Modular equipment case

Abstract

The invention is a rack mounted equipment case ( 10 ) for use in harsh environmental conditions. The case has a reduced-height front lid ( 12 ) and a full-height back lid ( 14 ), each of which is easy to remove via latches, which facilitates access to the contents within the case. A connector panel ( 30 ) is recessed below the front lid ( 14 ). In situations where the case is used to house electronics, the electrical connections can remain in place via the connector panel while the front or back lid is removed for maintenance or other purposes. Shielding can also be simply accommodated.

1 . A rack mounted equipment case comprising a body tube having two ends, a connector panel secured to the body tube at a first end, and a removable lid at at least one end, wherein a surface of the connector panel is recessed relative to an outer profile of the case.  
     
     
         2 . A rack mounted equipment case as claimed in  claim 1 , having a reduced-height, removable lid on the first end, and the connector panel surface is recessed relative to the reduced-height lid.  
     
     
         3 . A rack mounted equipment case as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the connector panel surface is positioned above or below the reduced-height lid.  
     
     
         4 . A rack mounted equipment case as claimed in  claim 2  or  3 , having a full-height, removable lid on the other end.  
     
     
         5 . A rack mounted equipment case as claimed in  claim 3  having a full-height removable lid on the other end.  
     
     
         6 . A rack mounted equipment case as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein a second recessed connector panel surface is provided on the other end.  
     
     
         7 . A rack mounted equipment case as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the connector panel is secured inboard of and closes the first end.  
     
     
         8 . A rack mounted equipment case having a removable lid on an end, and a connector panel on the same end that is recessed relative to the removable lid.  
     
     
         9 . A rack mounted equipment case as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the or each connector panel surface is permanently secured to the case.  
     
     
         10 . A rack mounted equipment case of  claim 1 , including a plurality of feet located on a bottom surface of the case, and a plurality of feet locators positioned on a top surface of the case, each foot being shaped to nest within a respective foot locator, the feet and feet locators being arranged in a substantially identical pattern to facilitate stable stacking of one equipment case on another.  
     
     
         11 . The rack mounted equipment case of  claim 1 , including a plurality of latches for removably connecting each lid to the case.