GB2580742A

GB2580742A - Improvements in or relating to panel assemblies or the like

Info

Publication number: GB2580742A
Application number: GB1916112.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Tetsell Mark
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-12-06
Filing date: 2019-11-06
Publication date: 2020-07-29
Anticipated expiration: 2039-11-06
Also published as: GB201819976D0; GB201916112D0; GB2580742B

Abstract

The access panel assembly 100 comprises a panel 102 inserted into and lockable to a framework 101. The panel being similarly shaped to the framework such that it fits inside. A second portion 102b is larger than the panel and overlaps some of the frame work in use. Also claimed is an access panel assembly the panel being lockable to a frame work and including a hole to access the lock of the assembly and a slidable cover which covers the hole when not in use. Also claimed is an assembly comprising at least either the second portion or the cover. The panel may be suspended by two spaced cables or chains connected to the panel and, preferably removably, to the framework. The panel assembly may be mounted to the frame by dropping the panel down to the framework.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO PANEL ASSEMBLIES OR THE LIKE

This invention relates to improvements in or relating to panel assemblies or the like and is more particularly but not exclusively concerned with a panel assembly in the form of an access hatch including an access panel mounted within, and lockable to, a surrounding framework. * * * * *

Such access panel assemblies may be employed in suspended ceilings and/or walls and usually the panel is openable relative to the framework to provide access to a space above the ceiling or behind the wall, as the case may be. Said space may contain, for example, lighting tracks or conductors or cables, heating pipes, ventilation ducts, sprinkler systems or like services that may need attention or maintenance periodically.

Such an access hatch panel assembly is described in our previous patent specification No. GB 2456646B and the content of that document is referred to. Currently, different designs of access panel assemblies are manufactured to suit the particular requirements of the installation parameters concerned.

For example, as described in Patent Specification No. GB2456646B, different panel assemblies are provided for ceilings and doors due to their different use requirements and orientation. Whilst the panel assemblies shown in GB245664B are square the Applicant does provide panel assemblies of a circular design e.g.as referenced at the time of filing under the link www.ceildoorproducts.co.uk/products/circular-accesspanels/ in their website www.ceildoorproducts.co.uk. Whilst such a circular design * * * * * * * * * * * provides an alternative to square panels for bespoke interiors, somewhat disadvantageously, it requires a bespoke circular bead frame. As shown on said website, the circular panel is attached by safety chains or cables allowing the panel to be 'dropped down' rather than hinged to the frame in order to access the space behind the panel assembly. The door hanging mechanism allows a safe and secure fit when not in use but is easy to remove when required allowing release of the panel from the assembly.

Bespoke manufacture of circular access panel assemblies tends to be disadvantageous because of the relatively small number required which increases production costs. Bespoke tooling is required for each size of circular panel requested which in practice is uneconomic. Additionally, and in particular aesthetically, there is a tendency for a requirement that the circular panel is not seen to be surrounded by a supporting circular frame. A preferred look is a simple circular panel mounted on a ceiling or wall without a surrounding frame. Furthermore, it may be that a different shape of access panel (for example hexagonal or octagonal) is required presenting additional manufacturing problems and increased costs where the same shaped frame has to fit the panel.

Thus, it is believed the design of access panel assemblies can be improved to be more versatile and to suit a larger range of customer requirements in a more cost-effective manner.

Apart from the disadvantages mentioned, the Applicant has encountered an additional * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * problem with locking access panel assemblies. Currently, access panel assemblies e.g. * * * * * * * . * * * * * * * * * * * * * * :* * as shown in Figures 10 and 11 of GB2456646 have a lock accessible via a circular hole in the panel, sized to accommodate a key. When the panel assembly has been installed in a ceiling or wall, a plastics cover or bung is pushed into the hole and retained therein by an interference fit. Somewhat disadvantageously, when the access panel needs to be opened by unlocking the lock, the cover or bung has to be removed to allow the key access to the lock. This often results in the cover being lost so that once the panel assembly is closed and locked again the lock is exposed and the overall appearance of the panel assembly is marred by the exposed hole in the panel. Moreover, the covers/bungs are only produced as black or white giving rise to a problem if the cover/bung is required to colour co-ordinate e.g. with an alternative colour of panel assembly such as blue or red.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to at least alleviate one or more of the aforementioned, or other, problems associated with access panel assemblies or to provide an access panel assembly which is improved in at least some respect.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an access panel assembly comprising a panel mounted or mountable to a surrounding framework of the assembly, suitable for use in a suspended ceiling, said panel being lockable to the surrounding framework and said framework, in use, being fixed to a supporting structure, such as a ceiling or wall, said panel having a first portion of similar shape to and fitting within the framework, in use, and a second portion of different shape and/or size to said first portion, said second portion being larger than the first portion and overlapping the framework, in use.

