FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for enclosing a production line. More specifically, the present invention relates to assemblies comprising self standing and interconnectable modular safety panels and to methods for securing a production line using said self-standing modular safety panels.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Production line have always involved security risks for operators. With the rise of robotized operations and automated machines, such risks have further increased.
Over the years, systems for securing have been proposed. The US patent application no. 2013/0001493 broadly discloses a safety barrier for securing a working surface. The safety barrier comprises a plurality of barriers pivotally engaged to one another to form the barrier. The safety barrier comprises anchoring elements adapted to receive the hinge elements of a barrier. Such system may increase security for the operators but requires installation of anchors in the ground, thus increasing the costs and efforts to deploy and install such barrier.
The Chinese patent no. CN 108699848 A discloses a method to install a fence. The fence comprises posts comprising self standing feet. Each post comprises slots adapted to receive upper horizontal members and a low beam to form the fence. The posts are telescopic to increase the height of the fence.
In the US patent application no. 2020/0032564 A1, a hinge arranged to move two fence panels is disclosed. The hinge allows for the posts to be in substantial contact when the hinge is closed. The hinge comprises two halves each comprising a finger section and a post engaging portion. Such hinge aims at minimizing the amount and frequency of small intruders entering the perimeter of the fence. However, such hinges do not provide a range of angles between each fence panel.
There is thus a need for improved system and method to secure an automated production environment such as a production line.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is an assembly of modular light self standing panels. The panels are interconnected via the use of connector to form an enclosure that can be easily transported or adjusted to the area of a production line to secure.
In one aspect of the invention, a self standing enclosure for securing a production line is provided. The enclosure comprises a plurality of self-standing panel structures connected to one another to form at least a partial periphery of the self-standing enclosure. Each of the self-standing panel structures comprises a frame comprising top, bottom and side support members and forming one or more apertures, at least two support members mounted to the bottom support member, the mounted support members allowing the panel to independently stand in an upright position, and a panel closing at least one of the one or more apertures. The enclosure further comprises a plurality of angular mounting assemblies, each of the angular mounting assemblies comprising two halves mountable to one another at a desirable angle, each of the two halves being respectively attachable to the frame of self-standing panel structures.
The plurality of self-standing panel structures may comprise one or more panel structure comprising one or more apertures. The one or more apertures of the self-standing panel structures may be covered with an inner panel. The inner panel may be made of a mesh or of a transparent or semi-transparent material. The inner panel may be made of a transparent or semi-transparent material.
The plurality of self-standing panel structures may comprise one or more panel structures comprising an inner structure adapted to receive an electrical component. The inner structure may comprise a recess portion adapted to receive additional electrical components.
The plurality of self-standing panel structures may comprise one or more panel structures comprising a retractable door. The door curtain panel structures may comprise a locking assembly to secure the door. The side support member may be hollow to allow insertion of the retractable door. The retractable door may be foldable.
The plurality of self-standing panel structures may comprise one or more panel structures comprising a sliding door. The self-standing panel structure may comprise top and bottom rails for slidably retaining the sliding door.
The plurality of self standing panel structures may comprise one or more panel structures forming a gate which comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion being adapted to allow passage of a machine of the production line. The support members may comprise a base plate attached to the bottom frame structure being large enough to maintain the self-standing panel structure to independently stand upright. At least one of the angular mounting assemblies may be mounted to form an angle between 60 and 270 degrees.
The plurality of self-standing panel structures may comprise at least one self-standing panel structures comprising one or more panel structure comprising one or more apertures, and at least one self-standing panel structures comprising a door. The plurality of self-standing panel structures may further comprise at least one self-standing panel structures comprising an electric component.
The self-standing panel structures may further comprise one or more hollow portion allowing passage of cables required by the production line.
In another aspect of the invention, a method for enclosing and securing a production line is provided. The method comprises positioning a plurality of self-standing panel structures near or around an area of the production line to be secured and angularly mounting each positioned self-standing panel structures to one another to form a closed enclosure around the production line.
The method may further comprise passing electrical or data cable through passages of the standing panel structures.
