Access panel comprising a travel-stop bracket for the panel door

Abstract

Access panel (100) comprising a fixed frame (1) suitable for being fixed into an opening provided in a wall or a ceiling behind which a compartment is disposed; said fixed frame (1) has a front section (1a), a rear section (1b) and two lateral sections (1c, 1d); said access panel (100) further comprises a door (2) mounted on the fixed frame (1) comprising two lateral appendages (3) in coaxial position and suitable for resting on the fixed frame (1) to hang the hinged door (2) to the fixed frame (1) and move the door (2) between a closed position and an open position, and locking means (71, 72) to lock the door (2) in closed position; for each lateral appendage (3), the access panel (100) comprises a travel-stop bracket (5) suitable for stopping a travel of the lateral appendage (3) of the door (2) toward the front section (1a) of the fixed frame (1) when the door (2) is in open position.

Description

[0001] The present patent application for industrial invention relates to an access panel comprising a travel-stop bracket for the panel door.

[0002] As it is known, an access panel is installed in an opening formed in a wall or a ceiling in such a way as to provide access to a compartment located behind the wall or the ceiling in order to inspect the electrical, hydraulic or similar systems housed in the compartment.

[0003] A conventional access door comprises: a fixed frame suitable for being fixed to the wall in correspondence of an opening in the wall; the fixed frame has a front section, a rear section, and two lateral sections and a window surrounded by said sections of the fixed frame; a door that is movably mounted in the window of the fixed frame between an open position and a closed position; the door has a front edge located near the front section of the fixed frame, a rear edge located near the rear section, and two side edges located near one of the two lateral sections of the fixed frame.

[0004] The door has two lateral appendages that are coaxial with each other and project from the side edges of the door and are located at the rear edge of the door. The two appendages rest on the face of the lateral sections of the fixed frame facing the compartment. The two appendages can slide and roll over the face of the lateral sections in such a way that the door can be tilted forward or backward in order to be disposed in the open position or in the closed position. It should be noted that the movement performed by the two appendages is not a real rolling motion. In fact, during the tilting of the panel, the lateral appendages are not always in contact with the faces of the fixed frame. This is because the visible edge of the door hits the fixed frame and hinders the correct rolling motion, thus lifting the lateral appendages. Therefore, during the tilting of the panel, there is a moment in which the appendages are suspended and then rested on the fixed frame only when tilting is complete.

[0005] Locking means are provided on the front section of the fixed frame and on the front edge of the door to lock the door in the closed position.

[0006] The locking means comprise elastic means that allow for detaching and consequently opening the door when the user pulls the door towards him / her with a sufficient force to overcome the elastic resistance of the locking means.

[0007] As mentioned above, the lateral appendages are simply rested on the face of the lateral sections facing the rear compartment and are exclusively used to hang the hinged door to the fixed frame, in such a way to let the door slide and tilt relative to the fixed frame.

[0008] Therefore, when the door is detached from the closed position, the only elements that hang the door to the fixed frame are the two appendages that rest astride the two lateral sections of the fixed frame.

[0009] As long as the two appendages are substantially parallel to the rear section and to the front section of the fixed frame, the door is detached from the fixed frame and rests astride two lateral sections of the fixed frame.

[0010] Conversely, if during the opening of the door, one lateral appendage is accidentally moved farther forward than the other lateral appendage and the door is therefore positioned substantially edgeways relative to the fixed frame, then one of the two appendages loses contact with one of the two lateral sections, inevitably causing the detachment of the door from the fixed frame and consequently the fall of the door.

[0011] It appears evident how annoying this would be for the user because in such a case the user would have to retrieve the fallen door and attach it again to the fixed frame.

[0012] Obviously, the impact of the door on a floor below could damage the door, inevitably requiring its replacement.

[0013] Furthermore, while falling, the door could hit the user, causing injury or bruising.

[0014] The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by providing a safe access panel, that is to say an access panel capable of reducing the risk of completely detaching the door from the fixed frame when the door is released from the fixed frame.

[0015] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide an access panel that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

[0016] A further purpose of the present invention is to provide an access panel that is quick to assemble.

[0017] These purposes are achieved in accordance with the invention with the features listed in the attached independent claim 1.

[0018] Advantageous embodiments appear from the dependent claims.

[0019] The access panel according to the invention is defined by claim 1.

