TWI908511B - Bracket assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A bracket assembly includes a first bracket and a second bracket. The first bracket is arranged with a first mounting member. The second bracket is displaceable relative to the first bracket and is arranged with a second mounting member. A side of the second bracket is arranged with a supporting member for supporting an object. The supporting member includes a mounting feature for providing a portion of the object to be mounted therein.

Description

Bracket assembly

This invention relates to a bracket, and more particularly to a bracket assembly for mounting a load.

For example, Chinese Patent Announcement No. CN 201440774U discloses a sliding mechanism applicable to a computer motherboard case, which allows the computer motherboard case to slide along a sliding direction within a rack. One side wall of the computer motherboard case has a positioning groove (U-shaped groove); on the other hand, the sliding mechanism includes a fixing spring with a limiting portion. During the process of the computer motherboard case sliding along the sliding direction within the rack, the neck of the limiting portion abuts against the positioning groove, thus preventing the computer motherboard case from continuing to slide along the sliding direction. That is, through the engagement of the constricted neck section of the limiting part with the positioning groove, the computer case can be stopped and cannot be pushed further into the rack.

For example, US Patent Publication No. 9,161,625B2 discloses a slide rail assembly that can be mounted to a rack and used to support a load (e.g., a chassis). When the load is pushed into the rack from outside, one end of the load can abut against a stop of a support member, stopping the load in a position.

However, while these patents reveal that a mounting device (computer case or chassis) can be contained in one location, how to develop a different product to meet varying market demands becomes a topic worthy of discussion.

This invention relates to a bracket assembly for mounting a carrier.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a bracket assembly includes a first bracket and a second bracket. The first bracket is provided with a first mounting member; the second bracket is longitudinally displaceable relative to the first bracket and is provided with a second mounting member. The second bracket has opposing first and second sides, with the first bracket located on the first side and a support member arranged on the second side for supporting a load; wherein the support member includes a mounting feature for mounting the load.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a bracket assembly is adapted to a rack, the rack including a first post and a second post, the bracket assembly including a first bracket and a second bracket. The first bracket is provided with a first mounting member; the second bracket is longitudinally displaceable relative to the first bracket and is provided with a second mounting member, wherein the first mounting member and the second mounting member are respectively used for mounting to the first post and the second post, the second bracket has a first side and a second side opposite to each other, the first bracket is located on the first side, and a support member is provided on the second side for supporting a load; wherein the support member includes an installation feature for installation when the load is retracted into the rack.

Overall, this bracket assembly can be used to support and mount a load.

20,200: Bracket Assembly

22,202: First bracket

22a, 24a, 26a, 220a: First end

22b, 24b, 26b, 220b, 202b: Second end

24,206: Second bracket

26: Tooth row

28: First workpiece

30: Second workpiece

32: Operating components

34,204: First Installer

36a, 46a, 228a, 234a: First Wall

36b, 46b, 228b, 234b: Second Wall

38,48,230,236: Vertical wall

40, 50: End plate

42, 52: Connecting holes

44,208: Second Installer

53: Subject

54a: First tooth

54b: Second tooth

56: Auxiliary Components

58: Longitudinal Hole

60: Connectors

62: Operations Department

64: Extension Section

65: Fasteners

66: Drivers

68: First long hole

70: Second long hole

72: First Connection Feature

74: Second Connection Feature

76,212: Support components

78,232: Reserved Channel

80: Elastic component

82: Resilience component

84: First Guiding Feature

86: Second Guiding Feature

88: Pre-drilled hole

90: Corresponding hole

92a, 210a: First column

92b, 210b: Second column

94: Another connecting component

214: Carrier

216: Installation Features

220: Vertical section

222: Curved section

224: Support Unit

226:convex part

235: First prominent feature

237: Second prominent feature

238: Reinforcement structure

240: Extension component

242: Expanded Department

244: Narrow section

A1: First Axis

A2: Second Axis

B: Bottom

D1: First Direction

D2: Second Direction

F: Predetermined power

H1: First mounting hole

H1’: Another first mounting hole

H2: Second mounting hole

H2’: Another second mounting hole

J1: First horizontal width

J2: Second horizontal width

K1: First Length

K2: Second Length

L1,L1’: First side

L2, L2’: Second side

M1: First lock position

M2: Second lock position

Q1: First reserved location

Q2: Second reserved location

P1: First operation position

P2: Second operating position

S1: First paragraph

S2: Second paragraph

T: Tooth segment

W1: First Pre-determined Wall

W2: Second Pre-determined Wall

W3: Third Pre-determined Wall

Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the bracket assembly of the first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows an exploded schematic diagram of the bracket assembly of the first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the auxiliary components and working parts of the bracket assembly of the first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the bracket assembly of the first embodiment of the present invention having a first length;

Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of the bracket assembly of the first embodiment of the present invention having a second length;

Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of the bracket assembly of the first embodiment of the present invention having the second length;

Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of a bracket assembly of a first embodiment of the present invention having the first length and being installable into a frame having a first longitudinal depth;

Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of a bracket assembly of the first embodiment of the present invention having the second length and being installable into a frame having a second longitudinal depth;

Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of the bracket assembly of the first embodiment of the present invention installed on the rack, with a connecting component in a first locked position;

Figure 10 shows a schematic diagram of the bracket assembly of the first embodiment of the present invention mounted to the rack, with the connecting component in a second locked position;

Figure 11 shows a schematic diagram of the bracket assembly of the second embodiment of the present invention mounted to the rack;

Figure 12 shows a schematic diagram of a bracket assembly of a second embodiment of the present invention mounted to a rack and supporting a carrier in a first predetermined position;

Figure 13 shows a schematic first view of a bracket assembly of a second embodiment of the present invention mounted to a rack and supporting a carrier in a second predetermined position; and

Figure 14 shows a second perspective view of a bracket assembly of a second embodiment of the present invention mounted to a rack and supporting the carrier in the second predetermined position.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a bracket assembly 20 of one embodiment of the present invention includes a first bracket 22, a second bracket 24, a gear rack 26, at least one working element (e.g., a first working element 28 and a second working element 30, but only one working element is required in the above embodiment), and an operating element 32.

The first bracket 22 has a first end 22a and a second end 22b opposite to each other, such as a front end and a rear end, but the implementation is not limited thereto. The first bracket 22 is provided with at least one first mounting member 34. The first bracket 22 includes a first wall 36a, a second wall 36b, and a longitudinal wall 38 connected between the first wall 36a and the second wall 36b of the first bracket 22. Preferably, the first mounting member 34 is located adjacent to the second end 22b of the first bracket 22. Here, taking an example where the second end 22b of the first bracket 22 has an end plate 40, and the first mounting member 34 is arranged on the end plate 40; furthermore, the end plate 40 of the first bracket 22 is provided with a connecting hole 42.

The second bracket 24 is longitudinally displaceable relative to the first bracket 22. Here, the X-axis is longitudinal (or the length direction of the bracket), the Y-axis is lateral (or the side direction of the bracket), and the Z-axis is vertical (or the height direction of the bracket). The second bracket 24 has a first end 24a and a second end 24b opposite to each other, for example, a front end and a rear end, but the implementation is not limited. The second bracket 24 is provided with at least one second mounting member 44. The second bracket 24 includes a first wall 46a, a second wall 46b, and a longitudinal wall 48 connected between the first wall 46a and the second wall 46b of the second bracket 24. Preferably, the second mounting member 44 is located adjacent to the first end 24a of the second bracket 24. Here, taking the first end 24a of the second bracket 24 having an end plate 50 as an example, the second mounting member 44 is arranged on the end plate 50; furthermore, the end plate 50 of the second bracket 24 is provided with a connecting hole 52.

The toothed rack 26 is arranged to the first bracket 22, and furthermore, the toothed rack 26 is connected (e.g., fixed) to the longitudinal wall 38 of the first bracket 22. The toothed rack 26 has a predetermined longitudinal length, which is less than the length of the first bracket 22. The toothed rack 26 has a plurality of teeth spaced apart from each other, and these teeth have substantially the same structural configuration. For example, the main body 53 of the toothed rack 26 has a plurality of first teeth 54a and a plurality of second teeth 54b on each side, but in practice, it is sufficient for only one side of the main body 53 of the toothed rack 26 to have a plurality of teeth, and the implementation is not limited. Preferably, the tooth row 26 is a unidirectional tooth row; for example, the plurality of first teeth 54a and second teeth 54b of the tooth row 26 each constitute a unidirectional tooth row.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first working piece 28 and the second working piece 30 are arranged on the second bracket 24, and the first working piece 28 and the second working piece 30 are respectively engaged with the first tooth portion 54a and the second tooth portion 54b of the gear rack 26. The first working piece 28 and the second working piece 30 have substantially the same structural configuration, for example, both are anti-reverse pawls, and the interaction between the first working piece 28 and the second working piece 30 and the gear rack 26 is substantially the same.

Furthermore, taking the first working member 28 as an example, the first working member 28 can be engaged (or meshed) with the first tooth portion 54a of the gear row 26 through at least one tooth segment T, or the tooth segment T of the first working member 28 can be disengaged from the first tooth portion 54a of the gear row 26 (or the tooth segment T of the first working member 28 no longer meshes with the first tooth portion 54a of the gear row 26). Preferably, the bracket assembly 20 further includes an auxiliary member 56 for mounting to the second bracket 24, and the first working member 28 and the second working member 30 are respectively pivotally connected to the auxiliary member 56 on the second bracket 24 through a first shaft A1 and a second shaft A2. Preferably, the auxiliary component 56 is movably mounted to the longitudinal wall 48 of the second bracket 24. For example, one of the auxiliary component 56 and the second bracket 24 is provided with at least one longitudinal hole 58, and the other of the auxiliary component 56 and the second bracket 24 is provided with a connecting member 60 passing through a portion of the longitudinal hole 58. Here, taking the auxiliary component 56 having the longitudinal hole 58, the second bracket 24 having the connecting member 60 for passing through a portion of the longitudinal hole 58, and the connecting member 60 being connectable (e.g., fixed) to the longitudinal wall 48 of the second bracket 24 as an example, the auxiliary component 56 and the second bracket 24 can move longitudinally relative to each other within a limited range.

