Swing panel mount

Abstract

A device for mounting a panel to an enclosure includes a body having a first attachment drum positioned at a first end of the body and a second attachment drum positioned at a second end of the body, a slider, and an arm attaching the slider to the body. The slider includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion extending from the slider in parallel, the first protrusion having a first flange and the second protrusion having a second flange, and a first threaded aperture extending through the slider. The slider is configured to slidingly engage with a rail of an electrical enclosure. The device further includes a hinge member including a first hinge projection having a first hinge aperture, a second hinge projection having a second hinge aperture, and a second threaded aperture configured to fasten a panel to the hinge member.

Description

SWING PANEL MOUNTCross Reference to Related Application

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 668,960, filed July 9, 2024, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUNDField of the Disclosure

[0002] The present disclosure relates to devices, assemblies, and methods for mounting an element in an enclosure, and specifically to a reversable device for mounting a panel in an electrical enclosure, which allows for fixed and hinged mounting of the panel in multiple configurations.Description of Related Art

[0003] Electrical enclosures are cabinets or containers for electrical or electronic components and equipment including circuits, circuit breakers, cables, wires, switches, knobs, displays, and the like used in industrial, residential, and commercial applications. Electrical enclosures are used to prevent electrical shock, fire, and other exposure to electricians, technicians or other users servicing equipment housed in electrical enclosures, as well as the surrounding environment or others who may come in contact with electrical enclosures. Electrical enclosures also protect the contents from the surrounding environment and weather conditions such as precipitation, wind, and sun exposure. Electrical enclosures are offered in a variety of shapes, sizes, dimensions, and materials such as metal, plastic, polymer, and composite materials. The shape, size, dimensions, and materials are selected based on the needs of a particular application. A multitude of governing bodies promulgate regulations requiring that electrical enclosures used in specific applications meet certain minimum requirements. For example, regulations may dictate the features and performance of electrical enclosures in hazardous areas, such as chemical plants or mineral mines, to protect the surrounding environment from heat dissipation, radio frequency interference, or electrostatic discharge.

[0004] Electrical enclosures and the components within may require repair, upgrade, installment, or other service over time. When required, electrical enclosures, and components within are serviced in the field by electricians, technicians, or other users. Access to the components within an electrical enclosure is gained by opening a covering, such as a hinged door. A panel, a swing panel or swing-out panel, may be mounted near the front of an enclosure to add additional protection to users and the components within the electrical enclosure. Additional components such as gauges, switches and the like may be mounted to the panel for quicker, easier access, and to separate some components within the electrical enclosure from others. Servicing of the components within an electrical enclosure may require access to the components mounted to the panel, or those mounted to the interior of the enclosure behind the panel.

[0005] The panel may be fixedly attached within the electrical enclosure to provide additional security to both a user and the components within the enclosure by preventing accidental or unwanted opening of the panel. However, the security offered by fixed mounting the panel requires the fasteners attaching the panel to the enclosure to be removed to gain access behind the panel. As there are often four or more fasteners fixing the panel, the process of removing the panel is time consuming, and thus, there is an increase in cost when the panel must be removed for service or maintenance. To facilitate easier and quicker access behind the panel, the panel may instead be hingedly attached to the enclosure, such that the panel can swing. However, hinged mounting of the panel has several drawbacks. Hinged mounting may still allow for accidental or unwanted opening, which is potentially harmful to the user or the components within the enclosure. Further, hinged mounting requires additional components, namely the hinges, which increases cost, and the additional components also make installation more time consuming and costly than fixed mounting.

[0006] In view of the foregoing, there exists a need for a reversable device for mounting a panel in an electrical enclosure, which allows for fixed and hinged mounting of the panel in multiple configurations.SUMMARY

[0007] Accordingly, provided are devices, assemblies, and methods for mounting a panel in an electrical enclosure, which allows for fixed and hinged mounting of the panel in multiple configurations to the electrical enclosure.

[0008] According to non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the disclosure, a device for mounting a panel in an enclosure includes a body having a first attachment drum positioned at a first end of the body and a second attachment drum positioned at a second end of the body, a slider having a first protrusion and a second protrusion extending from the slider in parallel, the first protrusion having a first flange and the second protrusion having a second flange, and an arm attaching the slider to the body. The slider is configured to slidingly engage with a rail of an electrical enclosure.

