Self standing enclosure for securing a production line and method for enclosing and securing a production line

Abstract

A self-standing enclosure assembly for a production line is provided. The self-standing enclosure assembly generally aims at securing a production area, such as a production line, by limiting access to the operator or to any personnel near the production area. The self-standing and self-supporting enclosure assembly 10 is illustrated. The enclosure comprises a plurality of modular self-standing panels. Each modular self-standing panel is attached to one another using one or more angular mounting members. The self-standing panels may be embodied as a half-fenced panel, fully fenced panel, an equipment passage panel and/or a door panel. Each panel is embodied as a self-supporting structure comprising a frame and support members.

1 . A self standing enclosure for securing a production line comprising:
 a plurality of self-standing panel structures connected to one another to form at least a partial periphery of the self-standing enclosure, each of the self-standing panel structures comprising:
 a frame comprising top, bottom and side support members and forming one or more apertures; 
 at least two support members mounted to the bottom support member, the mounted support members allowing the panel to independently stand in an upright position; 
 at a panel closing at least one of the one or more apertures; 
   a plurality of angular mounting assemblies, each of the angular mounting assemblies comprising two halves mountable to one another at a desirable angle, each of the two halves being respectively attachable to the frame of self-standing panel structures.   
     
     
         2 . The self standing enclosure of  claim 1 , the plurality of self-standing panel structures comprising one or more panel structure comprising one or more apertures. 
     
     
         3 . The self standing enclosure of  claim 2 , the one or more apertures of the self-standing panel structures being covered with an inner panel. 
     
     
         4 . The self standing enclosure of  claim 3 , the inner panel being made of a mesh or of a transparent or semi-transparent material. 
     
     
         5 . The self standing enclosure of  claim 3 , the inner panel being made of a transparent or semi-transparent material. 
     
     
         6 . The self standing enclosure of  claim 1 , the plurality of self-standing panel structures comprising one or more panel structures comprising an inner structure adapted to receive an electrical component. 
     
     
         7 . The self standing enclosure of  claim 6 , the inner structure comprising a recess portion adapted to receive additional electrical components. 
     
     
         8 . The self standing enclosure of  claim 1 , the plurality of self-standing panel structures comprising one or more panel structures comprising a retractable door. 
     
     
         9 . The self standing enclosure of  claim 8 , the door curtain panel structures comprising a locking assembly to secure the door. 
     
     
         10 . The self standing enclosure of  claim 8 , the side support member being hollow to allow insertion of the retractable door. 
     
     
         11 . The self standing enclosure of  claim 8 , the retractable door being foldable. 
     
     
         12 . The self standing enclosure of  claim 1 , the plurality of self-standing panel structures comprising one or more panel structures comprising a sliding door. 
     
     
         13 . The self standing enclosure of  claim 12 , the self-standing panel structure comprising top and bottom rails for slidably retaining the sliding door. 
     
     
         14 . The self standing enclosure of  claim 1 , the plurality of self standing panel structures comprising one or more panel structures forming a gate which comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion being adapted to allow passage of a machine of the production line. 
     
     
         15 . The self standing enclosure of  claim 1 , the support members comprising a base plate attached to the bottom frame structure being large enough to maintain the self-standing panel structure to independently stand upright. 
     
     
         16 . The self-standing enclosure of  claim 1 , at least one of the angular mounting assemblies being mounted to form an angle between 60 and 270 degrees. 
     
     
         17 . The self standing enclosure of  claim 1 , the plurality of self-standing panel structures comprising at least one self-standing panel structures comprising one or more panel structure comprising one or more apertures, and at least one self-standing panel structures comprising a door. 
     
     
         18 . The self standing enclosure of  claim 17 , the plurality of self-standing panel structures further comprising at least one self-standing panel structures comprising an electric component. 
     
     
         19 . The self standing enclosure of  claim 1 , the self-standing panel structures further comprising one or more hollow portion allowing passage of cables required by the production line. 
     
     
         20 . A method for enclosing and securing a production line comprising:
 positioning a plurality of self-standing panel structures near or around an area of the production line to be secured; and   angularly mounting each positioned self-standing panel structures to one another to form a closed enclosure around the production line.   
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20  further comprising passing electrical or data cable through passages of the standing panel structures.