[0001 ] This application claims priority under 35 S.C, § 119 to United States Provisional Patent Application No. 62/250, 1 filed on November 3, 2015. the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] In order to mount components such as electrical equipment within an electrical enclosure^ the components can be secured to a panel and the panel secured to a frame of the enclosure. To efficientl utilize space within the enclosure and to allow relativel easy access to different components, it may be useful to dispose such a panel at a select location (or select locations) within a particular enclosure. Further, it may be useful to mount certain components to the panel before the panel is secured within the enclosure. However, a panel with many components mounted thereto can be relatively heavy (e.g., can weigh 1000 lbs. o more): and relatively unwieldy. Accordingly, using conventional mounting arrangements and methods, it can be relatively difficult to move a loaded panel into place within an enc os re _^ as Wel as to hold the panel steady so that it can be secured to the enclosure frame in an appropriate location and orientation.

SUMMARY

[ΘΘ03 J Some embodiments of the invention provide a method for mounting a panel within an enclosure using mountin blocks. The panel can be disposed in a horizontal orientation on a support structure. Am enclosure frame of the enclosure can be disposed in a horizontal orientation above the panel. The enclosure frame can be lowered into alignment with the panel. A first set of mounting blocks can be secured to the panel and to the fr me members to secure the panel to the frame members. The panel and the enclosure frame can then be collectively rotated to vertical orientation.

[0004] Some embodiments of the invention provide a method for mounting panel within an enclosure using mounting blocks. An enclosure frame of the enclosure can be disposed in a horizontal orientation, A first set of mounting blocks can be secured to frame members of the enclosure, with a stop surface of each mounting block of the first set facin at least partly upwards. The panel can be disposed in a horizontal orientation above the enclosure frame and can be lowered onto the stop surfaces. A second set of the mounting blocks can be secured to the panel and to the frame members to secure the panel to the frame members, with each mounting block of the second set engaging a corresponding mounting block of the first set. The panel and the enclosure frame can then be collectively rotated to a vertical orientation.

[0005} Some embodimeats of the invention provide a system for mounting a panel within an enclosure. Each slide block of a plurality of slide blocks can include a slide-block support shelf that is configured to receive and support the panel and that is, when the slide block is seated on a support surface of a corresponding one of the frame members, at least partly separated from the support surface b a recess between the slide block and the support surface. Each stop block of a plurality of sto blocks can include a sto surface and can include a tongue configured to nest within the recess between a corresponding one of the slide blocks and the support surface of the corresponding frame member,

[0006] The slide blocks can be configured to provide a first installation configuration, i which, with the panel in a horizontal orientation on a support structure and the enclosure frame in a horizontal orientation in alignment with the panel., securing the slide blocks to the panel and to the frame members can secure the panel to the enclosure frame, Also in the first installatio configuration, the side blocks can continue to secure the panel to the enclosure frame as the enclosure frame and the panel are collectively rotated to a vertical orientation,

[00071 The slide blocks can also be configured to provide a second installation configuration, in which, _: with the panel and the enclosure frame in respective horizontal orientations, the stop blocks can be secured to the frarne members with the sto surfaces disposed to receive and support the panel as the panel is lowered relative to the enclosure frame. Also in the second installation configuration, with the panel supported on the stop surfaces, the slide blocks can be secured to the frame members with the tongues of the sto blocks nested within the recesses between the slide blocks and the support surfaces of the corresponding frame member . The slide blocks and the stop blocks can collectively secure the panel to the enclosure fr me as the enclosure frame and the panel are collectively rotated to the vertical orientation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TUB DRAWINGS 0008 The accompanying drawings:, which are incorporated in arid i¾rm a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to exp lai the principles of embodiments o f the In venti on ;

10Θ09] FIG, I A is a front, right, top Isometric vie of a slide block, according to one e boditnerit of the invention; fOOlO] FIG. IB is a rear, left, bottom Isometric view of the slide block of FIG. 1 A;

[001 1 j FIG. 2A is a front, left, top isometric view of a stop block, according to one embodiment of the invention; fOOll] FIG. 21 is a rear, fight, bottom Isometric view of the stop bl ck of FIG, 2 A;

[00133 PI . 3 is a fro t _s right, top Isometric view of a method for installing a panel into an enclosure usin the slide block of FIG. 1 A and the stop block of FIG. 2 A;

[0 14] FIG . 4 is a fr nt, left, top Isometric view of another method for installing a panel into an enclosure using the slide block of FIG. 1 A and the sto block of FIG, 2A;

