LOCKABLE COVER ASSEMBLY

Abstract

The present disclosure provides lockable cover assemblies that can cover mounting fasteners used to secure network devices to mounting structures, including racks, rack-mounted enclosures, cabinets or other mounting enclosures used to mount network devices, or utility boxes used to mount network devices. The lockable cover assemblies can be configured to cover the mounting fasteners of one or more network devices or the lockable cover assemblies can be built into a mounting enclosure and lock each network device in the rack.

Claims

1. A lockable cover assembly for covering one or more fasteners used to secure at least one network device to a rack, the lockable cover assembly comprising: a body having at least one slot and a rear portion configured to facilitate the mounting of the body directly to the rack; and a cover including a hinge arm extending from the cover and configured to fit within the at least one slot on the body when the cover is coupled to the body, the cover having a locking assembly capable of engaging the body to lock the cover to the body.

2. The lockable cover assembly according to claim 1, wherein the cover and body form an enclosure preventing access to an interior of the body when the cover is coupled to the body.

3. The lockable cover assembly according to claim 1, wherein the cover and body are configured and dimensioned to cover one or more fasteners used to secure a single network device to the rack.

4. The lockable cover assembly according to claim 1, wherein the body further comprises a top portion coupled to the rear portion, the top portion including a first slot to receive the hinge arm extending from the cover.

5. The lockable cover assembly according to claim 1, wherein the body further comprises a side portion extending substantially perpendicular from the rear portion, the side portion including a second slot.

6. The lockable cover assembly according to claim 5, wherein the cover includes a side arm extending substantially from the cover so as to fit within the second slot of the side portion of the body.

7. The lockable cover assembly according to claim 1, wherein the cover is removable from the body.

8. A mounting structure with a built-in lockable cover assembly for covering one or more fasteners used to secure at least one network device to the mounting structure, the mounting structure comprising: at least one vertical member including a side wall and a front surface extending perpendicular to the side wall such that the at least one network device is capable of being mounted to the front surface, the front surface including one or more hinges attached thereto; and a cover coupled to the at least one vertical member via the one or more hinges, such that the cover is movable between open and closed positions, the cover having a locking assembly capable of engaging the front surface to lock the cover to the mounting structure.

9. The mounting structure according to claim 8, wherein the front surface of the at least one vertical member includes a first horizonal length and the cover includes a second horizonal length that is substantially equal to the first horizonal length.

10. The mounting structure according to claim 8, wherein the at least one vertical member includes one or more apertures to receive the one or more fasteners used to secure at least one network device to the mounting structure.

11. The mounting structure according to claim 8, wherein the at least one vertical member includes one or more front surface hinge pin holders, and the cover includes one or more cover hinge pin holders.

12. The mounting structure according to claim 10, wherein at least one hinge pin is capable of fitting within the one or more front surface hinge pin holders and the one or more cover hinge pin holders, so as to releasably couple the cover to the at least one vertical member and to enable the cover to move between the open and closed positions relative to the front surface.

13. The mounting structure according to claim 8, wherein the cover is configured and dimensioned to cover the one or more fasteners used to secure a single network device to the mounting structure.

14. The mounting structure according to claim 8, wherein the cover is configured and dimensioned to cover the one or more fasteners used to secure a plurality of network devices to the mounting structure.

15. A rack having a lockable cover assembly for covering one or more fasteners used to secure at least one network device to the rack, comprising: a substantially flat front surface that is capable of having the at least one network device being mounted thereto, the front surface having one or more hinges attached to a side edge of the front surface; and a cover that is substantially flat and secured to the front surface of the rack via the one or more hinges such that the cover is movable between open and closed positions, the cover having a locking assembly capable of engaging the front surface of the rack to lock the cover to the rack.

16. The rack according to claim 15, wherein the front surface includes a first horizonal length and the cover includes a second horizonal length that is substantially equal to the first horizonal length.

17. The rack according to claim 15, wherein the at least one vertical member includes one or more apertures to receive the one or more fasteners used to secure at least one network device to the rack.

18. The rack according to claim 15, wherein the front surface includes one or more rack hinge pin holders, and the cover includes one or more cover hinge pin holders.

19. The rack according to claim 18, wherein at least one hinge pin is capable of fitting within the one or more rack pin holders and the one or more cover hinge pin holders, so as to releasably couple the cover to the rack and to enable the cover to move between the open and closed positions relative to the front surface.

20. The rack according to claim 15, wherein the cover is configured and dimensioned to cover the one or more fasteners used to secure a single network device to the rack.

