System and method for utilizing a tool-less rail in a rack

Abstract

A rail system is described for use in a rack. The rail system comprises a rail having a self-locking mechanism to lock the rail to a rack. Additionally, the rail comprises a length adjustment mechanism that enables selective length adjustments based on the depth of the rack.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A system, comprising: 
 a rack; and    a plurality of rails that are tool-lessly attachable to and detachable from the rack, each rail comprising: 
 a self-locking mechanism to lock the rail to its rack; and  
 a length adjustment mechanism to enable selective length adjustments based on the depth of the rack.  
   
     
     
         2 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein each rail further comprises a cable arm attachment bracket.  
     
     
         3 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a cable arm coupled to at least one rail of its plurality of rails.  
     
     
         4 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising an electronic device mounted in the rack.  
     
     
         5 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the self-locking mechanism comprises a biased pin.  
     
     
         6 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the self-locking mechanism comprises a pair of opposed, biased pins.  
     
     
         7 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the length adjustment mechanism comprises a slide bracket.  
     
     
         8 . The system as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the slide bracket is slideably mounted on a plurality of pins.  
     
     
         9 . The system as recited in  claim 7 , wherein each rail further comprises at least one handle connected to the self-locking mechanism to enable selective release of the rail from the rack.  
     
     
         10 . A system comprising: 
 a rail having an end that is selectively extensible and a self-lock disposed on the end.    
     
     
         11 . The system, as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the rail further comprises a cable arm attachment bracket.  
     
     
         12 . The system, as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the rail further comprises a second self-lock.  
     
     
         13 . The system, as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the self-lock comprises a biased pin.  
     
     
         14 . The system, as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the rail further comprises at least one handle connected to the self-lock.  
     
     
         15 . A method, comprising: 
 forming a rail with at least one extensible member to enable mounting of the rail in racks of differing depths;    deploying a self-locking mechanism on the rail with a self-lock on each opposed longitudinal end of the rail; and    coupling at least one handle to the self-lock to enable tool-less detachment of the rail from a rack.    
     
     
         16 . The method as recited in  claim 15 , wherein deploying comprises spring biasing the self-locking mechanism toward a locked position.  
     
     
         17 . The method as recited in  claim 15 , wherein forming comprises forming the extensible member as a slide bracket.  
     
     
         18 . The method as recited in  claim 15 , further comprising mounting the rail in a rack.  
     
     
         19 . A rail system comprising: 
 means for providing selective adjustment to the length of a rail;    means for automatically locking the rail in a rack; and    means for tool-lessly releasing the rail from a rack.    
     
     
         20 . The rail system as recited in  claim 19 , wherein the means for providing comprises a slide bracket.  
     
     
         21 . The rail system as recited in  claim 19 , wherein the means for automatically locking comprises a spring-biased pin.  
     
     
         22 . The rail system as recited in  claim 19 , wherein the means for tool-lessly releasing comprises at least one handle coupled to the spring-based pin.