Modular thermal isolation barrier for data processing equipment structure

Abstract

A modular thermal isolation barrier for use in sealing gaps in a data processing equipment structure includes an extruded edge seal and a panel. The extruded edge seal has a seal portion and a base portion with one or more channels. An edge of the panel is disposed within one of the one or more channels of the base portion of the edge seal such that the edge seal is seated against the edge of the panel with the seal portion in position to abut, and establish a seal with, an adjacent structure.

1 - 76 . (canceled) 
     
     
         77 . A data processing equipment structure comprising:
 a frame structure; and   first and second modular thermal isolation barriers for use in sealing a periphery of the frame structure, each of the first and second modular thermal isolation barriers including:
 an edge seal having a seal portion and a base portion with a plurality of channels; and 
 a panel, an edge of which is disposed within one of the plurality of channels of the corresponding base portion; 
   wherein the seal portion of the first modular thermal isolation barrier directly engages the seal portion of the second modular thermal isolation barrier, thereby preventing the passage of air through a gap between the first and second modular thermal isolation barriers.   
     
     
         78 . The data processing equipment structure of  claim 77 , further comprising a rigid support structure, having a generally uniform cross-sectional shape along its length, coupled to the edge seal of one of the modular thermal isolation barriers at another of the plurality of channels. 
     
     
         79 . The data processing equipment structure of  claim 77 , wherein the seal portions of the first and second modular thermal isolation barriers interlock with one another to prevent the passage of air through a gap between the first and second modular thermal isolation barriers. 
     
     
         80 . The data processing equipment structure of  claim 77 , wherein the seal portion of each of the first and second modular thermal isolation barriers is bifurcated at a distal end. 
     
     
         81 . The data processing equipment structure of  claim 80 , wherein the bifurcated distal ends of the seal portions deflect one another. 
     
     
         82 . The data processing equipment structure of  claim 80 , wherein the bifurcated distal end of the seal portion of one of the first and second modular thermal isolation barriers envelops and nests with the bifurcated distal end of the seal portion of the other of the first and second modular thermal isolation barriers. 
     
     
         83 . The data processing equipment structure of  claim 77 , wherein the seal portion of each of the first and second modular thermal isolation barriers includes convex and concave portions at a distal end such that the seal portions are matingly paired with one another. 
     
     
         84 . The data processing equipment structure of  claim 77 , wherein the seal portion of each of the first and second modular thermal isolation barriers includes one or more protrusions at a distal end such that the seal portions are interlocked with one another. 
     
     
         85 . A data processing equipment structure comprising:
 a frame structure;   a modular thermal isolation barrier for use in sealing a periphery of the frame structure, the modular thermal isolation barrier including:
 an edge seal having a seal portion and a base portion with a plurality of channels; and 
 a panel, an edge of which is disposed within one of the plurality of channels of the base portion; and 
   a rigid support structure, having a generally uniform cross-sectional shape along its length, coupled to the edge seal at another of the plurality of channels;   wherein the edge seal is seated against the edge of the panel such that the seal portion is available to directly engage an adjacent structure, thereby preventing the passage of air through a gap between the modular thermal isolation barrier and the adjacent structure.   
     
     
         86 . The data processing equipment structure of  claim 85 , wherein the seal portion is bifurcated at a distal end. 
     
     
         87 . The data processing equipment structure of  claim 85 , wherein the seal portion includes convex and concave portions at a distal end. 
     
     
         88 . The data processing equipment structure of  claim 85 , wherein the seal portion includes one or more protrusions at a distal end. 
     
     
         89 . The data processing equipment structure of  claim 85 , wherein the base portion and the seal portion are co-extruded. 
     
     
         90 . The data processing equipment structure of  claim 85 , wherein the base portion and the seal portion are manufactured from different materials. 
     
     
         91 . The data processing equipment structure of  claim 85 , wherein the base portion and the seal portion are manufactured from the same material. 
     
     
         92 . The data processing equipment structure of  claim 85 , wherein at least one of the plurality of channels of the base portion includes a plurality of panel retention fingers for gripping the edge of the panel. 
     
     
         93 . The data processing equipment structure of  claim 92 , wherein the panel retention fingers extend from sides of the at least one channel at an inwardly-oriented angle. 
     
     
         94 . The data processing equipment structure of  claim 85 , wherein the rigid support structure includes a pair of opposed retention flanges for coupling the rigid support structure to the edge seal. 
     
     
         95 . The data processing equipment structure of  claim 85 , wherein the rigid support structure includes a plurality of channels extending along its length, at least one of which is ridged to accommodate a threaded fastener. 
     
     
         96 . The data processing equipment structure of  claim 85 , wherein the rigid support structure is attachable to other support members of the frame structure.