Anti-ligature enclosure for housing heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment

Abstract

An enclosure comprising a frame, a cover removably attachable to the frame, a locking assembly (LA) coupled to the cover, and an access door selectively sealing closed an opening of the cover. The LA is rotatable between a locked position where the LA engages with a side panel, of opposing side panels of the frame, to secure the cover to the frame, and an unlocked position where the LA is not engaged with the side panel. The cover is removed from the frame when the LA is in an unlocked position and when a pulling force is applied to a lifting tool while the lifting tool is affixed to the access door or to the cover. The access door is removed from the cover when in an unlocked position and when the pulling force is applied to the lifting tool while the lifting tool is affixed to the access door.

Description

ANTI-LIGATURE ENCLOSURE FOR HOUSING HEATINGVENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC) EQUIPMENTRELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 622,396 filed January 18, 2024, entitled “ANTI-LIGATURE ENCLOSURE FOR HOUSING HEATING VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC) EQUIPMENT”, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This application relates generally to anti-ligature enclosures and systems and methods for accessing those enclosures. More particularly, this application relates to anti-ligature enclosures for housing HVAC equipment and systems and methods for accessing HVAC enclosures.BACKGROUND

[0003] In certain environments, such as a psychiatric facility, a correctional facility, or another environment where safety is a primary concern, it is important that appliances and building equipment (e.g., HVAC equipment, a thermostat, etc.) be secured from unauthorized access. In these environments, unsecured appliances or equipment can be tampered with or damaged by patients and / or other individuals in the environment. In some situations, unsecured appliances or equipment can even be used to inflict self-harm or harm to others.

[0004] To prevent appliances and / or equipment from being tampered with, damaged, or accessed for impermissible uses, enclosures have been developed to protect the appliances and / or equipment and to reduce or eliminate ligature points. A ligature point is a structural element or location where a cord, band, or other material can be looped, secured, or attached. Many enclosures have adapted anti-ligature features, such as by fastening the enclosure to a wall or other immoveable structure or by using a pick-proof perimeter sealant that can be used to form an impenetrable barrier.

[0005] However, many enclosures require the consumer to choose between patient safety and patient health. For example, a consumer that values patient safety may apply pick proof caulk toan HVAC enclosure. However, if pick proof caulk is used, any changes to filtration, temperature control, and related HVAC maintenance tasks cannot be completed without damaging adjacent works (e.g., adjacent parts of the facility infrastructure, such as walls, floors, window sills, etc.). Comparatively, a consumer that values patient health may opt for an HVAC enclosure that provides easier access to the HVAC (e.g., for purposes of filtration, temperature control, and maintenance). In this case, ligature points are often left between the enclosure and adjacent works, i.e., in places where caulk should be applied. This leaves the HVAC equipment more susceptible to tampering and creates a dangerous environment that could result in bodily harm or death of a patient or individual in the facility.

[0006] What is needed is an enclosure that does not contain ligature points, while still allowing for mechanical access to the appliance or equipment secured by the enclosure. In the context of HVAC equipment, what is needed is an enclosure that does not contain ligature points and that further allows for easy access to the HVAC equipment, such that authorized personnel may make changes to filtration, temperature control, and / or any other related HVAC equipment maintenance tasks.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to overcome the above-mentioned limitations associated with anti-ligature enclosures, and in particular, to do so in a manner that does not jeopardize patient health and patient safety.SUMMARY

[0008] In an aspect of the invention, an anti-ligature enclosure for housing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment is provided. The anti-ligature enclosure includes a frame, a cover, a locking assembly, and an access door. The frame includes opposing side panels connected by at least one support bar. The cover is removably attachable to the frame and includes a first portion and a second portion. At least one of the first portion and the second portion includes a connector element fixedly engaged to the at least one support bar when the cover is attached to the frame. The locking assembly is operatively coupled to the cover and includes a first keyed head that is accessible via a surface of the cover. The locking assembly is rotatable between a locked position where the locking assembly engages with a side panel, of the opposing side panels, to secure the cover to the frame, and an unlocked position where the locking assembly is not engaged with the side panel. The access door selectively seals closed an opening of the cover.The access door includes a cap with a second keyed head accessible via the surface of the cover. The access door is rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The enclosure is configured such that the cover is removed from the frame when the locking assembly is in the unlocked position and when a pulling force is applied to a lifting tool while the lifting tool is affixed to the access door or to the cover. The enclosure is configured such that the access door is removed from the cover when the access door is in the unlocked position and when the pulling force is applied to the lifting tool while the lifting tool is affixed to the access door.

[0009] In an embodiment of the invention, an outer surface of the frame and the surface of the cover presents no ligature points.

[0010] In another embodiment of the invention, the anti-ligature enclosure further includes a base sleeve formed around a lower portion of the frame such that the lower portion of the frame presents no ligature points.

[0011] In another embodiment of the invention, the cover further includes a locking ring interface fitted around edges of the opening. The cap of the access door is fitted to the locking ring interface such that the access door seals closed the opening of the cover using a compression fit seal.

[0012] In another embodiment of the invention, the at least one support bar of the frame includes support members that are spaced apart to form a lip. The connector element, when fixedly engaged with the at least one support bar, seats within the lip so as to prevent movement of the cover in a first direction. The locking assembly, when in the locked position, engages with a side panel, of the opposing side panels, to prevent movement of the cover in a second direction that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

[0013] In another embodiment of the invention, the connector element is a first connector element and the cover includes a second connector element. In this embodiment, the at least one support bar of the frame includes a first support bar with support members that are spaced apart to form a first lip and a second support bar with support members that are spaced apart to form a second lip. The first support bar connects to the first portion of the cover and the second support bar connects to the second portion of the cover. The first connector element seats within the first lip and a second connector element seats within the second lip when the cover is attached to the frame.

