Zero rack unit space utilization

Abstract

The present invention provides an enclosure that stores accessories for computer-related devices in zero unit space. The enclosure comprises a frame with horizontal and vertical members coupled with frame tracks. The frame supports computer-related devices, such as server blades, in a rack unit space. The computer-related devices, being supplied by different vendors, have varying sizes, shapes, and attachment requirements. The frame tracks are adapted to attach accessories, such as a power source, a cooling device, or a wire guide, in a zero rack unit space. The frame is configured according to the EIA-310-D standard. The accessories and computer-related devices are mounted to the frame and the frame tracks using tool-less adapters.

We claim:  
     
         1 . An enclosure adapted to store accessories in zero rack unit space, the enclosure comprising: 
 a frame having support members to support one or more computer-related devices in rack unit space; and    one or more frame tracks, coupled to the frame, the one or more frame tracks adapted to attach an accessory for the computer-related devices to openings located in zero rack unit space.    
     
     
         2 . The enclosure of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more frame tracks is adapted to connect a fastener that mounts to the accessory.  
     
     
         3 . The enclosure of  claim 2 , wherein the fastener is capable of connecting to the one or more frame tracks without the use of a tool.  
     
     
         4 . The enclosure of  claim 1 , wherein the accessory is capable of connecting to the openings without the use of a tool.  
     
     
         5 . The enclosure of  claim 3 , wherein the fastener is capable of connecting to the accessory without the use of a tool.  
     
     
         6 . The enclosure of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more frame tracks comprises one or more holes to secure the accessory.  
     
     
         7 . The enclosure of  claim 1 , wherein the frame support members are substantially vertical and the one or more frame tracks are substantially horizontal.  
     
     
         8 . The enclosure of  claim 1 , wherein zero rack unit space has a depth measurement approximately similar to a depth measurement of the frame, and a height measurement approximately similar to a depth measurement of the frame.  
     
     
         9 . The enclosure of  claim 1 , wherein zero rack unit space has a width measurement approximately similar to a width measurement of a vertical member of the frame to which the one more frame tracks is coupled.  
     
     
         10 . The enclosure of  claim 1 , wherein zero rack unit space does not increase dimensions of the enclosure.  
     
     
         11 . The enclosure of  claim 1 , wherein the frame and the one or more frame tracks conform to the EIA-310-D (Electronics Industries Association-310-D) standard.  
     
     
         12 . The enclosure of  claim 6 , wherein the one or more frame tracks comprise one or more support members.  
     
     
         13 . The enclosure of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more tracks are adapted to attach the accessory to more than one track at the same time.  
     
     
         14 . The enclosure of  claim 1 , wherein the accessory comprises one from the group consisting of: a power source, a cooling device, and a wire guide.  
     
     
         15 . The enclosure of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more computer-related devices comprises at least two computer-related devices of different sizes.  
     
     
         16 . The enclosure of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a plurality of panels, connected to the frame, the plurality of panels to cover a plurality of planar surfaces of the frame.    
     
     
         17 . An enclosure adapted to store accessories in zero rack unit space, the enclosure comprising: 
 means for supporting having means for vertically supporting and means for horizontally supporting for supporting one or more means for computing in rack unit space; and    means for connecting, coupled to the means for supporting, the means for connecting adapted for attaching an accessory for the means for computing to openings located in zero rack unit space.    
     
     
         18 . The enclosure of  claim 17 , wherein the means for connecting is adapted to connect a means for fastening that mounts to the accessory.  
     
     
         19 . The enclosure of  claim 18 , wherein the means for fastening is capable of connecting to the means for connecting without the use of a tool.  
     
     
         20 . The enclosure of  claim 19 , wherein the means for fastening is capable of connecting to the accessory without the use of a tool.  
     
     
         21 . The enclosure of  claim 17 , wherein the accessory is capable of connecting to the openings without the use of a tool.  
     
     
         22 . The enclosure of  claim 17 , wherein the means for connecting comprises one or more holes to secure the accessory.  
     
     
         23 . The enclosure of  claim 17 , wherein zero rack unit space has a depth measurement approximately similar to a depth measurement of the means for supporting, and a height measurement approximately similar to a depth measurement of the means for supporting.  
     
     
         24 . The enclosure of  claim 17 , wherein zero rack unit space has a width measurement approximately similar to a width measurement of a means for vertically supporting of the frame to which the means for connecting is coupled.  
     
     
         25 . The enclosure of  claim 17 , wherein zero rack unit space does not increase dimensions of the enclosure.  
     
     
         26 . The enclosure of  claim 17 , wherein the means for supporting and the means for connecting conform to the EIA-310-D (Electronics Industries Association-310-D) standard.  
     
     
         27 . The enclosure of  claim 22 , wherein the one or more holes is substantially square.  
     
     
         28 . The enclosure of  claim 17 , wherein the means for supporting are adapted to attach the accessory to more than one track at the same time.  
     
     
         29 . The enclosure of  claim 17 , wherein the accessory comprises one from the group consisting of: a power source, a cooling device, and a wire guide.  
     
     
         30 . The enclosure of  claim 17 , wherein the means for connecting comprises a means for horizontally supporting.  
     
     
         31 . The enclosure of  claim 17 , wherein the means for computing comprises at least two means for computing of different sizes.  
     
     
         32 . The enclosure of  claim 17 , further comprising: 
 means for enclosing, connected to the means for supporting, the means for enclosing for covering a plurality of planar surfaces of the frame.    
     
     
         33 . A method for storing accessories in zero unit space of an enclosure, comprising the steps of: 
 configuring a frame to support computer-related devices in rack unit space; and    configuring horizontal members of the frame to attach accessories to openings located in zero unit rack space.    
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein zero unit space does not increase dimensions of the enclosure.  
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 33 , further comprising the step of: 
 tool-lessly connecting an accessory to the horizontal member.    
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein the step of configuring the frame comprises: 
 configuring the frame to support computer-related devices of varying sizes and shapes.    
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein the frame and the horizontal members of the frame conform to the EIA-310-D (Electronics Industries Association-310D) standard.