21. The rack according to claim 15, wherein the cover is configured and dimensioned to cover the one or more fasteners used to secure a plurality of network devices to the rack.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The figures depict embodiments for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles described herein, wherein:

[0011] FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a rack used to house network devices;

[0012] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a portion of the rack of FIG. 1, illustrating a portion of a front surface of the rack with tapped holes;

[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cabinet used to house network devices;

[0014] FIG. 4 is a right side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a lockable cover assembly according to the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 5 is a left side perspective view of the lockable cover assembly of FIG. 4 with a cover in a closed position;

[0016] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the lockable cover assembly of FIG. 4;

[0017] FIG. 7 is a left side perspective view of the lockable cover assembly of FIG. 5 with the cover in an open position;

[0018] FIG. 8 is a right side perspective view of the lockable cover assembly of FIG. 4 mounted to a mounting structure in a position overlaying a network device;

[0019] FIG. 9 is a front plan view of the lockable cover assembly of FIG. 4 with the cover in the closed position mounted to a mounting structure in a position overlaying a network device;

[0020] FIG. 10 is a front plan view of the lockable cover assembly of FIG. 4 with the cover in the open position and mounted to a mounting structure in a position overlaying a network device;

[0021] FIG. 11 is a right side perspective view of the lockable cover assembly of FIG. 4 configured for multiple network devices and mounted to a mounting structure in a position straddling the network devices;

[0022] FIG. 12 is a front plan view of the lockable cover assembly of FIG. 4 configured for multiple network devices, with the cover in the closed position and mounted to a mounting structure in a position straddling the network devices;

[0023] FIG. 13 is a front plan view of the lockable cover assembly of FIG. 4 configured for multiple network devices, with the cover in the open position and mounted to a mounting structure in a position straddling the network devices;

[0024] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a lockable cover assembly according to the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the lockable cover assembly of FIG. 14 with a cover in a closed position;

[0026] FIG. 16 is a plan view of the lockable cover assembly of FIG. 14;

[0027] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the lockable cover assembly of FIG. 14 with the cover in an open position;

[0028] FIG. 18 is a side view of the lockable cover assembly of FIG. 14;

[0029] FIG. 19 is a plan view of the lockable cover assembly of FIG. 14 with a cover in an open position;

[0030] FIG. 20 is a bottom elevation view of the lockable cover assembly of FIG. 14;

[0031] FIG. 21 is a right side perspective view of the lockable cover assembly of FIG. 14 mounted to a mounting structure in a position overlaying a network device;

[0032] FIG. 22 is a front plan view of the lockable cover assembly of FIG. 14 with the cover in the open position mounted to a mounting structure in a position overlaying a network device;

[0033] FIG. 23 is a front plan view of the lockable cover assembly of FIG. 14 with the cover in the closed position and mounted to a mounting structure in a position overlaying a network device;

[0034] FIG. 24 is a right side perspective view of the lockable cover assembly of FIG. 14 configured for multiple network devices and mounted to a mounting structure in a position straddling the network devices;

[0035] FIG. 25 is a front plan view of the lockable cover assembly of FIG. 14 configured for multiple network devices, with the cover in the closed position and mounted to a mounting structure in a position straddling the network devices;

[0036] FIG. 26 is a left side perspective view of the lockable cover assembly of FIG. 14 configured for multiple network devices, with the cover in an open position and mounted to a mounting structure in a position straddling multiple network devices;

[0037] FIG. 27 is a left side perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a lockable cover assembly according to the present disclosure;

[0038] FIG. 28 is a front plan view of the lockable cover assembly of FIG. 27 with a cover in a closed position;

[0039] FIG. 29 is a front plan view of the lockable cover assembly of FIG. 27 with a cover in an open position; and

[0040] FIG. 30 is a side view of the lockable cover assembly of FIG. 27 with a cover in the closed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The present disclosure provides lockable cover assemblies that can cover mounting fasteners used to secure network devices to a mounting structure, such as to a rack or within a rack-mounted enclosure, a cabinet or other mounting enclosure used to mount network devices, or within a utility box used to mount network devices. The lockable cover assemblies can be configured to cover the mounting fasteners of one or more network devices. While the embodiments of the lockable cover assembly disclosed herein show an assembly that is substantially rectangular in shape, the lockable cover assembly can come in many shapes and sizes without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, while the embodiments of the lockable cover assembly disclosed herein are shown secured to a rack, the present disclosure contemplates using the lockable cover assembly within other mounting structures, such as a rack-mounted enclosure, a cabinet or other mounting enclosure used to mount network devices, or within a utility box used to mount network devices.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 4-7, the lockable cover assembly 30 includes a body 32 and a cover 34. The body 32 has a first side wall 40, a top wall 42, a bottom wall 44, a rear wall 46 having an elongated section 46a, an upper section 46b and a lower section 46c configured to form a channel 48 defined by height H3 and width W1 (seen in FIG. 7), and side wall sections 50a and 50b. In some embodiments, the rear wall 46 may be a full wall without channel 48.