[0014] In another embodiment of the invention, the locking assembly is a first lockingassembly. In this embodiment, the cover further includes a second locking assembly. The second locking assembly includes a third keyed head that is accessible via the surface of the cover.

[0015] In another embodiment of the invention, the first locking assembly and the second locking assembly are positioned on opposing sides of the surface of the cover such that the first locking assembly, when in the locked position, engages with a first side panel of the opposing side panels of the frame and the second locking assembly, when in the locked position, engages with a second side panel of the opposing side panels.

[0016] In another embodiment of the invention, the first portion of the cover is a top panel and the second portion of the cover is a front panel.

[0017] In another aspect of the invention, an anti-ligature enclosure for housing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment is provided. The anti-ligature enclosure includes a frame, a cover, and a locking assembly. The frame includes opposing side panels connected by at least one support bar that includes support members spaced apart to form a lip. The cover is removably attachable to the frame and includes a first portion and a second portion. At least one of the first portion and the second portion include a connector element that seats within the lip formed by the support members so as to prevent movement of the cover in a first direction when the cover is attached to the frame. The locking assembly includes a keyed head that is accessible via a surface of the cover. The locking assembly is rotatable between a locked position, in which the locking assembly engages with a side panel of the opposing side panels, to secure the cover to the frame and to prevent movement of the cover in a second direction that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first direction, and an unlocked position in which the locking assembly is not engaged with the side panel, wherein prevention of movement in the first and second directions provides a positive block to movement in all directions in which the cover could be removed from the frame.

[0018] In an embodiment of the invention, the anti-ligature enclosure further includes an access door selectively sealing closed an opening of the cover, wherein the access door includes a cap with a keyed head accessible via the surface of the cover, wherein the access door is rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the access door is removed from the cover when the access door is in the unlocked position and when the pulling force is applied to the lifting tool connected to the access door.

[0019] In another embodiment of the invention, the lip formed by the support members is afirst lip located at a first end of the support bar. In this embodiment, the support members also form a second lip at a second opposing end of the support bar. The connector element seats within said first and second lips.

[0020] In another embodiment of the invention, the frame further includes a second support bar with support members spaced apart to form a second lip. The support bar connects to the top portion of the cover and the second support bar connects to the front portion of the cover. The cover further includes a second connector element that seats within the second lip formed by the support members of the second support bar.

[0021] In another embodiment of the invention, an outer surface of the frame and the surface of the cover presents no ligature points.

[0022] In another embodiment of the invention, the locking assembly is a first locking assembly. In this embodiment, the cover further includes a second locking assembly. The second locking assembly includes a keyed head that is accessible via the surface of the cover. The first locking assembly and the second locking assembly are positioned on opposing sides of the surface of the cover such that the first locking assembly, when in the locked position, engages with a first side panel of the opposing side panels of the frame and the second locking assembly, when in the locked position, engages with a second side panel of the opposing side panels.

[0023] In another embodiment of the invention, the first direction is a horizontal direction and the second direction is a vertical direction. In this embodiment, the lip is oriented vertically to prevent the movement of the cover along the horizontal direction. The locking assembly engages with top ends of side panels to prevent the movement of the cover along the vertical direction.

[0024] In another aspect of the invention, a method for accessing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment housed by an anti-ligature enclosure is provided. The method includes providing the anti-ligature enclosure that includes a frame, a cover removably attachable to the frame, a locking assembly operatively coupled to the cover, and an access door selectively sealing closed an opening of the cover. The locking assembly is rotatable between a locked position where the locking assembly engages with a side panel, of opposing side panels of the frame, to secure the cover to the frame, and an unlocked position where the locking assembly is not engaged with the side panel. The access door is rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The method further includes unlocking at least one of the locking assembly and the access door using a key. The method further includes affixing a lifting tool to one of thecover or the access door. The method further includes removing one of the cover or the access door by applying a pulling force to the lifting tool such that the cover or the access door is removed to permit access to the HVAC equipment.

[0025] In an embodiment of the invention, unlocking at least one of the locking assembly and the access door includes unlocking the at least one locking assembly. In this embodiment, removing one of the cover or the access door includes removing the cover by applying the pulling force to the lifting tool such that the cover is removed to permit access to the HVAC equipment.

[0026] In another embodiment of the invention, wherein unlocking at least one of the locking assembly and the access door includes unlocking the access door. In this embodiment, removing one of the cover or the access door comprises removing the access door by applying the pulling force to the lifting tool such that the cover is removed to permit access to a portion of the HVAC equipment.

[0027] In another embodiment of the invention, the frame further includes a support bar with support members that are spaced apart to form a lip. A connector element of the cover seats within the lip. In this embodiment, removing the cover includes applying the pulling force to the lifting tool such that the connector element raises out of the lip, and applying a twisting motion such that the cover unhooks from the frame.

[0028] All possible combinations of aspects and / or embodiments, which are described above and / or herein, are contemplated. The objects and advantages of the present invention shall be made further apparent from the accompanying drawings and the description thereof.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Fig. 1 is perspective view of an anti-ligature enclosure that includes a frame, a cover, one or more locking assemblies, and an access door.

[0030] Fig. 2 is a partially exploded view of the enclosure of Fig. 1, where the one or more locking assemblies and the access door are shown as disassembled from the remainder of the enclosure.

