Panel structure with slotted mounting system

A panel structure with a slotted mounting system includes: a first post; a second post; and a panel that is configured to be mounted to the first post and the second post. Each post includes one or more fasteners that extend outwardly from a body of the respective posts and can be loosened to define a shelf on which the panel can be hung. The panel includes slots corresponding to and configured to receive the fasteners extending from the body of the first post and the second post. Once hung, the panel is released, and the respective fasteners of the first post and the second post tightened to impose a clamping force to secure the panel. The panel structure can include a plurality of posts with fasteners and a plurality of panels with slots corresponding to the fasteners of the respective posts to provide a multi-walled structure when assembled.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to structures for enclosing or protecting objects, equipment, and/or personnel. In particular, the present invention relates to a structure with a slotted mounting system.

Panel members, such as wire partitions, are commonly used to construct structures for objects, equipment, and/or personnel requiring secured storage, separation, or segregation. Such structures can include, but are not limited to, machine perimeter guarding, robot guards, driver cages, controlled substance drug storage cages, server cages, holding cells, storage lockers, and technical lockers. Assembly of such structures often requires the respective panels of the structure to initially be lifted to a specific position relative to a support, so as to align corresponding openings between the panel and the support, where a suitable fastener can be used to secure the panel member to the support. As such, it is often difficult for a single individual to assemble such structures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a panel structure with a slotted mounting system that facilitates simple assembly of the panel structure, and which can be implemented to restrict or impede access to an area.

The panel structure includes: a first post; a second post; and a panel that is configured to be mounted to the first post and the second post. The first post and the second post each include one or more fasteners that extend outwardly from a body of the respective posts and can be loosened to define a shelf on which the panel can be hung and tightened to impose a clamping force on the panel once hung. A first side of the panel includes one or more slots corresponding to and configured to receive the one or more fasteners extending outwardly from the body of the first post. A second side of the panel includes one or more slots corresponding to and configured to receive the one or more fasteners extending outwardly from the body of the second post. The panel is thus be hung on the first post and the second post by positioning the panel in a manner which causes the one or more fasteners of the first post to be inserted into corresponding slots defined by the first side of the panel and the one or more fasteners of the second post to be inserted into corresponding slots defined by the second side of the panel. Once hung, the panel is released, and the respective fasteners of the first post and the second post are then tightened to impose a clamping force on the panel that maintains the panel in position relative to the first post and the second post. As the panel can be released to a hanging position on the first post and the second post during assembly of the panel structure, the panel structure of the present application is thus more amenable to assembly by a single individual than panel structures of known construction. When assembled, the panel structure provides a barrier that restricts or impedes access to an area or object.

In some embodiments, each slot defined by the first side or the second side of the panel includes a central portion and at least one channel adjacent to the central portion. In some embodiments, each slot defined by the first side or the second side of the panel includes two channels positioned adjacent to the central portion and opposite of each other. The central portion of each slot permits initial entry of a fastener extending outwardly from the body of either the first post or the second post into the respective slot, and each channel of the slot defines a pathway along which the fastener can move within the slot away from the central portion. In some embodiments, the central portion of each slot defined by the first side or the second side of the panel is defined, at least in part, by a break in an edge of the first side or the second side of the panel. In some embodiments, the first post and the second post each define one or more threaded openings configured to receive and retain a threaded body of a fastener.

In some embodiments, the first post and the second post each include a plate for anchoring the first post and the second post to a ground surface.

In some embodiments, the panel includes a frame and wiring that is welded to and extends from the frame.

In some embodiments, the panel structure can include a plurality of posts, each post including a body with one or more fasteners extending outwardly therefrom, along with a plurality of panels with slots configured to receive respective fasteners extending outwardly from the plurality of posts to provide a multi-walled structure when assembled.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a panel structure with a slotted mounting system that facilitates simple assembly of the panel structure, and which can be implemented to restrict or impede access to an area.

FIG.1is a front view of an exemplary panel structure10with a slotted mounting system made in accordance with the present invention implemented between two environmental wall structures50,52.

FIGS.2A-Bare partial views of a first post12of the structure ofFIG.1, with fasteners13,15of the first post12in a loosened configuration and a tightened configuration, respectively.

FIG.3is a rear perspective view of a panel20of the structure10ofFIG.1.

