Equipment security enclosure
09752372 ยท 2017-09-05
Inventors
Cpc classification
Y10T70/5009
GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
B65D25/24
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B65D7/16
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B65D85/68
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B65D2585/6812
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B65D55/14
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
International classification
B65D55/14
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B65D25/24
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
Abstract
An exemplary security enclosure for equipment has four substantially planar side panels with multiple engagement openings and is received on a surface. The panels have a generally square cross-section and have engagement protrusions along an edge that engage engagement openings in an adjacent panel or an interposed connector frame. A top panel is engaged across the upper end of the side panels using the same inter-fitting engagement protrusion and engagement opening pairing, which together with the surface, completely enclose the equipment. A tang is fixedly attached to one of the side panels and extends through the top panel. A puck lock receives engages an opening in the tang with a hasp that is completely enclosed within the lock, preventing relative motion of the panels. A surface mount include legs section extending downwardly from a side panel and present a downwardly oriented face, the face having an opening. A fastener dimensioned to slideably engage through the opening secure the security enclosure to the surface.
Claims
1. A theft deterrent enclosure comprising: a top panel and at least two side panels; each of said side panels having an upper portion, a lower portion, and two opposing side edges; at least one of said side panels having a plurality of openings to allow the passage of air through said panel; each of said side panels having engagement protrusions along its first side edge and having reciprocal engagement openings along its opposing second side edge, wherein said engagement protrusions of the first side panel permit insertion and slidable engagement to said engagement openings of the second side panel; said engagement protrusions and said reciprocal engagement openings selected from the following: said engagement protrusions comprise L-shaped hooks and said reciprocal engagement openings comprise linear slots, said L-shaped hooks having a first section extending outwardly from said side panel and a second section angularly depending from said first section; and said engagement protrusions comprise knob hooks and said reciprocal engagement opening comprise keyhole slots, said knob hooks having a first section of a first width extending outwardly from said side panel and a second section of said knob hooks flaring to a second greater width; said keyhole slots having a first slot section of a width greater than said flared second section of the knob hook and an adjacent second more narrow section; each of said side panels having one of engagement protrusions or engagement openings along its upper portion, said top panel having the reciprocal engagement protrusions or engagement openings along its edge, wherein said engagement protrusions permit insertion and slidable engagement to said engagement openings, securing said top panel to the upper portions of each of said side panels; a tang extending from at least one of said side panels, said tang having a shackle opening, an opening in said top panel permitting insertion of said tang therethrough, whereby a shackle of a lock inserted through said shackle opening restricts relative motion of said top panel and said side panels.
2. The theft deterrent enclosure according to claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of legs extending downwardly from a side panel and presenting faces for orientation downwardly, each of said faces having an opening; a plurality of fasteners dimensioned to slideably engage through said openings in order to secure said side panels to a surface.
3. The theft deterrent enclosure according to claim 2, further comprising: a plurality of fastener covers positioned to bar access to said fasteners to prevent removal of said fasteners covers after said fasteners are tightened.
4. The theft deterrent enclosure according to claim 1, further comprising: a shroud closely surrounding said shackle opening.
5. The theft deterrent enclosure according to claim 4, wherein: said shroud is comprised of upraised metal closely surrounding said shackle opening and forming a perimeter of about 270 degrees or greater.
6. The theft deterrent enclosure according to claim 1, wherein: said side panels are comprised of sheet metal.
7. The theft deterrent enclosure according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of spaced apart legs extending downwardly from said lower portion of said side panels.
8. The theft deterrent enclosure according to claim 1, further comprising a lock having no external hasp.
9. The theft deterrent enclosure of claim 1, further comprising: a lock having an opening to receive and engage said tang, dimensioned to be received within a lock shroud.