[0015 J FIG- 5 is a front, right, to isometric view of another slide block configuration for use with the method of FIG. 4;

[0016J FIG. 6 is a front, right, top isometric view of yet another method for Installing a panel into an enclosure using instances of the slid© block of FIG. 1 A and the stop block of FIG. 2 A; fOOi j FIGS. 7 and 7B are front, right, to isometric views of still another method for installing a panel into an enclosur using instances of the slide block of FIG . 1 A;

10018] FIG. 8 is an enlarged front, right, to isometric view of the slide block of FIG, 1A after the completio of the method of FIGS. 7A and 7

[001 ] FIGS. 9 A and 9B are front, right, top isometric views of yet another method for installin a panel into an enclosure using instances of the slide block of FIG. 1 A; £0020] FIG. 10 is a front, right, top isometric view of a further method for installing a panel into an enclosure using instances of the slide block of FIG. 1 A and the sto block of FIG, 2 A;

[0021] FIGS. ΠΑ and 1 I B are l ont, right, to isometric views of sill further method for installing a panel int an enclosure usin instances of the slide block of FIG. 1A and the sto block of FIG. 2A, with the panel configured as a shelf

[0022]: FIG. 12 is a left elevation view of a mounting arrangement for two panels, using two instances of the slide bl ock of FIG . 1 ;

[0023]: FIG, 13 i a front, right, to isometric view of another slide block accordin to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0Q24] The following discussion is presented to enable person skilled in the aft to make and use embodiments of the invention, Yarious modifications t the illustrated embodiments will be readil apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles herein ca be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from embodiments of the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention ar not intended to be limited to embodiments shown, hut are to be accorded the widest scop consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description is to be read with reference to the figures, in which like elements i different figures have like reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit th scope of embodiments of the invention. Skilled artisans will recognize the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall within th scope of embodiments of the invention,

[0025] Before an embodiments of the invention are explained in detail. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of bein practiced or of being carried out in variou ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and tenftinoiog used herein is for the purpose of descriptio and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Likewise, the phrases "at least one of A, B, and: C, "one or more of A, B, and C, and the like, are meant to indicate A. or B, or€, or an combination of A, B, ahdfer C.

[0026] Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms "mounted," "connected," "supported," and "coupled" and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, "connected" and "coupled" are not restricted to physical or meehanieal connections or couplings.

[0027] As used herein, unless otherwise specified or limited, the term "u-shaped" specifies a shape that includes base portion, with a least two leg portions extendin in generally similar directions from the base portion. In some embodiments, a "u-shaped" member can include leg portions extending from opposite ends of the base portion at substantially right angles to the base portion, with or without curved, chamfered, or otherwise non-square connectin regions between the leg portion and the base portion. In some configurations, a "u-shaped" component can include a base portion that is configured to be disposed above or to the side of the relevant le portions, when the component is installed for use.

[0028] Also as used herein, unless otherwise specified or limited, directional terms such as "forward," "backward," "top," "bottom," "lower," "upper," "left," "right," and so on, are used relative to the perspective of a relevant figure. As such, unless otherwise specified or limited, it will be understood that use of such terms is not intended to exclude different (e.g,, horizontally or vertically reversed) orientations, locations, or movements.

[0029] Also as used herein, in the context of enclosures, the term "horizontal orientation" generally refers to a reclined orientation of an enclosure, whereas the term "vertical orientation" generally refers to an orientation in which the enclosure is intended to be installed. For example, an electrical enclosure (or enclosure frame, and so on) that is resting on its sides or back on a support surface (e.g. _t a work table or the ground can be considered to be i the "horizontal orientation." In contrast, when the electrical closure (or enclosure frame, and so on) is resting Upright on its base (or equivalent structure), it can be considered to be in the "vertical orientation."

[OO30J As discussed above, it can be generally useful t mount electrical equipment (e.g., computer electronics) to a panel that is in turn secured at an appropriate location relative to a support frame of an enclosure. Also as discussed above, however, attaching electrical equipment to a panel can result in a panel assembly that can be relatively heavy and unwieldy.

[00313 Embodiments of the invention provide an improved system and related methods for securing panels to enclosure frames, including for panels to which electrical equipment has been (or will be) attached. Generally, sets of mounting blocks can be used to secure panel to enclosure frames in various orientations, including horizontal orientations and vertical orientations.