[0020] For greater clarity, the description of the access door according to the invention continues with reference to the attached drawings, which are exclusively provided for illustrative, not-limiting purposes, wherein: Figs. 1 and 2 are two axonometric views of the access panel according to the invention in the closed position, seen from two different angles; Fig. 2A is an exploded view of the access panel of Fig. 2; Fig. 2B is a sectional view of the fixed frame of the access panel taken along the plane B-B of Fig. 2A; Figs. 3 and 4 are two axonometric views of the access panel according to the invention in an intermediate position between the closed position and the open position, seen from two different angles; Fig. 4A is an enlarged view of the detail enclosed in circle H of Fig. 4; Fig. 4B is an axonometric detailed view of a lateral appendage of the door of the access panel; Fig. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the lateral appendage of the door of the access panel; Fig. 4D schematically shows the rotation of a lateral appendage of the door of the access panel during the movement of the door between the closed position and the open position; Figs. 5 and 6 are two axonometric views of a travel-stop device of the access panel according to the invention, seen from two different angles; Fig. 7 is a bottom view of the travel-stop device according to the invention; and Fig. 8 is a top view of the travel-stop device according to the invention.

[0021] With reference to the attached figures, an access panel according to the invention, which is comprehensively indicated with reference numeral "100," is described.

[0022] With reference to Figs. 1 to 4A, the access panel (100) comprises a fixed frame (1) with quadrangular shape suitable for being fixed into an opening provided in a wall or a ceiling behind which a compartment is located.

[0023] The fixed frame (1) comprises a front section (1a), a rear section (1b) parallel to the front section (1a), two lateral sections (1c, 1d) parallel to each other and orthogonal to said front section (1a) and rear section (1b), and a central window (1e) surrounded by said sections (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d).

[0024] Each section (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) has a first face (1v) and a second face (1w) opposite each other. The first face (1v) of each section (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) is suitable for remaining visible, whereas the second face (1w) is suitable for facing the compartment. It should be noted that, when the installation of the access panel is completed, the first face (1v) suitable for remaining visible can be preferably covered with plasterboard and filler.

[0025] With reference to Fig. 2B, the second face (1w) of each section (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) comprises a C-shaped longitudinal groove (10a) defined by a bottom wall (10b), by two sidewalls (10c) and by two side edges (10d) that project perpendicularly from the sidewalls (10c) to define an access opening restricted to the longitudinal groove (10a).

[0026] With reference to Fig. 2A, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, said fixed frame (1) comprises four profiles (11, 12, 13, 14) and four corner pieces (15, 16). Each corner piece (15, 16) connects two adjacent profiles (11, 12, 13, 14) at right angle.

[0027] In particular, the fixed frame (1) comprises: a front profile (11) defining said front section (1a) of the fixed frame (1); a rear profile (12) defining said rear section (1b) of the fixed frame (1); two side profiles (13, 14) defining the two lateral sections (1c, 1d) of the fixed frame (1); two front corner pieces (15) joining the front profile (11) to the two side profiles (13, 14); and two rear corner pieces (16) joining the rear profile (12) to the two side profiles (13, 14).

[0028] The longitudinal groove (10a) is formed on each profile (11, 12, 13, 14) and extends along the entire length of the profile (11, 12, 13, 14).

[0029] Preferably, the ends of each profile (11, 12, 13, 14) are cut at 90°. Each corner piece (15, 16) comprises a central portion suitable for abutting against the ends of the adjacent profiles (11, 12, 13, 14) and two side inserts projecting from the central portion so as to be fitted into the ends of the profiles (11, 12, 13, 14) inside the longitudinal channel (10a) in order to be coupled with the profiles (11, 12, 13, 14).

[0030] Although in the attached figures the fixed frame (1) is composed of the profiles (11, 12, 13, 14) and of the corner pieces (15, 16), nothing prevents the creation of a monolithic frame comprising said sections (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) mounted at right angle, each being provided with the longitudinal groove (10a).

[0031] Again with reference to Figs. 1 to 4A, the access panel (100) comprises a quadrangular door (2) having a surface substantially corresponding to that of the window (1e) of the fixed frame (1). The door (2) is mounted on the fixed frame in a movable manner in such a way to be disposed in a closed position and in an open position.

[0032] With reference to Fig. 2A, the door (2) comprises a front edge (2a) located near the front section (1a) of the fixed frame (1), a rear edge (2b) located near the rear section (1b) of the fixed frame (1), and two side edges (2c, 2d), each located near one of the two lateral sections (1c, 1d) of the fixed frame (1).

[0033] Preferably, the door (2) comprises a frame (201) and a central panel (202) supported by the frame (201).

