Tool-less Rack Mounting Apparatus and Systems

Abstract

A bracket for mounting to a rack is disclosed wherein the bracket includes a first surface for coupling to a rail of the rack and a second surface forming a protrusion element adapted to engage with a mounting slot defined by the rack. The protrusion element has a first end and a second end with a cross section of the second end being greater than that of the first end. The bracket may further include a latching mechanism having an elastic member, the latching mechanism adapted to secure the protrusion element within the mounting slot and wherein the latching mechanism is disposed on an external side of a post of the rack.

1 . A bracket for mounting to a rack, the bracket comprising:
 a first surface for coupling to a rail of the rack;   a second surface forming a protrusion element adapted to engage with a mounting slot defined by the rack, wherein the protrusion element has a first end and a second end, a cross section of the second end being greater than that of the first end; and   a latching mechanism having an elastic member, the latching mechanism adapted to secure the protrusion element within the mounting slot and wherein the latching mechanism is disposed on an external side of a post of the rack.   
     
     
         2 . The bracket of  claim 1 , wherein the mounting slot has a shape selected from the group consisting of circular, oval, square and rectangular. 
     
     
         3 . The bracket of  claim 1 , wherein the first end of the protrusion element has a generally round cross section. 
     
     
         4 . The bracket of  claim 1 , wherein the second end of the protrusion element has a generally square or round cross section. 
     
     
         5 . The bracket of  claim 1  further comprising a locking element for securing the mounting slot about the first end or the second end of the protrusion element. 
     
     
         6 . The bracket of  claim 1 , wherein the locking element comprises at least one projection for securing the mounting slot about the first end or the second end of the protrusion element. 
     
     
         7 . A rack for receiving an information handling system, the rack comprising:
 a plurality of posts each having a mounting interface comprising a mounting slot;   at least one rail coupled to one of the plurality of posts at the mounting interface; and   a support member coupled to the at least one rail and one of the plurality of posts, the support member forming a protrusion element adapted to engage with the mounting slot, wherein the protrusion element has a first end and a second end, a cross section of the second end being greater than that of the first end.   
     
     
         8 . The rack of  claim 7  further comprising a latching mechanism coupled to the support member, the latching mechanism adapted to secure the protrusion element within the mounting slot and wherein the latching mechanism is disposed on an external side of a post of the rack. 
     
     
         9 . The rack of  claim 7 , wherein the mounting slot has a shape selected from the group consisting of circular, oval, square and rectangular. 
     
     
         10 . The rack of  claim 7 , wherein the first end of the protrusion element has a generally round cross section. 
     
     
         11 . The rack of  claim 7 , wherein the second end of the protrusion element has a generally square or round cross section. 
     
     
         12 . The rack of  claim 7 , wherein the latching mechanism is adapted to secure the at least one rail to one of the plurality of posts. 
     
     
         13 . The rack of  claim 7  further comprising a locking element for securing the mounting interface about the first end or the second end of the protrusion element. 
     
     
         14 . The rack of  claim 13 , wherein the locking element comprises at least one projection for securing the mounting interface about the first end or the second end of the protrusion element. 
     
     
         15 . A rack comprising:
 a plurality of posts each having a mounting interface comprising a mounting slot;   at least one rail coupled to one of the plurality of posts at the mounting interface;   a support member coupled to the at least one rail and one of the plurality of posts, the support member forming a protrusion element adapted to engage with the mounting slot, the protrusion element having a first end and a second end, wherein a cross section of the second end is greater than that of the first end; and   a latching mechanism adapted to secure the at least one rail to one of the plurality of posts, wherein the latching mechanism is disposed on an external side of one of the plurality of posts.   
     
     
         16 . The rack of  claim 15 , wherein the first end of the protrusion element has a generally round cross section. 
     
     
         17 . The rack of  claim 15 , wherein the second end of the protrusion element has a generally square or round cross section. 
     
     
         18 . The rack of  claim 15 , wherein the mounting slot has a shape selected from the group consisting of circular, oval, square and rectangular. 
     
     
         19 . The rack of  claim 15  further comprising a retainer coupled to the support member, wherein the retainer is adapted to secure an information handling system (IHS) by engaging with one surface of the IHS. 
     
     
         20 . The rack of  claim 15  further comprising a locking element for securing the mounting interface about the first end or the second end of the protrusion element.