Other and further aspects and advantages of the present invention will be obvious upon an understanding of the illustrative embodiments about to be described or will be indicated in the appended claims, and various advantages not referred to herein will occur to one skilled in the art upon employment of the invention in practice.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent from the following description, reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a modular self-standing assembly comprising a plurality of modular self standing panels according to the principles of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a modular self-standing assembly comprising a plurality of modular self standing panels shown with exemplary production line according to the principles of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of a half-fenced self-standing panel according to the principles of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the self-standing panel of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a self-standing panel according to the principles of the present invention shown with four exemplary aperture panels.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a self-standing panel according to the principles of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a close-up perspective view of the junction of an upright member and a horizontal member of the panel of the close-up A of FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the junction of an upright member and a horizontal member of the panel of FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 is a close-up perspective view of the connection of the hollow crossbar and the upright member of the panel of the close-up B of FIG. 6.
FIG. 10 is a close-up top plan view of a support member of the panel of FIG. 6.
FIG. 11 is a perspective exploded view of an embodiment of a self-standing panel comprising cable passages according to the principles of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of a thinner self-standing panel according to the principles of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of a self-standing panel comprising three main openings according to the principles of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a self-standing panel according to the principles of the present invention shown with close-up area D.
FIG. 15 is a close-up perspective view of a female angular mounting assembly mounted on the self-standing panel of FIG. 14.
FIG. 16 is a perspective exploded view of an embodiment of an angular mounting assembly mountable to the self-standing panels according to the principles of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an angular mounting assembly mountable to the self-standing panels shown at an angle of about 180 degrees.
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the angular mounting assembly of FIG. 16 shown at an angle of about 270 degrees.
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the angular mounting assembly of FIG. 16 shown at an angle of about 90 degrees.
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an angular mounting assembly showing pivoting of the assembly.
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a modular self-standing assembly comprising a plurality of modular self standing panels according to the principles of the present invention.
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a modular self-standing assembly comprising a plurality of modular self standing panels according to the principles of the present invention and shown with an exemplary production line.
FIG. 23 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a modular self-standing assembly comprising a plurality of modular self standing panels according to the principles of the present invention and shown with an exemplary production line.
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a small modular self-standing assembly comprising a plurality of modular self standing panels according to the principles of the present invention and shown with an exemplary production station.
FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of an electrical box self-standing panel according to the principles of the present invention and shown with an exemplary production station.
FIG. 26 is rear perspective view of the electrical box self-standing panel of FIG. 25.
FIG. 27 is front elevation view of the electrical box self-standing panel of FIG. 25.
FIG. 28 is right-side elevation view of the electrical box self-standing panel of FIG. 25.
FIG. 29 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a curtain door self-standing panel according to the principles of the present invention and shown with an exemplary production station.
FIG. 30 is front elevation view of the curtain door self-standing panel of FIG. 29.
FIG. 31 is right-side elevation view of the curtain door self-standing panel of FIG. 29.
FIG. 32 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of a sliding door self-standing panel according to the principles of the present invention and shown with an exemplary production station.
FIG. 33 is front elevation view of the sliding door self-standing panel of FIG. 32.
FIG. 34 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for securely enclosing a production line using self standing panels according to the principles of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A novel self standing enclosure for production line and a novel method for enclosing the same will be described hereinafter. Although the invention is described in terms of specific illustrative embodiments, it is to be understood that the embodiments described herein are by way of example only and that the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited thereby.
A self-standing enclosure assembly for a production line 10 is provided. The self-standing enclosure assembly 10 generally aims at securing a production area, such as a production line, by limiting access to the operator or to any personnel near the production area.
Referring now to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a self-standing enclosure assembly 10 is illustrated. The enclosure 10 comprises a plurality of modular self-standing panels 100 which may be positioned to form a desired enclosure. The formed enclosure may be open or closed. As such, the enclosure may form a single wall or may form an open periphery which may be completed, as an example, by a physical wall. The self-standing panels 100 of a closed enclosure are generally each connected to two other panels 100, typically one on each side. Each modular self-standing panel 100 is generally attached to one another using one or more mounting members 200, such as an angular mounting assembly. The self-standing panels may be embodied as, but not limited to, a half-fenced panel 110, fully fenced panel 120, clear or opaque panel 125, equipment passage panel 130, a door panel 150, a gate 160, a curtain door panel 170, an electric box panel 175, and/or a sliding door pane 190. Each panel 100 is embodied as a self-supporting structure comprising a frame 101 and support members 200. As such, a panel 100 may be pre-assembled and positioned on the surface prior to attaching the panels 100 to form the enclosure 10. The structure or frame 101 is typically made of a rigid material such as but not limited to metal, aluminum or hard plastic.