Preferably, the panel is mounted/mountable in drop down manner to the framework. e.g. by suspension/hanging.

The panel may be mounted/mountable in said manner by way of two spaced cables or chains connected (preferably removably) to the first panel portion and connected (preferably removably) to the framework.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an access panel assembly comprising a panel mounted or mountable to a surrounding framework of the assembly, suitable for use in a suspended ceiling, said panel being lockable to the surrounding framework and said framework, in use, being fixed to a supporting structure, such as a ceiling or wall, said panel having at least one hole to access a lock of the assembly and a slideable cover member adapted to cover said hole when not in use.

Preferably, the cover member is slideable linearly (backwards and forwards to open and close the hole) but in an alternative embodiment could be slidden along (or pivoted) an arc or curved (possibly circular or or part-circular) path.

In a preferred embodiment said at least one hole is square (or rectangular).

In a preferred embodiment, the slideable cover member is a plate retained to the panel when not in use covering said at least one hole. * * * * * * * * * *

* * ** * * * * The cover member/plate may be retained slideably in an associated channel member in the panel.

The cover member/plate is, preferably provided with a finger tab that extends through said hole, in use.

The slideable movement of the cover member/plate may be restricted by the finger tab engaging opposed sides/side portions of said hole.

The cover member/plate may be provided with a stop or restrictor (preferably in the form of a v-shaped trough, preferably integrally formed in the cover member/plate) preventing or restricting the finger tab being pushed inside the panel (which could, disadvantageously foul the sliding action of the cover plate/member). * * * * * * **

* * * **** Advantageously, the fmger tab may be provided with opposed curved edge or cutaway (re-entrant) portions which allow for a tolerance in misalignment of components of the access panel during assembly (in particular for a slight non-parallel fixing of the channel member to a receiving edge of the first panel portion).

The panel may be hinged to the frame and one lock with co-operating lock access hole provided including an associated slideable cover member/plate.

Alternatively, the panel may be a drop-down type with two opposed locks with co-operating lock access holes provided with associated slideable cover members/plates.

In such a panel assembly, the panel may have a first portion of similar shape to and fitting within the framework and a second portion of different shape (e.g. circular), the second portion being larger than the first portion, said sliding action of the cover members/plates being in parallel (or alternatively opposed) directions to open and close off the access holes respectively.

In each of the first and second aspects of the present invention, the panel assembly may comprise a generally rectangular or square framework with a rectangular or square panel having an external profile generally matched to the internal profile of the framework.

The panel assembly may be provided with at least one closed/hidden lock mechanism (within the first panel portion) and be provided with a plurality of locking slots to accommodate a locking member when the first panel portion is in each of first and second orientations.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * The first panel portion may be non-integral with second panel portion and may be welded or bonded thereto.

The shape of the second panel portion may be chosen to suit e,g, circular, octagonal or irregular.

Preferably, the panel is provided with two key operated lock mechanisms.

The panel may be provided with an associated lock access hole (possibly square) for each lock and each lock may be provided with a slideable access cover member/plate.

