Security enclosure for a control apparatus

Abstract

A security enclosure ( 20 ) for a control apparatus ( 22 ) is disclosed. The enclosure ( 20 ) is formed of a cage ( 28 ) connected to a base ( 30 ). Opposing mounting straps ( 36 ) partially embedded within the base ( 30 ) extend inside the cage ( 28 ) through strap engagement slots ( 58 ). The cage ( 28 ) has cage lock holes ( 72 ) that align with strap lock holes ( 70 ) in the mounting straps ( 36 ), and through which a lock device ( 74 ) is passed to secure the cage ( 28 ) to the mounting straps ( 36 ) and the base ( 30 ). The shackle ( 86 ) of a lock ( 88 ) is passed through a hole ( 82 ) in a movable lock tab ( 78 ) on the lock device ( 74 ) and a hole ( 84 ) in a fixed lock tab ( 80 ) affixed to the cage ( 28 ). When the lock ( 88 ) is closed, the lock device ( 74 ) is secured and the cage ( 28 ) cannot be removed from the base ( 30 ) without opening the lock ( 88 ). The lock ( 88 ) and the lock tabs ( 78,80 ) are protected by a shroud ( 90 ) affixed to the cage ( 28 ). End panels ( 26 ) and a perforated body panel ( 24 ) complete the cage ( 28 ).

1 . A security device for a control apparatus, said mechanism comprising:
 a base;   a mounting strap substantially perpendicular to said base;   a lock device comprising a lock tab and a lock rod; and   a shroud configured to enshroud said lock tab;   wherein said lock device connects said base to said shroud.   
   
   
       2 . A device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said lock tab is a moveable lock tab, and said mechanism further comprises:
 a cage configured to connect to said base and encompass said apparatus;   a mounting strap configured to extend inside said cage substantially perpendicular to said base when said cage is connected to said base; and   a fixed lock tab coupled to said cage;   wherein said shroud enshrouds said fixed and movable lock tabs when said cage is connected to said base.   
   
   
       3 . A device as claimed in  claim 2  wherein:
 said mounting strap is a first mounting strap;   said device additionally comprises a second mounting strap configured to extend inside said cage substantially perpendicular to said base when said cage is connected to said base; and   said lock device is configured to secure said cage to said first and second mounting straps when said cage is connected to said base.   
   
   
       4 . A device as claimed in  claim 2  wherein:
 said mounting strap is a first mounting strap;   said lock device is a first lock device; and   said device additionally comprises:
 a second mounting strap configured to extend inside said cage substantially perpendicular to said base when said cage is connected to said base; and 
 a second lock device configured to secure said cage to said second mounting strap when said cage is connected to said base. 
   
   
   
       5 . A device as claimed in  claim 2  wherein:
 said mounting strap is a first mounting strap partially embedded within said base;   said device additionally comprises:
 a second mounting strap partially embedded within said base and configured to extend inside said cage substantially perpendicular to said base when said cage is connected to said base; and 
 a mounting shank embedded within said base and extending between said first and second mounting straps; and 
   said lock device is configured to secure said cage to said first and second mounting straps when said cage is connected to said base.   
   
   
       6 . A device as claimed in  claim 2  wherein:
 said mounting strap has a strap width and a strap thickness;   said cage has a strap engagement slot having a slot width greater than said strap width and a slot thickness greater than said strap thickness; and   said mounting strap extends substantially vertically inside said cage through said strap engagement slot when said cage is connected to said base.   
   
   
       7 . A device as claimed in  claim 2  wherein:
 said cage has a cage lock hole;   said mounting strap has a strap lock hole; and   said lock device is configured to reside within said cage and strap lock holes when said cage is connected to said base.   
   
   
       8 . A device as claimed in  claim 6  wherein:
 said lock device comprises a lock rod and a movable lock tab having a tab hole;   said cage comprises a fixed lock tab having a tab hole; and   said lock rod is configured to reside within said cage and strap lock holes with said fixed and movable tab holes substantially in alignment when said cage is connected to said base;   
   
   
       9 . A device as claimed in  claim 2  wherein said cage comprises:
 a frame;   a first end panel;   a second end panel; and   a perforated body panel.   
   
   
       10 . A device as claimed in  claim 8  wherein said frame comprises:
 a first “U” member having a first upright portion and a second upright portion;   a second “U” member having a third upright portion and a fourth upright portion;   a first angle member coupled between said first and second upright portions;   a second angle member coupled between said second and third upright portions;   a third angle member coupled between said third and fourth upright portions; and   a fourth angle member coupled between said fourth and first upright portions.   
   
   
       11 . A device as claimed in  claim 8  wherein said frame comprises a brace coupled between said first and second “U” members. 
   
   
       12 . A device as claimed in  claim 2  wherein said cage comprises:
 a first “U” member;   a second “U” member;   a first end panel affixed to said first “U” member;   a second end panel affixed to said second “U” member; and   a perforated body panel affixed between said first and second “U” members.   
   
   
       13 . A device as claimed in  claim 11  wherein one of said first end panel, said second end panel, and said perforated body panel is formed of perforated sheet metal. 
   
   
       14 . A device as claimed in  claim 12  wherein said perforated sheet metal is 10-18 gauge sheet steel. 
   
   
       15 . A device as claimed in  claim 2  wherein:
 said device additionally comprises:
 a fixed lock tab coupled to said cage; and 
   said shroud is configured to enshroud said fixed and movable lock tabs when said cage is connected to said base.