Patent Application
20220063863
The present invention relates to backflow security enclosures, and more particularly to backflow security enclosures for maintained equipment.
Available backflow security enclosures for maintained equipment need to be completely removed in order for a service technician to test or repair the equipment they are protecting. For larger industrial equipment, these backflow security enclosures are too big and too heavy a single service technician to handle them.
As can be seen, there is a need for an improved backflow security enclosure for maintained equipment.
In one aspect of the present invention, a backflow security enclosure, such as for a piece of maintained equipment is disclosed. The security enclosure includes a plurality of side panels joinable to define sidewalls of the security enclosure. Each of the plurality of side panels has a plurality of sockets defined in a spaced apart relation along an interior adjacent edge of the plurality of side panels. A rod received through a channel defined through the socket to selectively join or unjoin the plurality of side panels. A top panel is supported on the plurality of side panels when joined.
A locking mechanism is provided to secure the top panel to the plurality of side panels, when joined.
The channel is positioned on an interior space of the security enclosure when the plurality of side panels are joined.
In some embodiments, each of the plurality of side panels includes a frame and a mesh suspended within the frame. Preferably, the frame is formed of a metal. Preferably, the mesh is selected from a wire mesh or an expanded metal plate.
In some embodiments, the top panel includes a frame and a mesh suspended within the frame. Preferably, the frame is formed of a metal. Preferably, the mesh is selected from a wire mesh or an expanded metal plate as well.
In some embodiments, a plurality of apertures are formed in a spaced apart relation along a bottom frame element of one or more of the plurality of side panels. The plurality of apertures are dimensioned to receive a fastener to secure the security enclosure to one or more of a ground or a wall surface.
In other embodiments, the locking mechanism further includes a locking tab protruding from the top panel, the locking tab having a locking aperture defined therethrough, the locking aperture dimensioned to receive a hasp of a lock. In some embodiments, a corresponding locking tab protruding from at least one of the plurality of side panels. In other embodiments, a slot is defined along a top margin of at least one of the plurality of side panels, the slot is dimensioned to receive the locking tab.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.
The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention.
Broadly, embodiments of the present invention provides an improved security enclosure for maintained equipment. As seen in reference to the drawings of
The plurality of side panels 10a, 10b are formed by a high strength side panel frame 12a, 12b with a tamper resistant mesh 14 suspended in the side panel frame 12a, 12b. Likewise, the top pane 10c is formed of a high strength top panel frame 12c with a tamper resistant mesh 14 suspended in the top panel frame 12c. By way of non-limiting example, the high strength top panel frame 12c and side panel frame 12a, 12b may be formed of metal or steel. The mesh 14 may be selected from the group consisting of a steel wire mesh, an expanded metal plate, and a perforated metal plate. The weight of the frames 12a-12c may be reduced by having flat frame members, rather than I-beam or similar members, with a flange 13 extending along a bottom edge of the frame 12a, 12b. The top panel 10c may be fitted with a handle 24 to facilitate installation and removal of the top panel 10c from the security enclosure 10.
As will be appreciated, the security enclosure 10 may be formed in any desired shape to contain the equipment the security enclosure 10 is intended to protect. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the security enclosure 10 has a house or barn shape. The security enclosure 10 may also be formed in a rectangular, square, or other polyhedral shape.
Each of the plurality of side panels 10a, 10b include a socket 18a, 18b attached to the ends of the frame 12a, 12b. The socket 18a, 18b on adjacent panels of the plurality of side panels 10a, 10b are offset in a hinge type arrangement so that a channel defined through the socket 18a of a first side panel 10a is axially aligned with the socket 18b of an adjacent side panel 10b when the side panels 10a, 10b are placed for joining. By way of example, an upper socket 18a is positioned above a lower socket 18b. Depending on the size of the backflow security enclosure 10, a plurality of sockets 18a, 18b may be disposed in a spaced apart relation along the frame 12a, a2b of the plurality of side panels 10a, 10b.
The frame 12a, 12b of the side panels 10a, 10b may include a plurality of mounting holes 27 formed through a bottom frame element. The plurality of mounting holes may be utilized to secure the backflow security enclosure 10 to a floor surface supporting the secured equipment.
A top edge of the side panel frame 12a, 12b may include a plurality of support posts 20 disposed in a spaced apart relation along the side panel frame 12a, 12b. The plurality of support posts 20 are dimensioned to support the top panel 10c in position atop the plurality of side panels 10a, 10b, when they are assembled to form the backflow security enclosure 10.
Non-limiting embodiments of the top panel 10c, and various lock configurations are shown in reference to
It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.
