Attachment system for enclosure cover

An attachment system to secure an enclosure cover over an enclosure opening is provided. The attachment system includes an outer insert, an anchor block, and a locking body. The outer insert extends through the enclosure cover and includes an anchor portion that extends at least partly to an inner side of the enclosure. The anchor block, which includes one or more flexible arms that are configured to engage an interior structure of the enclosure, can be secured to the anchor portion of the outer insert. The locking body can be rotatably secured relative to the anchor block and can be rotated from an outer side of the enclosure cover between a locked orientation and an unlocked orientation.

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE TECHNOLOGY

Installation for terminal boxes and other enclosures, along with other operations, require attaching and removing a cover. The cover is often attached in a semi-permanent manner, so that the cover does not include handles and hinges that allow regular opening and closing of the cover.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE TECHNOLOGY

Some embodiments of the invention provide an attachment system to secure an enclosure cover over an enclosure opening of an enclosure. The attachment system includes an outer insert that is configured to extend through the enclosure cover from an outer side of the enclosure cover to an inner side of the enclosure cover. The outer insert includes an anchor portion that is configured to extend at least partly to the inner side of the enclosure cover. The attachment system further includes an anchor block that is configured to be secured to the anchor portion of the outer insert with the anchor block extending on the inner side of the enclosure cover. The anchor block includes a flexible arm that is configured to engage an interior structure of the enclosure. The attachment system also includes a locking body that is configured to be rotatably secured relative to the anchor block. The locking body can be rotated from the outer side of the enclosure cover between a locked orientation and an unlocked orientation. In the locked orientation, a protrusion on the locking body prevents the flexible arm from flexing away from the interior structures of the enclosure to secure the anchor block relative to the enclosure. In the unlocked orientation, the protrusion is displaced and can allow the flexible arm to flex away from the interior structure of the enclosure to release the anchor block relative to the enclosure.

Some embodiments of the invention provide an attachment system for an enclosure with an enclosure opening and an enclosure cover. The enclosure cover includes a first cover opening in a first corner region and a second cover opening in a second corner region. The attachment system includes a first attachment assembly that is configured to engage the enclosure cover at the first cover opening and a second attachment assembly that is configured to engage the enclosure cover at the second opening. Each of the first and second attachment assemblies include an outer insert, an anchor, and a locking body. The outer insert has an anchor portion and an outer skirt, the anchor portion is configured to extend through the respective cover opening to an inner side of the enclosure cover with the outer skirt on an outer side of the enclosure cover. The anchor block includes a support bore and first and second flexible arms. Each of the flexible arms include an engagement portion that is configured to engage a respective interior structure of the enclosure. The anchor block is configured to slidably engage the anchor portion of the outer insert to be secured to the anchor portion with the flexible arms on the inner side of the enclosure cover. The locking body includes first and second locking protrusions and is configured to be rotatably received in the support bore.

In one embodiment, each of the locking bodies is configured to be rotated relative to the anchor block, from the outer side of the enclosure cover, between a locked orientation and an unlocked orientation. In the locked orientation, the first and second locking protrusions engage the first and second flexible arms, respectively, to prevent the first and second flexible arms from flexing away from the respective interior structure of the enclosure and thereby secure the anchor block and the attachment assembly relative to the enclosure to secure the enclosure cover over the enclosure opening. In the unlocked orientation, the first and second locking protrusions allow the first and second flexible arms, respectively, to flex away from the interior structure of the enclosure and thereby release the anchor block and the attachment assembly relative to the enclosure, to allow removal of the enclosure cover from over the enclosure opening.

Some embodiments of the invention provide a method of installing an enclosure cover over an enclosure opening of an enclosure. The method includes ensuring that each attachment assembly of a plurality of attachment assemblies is in an unlocked orientation, each of the attachment assemblies being engaged with the enclosure cover at a corresponding enclosure opening of a plurality of enclosure openings. The method further includes orienting the enclosure cover so that each of the attachment assemblies is aligned with a respective corner of the enclosure opening. The method further includes moving the enclosure cover to cover the enclosure opening and thereby engaging each of two flexible arms of each of the attachment assemblies with a corresponding interior structure of the enclosure, with the two flexible arms of each of the attachment assemblies engaging the corresponding interior structures on opposing sides of the corresponding corner of the enclosure opening. The method further includes securing the enclosure cover at the enclosure opening by, from an outer side of the enclosure cover, rotating a locking body of each of the attachment assemblies to secure the two flexible arms of each of the attachment assemblies in locked engagement with the corresponding interior structures of the enclosure.

Some embodiments of the invention provide a method of installing an enclosure cover over an enclosure opening of an enclosure. The method includes ensuring that each attachment assembly of a plurality of attachment assemblies is in an unlocked orientation, each of the attachment assemblies being engaged with the enclosure cover at a corresponding enclosure opening of a plurality of enclosure openings. The method further includes orienting the enclosure cover so that each of the attachment assemblies is aligned with a respective side of the enclosure opening. The method further includes moving the enclosure cover to cover the enclosure opening and thereby engaging a single flexible arm of the attachment assembly with a corresponding interior structure of the enclosure, the single flexible arm of the attachment assembly engaging the corresponding interior structure at a side of the enclosure opening.