[0031] Fig. 3A is a perspective view of the enclosure of Fig. 1, where the access door is shown as removed from the remainder of the enclosure.

[0032] Fig. 3B is a perspective view of the enclosure of Fig. 1, where the cover is shown as detached from the frame.

[0033] Fig. 4 is a diagram of a rear perspective view of the enclosure of Fig. 1, where a base sleeve is shown as disassembled from the remainder of the frame.

[0034] Fig. 5A is a partial cross sectional view of a side panel of the frame, taken on line SA- SA from Fig. 1.

[0035] Fig. 5B is a partial cross sectional view similar to Fig. 5A, where the access door is shown as removed from a top panel of the cover.

[0036] Fig. 6A is a diagram of an interior, upward-facing view of a section of the inside of the cover and connecting frame, illustrating a portion of the access door that is positioned inside the enclosure, and showing the access door in a locked position.

[0037] Fig. 6B is an interior, upward-facing view similar to Fig. 6A, wherein the access door is shown in an unlocked position.

[0038] Fig. 7A is a plan view of the inside of the cover and connecting frame, illustrating a portion of the locking assembly that is positioned inside the enclosure, and showing the locking assembly in a locked position.

[0039] Fig. 7B is a plan view of the inside of the cover and connecting frame similar to Fig. 7A, wherein the locking assembly is shown in an unlocked position.

[0040] Fig. 8 is an enlarged cross sectional view along detail circle 8 in Fig. 5A illustrating a connector element of the cover which is engaged with support members of an upper support bar of the frame.

[0041] Fig. 9 is an enlarged cross sectional view along detail circle 9 in Fig. 5A illustrating a connector element of the cover which is engaged with support members of an upper support bar of the frame.

[0042] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of another anti-ligature enclosure, where the top of the frame and cover are generally planar and in a horizontal orientation.

[0043] Fig. 11 is a side view of the anti-ligature enclosure of Fig. 10, where the top of the frame and cover are generally planar and in the horizontal orientation.

[0044] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of yet another anti-ligature enclosure.

[0045] Fig. 13 is a diagram of a method for accessing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning(HVAC) equipment housed by an anti-ligature enclosure.

[0046] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with a general description ofthe invention given above, and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] The following detailed description of example embodiments refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements.

[0048] With reference to Figs. 1-9, one or more embodiments of the invention arc directed to an anti-ligature enclosure 2 for HVAC equipment. Fig. 1 provides a perspective view of the enclosure 2. The enclosure 2 includes a frame 4, a cover 6, one or more locking assemblies 8, and an access door 10. These components are described generally in reference to Fig. 1 and described in further detail in the description of Figs. 2-10.

[0049] The cover 6 is configured to attach to, and detach from, the frame 4. The cover 6 includes a top panel 12 and a front panel 14. The top panel 12 is sometimes referred to herein as a first portion or a top portion of the cover 6. The front panel 14 is sometimes referred to herein as a second portion or a front portion of the cover 6. In some embodiments, the top panel 12 and the front panel 14 may be constructed using the same piece of material, preferably sheet metal. In some embodiments, the top panel 12 and the front panel 14 may be constructed as separate pieces of material and connected to each other via welding or a related mechanical process.

[0050] The one or more locking assemblies 8 may be used to secure the cover 6 to the frame 4. In some embodiments, such as that shown in Fig. 1, the one or more locking assemblies 8 and the access door 10 may be part of the top panel 12. In other embodiments, the one or more locking assemblies 8 and / or the access door 10 may be part of the front panel 14. In some embodiments, such as that shown in Fig. 1, the cover 6 includes two locking assemblies 8. In other embodiments, there may be a different number of locking assemblies 8 (e.g., one locking assembly 8, three locking assemblies 8, etc.).

[0051] The access door 10 seals an opening of the cover 6. In some embodiments, the access door 10 may be used to seal a control panel with user-adjustable settings for the HVAC equipment. For example, within the access door 10 may be a control panel with settings that allow a user to set or change a temperature control setting, a filtration setting, and / or one or more other types of user-controlled settings.

[0052] In some embodiments, the cover 6 may include one or more vented window pieces. For example, in Fig. 1, the top panel 12 includes a vented window piece 16 and the front panel 14 includes a vented window piece 18. In some embodiments, the vented window pieces 16, 18 may provide ventilation for the HVAC equipment. This allows air intake and / or exhaust for efficient heat dissipation and airflow. In some embodiments, the vented window pieces 16, 18 have small, perforated vents, thereby improving the safety of patients or other individuals relative to other HVAC enclosures which contain conventional large- aperture vents. Other variations in the number of pieces, and in the positioning of each piece, may be contemplated to fit the particular appliance or equipment being secured and / or the particular use of the appliance or equipment.

[0053] As will be explained herein, the enclosure 2 uses at least two different locking / unlocking features (e.g., the one or more locking assemblies 8 and the access door 10) to provide a tamper-resistant structure without ligature points, where the locking / unlocking features permit access into either the control panel of the HVAC equipment (e.g., for making adjustments to temperature, filtration, etc.) or to the entire HVAC unit (e.g., for more intensive maintenance tasks that require access to the entire unit), depending on the equipment or maintenance needs of the user. In this way, the enclosure 2 optimizes patient safety and patient health, rather than having to prioritize one or the other as is the case in many conventional enclosures.