Referring to FIG. 2, another embodiment of a self-standing enclosure assembly 20 is illustrated. The enclosure assembly 20 is shown with exemplary machine which may form part of a production line. Such enclosure 20 comprises a plurality of self-standing panels 100 forming an enclosure having a perimeter adapted to received the desired machines to be secured. As discussed above and based on the specific needs of the production line or arrangement, the enclosure may be open or close. In the illustrated assembly 20, the self standing panels 100 comprise a door panel 150, a half-meshed panel 110, a plurality of equipment passage panels 130 and a plurality of clear self-standing panels 125.
As such, the enclosure 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60 may be configured to adapt to specific needs of the production line or to specific perimeter shapes. The said enclosure may be easily assembled without the need of many operators and can also be easily disassembled or the configuration may be easily changed during the lifespan of the production line.
Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, an embodiment of a self-standing panel 100 is illustrated. The self-standing panel 100 comprises an outer frame 101 having upright members 102 and outer horizontal members 103 and a substantially horizontal hollow crossbar or rail 103 extending from the upright members 102 forming one or more exemplary apertures. The illustrated embodiment shows a double aperture panel 110/120 comprising an upper aperture 105 and a lower aperture 106. In the present example, the upper aperture 105 is covered with a covering panel 113 and the lower aperture 106 is covered with a metal mesh 112. Understandably, any other number, size and shape of apertures are within the scope of the present invention. As illustrated at FIG. 1, a panel 110 may comprise apertures having the same type of aperture covering, such as a mesh 105, a window 111 or a covering panel 106.
In the illustrated embodiment, the crossbar 104 is hollow (as shown at FIG. 4). The hollow portion typically allow passage of cables or wires, such as electrical cable, data communication cables or any other type of cables required by the production area. Understandably, in some embodiments, the outer horizontal members 103 may also be hollow to allow passage of cables. Therefore, the wiring or electrical cables may be carried across multiple interconnected panels 100. The wiring may be carried downwardly or upwardly in the vertical uprights 102. In some embodiment, a hollow portion of the of the vertical upright 102 comprises multiple recesses or spaces capable of letting the wiring going through or to be carried by the structure of the panel 100.
The half-fenced self-standing panel 100 is supported by a plurality of support elements 107. In the illustrated embodiment, the support element 107 comprises a plate of flat portion 108 sized to provide a stable support for the panel 100. While the present embodiment comprises two support elements 107, other embodiments may comprise any number of support elements 107 to support the panel. The support element may be perforated for directly fixing or fastening the panel 100 to the ground using fasteners such as but not limited to screws and/or bolts. The dimensions of the support element 107 are typically large enough to maximize the stability on the ground of the self-standing panel 100.
The upright members 102 may comprise an aperture 109 adapted to allow passage of the cables through the hollow horizontal members 103. As such, the aperture 109 is positioned at the same height as the mounting position of the hollow horizontal members on the upright members 102.
Referring to FIG. 5, an embodiment of a half-fenced self-standing panel 100 is illustrated shown with four (4) exemplary types of panels for covering the apertures. The panel may be a transparent or semi-transparent panel 111 acting as a window, a mesh panel 112, such as a metal mesh or a covering panel 113 made of semi-rigid or rigid material. The panel may further be embodied as an arrangement panel 116. The arrangement panel 116 may be embodied as a curved or semi curved panel 116 or as a panel comprising a recess portion. The recess portion 117 generally allows mounting or installing modules or components usable by the machines or components of the production line.
Referring to FIGS. 6 to 9, an embodiment of a half-fenced self-standing panel 100 is shown with three close-up views. The close-up view A is illustrated at FIG. 7 and the close-up view B is illustrated at FIG. 9.
In the illustrated embodiment, the top and bottom horizontal members 103 are generally flat and comprise a front edge 114 and a back edge 115. The front edge 114 is longer than the back edge 115 to form the recess 118 allowing the rotation of two connected adjacent panels in respect of one another.
Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the extremity of the upper and/or lower horizontal members 103 may be tapered or at an angle to form an angular recess 118 adapted to allow two panels to be attached one to another at an angle. The top portion 103 may further comprise a passage 118 for cables or wires 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the passage 118 has a vertical elongated shape to allow passage of one or more cables or wires 2. In such embodiment, a bracket 119 is mounted to the top portion 102 and comprises the passage 118. The bracket may be connected to the top cable passage assembly 182 as shown in FIG. 11.
Referring to FIG. 9, another embodiment of an aperture 109 for allowing passage of one or more cables is illustrated. In such embodiment, the passage 109 is generally aligned with the hollow crossbar member 104. The hollow crossbar member 104 generally forms a channel for inserting and passing cables towards the other end of the crossbar member 104 and/or towards another panel 100.
Referring now to FIG. 10, the support member 107 is generally integrated or mounted to the lower horizontal member 103. In such embodiment, the support member 107 comprises a plate 108 having an aperture for optionally mounting the panel 100 to a surface, such as the floor.
Referring now to FIG. 11, an exploded view of a self-standing panel 100 is illustrated. The self-standing panel 100 comprises cable different embodiments of passage assemblies 180. Each cable passage assembly 180 forms an aperture 109 when mounted to the self-standing panel 100. The top cable passage assembly 182 is adapted to be mounted under the top horizontal member 103. The central cable passage assembly 184 is adapted to be mounted under a central horizontal member 104. The bottom cable passage assembly 186 is adapted to be mounted over the bottom horizontal member 103. Understandably, other embodiments of cable passage assemblies 180 may be used within the scope of the present invention, such as but not limited to vertical cable passage assemblies (not shown).
Still referring to FIG. 11, the support member 107 is attachable to a bottom surface of the lower horizontal member 103.
Referring to FIG. 12, another embodiment of a half-fenced self-standing panel 100 is illustrated having different size.
Referring to FIG. 13, another embodiment of a panel 120 is illustrated having upper and lower apertures having a smaller area and a larger central aperture. The panel 120 may be positioned horizontally or vertically, as illustrated. Understandably, the panels 100 may have different dimensions and sizes. The horizontal crossbar 104 may be positioned at any height as required by the application.
Referring to FIGS. 14 to 19, an embodiment of an angular mounting member 200 used to angularly mount a panel 100 to another is illustrated. The close-up view D shown in FIG. 14 is illustrated at the FIG. 15. The angular mounting member 200 comprises two halves or matching brackets 210 and 220 mountable to one another at an angle varying from about 90 degrees to about 180 degrees. The first bracket 210 comprises a main body 212, typically flat and rectangularly shaped. A lower tab 211 and an upper tab 213 extend from the main body 212. The tabs 211 and 213 typically comprise an aperture 214 for rigidly mounting the bracket 210 to an upright member 102 of a panel 100. The main body 212 of the bracket 210 may further comprise an aperture 215 for rigidly mounting the bracket to the upright member 102. When a bracket 210 or 220 is fastened to an upright member 102 of the panel 100, the tabs 211 and 213 of the bracket 210 or 220 are outwardly protruding.
Each tab 211 or 213 may comprise an overhanging element 216 extends from the tab 211 or 213 at an angle, downwardly or upwardly. In the illustrated embodiment, the aperture 214 is positioned on the overhanging element 216.
In the illustrated embodiment, the brackets 210 and 220 are symmetrical. Understandably, any other embodiments of brackets having different shapes and structures may be used within the scope of the present invention.
In the illustrated embodiment, the two brackets 210 and 220 are mounted one to another to form an angular mounting member 200. The two tabs 211 and 213 are superimposed over one another and mounted one to another.
Any time of fastener may be used to mount one bracket 210 to another 220, such as but not limited to a screw, bolt, or pivot.
Referring to FIGS. 16 to 18, a perspective view of an embodiment of the angular mounting mechanism 200 mountable to the self-standing panels 100 is illustrated angles of about 180, 270 and 90 degrees, respectively.
