Patent Description:
In addition, larger cabinets needed to meet large capacity requirements may be cumbersome to transport and install due to their large size and weight. Further, it may be difficult to repair or replace damaged portions of the cabinet due, at least in part, to having a single-piece construction and/or the possible need to disconnect any cables entering the cabinet when repairing the cabinet, which may result in additional complexity and expense.

Some examples described herein may address one or more of these possible drawbacks and/or other possible drawbacks.

<CIT> discloses a sealing assembly for sealing a corner of an enclosure. The sealing assembly includes a substantially rigid bracket and a flexible seal. The bracket includes a first latch and a second latch configured for releasable connection to an enclosure adjacent a corner with the first and second latches on opposing sides of said corner. The bracket is configured to provide a force to couple the flexible seal to a corner of an enclosure when the bracket is attached to said enclosure. The flexible seal includes a first surface for coupling to the corner of the enclosure, and a second surface opposite the first surface.

<CIT> discusses a refrigerator cabinet and a refrigerator door for providing access to a compartment within the refrigerator cabinet, the refrigerator door includes a door pan and a plurality of corner brackets.

<CIT> discusses a shielded enclosure for providing shielding against radio frequency interference.

<CIT> discloses a handle free connector for a kitchen cabinet.

<CIT> discloses a light-tight enclosure and joint connectors for an enclosure framework In a light-tight enclosure, elongate members and joint connectors are joined to one another to form a framework to which panels having projecting ribs with right-angled corners are mounted.

The invention concerns a corner bracket according to claim <NUM>, to which reference should now be made.

This disclosure relates to corner brackets suitable for cabinets, and more particularly, suitable for cabinets for housing equipment. The corner brackets provide structural support and seals providing resistance to entry of dust, dirt, and/or fluid between the corner brackets, frame members, panels, and/or door panels of the cabinet.

Whenever possible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

As noted above, this disclosure is generally directed to corner brackets for cabinets, such as, for example, cabinets for housing equipment. Corner brackets provide structural support and dust- and/or fluid-resistance between the corner brackets, frame members, panels, and/or door panels of the cabinet. According to some examples, the cabinets described herein may be assembled on site and may be scalable to meet the capacity requirements of the equipment being enclosed by the cabinet. For example, some examples of the cabinet may be formed by a frame assembled from frame members coupled to one another by brackets, including corner brackets. The frame members may be provided (or modified on-site) to build a frame (e.g., off-site or on-site) defining the desired interior dimensions, and the brackets may be used to couple the frame members to one another. Panels may be attached to the frame to create the cabinet. In some examples, one or more door panels may be pivotally coupled to the frame to provide one or more doors configured to pivot between open and closed positions.

In some examples, the cabinet may be devoid of an upright support at one or more corners of the cabinet, for example, such that the frame defines an open space between an upper corner bracket and a corresponding lower corner bracket. In some such examples, one or more door panels may be coupled to the cabinet, such that in an open position the one or more door panels pivot away from the corner of the cabinet devoid of the upright support, which may provide greater access to the interior of the cabinet, including, for example, access through the front and/or a side of the cabinet. This may provide ease of access to components in the interior of the cabinet that may not otherwise be accessible from the front of the cabinet.

In some examples, the equipment to be enclosed in the cabinet may be assembled and/or coupled to the interior of the cabinet during and/or after completion of assembly of the cabinet. In some examples, the corner brackets may provide both structural support for securely coupling two or more frame members to one another (e.g., rigidly coupling two frame members to one another) and a substantially dust- and/or fluid-resistant seal (e.g., a fluid-tight seal) between the corner bracket and the two or more frame members and, in some examples, between the brackets and the panels of the cabinet. Some examples may also at least partially provide a cabinet that is scalable to tailor its exterior size and/or interior size to meet the capacity needs of a particular installation due to the cabinet being formed as a frame with panels secured thereto, as compared to a cabinet including a monolithic shell having a size that cannot be easily altered. For example, brackets such as at least some of the example corner brackets disclosed herein may be used with frame members having different lengths (or different combinations of frame members and brackets) to create cabinets having different dimensions to meet the capacity needs of a particular installation. In addition, some examples may provide an ability to repair and/or replace portions of a cabinet, for example, by removing one or more of the panels and/or door panels from the frame and repairing and/or replacing the portions of the cabinet desired to be replaced and/or repaired. In addition, if the future requirements of a particular installation change, such that, for example, a larger interior space is desired to meet greater interior capacity requirements, some examples may provide the ability to be modified to increase the size of cabinet, for example, by removing some of the exterior panels, increasing the size of the frame to the desired size using frame members and brackets, and installing panels and/or door panels onto the modified frame to create a cabinet having the desired interior capacity.

<FIG> is a schematic perspective view of an example cabinet <NUM> including a detailed perspective view of an example corner joint <NUM> including an example corner bracket <NUM> coupling two example frame members <NUM> to one another. For example, the corner bracket <NUM> may be configured to couple two frame members <NUM> to one another without coupling a third frame member (e.g., an upright extending between two corresponding upper and lower corner brackets <NUM>, for example, as explained herein). In some such examples, the corner brackets <NUM> may be configured to provide sufficient structural support for the corner joint <NUM> to maintain the desired structural integrity of the cabinet <NUM> without a third frame member providing support between the upper and lower corner brackets <NUM>. In some examples, some of the corner brackets <NUM> may be configured to couple three frame members <NUM> (e.g., two upper or lower cross-members and one upright support extending between the upper and lower corner brackets <NUM>).