[0054] Fig. 2 is a diagram of a partially exploded view of the enclosure 2, where the one or more locking assemblies 8 and the access door 10 are shown as disassembled from the remainder of the enclosure 2. The frame 4 may include two side panels 20, 22 connected by a lower support bar 24 and upper support bars 26, 28. In some embodiments, the frame 4 may include fewer support bars, such as by including only one or two of support bars 24, 26, 28. The components defining the frame 4 are generally fixed together such as by welding or a similar connection. The side panels 20, 22 are generally constructed as solid panels such that access into the space enclosed by the frame 4 is available only through spaces defined between support bars 24, 26, 28.

[0055] In some embodiments, the top of the side panels 20, 22 and / or the top panel 12 of the cover 6 may be downward sloping. This can be seen in Fig. 2 using reference number 21. In other embodiments, such as in the enclosure shown in Figs. 10 and 11, the top of the side panels 20, 22 and / or the top panel 12 of the cover 6 may be flat. These design variations are provided by way of example. In practice, any number of different minor modifications may be made to the enclosure 2 to fit the needs of a particular application of the enclosure 2 and / or particular space inwhich the enclosure 2 is installed.

[0056] The top panel 12 of the cover 6 includes one or more keyholes 30 and a locking assembly 8 may be positioned within (or predominantly within) each respective keyhole 30. That is to say, the locking assembly 8 may be positioned within a keyhole 30 such that all (or most) of the locking assembly 8 is below a surface of the top panel 12.

[0057] As used herein, the term “locking assembly” refers to any combination of components or parts used to construct a locking mechanism capable of engaging the cover 6 to, or disengaging the cover 6 from, the frame 4. In some embodiments, the locking assembly 8 may include a latch 32 and a keyed head 34. The latch 32 refers to any mechanical component capable of engaging and disengaging with one of side panels 20, 22 of the frame 4. For example, the latch 32 may include a hook, a metal lever, a cam, a sliding bar, a hinged or pivoted arm, a spring-loaded clip, and / or any other type of latch or connection mechanism known in the art. While shown above the enclosure 2 for explanatory purposes, the latch 32 is positioned below the surface of the top panel 12. The keyed head 34 may include any structure or molding with a shape defining an opening capable of receiving a key. The keyed head 34 may be flush or nearly flush with the surface of the top panel 12, such that the keyed head 34 does not protrude outwardly relative to the surface of the cover 6.

[0058] The locking assembly 8 is configured to be in a locked position or an unlocked position. When the locking assembly 8 is in the locked position, the latch 32 may be engaged with one of the side panels 20, 22 of the frame 4. When two locking assemblies 8 are implemented, a first locking assembly 8 may have a latch 32 that is engaged with the side panel 20 and a second locking assembly 8 may have a latch 32 that is engaged with the side panel 22. When the locking assembly 8 is in the unlocked position, the latch 32 is not engaged with the corresponding side panel 20 or 22. Movement of the locking assembly 8 between the locked and unlocked positions is shown and discussed in connection with Figs. 7A and 7B.

[0059] While each locking assembly 8 is described as including a latch 32 and a keyed head 34, it is to be understood that this is provided by way of example. In practice, the respective locking assembly 8 may contain one or more additional components, one or more fewer components, different combinations of components, and / or one or more other components (not described herein), and / or different combinations of components or other components known in the art. For example, a locking assembly 8 may be implemented using a combination lock mechanism,a spring-loaded latch with manual release, a magnetic lock, a toggle clamp and / or padlock, a tool- operated fastener, and / or the like.

[0060] As used herein, the term “access door” refers to any combination of components or parts used to seal an opening of the cover 6. The access door 10 can be used to seal an opening 38 (shown on the top panel 12) and may be unlocked when a user needs to set or change a temperature control setting, a filtration setting, and / or a similar type of user-controlled setting.

[0061] In some embodiments, the access door 10 may include a cap 40, a locking plate 42, and a keyed head 44. The cap 40 includes a flat surface such that when the access door 10 is placed into the opening 38, the flat surface is flush with the surface of the top panel 12. The locking plate 42 includes one or more locking arms 43 configured to rotate between a locked position and an unlocked position. Additionally, or alternatively, the locking plate 42 may include a specialized cam capable of interacting with the locking arms 43 to control engagement and disengagement. Additionally, or alternatively, the locking plate 42 may include alignment pins such as alignment pins or guideposts that assist in properly positioning or stabilizing the locking plate 42 or access door 10.

[0062] The keyed head 44 may include any mechanical structural or molding with a shape that defines an opening capable of receiving a key. The keyed head 44 may be positioned within the cap 40 and accessible via the surface of the cover 6. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the keyed head 44 is positioned at a center point of the cap 40 and is accessible via the surface of the top panel 12. In other embodiments, the keyed head 44 may be positioned at other locations within the cap 40.

[0063] In some embodiments, the access door 10 may connect with a locking ring interface 36 such that the access door 10 forms an air tight or compression fit seal when placed into the opening 38 of the cover 6. In some embodiments, the locking ring interface 36 may include a set of segments 33 (shown as three segments 33) each separated by a spacing 39 (shown as three spacings 39). In some embodiments, the locking ring interface 36 may include a different number of segments and / or a different number of spacings so as to accommodate an access door 10 with a shape different than that shown in Fig. 2. To form the air tight or compression fit seal, the access door 10 may be placed into the opening 38 such that the locking arms 43 are positioned through the corresponding spacings 39. Once the access 10 is placed all of the way into the opening 38, the lid 40 is sealed with a surface of the top panel 12 of the cover 6. The lid 40 is also in sealedengagement with a top portion of each respective segment 33 of the locking ring interface 36. As can be seen in these Figures, the ends of the locking arms 43 may be angled and it will be understood that the segments 33 of the locking ring interface 36 may also be angled in a complementary manner to further force the lid 40 downward into tighter engagement with the opening 38 as the locking arms 43 slide / rotate away from the spacings 39.