Some embodiments of the invention provide an attachment system to secure an enclosure cover to an enclosure. The attachment system can include an outer insert, an anchor block, and a locking body. The outer insert can be configured to extend through the enclosure cover from an outer side of the enclosure cover to an inner side of the enclosure cover. The anchor block can include a flexible arm that is configured to engage an interior structure of the enclosure. The anchor block can be configured to be secured to the anchor portion of the outer insert at the inner side of the enclosure cover. The locking body can have a cam member. The locking body can be configured to be rotatably secured relative to the anchor block and to be rotated from the outer side of the enclosure cover between a locked orientation and an unlocked orientation. In the locked orientation, the cam member prevents the flexible arm from flexing away from the interior structure of the enclosure and thereby secures the anchor block relative to the enclosure. In the unlocked orientation, the cam member allows the flexible arm to flex away from the interior structure of the enclosure and thereby releases the anchor block relative to the enclosure.

In some embodiments, an attachment system to secure an enclosure cover to an enclosure can include an actuation insert. The actuation insert can be configured to extend through an outer insert, an anchor block, and into a locking bod. The actuation insert can be rotatable from outside of the enclosure to rotate the anchor block between locked and unlocked orientations.

In some embodiments, an attachment system to secure an enclosure cover to an enclosure can include a cam member. The cam member can include an engaging portion. The engaging portion can have a protrusion configured to extend into a recess of a flexible arm to provide one or more of a tactile response or an auditory response when a locking body reaches the locked orientation.

In some embodiments, an attachment system to secure an enclosure cover to an enclosure can include a cam member. The cam member can include first and second engaging portions. An anchor block can include a first flexible arm and a second flexible arm. Each of the first and second engaging portions can be configured to prevent the respective first and second flexible arms from being urged away from an interior structure of the enclosure to secure the anchor block relative to the enclosure when a locking body is in a locked orientation.

In some embodiments, an attachment system to secure an enclosure cover to an enclosure can include first and second flexible arms. The first and second flexible arms can be arranged to engage an interior structure of the enclosure on opposite sides of a corner of an enclosure opening.

In some embodiments, an attachment system to secure an enclosure cover to an enclosure can include a first engaging portion. The first engaging portion can include a first lobe of a cam member and a second engaging portion can include a second lobe of the cam member.

In some embodiments, an attachment system to secure an enclosure cover to an enclosure can include an anchor block and an outer insert having an anchor portion. The anchor block and the anchor portion of the outer insert collectively include a rail and groove arrangement that is configured to secure the anchor block to the outer insert as the anchor block is slid along an inner side of the enclosure cover.

In some embodiments, an attachment system to secure an enclosure cover to an enclosure can include a rail and groove arrangement contoured to urge an outer flange of an outer insert towards the enclosure cover as an anchor block is slidably engaged with an anchor portion.

In some embodiments, an attachment system to secure an enclosure cover to an enclosure can include a first stop on a locking body configured to contact a second stop on an anchor block to prevent rotation of the locking body past a locked orientation.

In some embodiments, an attachment system to secure an enclosure cover to an enclosure can include an anchor block having a support bore formed through a collar that rotatably receives a locking body.

In some embodiments, an attachment system to secure an enclosure cover to an enclosure can include a flexible arm that includes an end portion with a first oblique surface that is configured to urge the flexible arm to flex away from an interior structure of the enclosure as the enclosure cover is moved towards the enclosure, with a locking body in an unlocked orientation, to cover an enclosure opening.

In some embodiments, an attachment system to secure an enclosure cover to an enclosure can include a flexible arm with an end portion. The end portion can include a second oblique surface that is configured to urge the flexible arm to flex away from an interior structure of the enclosure as the enclosure cover is moved away from the enclosure, with a locking body in an unlocked orientation, to open an enclosure opening.

Some embodiments of the invention provide an attachment system for an enclosure with an enclosure opening and an enclosure cover, the enclosure cover including a first cover opening and a second cover opening that extend between an inner side and an outer side of the enclosure cover. The attachment system can include a first attachment assembly that is configured to engage the enclosure cover at the first cover opening and a second attachment assembly that is configured to engage the enclosure cover at the second cover opening. Each of the first and second attachment assemblies can include an anchor block and a locking body. The anchor block can be configured to be secured relative to the inner side of the enclosure cover in alignment with a respective one of the first or second cover openings. The anchor block can include one or more flexible arms configured to engage a respective interior structure of the enclosure. The locking body can include a cam member. The locking body can be configured to be rotatably secured to the anchor block. Each of the locking bodies can be configured to be accessed through the respective first or section cover opening, from the outer side of the enclosure, to be rotated relative to the corresponding anchor block between a locked orientation and an unlocked orientation. In the locked orientation, the cam member engages the one or more flexible arms to prevent the one or more flexible arms from flexing away from the respective interior structure of the enclosure, the one or more flexible arms thereby securing the enclosure cover to the enclosure. In the unlocked orientation, the cam member allows the one or more flexible arms to flex away from the respective interior structure of the enclosure and thereby release the enclosure cover from the enclosure.