[0034] The frame (201) comprises four profiles (21, 22, 23, 24) and four corner pieces (25, 26). Each corner piece (25, 26) connects two adjacent profiles (21, 22, 23, 24) at right angle.

[0035] In particular, the frame (201) of the door (2) comprises: a front profile (21) comprising the front edge (2a) of the door (2); a rear profile (22) comprising the rear edge (2b) of the door (2); two side profiles (23, 24), each comprising one of the two side edges (2c, 2d) of the door (2); two front corner pieces (25) joining the front profile (21) to the two side profiles (23, 24); and two rear corner pieces (26) joining the rear profile (22) to the two side profiles (23, 24).

[0036] With reference to Fig. 2A, each profile (21, 22, 23, 24) of the frame (201) has a C-shaped longitudinal groove and ends cut at 90°. Each corner piece (25, 26) of the frame (201) comprises a central portion suitable for abutting against said ends of the adjacent profiles (21, 22, 23, 24), and two side inserts projecting from the central portion so as to be fitted in the ends of the profiles (21, 22, 23, 24) to be coupled with the profiles (21, 22, 23, 24).

[0037] Although in the attached figures the door is composed of a frame (201) and a central panel (202), in an alternative embodiment of the invention, said door (2) may be made in a single monolithic piece.

[0038] Furthermore, the door (2) comprises two coaxial opposite lateral appendages (3) arranged at the rear edge (2b) of the door (2). Each lateral appendage (3) protrudes from a respective side edge (2c, 2d) of the door (2).

[0039] Each lateral appendage (3) is suitable for resting on the second face (1w) of the adjacent lateral section (1c, 1d) of the fixed frame (1).

[0040] In particular, each lateral appendage (3) rests on the respective rear corner piece (16) of the fixed frame, both when the door is closed and when it is open.

[0041] Therefore the two lateral appendages (3) are used to hang the hinged door (2) to the fixed frame (1) and move the door (2) between: the closed position, wherein the door (2) closes the window (1e) of the fixed frame (1) and is coplanar with the frame (1) (see Figs. 1 and 2); the open position, wherein the door (2) does not close the window of the fixed frame and protrudes from the first faces (1v) of the sections (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) of the fixed frame (1) (see Figs. 3 and 4).

[0042] With reference to Figs. 4A and 4B, each lateral appendage (3) is an integral part of an L-shaped tongue (30) comprising: a support section (35) that protrudes rearward from the rear edge (2b) of the door (2); and the lateral appendage (3) that is perpendicular to the support section (35) and protrudes beyond the respective side edge (2c, 2d).

[0043] In the embodiment of the invention according to which the door (2) is composed of four sections (21, 22, 23, 24) and of four corner pieces, the lateral appendage (3), that is to say the entire L-shaped tongue (30), is formed in one piece with the rear corner piece (26) that connects the rear profile (22) with one of the two side profiles (23, 24).

[0044] With reference to Figs. 4B and 4C, when seen in cross-section, the lateral appendage (3) has a polygonal, preferably quadrangular profile. In this way, when the door is in the open position, it remains stable without swinging forward and backward.

[0045] More precisely, the lateral appendage (3) with quadrangular cross-section comprises: a first face (31) that rests on the lateral section (1c, 1d) of the fixed frame (1) when the door (2) is in the closed position, a second face (32) opposite and parallel to the first face (31); a third face (33) orthogonal to the first face (31) and to the second face (32), suitable for resting on the lateral section (1c, 1d) when the door (2) is in the open position; a fourth face (34) opposite and parallel to said third face (33).

[0046] In the version of the lateral appendages (3) shown in the attached figures, the second face (32) is provided with notches (C) that extend for the entire length of the lateral appendage (3). Therefore, the second face (32) of the lateral appendage is not flat, but is cut by said notches. The notches are used to lighten the lateral appendages (3) and reduce the material needed to fabricate said lateral appendages. However, nothing would change if the lateral appendages (3) were solid and the second face (32) was flat and devoid of notches (C).

[0047] Practically speaking, when the door (2) is moved from the closed position to the open position, the lateral appendage (3) rotates by 90° using the pivot edge (s1) connecting the first face (31) and the third face (33) of the lateral appendage (3) as fulcrum, as diagrammatically shown in Fig. 4D.

[0048] With reference to Fig. 2A, the access panel (100) also comprises locking means (71, 72) arranged on the front section (1a) of the fixed frame (1) near the front edge (2a) of the door (2) and configured to lock the door (2) in the closed position with respect to the fixed frame (1).