The example cabinet <NUM> shown in <FIG> is a cabinet <NUM> for enclosing fiber optic equipment, such as fiber optic cables including optical fibers, and connections and circuitry for facilitating broadband voice, video, and data transmission. In some examples, the cabinet <NUM> may be a fiber optic distribution outdoor cabinet, which may be intended to be installed in an outdoor environment exposed to the elements. Other types of cabinets for enclosing other types of equipment are contemplated.

As shown in <FIG>, the example cabinet <NUM> defines an interior <NUM> and an exterior <NUM>. In the example shown, the interior <NUM> includes various structures <NUM> known to those skilled in the art for facilitating routing and/or connection of fiber optic cables including optical fibers (not shown for clarity). The example cabinet <NUM> shown includes a frame <NUM> and a plurality of exterior panels secured to the frame <NUM> for enclosing the interior <NUM> of the cabinet <NUM>. For example, the cabinet <NUM> includes a back panel <NUM> coupled to a back side of the frame <NUM>, a top panel <NUM> coupled to a top side of the frame <NUM>, a first door panel <NUM> coupled to a first side of the frame <NUM> via one or more hinges <NUM>, such that it pivots with respect to the frame <NUM>, a second side panel <NUM> coupled to a second side of the frame <NUM> opposite the first door panel <NUM>, a second door panel <NUM> coupled to a front side of the frame <NUM> via one or more hinges <NUM>, such that it pivots with respect to the frame <NUM>. In some examples, the cabinet <NUM> also includes a bottom panel <NUM> coupled to a bottom side of the frame <NUM>. In some examples, the bottom panel <NUM> may include apertures <NUM> facilitating entry of cables, such as, for example, fiber optic cables, into the interior <NUM> of the cabinet <NUM>. The example shown also includes a skirt <NUM> coupled to and extending around the periphery of the bottom of the frame <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, one or more of the first door panel <NUM> or the second door panel <NUM> may include a latch mechanism <NUM> for securing the first and/or second door panels <NUM> and <NUM> in the closed position, for example, as explained herein with respect to <FIG>. In the example shown, each of the latch mechanisms <NUM> includes an upper door latch <NUM> and a lower door latch <NUM> configured to selectively engage and disengage the respective upper and lower corner brackets <NUM>, for example, as explained herein.

As shown in <FIG>, the frame <NUM> includes frame members <NUM> coupled to one another via brackets, including, for example, the example upper and lower corner brackets <NUM> shown. In some examples, the upper and lower corner brackets <NUM> may have substantially the same structure. In some examples, the upper and lower corner brackets <NUM> may differ from one another structurally. The example upper and lower corner brackets <NUM> shown each define an interior surface <NUM> and an exterior surface <NUM> and are configured to couple a first frame member <NUM> (e.g., a first cross member) having a first longitudinal axis X, and a second frame member <NUM> (e.g., a second cross member) having a second longitudinal axis Y, to one another, for example, such that the longitudinal axes X and Y are substantially perpendicular to one another. As used in this disclosure, "substantially" is used to account for minor deviations within manufacturing tolerances. For example, "substantially perpendicular" refers to being perpendicular or within normal manufacturing tolerances of being perpendicular. In other words, a perpendicular arrangement is intended even though there may be minor variations due to manufacturing tolerances.

<FIG> is a schematic perspective view of three example frames 24A, 24B, and 24C for respective cabinets <NUM>, including a detailed perspective partial section view of an example corner joint <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the example frame 24A may include an upper back frame member <NUM>, an upper first side frame member <NUM>, an upper front frame member <NUM>, an upper second side frame member <NUM> opposite the upper first side frame member <NUM>, a lower back frame member <NUM>, a lower first side frame member <NUM>, a lower front frame member <NUM>, and a lower second side frame member <NUM> opposite the lower first side frame member <NUM>. The example frame 24A also includes a first upper corner bracket <NUM> coupling the upper back frame member <NUM> and the upper first side frame member <NUM> to one another, a second upper corner bracket <NUM> (e.g., corner bracket <NUM>) coupling the upper first side frame member <NUM> and the upper front frame member <NUM> to one another, a third upper corner bracket <NUM> coupling the upper front frame member <NUM> and the upper second side frame member <NUM> to one another, and a fourth upper corner bracket <NUM> coupling the upper second side frame member <NUM> and the upper back frame member <NUM> to one another. The example frame 24A further includes a first lower corner bracket <NUM> coupling the lower back frame member <NUM> and the lower first side frame member <NUM> to one another, a second lower corner bracket <NUM> (e.g., corner bracket <NUM>) coupling the lower first side frame member <NUM> and the lower front frame member <NUM> to one another, a third lower corner bracket <NUM> coupling the lower front frame member <NUM> and the lower second side frame member <NUM> to one another, and a fourth lower corner bracket <NUM> coupling the lower second side frame member <NUM> and the lower back frame member <NUM> to one another.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the frame 24A also includes a first corner frame member <NUM> (e.g., an upright) coupling the first upper corner bracket <NUM> and the first lower corner bracket <NUM> to one another, a third corner frame member <NUM> (e.g., an upright) coupling the third upper corner bracket <NUM> and third lower corner bracket <NUM> to one another, and a fourth corner frame member <NUM> (e.g., an upright) coupling the fourth upper corner bracket <NUM> and the fourth lower corner bracket <NUM> to one another. In the example shown, the example frame 24A is devoid of a second corner frame member (e.g., an upright) coupling the second upper corner bracket <NUM> and the second lower corner bracket <NUM> to one another. Such examples may result in defining an open space <NUM> between the second upper corner bracket <NUM> and the second lower corner bracket <NUM>. This may result in the first door panel <NUM> and/or the second door panel <NUM> being coupled to the cabinet <NUM>, such that in an open position, for example, as shown in <FIG>, the first door panel <NUM> and/or the second door panel <NUM> pivot away from the corner of the cabinet <NUM> devoid of an upright support, which may provide greater access to the interior <NUM> of the cabinet <NUM>, including, for example, access through the front and/or a side of the cabinet <NUM>. This may provide ease of access to structures <NUM> (e.g., components and/or equipment) in the interior <NUM> of the cabinet <NUM> that may not otherwise be accessible from the front of the cabinet <NUM>.