FIG.4is a partial view of the structure10ofFIG.1, with the panel20disassembled from the first post12.

FIG.5is another partial view of the structure10ofFIG.1similar toFIG.4, but with the panel20mounted to the first post12.

Referring now toFIGS.1,2A-B, and3-5, the exemplary panel structure10includes: a first post12; a second post14; and a panel20that is configured to be mounted to the first post12and the second post14. To reduce the amount of labor required to assemble the structure10, the first post12, the second post14, and the panel20include components which collectively define a slotted mounting system that facilitates assembly of the structure without the panel20having to be lifted and maintained in a specific position while fasteners are inserted in order to mount the panel20to the first post12and the second post14. In this regard, the first post12and the second post14each include one or more fasteners13,15(with the one or more fasteners of the first post12being shown inFIGS.2A-B,4, and5) that extend outwardly from a body12a,14aof the respective posts12,14and can be loosened to define a shelf on which the panel20can be hung and tightened to impose a clamping force on the panel20. One side of the panel20includes one or more slots21,23that correspond to and are configured to receive the one or more fasteners13,15of the first post12, and another side of the panel20includes one or more slots25,27that correspond to and are configured to receive the one or more fasteners of the second post14(not shown).

Referring still toFIGS.1,2A-B, and3-5, the panel20is hung on the first post12and the second post14by positioning the panel20in a manner which causes the respective fasteners13,15of the first post12to be inserted into the corresponding slots21,23defined by the first side of the panel20and the respective fasteners of the second post14to be inserted into the corresponding slots25,27defined by the second side of the panel20. Once hung, the panel20is released, and the respective fasteners13,15of the first post12and the second post14are then tightened to impose a clamping force on the panel20that maintains the panel20in position relative to the first post12and the second post14. Accordingly, as the panel20can be released to a hanging position on the first post12and the second post14, the structure10is more amenable to assembly by a single individual than panel member structures of known construction.

Referring now toFIG.1, in this exemplary embodiment, when assembled, the structure10defines a single-walled structure which can be implemented to provide a barrier that restricts or impedes access to a selected area. As shown, in this implementation, the assembled structure10is implemented between two environmental wall structures50,52and thus effectively serves as a fence that restricts entry into the channel defined by the two environmental wall structures50,52. Of course, it is appreciated that the structure10can be implemented within a variety of alternative environments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Indeed, as described below with reference toFIG.6, in alternative embodiments, the structure10can be implemented in a larger structure that includes additional posts and panels to define a multi-walled structure when assembled.

Referring again toFIGS.1and2A-B, in this exemplary embodiment, the first post12and the second post14each include a plate16,18at one of its ends. Each plate16,18defines a plurality of openings16a,18athrough which bolts or other suitable fasteners17a,19a(shown inFIG.1) may pass to anchor the respective posts12,14to an underlying ground surface and prevent movement of the structure10.

Referring now specifically toFIGS.2A and2B, in this exemplary embodiment, the first post12includes two fasteners: a first fastener13extending outwardly from the body12aat one end of the first post12; and a second fastener15extending outwardly from the body12aat another end of the first post12. The first fastener13and the second fastener15include a threaded body13a,15aand a head13b,15b. The body12aof the first post12defines, and thus can be characterized as including, a first threaded opening12band a second threaded opening12cin which the threaded body13a,15aof the first fastener13and the second fastener15are, respectively, retained. As shown by viewingFIGS.2A and2Bin sequence, the first fastener13and the second fastener15of the first post12are each tightened in a first rotational direction to reduce the extent to which the first fastener13and the second fastener15extend out of the body12aof the first post12and impose a clamping force on the panel20. Conversely, and as evidenced by viewingFIGS.2A and2Bin reverse sequence, the first fastener13and the second fastener15of the first post12are loosened in a second rotational direction to increase the extent to which the first fastener13and the second fastener15extend out of the body12aof the first post12and the available area on which the panel20can be hung.

Referring still toFIGS.2A and2B, in this exemplary embodiment, the first fastener13and the second fastener15are designed such that the first fastener13and the second fastener15can be fully removed from the first post12. In alternative embodiments, however, the first fastener13and the second fastener15may be retained within the first threaded opening12band the second threaded opening12c, respectively, such that the first fastener13and the second fastener15can each be loosened or tightened by rotation, but not fully removed from the threaded opening12b,12cin which it is retained. To this end, in some embodiments, the first fastener13and the second fastener15can include a distal end (not shown) that has a diameter greater than that exhibited by the threaded opening12b,12cin which it is retained.