In some embodiments, an enclosure cover can include first and second cover openings that extend between an inner side and an outer side of the enclosure cover. The first cover opening can be in a first corner region of the enclosure cover and the second cover opening can be in a second corner region of the enclosure cover. An attachment system can include first and second attachment assemblies, each having first and second flexible arms. For each of the first and second attachment assemblies, the first flexible arms is configured to engage an enclosure at a different side of the first or second cover opening, respectively, than the second flexible arm, to secure the enclosure cover to the enclosure.

In some embodiments, an attachment system can include first and second attachment assemblies. Each of the first and second attachment assemblies can include an outer insert with: an anchor portion configured to extend inside of an enclosure cover at a respective one of a first or second cover opening, and an outer flange configured to extend outside of the enclosure cover at the respective one of the first or second cover openings. An anchor block can be configured to be secured to the anchor portion to secure the first or second attachment assembly, respectively to the enclosure cover.

In some embodiments, an attachment system can include an actuation insert. The actuation insert can be configured to extend through each of an outer insert, an anchor block, and into a cavity of a locking body. The cavity of the locking body can surround the actuation insert within an enclosure so that a conductive path is not formed from an outer side of an enclosure cover to an inner side of the enclosure cover via the actuation insert.

Some embodiments of the invention provide a method of securing an enclosure cover to an enclosure. The method can include ensuring that each attachment assembly of a plurality of attachment assemblies is in an unlocked orientation. Each of the attachment assemblies can be engaged with the enclosure cover at a corresponding plurality of enclosure openings. The method can include orienting the enclosure cover so that each of the attachment assemblies is aligned with a respective corner of the enclosure. The method can include moving the enclosure cover toward the enclosure to flexibly engage two flexible arms of each of the attachment assemblies with a corresponding interior structure of the enclosure. The two flexible arms of each of the attachment assemblies can flexibly engage the corresponding interior structures on orthogonal sides of the respective corner of the enclosure opening. The method can include securing the enclosure cover at the enclosure by, from an outer side of the enclosure cover, rotating a locking body of each of the attachment assemblies to secure the two flexible arms of the attachment assembly in locked engagement with the corresponding interior structures of the enclosure.

In some embodiments, a method of securing an enclosure cover to an enclosure can include moving the enclosure cover to cover the enclosure, which causes end portions of flexible arms to snap past corresponding interior structures of the enclosure.

In some embodiments, a method of securing an enclosure cover to an enclosure can include, from an outer side of the enclosure cover, rotating a locking body of each of a plurality of attachment assemblies to release two flexible arms of each attachment assembly from a locked engagement with corresponding interior structures of the enclosure and moving the enclosure cover away from the enclosure opening.

In some embodiments, a method of securing an enclosure cover to an enclosure can include moving the enclosure cover away from the enclosure opening which causes end portions of flexible arms to snap past corresponding interior structures of the enclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE TECHNOLOGY

Also as used herein, unless otherwise limited or defined, “rotatably secured” describes a component that is secured to another component while still being able to rotate relative to that other component, along at least one rotational degree of freedom.

As briefly discussed above, it may be useful to securely attach and selectively remove a cover of an enclosure, such as a terminal box, including when the cover is not provided with handles, hinges, or other similar hardware. In conventional systems, threaded fasteners may be configured to engage internal brackets of an enclosure to removably secure a cover to the enclosure. However, these systems may require both hands of a user to install the enclosure cover, with one hand holding the enclosure cover and the other hand rotating the threaded fasteners. Additionally, these system may even require multiple workers to cooperate to install an enclosure cover, with one worker holding the cover in place and another worker installing the threaded fasteners. Further, the brackets on the enclosure that receive the threaded fasteners may need to be welded in place to extend into the enclosure opening. This can increase manufacturing costs and time, and may also partially obstruct the associated enclosure opening, thereby somewhat reducing the utility of the enclosure.

Embodiments of the invention can address these or other issues. For example, some embodiments include an attachment system that is secured to and partly extends through an enclosure cover. The attachment system can include flexible arms that are configured to resiliently engage interior structures of an enclosure. With the flexible arms engaged with the interior structures, a locking body can then be actuated from outside of the enclosure in order to secure the flexible arms against unintended disengagement from the interior structures and thereby secure the enclosure cover to the enclosure. Notably, in some embodiments, flexible arms of an attachment system can temporarily secure a cover in appropriate alignment relative to an enclosure opening so that the cover may not need to be held by a user while the locking body is rotated to secure the flexible arms. Thus, some embodiments may allow a single user to attach (or remove) an enclosure cover, without additional assistance. Further, in some embodiments, flexible arms of an attachment system can be configured to engage an interior structure of an enclosure rather than an added bracket. For example, some flexible arms can be configured to engage interior walls of an enclosure that define the outer perimeter of an enclosure opening. Thus, some embodiments may allow an enclosure cover to be secured without the use of brackets that may need to be separately attached to an enclosure or that extend into an enclosure opening and thereby reduce the effective area of the opening.