As shown in Figure 2, the operating member 32 is movably mounted on the second bracket 24. The operating member 32 is used to operate the first working member 28 (and the second working member 30). The operating member 32 includes an operating part 62 and an extension part 64 extending longitudinally from the operating part 62 by a predetermined distance. The extension part 64 is used to cooperate with the first working member 28 (and the second working member 30). Here, a drive member 66 is connected (e.g., fixed) to the extension part 64 through a fastener 65, so that the drive member 66 and the operating member 32 can be regarded as an integral part. The extension part 64 is used to cooperate with the first working member 28 (and the second working member 30) through the drive member 66. Preferably, the operating member 32 and the driving member 66 each have a first elongated hole 68 and a second elongated hole 70, respectively, and the operating member 32 can be mounted to the longitudinal wall 48 of the second bracket 24 by means of a first connecting feature 72 and a second connecting feature 74 passing through a portion of the first elongated hole 68 and the second elongated hole 70, respectively.

Preferably, the second bracket 24 has a first side L1 and a second side L2, such as an outer side and an inner side. The first bracket 22 is located on the first side L1, while a support member 76 is arranged on the second side L2 (see Figure 1 for details).

Preferably, one of the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24 has a predetermined channel 78 for movably mounting the other of the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24. For example, the first end 22a of the first bracket 22 can pass through the channel 78 of the predetermined channel 78 of the second end 24b of the second bracket 24, allowing the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24 to move longitudinally relative to each other.

Preferably, the bracket assembly further includes an elastic element 80 for providing elastic force to one of the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24, and more specifically, the elastic element 80 is installed between the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24.

Preferably, the bracket assembly further includes a restoring elastic element 82 to provide a restoring force to the operating element 32.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the length of the bracket assembly 20 can be adjusted. The gear rack 26 has a first end 26a and a second end 26b positioned opposite each other, such as a front end and a rear end, but the implementation is not limited. Furthermore, regarding these working parts 28 and 30, taking the first working part 28 as an example, when the tooth T of the first working part 28 engages with the first tooth portion 54a of the gear rack 26, the first bracket 22 can only be displaced relative to the second bracket 24 in a first direction D1, while the second bracket 24 can only be displaced relative to the first bracket 22 in a second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1. This allows the distance between the first mounting member 34 and the second mounting member 44 to be adjusted from a defined first length K1 (as shown in Figure 4) to a second length K2 (as shown in Figure 5), where the second length K2 is greater than the first length K1. Among these working parts 28 and 30, taking the first working part 28 as an example, when the first working part 28 is engaged with the gear rack 26, the first bracket 22 cannot displace relative to the second bracket 24 in the second direction D2, and the second bracket 24 cannot displace relative to the first bracket 22 in the first direction D1.

Preferably, when the bracket assembly 20 is at the first length K1, the first working member 28 (and the second working member 30) is located at the second end 26b adjacent to the gear rack 26. When the bracket assembly 20 is at the second length K2, the first working member 28 (and the second working member 30) is located at the first end 26a adjacent to the gear rack 26.

Preferably, one of the drive member 66 on the operating member 32 and one of the first working members 28 has a guiding feature, such as a slope or an arc surface. For example, the drive member 66 on the operating member 32 has a first guiding feature 84, and the first working member 28 has a second guiding feature 86. Taking the first working member 28 as an example, when the operating member 32 is in a first operating position P1, the first guiding feature 84 and the second guiding feature 86 correspond to or align with each other (as shown in FIG. 4). On the other hand, the drive member 66 on the operating member 32 and the second working member 30 also have a structural relationship of guiding features, which will not be described further here.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, when the bracket assembly 20 is to be shortened from the second length K2, the user can apply a predetermined force F (e.g., pulling force) to the operating part 62 of the operating member 32, so that the operating member 32 moves from the first operating position P1 to a second operating position P2, thereby driving the first working member 28 and the second working member 30 to disengage from the gear rack 26 (as shown in Figure 6, the first working member 28 and the second working member 30 are no longer engaged with the gear rack 26), so that the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24 can be displaced relative to each other in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. For example, the first bracket 22 can be displaced relative to the second bracket 24 in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2, and the second bracket 24 can be displaced relative to the first bracket 22 in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2. Here, taking the displacement of the first bracket 22 in the second direction D2 and the displacement of the second bracket 24 in the first direction D1 as an example, the bracket assembly 20 can be adjusted to be shortened from the second length K2 to the aforementioned first length K1, or shortened to any length between the aforementioned first length K1 and the second length K2.