Referring now toFIGS.2A,2B, and4, in this exemplary embodiment, the body12aof the first post12defines multiple threaded openings12b,12c,12d,12eacross its different faces. Specifically, in this embodiment, the body12aof the first post12defines, and thus can be characterized as including, a third threaded opening12dand a fourth threaded opening12edefined within a face of the first post12that is perpendicular to that of the face defining the first threaded opening12band the second threaded opening12c. Like the first threaded opening12band the second threaded opening12c, the third threaded opening12dand the fourth threaded opening12eare also configured to receive a fastener, which can be inserted to enable additional panels to be mounted to the first post12or facilitate assembly of the structure10in another configuration. It should be appreciated that the number of threaded openings12b,12c,12d,12eand positioning of threaded openings12b,12c,12d,12edefined by the body12aof the first post12may be adjusted during manufacture to better accommodate different environments or applications without departing from the spirit or scope of the present application.

Referring now again toFIG.1, the second post14is a mirror image of, but is preferably otherwise identical to, the first post12. In this regard, although not shown, in this exemplary embodiment, the second post14also includes a first fastener and a second fastener that are respectively retained within a first threaded opening and a second threaded opening (not shown) defined by the body14aof the second post14, such that the first fastener and the second fastener of the second post14can be loosened and tightened in the same manner as described above with respect to the first fastener13and the second fastener15of the first post12. In this exemplary embodiment, each fastener13,15of the first post12and the second post is a threaded bolt. Of course, other suitable fasteners may alternatively be used without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

Referring now toFIGS.1,3,4, and5, in this exemplary embodiment, the panel20of the structure10includes a frame22and wiring24that is welded to and extends from the frame22in an overlapping grid (or mesh) pattern. In this exemplary embodiment, the frame22is comprised of steel, and the wiring24is steel wire welded into a square mesh pattern. Of course, it should be appreciated that the wiring24can be arranged in other patterns without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Furthermore, in alternative embodiments, the wiring24could be replaced with sheet metal, expanded metal, polycarbonate, or any other suitable material.

Referring now toFIGS.3-5, in this exemplary embodiment, a first side22aof the frame22defines a first slot21and a second slot23configured to receive the first fastener13and the second fastener15, respectively, extending outwardly from the body12aof the first post12. Similarly, in this embodiment, a second side22bof the frame22defines a first slot25and a second slot27configured to receive the first fastener and the second fastener, respectively, extending outwardly from the body14aof second post14. As shown best inFIG.3, the first slot21defined by the first side22aof the frame22is positioned opposite of the first slot25defined by the second side22bof the frame. Similarly, the second slot23defined by the first side22aof the frame22is positioned opposite of the second slot27defined by the second side22bof the frame22. As shown, in this exemplary embodiment, both the first side22aof the frame22and the second side22bof the frame22transversely extend from a plane of the panel20corresponding to a portion of the frame22to which the wiring24is welded.

Referring still toFIGS.3-5, in this exemplary embodiment, each respective slot21,23,25,27defined by the frame22can be characterized as including: a central portion21a,23a,25a,27a; a first channel21b,23b,25b,27b; and a second channel21c,23c,25c,27c. The central portion21a,23aof the first slot21and the second slot23defined in the first side22aof the frame22is defined, at least in part, by a break in the edge of the first side22aof the frame22. Similarly, the central portion25a,27aof the first slot25and the second slot27defined in the second side22bof the frame22is defined, at least in part, by a break in the edge of the second side22bof the frame22. In each slot21,23,25,27, the first channel21b,23b,25b,27bis located adjacent to the central portion21a,23a,25a,27a, and the second channel21c,23c,25c,27cis located opposite of the first channel21b,23b,25b,27b. Thus, in this exemplary embodiment, each slot21,23,25,27is substantially “T” shaped.