FIGS.1and2illustrate a conventional enclosure20. The enclosure20includes an enclosure body22and an enclosure cover24that, when coupled to the enclosure body22, covers an enclosure opening28. The enclosure body22includes internal brackets30that may be welded, or otherwise secured, proximate to each corner of the enclosure opening28. The internal brackets30extend into the enclosure opening28, thereby partially blocking the enclosure opening28. In other words, the enclosure20, according to the illustrated conventional design, does not allow unobstructed access to the inside of the enclosure body22via the enclosure opening28.

The internal brackets30include mounting holes that are dimensioned and positioned to align with mounting holes in the enclosure cover24. During installation of the enclosure cover24to the enclosure body22, a user must align the mounting holes in the enclosure cover24with the mounting holes in the internal brackets30. After careful and precise alignment of the enclosure cover24with the enclosure body, the user may then insert fasteners (e.g., threaded fasteners) at each corner of the enclosure cover24while the enclosure cover24is held steadily in place. The fasteners extend from outside of the enclosure20, through each of the mounting holes of the enclosure cover24and the internal brackets30, and towards the inside of the enclosure body, thereby fixing the enclosure cover24relative to the enclosure body22. As also noted above, the necessary steps for installing the enclosure cover24for the enclosure20may be cumbersome, sometimes requiring multiple users for effective execution.

FIG.3illustrates an attachment system100, according to an embodiment of the invention. The attachment system100can be used to removably secure an enclosure cover104over an enclosure opening108of an enclosure (not fully shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the enclosure cover104is configured as a removable cover, however, in other embodiments, an enclosure cover equipped with the attachment system100can include a door, a panel (e.g., as shown inFIG.3), or any other cover for an opening in an enclosure. Additionally, some covers for an enclosure opening, such as a door, for example, can be partly secured to an enclosure via the attachment system100and partly by other components (e.g., hinges).

The attachment system100provides a self-centering method of attachment for the enclosure cover104to the enclosure opening108, such that the enclosure cover104requires less precision alignment when compared with the enclosure cover14for the enclosure10of the prior art, as described above. Additionally, the attachment system100eliminates the need for obstructive attachment components disposed on an enclosure body, such as the internal brackets30described above (seeFIG.2). As a result, there is unobstructed access to the inside of the enclosure via the enclosure opening108. Further, the attachment system100enables one-handed (and one-user) completion installation by allowing a user to snap-fit the enclosure cover104to the enclosure body, via the attachment system100, before adjusting the attachment system100to a locked orientation.

In the embodiment shown, the attachment system100for the enclosure cover104includes four attachment assemblies120. However, other configurations are possible. For example, in some configurations, an enclosure cover may be equipped with only two attachment assemblies, one at each of two diagonally opposing corners. In some embodiments, an enclosure cover may include two attachment assemblies disposed at each of the two top (or other) corners of an enclosure cover. Additionally, in some embodiments, an enclosure cover may include an attachment assembly disposed along an edge of an enclosure cover. For example, the enclosure cover can include six attachment assemblies, four disposed at each corner, and two disposed along two sides of the enclosure cover (e.g., the two longest opposing sides). A variety of configurations of attachment assemblies, including as shown inFIG.3and otherwise discussed above, can similarly enable self-centering and one-handed (and one-user) installation operations.

Referring now toFIG.4, the attachment assembly120includes an anchor block124, a locking body128, an outer insert132, and an actuation insert136. The attachment assembly120further includes a sealing gasket140and an O-ring144. The sealing gasket140is configured to engage both the enclosure cover104and the outer insert132and the O-ring is144configured to create a seal between the outer insert132and the actuation insert136. Thus, in some configurations, the attachment assembly120can be used with leak-proof enclosures.

In one embodiment, each of the anchor block124, the locking body128, and the outer insert132comprise composite materials and the actuation insert136is metal, although use of other materials or combinations of materials is possible. In general, the metal material selection for the actuation insert136can provide durability, although other materials are possible. For example, all of the components of the attachment assembly120, including the actuation insert136, may comprise a composite material. The use of composite materials can prevent a conductive path from being formed between the inside of the enclosure to an outside of the enclosure via the attachment system100and can thereby help to protect against accidental shocks.

As illustrated inFIGS.5and6, the outer insert132includes an anchor portion148that is configured to extend at least partly from an outer side of the enclosure cover104to an inner side152of the enclosure cover104(e.g., via a hole though the enclosure cover104with similar geometry). The outer insert132further includes an outer flange156that is configured to seat against the outer side of the enclosure cover104(e.g., to form a seal via the intervening gasket140, as shown inFIG.4). In the embodiment shown, the outer flange156is a round outer skirt that extends fully around an opening160in the enclosure cover104(see, for example,FIG.14). In other embodiments, the outer flange156may be another shape, such as a square, for example, and is not limited to a round structure. The anchor portion148includes part of a rail and groove arrangement164(seeFIG.17) that is configured to secure the anchor block124to the outer insert132as the anchor block124is slid along the inner side152of the enclosure cover104. In the illustrated embodiment, the rail and groove arrangement164includes a set of grooves164A that are configured to receive corresponding rails of the anchor block124, as further described below. In other embodiments, however, an opposite (or other) configuration may be possible.