[0009] According to other non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the disclosure, a device for mounting a panel in an enclosure includes a body having a first attachment drum positioned at a first end of the body and a second attachment drum positioned at a second end of the body, a slider having a first protrusion and a second protrusion extending from the slider, the first protrusion having a first flange, the second protrusion having a second flange, and a first threaded aperture extending through the slider between the first and second protrusions, an arm attaching the slider to the body, a bumper extending from a face of the body and positioned between the first attachment drum and the second attachment drum, and a hinge member. The hinge member includes a first hinge projection having a first hinge aperture, a second hinge projection having a second hinge aperture, and a second threaded aperture. The first and second hinge apertures are slotted and concentric, and the first and second hinge apertures are configured to hingedly engage with the first and second attachment drums. The second threaded aperture is perpendicular to the first and second hinge apertures and configured to fasten a panel to the hinge member. The first and second protrusions and the first and second flange define a slot configured to slidingly engage with a rail of an electrical enclosure.

[0010] According to other non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the disclosure, an enclosure includes a door, one or more door hinges configured to hingedly connect the door to one or more walls of the enclosure, two or more corner portions each comprising a rail on an interior surface, a substantially flat panel configured to be mounted between a back and the door, and two or more devices configured to mount the panel to the rails of the two or more corner portions. The two or more deviceseach include a body having a first attachment drum at a first end of the body and a second attachment drum at a second end of the body opposite the first attachment drum, a slider having a slot and a first threaded aperture, an arm attaching the slider to the body, a bumper between the first and second attachment drums, and a hinge member. The hinge member includes a first hinge projection having a first hinge aperture, a second hinge projection having a second hinge aperture, and a second threaded aperture. The first and second hinge apertures are slotted and concentric, and the first and second hinge apertures are configured to hingedly engage with the first and second attachment drums. The bumper is configured to limit rotation of the hinge member with respect to the first and second attachment drums.

[0011] Further non-limiting illustrative examples of embodiments of the present disclosure will now be set forth in the following numbered clauses.

[0012] Clause 1 : A device for mounting a panel to an enclosure, comprising: a body having a first attachment drum positioned at a first end of the body and a second attachment drum positioned at a second end of the body; a slider having a first protrusion and a second protrusion extending from the slider in parallel, the first protrusion having a first flange and the second protrusion having a second flange; and an arm attaching the slider to the body, wherein the slider is configured to slidingly engage with a rail of an electrical enclosure.

[0013] Clause 2: The device of clause 1 , wherein the first attachment drum and the second attachment drum are cylindrical, wherein the first attachment drum extends from the body in a first direction and a second direction, and the second attachment drum extends from the body in a first direction and a second direction.

[0014] Clause 3: The device of clause 1 or 2, wherein a center axis of the first attachment drum is parallel to a center axis of the second attachment drum.

[0015] Clause 4: The device of any of clauses 1 -3, wherein the second attachment drum is symmetrical to the first attachment drum across a plane extending through the center of the body between the first attachment drum and the second attachment drum.

[0016] Clause 5: The device of any of clauses 1 -4, wherein the first and second attachment drums are barrel shaped such that a diameter of a center of the first and second attachment drums is larger than a diameter of a first drum end and a second drum end of the first and second attachment drums.

[0017] Clause 6: The device of any of clauses 1 -5, wherein the slider further comprises: a first threaded aperture extending through the slider between the first protrusion and the second protrusion, wherein the first protrusion, the second protrusion, the first flange, and the second flange of the slider define a slot.

[0018] Clause 7: The device of any of clauses 1 -6, wherein the first flange extends perpendicularly from the first protrusion toward the second flange and the second flange extends perpendicularly from the second protrusion toward the first flange such that the slot is T shaped.

[0019] Clause 8: The device of any of clauses 1 -7, wherein the arm extends from a side surface of the body to a corner portion of the slider such that the slider is positioned at an angle with respect to the body.

[0020] Clause 9: The device of any of clauses 1 -8, wherein the arm comprises a curvilinear profile.

[0021] Clause 10: The device of any of clauses 1 -9, further comprising a bumper extending from a face of the body and positioned between the first attachment drum and the second attachment drum.

[0022] Clause 11 : The device of any of clauses 1 -10, further comprising a hinge member, wherein the hinge member comprises: a first hinge projection having a first hinge aperture; a second hinge projection having a second hinge aperture; and a second threaded aperture, wherein the first and second hinge apertures are circular and concentric, and the first and second hinge apertures are configured to hingedly engage with the first and second attachment drums, and wherein the second threaded aperture is perpendicular to the first and second hinge apertures and configured to fasten a panel to the hinge member.

