamping assembly in place. A viewing slot is formed in the at least one mounting flange to view whether the latch member and clamping bracket are in the non-clamping position or the clamping position.

"An eleventh aspect of the invention is directed to an enclosure for housing electronic components. The enclosure includes a frame assembly comprising a front frame defining a front of the enclosure, a rear frame, and a plurality of side brace members connecting the front frame and the rear frame. A first pair of side brace members is positioned on one side of the front and rear frames and a second pair of side brace members is positioned on an opposite side of the front and rear frames. At least one mounting flange is releasably mounted on at least one side brace member of one of the first and second pairs of side brace members. Positioning means is provided to position the at least one mounting flange within the enclosure.

"Embodiments of the enclosure include the provision of the positioning means having at least two openings formed in the at least one mounting flange, and at least two different, alternating symbols which form a line of symbols along a side brace member of one of the first and second pairs of the side brace members. The symbols and openings are constructed and arranged to show one symbol through one opening to indicate the position of the at least one mounting flange along the side brace member. Specifically, the positioning means comprises three openings and three different symbols. The symbols and openings are constructed and arranged to show a different symbol through a different opening when moving the at least one mounting flange an incremental distance along a length of the one of the side brace member.

"A twelfth aspect of the invention is directed to a method of assembling components of an enclosure from a kit comprising the components. The components include a front rectangular frame, a rear rectangular frame, and four side brace members. Each side brace member has opposite ends. The method includes, for each side brace member, connecting one end of the side brace member to a respective corner of the front frame, and connecting an opposite end of the side brace member to a respective corner of the rear frame. The method further includes positioning a mounting flange within the enclosure with a positioning system, and releasably clamping the mounting flange to at least one side brace member.

"Embodiments of the method may further include releasably clamping two mounting flanges within the enclosure in facing relation with one another to at least two side brace members.

"A thirteenth aspect of the invention is directed to a method of providing multiple enclosures, each enclosure comprising a kit of components including a front rectangular frame, a rear rectangular frame, four side brace members, a roof, and at least two mounting flanges. The method includes arranging the components of each kit in a compact configuration, and disposing the multiple enclosures in a transport crate.

"Embodiments of the method may further include transporting the transport crate to an end user, assembling the components of each kit in the form of an enclosure, and/or storing the transport crate. The step of arranging the components of each kit in a compact configuration may include positioning the side brace members, roof and at least two mounting flanges between the front rectangular frame and the rear rectangular frame.

"A fourteenth aspect of the invention is directed to an enclosure including a frame constructed and arranged to define an interior region. The frame has at least one support member with a plurality of threaded openings formed therein. The enclosure further includes a plurality of leveling feet mounted on the at least one support member of the frame. The leveling feet are adapted to level the enclosure after receiving electronic components within the enclosure. Each leveling foot includes a threaded rod threadably received within the threaded openings of the support member, and a foot portion pivotably connected to the threaded rod. The threaded rod is constructed and arranged to raise and lower the leveling foot by manipulating the leveling rod above the leveling foot.

"A fifteenth aspect of the invention is directed to enclosure for housing electronic components having a door and a frame constructed and arranged to define an interior region. The frame includes a door frame assembly having a top rail member, a bottom rail member spaced below the top rail member, a left side rail member adapted to connect the top rail member and the side rail member, and a right side rail member adapted to connect the top rail member and the side rail member. The enclosure further includes hinge means for selectively hinging the door on one of the left side rail member and the right side rail member. The door is operable between an open position to allow access into the interior region of the enclosure and a closed position to prevent access into the interior region of the enclosure. The hinge means is constructed and arranged to prevent the door from being removed from the hinge means when the door is in a closed position.

"Embodiments of the enclosure may include the provision of the hinge means being reversible to attach to one of the left side rail member and the right side rail member. Specifically, the hinge means includes a pin portion releasably mounted on one of the left and right side rail members and the door, and a barrel portion, adapted to receive the pin therein, mounted on the other of the left and right side rail members and the door.

"A sixteenth aspect of the present invention is directed to a kit for assembling at least one enclosure of the type capable of housing electronic components. The kit includes components for assembling the at least one enclosure including a front assembly having a front frame, the front assembly defining a front of the enclosure, a rear assembly having a rear frame, and at least two side brace members. Each side brace member has a first end connected to one of the front frame and the rear frame and a second end connected to the other of the front frame and the rear frame. At least one mounting flange is releasably mounted on one of the at least two side brace members within an interior of the enclosure. The at least one mounting flange is adapted to support equipment in the enclosure. The kit further includes a data port assembly secured to the mounting flange, the data port assembly having at least one data port.

"In one embodiment of the kit, the mounting flange has an opening formed therein, and the data port assembly includes an insert constructed and arranged to fit within the opening to secure the insert to the mounting flange. The data port assembly further includes a connector head received by the insert, the connector head having the at least one data port.

"The present invention will be more fully understood after a review of the following figures, detailed description and claims."

For the URL and additional information on this patent, see: Mattlin, Jeffrey Lee; Bergesch, Joseph H.; Thomas, Kevin Neil; Smith, Paul Thomas; Spitaels, James S.; Bryan, Daniel. Equipment Enclosure Kit and Assembly Method. U.S. Patent Number 8210490, filed October 7, 2011, and issued July 3, 2012. Patent URL: http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=97&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=4836&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=20120703.PD.&OS=ISD/20120703&RS=ISD/20120703

Keywords for this news article include: Internet, Electronic Components, Information Technology, Information and Data Processing, American Power Conversion Corporation.