The outer insert132further includes an opening168that extends axially therethrough and is dimensioned to receive the actuation insert136(seeFIG.4). Additionally, the outer insert132includes an indicator172A disposed in an outer surface of the outer flange156. As illustrated, the indicator172A is configured as a triangular protrusion from the outer flange156. In use, the indicator172A is configured to align with an indicator172B on the actuation insert136(see, for example,FIGS.12and13) when the attachment assembly120is in the locked orientation. While the indicator172A is illustrated as a triangular protrusion, other features and symbols are possible. For example, the indicator172A may be one or more of a protrusion, an indentation, and a marking of any variety of shapes. In other embodiments, an indicator on the outer insert132or the actuation insert136may be used to indicate when the attachment assembly is in an unlocked orientation.

The anchor block124is configured to be secured to the anchor portion148of the outer insert132with the anchor block124extending on the inner side152of the enclosure cover104. As shown inFIGS.7-9, the anchor block124generally includes at least one flexible arm176that is configured to engage an interior structure180of the enclosure. As illustrated inFIGS.7and8, the anchor block124includes multiple flexible arms176configured to engage multiple different interior structures of the enclosure (or multiple parts of a single interior structure, such as the interior structure180ofFIG.3). The flexible arm176includes a recess184that can provide a tactile or auditory response when engaging with the locking body128, as will be described in greater detail below.

The flexible arm176further includes an end portion with a first oblique surface188and a second oblique surface192. The first oblique surface188is configured to urge the flexible arm176to flex away from the interior structure180of the enclosure as the enclosure cover104is moved toward the enclosure when the attachment assembly120is in the unlocked orientation. The second oblique surface192is configured to urge the flexible arm176to flex away from the interior structure180as the enclosure cover104is moved away from the enclosure when the attachment assembly120is in the unlocked orientation. Each of the first oblique surface188and the second oblique surface192allow the enclosure cover104to be snapped in and out from the enclosure opening108, which enables the one-handed installation, as discussed above.

In the illustrated embodiment, the oblique surface188exhibits a smaller angle than the oblique surface192, relative to a direction of insertion of the anchor portion148into an enclosure opening. Accordingly, the flexible arm176may be more easily deflected out of engagement with an interior structure during installation of the cover104onto an enclosure than during removal of the cover104from the enclosure. In other embodiments, however, other configurations are possible. Also in the illustrated embodiment, the oblique surfaces188,192are generally planar. This may result in particularly optimal engagement and installation in some embodiments. In other embodiments, however, oblique surfaces can be compound planar surfaces, curved surfaces, compound curved surfaces, or a variety of combinations thereof.

The anchor block124further includes part of the rail and groove arrangement that includes the grooves164A of the outer insert132. In the illustrated embodiment, the rail and groove arrangement includes rails164B that can engage the groove164A, although reversed (or other) configurations are also possible. In particular, the rails164B extend within a blind opening of the anchor block124, so that the rails164B are only accessible from one side of the anchor block124. The opposing wall of the blind opening can thus provide a backstop for the outer insert132when the rail and groove arrangement is engaged, i.e., when the grooves164A slidably receive the rails164B. Accordingly, for example, the attachment assembly120can be installed on the enclosure cover104without the anchor block124sliding too far, i.e., out of workable alignment. In some embodiments, a mechanical detent or other device can be provided to further secure the rail and groove arrangement, or other attachment mechanism, in an appropriately engaged alignment.

As further illustrated inFIGS.7-9the anchor block124also includes a support bore196extending through a collar198. The collar198extends from the anchor block124so that each of the flexible arms176are separate and spaced apart from the collar198(see alsoFIG.17). The support bore196that is configured to rotatably receive the locking body128(see alsoFIG.15). As shown inFIG.10, the locking body128includes a first stop200that is configured to contact a second stop204within the support bore196of the collar198(seeFIG.9). In use, when the first stop200engages the second stop204, the locking body128is prevented from rotating past the locked orientation. The support bore196defines an opening that extends through the anchor block124and that is configured to align with the opening168through the outer insert132(seeFIGS.5and6). In use, as shown inFIG.17, the actuation insert136can extend through both the opening (e.g., the support bore196) of the anchor block124and the opening168of the outer insert132.

Referring now toFIGS.10and11, a locking body128, according to one embodiment, is shown. The locking body128is generally configured to be rotatably secured relative to the anchor block124so that the locking body128can be rotated from the outer side of the enclosure cover104between the unlocked orientation and the locked orientation, and vice versa. The locking body128includes a cavity206that is configured to receive the actuation insert136. The cavity206also includes projections207configured to engage and secure the actuation insert136within the cavity206.