Preferably, during the process of the operating member 32 moving from the first operating position P1 to the second operating position P2, the operating member 32, through the interaction of the first guide feature 84 and the second guide feature 86, can drive the first working member 28 to rotate by an angle, causing the tooth segment T of the first working member 28 to disengage from the first tooth portion 54a of the gear rack 26. On the other hand, the principle by which the tooth segment T of the second working member 30 disengages from the second tooth portion 54b of the gear rack 26 is essentially the same as the principle by which the tooth segment T of the first working member 28 disengages from the first tooth portion 54a of the gear rack 26, and will not be elaborated further here.

Preferably, the longitudinal wall 48 of the second bracket 24 is provided with a predetermined hole 88 connecting the first side L1 and the second side L2 of the second bracket 24, and the predetermined hole 88 is adjacent to or corresponds to a corresponding hole 90 of the operating part 62 of the operating member 32 (see Figure 2 for details), so that the user's finger can pass through the predetermined hole 88 and the corresponding hole 90, thereby facilitating the user to apply the predetermined force F to the operating part 62 of the operating member 32.

Preferably, when the operating member 32 is in the second operating position P2, the restoring elastic member 82 accumulates a restoring force. Once the user stops applying the predetermined force F, the operating member 32, in response to the release of the restoring force, can return from the second operating position P2 to the first operating position P1.

As shown in Figure 7, the bracket assembly 20 can be applied to a rack, and the rack includes a first post 92a and a second post 92b, wherein a first longitudinal depth is provided between the first post 92a and the second post 92b. Furthermore, when the length of the bracket assembly 20 is adjusted to the first length K1, the first mounting member 34 of the first bracket 22 can be mounted to the first post 92a, and the second mounting member 44 of the second bracket 24 is used to mount to the second post 92b.

Preferably, the elastic force of the elastic member 80 enables the first mounting member 34 of the first bracket 22 to have a force for mounting in the first mounting hole (not shown due to viewing angle) of the first post 92a in the first direction D1, or enables the second mounting member 44 of the second bracket 24 to have a force for mounting in the second mounting hole H2 of the second post 92b in the second direction D2. This helps to improve the reliability and safety of the bracket assembly 20 being mounted to the rack.

Preferably, the user can insert a connecting component (e.g., a screw) through another first mounting hole of the first post 92a and lock it to the connecting hole 42 of the end plate 40 of the first bracket 22 (not shown due to perspective), or the user can insert another connecting component 94 (e.g., a screw) through another second mounting hole H2' of the second post 92b and lock it to the connecting hole 52 of the end plate 50 of the second bracket 24.

Preferably, the support member 76 can be used to support a load-bearing object (such as electronic equipment or a chassis, not shown).

As shown in Figure 8, the frame includes a first column 92a and a second column 92b. For example, the first column 92a and the second column 92b have a second longitudinal depth greater than the first longitudinal depth. Furthermore, when the length of the bracket assembly 20 is adjusted to the second length K2, the first mounting member 34 of the first bracket 22 can be mounted to the first column 92a, and the second mounting member 44 of the second bracket 24 is used to mount to the second column 92b.

Preferably, the elastic force of the elastic member 80 enables the first mounting member 34 of the first bracket 22 to have a force for mounting in a first direction D1 to one of the first mounting holes (not shown due to viewing angle) of the first post 92a, or enables the second mounting member 44 of the second bracket 24 to have a force for mounting in a second direction D2 to the second mounting hole H2 of the second post 92b. This helps to improve the reliability and safety of mounting the bracket assembly 20 to the rack.

Preferably, the user can insert a connecting component (e.g., a screw) through another first mounting hole of the first post 92a and lock it to the connecting hole 42 of the end plate 40 of the first bracket 22 (not shown due to perspective), or the user can insert another connecting component 94 (e.g., a screw) through another second mounting hole H2' of the second post 92b and lock it to the connecting hole 52 of the end plate 50 of the second bracket 24.

Therefore, the bracket assembly 20 can be adjusted to different lengths to accommodate racks with different longitudinal depths. Furthermore, the user can disengage the first working piece 28 from the gear rack 26 by operating the operating element 32, thereby shortening the length of the bracket assembly 20 for removal from the rack.

As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the auxiliary component 56 and the second bracket 24 are longitudinally movable relative to each other, and the first working member 28 (and the second working member 30) are movably mounted (e.g., hinged) on the auxiliary component 56. This avoids the problem of excessive tightness and damage when the tooth segments T of the first working member 28 (and the second working member 30) and the teeth (first tooth 54a and second tooth 54b) of the gear set 26 are mutually engaged (or interlocked).

Alternatively, when the bracket assembly 20 is adjusted to a length that matches the longitudinal depth of the rack, the first mounting member 34 of the first bracket 22 can be installed (inserted) into the first mounting hole H1 of the first post 92a, and the second mounting member 44 of the second bracket 24 can be installed (inserted) into the second mounting hole H2 of the second post 92b. Then, the bracket assembly 20 can be locked to the rack using a connecting component (e.g., a screw), which contributes to the stability and safety of the bracket assembly 20 when installed in the rack.

