Rail system for supporting equipment in a rack

Abstract

A rail system for supporting equipment in a rack is disclosed. The rail system may include: a first support rail assembly extending between a pair of vertical columns; a second support rail assembly extending between a different pair of vertical columns. Each support rail assembly may include: a support rail having opposite ends; aligners configured to align the opposite ends of the support rail with apertures of vertical columns; and mounting plates configured to removably secure the aligners to the opposite ends of the support rail. At least one mounting plate may be further configured to define at least one receiving portion for receiving a fastener for securing an equipment supportable in the rack.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A reversible aligner configured for use in a support rack, the aligner comprising:
 a first alignment insert configured for engaging a first type of vertical column aperture;   a second alignment insert configured for engaging a second type of vertical column aperture; and   a connector attaching the first alignment insert to the second alignment insert, the connector defining a receiver configured for receiving a tab of a mounting plate that allows the mounting plate to removably secure the aligner.   
     
     
         2 . The reversible aligner of  claim 1 , wherein the first alignment insert is configured for engaging a first aperture of a first size. 
     
     
         3 . The reversible aligner of  claim 2 , wherein the second alignment insert is configured for engaging a second aperture of a second size, and wherein the first and second sizes are different. 
     
     
         4 . The reversible aligner of  claim 3 , wherein each of the first and second apertures are square or round. 
     
     
         5 . The reversible aligner of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second alignment inserts includes threads. 
     
     
         6 . The reversible aligner of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second alignment inserts extend in opposite directions from the connector. 
     
     
         7 . A reversible aligner configured to be coupled to either end of a support rail, the aligner comprising:
 a first alignment insert configured for engaging a first aperture having a first shape;   a second alignment insert configured for engaging a second aperture having a second shape, wherein the first and second shapes are different; and   a connector attaching the first alignment insert to the second alignment insert, the connector defining a receiver configured for receiving a tab of a mounting plate that allows the mounting plate to removably secure the aligner.   
     
     
         8 . The reversible aligner of  claim 7 , wherein the first alignment insert is configured for engaging a first aperture of a first size. 
     
     
         9 . The reversible aligner of  claim 8 , wherein the second alignment insert is configured for engaging a second aperture of a second size, and wherein the first and second sizes are different. 
     
     
         10 . The reversible aligner of  claim 9 , wherein each of the first and second apertures are square or round. 
     
     
         11 . The reversible aligner of  claim 7 , wherein at least one of the first and second alignment inserts includes threads. 
     
     
         12 . The reversible aligner of  claim 7 , wherein the first and second alignment inserts extend in opposite directions from the connector. 
     
     
         13 . A reversible aligner configured to be coupled to either end of a support rail, the aligner comprising:
 a first alignment insert configured for engaging a first aperture having a first size;   a second alignment insert configured for engaging a second aperture having a second size, wherein the first and second sizes are different; and   a connector attaching the first alignment insert to the second alignment insert, the connector defining a receiver configured for receiving a tab of a mounting plate that allows the mounting plate to removably secure the aligner.   
     
     
         14 . The reversible aligner of  claim 13 , wherein the first alignment insert is configured for engaging a first aperture of a first shape. 
     
     
         15 . The reversible aligner of  claim 14 , wherein the second alignment insert is configured for engaging a second aperture of a second shape, and wherein the first and second shapes are different. 
     
     
         16 . The reversible aligner of  claim 15 , wherein each of the first and second apertures are square or round. 
     
     
         17 . The reversible aligner of  claim 13 , wherein at least one of the first and second alignment inserts includes threads. 
     
     
         18 . The reversible aligner of  claim 13 , wherein the first and second alignment inserts extend in opposite directions from the connector.