[0049] The locking means (71, 72) comprise two hooks (71) provided on the door (2) which interact with two elastic coupling devices (72) of click-clack type provided at the ends of the front section (1a) of the fixed frame (1).

[0050] Each locking device (72) is configured to retain the hook (71) while still allowing the hook (71) to be released and the door (2) to be opened when a user pushes the door (2) with a force sufficient to overcome the resistance of the elastic means of the elastic locking device (72). Said locking means (71, 72) are known to a technician of the field and will therefore not be described in detail in the present invention.

[0051] Preferably, the hooks (71) are formed on the front corner pieces (25) of the door (2), whereas the locking devices (72) are fixed to supports formed directly on the front corner pieces (15) of the fixed frame (1).

[0052] With reference to Figs. 2A and 4A, for each lateral appendage (3), the access panel (100) also comprises a travel-stop bracket (5) movably hooked to the fixed frame (1). Each travel-stop bracket (5) comprises a stop and end-of-travel edge (50) that is arranged above the second face (1w) of one of the two lateral sections (1c, 1d) of the fixed frame (1) and faces the rear section (1b) of the fixed frame (1) to stop a travel of the lateral appendage (3) of the door (2) towards the front section (1a) of the fixed frame when the door (2) is in the open position.

[0053] With reference to Figs. 5 to 8, each travel-stop bracket (5) comprises coupling means (51a, 51b) that allow the travel-stop bracket (5) to be removably coupled to the fixed frame (1).

[0054] In particular, each travel-stop bracket (5) comprises a first coupling means (51a) that couples the travel-stop bracket (5) to one of the two lateral sections (1c, 1d) of the fixed frame (1), and a second coupling means (51b) that couples the travel-stop bracket (5) to the rear section (1b) of the fixed frame (1).

[0055] Each coupling means (51a, 51b) comprises an elastic clip (510) suitable for being elastically fitted in the longitudinal groove (10a) of the respective section (1b, 1c, 1d) of the fixed frame (1).

[0056] In particular, each elastic clip (510) comprises two retaining teeth (511) extending in opposite directions and suitable for being elastically fitted under the side edges (10d) of the groove (10a) of the section (1b, 1c, 1d) of the fixed frame (1).

[0057] Each clip (510) has two flexible legs (512) disposed side by side, each inferiorly ending with one of said retaining teeth (511).

[0058] Each retaining tooth (511) comprises an invitation surface (511a) configured in such a way that, when the travel-stop bracket (5) is coupled to the fixed frame (1), said invitation surface (511a) of each retaining tooth (511) intercepts a corresponding side edge (10d) of the C-shaped groove (10a) of the section of the fixed frame (1), favoring the inward bending of the two flexible legs (512) and thus allowing each retaining tooth (511) to pass over the side edge (10d) and be engaged underneath it.

[0059] A rail (53) extends from one of the two flexible legs (512) of the elastic clip (510) of the first coupling means (51a), ending with the stop and end-of-travel edge (50) against which said lateral appendage (3) is suitable for abutting.

[0060] The two stop and end-of-travel edges (50) lie on the same plane parallel to the rear section (1b) of the fixed frame (1).

[0061] Returning now to Figs. 5, 6, 7, and 8, the travel-stop bracket (5) also comprises a retaining plate (52) that surmounts the fixed frame (1) and the lateral appendage (3) to prevent the lateral appendage (3) from moving away from the second face (1w) of the lateral section (1c, 1d) of the fixed frame (1) whereon it rests.

[0062] The travel-stop bracket (5) equipped with the retaining plate (52) is essentially shaped like a cover or cap.

[0063] The retaining plate (52) has a first face (521) facing the fixed frame (1) and a second face (522) opposite the first face (521).

[0064] The coupling means (51a, 51b) and the stop and end-of-travel edge (50) protrude from the first face (521) of the retaining plate (52).

[0065] When seen in a top view, the retaining plate (52) has a substantially L-shape and comprises a first wing (52a) which surmounts the lateral section (1c, 1d) of the fixed frame (1) and terminates with an end where the first coupling means (51a) are arranged, and a second wing (52b) that surmounts the rear section (1b) of the fixed frame (1) and terminates with an end where the second coupling means (51b) are arranged.