In some examples, additional brackets <NUM> and additional frame members (and/or frame members having a different length) may be used to increase the length of the frame 24A, provide coupling points for additional frame members (e.g., uprights <NUM>) and/or provide structural support and/or dust- and/or fluid-resistant sealing structures (e.g., fluid-tight sealing structures) for one or more of the first door panel <NUM> or the second door panel <NUM>. Use of brackets such as the corner brackets <NUM> and brackets <NUM> may facilitate expanding the length of the frame 24A. Such corner brackets <NUM> and/or brackets <NUM> may facilitate increasing the size of the cabinet <NUM>, (e.g., on-site) without replacing the entire cabinet <NUM>.

For example, an example lengthened frame 24B may include the upper back frame member <NUM> including a first frame member <NUM> and a second frame member <NUM> coupled to one another by a bracket <NUM>, the upper first side frame member <NUM>, the upper front frame member <NUM> including a first frame member <NUM> and a second frame member <NUM> coupled to one another by a bracket <NUM>, the upper second side frame member <NUM> opposite the upper first side frame member <NUM>, the lower back frame member <NUM> including a first frame member <NUM> and a second frame member <NUM> coupled to one another by a bracket <NUM>, the lower first side frame member <NUM>, the lower front frame member <NUM> including a first frame member <NUM> and a second frame member <NUM> coupled to one another by a bracket <NUM>, and a lower second side frame member <NUM> opposite the lower first side frame member <NUM>. The example frame 24B also includes the first upper corner bracket <NUM> coupling the upper back frame member <NUM> and the upper first side frame member <NUM> to one another, a second upper corner bracket <NUM> (e.g., corner bracket <NUM>) coupling the upper first side frame member <NUM> and the upper front frame member <NUM> to one another, a third upper corner bracket <NUM> coupling the upper front frame member <NUM> and the upper second side frame member <NUM> to one another, and a fourth upper corner bracket <NUM> coupling the upper second side frame member <NUM> and the upper back frame member <NUM> to one another. The example frame 24B further includes a first lower corner bracket <NUM> coupling the lower back frame member <NUM> and the lower first side frame member <NUM> to one another, a second lower corner bracket <NUM> (e.g., corner bracket <NUM>) coupling the lower first side frame member <NUM> and the lower front frame member <NUM> to one another, a third lower corner bracket <NUM> coupling the lower front frame member <NUM> and the lower second side frame member <NUM> to one another, and a fourth lower corner bracket <NUM> coupling the lower second side frame member <NUM> and the lower back frame member <NUM> to one another.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the example frame 24B also includes the first corner frame member <NUM> (e.g., an upright) coupling the first upper corner bracket <NUM> and the first lower corner bracket <NUM> to one another, the third corner frame member <NUM> (e.g., an upright) coupling the third upper corner bracket <NUM> and third lower corner bracket <NUM> to one another, and the fourth corner frame member <NUM> (e.g., an upright) coupling the fourth upper corner bracket <NUM> and the fourth lower corner bracket <NUM> to one another. Similar to the example frame 24A, example frame 24B is devoid of a second corner frame member (e.g., an upright) coupling the second upper corner bracket <NUM> and the second lower corner bracket <NUM> to one another, for example, as described herein. The example frame 24B also includes additional frame members <NUM> (e.g., uprights) to provide additional support for the cabinet in which frame 24B is incorporated.

As shown in <FIG>, the example frame 24C has been lengthened relative to the example frame 24B described above. For example, the length of the frame 24C has been doubled relative to the length of the example frame 24B by using additional pairs of brackets at least similar to the example brackets <NUM> to effectively connect two of the example frames 24B to one another in an end-to-end fashion. In addition, the example frame 24C also includes additional frame members <NUM> (e.g., uprights) to provide additional support for the cabinet in which the frame 24C is incorporated. In this example manner, the brackets and frame members <NUM> may be used to create frames <NUM> of different dimensions, for example, in the length, height, and/or width dimensions.

In some examples, one or more of the corner brackets <NUM> may include a structural portion including at least one first material, and a sealing portion including at least one second material different than the at least one first material. In some examples, the at least one first material is relatively more rigid than the at least one second material, and the at least one second material is relatively more elastic than the at least one first material. For example, the at least one first material may be sufficiently rigid to rigidly secure the frame members <NUM> to one another, such that the frame <NUM> provides a structural support to which the panels and/or door panels of the cabinet <NUM> (see <FIG>) may be secured. In some examples, it may be desirable for the frame <NUM> to be sufficiently rigid to support the weight of the cabinet <NUM> and the equipment enclosed therein, and/or to prevent flexing of the frame <NUM> sufficient to compromise a substantially dust- and/or fluid-resistant seal (e.g., a fluid-tight seal) between the frame members of the frame <NUM> and the panels and/or door panels coupled to the frame <NUM>. In some examples, the at least one first material may include one or more of steel, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, platinum, fiber reinforced plastic, carbon fiber, or any other suitable strong and rigid material(s). In some examples, the at least one second material may be sufficiently elastic to provide a substantially dust- and/or fluid-resistant seal (e.g., a fluid-tight seal) between the corner brackets <NUM>, the frame members <NUM>, the panels, and/or door panels. In some examples, the at least one second material may include one or more of natural and/or synthetic rubbers and plastics. In some examples, the at least one second material may have a Shore A durometer ranging from, for example, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, although other ranges are contemplated. In some examples, the structural portion <NUM> is formed as a single unitary piece. As described above, the first material is more rigid (higher Shore A durometer value) than the second material and the second material is more elastic (lower durometer value) than the first material.