[0043] The cover 34 is secured to the body 32 with a hinge 52 preferably secured to a upper section 34a of cover 34 and the top wall 42 of body 32, such that the cover 34 can pivot in the direction of arrow A when opening the cover. The upper section 34a of cover 34 is preferably substantially similar in length L1 as the height H1 of side wall section 50a, and the lower section of 34b of cover 34 is preferably similar in length L2 as the height H2 of side wall section 50b. The cover 34 also includes an overlay wall 54 that is configured to fit between side wall sections 50a and 50b, as can be seen in FIG. 7. In this configuration, the body 32 and cover 34 when closed form an enclosure preventing access to the interior of body 32.

[0044] Each rear wall section 46b and 46c of body 34 includes a mounting aperture 56 for mounting the lockable cover assembly 30 to a rack. The mounting apertures 56 are positioned to align with threaded holes in a rack, as will be described in more detail below. The cover 34 includes a lock assembly 60 that has a lock cylinder 62 and a latch 64. The lock assembly 60 can be any conventional keyed lock assembly or other type of lock assembly. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the latch 64 of lock assembly 60 is positioned on the cover 34 so that the latch 64 engages slot 58 in body 32.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 8-13, the length of the lockable cover assembly 30 may vary in size. As noted above, each side of a rack face has a number of threaded holes 14 spaced apart at standardized intervals representing rack units, where a whole number is followed by the letter U. For example, a 2 U rack unit represents a spacing of 3.5 inches occupied by a network device and corresponding set of six threaded holes spaced apart within the 3.5 spacing, as seen in FIG. 2. As another example, a 4 U rack unit represents a spacing of 7 inches occupied by a network device and corresponding set of twelve threaded holes spaced apart within the 7 spacing, as seen in FIG. 2. With this in mind, the lockable cover assembly 30 length can be configured to cover the mounting fasteners of a single network device installed in the rack, or the mounting fasteners of a plurality of network devices installed in a rack.

[0046] Referring FIGS. 8-10, the lockable cover assembly 30 is configured to cover the mounting fasteners of a single network device. In this configuration, the body 32 of the lockable cover assembly 30 is in an overlay mounting position where the lockable cover assembly 30 sits on top of the network device 22, such that the mounting apertures 56 align with mounting apertures 22a in the network device 22. In FIG. 9, the cover 34 is in an open position. As can be seen, the rear wall sections 46b and 46c sit on top of the network device 22 such that the mounting apertures 56 align with the mounting apertures 22a in the network device and the lockable cover assembly 30 is secured to the rack 10 via screws that pass through the apertures 22a and 56 and into threaded holes 14 in the front surface 12 of the rack 10. By pivoting the cover 34 to the closed position and locking the assembly 60, seen in FIG. 10, the screws securing the network device 22 to the rack 10 are covered and not accessible.

[0047] Turning to FIGS. 11-13, the lockable cover assembly 30 is configured to cover the mounting fasteners of multiple network devices 22. In this configuration, the body 32 of the lockable cover assembly 30 is in a straddle mounting position where the lockable cover assembly 30 sits over and straddles the network devices 22, as seen in FIG. 12. In a straddle mounting position, the mounting apertures 56 align with threaded holes 14 in rack 10. In FIG. 12, the cover 34 is in an open position. As can be seen, the network devices 22 sit within channel 48 of rear wall 46, and the mounting apertures 56 in rear wall sections 46b and 46c align with threaded holes 14 in the rack front 12. The lockable cover assembly 30 can then be secured to the rack 10 via screws that pass through the apertures 56 and into threaded holes 14. In embodiments where the lockable cover assembly 30 is configured for straddle mounting, the channel 48 in the rear wall is configured and dimensioned to receive a mounting surface of one or more network devices 22. By pivoting the cover 34 to the closed position and locking the assembly 60, seen in FIG. 13, the screws securing the network device 22 to the rack are covered and not accessible.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 14-20, another exemplary embodiment of a lockable cover assembly is shown. In this exemplary embodiment, the lockable cover assembly 70 includes a body 80 and a cover 100. The body 80 has side wall 82 having an interlock slot 84, a top wall 86 having a hinge slot 88, a bottom wall 90 having a latch slot 92, and a rear wall 94 that has an elongated section 94a, an upper section 94b, and a lower section 94c configured to form a channel 96. The upper and lower sections 94b and 94c have mounting holes 98 for mounting the lockable cover assembly 70 to a rack.