[0064] The access door 10 is configured to be in a locked position or an unlocked position. When the access door 10 is in the locked position, each respective locking arm 43 may be misaligned with a corresponding spacing 39 of the locking ring interface 36. In this position, the distal ends of each locking arm 43 may cooperate with (e.g., make contact with) a bottom side of a corresponding segment 33. When the access door 10 is in the unlocked position, each respective locking arm 43 may be aligned with the corresponding spacing 39 of the locking ring interface 36. This allows each respective locking arm 43 to pass through the corresponding spacing 39 when a lifting tool is applied to remove the access door 10 from the cover 6. When a user places a key into keyed head 44 and turns the key, the turning of the key causes the locking plate 42 to rotate. When the locking plate 42 rotates, the lid 40 is not rotating and remains stationary due to the tightly sealed engagement.

[0065] While the access door 10 is described as including the cap 40, the locking plate 42, and the keyed head 44, it is to be understood that this is provided by way of example. In practice, the access door 10 may contain one or more additional components, one or more fewer components, different combinations of components, and / or one or more other components (not described herein), and / or different combinations of components or other components known in the art. For example, the access door 10 may be a locked hinged door panel, a lockable sliding door panel, a lockable electronic access door, and / or the like. Each of these respective access doors 10 include different components known by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0066] In some embodiments, the corners of the top surface of the frame 4 may be rounded or curved (often referred to as a bullnose design). Additionally, or alternatively, the surface where the top panel 12 and front panel 14 intersect may be rounded or curved. The enclosure 2 is advantageously designed to present no ligature points (e.g., including, but not limited to, dimplelike apertures) anywhere on the outside of the frame 4 and / or the cover 6. In this way, the enclosure 2 improves patient safety (e.g., relative to a design with square corners, relative to a design with ligature points, etc.) by eliminating external structural features that could be potentially used by apatient to cause bodily harm to patients or individuals in the facility or building in which the enclosure 2 is implemented.

[0067] Fig. 3A is a diagram of a perspective view of the enclosure 2, where the access door 10 is shown as removed from the remainder of the enclosure 2. To remove the access door 10 from the cover 6, a user may first unlock the access door 10 by placing and turning a key in the keyed head 44. Turning the key causes the locking arms 43 to rotate such that a position of each locking arm 43 changes from a position that aligns with a segment 33 of the locking ring interface 36 to a position that aligns with the spacing 39. Next, the user may affix a lifting tool 46 to the cap 40 of the access door 10 and may pull upward on the lifting tool 46. Because the locking arms 43 are aligned with spacings 39, the access door 10 will be removed from the cover 6, as is shown in Fig. 3A.

[0068] Fig. 3B is a diagram of a perspective view of the enclosure 2, where the cover 6 is shown as detached from the frame 4. To remove the cover 6 from the frame 4, a user may first unlock each locking assembly 8 by placing and turning a key into a corresponding keyed head 34. Turning the key causes a latch 32 of the respective locking assembly 8 to rotate such that a position of the latch 32 changes from a position engaged with a side panel of the frame 4 to a position that is no longer engaged with the side panel of the frame 4. Next, the user may affix a lifting tool 46 to the cover 6 and may pull on the lifting tool 46. With the latches 32 disengaged from the respective side panels 20, 22, the pulling motion will cause the cover 6 to be removed from the frame 4. In some embodiments, the lifting tool may be applied to a central portion of the cover 6. In some embodiments, the lifting tool may be applied to the access door 10. In this case, so long as the access door 10 is in the locked position, the lifting tool 10 will still remove the cover 6 from the frame 4.

[0069] In some embodiments, a duct collar 27 may be implemented to connect the HVAC equipment to ductwork or other ventilation pathways. The duct collar 27 serves as an interface or mounting point for the ducts, ensuring an efficient and secure connection for air distribution or intake. The location of the duct collar 27 may vary depending on the particular HVAC unit being utilized. For example, the duct collar 27 may be implemented on a top of the frame 4 (as shown in Fig. 3B), a side of the frame 4, or in another location. In some embodiments, the duct collar 27 may be implemented in a way that provides an airtight seal. In this way, the duct collar 27 is implemented in a way that aligns with the health and safety benefits provided by the enclosure 2.

[0070] In some embodiments, the enclosure 2 may further include a base sleeve 47. Fig. 4 shows the base sleeve 47 as disassembled from the remainder of the frame 4. In some embodiments, the base sleeve 47 may include a horizontal support bar that connects two parallel support bars. The horizontal support bar and the two parallel support bars may each have a lower sleeve 48 that rests on the ground or floor and an upper sleeve 50 that extends vertically from an end of the lower sleeve 48. The horizontal support bar may be configured to receive the bottom of the lower support bar 24 and the respective two parallel support bars may be configured to receive the bottom of respective side panels 20, 22. In some embodiments, the base sleeve 47 may include a different number of or a different configuration of support bars.

[0071] In some embodiments, the base sleeve 47 may conform to the shape of the ground or floor. For example, the base sleeve 47 may be constructed using a material that is capable of bending or conforming to the ground or floor to eliminate (or reduce) spaces created due to the floor having an uneven surface. In this way, the enclosure 2 (e.g., with the base sleeve 47) eliminates (or reduces) potentially spacings that could be used to tamper with or damage the enclosure 2.

