Universal rack rail

A method for installing a rack rail assembly into a rack, wherein the rack rail assembly has an adjustable length and comprises an inner rail and an outer rail that are slidably attached, said method comprising:

• actuating a latch to release a primary locking mechanism;
• sliding at least one of the rails to adjust the length of the assembly to a desired length;
• releasing the latch to engage a primary locking mechanism;
• engaging one of the rails and the rack;
• compressing the rack rail assembly;
• and
• releasing the rack rail assembly so that the assembly expands to engage the other rail and the rack.

A rack rail assembly comprising:

• a first rail;
• a second rail slidably disposed to said first rail;
• a means for controlling the location of said second rail in relation to said first rail;
• means for biasing said second rail to an extended position and allowing said second rail to be moved to a compressed position;
• and
• a means for locking said second rail to said first rail that does not allow relative motion between the rails.

A rack rail assembly comprising;

• a first rail;
• a second rail slidingly engaged with said first rail and adjustable between a first length and a second length;
• a first locking mechanism that limits the translation of the first and second rail and allows the assembly to be compressed for installation into a rack;
• and
• a second locking mechanism that fixes the location of said first rail in relation to said second rail once the rack rail assembly is placed in a rack.

A rack assembly, comprising:

• a pair of opposing rack rail assemblies for holding electronics, each rail assembly comprising:
• an outer rail;
• an inner rail slidingly engaged with said outer rail;
• a primary locking system that limits sliding of the inner rail relative to the outer rail in an engaged position and allows adjustment from a first length to a second length in a disengaged position;
• a biasing member that allows the inner rail to be moved relative to the outer rail when the primary locking system is the engaged position;
• and
• a secondary locking system that prevents the inner rail from being moved relative to the outer rail in an engaged position.