A panel assembly may be provided according to the present invention having a panel or door and surrounding framework and one or more of the following features:- * * * * a) The panel/door having a first portion fitting within the framework and a second larger portion * * * b) A lock having an access hole and a cover member/plate retained thereto in open and closed positions, the cover member/plate preferably being slideable preferably in a channel member of the panel. * * . *

* :* * * * * * * Many advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following

* description and drawings. * *

* * * * Embodiments of an access panel assembly or access hatch in accordance with the present invention will now by described, by way of example only, with reference to the following accompanying drawings in which;-FIGURE 1 is a reproduction of Fig 1 of GB2456646 showing an access panel assembly known per se from the Applicant and comprising a panel hinged in a framework; FIGURE 2 is a reproduction of Fig 2 of GB2456646 showing a view of the * * * framework itself; 1.4.00 FIGURE 3 shows a reproduction of Fig 4 of GB2456646 showing a view of the underside of the panel itself without plasterboard sheet; * * FIGURE 4 shows a reproduction of Fig 7 of GB2456646 showing a view of a lock; 00 * FIGURE 5 is a reproduction of Fig 10 of GB2456646 showing a cross section through the access panel assembly when installed in situ in a ceiling; FIGURE 100 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of an access panel assembly in accordance with first and second aspects of the present invention; * * * * FIGURE 200 shows a cross sectional view of the assembled panel assembly shown in * * FIGURE 100 when installed in a ceiling; * eir * 4. See* FIGURE 300 shows an exterior view of the panel assembly shown in FIGURES 100 and 200 when fitted to a ceiling or wall and FIGURE 400 shows an inside view of a panel of said access panel assembly; FIGURE 500 shows an inverted view of part of a channel member of the panel shown in FIGURE 400 and FIGURE 600 shows a cover plate prior to introduction over a lock in the channel member part; FIGURE 700 shows more detailed perspective views of the cover plate positioned in the channel member and of the cover plate per se, and FIGURE 800 shows a second embodiment of the present invention being an underside or exterior view of an access panel assembly of similar form to the known arrangement shown in FIGURE 1 but including a lock access cover plate in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention. * * * * * * * * * * * * a* 4.

* * * * :.

Referring to FIGURE 1 of the drawings, a known access panel assembly or access hatch 1 comprises a generally rectangular or square framework 2 and pivotally mounted or hinged panel or door 3 shown in an open position in FIGURE 1, with a metal facing 3a (comprising a first material surface) of the panel/door 3 being on the outside of the assembly 1 and a plaster board surface 3b (comprising a different material surface) of plaster board sheet B being on the inside of the assembly.

The framework 2 may be mounted in any required orientation, for example in a ceiling or wall (not shown in FIGURE 1) in generally known manner. The framework 2 is generally in the form of an open tray having a perforate peripheral flange 2a being suitable for mounting in a scenario where the flange is hidden from view in the completed installation of the panel assembly in a building (e.g. in a ceiling) usually by the flange being covered with plaster.

FIGURE 2 shows a modified framework 2' in which the peripheral flange 2'a is not perforated and is thus suitable for mounting in a scenario where the flange is to remain visible and uncovered in the completed installation. * SO * * * * . * * * * es e 4 *

* * * * * * * * * The paneUdoor 3 is shown pivotally mounted to the framework 2 in one possible orientation. In fact, advantageously, facility is provided on all four sides 2b,2c,2d,2e of the framework 2 for the panel/door 3 to be hinged from any one of those sides. Moreover, advantageously, the panel/door 3 is reversible in the framework 2 so that the plasterboard surface 3b can face outwardly with the metal facing 3a being on the inside of the assembly 1.

In this way, the panel/door 3 may be utilised with one framework 2 to provide a panel/door 3 being hinged from any one of the sides 2b-2e of the framework i.e. about 4 possible axes. Furthermore, the panel/ door 3 is reversible in the framework 2 so that an alternative panel surface 3b faces the outside of the assembly (e.g. where a plastered or tiled or other surface-decorated finish is required as an alternative to the metal finish provided on the other surface 3a of the panel/door). Since, the panel/door 3 can also be hinged from any one of the four sides 2b-2e of the framework 2 in the reversed position, advantageously, eight possible orientations are provided for mounting the panel/door 3 in the framework 2.

FIGURE 3 shows a view of the panel/door 3 with plaster board sheet B removed. At the top and bottom of FIGURE 3, channel members C I,C2 are welded in place in an inverted orientation as shown to stabilise the open structure of the panel/door 3.