[0072] Fig. 5A is a diagram of a partial cross sectional view of the side panel 20 of the frame 4, taken on line 5 A-5 A from Fig. 1 . A side view of the locking assembly 8 (with the keyed head 34 and the latch 32) and the access door 10 (with the cap 40 and the keyed head 44) can be seen at the top of Fig. 5A. The partial cross section shows connection points between the frame 4 and cover 6. For example, as shown in Figs. 5A and 8, the upper support bar 28 includes support members 52, 54 that are spaced apart to form a lip. The cover 6 includes a connector element 56 that seats within the lip formed by the support members 52, 54.

[0073] As shown in Figs. 5A and 9, the lower support bar 24 includes support members 58, 60 that are spaced apart to form a lip. The cover 6 includes a connector element 62 that seats within the lip formed by the support members 58, 60.

[0074] In some embodiments, the connector elements of the cover 6 may slip, hook, and fasten in (or out of) place. This allows the support bars of the frame 4 to be used in conjunction with the locking mechanisms described herein to prevent a user from removing or tampering with the cover 6.

[0075] It is noted that because of the connection between the support members 52, 54 and the corrector element 56, and because of the connection between the support members 58, 60 and theconnector element 62, the cover 6 cannot be removed even when the one or more locking assemblies 8 are in the unlocked position. In this case, a suction type lifter (e.g., such as lifting tool 46) is needed to lift the cover 6 due the tightly fitted connection between support members and connector element. In this way, the enclosure 2 provides improved safety by creating additional steps needed to remove the cover 6 (e.g., steps other than simply unlocking the one or more locking assemblies 8).

[0076] Each connector element seats within a lip formed by corresponding support members such that movement in a first (horizontal) direction is prevented. That is to say, the lips are oriented vertically to prevent movement of the cover along the horizontal direction. Comparatively, the locking assembly is positioned on the top panel 12 and engages with top ends of a side panel of the frame to prevent the movement of the cover 6 along the vertical direction. In this way, components of the enclosure 2 prevent movement in two separate directions, thereby improving patient safety and reducing the likelihood that the enclosure 2 is damaged due to tampering.

[0077] In an alternate embodiment, the lips are oriented horizontally and the locking assembly is engaged along the front panel 14. In this embodiment, two-directional movement is still blocked but in a different way than the embodiment described above.

[0078] Fig. 5B is a diagram of the side panel 20 shown in Fig. 5A, where the access door 10 is shown as removed from the top panel 12 of the cover 6.

[0079] Fig. 6A is a diagram of a section of the inside of the cover 6 and connecting frame 4, where the section illustrates a portion of the access door 10 that is positioned inside the enclosure 2, and where the access door 10 is shown in a locked position 64. To change the position of the access of the access door 10 to an unlocked position, a user may first insert a key into the keyed head 44. When the user turns the key, the locking plate 42 rotates, causing the locking arms 43 to move from the locked position 64 (e.g., a position where the locking arms 43 are misaligned with the spacings 39 of the locking ring interface 36) to a locked position 68 (e.g., a position where the locking arms 43 are aligned with the spacings 39 of the locking ring interface 36). The movement toward the unlocked position is shown by reference number 66.

[0080] Fig. 6B is a diagram of the inside of the cover 6 and connecting frame 4, wherein the access door 10 is shown in the unlocked position 68. As can be seen in Fig. 6B, the locking arms 43 are in positions that are aligned with the spacings 39 of the locking ring interface 36. This allows the lifting tool 46 to be applied to remove the access door 10. Removing the access door10 results in an upward movement that is shown using reference number 70. Access door 10 can be removed regardless of whether the one or more locking assemblies are in locked or unlocked positions.

[0081] Fig. 7 A is a diagram of a section of the inside of the cover 6 and connecting frame 4, where the section illustrates a portion of a locking assembly 8 that is positioned inside the enclosure, and where the locking assembly 8 is shown in a locked position 72. To change the position of the locking assembly 8 to an unlocked position, a user may first insert a key into the keyed head 44. When the user turns the key, the latch 32 rotates from the locked position 72 (e.g., a position where the latch 32 engages with the side panel 20) to an unlocked position 76 (e.g., a position where the latches are no longer engaged with the side panel 20). The movement toward the unlocked position is shown by reference number 74. Fig. 7B shows the locking assembly 8 in the unlocked position 76. This allows the cover 6 to be removed from the frame 4. Further, the cover 6 can be removed regardless of whether the access door 10 is in a locked or unlocked position.

[0082] Fig. 8 is an enlarged view illustrating the connector element 56 of the cover 6 which is engaged with support members 54, 56 of the upper support bar 28 of the frame 4. Fig. 9 is an enlarged view illustrating the connector element 58 of the cover 6 which is engaged with support members 60, 62 of the lower support bar 24 of the frame 4. A description of the connections shown in Figs. 8 and 9 is provided above in connection with the description of Fig. 5A. It is noted again that the lip seating prevents movement in the first direction.

[0083] Fig. 10 is a diagram of a perspective view of an anti-ligature enclosure 78, where the topside of frame 4 and cover 6 are generally planar and in a horizontal orientation. In this embodiment, the top side of the side panels 20, 22 and / or the top panel 12 of the cover 6 may be flat. This is shown using reference number 80. Fig. 11 is a diagram of a side view of the enclosure 78, where the topside of the frame 4 and cover 6 are generally planar and in a horizontal orientation. Although the overall shape of the enclosure 78 may vary as indicated by the prior embodiments, the same components and elements are provided with similar reference numbers applied so that the enclosure 78 provides all of the functional benefits as the prior described embodiment(s).