[0032] In some embodiments, a mounting block for supporting a panel can be configured as a slide block that is generally configured to be secured to a panel and to a frame member of a enclosure. Further, the slide block can be configured to slide relatively easily, and with varying degrees of structurally-imposed guidance, along the frame member. Accordiagly, when secured to a panel, the slide block can enable the pane! to be slid along a frame member to a desired mounting location, then secured to the frame member. In some embodiments, the slide block can also be used to enable installation of a panel (e.g,, with a full complement of electrical eqm rnent) with the panel i a horizontal orientation,

[0033] Some embodiments of the invention further provide a mounting block configured as a stop block that is generally configured to engage a corresponding slide block and to be secured to a frame member of an enclosure. When engaged with a slide block and secured to a frame member, the stop block can help to support a panel that is secured to the slide ock, while also helping to relatively firmly anchor the slide block (and the panel) at a desired location. Further, in some embodiments, the stop block can be used to enable installation of a panel with the panel in a horizontal orientation,

[0034J FIGS. 1 and IB illustrate a mounting block, according to one embodiment of this disclosure, configured as a slide block 20 for securing a panel within an enclosure. In some embodiments, the slide block 20 (and other mounting blocks according to this disclosure) can be used in a mounting arrangement for a panel of an electrieal enclosure, such as a panel for supporting network equipment or othe components of electrieal systems. In some embodiments, the slide block 20 (and other mounting blocks according to this disclosure) can be used in other settings, including with other types of enclosures.

[0035]: In different embodiments, a mounting block such as the slide block 20 can be formed from a variety of different materials. In some embodiments* the slide block 20 can be a single- piece, single-material, molded composite part. In some ernbodiments, the slide block 20 can be formed from other types of materials. In some embodiments, the slide block 20 can include a coating, tape, or other surface application or treatment (not shown) to reduce the coefficient friction of part or all of the slide block 20.

[6036] The slide block 20 includes a slide portion 22, which includes a slide surface 24 that is configured to seat on and slide along a support surface, such as an inward facing support surf ce of a frame member of an enclosure (not shown i FIGS. 1A and IB). In the embodiment illustrated, the slide surface 2 is substantially flat, in orde to encourag relatively uniform contact with a frame member, as well as relatively smooth sliding of the slide portion 22 along the frame member (e.g. , via contact of the slide surface 24 with the frame member).

10037] Generally, a mounting block ca include at least one mounting feature that can be used to secur the mounting block to a frame member of an enclosure. The slide block 20, for example, includes a mounting feature configured as a rectangular mountin aperture 26, with an internal shoulder 28. In other embodiments, other types of mounting features are possible, including round or shoulder-less apertures, clips, plungers, quiek-feek and quick-release mechanisms, and so on. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 A and I B, the slide surface 24, and the slide portion 22 generally, are interrupted by the mounting aperture 26. This may be useful, for example, to secure the slide block 20 to a frame member that includes mounting holes along an inward-facing support surface. In other embodiments, other configurations are possible.. [0038] At a first end of the slide block 20, first and second guide legs 30 extend away from the slide portion 22, on the same side o the slide portion 22 as the slide surface 24 the lower side, from the perspective of FIG. t A). The guide legs 30 are spaced apart from each other so as define a guide channel 32 that is generally aligned with the slide surface 24. With an appropriate width of the guide channel 32 (i.e., as measured left to right, from the perspective of FIG. 1A), the guide legs 30 can extend along opposite sides of a frame member when the slide surface 24 is: seated o the frame member. For example, when the slide surface 24 is seated on a top, inner support surface of a frame member, the guide legs 30 can extend downward alon opposite sides of the fram membe to guide movement of the slide block 20 along the frame member. In some embodiments, the guid channel 32 can have a width that provides for a relatively small (or even negative) clearance between the guide legs 30 and the relevant frame member. Accordingly, for example, during an axial sliding of the slide block 20 along the frame member, lateral movement of the slide block 20 relative to the frame member can be substantially limited. In some embodiments, one or both ends of the guide legs 30 can be rounded (as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and IB) or otherwise contoured to assist a user in aligning the slide block 20 with a relevant frame member.

[0039] To hel secure a panel to the slide block 20, an attachmen feature configured as an attachment flange 40 extends away from the slide portion 22 in a generally opposite direction to the guide legs 30. Accordingly, when the slide surface 24 is seated on a frame member with the guide legs 30 extending along sides of the frame member, the attachment flange 40 can extend away from the frame member to present a contact surface 42 for engagement with a panel.

[0040] In some embodiments, a mounting featu e, such as a round mounting aperture 44, can be disposed on the attachment flange 40, in orde to assist in securin a panel to the slide block 20. In the embodiment illustrated, the attachment flange 40 includes a rectangular recess 46 extending into the contact surface 42, with the aperture 44 disposed in alignment with the recess 46.