Referring now to FIG. 20, another embodiment of an angular mounting assembly 200 used to angularly mount a panel 100 to another is illustrated. As illustrated, the angular mounting assembly 200 comprises the two halves 210 and 220 and a locking mechanism 230. The locking mechanism 230 comprises fasteners 232 insertable within apertures of the halves 210 and 220 to lock them in place when the panels 100 are positioned at the desired angle. Each of the halves 210 and 220 are respectively attached to a panel 100.
Referring to FIGS. 20 to 23, different embodiments of structures of a self standing enclosure or assembly 30, 40, 50 and 60 are illustrated. Similarly, to the above-described enclosures 10 and 20, the enclosures 30, 40, 50 or 60 comprise an arrangement of panels 100 and connectors 200 to form a perimeter adapted to the production line or to a portion of a production line. Several panels 100 may be interconnected depending on the specificity of the area of the production line or portion of the production line to secure. As shown in the FIGS. 1, 2 and 21 to 24, some panels may be connected with connectors 200 that are set at different angles.
As illustrated at FIG. 21, some panels 100 may be connected with a top horizontal crossbar 103 of a certain length that may vary to create a gate 160 where the equipment or product from the production line area may be introduced or removed. The gate 160 may comprise a double frame top structure 161 to re-enforce the structure.
Referring now to FIG. 22, an embodiment of an enclosure 40 for securing a single machine is illustrated. The enclosure 40 comprises two curtain door panels 170, two electric or control panels 175 and a plurality of transparent or semi-transparent self-standing panels 125. As shown, one of the corners of the enclosure comprise a self-standing panel 125 installed at an angle to optimize the periphery of the enclosure 40.
Referring now to FIG. 23, another embodiment of an enclosure 50 for securing a single machine is illustrated. The enclosure 50 comprises a curtain door panel 170, two electric or control panels 175, two sliding door panels 190 and a plurality of transparent or semi-transparent self-standing panels 125. As shown, two of the corners of the enclosure comprise a self-standing panel 125 installed at an angle to optimize the periphery of the enclosure 50. Furthermore, the self-standing panel 125 surrounding the curtain door panel 170 are also installed at an angle. The recess portion 179 of the electric box panel 175 comprises further equipment, such as ventilation equipment or controllers. Understandably, any type of equipment may be installed or mounted within the recess portion 179.
Referring now to FIG. 24, another embodiment of a small enclosure 60 for securing a single machine is illustrated. The small enclosure 60 comprises a curtain door panel 170, an electric or control panel 175 and a plurality of transparent or semi-transparent self-standing panels 125. As shown, four of the corners of the enclosure 60 comprise a self-standing panel 125 installed at an angle to optimize the periphery of the enclosure 50. As illustrated, the enclosure 60 may comprise an interface device 400 for controlling the surrounded equipment or machine from outside of the enclosure 60. The interface device 400 may be embodied as a computerized device, a screen in data communication with a computer or any other tactile device 402. The interface device 400 may be mounted to a panel 100 with a bracket or a mounting assembly 404. Understandably, any type of mounting assembly adapted to hold the interface device 400 may be used within the scope of the present invention.
Referring to FIGS. 25 to 27, an embodiment of an electrical box standing panel 175 is illustrated. The panel 175 comprises an electrical box or a control 176 mounted in one of the apertures of the panel 175. As illustrated, the box 176 is mounted in the top aperture. In other embodiments, the box 176 may be mounted in a lower aperture or any other location, based on the configuration of the panel 100. Understandably, any type of electrical box or controller 176 which may be mounted to the panel 175 is within the scope of the present invention. In some embodiments, as the one illustrated, the electric box panel 175 may further comprise an additional support assembly 177 for support the load of the electric box 176. The support assembly 177 may comprise a bracket 178 mountable to the electric box 176. The support assembly 177 may further form a recess 179 adapted as a storage area.
Referring now to FIGS. 29 to 31, in yet other embodiments, the structure 30 may comprise a safety curtain standing panel 170. The safety curtain area may comprise a retractable curtain 172 which may be hidden between a double top frame 171 and double vertical frame 173. The safety curtain standing panel 170 may further comprise a locking assembly 300, as discussed below. In some embodiments, as discussed below, the curtain 172 may be replaced with a sliding door which may be slidden to adjacent structure elements when in an open state.