For example, <FIG> is a schematic perspective view from an exterior side <NUM> of a structural portion <NUM> of a corner bracket <NUM> according to the invention. <FIG> is a schematic perspective view from the exterior side <NUM> of the corner bracket <NUM>, including the structural portion <NUM> shown in <FIG>, with a sealing portion <NUM> partially covering the structural portion <NUM>. <FIG> is a schematic perspective view from an interior side <NUM> of the corner bracket <NUM> shown in <FIG>, including the structural portion <NUM> shown in <FIG> with the sealing portion <NUM> partially covering the structural portion <NUM>. <FIG> is a schematic front side view from the exterior side <NUM> of the corner bracket <NUM> shown in <FIG> including a retainer configured to receive an end of a frame member <NUM>, for example, as explained below.

The structural portion <NUM> may be formed as a single unitary piece, for example, as shown in <FIG>. In the example shown in <FIG>, the structural portion <NUM> exhibits substantial bi-lateral symmetry with two halves <NUM> coupled to one another at a bend <NUM> forming an apex <NUM> defining an apex axis A. In the example shown, the bend <NUM> is ninety degrees, such that the two halves <NUM> are substantially perpendicular with respect to one another, although other bend angles are contemplated. In the example shown, each of the halves <NUM> includes a substantially rectangular, substantially planar plate. In some examples, each of the halves <NUM> may define a lateral edge <NUM> to which a flange <NUM> is coupled and extends outward toward the exterior side <NUM> of the structural portion <NUM>. In some examples, a lip <NUM> extends from an edge <NUM> of the flange <NUM> in a direction substantially parallel to the apex axis A. The flanges <NUM> may provide support for corresponding portions of the sealing portion <NUM>, for example, as explained with respect to <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the structural portion <NUM> may include a plurality of recesses <NUM>, holes <NUM>, and/or other structures configured to improve the coupling/bonding of the at least one second material of the sealing portion <NUM> to the structural portion <NUM>. For example, in some examples, a series of recesses <NUM> and holes <NUM> are provided along terminal edges <NUM> and lateral edges <NUM> of the structural portion <NUM> to assist with securing the sealing portion <NUM> to the terminal edges <NUM> and lateral edges <NUM> of the structural portion. In addition, in some examples, the structural portion <NUM> may include a hole <NUM> at the apex <NUM> as well as holes <NUM> spaced from and adjacent the apex <NUM> for securing the sealing portion <NUM> to the structural portion <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, and <FIG>, the corner bracket <NUM> includes a first retainer <NUM> configured to receive an end of a first frame member <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>). In some examples, the first retainer <NUM> includes a portion of the structural portion <NUM> and a portion of the sealing portion <NUM> corresponding to a first half <NUM> of the structural portion <NUM>, and defines a first longitudinal axis FR. The corner bracket <NUM> also includes a second retainer <NUM> coupled to the first retainer <NUM> and defining a second longitudinal axis SR substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis FR of the first retainer <NUM>. In some examples, the second retainer <NUM> is configured to receive an end of a second frame member <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>), such that the first frame member <NUM> and the second frame member <NUM> are substantially perpendicular with respect to one another. In the example shown, the second retainer <NUM> includes a portion of the structural portion <NUM> and a portion of the sealing portion <NUM>, for example, corresponding to a second half <NUM> of the structural portion <NUM>.

In the corner bracket <NUM> shown in <FIG>, and <FIG>, the first retainer <NUM> defines a first exterior surface <NUM> including a portion of the sealing portion <NUM>. The first exterior surface <NUM> includes a first door panel interface <NUM> configured to provide a seal between the first exterior surface <NUM> and an interior surface of a first door panel <NUM> in a closed position. The second retainer <NUM> defines a second exterior surface <NUM> including a portion of the sealing portion <NUM>. The second exterior surface <NUM> includes a second door panel interface <NUM> configured to provide a seal between the second exterior surface <NUM> and an interior surface of a second door panel <NUM> in a closed position (see <FIG>), for example, such that the first door panel <NUM> and the second door panel <NUM> are substantially perpendicular with respect to one another.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first retainer <NUM> of the corner bracket <NUM> includes a first frame member interface <NUM> configured to be coupled to an end of a first frame member <NUM> (see <FIG>), and the second retainer <NUM> includes a second frame member interface <NUM> configured to be coupled to an end of a second frame member <NUM> (see <FIG>). In some examples, the first frame member interface <NUM> may include one or more first apertures <NUM>, each configured to receive a fastener (see, e.g., <FIG>) for coupling a first frame member <NUM> to the first frame member interface <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the structural portion <NUM> may include corresponding first apertures <NUM> (e.g., two first apertures <NUM>) in a half <NUM> corresponding the first retainer <NUM>. The second frame member interface <NUM> may also include one or more second apertures <NUM>, each configured to receive a fastener (see, e.g., <FIG>) for coupling a second frame member <NUM> to the second frame member interface <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the structural portion <NUM> may include corresponding second apertures <NUM> (e.g., two second apertures <NUM>) in a half <NUM> corresponding the second retainer <NUM>. In some examples, as shown, the first and/or second apertures <NUM> and <NUM> in the structural portion <NUM> may have a square-shaped cross-section, for example, to engage with complimentary portions of carriage bolts (not shown).