[0023] Clause 12: A device for mounting a panel to an enclosure, comprising: a body having a first attachment drum positioned at a first end of the body and a second attachment drum positioned at a second end of the body; a slider having a first protrusion and a second protrusion extending from the slider, the first protrusion having a first flange, the second protrusion having a second flange, and a first threaded aperture extending through the slider between the first and second protrusions; an arm attaching the slider to the body; a bumper extending from a face of the body and positioned between the first attachment drum and the second attachment drum; and a hinge member, the hinge member comprising: a first hinge projection having a first hinge aperture; a second hinge projection having a second hinge aperture; and asecond threaded aperture, wherein the first and second hinge apertures are slotted and concentric, and the first and second hinge apertures are configured to hingedly engage with the first and second attachment drums, and wherein the second threaded aperture is perpendicular to the first and second hinge apertures and configured to fasten a panel to the hinge member; wherein the first and second protrusions and the first and second flange define a slot configured to slidingly engage with a rail of an electrical enclosure.

[0024] Clause 13: The device of clause 12, further comprising: a first fastener configured to engage with the first threaded aperture to fasten the slider to the rail of the electrical enclosure; and a second fastener configured to engage with the second threaded aperture to fasten the hinge member to the panel.

[0025] Clause 14: The device of clause 12 or 13, wherein the first attachment drum and the second attachment drum are cylindrical, wherein the first attachment drum extends from the body in a first direction and a second direction, and the second attachment drum extends from the body in a first direction and a second direction.

[0026] Clause 15: The device of any of clauses 12-14, wherein a center axis of the first attachment drum is parallel to a center axis of the second attachment drum, and wherein the second attachment drum is symmetrical to the second attachment drum across a plane extending through the center of the body between the first attachment drum and the second attachment drum.

[0027] Clause 16: The device of any of clauses 12-15, wherein the arm comprises a curvilinear profile and extends from a side surface of the body to a corner portion of the slider such that the slider is positioned at an angle with respect to the slider.

[0028] Clause 17: An enclosure, comprising: a door; one or more door hinges configured to hingedly connect the door to one or more walls of the enclosure; two or more corner portions each comprising a rail on an interior surface; a substantially flat panel configured to be mounted between a back and the door; and two or more devices configured to mount the panel to the rails of the two or more corner portions, the two or more devices each comprising: a body having a first attachment drum at a first end of the body and a second attachment drum at a second end of the body opposite the first attachment drum; a slider having a slot and a first threaded aperture; an arm attaching the slider to the body; a bumper between the first and second attachment drums; and a hinge member, the hinge member comprising: a first hinge projection having a first hinge aperture; a second hinge projection having a secondhinge aperture; and a second threaded aperture, wherein the first and second hinge apertures are slotted and concentric, and the first and second hinge apertures are configured to hingedly engage with the first and second attachment drums, and wherein the bumper is configured to limit rotation of the hinge member with respect to the first and second attachment drums.

[0029] Clause 18: The enclosure of clause 17, wherein the slot of a first device of the two or more devices is slidingly engaged with the rail of a first corner portion of the two or more corner portions and the slot of a second device of the two or more devices is slidingly engaged with the rail of a second corner portion of the two or more corner portions adjacent to the first corner portion such that the arm of the first device extends toward the arm of the second device, wherein a first fastener engages with the first threaded aperture of the first device to fasten the slider of the first device to the rail of the first corner portion, and a second fastener engages with the second threaded aperture of the first device to fasten the hinge member of the first device to the panel, wherein a third fastener engages with the first threaded aperture of the second device to fasten the slider of the second device to the rail of the second corner portion, and a fourth fastener engages with the second threaded aperture of the second device to fasten the hinge member of the second device to the panel.

[0030] Clause 19: The enclosure of clause 17 or 18, wherein the slot of a third device of the two or more devices is slidingly engaged with the rail of a third corner portion of the two or more corner portions and the slot of a fourth device of the two or more devices is slidingly engaged with the rail of a fourth corner portion of the two or more corner portions adjacent to the third corner portion such that the arm of the third device extends toward the arm of the fourth device, and such that the arm of the third device extends in the same direction as the arm of the first device, and the arm of the fourth device extends in the same direction as the arm of the second device.

[0031] Clause 20: The enclosure of any of clauses 17-19, wherein a fifth fastener engages with the first threaded aperture of the third device to fasten the slider of the third device to the rail of the third corner portion, and a sixth fastener engages with the second threaded aperture of the third device to fasten the hinge member of the third device to the panel, wherein a seventh fastener engages with the first threaded aperture of the fourth device to fasten the slider of the fourth device to the rail of the fourth corner portion, and an eighth fastener engages with the second threadedaperture of the fourth device to fasten the hinge member of the fourth device to the panel.