As illustrated, the locking body128includes a cam member208. In the illustrated embodiment, the cam member208defines a generally lobed geometry and includes first and engaging portions208A,208B that are configured to selectively engage the flexible arms176depending on the orientation of the locking body128. The first engaging portion208A further includes a protrusion212extending therefrom. The protrusion212is configured to engage the recess184on the flexible arm176(see, e.g.,FIG.7) to provide a tactile or auditory response when the locking body128reaches the locked orientation, as shown inFIGS.16and17. In other embodiments, a flexible arm can include a protrusion and one of first or second protrusions on a locking body can include a corresponding recess to enable a similar tactile or auditory response. As discussed above, the locking body128also includes the first stop200. In the illustrated embodiment, the first stop200is generally radially aligned with the second engaging portion208B of the cam member208so that the first stop200prevents the locking body128from rotating past the locked orientation once the first and second engaging portions208A,208B have engaged their respective flexible arms176.

FIGS.12and13illustrate the actuation insert136, according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown inFIGS.14and17, for example, the actuation insert136is configured to extend from the outer side of the enclosure cover104, through the outer insert132, to engage the locking body128. The actuation insert136is further configured to be rotatable from outside of the enclosure cover104and to rotate the anchor block124between the locked and unlocked orientations. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation insert136includes a flat portion214disposed along a shaft. The flat portion214includes a plurality of ribs216that are configured to engage an inner surface of the cavity206of the locking body128including the projections207(seeFIG.11). The flat portion214and the ribs216also provide an engagement surface to rotate the anchor block124when the actuation insert136is rotated.

In some embodiments, the shaft of the actuation insert136further includes a recess138disposed at one end of the actuation insert136. The recess138can be configured to engage a protrusion formed on the inner surface of the cavity206of the locking body128to create an interference fit with the locking body128, thereby securing the attachment assembly120to the enclosure cover104(see, for example,FIG.17). In some embodiments, other arrangements can be used to allow an actuation insert to rotate a locking body, including grooves on an actuation insert and ribs on a locking body or other complementary structural arrangements.

In one embodiment, the actuation insert136further includes a head that has channels220arranged similarly to that of a Phillips-head screw. In other embodiments, the actuation insert136may include other features that allow a user to rotate the actuation insert136, such as, for example, a single channel configured to receive a flat-blade driver, or protruding wings or other features for tool-free engagement. As illustrated and as also discussed above, the actuation insert136further includes the indicator172B that is configured to align with the indicator172A on the outer insert132to provide an indication of when the attachment assembly120is in the locked orientation. In one embodiment, the indicator172B is configured as an elongated portion of the channel220. However, other configurations are possible. Any number of indicators, such as markings, dents, ridges, etc. may be used.

As shown inFIG.14, the attachment assembly120is configured to be installed on the enclosure cover104via the opening160. The opening160is dimensioned to receive part of the outer insert132, such that the anchor portion148extends through the opening160from the outer side of the enclosure cover104to the inner side152of the enclosure cover104. In particular, the opening160is shown as a square opening that receives the square profile of the anchor portion148. Such a non-rounded profile may help prevent inadvertent rotation of the outer insert132, although other configurations are possible.

During installation of the attachment system100onto the enclosure cover104, the sealing gasket140is placed around an outer side of the anchor portion148, such that the sealing gasket140can provide a seal between the outer insert132and the outer side of the enclosure cover104when the anchor portion148extends through the opening160. Additionally, the O-ring144is placed on an inner side of the outer insert132within the anchor portion148, so that the O-ring144creates a seal between the actuation insert136and the outer insert132when the actuation insert136is inserted through the opening168(seeFIG.5) of the outer insert132.

As described above, the anchor portion148of the outer insert132and the anchor block124collectively include the rail and groove arrangement164that is configured to secure the anchor block124to the outer insert132as the anchor block124is slid along the inner side152of the enclosure cover104. In some embodiments, a rail and groove arrangement can be contoured to urge an outer insert toward the outer side of the enclosure cover and, simultaneously, urge an anchor block toward the inner side of an enclosure cover, as the rail and groove arrangement is moved into an engaged configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, ends of the rails164B on the anchor block124(see, for example,FIG.9) are angled so the rails164B engage the grooves164A (see, for example,FIG.5) to urge the flange156of the outer insert132toward the enclosure cover104when the anchor block124is slid along the inner side152of the enclosure cover104into engagement with the outer insert132.

FIG.15illustrates one example of the attachment assembly120in an unlocked orientation. As shown, the engaging portions208A,208B of the locking body128extend generally away from and are not engaged with the flexible arms176of the anchor block124. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the engaging portions208A,208B are rotated approximately 180° out of alignment relative to a corresponding one of the flexible arms176, although other rotational angles of the locking body128relative to the collar198that correspond to the unlocked orientation are possible. For example, in some embodiments, the actuation insert136may be rotated less than (or more than) 180° to move the attachment assembly120between the locked orientation and the unlocked orientation. Because the flexible arms176are not engaged (or at least not fully engaged) by the engaging portions208A,208B in the unlocked orientation, the flexible arms176are allowed to flex away from the interior structure180of the enclosure during attachment or removal of the cover104, to release the anchor block124, and thereby the attachment assembly120, relative to the enclosure body.