As shown in <FIG>, the structural portion <NUM> may include a recess <NUM> surrounding one or more of the apertures <NUM> and <NUM>. In some examples, the recesses <NUM> may be configured to receive the at least one second material of the sealing portion <NUM>, for example, to provide an improved seal between the corner bracket <NUM> and the frame members <NUM>, for example, as described with respect to <FIG>. In some examples, the sealing portion <NUM> at least partially surrounds (e.g., completely surrounds) the respective aperture and is configured to provide a fastener seal <NUM> between the respective aperture and the corresponding frame member. In some examples, for example as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the sealing portion <NUM> includes a raised portion <NUM> surrounding the apertures to provide an improved seal.

As shown in <FIG>, in some examples of the structural portion <NUM>, the first retainer <NUM> and/or the second retainer <NUM> may define a face <NUM> defining a channel <NUM> extending substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis (or substantially parallel to the apex axis A). The channel <NUM> may provide a space for receiving the at least one second material of the sealing portion <NUM>, which forms a compressible seal face <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>) configured to provide a seal between the first retainer <NUM> and/or the second retainer <NUM> and the respective frame members <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, in some examples, the compressible seal face <NUM> may provide a sealing ridge <NUM> including the at least one second material of the sealing portion <NUM>, wherein the sealing ridge <NUM> is configured to be compressed by the end of the corresponding frame member <NUM> received in the respective first retainer <NUM> and second retainer <NUM>, for example, as explained in more detail with respect to <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the structural portion <NUM> also includes a plurality of rectangular recesses/holes <NUM> associated with the recesses <NUM> for the fastener seals <NUM> (<FIG>) and the channels <NUM> for the seal faces <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>). The rectangular recesses/holes <NUM> provide a more secure bonding between the at least one second material of the sealing portion <NUM> and the structural portion <NUM> at the recesses <NUM> and the channels <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, at least a portion of the face <NUM> may include a structural face <NUM> at least substantially devoid of the at least one second material of the sealing portion <NUM>. The structural face <NUM> may provide a first rigid support configured to abut a portion of the respective frame member <NUM> received by the first retainer <NUM> and/or the second retainer <NUM>, for example, when fasteners coupling the frame members <NUM> to the corner bracket <NUM> are tightened, for example, as described with respect to <FIG>. In some examples, for example, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the sealing portion <NUM> may extend along the lateral edges <NUM> and the terminal edges <NUM> of the structural portion <NUM>, and in combination with the structural face <NUM> and the fastener seals <NUM> and sealing ridges <NUM>, provide a rigid coupling between the frame members <NUM> and the corner bracket <NUM> in combination with providing a substantially dust- and/or fluid-resistant seal between the frame members <NUM> and the corner bracket <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first exterior surface <NUM> may define a first drainage channel <NUM> configured to drain fluid away from the interior side <NUM> of the corner bracket <NUM>, for example, opposite the first exterior surface <NUM>. In some examples, the second exterior surface <NUM> may define a second drainage channel <NUM> configured to drain fluid away from the interior side <NUM> of the corner bracket <NUM>, for example, opposite the second exterior surface <NUM>. In some examples, the first drainage channel <NUM> and/or the second drainage channel <NUM> may define an obliquely extending trough configured to at least partially receive a flange on a respective interior side of a door panel, and fluid reaching the first drainage channel <NUM> and/or the second drainage channel <NUM> may be directed along the respective flange of the door panel, so that it can flow away from the interior <NUM> of the cabinet <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the corner bracket <NUM> may also include a first flange seal <NUM> at an end of the corner bracket <NUM> adjacent a first end of the apex <NUM>, and the first flange seal <NUM> may define a first flange seal surface <NUM> including the at least one second material of the sealing portion and configured to receive and provide a seal with a portion of an end of a first frame member <NUM>. For example, the first flange seal <NUM> may include the flange <NUM> (see <FIG>), which provides support for the at least one second material of the sealing portion <NUM>, so that the at least one second material of the first flange seal <NUM> may be compressed by the respective frame member <NUM> coupled to the first retainer <NUM>, thereby improving the seal formed therebetween. In some examples, the corner bracket <NUM> may also include a second flange seal <NUM> at an end of the corner bracket <NUM> adjacent the first end of the apex <NUM>, and the second flange seal <NUM> may define a second flange seal surface <NUM> including the at least one second material of the sealing portion <NUM> and configured to receive and provide a seal with a portion of an end of a second frame member <NUM>. For example, the second flange seal <NUM> may include the flange <NUM> (see <FIG>), which provides support for the at least one second material of the sealing portion <NUM>, so that the at least one second material of the second flange seal <NUM> may be compressed by the respective frame member <NUM> coupled to the second retainer <NUM>, thereby improving the seal therebetween.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the corner bracket <NUM> may also include a flange receiver <NUM> at a second end of the apex <NUM> opposite the first end of the apex <NUM>. In some examples, the flange receiver <NUM> may be configured to provide a seal between a portion of an end of a first frame member <NUM> and a seal between a portion of an end of a second frame member <NUM>, for example, as described with respect to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a schematic perspective view from an interior side <NUM> of the corner bracket <NUM> shown in <FIG>. In the example shown, the first retainer <NUM> includes a first interior surface <NUM> opposite the first exterior surface <NUM>, and the second retainer <NUM> defines a second interior surface <NUM> opposite the second exterior surface <NUM>. In the example shown, the first interior surface <NUM> includes a first interior side sealing face <NUM> including the at least one second material of the sealing portion <NUM>. In some examples, the first interior side sealing face <NUM> defines first fastener clearance portions <NUM> surrounding the apertures <NUM> in the first retainer <NUM>. The first fastener clearance portions <NUM> are substantially devoid of the at least one second material of the sealing portion <NUM> and are configured to receive respective fastener heads of the fasteners, such that the fastener head contacts the respective first fastener clearance portion <NUM>, for example, to provide a rigid engagement between the fastener head and the structural portion <NUM>, for example, as explained with respect to <FIG>.