10. The theft deterrent enclosure of claim 6, wherein: said sheet metal comprises sheet steel.
11. A theft deterrent enclosure comprising: a top panel and at least two side panels; each of said side panels having an upper portion, a lower portion, and two opposing side edges; at least one of said side panels having a plurality of openings to allow the passage of air through said panel; a first of said side panels having one of inwardly facing engagement protrusions or engagement openings along its first side edge; said engagement protrusions comprise L-shaped hooks and said engagement openings comprise linear slots, said L-shaped hooks having a first section extending outwardly from said side panel and a second section angularly depending from said first section; a second of said side panels having the reciprocal inter-fitting portion of engagement protrusions or engagement openings to said first edge of said first panel along its first side edge, wherein said side panel having said engagement protrusions permit insertion and slidable engagement to said engagement openings of another of said side panels having said engagement openings; each of said side panels having one of engagement protrusions or engagement openings along its upper portion, said top panel having the reciprocal inter-fitting portion of engagement protrusions or engagement openings along its edge, wherein said engagement protrusions permit insertion and slidable engagement to said engagement openings, securing said top panel to the upper portions of each of said side panels; a tang extending from at least one of said side panels, said tang having a shackle opening, an opening in said top panel permitting insertion of said tang therethrough, whereby a shackle of a lock inserted through said shackle opening restricts relative motion of said top panel and said side panels.
12. The theft deterrent enclosure according to claim 11, further comprising: a plurality of legs extending downwardly from a side panel and presenting faces for orientation downwardly, each of said faces having an opening; a plurality of fasteners dimensioned to slideably engage through said openings in order to secure said side panels to a surface.
13. A theft deterrent enclosure comprising: a top panel, at least two side panels, and a connector frame, said connector frame for interposition between adjacent side panels, bridging said adjacent side panels; each of said side panels having an upper portion, a lower portion, and two opposing side edges; at least one of said side panels having a plurality of openings to allow the passage of air through said panel; said connector frame including one of engagement protrusions or engagement openings on a first face and reciprocal engagement protrusions or engagement openings on a second face; said engagement protrusions and reciprocal engagement openings selected from the following: said engagement protrusions comprise L-shaped hooks and said reciprocal engagement openings comprise linear slots, said L-shaped hooks having a first section extending outwardly from said connector frame and a second section angularly depending from said first section; and said engagement protrusions comprise knob hooks and said reciprocal engagement openings comprise keyhole slots, said knob hooks having a first section of a first width extending outwardly from said connector frame and a second section of said knob hooks flaring to a second greater width; said keyhole slots having a first slot section of a width greater than said flared second section of the knob hook and an adjacent second more narrow section; a first of said side panels having the reciprocal inter-fitting portion of engagement protrusions or engagement openings to said first face of said connector frame along its first side edge, wherein said engagement protrusions permit insertion and slidable engagement to said engagement openings; a second of said side panels having the reciprocal inter-fitting portion of engagement protrusions or engagement openings to said second face of said connector frame along its first side edge, wherein said engagement protrusions permit insertion and slidable engagement to said engagement openings; each of said side panels having one of engagement protrusions or engagement openings along its upper portion, said top panel having the reciprocal inter-fitting portion of engagement protrusions or engagement openings along its edge, wherein said engagement protrusions permit insertion and slidable engagement to said engagement openings, securing said top panel to the upper portions of each of said side panels; a tang extending from at least one of said side panels, said tang having a shackle opening, an opening in said top panel permitting insertion of said tang therethrough, whereby a shackle of a lock inserted through said shackle opening restricts relative motion of said top panel and said side panels.
14. The theft deterrent enclosure according to claim 13, further comprising: a plurality of legs extending downwardly from a side panel and presenting faces for orientation downwardly, each of said faces having an opening; a plurality of fasteners dimensioned to slideably engage through said openings in order to secure said side panels to a surface.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(33) While the foregoing detailed description has disclosed several embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the above description is illustrative only and not limiting of the disclosed invention. It will be appreciated that the discussed embodiments and other unmentioned embodiments may be within the scope of the invention.
(34) Mechanical, electrical, or electronic equipment, such as air conditioning or other HVAC systems are mounted to a surface, subjecting it to theft. A mechanical unit 04 is secured to a surface such as the ground, a skid, roof, pad, or other surface. The current invention is directed to security enclosures 10 to restrict access to the mechanical unit 04.