Referring to FIGS. 32 and 33, an embodiment of a sliding door self-standing panel 190 is illustrated. The sliding door panel 190 generally comprises a supporting a frame 103, a central support member 105, a support assembly 107, a vertical door support member 191, a sliding door 192, top 193 and bottom 194 rails allowing sliding of the door 192. In some embodiments, the sliding door 190 comprise a locking assembly 300. The locking assembly may be embodied as a mechanical lock or as an electronic lock, as illustrated.
As an example, the locking assembly 300 may be configured to allow an operator inside the enclosure only when one or all of the machines within the enclosures are stopped. The locking assembly 300 may be further configured to allow only authorized operators within the enclosure. Understandably, any type of locking assembly 300 known in the art may be used within the scope of the present invention.
Referring back to FIG. 1 or 2, a gate panel 130 is illustrated. The equipment passage self-standing panel 130 is typically used to act as a gate or a passage for a conveyor or other production equipment. In the illustrated embodiment, the gate panel 130 comprises an upper portion 131 and a lower portion 132. The upper portion 131 may comprise a plurality of covering members or passages 133 similar to the aperture 105 or 106 of a panel 100. The lower portion 132 generally acts as a gateway or passage.
In the illustrated embodiment, the lower portion 132 comprises one or more supports 134 for mounting captors, sensors or other production line monitoring mechanism. In this embodiment, the support 134 is snapped or mounted to the upright member 136 of the gate 130. As such, the upright member 136 may comprise apertures or holes 137 adapted to receive matching fasteners in order to easily move up or down the support 134. In this embodiment, the support 134 comprise presence detectors 135 for sensing presence of items passing by the gate 130, such as being moved by a conveyor (not shown). The upright member 136 of the gate 130 is typically wide enough to receive any other types of equipment, such any type of conveyors (e.g.: chain conveyor, rollers, belt conveyor and/or magnetic conveyors) or any type of equipment to transfer a product or object to the secured area. The upright member 136 is supported by support members 139.
In the illustrated, the gate panel 130 may further comprise a second frame 140 parallel to the upper and lower portions 131 and 132. The second frame 140 also comprise an upper 141 and lower 142 portions. The second frame 140 is attached to the upright member 136 and to the support member 139. The second frame 140 typically aims at stabilizing the gate panel 130. The second frame 140 may also acts as a height limiting device. The limitation of height secures the upper portion of the secure area.
The gate panel 130 may further comprise a double top frame member 143. The top frame member 143, as illustrated, comprise a top frame portion for the gate 130 and another frame portion for the second frame 140. Each top frame portion comprises a recess or angular portion 144 allowing attachments of the panels at an angle. As such, the two recess portions 144 generally form a V shape.
Still referring back to FIG. 1, a self-standing or self-supporting door or entrance panel 150 is illustrated. The door panel 150 comprises a door 151 mounted with hinges 152. In other embodiments, the door 151 could be slidably mounted to the frame 101 such as opening horizontally or vertically with regard to the floor. Similarly, the self-standing door 150 may comprise any number of apertures 105 or 106. The door panel 150 may further comprise a top frame member 153. The top frame member 153 is rigidly attachable to adjacent panels 100 to maintain a rigid structure of the door 151. In the illustrated embodiment, each end 154 of the top frame member 153 is attached to the top horizontal member 103 of a panel. As such, in the example of FIG. 1, one end 154 is attached to the top horizontal member 103 of the left adjacent panel 100 and another end 154 is attached to the top frame member 143 of the gate panel 130. Understandably, any other mean to rigidly attached the top of the door panel 150 is encompassed within the scope of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 34, a method to set a self standing enclosure 50 is provided. The method 50 may comprise disposing 500 at least two self-standing panels 100, each panel 100 comprises one or more angular connectors 200. The method 50 further comprises positioning the provided panels 100 around the area of the production line to be secured 504. The method may further comprise angularly mounting each positioned panel 100 to one another 506 to improve or optimize the placement of the self standing enclosure around the area to be protected. The method 500 may comprise fastening or mounting the positioned panel to a surface 508, such as the floor of the building. The method 500 may further comprise passing electrical or data cable through passages of the self-standing panels 100.
While illustrative and presently preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in detail hereinabove, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations except insofar as limited by the prior art.
Patent Application
20250116132
