Patent Publication Number: US-2021172565-A1

Title: Bracket device for use with a panel

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure relates generally to supports and more particularly to a panel mounting bracket support. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     An electrical enclosure is a cabinet for electrical or electronic equipment to mount switches, knobs and displays and to prevent electrical shock to equipment users and protect the contents from the environment. The enclosure is often the only part of the equipment which is not seen by users. It may be designed not only for its utilitarian requirements, but also to be pleasing to the eye. Electronic packaging may place many demands on an enclosure for heat dissipation, radio frequency interference and electrostatic discharge protection, as well as functional, esthetic and commercial constraints. 
     Some electrical panels require specialized enclosures or mounts depending on the application. Some vehicles, such as boats, RVs, airplanes, and cars may require aftermarket housings or brackets in order to retrofit the existing vehicle with upgraded or expanded parts. Adding new parts or electrical systems to a vehicle may often necessitate the addition of new switches to operate those systems. These new switches may typically be provided in the form of a panel or housing. Not every vehicle has the space or mounting surfaces needed to include such upgrades. A suitable solution is desired. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an upper perspective view of a panel mounted onto a bracket for use with a panel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the bracket without a panel attached thereto, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
     The object of this disclosure generally includes a bracket for control and display panels. The bracket may include a sturdy support structure with at least 3 walls that may be configured to hold, support and partially enclose a display or operating panel. The display and/or operating panel may include monitors, switches, buttons and the like. The bracket may be used in a variety of applications, but may be especially useful for vehicles including boats, automobiles, RVs, airplanes and possibly home uses such as on shelves, desks, walls or entertainment units. 
     The bracket may specifically include a metal support shell for use with a 6-inch gang waterproof rocker switch panel. The bracket may help to enable and simplify the installation of such panel into a vehicle or other desired surface by possibly eliminating the need for cutting large holes and allowing flush-mount installation to occur. The bracket may also be configured for easier removal of the panel mounted within the bracket, thereby increasing the efficiency of repairs and other upgrades. In a typical embodiment, the bracket of this disclosure may measure approximately 4¾ inches tall, 7¼ inches long and 3½ inches wide. A preferred embodiment may also include a support bar extending from corner to corner on the bottom of the device face. The bracket of this disclosure may also be configured for customized applications and individual specifications. 
     The bracket may be configured to mount a variety of panel types. The bracket may specifically be useful for mounting a control panel, a display panel, a rocker switch panel. Materials and configurations may vary depending on applications, but the bracket device for use with a panel of this disclosure may typically be constructed from a metal. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown an upper perspective view of a panel mounted onto a bracket  100  (not numbered here; see  FIG. 2 ) for use with a panel  10 . The bracket  100  may include a right side surface  110  having a substantially rectangular shape. The bracket  100  may also include a left side surface  120  having a substantially rectangular shape. The right side surface  110  and left side surface  120  may be arranged in a parallel configuration. 
       FIG. 1  also shows the panel  10  supported on all sides by an upper edge of each of the right side surface  110  and left side surface  120 . The upper edge of the right side surface  170  may be connected with the upper edge of the top side surface  130 , which in turn is connected to the upper edge of the left side surface  180 . The top side surface  130  may have 3 apertures,  190 , that are arranged in a triangular pattern for mounting to a secure surface. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , there is shown a perspective view of the bracket  100  without a panel  10  (see  FIG. 1 ) attached thereto. The bracket  100  may include a right-side-surface lip portion  140  extending from an edge of the right-side surface. Similarly, the bracket  100  may include a left-side-surface lip portion  150  extending from an edge of the left-side surface. Yet again, the bracket  100  may include a top-side-surface lip portion  160  extending from an edge of the top-side surface. 
     Each of the right-side-surface lip portion  140 , left-side-surface lip portion  150 , and top-side-surface lip portion  160  may include at least one aperture  200 . In a preferred embodiment, the right-side-surface lip portion  140  may include 2 apertures, while the left-side-surface lip portion  150  may include 2 apertures and the top-side-surface lip portion  160  may include 3 apertures. In another embodiment, each of the sides of the bracket may have 3 apertures. Also, optional removable bar  180  may have 3 apertures. Each of the apertures  200  referred to herein may be configured to receive a fastening means. The fastening means used may vary by application, but may include screws, bolts, rivets, connectors, nuts, glue and the like. 
     Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.