Referring still toFIGS.3-5, the central portion21a,23a,25a,27aof each slot21,23,25,27provides a pathway along which the corresponding fastener13,15of the first post12or the second post14can initially enter (or subsequently exit) the slot21,23,25,27. Following insertion of the respective fasteners13,15into the corresponding slots21,23,25,27of the first post12and the second post14, the frame22can be lowered to a hanging position on top of the fasteners13,15of the first post12and the second post14. The frame22is able to be lowered to a hanging position on top of the respective fasteners13,15due to the spacing provided by either the first channel21b,23b,25b,27bor the second channel21c,23c,25c,27cof the respective slots21,23,25,27, depending on the orientation of the panel20relative to the fasteners13,15, of the first post12and the second post14.

Due to the shape of the first slots21,25and the second slots23,27defined within the first side22aand the second side22bof the frame22, respectively, it should be appreciated that the panel20can be oriented and mounted to the first post12and the second post14in an alternative manner from that illustrated within the drawings and described above during construction of the structure10and still fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. For instance, due to the substantially “T” shape of the slots21,23,25,27, the panel20can, in some embodiments, be longitudinally flipped 180° and lowered on to the respective fasteners13,15of the first post12and the second post14, such that the first slot21and the second slot23defined in the first side22aof the frame22corresponds to the second fastener15and the first fastener13, respectively, of the first post12and the first slot25and the second slot27of the second side22bof the frame22corresponds to the second fastener and the first fastener, respectively, of the second post14. Furthermore, as a result of the first slot21and the second slot23defined by the first side22aof the frame22being positioned opposite of each other, and the first slot25and the second slot27defined by the second side22bof the frame22being positioned opposite of each other, the panel20can, in other embodiments, be laterally flipped 180° horizontally and lowered on to the respective fasteners13,15of the first post12and the second post14, such that the first slot21and the second slot23defined in the first side22aof the frame correspond to the first fastener and the second fastener of the second post14and the first slot25and the second slot27defined in the second side22bof the frame22correspond to the first fastener13and the second fastener15of the first post12.

Although each post12,14of the structure10is generally described herein as including multiple fasteners13,15, and the first side22aand the second side22bof the frame22is generally described as including multiple slots21,23,25,27, alternative embodiments are contemplated in which each post12,14includes only a single fastener and the first side22aand the second side22bof the frame22each include only a single slot.

Referring now toFIGS.1,2A, and4, to facilitate hanging of the panel20on the fasteners13,15of the first post12and the second post14, it is generally preferred that the first post12, and the second post14are first anchored to a ground surface in an upright position, as shown inFIG.1. Further, to this end, it is generally preferred that the fasteners13,15of the first post12and the fasteners of the second post14be loosened to provide a shelf of suitable length for the frame22of the panel20to rest on, as shown inFIGS.2A and4. Once the frame22is lowered to the hanging position on top of the respective fasteners13,15the weight of the panel20is effectively carried by the structure10, and, more specifically, by the first post12and the second post14. As such, once the panel20is hung, it is no longer necessary for the individual assembling the structure10to maintain the panel20in a raised position.

As perhaps shown best by viewingFIGS.4and5in sequence, after the frame22is lowered to the hanging position on the respective fasteners13,15of the first post12and the second post14, the respective fasteners13,15of the first post12and the second post14are rotated in the first rotational direction to tighten the fasteners13,15and secure the panel20in a fixed position between the first post12and the second post14. The head13b,15bof each fastener13,15is preferably sized to have a diameter greater than that of each of the first channel21b,23b,25b,27b, and the second channel21c,23c,25c,27cof the slot21,23,25,27to which it corresponds to prevent the respective fastener13,15from passing entirely through the slot21,23,25,27. As the first fastener13and the second fastener15of the first post12are tightened, a clamping force is applied to the first side22aof the frame22due to the convergence of the body12aof the first post12and the heads13b,15bof the first fastener13and the second fastener15. Similarly, as the first fastener and the second fastener of the second post14are tightened, a clamping force is applied to the second side22bof the frame22due to the convergence of the body14aof the second post14and the heads of the first fastener and the second fastener of the second post14.

FIG.6is a perspective view of another exemplary panel structure with a slotted mounting system100(or structure100) made in accordance with the present invention.