Similarly, the second interior surface <NUM> includes a second interior side sealing face <NUM> including the at least one second material of the sealing portion <NUM>. In some examples, the second interior side sealing face <NUM> defines second fastener clearance portions <NUM> surrounding the apertures <NUM> in the second retainer <NUM>. The second fastener clearance portions <NUM> are substantially devoid of the at least one second material of the sealing portion <NUM> and are configured to receive respective fastener heads of the fasteners, such that the fastener head contacts the respective second fastener clearance portion <NUM>, for example, to provide a rigid engagement between the fastener head and the structural portion <NUM>, for example, as explained with respect to <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the example first interior surface <NUM> defines one or more first latch recesses <NUM> in the sealing portion <NUM> exposing respective first latch receivers <NUM> defined by the structural portion <NUM> and configured to receive a first door latch coupled to a first door panel, for example, as described herein with respect to <FIG>. In some examples, the second interior surface <NUM> defines one or more second latch recesses <NUM> in the sealing portion <NUM> exposing respective second latch receivers <NUM> defined by the structural portion <NUM> and configured to receive a second door latch coupled to a second door panel, for example, as described herein with respect to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a schematic perspective exploded view of an example corner joint <NUM> including the corner bracket <NUM> coupling two example frame members <NUM> to one another to form the corner joint <NUM>. For example, the frame members <NUM> include a first frame member <NUM> and a second frame member <NUM> defining respective longitudinal axes X and Y that are substantially perpendicular with respect to one another when coupled to the example corner bracket <NUM>. In the example shown, the first frame member <NUM> and the second frame member <NUM> have substantially the same cross-section (e.g., the same size and/or shape taken perpendicular with respect to the respective longitudinal axes X and Y). For example, each of the first and second frame members <NUM> and <NUM> includes an upper flange <NUM> (e.g., a substantially planar flange) configured to extend away from the exterior side <NUM> of the corner bracket <NUM> when coupled to the corner bracket <NUM>. Each of the first and second frame members <NUM> and <NUM> also includes a web <NUM> (e.g., a substantially planar web) configured to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the upper flange <NUM>, and a lower flange <NUM> configured to extend away from the exterior side <NUM> of the corner bracket <NUM> when coupled to the corner bracket <NUM>, for example, in a direction substantially parallel to the upper flange <NUM>. In the example shown, the first and second frame members <NUM> and <NUM> also include a remote flange <NUM> (e.g., a substantially planar flange) extending from a terminal end of the lower flange <NUM> in direction substantially parallel to the web <NUM> and away from the upper flange <NUM>.

Although the corner bracket <NUM>, the first frame member <NUM>, the second frame <NUM>, and related structures are sometimes described herein including terminology related to upper, lower, and lateral relationships, which may imply absolute orientations and/or relationships, these descriptions should not be interpreted in a manner to necessarily require absolute relationships, but rather, they should be interpreted in manner consistent with relative orientations and relationships.

As shown in <FIG>, the corner bracket <NUM> includes a first retainer <NUM> defining a first longitudinal axis FR and receiving an end of the first frame member <NUM>. The first retainer <NUM> may include a first retainer portion <NUM> configured to be coupled to the end of the first frame member <NUM>, and a first sealing interface <NUM> configured to provide a substantially dust- and/or fluid-resistant seal (e.g., a fluid-tight seal) between a portion of the end of the first frame member <NUM> and the first retainer <NUM>. The corner bracket <NUM> also includes an example second retainer <NUM> defining a second longitudinal axis SR transverse to the first longitudinal axis FR of the first retainer <NUM> and configured to receive an end of the second frame member <NUM>. The second retainer <NUM> may include a second retainer portion <NUM> configured to be coupled to the end of the second frame member <NUM>, and a second sealing interface <NUM> configured to provide a substantially dust- and/or fluid-resistant seal (e.g., a fluid-tight seal) between a portion of the end of the second frame member <NUM> and the second retainer <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the structural portion <NUM> may include the first retainer portion <NUM> and/or the second retainer portion <NUM>. In some examples, the sealing portion <NUM> may include the first sealing interface <NUM> and/or the second sealing interface <NUM>. In some examples, the sealing portion <NUM> may at least partially encase the structural portion <NUM>, for example, as described herein. For example, the sealing portion <NUM> may be over-molded onto the structural portion <NUM>. Other manufacturing techniques are contemplated.