[0066] With reference to Fig. 4D, since the lateral appendage (3) has a quadrangular section, during its forward or backward tilting of 90°, the free edge (s2) of the lateral appendage (3) opposite the pivot edge (s1) defines a trajectory (K) shaped like an arc of circumference of 90° centered on the pivot edge (s1) and having a diagonal of the lateral appendage (3) connecting the pivot edge (s1) with the free edge (s2) as radius (R).

[0067] It is therefore evident that during the rotation of the lateral appendage (3), the free edge (s2) is moved away from the second face (1w) of the lateral section (1c, 1d) and is moved back closer to it.

[0068] In view of the above, the applicant has provided that the retaining plate (52) comprises a concave seat (55) facing the lateral section (1c, 1d) of the fixed frame (1) and suitably shaped to allow the quadrangular lateral appendage (3) to be tilted forward and backward freely.

[0069] Otherwise said, the concave seat (55) is suitably designed to prevent the free edge (s2) of the lateral appendage (3) from abutting against the retaining plate (52), thus blocking the rotation of the lateral appendage (3).

[0070] The concave seat (55) of the retaining plate (52) is formed thanks to the provision of a deformed portion of the retaining plate (52) which generates a ridge (56) on the second face (522) of the retaining plate (52) and the concave seat (55) on the first face (521) of the retaining plate (52).

[0071] Advantageously, the travel-stop bracket (5) is made from a single piece of molded plastic material.

[0072] More precisely, said coupling means (51a, 51b), said retaining plate (52) and said rail (53) provided with the stop and end-of-travel edge (50) are all formed from a single monolithic piece.

[0073] With reference to Figs. 2A, 4, and 4A, the fixed frame (1) preferably comprises two stop blocks (8) parallel to each other that protrude from the rear section (1b) towards the window (1e).

[0074] The rear edge (2c) of the door (2) is suitable for abutting against the stop blocks (8) to prevent the door from lifting relative to the fixed frame (1). Each of the two stop blocks (8) is formed on one of the two rear corner pieces (16) of the fixed frame (1).

[0075] With reference to Figs. 6 and 7, a peg (59) protrudes from the first face (521) of the retaining plate (52) of the travel-stop bracket (5). The peg (59) and the second coupling means (51b) laterally define a space (J) wherein one of the stop blocks (8) is suitable for being perfectly accommodated.

[0076] Otherwise said, the stop block (8) essentially acts as centering and positioning means for the travel-stop bracket (5).

[0077] Following the above description, it is now clear that, due to the provision of the travel-stop brackets (5) that stop the forward travel of the lateral appendages (3), the door (2) always hangs from the fixed frame (1) and therefore the new access panel (100) according to the invention is extremely safe and reliable.

[0078] It should also be noted that the coupling of the travel-stop brackets (5) to the fixed frame (1) is quite simple and quick to implement due to the provision of the coupling means (51a, 51b) comprising the elastic clips (510).

[0079] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and / or modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the invention as expressed by the attached claims.

Claims

1. Access panel (100) comprising: - a fixed frame (1) suitable for being fixed into an opening provided in a wall or a ceiling behind which a compartment is located; said fixed frame (1) comprising a front section (1a), a rear section (1b) parallel to the front section (1a), two lateral sections (1c, 1d) parallel to each other and orthogonal to said front section (1a) and rear section (1b); said fixed frame (1) comprising a central window (1e) surrounded by said sections (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d); each section (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) has a first face (1v) and a second face (1w) suitable for facing the compartment; - a door (2) mounted on the fixed frame (1) in a movable manner in such a way to be disposed in a closed position and in an open position; said door (2) comprising two lateral appendages (3) in coaxial position that are suitable for resting on the second face (1w) of the two lateral sections (1c, 1d) of the fixed frame (1) in order to hang the hinged door (2) to the fixed frame (1) and let the door (2) move between the closed position and the open position; and - locking means (71, 72) to lock the door (2) in closed position; characterized in that, for each lateral appendage (3), it comprises a travel-stop bracket (5) that is fixed to the fixed frame (1) by means of coupling means (51a, 51b); wherein each travel-stop bracket (5) comprises an end-of-travel stop edge (50) disposed above the second face (1w) of one of the two lateral sections (1c, 1d) and facing the rear section (1b) of the fixed frame (1) to stop a travel of the lateral appendage (3) of the door (2) toward the front section (1a) of the fixed frame (1) when the door (2) is in open position.