As shown inFIG.6, in this exemplary embodiment, the structure100includes a plurality of posts12,14,112,114and a plurality of panels20,130,140, with each panel20,130,140mounted to at least one of the posts12,14,112,114. Specifically, in this exemplary embodiment, the structure100includes four posts12,14,112,114: a first post12; a second post14; a third post112; and a fourth post114. Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, the structure includes three panels20,130,140: a first panel20mounted to and extending between the first post12and the second post14; a second panel130mounted to the third post112; and a third panel140mounted to and extending between the third post112and the fourth post114. The first post12, the second post14, and the first panel20are structurally identical and assembled together in the same manner as that of the structure10described above with reference toFIGS.1,2A-B, and3-5. In this regard, the structure100in this exemplary embodiment thus includes and builds upon the structure10described above with reference toFIGS.1,2A-B, and3-5to provide a multi-walled structure. Like reference numerals are provided with like components throughout the present disclosure.

Referring still toFIG.6, the third post112and the fourth post114of the structure100are structurally identical to the first post12and the second post14. In this regard, like the first post12and the second post14, the third post112and the fourth post114thus each include a first fastener and a second fastener (though only the first fastener115of the fourth post114is visible inFIG.6) retained by corresponding threaded openings (not shown) defined in a body112a,114a, of the third post112and the fourth post114. Like the first fasteners13and the second fasteners15of the first post12and the second post14, the first fasteners115and the second fasteners of the third post112and the fourth post114can also be loosened to provide a shelf on which the third panel140can be hung and tightened to impose a clamping force on the third panel140once hung. As shown, the third post112and the fourth post114also include a plate116at one of its ends (though only the plate116corresponding to the third post112is visible inFIG.6), with each plate116,118defining a plurality of openings through which bolts or other suitable fasteners117amay pass to anchor the respective posts112,114to an underlying ground surface.

Referring still toFIG.6, the third panel140is structurally identical to the first panel20, and, in this regard, includes a frame142and wiring144that is welded to and extends from the frame142in an overlapping grid (or mesh) pattern. A first side142aof the frame142of the third panel140defines a first slot and a second slot (not shown) configured to receive the fasteners, respectively, extending outwardly from the body112aof the third post112. A second side142bof the frame142of the third panel140similarly defines a first slot141and a second slot (not shown) configured to receive the first fastener115and the second fastener, respectively, of the fourth post114. As shown, in this implementation, the fourth post114, the third post112, the third panel140are assembled and positioned as to be a mirror image of the first post12, the second post14, and the first panel20, respectively.

Referring still toFIG.6, the second panel130also includes a frame132and wiring134that is welded to and extends from the frame132in an overlapping grid (or mesh) pattern. In this exemplary embodiment, the second panel130defines a door which can be transitioned between a closed position and an open position. In this embodiment, the second panel130defines a hinged door, which is mounted for rotation with respect to the third post112via one or more hinges136,138. In this particular embodiment, the second panel130is mounted for rotation using a first hinge136and a second hinge138. The second panel130further includes a handle131and a first portion of a latching and/or locking mechanism133a. The first portion of the latching and/or locking mechanism is configured to engage with a second portion of the latching and/or locking mechanism133bpositioned opposite of the post to which the second panel130is mounted, which, in this case, is the second post14. In this exemplary embodiment, the first portion of the latching and/or locking mechanism133aand the second portion the latching and/or locking mechanism133bcollectively define a latch or lock configured to unlock when activated by a key, card reader, key pad, or push button. It is appreciated, however, that the latching/locking mechanism may comprise a variety of mechanical locks (e.g., thumb-turn latches, door knobs, interior key locks, etc.), a variety of electrical inter-locking devices (e.g., proximity readers, keypads, electro-magnetic locking mechanism, etc.), or combinations thereof without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

Referring still toFIG.6, when assembled and the second panel130is in the closed position, the structure100defines a three-walled structure that can be implemented to restrict access to an object200or area. As shown, in this implementation, the structure100is positioned as to abut an environmental wall structure150and to enclose and restrict access to an object200when the structure100is assembled. Of course, it is appreciated that the posts12,14,112,114and/or panels20,130,140of the structure100may be adapted and implemented to accommodate a variety of applications and environments, and, as such, include additional or fewer posts and/or panels.

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that additional embodiments and implementations are also possible without departing from the teachings of the present invention. This detailed description, and particularly the specific details of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, are given primarily for clarity of understanding, and no unnecessary limitations are to be understood therefrom, for modifications will become obvious to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure and may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.