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(36) The illustrated security enclosures 10 depict a plurality of four joined side panels 12 to define the side perimeter. Exemplary side panels 12 are generally planar or have a generally planar cross-section and have a plurality of openings 16, enabling ventilation and visual access to the equipment 04 secured therein. The side panels 12 are composed of rigid material, such as metals. In exemplary embodiments, the side panels 12 are composed of sheet metal. The side panels 12 are dimensioned to present a side perimeter around the enclosed region 06 in which equipment 04 will be received. The side panels 12 extend from a lower end 18 to an upper end 17 and extend from a first edge 14 to a second edge 14. Although the illustrated side perimeter includes four side panels 12 in a square or rectangular geometry, other configurations can include other number of side panels 12, the side perimeter to such as three in a triangular geometry, six in a hexagonal geometry, or other regular or irregular geometries.
(37) The illustrated security enclosures 10 depict a top panel 13, generally similar in composition and structure to the side panels 12. An exemplary top panel 13 is generally planar or has a generally planar cross-section and has a plurality of openings 16, enabling ventilation and visual access to the equipment 04 secured therein. The top panel 13 is composed of rigid material, such as metal. In exemplary embodiments, the top panel 13 is composed of sheet metal. The top panel 13 is dimensioned to span the upper ends 17 of the side panels 12, encompassing and further defining the enclosed region 06.
(38) The panels 12 13 are joined together via engagement protrusions 20 and corresponding engagement openings 22. In order to join the panels, certain embodiment of the panels 12 13 include engagement protrusions 20 on one component 12 13 28 which are received in engagement openings 22 on an adjacent component 12 13 28. When the component 12 13 28 having the engagement protrusions 20 is slidably engaged to the adjacent component 12 13 28 so that the engagement protrusions 20 slide along the engagement openings 22, the engagement protrusions 20 are secured in position and cannot readily be removed.
(39) In certain configurations, such as those depicted in
(40) In certain configurations, such as that depicted in
(41) In various configurations, the engagement protrusions 20 of one component 12 13 28 the corresponding engagement openings 22 are deployed differently. In a first configuration, the engagement protrusions 20 and engagement openings 22 are included on the panels 12 13 and the panels 12 13 are engaged directly to each other. For example, one panel 12 13 has one of the engagement protrusions 20 or the engagement openings 22 and the second panel 12 13 has the corresponding section 20 22.
(42) In certain configurations, the side edge 14 of one side panel 12 includes engagement protrusions 20 and the adjacent side edge 14 of the adjacent side panel 12 includes engagement opening 22. In certain configurations, the side edge 14 of one side panel 12 includes engagement protrusions 20 and engagement openings 22 with the adjacent side edge 14 of the adjacent side panel 12 includes reciprocally positioned engagement openings 22 and engagement protrusions 20. In certain configurations, the side edge 14 of one side panel 12 includes L-shaped hooks 23 and the adjacent side edge 14 of the adjacent side panel 12 includes linear slots 27. In certain configurations, the side edge 14 of one side panel 12 includes knob hooks 26 and the adjacent side edge 14 of the adjacent side panel 12 includes keyhole slots 28. It is within the scope of the invention to include other pairing combinations.
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(44) In certain configurations, the side edge 14 of one side panel 12 includes engagement protrusions 20, the adjacent first face 34 of the connector frame 28 includes engagement openings 22, the second face 35 of the connector frame 28 includes engagement openings 22, and the adjacent side edge 14 of a second side panel 12 includes engagement protrusions 20. In certain configurations, the side edge 14 of one side panel 12 includes engagement openings 22, the adjacent first face 34 of the connector frame 28 includes engagement protrusions 20, the second face 35 of the connector frame 28 includes engagement protrusions 20, and the adjacent side edge 14 of a second side panel 12 includes engagement openings 22. In certain configurations, the side edge 14 of one side panel 12 includes L-shaped hooks 23, the adjacent first face 34 of the connector frame 28 includes linear slots 27, the second face 35 of the connector frame 28 includes linear slots 27, and the adjacent side edge 14 of a second side panel 12 includes L-shaped hooks 23. In certain configurations, the side edge 14 of one side panel 12 includes knob hooks 26, the adjacent first face 34 of the connector frame 28 includes keyhole slots 28, the second face 35 of the connector frame 28 includes keyhole slots 28, and the adjacent side edge 14 of a second side panel 12 includes knob hooks 26. It is within the scope of the invention to include other pairing combinations.