However, during the installation process, longitudinal installation tolerances may exist. For example, when the first mounting member 34 of the first bracket 22 and the second mounting member 44 of the second bracket 24 are respectively installed (inserted) to the first post 92a and the second post 92b, there may still be some longitudinal installation tolerances between the end plate 40 of the first bracket 22 and the first post 92a, or between the end plate 50 of the second bracket 24 and the second post 92b. Furthermore, when the other connection... During the process of a component 94 (e.g., a screw) being inserted into and locked into the connection hole 52 of the end plate 50 of the second bracket 24 through another second mounting hole H2’ of the second post 92b, a locking pull is generated when the other connecting component 94 is locked from a first locking position M1 (as shown in FIG. 9) to a second locking position M2 (as shown in FIG. 10). Alternatively, the user can insert the connecting component (e.g., a screw, not shown) into and lock it into the first bracket through another first mounting hole H1’ of the first post 92a. During the locking process, the second bracket 24 responds to the locking pull force by moving slightly longitudinally in the second direction D2, or the first bracket 22 responds to another locking pull force opposite to the locking pull force by moving slightly longitudinally in the first direction D1. This allows the first working member 28 (and the second working member 30), which are in a locked (or engaged) state relative to each other, and the gear rack 26 to move slightly relative to each other. In other words, through this auxiliary... The auxiliary component 56 and the second bracket 24 have a longitudinal hole 58 pre-drilled between them, allowing the auxiliary component 56 and the second bracket 24 to move longitudinally relative to each other. This accommodates the longitudinal installation tolerances when the bracket assembly 20 is installed onto the frame, and also avoids damage to the tooth segments T and tooth portions (first tooth portion 54a and second tooth portion 54b) due to excessive meshing when the first working component 28 (and the second working component 30) and the tooth row 26 are engaged.

Alternatively, when the bracket assembly 20 is installed on the frame, if an unexpected force impacts the bracket assembly 20, or if the frame is subjected to external impact during transport, the longitudinal hole 58 between the auxiliary component 56 and the second bracket 24 allows the auxiliary component 56 to move slightly, dispersing the impact force in these situations. This prevents damage to the tooth segments T and tooth portions (first tooth portion 54a and second tooth portion 54b) when the first working piece 28 (and the second working piece 30) and the tooth row 26 are jammed together.

Figures 11 to 13 illustrate a bracket assembly 200 of a second embodiment of the present invention, which can be mounted to a rack. More specifically, the first mounting member 204 of the first bracket 202 and the second mounting member 208 of the second bracket 206 are respectively mounted to the first post 210a and the second post 210b of the rack. The first bracket 202 is located on the first side L1' of the second bracket 206.

The difference between the bracket assembly 200 of this second embodiment and the bracket assembly 20 of the first embodiment lies primarily in that the support member 212 (or support rail) arranged on the second side L2' of the second bracket 206 can support a carrier 214 (e.g., electronic equipment or chassis, as shown in Figures 12 and 13). The support member 212 includes a mounting feature 216 that allows for the mounting of the carrier 214.

Furthermore, the installation feature 216 allows for installation (as shown in Figure 13) when the carrier 214 is retracted from a first predetermined position Q1 (as shown in Figure 12) outside the rack into a second predetermined position Q2 within the rack in a predetermined direction (e.g., first direction D1).

Preferably, the support member 212 further includes a longitudinal portion 220 having a first end 220a and a second end 220b positioned opposite each other, such as a front end and a rear end, but the implementation is not limited thereto. The second end 220b of the longitudinal portion 220 is provided with a bend 222, which has the installation feature 216. Here, it is exemplified that the bend 222 is substantially vertically connected to the second end 220b of the longitudinal portion 220, but the implementation is not limited thereto.

Preferably, the support member 212 further includes a support portion 224, and the support portion 224 and the longitudinal portion 220 together form a substantially L-shaped structure, wherein the longitudinal portion 220 is connected (e.g., fixed) to the second side L2' of the second bracket 206, and the support portion 224 is used to support a bottom B of the load 214.

Preferably, the mounting feature 216 is an opening defined by a plurality of predetermined walls, such as a first predetermined wall W1, a second predetermined wall W2, and a third predetermined wall W3, and the carrier 214 includes a protrusion 226 or a pin or similar object that can be inserted into the opening (as shown in FIG. 13). Furthermore, when the carrier 214 is retracted into the second predetermined position Q2 within the rack, the protrusion 226 of the carrier 214 can be inserted into the opening and is restrained by the predetermined walls. This can be used to limit the movement of the carrier 214 in the vertical direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) or the horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) due to unexpected forces, thus helping to improve the safety and reliability of the carrier 214 when retracted into the rack. Furthermore, the first lateral width J1 of the opening is greater than the second lateral width J2 of the protrusion 226 (as shown in FIG. 13), thus accommodating, for example, the possible lateral tolerances of the width of different loads 214.

Preferably, the mounting feature 216 is located on the first mounting member 204 adjacent to the first bracket 202.