As shown in <FIG>, the first retainer portion <NUM> may include an example first frame member interface <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>) presenting an abutment surface facing outward away from the exterior side <NUM> of the first retainer <NUM>. In some examples, the first retainer portion <NUM> may include the one or more first apertures <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>) extending through the first retainer portion <NUM> configured to receive fasteners (e.g., screws and/or bolts (see <FIG>, <FIG>)) configured to secure the end of the first frame member <NUM> to the first retainer portion <NUM>. In some examples, the second retainer portion <NUM> may include an example second frame member interface <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>) presenting an abutment surface facing outward away from the exterior side <NUM> of the second retainer <NUM>. In some examples, the second retainer portion <NUM> may include the one or more second apertures <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>) extending through the second retainer portion <NUM> configured to receive fasteners (e.g., screws and/or bolts (see <FIG>, <FIG>)) configured to secure the end of the second frame member <NUM> to the second retainer portion <NUM>. In some examples, the apertures <NUM> and/or <NUM> may have a square-shaped cross-section configured to engage with a complimentary portion of a carriage bolt (not shown). In some examples, devices and/or methods other than fasteners may be used to couple the first frame member <NUM> and/or the second frame member <NUM> to the corner bracket <NUM>. In some examples, by attaching the frame members (e.g., directly) to the structural portion <NUM>, the frame members may be rigidly coupled to one another, with the structural portion <NUM> substantially maintaining the relative angles and/or relative positions between the frame members.

As shown in <FIG>, in some examples of the first and second frame members <NUM> and <NUM>, the ends define an edge profile <NUM>, and the sealing portion <NUM> of first retainer <NUM> and the second retainer <NUM> may each define a seal stop <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>) complementary to the edge profile <NUM> of the first and second frame members <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. The seal stop <NUM> may be configured to receive the edge profile <NUM> of the respective first or second frame members <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, the edge profile <NUM> may define an upper edge <NUM> corresponding to the upper flange <NUM>, a first edge portion <NUM> corresponding to a first portion of the web <NUM>, a second edge portion <NUM> corresponding to a second portion of the web <NUM> and extending obliquely with respect to the first edge portion <NUM>, a third edge portion <NUM> corresponding to a third portion of the web <NUM> and extending offset and substantially parallel relative to the first edge portion <NUM>, a lower edge <NUM> corresponding to the lower flange <NUM>, and a remote edge <NUM> corresponding to the remote flange <NUM>, for example, as shown in <FIG>.

In some examples, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the seal stops <NUM> of the first and second retainers <NUM> and <NUM> may be configured be compressed by the edge profiles <NUM> of the respective first and second frame members <NUM> and <NUM> when the first and second frame members <NUM> and <NUM> are secured to the respective first and second retainers <NUM> and <NUM>, for example, by fasteners. This may result in providing a relatively more effective dust- and/or fluid-resistant seal between the first and second frame members <NUM> and <NUM> and the first and second retainers <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the seal stop <NUM> may include a first seal stop portion <NUM> extending in a first direction perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis FR of the first retainer <NUM>, and a second seal stop portion <NUM> extending in a second direction oblique with respect to the first direction. In some examples, the first seal stop portion <NUM> may be configured to engage the upper edge <NUM> and/or the first edge portion <NUM> of the first or second frame members <NUM> or <NUM>, and the second seal stop portion <NUM> may be configured to engage the second edge portion <NUM> and/or the third edge portion <NUM>, and thus, provide a seal between the first seal stop portion <NUM> and a first portion of the end of the first and second frame members <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., the upper edge <NUM> and/or the first edge portion <NUM>) and between the second seal stop portion <NUM> and a second portion of the first and second frame members <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., the second edge portion <NUM> and/or the third edge portion <NUM>).

As shown in <FIG>, the flange receiver <NUM> may be configured to engage and/or form a seal with the lower edge <NUM> and/or the remote edge <NUM> of the first and second frame members <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, the flange receiver <NUM> may define a pair of receiver recesses <NUM>, each configured to receive the lower edge <NUM> and/or the remote edge <NUM> of one of the first or second frame members <NUM> or <NUM>, for example, as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a schematic perspective view from the exterior side <NUM> of an example corner bracket <NUM> shown coupled to two example frame members <NUM> (only one is visible in <FIG>), an example top panel <NUM>, and relative to the first door panel <NUM> and the second door panel <NUM> in the closed position, with an outer skin of the second door panel <NUM> omitted to show a portion of the corner bracket <NUM> and an interior member <NUM> of the second door panel <NUM>. In the closed position, interior sides of the first door panel <NUM> and the second door panel <NUM> adjacent the corner bracket <NUM> abut the first door panel interface <NUM> and the second door panel interface <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>), respectively, such that a dust- and/or fluid-resistant seal is provided therebetween. In some examples, the first drainage channel <NUM> is configured to substantially align with a flange on an interior side of the second door panel <NUM>. The lower flange <NUM> of the frame member <NUM> abuts against the first flange seal <NUM> (e.g., the first flange seal surface <NUM>, <FIG> and <FIG>). Although obscured from view by the first door panel <NUM>, in some examples, the first door panel <NUM>, the corner bracket <NUM>, and the frame member hidden from view by the first door panel <NUM> may have similar configurations and/or relative orientations.

<FIG> is similar to <FIG>, with the first and second door panels <NUM> and <NUM> omitted. As shown in <FIG>, a pair of fasteners <NUM> couples the web <NUM> of the frame member <NUM> to the example corner bracket <NUM>. In the example shown, the fasteners <NUM> include a bolt (e.g., a carriage bolt) and nut securing the bolt to the corner bracket <NUM> and the web <NUM>, passing through the first and second apertures <NUM> and <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>). This configuration may be the same or similar for securing the other frame member <NUM> shown in <FIG> to the corner bracket <NUM>.