Each side 2b-2e has two parallel centrally located slots s3,s4 which in use are able to selectively receive the pivotable locking member M (see FIGURE 4) of a lock (not shown) hidden or contained in one side of the panel/door 3 opposite the side of the panel/door having the hinge pins hl,h2, depending upon which way the panel/door is mounted in the framework.. The locking member M can be operated via a key (not shown) in the form of an Allen key and which is generally known per se. The upper slot s3 is utilised with the locking member M to lock the panel/door to the framework 2,2' when the panel/door is in the closed position and the panel/door is mounted with the metal facing 3a outwards of the assembly 1. The lower slot s4 is utilised to receive the locking member M when the panel/door is mounted to the framework 2,2' in a reversed position with the plaster board surface 3b being outwards of the assembly 1.

FIGURE 5 shows a sectional view of the panel assembly 1 fined into a ceiling; FIGURE 5 shows the panel/door 3 with metal facing 3a arranged outwardly. ****

* * * ** Further details of the arrangement shown in FIGURES 1 to 5 can be gleaned from

* Patent Specification No GB2456646.

* * Aspects of the present invention are concerned with modifications to the access panel assembly 1. **

* 0*** * * :P* FIGURE 100 shows an exploded view of components of an access panel assembly 100 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIGURE 100, framework 101 is identical to the framework 2 shown in FIGURE 1 and panel 102 has a first, square portion 102a similar to panel 3 in FIGURE 11 except that there is no facility to hinge the panel portion 102a to framework 101 and the plasterboard sheet 3b (see FIGURE 1) has been removed from the panel 3. Rather the panel portion 102a has a second, larger, circular portion 102b overlapping the * * * II se * * * 0004 framework 101 in use, covering the square portion 102a completely when installed in a ceiling or wall. Thus, the connection of panel portion 102a to framework 101 is modified over and above the hinge connection shown in the arrangement in FIGURE 1 to a 'drop down' suspendable or hanging connection by the use of two, spaced, retaining cables or chains 103 (preferably steel, plastic coated cables) in a similar manner to the suspension shown for the circular access panel assembly on the Applicant's website, previously referred to in this patent specification (see FIGURE 200).

Panel 102 may consist of panel portion 102a to which is welded the larger, circular portion or plate 102b of selected diameter. In use, advantageously, when closed, the effect would be that a circular access panel is provided without any visible, surrounding framework being slightly raised but in contact with the exterior surface of the ceiling or wall.

It is envisaged that the panel 102 will be provided with two opposed key operated locking mechanisms each of the type shown in FIGURE 5 (see pivotable locking members 104 -being identical to locking member M -in FIGURE 100 and mounted in channel member cl, c2 (being similar to channel memberCl, C2 in FIGURE 3).

Once both locks have been opened by a key, the panel 102 can be 'dropped down' vertically where the access panel assembly 100 is fixed to a ceiling, being suspended on spaced cables 103 (not shown in FIGURE 100) allowing access to the space behind the access pane 102. * *

In an alternative embodiment (not shown) the drop down facility may be provided by rigid e.g telescopic members rather than by flexible cables.

Advantageously, the shape and size of panel portion 102b can be chosen to suit requirements in an extremely versatile way. The shape could be regular or irregular, elliptical or any polygonal shape such as hexagonal or octagonal.

FIGURE 200 shows a cross sectional view of the panel assembly 100 installed in situ in a ceiling showing spaces sl and s2 for the two locks and suspension cables 103..

Advantageously, each lock is accessible via a square hole 105,106 for a key in a * * * manner to be explained. * * * * *

* ** In 'drop down ' panel assemblies' two spaced locks may be provided in known manner with each lock being accessible via a circular hole for a key and when not in use a circular cover or bung of plastics or rubber or like material to cover the hole and protect the lock mechanism.

* t * A disadvantage of the use of such a cover/bung for the lock is that it can often be lost when removed to open the access panel assembly.

**** A second inventive aspect of the present invention is directed towards addressing this problem in any panel assembly having a lock accessible via a circular hole closed off by a removable cover/bung. * *** * **** 0 * * ** *

FIGURE 300 shows an underside or exterior view of the panel assembly 100 with the two spaced, square, lock access holes 105 and 106. FIGURE 400 shows an inverted view of panel 102 of the panel assembly 100 with opposed channel members cl, c2 containing lock mechanisms of the type shown in FIGURE 3 welded in position.