[0032] Further details and advantages of the various examples described in detail herein will become clear upon reviewing the following detailed description of the various examples in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Additional advantages and details are explained in greater detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying schematic figures, in which:

[0034] FIGS. 1A-1 F are perspective views of a device for mounting a panel in an electrical enclosure according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIGS. 2A-2F are perspective views of a device for mounting a panel in an electrical enclosure according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an electrical enclosure having a device for mounting a panel according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure;

[0037] FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective views of a device for mounting a panel implemented in an electrical enclosure according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure; and

[0038] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of multiple devices for mounting a panel implemented in an electrical enclosure according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure.

[0039] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, and such embodiment are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure in any manner.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] It is to be understood that the present disclosure may assume various alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustratedin the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary and non-limiting embodiments or aspects. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments or aspects disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.

[0041] For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “end,” “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “lateral,” “longitudinal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to embodiments or aspects as they are oriented in the drawing figures. Some non-limiting embodiments or aspects may be described herein in connection with thresholds. As used herein, satisfying a threshold may refer to a value being greater than the threshold, more than the threshold, higher than the threshold, greater than or equal to the threshold, less than the threshold, fewer than the threshold, lower than the threshold, less than or equal to the threshold, equal to the threshold, etc.

[0042] No aspect, component, element, structure, act, step, function, instruction, and / or the like 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” and “at least one.” 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, and / or the like) and may be used interchangeably with “one or more” or “at least one.” Where only one item is intended, the term “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 partially on” unless explicitly stated otherwise. In addition, reference to an action being “based on” a condition may refer to the action being “in response to” the condition.

[0043] Non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure are generally directed to devices, assemblies, and methods for mounting an element in an enclosure, and specifically to a reversable device for mounting a panel in an electrical enclosure, which allows for fixed and hinged mounting of the panel in multiple configurations.

[0044] According to non-limiting embodiments, the device may include a body having a first attachment drum positioned at a first end of the body and a second attachment drum positioned at a second end of the body, a slider having a firstprotrusion and a second protrusion extending from the slider, the first protrusion having a first flange, the second protrusion having a second flange, and a first threaded aperture extending through the slider between the first and second protrusions, an arm attaching the slider to the body, a bumper extending from a face of the body and positioned between the first attachment drum and the second attachment drum, and a hinge member. The hinge member may include a first hinge projection having a first hinge aperture, a second hinge projection having a second hinge aperture, and a second threaded aperture. The first and second hinge apertures may be slotted and concentric, and the first and second hinge apertures may be configured to hingedly engage with the first and second attachment drums. The second threaded aperture may be perpendicular to the first and second hinge apertures and configured to fasten a panel to the hinge member. The first and second protrusions and the first and second flange may define a slot configured to slidingly engage with a rail of an electrical enclosure.

[0045] In some non-limiting embodiments, the device may further include a first fastener configured to engage with the first threaded aperture to fasten the slider to the rail of the electrical enclosure, and a second fastener configured to engage with the second threaded aperture to fasten the hinge member to the panel.

[0046] In some non-limiting embodiments, the first attachment drum and the second attachment drum may be cylindrical, and the first attachment drum may extend from the body in a first direction and a second direction, and the second attachment drum may extend from the body in a first direction and a second direction.

[0047] In some non-limiting embodiments, a center axis of the first attachment drum may be parallel to a center axis of the second attachment drum, and the second attachment drum may be symmetrical to the second attachment drum across a plane extending through the center of the body between the first attachment drum and the second attachment drum. In some non-limiting embodiments, the arm may include a curvilinear profile and may extend from a side surface of the body to a corner portion of the slider such that the slider is positioned at an angle with respect to the slider.

[0048] In this way, embodiments of the present disclosure allow for a reversable device for both fixed and hinged mounting of a panel in an electrical enclosure in multiple configurations.

[0049] Referring now to FIGS. 1A-1 F, FIGS. 1A-1 F are various perspective views of device 100 for mounting a panel in an electrical enclosure according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1A, device 100 may include body 102 having first attachment drum 104 positioned at first end 106 of body 102 and second attachment drum 108 positioned at second end 110 of body 102. Device 100 may further include slider 112 having first protrusion 114 and second protrusion 116 extending from slider 112 in parallel to first protrusion 114. First protrusion 114 may have first flange 118 and second protrusion 116 may have second flange 120. Further, device 100 may have arm 122 attaching slider 112 to body 102. Slider 112 may be configured to slidingly engage with a rail of an electrical enclosure (e.g., rail 312 shown in FIGS. 3-6).