[0084] Fig. 12 is a diagram of a perspective view of an anti-ligature enclosure 90. The enclosure 90, which utilizes a bullnose design, includes rounded corners and / or edges. This is shown using reference number 92. The bullnose design eliminates potentially dangerous exteriorpoints along the enclosure 90, thereby improving patient safety.

[0085] Fig. 13 is a diagram of a method 100 for accessing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment housed by an anti-ligature enclosure. The anti-ligature enclosure may be that which is described according to the principles of the present disclosure (e.g., enclosure 2, enclosure 78, enclosure 90, etc.).

[0086] If a user is to access a control panel of the HVAC equipment (step 102), the method includes unlocking an access door of the anti-ligature enclosure (step 104). For example, the user may unlock the access door by inserting a key into a keyhole of a locking assembly of the access door and by turning the key such that the access door rotates into an unlocked position. The method further includes opening the access door with a lifting tool (step 106). For example, the user may place a lifting tool onto a lid or top surface of the access door and may apply a pulling force to the lifting tool such that the access door is removed. The lifting tool may be a suction lifter, a magnetic lifter, and / or any other type of lifter known in the ail. The method further includes accessing the control panel of the HVAC equipment (step 108). For example, with the access door removed, the user may be able to interact with the control panel to adjust a filtration setting, a temperature setting, and / or a similar type of setting.

[0087] If the user is to access the full HVAC unit (e.g., for a service or maintenance request), the method includes unlocking the cover of the anti-ligature enclosure (step 112). For example, the user may unlock the cover by inserting a key into a keyhole of a locking assembly of the cover and by turning the key such that a latch of the locking assembly rotates into an unlocked position. In some embodiments, the anti-ligature enclosure is configured with multiple keyholes that require multiple keys to unlock the cover. The method further includes opening the cover with the lifting tool (step 114). For example, the user may place the lifting tool onto a top surface of the cover (or onto a top surface of the access door) and may apply a pulling force to the lifting tool such that the cover is removed. The method further includes accessing the full HVAC unit (step 116). For example, with the cover removed, the user has access to all of the HVAC equipment and is permitted to perform a service or maintenance request. If the user is not accessing the control panel of the HVAC equipment and is not accessing the full HVAC unit, then the user is denied access to the HVAC equipment (step 118).

[0088] As shown in the figures and described in the detailed description, the anti-ligature enclosure described herein includes an access door with compression fit, support members internalto the frame to hold the edge (connector element) of the cover at the top and bottom edges, lock placement to prevent opening, and the absence of dimple like apertures on the outside of the enclosure. These elements in combination or various sub combinations enable the anti-ligature enclosure to achieve several of the technical objectives and advantages described in detail above, thereby further improving the field of HVAC enclosures for certain patient and care settings.

[0089] While one or more embodiments described herein are directed to an anti-ligature enclosure for HVAC equipment, it is to be understood that this is provided by way of example. In practice, one or more aspects of this disclosure may be applied to enclosures for other types of equipment, such as an enclosure for a thermostat and / or any other appliance or piece of equipment found in a facility or building where safety is important (e.g., a psychiatric facility, a correctional facility, and / or the like).

[0090] No element, act, or instruction used herein should be construed as critical or essential unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the articles “a” and “an” are intended to include one or more items and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Furthermore, as used herein, the term “set” is intended to include one or more items (e.g., related items, unrelated items, a combination of related and unrelated items, etc.), and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Where only one item is intended, the phrase “only one” or similar language is used. Also, as used herein, the terms “has,” “have,” “having,” or the like are intended to be open- ended terms. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0091] The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise form disclosed. Additional modifications, variations, and advantages will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative enclosure(s) and method(s), and illustrative example(s) shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicant's general inventive concept.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An anti-ligature enclosure for housing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, comprising: a frame comprising opposing side panels connected by at least one support bar; a cover removably attachable to the frame, wherein the cover comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein at least one of the first portion and the second portion includes a connector element fixedly engaged to the at least one support bar when the cover is attached to the frame; a locking assembly operatively coupled to the cover and comprising a first keyed head that is accessible via a surface of the cover, wherein the locking assembly is rotatable between a locked position where the locking assembly engages with a side panel, of the opposing side panels, to secure the cover to the frame, and an unlocked position where the locking assembly is not engaged with the side panel; and an access door selectively sealing closed an opening of the cover, wherein the access door comprises a cap with a second keyed head accessible via the surface of the cover, wherein the access door is rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the enclosure is configured such that the cover is removed from the frame when the locking assembly is in the unlocked position and when a pulling force is applied to a lifting tool while the lifting tool is affixed to the access door or to the cover, and wherein the enclosure is configured such that the access door is removed from the cover when the access door is in the unlocked position and when the pulling force is applied to the lifting tool while the lifting tool is affixed to the access door.

2. The anti-ligature enclosure of claim 1, wherein an outer surface of the frame and the surface of the cover present no ligature points.

3. The anti-ligature enclosure of claim 1, further comprising: a base sleeve formed around a lower portion of the frame such that the lower portion of the frame presents no ligature points.

4. The anti-ligature enclosure of claim 1, wherein the cover further comprises a locking ringinterface fitted around edges of the opening, and wherein the cap of the access door is fitted to the locking ring interface such that the access door seals closed the opening of the cover using a compression fit seal.