In FIGURE 300 upper access hole 105 is open whilst access hole 106 is closed. Access holes 105 and 106 are opened and closed via cover plates 107, 108 via finger tabs 107' and 108' in a manner to be explained.

FIGURE 500 shows an inverted view of one of the channel members cl with lock 109 * * * and cover plate 107 prior to assembly in the panel 100. FIGURE 600 shows the cover * plate 107 prior to introduction over the lock 109 in the channel member. FIGURE 600 * shows the cover plate 109 removed from the channel member cl.

00 In use, finger tab 107,108' will extend through access hole105,106 in a manner which should be evident from the FIGURES of the drawings and the linear sliding movement X of the cover plate 107',108' (see FIGURE 700) will be restricted by the finger tab engaging opposed sides 105', 1061 of the access hole 105,106 (see FIGURE 100).

* * . An important design feature of the cover plate 107,108 is the provision of v-shaped trough restrictor or stop R, the lower portion of which will engage the lock if the cover plate is pushed in preventing flexing and preventing the finger tab 107', 108' being pushed in inside the channel member cl, c2 of the panel portion 102b interfering with the sliding action of the cover plate. O080

A further important design feature relates to opposed re-entrant ( or curved edge) or cut-away portions of the finger tab (see 107" in FIGURES 600 and 700) which allow for a tolerance in assembly of the components (e.g. if the channel cl is not welded completely aligned in position).

Advantageously, the cover plate 107,108 can be colour co-ordinated with the access panel 102 and anti-slip paint (stippled effect) could be used if required.

Advantageously, with reference in particular to FIGURE 300, if the panel assembly **** * * * * ** 100 is to be mounted in a wall rather than in a ceiling the finger tabs 107' and 108' * * can be oriented so that gravity would assist in closing off the respective hole 105,106 i.e the finger tab would naturally be at the bottom of the hole in the closed position * * * * and lifted upwardly to open up the hole for the associated key. Thus, no spring * * * * * * * * * * loading of the cover plate biasing the finger tab to a closed position may be necessary * * * although FIGURE 1000 shows how the cover plate may be spring loaded if required. The slideable cover plate 107,108 with square access hole 105,106 may, advantageously be provided with other access panel assemblies e.g with hinged access panels only having one access hole or lock mechanism.

Accordingly, FIGURE 800 shows an underside or exterior view of an access panel assembly 300 of similar form to the known arrangement shown in FIGURE 1 and FIGURE 5, save for the fact that the circular access hole for the lock is now a square hole 301and the plastics/ rubber bung has been replaced by a slideable cover plate 302 of advantageous design as already described in this patent specification. FIGURE 800 shows the cover plate 302 in an open position.

FIGURE 900 shows enlarged views of hole 106 with cover plate 108 in fully and half closed positions respectively.

FIGURE 1000 shows three perspective views of a modification to channel cl in which the cover plate 107 is spring/resiliently biased to a closed position in a manner which should generally be self-explanatory. Cover plate 107 is spring loaded to a closed position via coiled spring S acting between end wall 107a of cover plate 107 **** * * * * * * and integral (bent inward in the lower and middle views) channel member cross stop * * plate cp. Cover plate 106 can be spring/resiliently biased to a closed position in a * * similar manner with a spring (not shown) being provided in channel member c2 * * provided with an integral, bent inward channel member cross stop plate (not shown). * * * * * *