[0050] As further shown in FIGS. 1A-1 F, first attachment drum 104 and second attachment drum 108 may be cylindrical. In some non-limiting embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1 D, first and second attachment drums 104, 108 may be barrel shaped such that first and second attachment drums 104, 108 each include center diameter D, which is the diameter of the center of first and second attachment drums 104, 108 and center diameter D is larger than end diameter D’, which is the diameter of the ends of first and second attachment drums 104, 108. First attachment drum 104 may extend from body 102 in a first direction and a second direction, and second attachment drum 108 may extend from body 102 in a first direction and a second direction. These extensions, the ends of first and second attachment drums 104, 108, may allow a hinge member (e.g., hinge member 202 shown in FIGS. 2A-2F) to be attached to first attachment drum 104 and / or second attachment drum 108. As shown in FIG. 1 D, center axis A of first attachment drum 104 may be parallel to center axis A’ of second attachment drum 108. As further shown in FIG. 1 D, second attachment drum 108 may be symmetrical to first attachment drum 104 across plane P extending through the center of body 102 between first attachment drum 104 and the second attachment drum 108. In this way, device 100 may be reversible between a first orientation and a second orientation.

[0051] For example, in a first orientation (e.g., shown in FIGS. 1A-1 F), first drum 104 may be on first end 106 being the top end of body 102, and arm 122 may extend to the left side of body 102. In an implementation of device 100 in the first orientation, first drum 104 may be more suitable for attachment of a hinge member (e.g., hinge member 202 shown in FIGS. 2A-2F). However, in a second orientation (e.g., shown in FIGS. 2A-2C) where first drum 104 may be on first end 106 being the bottom end of body 102, and arm 122 may extend to the right side of body 102, second drum 108on second end 110, now the top end, may be more suitable for attachment of a hinge member (e.g., hinge member 202 shown in FIGS. 2A-2F).

[0052] With continued reference to FIGS. 1A-1 E, slider 112 may further include first threaded aperture 124 extending though slider 112. In some non-limiting embodiments, first threaded aperture 124 may extend through slider 112 between first and second protrusions 114, 116. In some non-limiting embodiments, first protrusion 114, second protrusion 116, first flange 118 and second flange 118 may define a slot such that the slider comprises a slot 128. In some non-limiting embodiments, first protrusion 114 and second protrusion 116 may extend in parallel. Further, first flange 118 may extend perpendicularly from first protrusion 114, and second flange 120 may extend perpendicularly from second protrusion 116. For example, first and second protrusions 114, 116 may extend from slider 112 in the same direction, and first and second flanges 118, 120 may extend toward each other, such that the configuration of second protrusion 116 and second flange 118 may be symmetrical to the configuration of first protrusion 114 and first flange 118 across a plane extending through slider 112 between first and second protrusion 114, 116. In this way, slot 128 may be T shaped, as shown for example in FIG. 1 E. In some non-limiting embodiments, slot 128 defined by first protrusion 114, second protrusion 116, first flange 118 and second flange 118 may be configured to slidingly engage with a rail of an electrical enclosure (e.g., rail 312 shown in FIGS. 3-6).

[0053] In some non-limiting embodiments, arm 122 may extend from a side surface of body 102 to a corner portion of slider 112 such that slider 112 is positioned at an angle with respect to body 102. Further, arm 122 may include a curvilinear profile, as shown in FIG. 1 E. It is contemplated that arm 122 may also include a straight profile to position slider 112 at an angle with respect to body 102.

[0054] In some non-limiting embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1 F, device 100 may further include a bumper 126. Bumper 126 may extend from a face of body 102 and may be positioned between first attachment drum 104 and second attachment drum 108. Bumper 126 may be configured to limit rotation of a hinge member (e.g., hinge member 202 shown in FIGS. 2A-2F) in a certain direction and a certain rotational distance. For example, bumper 126 may extend perpendicularly from body 102 to limit downward rotation of a hinge member attached to first drum 104 on first end 106 being the top end of body 102. For example, bumper 126 may be configured to limit downward rotation to 90 degrees from a directly upright position of the hinge member.In turn, this exemplary configuration may also limit downward rotation of a panel (e.g., panel 302 shown in FIG. 3) to 90 degrees from a directly upright position.