5. The anti-ligature enclosure of claim 1, wherein the at least one support bar of the frame comprises support members that are spaced apart to form a lip, wherein the connector element, when fixedly engaged with the at least one support bar, seats within the lip so as to prevent movement of the cover in a first direction, and wherein the locking assembly, when in the locked position, engages with a side panel, of the opposing side panels, to prevent movement of the cover in a second direction that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

6. The anti-ligature enclosure of claim 1, wherein the connector element is a first connector element and the cover includes a second connector element, wherein the at least one support bar of the frame comprises a first support bar with support members that are spaced apart to form a first lip and a second support bar with support members that are spaced apart to form a second lip, wherein the first support bar connects to the first portion of the cover and the second support bar connects to the second portion of the cover, and wherein the first connector element seats within the first lip and a second connector element seats within the second lip when the cover is attached to the frame.

7. The anti-ligature enclosure of claim 1, wherein the locking assembly is a first locking assembly, wherein the cover further comprises a second locking assembly, and wherein the second locking assembly comprises a third keyed head that is accessible via the surface of the cover.

8. The anti-ligature enclosure of claim 7, wherein the first locking assembly and the second locking assembly are positioned on opposing sides of the surface of the cover such that the first locking assembly, when in the locked position, engages with a first side panel of the opposing side panels of the frame and the second locking assembly, when in the locked position, engages with a second side panel of the opposing side panels.

9. The anti-ligature enclosure of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the cover is a top panel and the second portion of the cover is a front panel.

10. An anti-ligature enclosure for housing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, comprising: a frame comprising opposing side panels connected by at least one support bar that comprises support members spaced apart to form a lip; a cover removably attachable to the frame, wherein the cover comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein at least one of the first portion and the second portion includes a connector element that seats within the lip formed by the support members so as to prevent movement of the cover in a first direction when the cover is attached to the frame; and a locking assembly comprising a keyed head that is accessible via a surface of the cover, wherein the locking assembly is rotatable between a locked position, in which the locking assembly engages with a side panel of the opposing side panels, to secure the cover to the frame and to prevent movement of the cover in a second direction that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first direction, and an unlocked position in which the locking assembly is not engaged with the side panel, wherein the prevention of movement in the first and second directions provides a positive block to movement in all directions in which the cover could be removed from the frame.

11. The anti-ligature enclosure of claim 10, further comprising: an access door selectively sealing closed an opening of the cover, wherein the access door comprises a cap with a keyed head accessible via the surface of the cover, wherein the access door is rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the access door can be removed from the cover when the access door is in the unlocked position.

12. The anti-ligature enclosure of claim 10, wherein the lip formed by the support members is a first lip located at a first end of the support bar, wherein the support members also form a second lip at a second opposing end of the support bar, and wherein the connector element seats within said first and second lips.

13. The anti-ligature enclosure of claim 10, wherein the frame further comprises a second support bar with support members spaced apart to form a second lip, wherein the support bar connects to the first portion of the cover and the second support bar connects to the second portion of the cover, and wherein the cover further comprises a second connector element that seats within the second lip formed by the support members of the second support bar.

14. The anti-ligature enclosure of claim 10, wherein an outer surface of the frame and the surface of the cover presents no ligature points.

15. The anti-ligature enclosure of claim 10, wherein the locking assembly is a first locking assembly, wherein the cover further comprises a second locking assembly, wherein the second locking assembly comprises a keyed head that is accessible via the surface of the cover, wherein the first locking assembly and the second locking assembly are positioned on opposing sides of the surface of the cover such that the first locking assembly, when in the locked position, engages with a first side panel of the opposing side panels of the frame and the second locking assembly, when in the locked position, engages with a second side panel of the opposing side panels.

16. The anti-ligature enclosure of claim 10, wherein the first direction is a horizontal direction and the second direction is a vertical direction, wherein the lip is oriented vertically to prevent the movement of the cover along the horizontal direction, and wherein the locking assembly engages with top ends of side panels to prevent the movement of the cover along the vertical direction.

17. A method for accessing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment housed by an anti-ligature enclosure, the method comprising: providing the anti-ligature enclosure that comprises a frame, a cover removably attachable to the frame, a locking assembly operatively coupled to the cover, and an access door selectively sealing closed an opening of the cover, wherein the locking assembly is rotatable between a locked position where the locking assembly engages with a side panel, of opposingside panels of the frame, to secure the cover to the frame, and an unlocked position where the locking assembly is not engaged with the side panel, and wherein the access door is rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position; unlocking at least one of the locking assembly and the access door using a key; affixing a lifting tool to one of the cover or the access door; and removing one of the cover or the access door by applying a pulling force to the lifting tool such that the cover or the access door is removed to permit access to the HVAC equipment.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein unlocking at least one of the locking assembly and the access door comprises unlocking the at least one locking assembly; and wherein removing one of the cover or the access door comprises removing the cover by applying the pulling force to the lifting tool such that the cover is removed to permit access to the HVAC equipment.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein unlocking at least one of the locking assembly and the access door comprises unlocking the access door; and wherein removing one of the cover or the access door comprises removing the access door by applying the pulling force to the lifting tool such that the cover is removed to permit access to a portion of the HVAC equipment.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the frame further comprises a support bar with support members that are spaced apart to form a lip, wherein a connector element of the cover seats within the lip, and wherein removing the cover comprises: applying the pulling force to the lifting tool such that the connector element raises out of the lip, and applying a twisting motion such that the cover unhooks from the frame.

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