Telescoping lacer bar for electronics storage rack

Abstract

An adjustable length lacer bar assembly having first and second elongated members is adapted for use with an electronics storage rack having first and second columns. The second member is telescopically received by the first member. The first and second members are respectively connectable to the first and second columns. The first and second members respectively include first and second tabs. In a first embodiment, the first and second mounting tabs are oriented substantially parallel to the direction of telescoping motion, and in a second embodiment, the first and second mounting tabs are oriented substantially perpendicular to the direction of telescoping motion.

1 . An adjustable length lacer bar assembly for use with an electronics storage rack having first and second columns, the adjustable length lacer bar defining openings for receiving cables or for attaching electronics-related components to the electronics storage rack, the adjustable length lacer bar assembly comprising: 
 a first elongated member having a first end and a second end; and    a second elongated member having a first end and a second end, at least one of the first and second members defining a plurality of openings,    the first end of the second member telescopically received by the second end of the first member such that the lacer bar assembly is adjustable in length,    the first end of the first member adapted to connect to the first column,    the second end of the second member adapted to connect to the second column.    
   
   
       2 . The adjustable length lacer bar assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first member includes a first tab proximate the first member first end and the second member includes a second tab proximate the second member second end, the first and second tabs each defining at least one hole adapted for receipt of a fastener for respectively connecting the first and second members to the first and second columns.  
   
   
       3 . The adjustable length lacer bar assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the first and second members define an axis along which the first and second members move telescopically relative one another and wherein each hole of the first and second tabs has a central axis perpendicular to the hole extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the telescopic movement of the first and second members.  
   
   
       4 . The adjustable length lacer bar assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the first and second members define an axis along which the first and second members move telescopically relative one another and wherein each hole of the first and second tabs has a central axis perpendicular to the hole extending in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the telescopic movement of the first and second members.  
   
   
       5 . The adjustable length lacer bar assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first member comprises a generally rectangular frame defining a central opening.  
   
   
       6 . The adjustable length lacer bar assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the second member comprises a generally flat body defining a plurality of slots and holes.  
   
   
       7 . The adjustable length lacer bar assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second members each has a generally flat body defining a plurality of slots and holes.  
   
   
       8 . The adjustable length lacer bar assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the electronics rack has third and fourth columns and wherein a first lacer bar assembly is adapted for connection to the first and second columns, a second lacer bar assembly is adapted for connection to the third and fourth columns, and a third lacer bar is adapted for connection to any one of a) the first and second lacer bar assemblies, b) the second and fourth columns, and c) opposing rack rail brackets.  
   
   
       9 . The adjustable length lacer bar assembly of  claim 1  having a retracted configuration wherein the second member is telescopically received on the first member such that the second member substantially overlaps the first member and a total length of the lacer bar assembly is substantially equal to a length of the first member, and having an extended configuration wherein the second member is extended away from the first member and the total length of the lacer bar assembly is substantially equal to the length of the first member plus a length of the second member.  
   
   
       10 . The adjustable length lacer bar assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the total length of the lacer bar assembly is approximately  16  inches in the retracted configuration and approximately 26 inches in the extended configuration.  
   
   
       11 . The adjustable length lacer bar of  claim 9 , wherein the total length of the lacer bar assembly is approximately 19 inches in the retracted configuration and approximately 30 inches in the extended configuration.  
   
   
       12 . The adjustable length lacer bar of  claim 9 , wherein the total length of the lacer bar assembly is approximately 20 inches in the retracted configuration and approximately 36 inches in the extended configuration.  
   
   
       13 . The adjustable length lacer bar assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the total length of the lacer bar assembly is approximately 36 inches in the retracted configuration and approximately 50 inches in the extended configuration.  
   
   
       14 . An adjustable length lacer bar assembly for use with an electronics storage rack, the adjustable length lacer bar defining openings for receiving cables or for attaching electronics-related components to the electronics storage rack, the adjustable length lacer bar assembly comprising: 
 a first elongated member having a first end, a second end and a first tab proximate the first end; and    a second elongated member having a first end, a second end and a second tab proximate the second end,    at least one of the first and second members including a generally flat body defining a plurality of openings,    the first end of the second member telescopically received on the second end of the first member such that the lacer bar assembly is adjustable in length,    the first and second tabs each defining a fastener hole with a central axis perpendicular to the hole, the first and second members defining an axis along which the first and second members move telescopically relative one another,    the central axis of the fastener hole of each of the first and second tabs substantially perpendicular to the axis of the telescopic movement between the first and second members.    
   
   
       15 . An adjustable length lacer bar assembly for use with an electronics storage rack, the adjustable length lacer bar defining openings for receiving cables or for attaching electronics related components to the electronics storage rack, the adjustable length lacer bar assembly comprising: 
 a first elongated member having a first end, a second end and a first tab proximate the first end; and    a second elongated member having a first end, a second end and a second tab proximate the second end,    at least one of the first and second members including a generally flat body defining a plurality of openings,    the first end of the second member telescopically received by the second end of the first member such that the lacer bar assembly is adjustable in length,    the first and second tabs each defining a fastener hole with a central axis perpendicular to the hole,    the first and second members defining an axis along which the first and second member move telescopically relative one another,    the central axis of the fastener hole of each of the first and second tabs substantially parallel to the axis of the telescopic movement between the first and second members.