[0055] Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2F, FIGS. 2A-2F are various perspective views of device 100 for mounting a panel in an electrical enclosure according to some nonlimiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGS. 2A-2F, device 100 may further include hinge member 202. Hinge member 202 may include first hinge projection 204 having first hinge aperture 206, second hinge projection 208 having second hinge aperture 210, and second threaded aperture 224. First and second hinge apertures 206, 210 may be slotted and concentric. For example, first and second hinge apertures 206, 210 may be slotted such as elongated holes that are at least partially circular or include circular portions. Further, first and second hinge apertures 206, 210 may be concentric such that first and second hinge apertures 206, 210 are aligned. In some non-limiting embodiments, first and second hinge apertures 206, 210 may be circular. First and second hinge apertures 206, 210 may be configured to hingedly engage with first and second attachment drums 104, 108. This hinged engagement may allow rotation of hinge member 202 about the respective attachment drum 104, 108 to which hinge member 202 is hingedly engaged. In some non-limiting embodiments, second threaded aperture 224 may be perpendicular to first and second hinge apertures 206, 210. Further, second threaded aperture 224 may be configured to fasten a panel (e.g., panel 302 shown in FIG. 3) to hinge member 202.

[0056] Referring now to FIGS. 2B-2F, device 100 may further include first fastener 230 and second fastener 232. First fastener 230 may be configured to engage with first threaded aperture 124 to fasten slider 112 to a rail of an electrical enclosure (e.g., rail 312 shown in FIGS. 3-6). Second fastener 232 may be configured to engage with second threaded aperture 224 to fasten hinge member 202 to a panel (e.g., panel 302 shown in FIG. 3).

[0057] Referring now to FIGS. 3-5, FIG. 3 is an exploded view of electrical enclosure 300 having device 100 for mounting panel 302 according to some nonlimiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, and FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective views of device 100 for mounting a panel implemented in electrical enclosure 300 according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 3, enclosure 300 may include door 304, one or more hinges 306 configured to hingedly connect door 304 to one or more walls 308 of enclosure 300. As shown the exemplary embodiment, a portion of one or more hinges 306 may be fastened to door 304 and another portion of hinges 306 may be fastened to one or more walls 308. Enclosure 300 may further include two or more corner portions 310, and each corner portion 310 may further include rail 312 on an interior surface of each corner portion 310. As further shown in FIG. 3, panel 302 may be a substantially flat panel configured to be mounted between back 314 and door 304. Panel 302 may be shaped to correspond to the shape of enclosure 300.

[0059] As further shown in FIG. 3, enclosure 300 may include two or more devices 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d configured to mount panel 302 to rails 312 of corner portions 310. Devices 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d may be the same or similar to device 100 described herein. For example, devices 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, may each include a body having a first attachment drum at a first end of the body and a second attachment drum at a second end of the body opposite the first attachment drum, a slider having a slot and a first threaded aperture, an arm attaching the slider to the body, a bumper between the first and second attachment drums, and a hinge member. The hinge member may include a first hinge projection having a first hinge aperture, a second hinge projection having a second hinge aperture, and a second threaded aperture. The first and second hinge apertures may be slotted and concentric, and the first and second hinge apertures may be configured to hingedly engage with the first and second attachment drums. The bumper may be configured to limit rotation of the hinge member with respect to the first and second attachment drums.

[0060] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of multiple devices 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d for mounting a panel implemented in electrical enclosure 300 according to some nonlimiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure. Referring now to FIGS. 4- 6, in some non-limiting embodiments, the slot (e.g., slot 128 shown in FIG. 1 E) of slider 112 of first device 100a may be slidingly engaged with rail 312 of a first corner portion 310. The slot of second device 100b may be sliding engaged with rail 312 of second corner portion 310, which may be adjacent to first corner portion 310 in enclosure 300. In the exemplary embodiment, first and second devices 100a, 100b may be configured such that the arm (e.g., arm 122 shown in FIG. 1A) of first device 100a, may extend toward the arm of second device 100b. Thus, hinge member 202 of first device 100a may extend toward hinge member 202 of second device 100b.

[0061] In some non-limiting embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, first fastener 230 may be engaged with first threaded aperture 124 of first device 100a to fasten slider 112 of first device 100a to rail 312 of first corner portion 310. In some non-limiting embodiments, second fastener 232 may be engaged with second threaded aperture 224 of first device 100a to fasten hinge member 202 of first device 100a to the panel (e.g., panel 302 shown in FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 4, first device 100a may be in a second orientation as described herein.

[0062] In some non-limiting embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, third fastener 230 may engage with first threaded aperture 124 of second device 100b to fasten slider 112 of second device 100b to rail 312 of second corner portion 310. In some non-limiting embodiments, fourth fastener 232 may be engaged with second threaded aperture 224 of second device 100b to fasten hinge member 202 of second device 100b to the panel. As shown in FIG. 5, second device 100b may be in a first orientation as described herein.

