Modular enclosure system

Abstract

A modular enclosure system and method for forming an enclosure are disclosed. The enclosure system includes a plurality of interchangeable edge rails constructed to engage a plurality of interchangeable corner connectors. The interchangeable edge rails include a flange constructed to engage and secure a plurality of panel sections to the enclosure thereby quickly and efficiently forming a desired volume enclosure.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to enclosure assemblies and, more particularly, to a flexibly arrangeable modular enclosure system. [0002] Enclosures come in a wide variety of styles and orientations and have applications that vary from storage cabinets to corrosion resistant electrical boxes. These enclosures often come in variety of sizes as well as a variety of materials depending, in part, on the intended use of the enclosure. Indoor, non-corrosive environment enclosures are often fabricated from generally lightweight plastic materials whereas electrical cabinets in corrosive or industrial applications are often constructed from a stainless steel material. Regardless of the intended use of the enclosure, these enclosures often come only in a variety of standard sizes. Requiring an enclosure having dimensions other than the provided standard sizes either requires significant modification of a standard enclosure or ordering an enclosure t...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

As such, requiring a custom made enclosure having a size other than a commonly provided enclosure requires either, significant time and labor to modify a common enclosure, or a substantial increase in cost associated with a special order enclosure.

Forming the knock-outs increases the production time required to form a single enclosure.

Deviation from the standard knock-out orientation often requires significant in-field modification of the enclosure.

As such, in-field modification of the orientation of the knock-outs increases the installation time of the enclosure.

Other enclosures, constructed from generally light weight plastic materials, lack a structural stability required for many applications.

Positioning the enclosure on a footing surface that is even marginally non-planar and / or having a rough surface results in the interconnected components of the enclosure being misaligned which results in improper, if not inoperable, association of the individual components of the enclosure such as moveable shelves and enclosure doors.

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