* * * * * 0** It is to be understood that the scope of the present invention is not to be unduly limited by the particular choice of terminology and that a specific term may be replaced or supplemented by an equivalent or generic term; any term as used herein may be replaced by that term and the word 'means'. Further it is to be understood that individual features, method or functions relating to the cover might be individually patentably inventive. The singular may include the plural and vice versa. Additionally, any range mentioned herein for any parameter or variable shall be taken to include a disclosure of any derivable sub-range within that range or of any particular value of the variable or parameter arranged within, or at an end of, the range or sub-range.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An access panel assembly comprising a panel mounted or mountable to a surrounding framework of the assembly, suitable for use in a suspended ceiling, said panel being lockable to the surrounding framework and said framework, in use, being fixed to a supporting structure, such as a ceiling or wall, said panel having a first portion of similar shape to and fitting within the framework, in use, and a second portion of different shape and/or size to said first portion, said second portion being larger than the first portion and overlapping the framework, in use.
An access panel assembly as claimed in claim 1 in which the panel is mounted/mountable in drop down manner to the framework. e.g. by suspension/hanging.
An access panel assembly as claimed in claim 2 in which the panel is mounted/mountable in said manner by way of two spaced cables or chains connected (preferably removably) to the first panel portion and connected (preferably removably) to the framework.
4. An access panel assembly comprising a panel mounted or mountable to a surrounding framework of the assembly, suitable for use in a suspended ceiling, said panel being lockable to the surrounding framework and said framework, in use, being fixed to a supporting structure, such as a ceiling or * * * * . * * * * * . 2. * * * ** * * * * * * * :* 3. 5. 6. 7. 0O0O. 00 * * * 8. * * * ..
* * ** * * * * * 9.wall, said panel having at least one hole to access a lock of the assembly and a slideable cover member adapted to cover said hole when not in use.
An access panel assembly as claimed in claim 4 in which the cover member is slideable linearly (backwards and forwards to open and close the hole) An access panel assembly as claimed in claim 4 in which the cover member can be slidden along (or pivoted) an arc or curved (possibly circular or part-circular) path.
An access panel assembly as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 6 in which said at least one hole is square (or rectangular).
An access panel assembly as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 7 in which the slideable cover member is a plate retained to the panel when not in use covering said at least one hole.
An access panel assembly as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 8 in which the cover member/plate is retained slideably in an associated channel member in the panel.
10. An access panel assembly as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 9 in which the cover member/plate is provided with a finger tab that extends through said hole, in use.
11. An access panel assembly as claimed in claim 10 in which the slideable movement of the cover member/plate is restricted by the finger tab engaging opposed sides/side portions of said hole.
12. An access panel assembly as claimed in claim 10 or 11 in which the cover member/plate is provided with a stop or restrictor (preferably in the form of a v-shaped trough, preferably integrally formed in the cover member/plate) preventing or restricting the finger tab being pushed inside the panel.
13. An access panel assembly as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12 in which * the finger tab is provided with opposed curved edge or cut-away (re-entrant) * * * ^ . * portions which allow for a tolerance in misalignment of components of the * * access panel during assembly. * *
14. An access panel assembly as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 13 in which the cover member/plate is spring/resiliently biassed to a closed position.
15. An access panel assembly as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 14 in which the panel is hinged to the frame and having one lock with co-operating lock access hole including an associated slideable cover member/plate.
16. An access panel assembly as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 14 in which the panel is a drop-down type with two opposed locks with co-operating lock access holes provided with associated siideable cover members/plates.
17. An access panel assembly as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 16 in which the panel has a first portion of similar shape to and fitting within the framework * so * * * * * * * * * * * * and a second portion of different shape (e.g. circular), the second portion being larger than the first portion, said sliding action of the cover members/plates being in parallel (or alternatively opposed) directions to open and close off the access holes respectively.
18. An access panel assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims having a generally rectangular or square framework with a rectangular or square panel having an external profile generally matched to the internal profile of the framework.
** * * 19. An access panel assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims * * provided with at least one closed/hidden lock mechanism (within a, or the, first panel portion) and provided with a plurality of locking slots to * * * accommodate a locking member when the first panel portion is in each of first * De * * * 0601, and second orientations. * *** *
20. An access panel assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the, or a, first panel portion is non-integral with the, or a, second panel portion and is welded or bonded thereto.
21. An access panel assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the shape of the, or a, second panel portion is chosen to suit e,g, circular, octagonal or irregular.
22. An access panel assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the panel is provided with two key operated lock mechanisms.
23. An access panel assembly as claimed in claim 22 in which the panel is provided with an associated lock access hole (possibly square) for each lock and each lock is provided with a slideable access cover member/plate.
24. An access panel assembly having a panel or door and surrounding framework and one or more of the following features:-a) The panel/door having a first portion fitting within the framework and a second larger portion b) A lock having an access hole and a cover member/plate retained thereto in *;; and ** * * open closed positions, the cover member/plate preferably being slideable * * * preferably in a channel member of the panel. * *** * ** * ** * * *.* * * * ** *