[0063] In some non-limiting embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, the slot of slider 112 of third device 100c may be slidingly engaged with rail 312 of a third corner portion 310. The slot of fourth device 100d may be sliding engaged with rail 312 of fourth corner portion 310, which may be adjacent to third corner portion 310 in enclosure 300. In the exemplary embodiment, third and fourth devices 100c, 100d may be configured such that the arm of third device 100c, may extend toward the arm of fourth device 100d. Thus, hinge member 202 of third device 100c may extend toward hinge member 202 of fourth device 10Od. As further shown in FIG. 6, the arm of third device 100c may extend in the same direction of the arm of first device 100a, and the arm of fourth device 10Od may extend in the same direction of the arm of second device 100b.

[0064] In some non-limiting embodiments, fifth fastener 230 may be engaged with first threaded aperture 124 of third device 100c to fasten slider 112 of third device 100c to rail 312 of third corner portion 310. In some non-limiting embodiments, sixth fastener 232 may be engaged with second threaded aperture 224 of third device 100c to fasten hinge member 202 of third device 100c to the panel. As shown in FIG. 6, third device 100c may be in a first orientation as described herein.

[0065] In some non-limiting embodiments, seventh fastener 230 may engage with first threaded aperture 124 of fourth device 100d to fasten slider 112 of fourth device 100d to rail 312 of fourth corner portion 310. In some non-limiting embodiments, eighth fastener 232 may be engaged with second threaded aperture224 of fourth device 100d to fasten hinge member 202 of fourth device 100d to the panel. As shown in FIG. 6, fourth device 100d may be in a second orientation as described herein.

[0066] In some non-limiting embodiments, the panel may be fastened to two adjacent devices (i.e., either device 100a and device 100b or device 100c and device 100d) and left unfastened to the opposite two adjacent devices. This exemplary configuration allows for the panel to hingedly engage with the enclosure such that it can be freely opened and closed via the respective devices. In some nonlimiting embodiments, the panel may be fastened to all four devices such that it cannot be opened. In such exemplary embodiments, a user may remove the appropriate tasters (i.e., two corresponding adjacent fasteners 230) to achieve the configuration whereby the panel is fastened to only two adjacent devices such that the panel can be hingedly opened and closed.

[0067] It is to be understood, that while the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described with respect to mounting a panel in an electrical enclosure, the devices, assemblies, and methods are applicable for, but not limited to, implementation with regard to mounting of any number of panels and / or any number of other components in an electrical enclosure and / or in any other conceivable enclosure, and it is considered that there are various other configurations and uses for fixed and hinged mounting with the devices, assemblies, and methods of the present disclosure.

[0068] While several examples of devices and assemblies for mounting a panel in an electrical enclosure are shown in the accompanying figures and described in detail hereinabove, other aspects will be apparent to and readily made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Accordingly, the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. The disclosure described hereinabove is defined by the appended claims and all changes to the disclosure that fall within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:1 . A device for mounting a panel to an enclosure, comprising: a body having a first attachment drum positioned at a first end of the body and a second attachment drum positioned at a second end of the body; a slider having a first protrusion and a second protrusion extending from the slider in parallel, the first protrusion having a first flange and the second protrusion having a second flange; and an arm attaching the slider to the body, wherein the slider is configured to slidingly engage with a rail of an electrical enclosure.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first attachment drum and the second attachment drum are cylindrical, wherein the first attachment drum extends from the body in a first direction and a second direction, and the second attachment drum extends from the body in a first direction and a second direction.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein a center axis of the first attachment drum is parallel to a center axis of the second attachment drum.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the second attachment drum is symmetrical to the first attachment drum across a plane extending through the center of the body between the first attachment drum and the second attachment drum.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the first and second attachment drums are barrel shaped such that a diameter of a center of the first and second attachment drums is larger than a diameter of a first drum end and a second drum end of the first and second attachment drums.

6. The device of claim 1 , wherein the slider further comprises: a first threaded aperture extending through the slider between the first protrusion and the second protrusion, wherein the first protrusion, the second protrusion, the first flange, and the second flange of the slider define a slot.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the first flange extends perpendicularly from the first protrusion toward the second flange and the second flange extends perpendicularly from the second protrusion toward the first flange such that the slot is T shaped.

8. The device of claim 1 , wherein the arm extends from a side surface of the body to a corner portion of the slider such that the slider is positioned at an angle with respect to the body.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the arm comprises a curvilinear profile.

10. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a bumper extending from a face of the body and positioned between the first attachment drum and the second attachment drum.1 1 . The device of claim 1 , further comprising a hinge member, wherein the hinge member comprises: a first hinge projection having a first hinge aperture; a second hinge projection having a second hinge aperture; and a second threaded aperture, wherein the first and second hinge apertures are circular and concentric, and the first and second hinge apertures are configured to hingedly engage with the first and second attachment drums, and wherein the second threaded aperture is perpendicular to the first and second hinge apertures and configured to fasten a panel to the hinge member.