As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the carrier 214 is retracted into the second predetermined position Q2 within the rack. The first wall 228a, the second wall 228b, and the longitudinal wall 230 of the second bracket 206 together define the predetermined channel 232, through which the first end of the first bracket 202 can pass through the channel opening of the predetermined channel 232 of the second bracket 206 (this principle is the same as in the first embodiment, and will not be repeated here for simplicity), and the first mounting member 204 of the first bracket 202 is located outside the predetermined channel 232. On the other hand, the first bracket 202 includes a first wall 234a, a second wall 234b, and a longitudinal wall 236 connected between the first wall 234a and the second wall 234b of the first bracket 202.

Furthermore, the first wall 228a and the second wall 228b of the second bracket 206 face each other, and each of the first wall 228a and the second wall 228b of the second bracket 206 has a first segment S1 and a second segment S2 that are bent relative to each other (for example, substantially vertically bent, but not limited to). The first wall 228a and the second wall 228b of the second bracket 206 are used to hold the first wall 234a and the second wall 234b of the first bracket 202, respectively. On the other hand, the first bracket 202 includes a reinforcing structure 238. For example, the longitudinal wall 236 of the first bracket 202 includes the reinforcing structure 238, which is close to the first bracket. The second end 202b of 202 is adjacent to the mounting feature 216, thereby strengthening the overall structural or support strength of the bracket assembly 200 and preventing lateral movement between the first bracket 202 and the second bracket 206. This helps ensure that the protrusion 226 of the support 214 can be accurately inserted into the mounting feature 216 (e.g., an opening).

Preferably, the first bracket 202 is provided with a first protruding feature 235 (as shown in FIG. 14), and the second bracket 206 is provided with a second protruding feature 237 (as shown in FIG. 11). The first protruding feature 235 and the second protruding feature 237 are, for example, protrusions or protrusions. Here, it is taken that the first protruding feature 235 is provided on the longitudinal wall 236 of the first bracket 202, and the second protruding feature 237 is provided on the longitudinal wall 230 of the second bracket 206 as an example. Furthermore, the first protruding feature 235 of the longitudinal wall 236 of the first bracket 202 faces and abuts against the longitudinal wall 230 of the second bracket 206, while the second protruding feature 237 of the longitudinal wall 230 of the second bracket 206 faces and abuts against the longitudinal wall 236 of the first bracket 202. This strengthens the structural or support strength between the longitudinal walls 236 of the first bracket 202 and the longitudinal walls 230 of the second bracket 206, and prevents the first bracket 202 and the second bracket 206 from moving laterally relative to each other. This also helps ensure that the protrusion 226 of the support 214 can be accurately inserted into the mounting feature 216 (e.g., the opening).

Preferably, the second wall 228b of the second bracket 206 is further provided with an extension 240 extending from the second wall 228b and positioned corresponding to the longitudinal wall 236 of the first bracket 202, to limit the lateral movement of the first bracket 202 due to unexpected forces (as shown in FIG. 14).

Preferably, the reinforcing structure 238 protrudes relative to the longitudinal wall 236 of the first bracket 202 in a direction away from the load-bearing structure 214, thus providing structural reinforcement (as shown in Figure 14).

Preferably, the reinforcing structure 238 includes an enlarged portion 242 and a narrow portion 244 extending longitudinally from the enlarged portion 242. Compared to the narrow portion 244, the enlarged portion 242 is closer to the first mounting member 204, which contributes to the strength of the first mounting member 204 when it is installed to the first post 210a (as shown in FIG. 14).

Preferably, the reinforcing structure 238 has a substantially T-shaped structure (as shown in Figure 14).

Therefore, the bracket assembly (20,200) provided in this embodiment of the invention has the following features:

1. A support member 212 arranged on the second side L2' of the second bracket 206 can be used to support a load 214. The support member 212 includes an installation feature 216 that allows the load 214 to be installed. The installation feature 216 allows the load 214 to be installed when it is moved from a first predetermined position Q1 outside the rack (as shown in FIG. 12) to a second predetermined position Q2 inside the rack (as shown in FIG. 13). For example, the protrusion 226 of the carrier 214 can be inserted into the mounting feature 216 (e.g., an opening) and is limited by a plurality of predetermined walls of the mounting feature 216. This can be used to restrict the movement of the carrier 214 in the vertical direction (e.g., the Z-axis) or horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis) due to unexpected forces, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the carrier 214 when it is retracted into the rack.

2. The first wall 228a and the second wall 228b of the second bracket 206 face each other, and both the first wall 228a and the second wall 228b of the second bracket 206 have the first segment S1 and the second segment S2 bent relative to each other. The first wall 228a and the second wall 228b of the second bracket 206 are used to hold the first wall 234a and the second wall 234b of the first bracket 202 respectively; on the other hand, the longitudinal wall 2 of the first bracket 202 36 includes the reinforcing structure 238, which is located near the second end 202b of the first bracket 202 and adjacent to the mounting feature 216. This strengthens the overall structural or support strength of the bracket assembly 200 and prevents the first bracket 202 and the second bracket 206 from moving laterally relative to each other. This helps ensure that the protrusion 226 of the support 214 can be accurately inserted into the mounting feature 216 (e.g., an opening).