[0041 ] Various features can be included on a mounting block for ease of manufacturing or assembly, or for structural strength, including ribs, chamfers, rounded corners, or other structures, As sue¾ for example, the slide block 20 includes a number of rounded internal and external corners:. Further, opposite the contact surface 42 of the slide block 20, the attachment flange 40 is reinforced and strengthened by a pair of gussets 8 mat extend from an elongate end at the attachment flange ^■ 4 to the end of the slide portion 20 with the guide legs 30 (and to the end of the slide block 20, generally).

[0042] Opposite the attachment flange 40 from the legs 30, the slide block 20 includes a support flange SO, with a support shelf 52 on a side of the support flange SO that is opposite the slide surface 24 (e.g., on a top side of the support flange, from the perspective of FIG. 1A), As also discussed below, the support shelf 52 can be configured to support at least part of an edge of a panel in order to move and mount the panel relative to an enclosure frame. In the embodiment illustrated, the support shelf 5 is spaced apart from the slid© surface 24 alon a direction perpendicular to the slide surface 2 (e.g., disposed above the slide surface 24, from the perspective of FIG. LA). Accordingly, when the slide surface 24 is seated on a frame member, the support shelf 52 is disposed to support a panel at a location that is spaced apart from the frame member.

[0043 Further, due to the relative disposition of the slide surface 24 and the suppor shelf 52, as well as to the thickness of the slide portion 22, a mating reeess 54 extends into the slide block 20, starting at an end 50 of the suppor flange, between the support flange 50 and the plane of th© slide surface 24 (e.g., below the support flange 50, from the perspective of FIG. 1 A). The mating reeess 54 can include one or more support surfaces 56 as well as one or more sto surfaces 58, as also discussed below. As illustrated, the support surfaces 56 generally extend in parallel with the support shelf 52, and at least part of the stop surfaces 58 generally extend perpendicularly to the support surfaces 5.6* with a rounded corner at the transition between the support surfaces 56 and the stop surfaces 58, In other embodiments, othe configurations are possible,

[0044] In the embodiment illustrated, the support flange 50 also includes a clearance recess 60 disposed within the mating recess 54, with the clearance recess 60 separating the two support surfaces 56, and the two stop surfaces 8, from each other. In some embodiments, the ©learauee reeess 60 extends farther than the mating recess 54 alon the slide block 20. For example, in the embodiment illustrated, the clearance recess 60 extends into the slide surface 24, below the attachment flange 40,

[0045] FIGS, 2 A and 2B illustrate another mounting block, according to one embodiment of the disclosure, configured as a step block 70 for securing a panel within an enclosure. In some embodiments, the stop block 70 (and other mounting blocks accordin to this disclosure) can be used in a mounting arrangement for a panel of an electrical enclosure, such as a panel for supporting network equipment or other components of electrical systems. In some embodiments, the sto block 70 (and other mounting blocks accordin to this disclosure) can be used in other settings, including with other types of enclosures, limilarly to the slide block 20, the sto block 70 can be formed from one or more of a variety of materials, including composite materials, and can sometimes Include coatings _* tapes, or other surface applications or treatments.

[0046] The stop block 70 includes a contact surface 72 configured to seat n a support surface j such as an inward-facing support surface of a frame member of an enclosure (not shown i FIGS, 2 A and 2B). In the embodiment illustrated, the contact surface 72 is substantially flat, in order to encourage relatively uniform contact with a frame member, In other embodiments, other configurations are possible, including with contact surfaces having non-flat geometry,

[0047] As also noted above, a mounting block can generally include at least one mountin feature that can be used to secure the mounting block to a frame member. The sto block 70, for example, includes a mounting feature configured as a rectangular mounting aperture 74 with an internal shoulder 76, As illustrated, the contact surface 72 (and other features of the sto block 70) are interrupted by the mountin aperture 74, In other embodiments, other types of mountin fe tures are possible, includin round or shoulder-les apertures, clips, plungers, quick-lock and quick-release mechanisms, and s on.

[0048] To help limit movement of a panel relative to the stop block 70^ a blocking feature configured as a sto flange 78 extends away from the contact surface 72. In this way, for example, when the contact surface 72 is seated on frame member, the sto flange 78 can extend away from the contact surface 72 in order to present a stop surface 80 to limit movement of a panel. In some embodiments, and as also discussed below, the sto surfaee can limit movement of a panel in combination with the attachment flange 40 of FIGS. 1 A and 18.