12. A device for mounting a panel to an enclosure, comprising: a body having a first attachment drum positioned at a first end of the body and a second attachment drum positioned at a second end of the body; a slider having a first protrusion and a second protrusion extending from the slider, the first protrusion having a first flange, the second protrusion having a second flange, and a first threaded aperture extending through the slider between the first and second protrusions;an arm attaching the slider to the body; a bumper extending from a face of the body and positioned between the first attachment drum and the second attachment drum; and a hinge member, the hinge member comprising: a first hinge projection having a first hinge aperture; a second hinge projection having a second hinge aperture; and a second threaded aperture, wherein the first and second hinge apertures are slotted and concentric, and the first and second hinge apertures are configured to hingedly engage with the first and second attachment drums, and wherein the second threaded aperture is perpendicular to the first and second hinge apertures and configured to fasten a panel to the hinge member; wherein the first and second protrusions and the first and second flange define a slot configured to slidingly engage with a rail of an electrical enclosure.

13. The device of claim 12, further comprising: a first fastener configured to engage with the first threaded aperture to fasten the slider to the rail of the electrical enclosure; and a second fastener configured to engage with the second threaded aperture to fasten the hinge member to the panel.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the first attachment drum and the second attachment drum are cylindrical, wherein the first attachment drum extends from the body in a first direction and a second direction, and the second attachment drum extends from the body in a first direction and a second direction.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein a center axis of the first attachment drum is parallel to a center axis of the second attachment drum, and wherein the second attachment drum is symmetrical to the second attachment drum across a plane extending through the center of the body between the first attachment drum and the second attachment drum.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the arm comprises a curvilinear profile and extends from a side surface of the body to a corner portion of the slider such that the slider is positioned at an angle with respect to the slider.

17. An enclosure, comprising: a door; one or more door hinges configured to hingedly connect the door to one or more walls of the enclosure; two or more corner portions each comprising a rail on an interior surface; a substantially flat panel configured to be mounted between a back and the door; and two or more devices configured to mount the panel to the rails of the two or more corner portions, the two or more devices each comprising: a body having a first attachment drum at a first end of the body and a second attachment drum at a second end of the body opposite the first attachment drum; a slider having a slot and a first threaded aperture; an arm attaching the slider to the body; a bumper between the first and second attachment drums; and a hinge member, the hinge member comprising: a first hinge projection having a first hinge aperture; a second hinge projection having a second hinge aperture; and a second threaded aperture, wherein the first and second hinge apertures are slotted and concentric, and the first and second hinge apertures are configured to hingedly engage with the first and second attachment drums, and wherein the bumper is configured to limit rotation of the hinge member with respect to the first and second attachment drums.

18. The enclosure of claim 17, wherein the slot of a first device of the two or more devices is slidingly engaged with the rail of a first corner portion of the two or more corner portions and the slot of a second device of the two or more devices is slidingly engaged with the rail of a second corner portion of the two or more cornerportions adjacent to the first corner portion such that the arm of the first device extends toward the arm of the second device, wherein a first fastener engages with the first threaded aperture of the first device to fasten the slider of the first device to the rail of the first corner portion, and a second fastener engages with the second threaded aperture of the first device to fasten the hinge member of the first device to the panel, wherein a third fastener engages with the first threaded aperture of the second device to fasten the slider of the second device to the rail of the second corner portion, and a fourth fastener engages with the second threaded aperture of the second device to fasten the hinge member of the second device to the panel.

19. The enclosure of claim 18, wherein the slot of a third device of the two or more devices is slidingly engaged with the rail of a third corner portion of the two or more corner portions and the slot of a fourth device of the two or more devices is slidingly engaged with the rail of a fourth corner portion of the two or more corner portions adjacent to the third corner portion such that the arm of the third device extends toward the arm of the fourth device, and such that the arm of the third device extends in the same direction as the arm of the first device, and the arm of the fourth device extends in the same direction as the arm of the second device.

20. The enclosure of claim 19, wherein a fifth fastener engages with the first threaded aperture of the third device to fasten the slider of the third device to the rail of the third corner portion, and a sixth fastener engages with the second threaded aperture of the third device to fasten the hinge member of the third device to the panel, wherein a seventh fastener engages with the first threaded aperture of the fourth device to fasten the slider of the fourth device to the rail of the fourth corner portion, and an eighth fastener engages with the second threaded aperture of the fourth device to fasten the hinge member of the fourth device to the panel.

Images