3. The reinforcing structure 238 protrudes relative to the longitudinal wall 236 of the first bracket 202 in a direction away from the load-bearing structure 214, acting as a rib-like structure. Preferably, the reinforcing structure 238 includes an enlarged portion 242 and a narrow portion 244 extending longitudinally from the enlarged portion 242. Compared to the narrow portion 244, the enlarged portion 242 is closer to the first mounting member 204, contributing to the strength of the first mounting member 204 when it is installed on the first post 210a.

4. The plurality of first teeth 54a of the gear rack 26 constitute a unidirectional gear rack, and the working element, for example, the first working element 28, is a ratchet pawl. When the teeth of the first working element 28 engage (or bite) with the first teeth 54a of the gear rack 26, the first bracket 22 can only be displaced relative to the second bracket 24 in the first direction D1, and the second bracket 24 can only be displaced relative to the first bracket 22 in the second direction D2, opposite to the first direction D1. This allows the first mounting member 34 and the second mounting member 44 to be adjusted so that the second length K2 is different from the first length K1, thereby allowing the bracket assembly 20 to be applied to racks with different longitudinal depths.

5. When the first working piece 28 is engaged (or latched) onto the gear rack 26, the first bracket 22 cannot displace relative to the second bracket 24 in the second direction D2, and the second bracket 24 cannot displace relative to the first bracket 22 in the first direction D1. Therefore, when the bracket assembly 20 is installed on the frame, it prevents the first mounting member 34 and the second mounting member 44 from disengaging from the first mounting hole H1 and the second mounting hole H2 of the first post 92a and the second post 92b, respectively. This improves the safety of the bracket assembly 20 when installed on the frame and facilitates its use. The bracket assembly 20 can be installed onto the rack by a single person. Alternatively, the user can operate the operating element 32 to disengage the first working piece 28 from the gear rack 26. In other words, the first working piece 28 can be disengaged from the gear rack 26, allowing the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 24 to freely move relative to each other in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. Accordingly, for example, the length of the bracket assembly 20 can be shortened (e.g., from the second length K2 to the first length K1) to remove the bracket assembly 20 from the rack.

6. By having the auxiliary component 56 and the second bracket 24 in a longitudinally movable relative relationship, and by movably mounting the first working member 28 (and the second working member 30) on the auxiliary component 56, the problem of excessive tightness and damage during the interlocking (or meshing) of the tooth segment T of the first working member 28 (and the second working member 30) with the first tooth portion 54a (tooth and second tooth portion 54b) of the tooth row 26 can be avoided, for example.

Although the present invention has been disclosed by the foregoing preferred embodiments, these are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the appended patent claims.

200: Bracket Assembly

220: Vertical section

202: First Bracket

220a: First end

204: First Installer

202b: Second End

206: Second bracket

222: Curved section

208: Second Installer

224: Support Unit

210a: First Column

230: Vertical Wall

210b: Second Column

237: Second prominent feature

212: Support component

L1’: First side

216: Installation Features

L2’: Second side

Claims (19)