(45) The top panel 13 is joined to the side panels 12 in a similar manner as the side panels 12 are joined. Namely, the top panels 12 13 include one of the engagement protrusions 20 and engagement openings 22. The engagement protrusion 20/engagement opening 22 pairs can be L-hook 23/linear slot 27 pairs or knob hook 26/keyhole slot 28 pairs previously disclosed. The reciprocal portion of the engagement protrusion 20/engagement opening 22 pair is included on a side panel 12 or connector frame 28.
(46) In certain configurations, the top edge 14 of one side panel 12 includes engagement protrusions 20 and an edge 14 of the top panel 13 includes engagement openings 22. In certain configurations, the top edge 14 of one side panel 12 includes engagement protrusions 20 and engagement openings 22, with the edge 14 of the top panel 13 including reciprocally positioned engagement openings 22 and engagement protrusions 20. In certain configurations, the top edge 14 of one side panel 12 includes L-shaped hooks 23 and the edge 14 of the top panel 13 includes linear slots 27. In certain configurations, the top edge 14 of one side panel 12 includes knob hooks 26 and the edge 14 of the top panel 13 includes keyhole slots 28. It is within the scope of the invention to include other pairing combinations.
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(48) The lock 40 receives a protruding tang 44 on either a panel 12 13 or connector frame 28. In certain configurations, the lock 40 is at least partially surrounded by a raised shroud 48 of high strength sheet metal. In certain configurations, the shroud is about 270 or greater than 270. While the shroud 48 is shown with planar sides, it can be of other geometries such as cylindrical. The tang 44 is received with the lock 40. The lock 40 captures the tang 44 with a hasp that passes through a hole in the tang. The interior hasp that penetrates the tang is encompassed by the lock housing.
(49) The locking system illustrated in
(50) Certain embodiments of the security enclosure include a surface mount 70, operable to retain the security enclosure 10 to the surface. In certain configurations, a leg extends downwardly from a side panel 12 or frame connector 28 and presents a face for orienting towards the surface. The face includes an opening through which a fastener 66 may be engaged in order to secure the security enclosure 10 to the surface. For example,
(51) An alternate configuration of a surface mount 70 may be optionally employed where the surface is of insufficient size or strength or provide spacing between the equipment 04 and the surface. In the configurations shown in
(52) A threaded fastener 66 can be employed to mount the security enclosure 10 to the target surface. In certain embodiments, fastener covers 62 and fastener cover receivers 60 are provided, restricting access to the fasteners while the security enclosure 10 is in use.
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(55) In certain configurations, the side panels 12 have an inwardly extending horizontal flange. This flange provides extra rigidity as well as a surface against which fastener cover 62 can engage.
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(57) In some environments, the equipment 04 is larger or elongated. In certain embodiments, such as the security enclosure of
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(59) Certain panels 12 13 are comprised of plural panel sections 11 which further include one of the engagement protrusions 20 and engagement openings 22. The engagement protrusion 20/engagement opening 22 pairs can be L-hook 23/linear slot 27 pairs or knob hook 26/keyhole slot 28 pairs, as previously disclosed. The reciprocal portion of the engagement protrusion 20/engagement opening 22 pair is included on an adjacent panel 12 13 or panel section 13. The illustrated panel sections 11 of
(60) In certain configurations, a mounting rail 19 is provided for attachment to the surface through holes, such as those illustrated. The holes are spaced so that a plurality of the fasteners in the holes are inaccessible after the L-hook 23 are engaged with the linear slot 27 in mounting rail 19. The lower ends 18 of the panels 12 are engaged to the mounting rail 19. In
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(62) Having disclosed elements of embodiments of the current invention, example assembly and use is disclosed. In operation of an embodiment of the device, a first side panel 12 and connector frame 28 are presented (
(63) Insofar as the description above and the accompanying drawing disclose any additional subject matter that is not within the scope of the single claim below, the inventions are not dedicated to the public and the right to file one or more applications to claim such additional inventions is reserved.