[0049] The cover 100 has an upper section 100a and a lower section 100b. The upper section 100a has a hinge arm 102 configured to fit within hinge slot 88 in body 80. The lower section 100b has a lock assembly 104 that includes a lock cylinder 106 and a latch 108. The lock assembly can be any conventional keyed lock assembly or other type of lock assembly. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the latch 108 of lock assembly 104 is positioned on the cover 100 so that the latch 108 engages latch slot 92 in body 80. The face of the cover 100 has an interlock arm 110 configured to fit within interlock slot 84 in side wall 82. The cover 100 has an overlay wall 112 that extends from the top wall 88 of body 80 to the bottom wall 90 of the body. In this configuration, the body 80 and cover 100 when closed form an enclosure preventing access to the interior of body 80.

[0050] As noted above, the lockable cover assembly according the present disclosure can be configured to receive the mounting surfaces of a network device and cover the mounting fasteners used to secure the network device to the rack. In another embodiment, the lockable cover assembly can be configured to fit over the network device and using the same fasteners as those used to mount the device to the rack also mount the cover assembly to the rack.

[0051] Referring FIGS. 21-23, the lockable cover assembly 70 is configured to cover the mounting fasteners of a single network device. In this configuration, the body 80 of the lockable cover assembly 70 is in an overlay mounting position where the lockable cover assembly 70 sits on top of the network device 22 such that the mounting apertures 98 in rear walls 94b and 94c align with mounting apertures 22a in the network device 22. In FIG. 22, the cover 100 is in an open position. As can be seen, the rear wall sections 94b and 94c sit on top of the network device 22 such that the mounting apertures 98 align with the mounting apertures 22a in the network device. The lockable cover assembly 70 can then be secured to the rack 10 via screws that pass through the apertures 22a and 98 and into threaded holes 14 in the front surface 12 of the rack 10. By pivoting the cover 100 such that hinge arm 102 is positioned within hinge slot 88 in body 80 and then moving (or pivoting) the cover 100 to the closed position (seen in FIG. 23) and locking the lock assembly 104, the screws securing the network device 22 to the rack are covered and not accessible.

[0052] Referring FIGS. 24-26, the lockable cover assembly 70 is configured to cover the mounting fasteners of multiple network devices 22. In this configuration, the body 80 of the lockable cover assembly 70 is configured for straddle mounting, where the lockable cover assembly 70 sits over and straddles the network devices 22, as seen in FIG. 25. In a straddle mounting position, the mounting apertures 98 align with threaded holes 14 in rack 10. In FIG. 25, the cover 70 is in an open position. As can be seen, the network devices 22 sit within channel 96 of rear wall 94, and the mounting apertures 98 in rear wall sections 94b and 94c align with threaded holes 14 in the rack front 12. The lockable cover assembly 70 can then be secured to the rack 10 via screws that pass through the apertures 98 and into threaded holes 14. In embodiments where the lockable cover assembly 70 is configured for straddle mounting, the channel 96 in the rear wall is configured and dimensioned to receive the mounting surface of one or more network devices 22. By pivoting the cover 100 to the closed position and locking the lock assembly 104, seen in FIG. 26, the screws securing the network device 22 to the rack are covered and not accessible.

[0053] The present disclosure also contemplates racks with built in lockable cover assemblies. FIGS. 27-30 show an exemplary embodiment of a rack with a built-in lockable cover assembly. In this exemplary embodiment, the front surface 12 of rack 10 has a lockable cover assembly 120 secured to the rack such that it is movable between an open position (seen in FIG. 28) and a closed position (seen in FIG. 29). In this exemplary embodiment, the rack includes one or more hinge pin holders 12a, and the lockable cover assembly includes a cover 126 having a first wall 126a forming one or more wall pin holders 122, a top wall 126b and a second wall 126c, and at least one hinge pin 124 that is capable of fitting within one or more pin holders 12a and one or more wall pin holders 122. The lockable cover assembly 120 also includes a lock assembly 140 that has a lock cylinder 142 and a latch similar to the lock assembly embodiments described above. The lock assembly 140 can be any conventional keyed lock assembly or other type of lock assembly. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the latch of lock assembly 140 is positioned on the top wall 126 so that the latch can fit within an opening in the front surface 12 of rack 10.

[0054] As noted, while the embodiments of the lockable cover assembly of the present disclosure are designed to prevent access to fasteners connecting network devices to a rack when locked, the lockable cover assembly can be used with any other mounting structure, such as rack-mounted enclosures, cabinets and other mounting enclosures used to mount network devices, or within utility boxes used to mount network devices. The lockable cover assemblies may include any number of locking mechanisms to lock the cover. It will be understood that various modifications can be made to the embodiments of the present disclosure herein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting the disclosure, but merely as embodiments thereof. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the claims appended hereto.