A bracket assembly includes: a first bracket with a first mounting member; and a second bracket longitudinally displaceable relative to the first bracket, the second bracket having a second mounting member, the second bracket having a first side and a second side opposite to each other, the first bracket being located on the first side, and a support member being arranged on the second side for supporting a load; wherein the support member includes a mounting feature for mounting the load; wherein the support member further includes a longitudinal portion having a first end and a second end opposite to each other, and the second end of the longitudinal portion having a bend having the mounting feature. The bracket assembly as described in claim 1, wherein the support further includes a support portion, and the support portion and the longitudinal portion together form a substantially L-shaped structure, the support portion being used to support a bottom of the load. The bracket assembly as described in claim 2, wherein the mounting feature is an opening defined by a plurality of predetermined walls, and the carrier includes a protrusion insertable into the opening. The bracket assembly as described in claim 3, wherein a first width of the opening is greater than a second width of the protrusion. The bracket assembly as described in claim 2, wherein the mounting feature is located on a first mounting member adjacent to the first bracket. The bracket assembly as described in claim 5, wherein the second bracket includes a first wall, a second wall, and a longitudinal wall connected between the first and second walls of the second bracket, the first wall, second wall, and longitudinal wall of the second bracket collectively defining a predetermined channel; the first bracket has a first end and a second end positioned opposite each other, the first end of the first bracket being accessible through the channel opening of the predetermined channel of the second bracket. The bracket assembly as described in claim 6, wherein the first bracket includes a first wall, a second wall, and a longitudinal wall connected between the first wall and the second wall of the first bracket; the first wall and the second wall of the second bracket each have a first segment and a second segment that bend relative to each other, and the first wall and the second wall of the second bracket are used to respectively hold the first wall and the second wall of the first bracket. The bracket assembly as described in claim 7, wherein one of the first wall and the second wall of the second bracket is further provided with an extension, the extension being used to restrict the lateral movement of the first bracket. The bracket assembly as described in claim 7, wherein the longitudinal wall of the first bracket includes a reinforcing structure located near and adjacent to the second end of the first bracket and the mounting feature. The bracket assembly as described in claim 9, wherein the reinforcing structure protrudes relative to the longitudinal wall of the first bracket. The bracket assembly as described in claim 9, wherein the reinforcing structure includes an enlargement and a narrow portion extending longitudinally from the enlargement. The bracket assembly as described in claim 1 further includes a gear rack, a working member, and an operating member; the gear rack is disposed to the first bracket; the working member is disposed to the second bracket and is used to engage with the gear rack; the operating member is movably mounted on one of the first bracket and the second bracket; wherein, when the working member engages with the gear rack, the first bracket can only be displaced in a first direction relative to the second bracket, and the second bracket can only be displaced in a second direction relative to the first bracket. The second directional displacement adjusts the length between the first and second mounting members from a defined first length to a second length; wherein the first and second directions are opposite, and the second length is greater than the first length; wherein the operating member is operably movable from a first operating position to a second operating position to drive the working member to disengage from the gear rack, allowing the first and second brackets to displace relative to each other in the first and second directions. The bracket assembly as described in claim 12, wherein the gear set is a one-way gear set, and the working element is a ratchet pawl. The bracket assembly as described in claim 12 further includes an auxiliary component mounted to the second bracket, and the working part being hinged to the auxiliary component on the second bracket; the auxiliary component is movably mounted to the second bracket; the auxiliary component and one of the second brackets are provided with a longitudinal hole, and the auxiliary component and the other of the second brackets are provided with a connecting member passing through a portion of the longitudinal hole. A bracket assembly adapted for a rack including a first post and a second post, the bracket assembly comprising: a first bracket with a first mounting member; and a second bracket longitudinally displaceable relative to the first bracket, the second bracket having a second mounting member, wherein the first mounting member and the second mounting member are respectively used for mounting to the first post and the second post, the second bracket having opposing first sides. On a second side, the first bracket is located on the first side, and a support member is arranged on the second side for supporting a load; wherein the support member includes an installation feature for installation when the load is retracted into the frame; wherein the support member further includes a longitudinal portion having a first end and a second end positioned opposite each other, and the second end of the longitudinal portion is provided with a bend having the installation feature. The bracket assembly as described in claim 15, wherein the support further includes a support portion, and the support portion and the longitudinal portion together form a substantially L-shaped structure, the support portion being used to support a bottom of the load; the mounting feature is an opening defined by a plurality of predetermined walls, and the load includes a protrusion that can be inserted into the opening. The bracket assembly as described in claim 16, wherein the mounting feature is located on a first mounting member adjacent to the first bracket; the second bracket includes a first wall, a second wall, and a longitudinal wall connected between the first wall and the second wall of the second bracket, the first wall, the second wall, and the longitudinal wall of the second bracket jointly defining a predetermined channel; the first bracket has a first end and a second end positioned opposite each other, the first end of the first bracket being insertable from the channel opening of the predetermined channel of the second bracket; the first bracket includes a first wall, a second wall, a third wall, a fourth wall, a fifth wall, a fifth wall, a sixth wall, a seventh wall, a fifth wall, a sixth wall, a seventh wall, a seventh wall, a eighth wall, a ninth wall, a stern ... A second wall connects to a longitudinal wall between the first and second walls of the first bracket; both the first and second walls of the second bracket have a first segment and a second segment that bend relative to each other, respectively supporting the first and second walls of the first bracket; the longitudinal wall of the first bracket includes a reinforcing structure located near the second end of the first bracket and adjacent to the mounting feature; the reinforcing structure protrudes relative to the longitudinal wall of the first bracket and has a substantially T-shaped structure. The bracket assembly as described in claim 15 further includes a gear rack, a working member, and an operating member; the gear rack is arranged to the first bracket; the working member is arranged to the second bracket and is used to engage with the gear rack; the operating member is movably mounted on the second bracket; wherein, when the working member engages with the gear rack, the first bracket can only be displaced relative to the second bracket in a first direction, and the second bracket can only be displaced relative to the first bracket in a second direction, so that the distance between the first mounting member and the second mounting member is adjusted from a defined first length to a second length; wherein the first direction and the second direction are opposite directions, and the first... The second bracket has a length greater than the first length; wherein, at the second length, the first mounting member of the first bracket is mounted to the first post, and the second mounting member of the second bracket is mounted to the second post; wherein, when the working piece engages with the gear set, the first bracket cannot displace relative to the second bracket in the second direction, and the second bracket cannot displace relative to the first bracket in the first direction; wherein, the operating member is operably movable from a first operating position to a second operating position to drive the working piece to stop engaging the gear set, allowing the first bracket and the second bracket to displace relative to each other in the first and second directions. The bracket assembly as described in claim 18, wherein the gear set is a one-way gear set, and the working element is a ratchet pawl.