2. The access panel (100) according to claim 1, wherein each travel-stop bracket (5) comprises a retaining plate (52) that surmounts the fixed frame (1) and the lateral appendage (3) and is configured in such a way so as to prevent the lateral appendage (3) from moving away from the second face (1w) of the lateral section (1c, 1d) of the fixed frame (1) whereon it rests.

3. The access panel (100) according to claim 2, wherein said lateral appendage (3) has a polygonal cross-section; wherein said retaining plate (52) comprises a concave seat (55) that faces the lateral section (1c, 1d) of the fixed frame (1) and is suitably shaped to let the quadrangular lateral appendage (3) tilt forward and backward freely.

4. The access panel (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said coupling means (51a, 51b) of the travel-stop bracket (5) comprise a first coupling means (51a) to couple the travel-stop bracket (5) to one of the two lateral sections (1c, 1d) of the fixed frame (1), and a second coupling means (51b) to couple the travel-stop bracket (5) to the rear section (1b) of the fixed frame (1).

5. The access panel (100) according to claim 4 when dependent on claims 3 and 4, wherein, when seen in a top view, said retaining plate (52) has a substantially L-shape and comprises: - a first wing (52a) surmounting the lateral section (1c, 1d) of the fixed frame (1) and terminating with an end in which said first coupling means (51a) are arranged; and - a second wing (52b) surmounting the rear section (1b) of the fixed frame (1) and terminating with an end in which said second coupling means (51b) are arranged.

6. The access panel (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a C-shaped longitudinal groove (10a) is formed on the second face (1w) of each section (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d), said C-shaped longitudinal groove (10a) being defined by a bottom wall (10b), by two sidewalls (10c) and by two side edges (10d) projecting perpendicularly from the sidewalls (10c) to define an access opening restricted to the longitudinal groove (10a); wherein said coupling means (51a, 51b) comprise an elastic clip (510) suitable for being elastically engaged into the longitudinal groove (10a) of the respective section (1b, 1c, 1d) of the fixed frame (1).

7. The access panel (100) according to claim 6, wherein said elastic clip (510) comprises two retaining teeth (511) that extend along opposite directions and are suitable for being elastically engaged under the side edges (10d) of the groove (10a) of the section (1b, 1c, 1d) of the fixed frame (1).

8. The access panel (100) according to claim 7, wherein said elastic clip (510) comprises two flexible legs (512) disposed side by side, each one terminating inferiorly with one of said retaining teeth (511).

9. The access panel (100) according to claim 8, wherein a rail (53) projects from a flexible leg (512) of the elastic clip (510) of the first coupling means (51a), said rail (53) terminating with said end-of-travel stop edge (50) against which said lateral appendage (3) is suitable for abutting.

10. The access panel (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said fixed frame (1) comprises two stop blocks (8) parallel to each other and protruding from the rear section (1b) toward the window (1e) and against which a rear edge of the door (2) is suitable for abutting.

11. The access panel (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said fixed frame (1) comprises: - a front profile (11) defining said front section (1a) of the fixed frame (1); - a rear profile (12) defining said rear section (1b) of the fixed frame (1); - two side profiles (13, 14) defining the two lateral sections (1c, 1d) of the fixed frame (1); - two front corner pieces (15) joining the front profile (11) with the two side profiles (13, 14); and - two rear corner pieces (16) joining the rear profile (12) with the two side profiles (13, 14).

12. The access panel (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said door (2) comprises a front edge (2a) disposed in proximity to the front section (1a) of the fixed frame (1), a rear edge (2b) disposed in proximity to the rear section (1b) of the fixed frame (1), and two side edges (2c, 2d), each one disposed in proximity to one of the two lateral sections (1c, 1d) of the fixed frame (1); where said lateral appendages (3) are disposed at the rear edge (2b) of the door (2), each one projecting from a respective side edge (2c, 2d) of the door (2).

13. The access panel (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said door (2) comprises a frame (201) and a central panel (202) supported by the frame (201); wherein said frame comprises: - a front section (21) comprising said front edge (2a) of the door (2); - a rear section (22) comprising said rear edge (2b) of the door (2); - two side profiles (23, 24), each one comprising one of the two side edges (2c, 2d) of the door (2); - two front corner pieces (25) joining the front profile (21) with the two side profiles (23, 24); and - two rear corner pieces (26) joining the rear profile (22) with the two side profiles (23, 24); wherein each lateral appendage (3) is made in one piece with the rear corner piece (26) joining the rear profile (22) with one of the two side profiles (23, 24).

14. The access panel (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said travel-stop bracket (5) is made in a monolithic piece by molding plastic material.

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