Removably secured, flush-mounted panel system and cabinet including the same

Abstract

A panel system is provided that may be used to access underlying apparatus, such as utility lines underlying a dental or medical cabinet. The panel system may connect to a frame via, for example, a magnetic element. The panels may include substantially planar or smooth outwardly facing surfaces that may be readily cleaned, sanitized, or disinfected to provide an aseptic surface. The frame may be a support member on, for example, a cabinet, a cart, or a storage devices used in a dental or medical office.

1 . A panel system, comprising:
 a frame having at least one recessed region therein; and   a magnetic panel removably secured within the recessed region, exposed surfaces of the metal frame being substantially planar with exposed surfaces of the magnetic panel.   
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the frame comprises a base of a cabinet. 
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the frame comprises at least one metal portion. 
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one recessed region in the metal frame is disposed around an opening. 
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the opening provides access to components underlying a base of a cabinet. 
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the magnetic panel includes a plurality of magnetic strips disposed on a surface thereof and comprises at least one of a metal, a plastic, or a rubber. 
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the magnetic panel comprises a magnetic polymer material. 
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a gap between the magnetic panel and the at least one recessed region, the gap having a width of less than 2 mm. 
   
   
       9 . A cabinet having a removable panel, comprising:
 a cabinet having at least one apparatus underlying a base portion;   a frame including at least one opening, the opening providing access to a compartment underlying the frame; and   at least one panel removably secured to the frame by at least one magnetic element and having a substantially planar, outwardly facing surface.   
   
   
       10 . The cabinet of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one apparatus comprises a utility line or a service line for receiving water, gas, or vacuum pressure. 
   
   
       11 . The cabinet of  claim 9 , wherein the frame is disposed about the base portion of the cabinet. 
   
   
       12 . The cabinet of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one panel is fitted within a recessed portion of the frame. 
   
   
       13 . The cabinet of  claim 12 , wherein an outer surface of the at least one panel is flush with the unrecessed portions of the frame to render the outwardly facing surfaces of the base portion substantially planar. 
   
   
       14 . The cabinet of  claim 9 , wherein the frame comprises at least one of a iron, nickel, cobalt, and alloys thereof. 
   
   
       15 . The cabinet of  claim 14 , wherein the magnetic element is embedded within a recess in the panel. 
   
   
       16 . The cabinet of  claim 9 , wherein the compartment underlying the frame houses at least one supply line for providing water, gas, or vacuum pressure. 
   
   
       17 . The cabinet of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one opening provides a channel through opposing sides of the frame. 
   
   
       18 . A panel system comprising:
 a frame having at least one opening formed therethrough, the opening providing access to an underlying compartment; and   a panel overlying the opening and comprising at least one magnetic element, the at least one magnetic strip removably securing the panel to the frame.   
   
   
       19 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the frame comprises a base of a storage container and provides support thereto. 
   
   
       20 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the underlying compartment houses a supply line for water, gas, or vacuum pressure. 
   
   
       21 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the at least one magnetic element comprises a magnetic strip having a length of about 3.8 cm and a width of about 12.7 cm. 
   
   
       22 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the magnetic strip is attached to a metal panel. 
   
   
       23 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the frame further comprises at least one recess having an interior sidewall having a height substantially equal to a thickness of the panel, the recess being configured to receive an outer periphery of the panel. 
   
   
       24 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein an outwardly facing surface of the panel system is substantially planar. 
   
   
       25 . The system of  claim 18 , further comprising a gap between the panel and the frame, the gap having a width of less than 1 mm.