FIGS.16-19illustrate the attachment assembly120in the locked orientation, as corresponds to the orientation of each of the attachment assemblies120inFIG.3. In the locked orientation, the engaging portions208A,208B of the locking body128engage the flexible arms176of the anchor block124. As a result, the flexible arms176are secured against flexing out of engagement with the interior structure180of the enclosure, as illustrated inFIG.3. Thus, with the attachment assembly120in the locked orientation, the flexible arms176rigidly engage the interior structure180to secure the cover104over the enclosure opening108.

Illustrated inFIG.17, as discussed above, when the attachment assembly120is assembled, the actuation insert136extends through each of the outer insert132, the anchor block124, and into the cavity206of the locking body128. Additionally, the locking body128extends into the support bore196of the collar198with the cam member208outside the support bore196to engage the flexible arms176at each of the first and second engaging portions208A,208B. In some embodiments, an axial height of the cam member208can be increased to increase contact surface area between each of the engaging portions208A,208B and their respective flexible arms176(see, for example,FIGS.22and23).

Further, as also shown inFIG.19, when the attachment assembly120is in the locked orientation, the protrusion212of the engaging portion208A engages the recess184of the flexible arm176, which can help to secure the attachment assembly120against inadvertent movement out of the locked orientation, including due to impacts and vibrations. Further, as also noted above, the protrusion212can provide a tactile or auditory feedback to a user to confirm that the attachment assembly120has been placed into the locked orientation.

In different embodiments, flexible arms can be configured to engage different interior structures, or different locations on a particular interior structure. In some embodiments, it may be useful for multiple attachment assemblies to engage an interior structure (or structures) of an enclosure at opposing sides of an enclosure opening. For example, the flexible arms176can engage the interior structure180on opposite corners of the enclosure opening108, as illustrated inFIG.3. This can help not only to provide a secure engagement generally, but also allow the cover104to self-align, via engagement of the arms176with the interior structure180, as the cover104is installed at the opening108.

Similarly, in some embodiments, it may be useful for multiple flexible arms of an attachment assembly to engage an interior structure (or structures) on opposing (e.g., orthogonal) sides of a corner of an enclosure opening. This configuration is also illustrated inFIG.3and can also help to provide a more secure and self-aligning engagement, in some configurations.

Additionally,FIG.17, in particular, illustrates the lack of conductive path through the attachment assembly120that results from the composite locking body128, anchor block124, and outer insert132fully surrounding the metal actuation insert136. In some embodiments, a similarly non-conductive arrangement can be obtained by securing an actuation insert to a locking body using a non-metallic fastener, such as a composite screw that extends axially through the locking body128, from the interior of an enclosure, to engage the actuation insert.

Additional details of the attachment assembly120in the locked orientation are shown inFIGS.18and19. For example,FIG.18illustrates the alignment of the indicator172A of the outer insert132with the indicator172B of the actuation insert136to visually indicate to a user that the attachment assembly120is in the locked orientation. Specifically, the elongated portion of the channel220is aligned with a point of the triangular indentation of the outer flange156, although other configurations are also possible. In other embodiments, the elongated channel or other similar feature may align with another visual representation, such as a lock symbol, to indicate the location to which the actuation insert136must be turned to place the anchor block124in the locked orientation.

FIGS.20-23illustrate components of an attachment assembly320according to another embodiment of the invention. The attachment assembly320is generally similar in structure and operation to the attachment assembly120, so discussion of the attachment assembly120generally also applies to the attachment assembly320, and vice versa. However, in some regards the attachment assembly320differs from the attachment assembly120, including as further discussed below.

Referring toFIGS.20and21, the attachment assembly, similar to the attachment assembly120, includes an outer insert332. The outer insert332includes an anchor portion348that is configured to extend from an outer side of an enclosure cover to an inner side of an enclosure cover (e.g., via a hole through the enclosure cover with similar geometry). The outer insert332further includes an outer flange356that is configured to seat against the outer side of an enclosure cover. The anchor portion348includes part of a rail and groove arrangement that is configured to secure an anchor block324to the outer insert332as the anchor block324is slid along the inner side of the enclosure. The rail and groove arrangement includes a set of grooves364A that are configured to receive corresponding rails364B of the anchor block324.

Although a rail and groove arrangement may be both robust and easy to install, including as detailed above, an anchor block may be otherwise secured to an enclosure cover in some embodiments. For example, an anchor block can be secured to the inside of an enclosure cover by other mechanical engagements with an outer insert or another structure of an attachment assembly or enclosure cover. In some cases, an anchor block can be secured to the inside of an enclosure cover in alignment with (e.g., on or surrounding) an opening through the enclosure door, but without an outer insert or other component necessarily extending through the opening to engage the anchor block. Further, in some cases, an anchor block and outer insert may be effectively combined as a single integral component (e.g., of a resilient polymer) that can be secured to extend partly (e.g., only partly) to the interior of an enclosure cover.