Some examples of the corner bracket <NUM> may also include a plurality of small holes <NUM> in an underside of the sealing portion <NUM> of the corner bracket <NUM>, for example, as shown in <FIG>. The holes <NUM> may increase the flexibility of the sealing portion <NUM>, which may permit the door panels to compress this portion of the sealing portion <NUM> when the door panels are closed, which may result in an improved dust- and/or fluid-resistant seal between the door panels and the corner bracket <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the example corner bracket <NUM> and example frame members <NUM> are inverted relative to the orientation of the example corner bracket <NUM> and example frame members <NUM> shown in <FIG>. In some examples, the orientation shown in <FIG> is consistent with the corner bracket <NUM> serving as a lower corner bracket <NUM>, for example, the lower corner bracket <NUM> shown in <FIG>. In some examples, the orientation shown in <FIG> is consistent with the corner bracket <NUM> serving as an upper corner bracket <NUM>, for example, the upper corner bracket <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> are schematic perspective partial section views showing cross-sections at first and second locations of an example corner bracket <NUM>, example frame members <NUM>, and example fasteners <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the fasteners <NUM> squeeze the respective webs <NUM> against the respective raised portions <NUM> of the sealing portion <NUM> of the example corner bracket <NUM>, which surrounds the respective fasteners <NUM>, the heads of which press directly against the structural portion <NUM> of the corner bracket <NUM>. This example configuration may, in some examples, result in improving the dust- and/or fluid-resistant seal between the frame members <NUM> and the corner bracket <NUM>. In addition, the structural portion <NUM> of the corner bracket <NUM> may provide a rigid coupling of the two frame members <NUM> to one another, such that they are substantially perpendicular with respect to one another. Similarly, as shown in <FIG>, the additional fasteners <NUM> squeeze the respective webs <NUM> against the respective raised portions <NUM> of the sealing portion <NUM> of the example corner bracket <NUM>, which surrounds the respective additional fasteners <NUM>, the heads of which press directly against the structural portion <NUM> of the corner bracket <NUM>. This example configuration may, in some examples, result in improving the dust- and/or fluid-resistant seal between the frame members <NUM> and the corner bracket <NUM>. <FIG> also shows the first and second door panels <NUM> and <NUM> in the closed position, such that they are substantially perpendicular with respect to one another. As shown in <FIG>, the first and second door panels <NUM> and <NUM>, in the closed position, press against the against the sealing portion <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>) of the example corner bracket <NUM>, thereby creating a substantially dust- and/or fluid resistant seal between the first and second door panels <NUM> and <NUM> and the corner bracket <NUM>. This example configuration may result in a combination of (<NUM>) a rigid structural joining of the first and second frame members <NUM> to one another (e.g., without the additional support of an upright between the corresponding upper and lower corner brackets <NUM> of a frame <NUM>), and (<NUM>) a substantially dust- and/or fluid-resistant seal between the frame members <NUM> and the corner bracket <NUM> and between the corner bracket <NUM> and the first and second door panels <NUM> and <NUM> when the first and second door panels <NUM> and <NUM> are in the closed position.

<FIG> is a schematic perspective view from the interior <NUM> of an example cabinet <NUM> showing an interior side of example upper corner bracket <NUM> and two example latch mechanisms <NUM>, each including an example upper door latch <NUM> engaging example first and second latch receivers <NUM> and <NUM> of respective first and second latch recesses <NUM> and <NUM> in the sealing portion <NUM> of the corner bracket <NUM>, for example, as shown and described herein with respect to <FIG>. As shown, the upper door latches <NUM> hold the first and second door panels <NUM> and <NUM> in the closed position, and in the example shown, each of the first and second door panels <NUM> and <NUM> includes interior edges <NUM>. In some example, the interior edges <NUM> abut and press against the respective first and second flange seals <NUM> and <NUM>, thereby creating respective first and second door panel interfaces configured to provide a substantially dust- and/or fluid-resistant seal between the first and second door panels <NUM> and <NUM> and the corner bracket <NUM> when the first and second door panels <NUM> and <NUM> are in the closed position. To open the first and second door panels <NUM> and <NUM>, the latch mechanisms <NUM> may be operated such that the upper door latches <NUM> withdraw from the first and second latch receivers <NUM> and <NUM>, thereby permitting each of the first and second door panels <NUM> and <NUM> to pivot from the closed position to an open position, for example, as shown in <FIG>. In some examples, a corresponding lower corner bracket <NUM> may include at least some features at least similar to the features of the upper corner bracket <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

Claim 1:
A corner bracket (<NUM>) suitable for a cabinet for enclosing fibre optic equipment, the corner bracket (<NUM>) comprising:
a structural portion (<NUM>) comprising at least one first material;
a sealing portion (<NUM>) at least partially covering the structural portion (<NUM>) and comprising at least one second material,
wherein the at least one first material is relatively more rigid than the at least one second material, and the at least one second material is relatively more elastic than the at least one first material;
a first retainer (<NUM>) configured to receive an end of a first frame member (<NUM>), the first retainer at least partially comprising the at least one first material and defining a first longitudinal axis;
a second retainer (<NUM>) coupled to the first retainer and defining a second longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis of the first retainer, the second retainer configured to receive an end of a second frame member (<NUM>) such that the first frame member (<NUM>) and the second frame member (<NUM>) are substantially perpendicular with respect to one another when respectively received by the first retainer and the second retainer, and the second retainer at least partially comprising the at least one first material;
a first exterior surface (<NUM>) at least partially defined by the first retainer (<NUM>) and at least partially comprising the at least one second material, the first exterior surface comprising a first door panel interface (<NUM>) configured to provide a seal between the first exterior surface (<NUM>) and an interior surface of a first door panel in a closed position; and
a second exterior surface (<NUM>) at least partially defined by the second retainer (<NUM>) and at least partially comprising the at least one second material, the second exterior surface comprising a second door panel interface (<NUM>) configured to provide a seal between the second exterior surface and an interior surface of a second door panel in a closed position, the first door panel interface (<NUM>) and the second door panel interface (<NUM>) substantially perpendicular with respect to one another.