Similar to the attachment assembly120, the attachment assembly320also includes a sealing gasket340and an O-ring344. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing gasket340is fixed to the outer flange356around the anchor portion348of the outer insert332so that when the outer insert332is installed in an enclosure cover, the sealing gasket340is seated between the exterior surface of the enclosure cover and the outer flange356. In some embodiments, the sealing gasket340can be integrally molded with the outer insert332via a bi-material molding process. In the illustrated embodiment, the O-ring344is seated within an opening368of the outer insert332. Similar to the sealing gasket340, the O-ring can be integrally molded with the outer insert332via a bi-material molding process. In some embodiments, other sealing members (or no sealing members) of generally known configurations can also be used, as appropriate.

With reference toFIG.21, the outer insert332further includes an indicator372. Like the outer insert332, the indicator372is disposed at an outer surface of the outer flange356. In the illustrated embodiment, the indicator372is configured as an arrow with lock and unlock markings. In use, the indicator372is configured to align with a corresponding indicator (not shown) on an actuation insert336(seeFIG.23) depending on the current state of the attachment assembly320. For example, the unlock symbol of the indicator372may be aligned with the indicator on the actuation insert336when the attachment assembly320is in an unlocked orientation and the lock symbol of the indicator372may be aligned with the indicator on the actuation insert336when the attachment assembly320is in a locked orientation.

FIGS.22and23illustrate the attachment assembly320in the locked orientation. The attachment assembly320can be moved between the locked orientation and the unlocked orientation (and vice versa) in a substantially similar manner as the attachment assembly120(e.g., rotating the actuation insert336to rotate a locking body328and move a cam member408of the locking body328in and out of engagement with flexible arms376of the anchor block324). In this regard, and like the attachment assembly120, the anchor block324of the attachment assembly320has flexible arms376. One of the flexible arms includes a recess384that can provide a tactile or auditory response when engaging a protrusion412of an engaging portion408A of the cam member408. Like the locking body128, the locking body328also includes a second engaging portion408B of the cam member408that is configured to engage and outwardly urge the other flexible arm376.

In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible arms376of the anchor block324include a first oblique surface388and a second oblique surface392, similar to the flexible arms376of the anchor block324. The first oblique surface388is configured to urge the flexible arms376to flex away from an interior structure of the enclosure as the enclosure cover is moved toward the enclosure when the attachment assembly320is in the unlocked orientation. The second oblique surface392is configured to urge the flexible arms376to flex away from the interior structure as the enclosure cover is move away from the enclosure when the attachment assembly320is in the unlocked orientation. The anchor block324further includes a collar398having a notch400defining a bore in which the locking body328can rotate. In some embodiments, the notch400can be configured to facilitate disassembly of the locking body328from the anchor block324. For example, when the attachment assembly320is in the unlocked orientation, a tool (e.g., a flat blade screwdriver) can be inserted into the notch400to urge the locking body328out of engagement with the anchor block324.

In some implementations, devices or systems disclosed herein can be utilized or installed using methods embodying aspects of the invention. Correspondingly, description herein of particular features or capabilities of a device or system is generally intended to inherently include disclosure of a method of using such features for intended purposes and of implementing such capabilities. Similarly, express discussion of any method of using a particular device or system, unless otherwise indicated or limited, is intended to inherently include disclosure, as embodiments of the invention, of the utilized features and implemented capabilities of such device or system.

Correspondingly, some embodiments of the invention include methods of using an attachment assembly (e.g., the attachment assembly120), as part of an attachment system, to secure an enclosure cover to an enclosure opening. Generally, before the enclosure cover can be secured to the enclosure opening, each (or some) of the attachment assemblies of the attachment system can be placed in the unlocked orientation. The enclosure cover may then be oriented so that each of the attachment assemblies is aligned with a respective interior structure of the enclosure (e.g., a respective corner of the enclosure opening). The enclosure cover may then be moved to cover the enclosure opening, thereby engaging each of the flexible arms of each of the attachment assemblies with the corresponding interior structure of the enclosure.

When each of the flexible arms engage the interior structure, contact between the interior surface and a first set of oblique surfaces of the flexible arms can allow the end portion of the flexible arms to move (e.g., snap) past part of the interior structure. Thus, the flexible arms may resiliently engage the interior structure to hold the enclosure cover in place. The enclosure cover may then be secured to the enclosure opening, from the outer side of the enclosure cover, by rotating the actuation insert of each attachment assembly, thereby rotating the associated locking body to the locked orientation so that the flexible arms of the anchor block (e.g., at a set of second oblique surfaces) are held in a secure engagement with the corresponding interior structure.

To release the attachment system and remove the enclosure cover from the enclosure opening, each of the actuation inserts can be rotated, from the outer side of the enclosure cover, to place the locking bodies in the unlocked orientation. In the unlocked orientation, as also detailed above, the locking bodies are disengaged from the corresponding flexible arms so that the flexible arms can again flex to move past the associated interior structure. In this regard, when the enclosure cover is moved away from the enclosure opening, a second set of oblique surfaces of the flexible arms can contact the interior structure to urge the flexible arms to flex away from the interior structure to be disengaged from the enclosure generally.