[0Q491 In the embodiment illustrated _^ no mounting feat re (e.g. ₅ round of other aperture) is included on the sto flange 78 to attach the sto block 70 directly to panel. In other embodiments, one or more mounting features of various configurations can be provided (eg., t facilitate bolting of the stop flange 78 to the relevant panel) ,

[ΘΘ5Ό| At: an end of the stop: flange 78 that is closest to the contact surface 72 (e.g„ at the bottom end of the sto flange 78, from the perspective of FIG, 2A the stop block 70 includes support shelf 82. As also discussed below, me support shelf 82 can be configured to support at least part of an edge of panel when the contact surface 72 is seated on a frame member. In the embodiment illustrated, the support shelf 82 is spaced apart from the contact surface 7 along a direction perpendicular to the contact surface 7 (e,g„ above the contact surface 72, from the perspective of FIG. 2A), with part of the mounting aperture 74 extending through the support shelf 82. In other embodiments, other confi urations are possible.

[005 Jj At an end o the support shelf 82 opposite the sto flange 78, a stop surface 84 extends away from the support shelf 82 and the sto flange 78 towards the contact surface 72 {e.g. j generally downward, from the perspective of FIG, ), At an end of the sto surface 84 opposite the support shelf 82, the stop surface 8 tra sitions to tongue 86, which includes a support surface 88 opposite the contact surface 72 and a sto surface 90 opposite the stop surface 84 (and at the end of the sto block 70 generally). As also discussed below, the tongue 86 can be configured to nest within the matin recess 54 defined by the slide block 20 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1 A arid IB) _f including with relatively small (or even negative) clearance.

|O0S2J As illustrated, the support shelf 8 is generally parallel with a part of the stop surface 90 that is adjacent to the contact surface 72, and is generally perpendicular to at least part of the stop surfaces 80 and 84, Further, transitions between various combinations of the surface 80, the support shelf 82, and the surfaces 84, 88, and 90 are generally characterized by rounded corners. In other embodiments, other configurations are possible. [0053] To hel support the sto block 70 relative to a frame member, the stop ock 70 includes a set of support columns 92 that extend from the contact surface 72 to other parts of the stop block 70. In the embodiment illustrated, the support columns 92 are partly separated from each othe by a central ga 94. Further, each of the support columns 92 is configured as a compound column, with respective first arid second portions 92a and 92b, Generally, the first portion 92a of each of the support columns 92 is disposed substantially below the support shelf 82 and between the respective second portion 92b and the tongue 86. The first portions 92a of the support columns 92 also generally exhibit relatively large widths compared to the second portions 92b of the support columns 92, The first portions 92a of the support columns 92 can accordingly hel to provide appropriate structural strength to the sto block7Q, including w en the support shelf 82 is used to support a relatively heavy panel. In other embodiments, other configuration are possible. 0054] Also in the embodiment illustrated, the second portions 92b of the support columns 92 generall extend at a non-right angles relative to the contact surface 72, the stop surface 80, and the stop flange 78 generally. Accordingly, the ends of the second portions 92b of the support col umns 92 that are adjacent to the contact surface 72 generally define an end of the stop block 70 (and the contact surface 72) that is spaced apart from the sto flange 78 in a direction extendin in parallel with the contact surface 72 (e.g., rearward,, from the perspective of FIG. 2A), This can be useful, for example, t provide structural resistaaee to excessive rocking or flexing of the stop flange 78, and the sto block 70 generally, in response to moments imposed on the sto block 70 by contact of a panel with the sto surface 80 of the stop flange 78.

:[0OS5] FIG. 3 illustrates a method of using the stop block 70 and the slide block 20 in a particular mounting arrangement, to secure a panel 1 0 (e.g.^ in a f lly loaded state) to a frame membe 1 2 of an enclosure frame 104. In one implementation, the stop block 70 is positioned on the frame member 102, with the contact surface 72 of the sto block 70 seated squarel on an upper support surface 1 6 of the frame member 102. With the contact surface 72 seated on the support surface 106, the rectangular mountin aperture 74 o the stop block 7 can be aligned with a select one of various mounting apertures 108 on the frame member 102 (only some of which are labeled in FIG. 3, for clarity of presentation). A fastener, such as a cage nut 110, can then be .inserted through the aligned mounting apertures 74 and 108, and engaged (e.g., tightened) to secure the stop block 70 to the frame member 1 2, In some cases, the shoulder 76 of the mounting aperture 74 is configured to support a flange 1 12 of the cage nut 110 (or similar feature of another fastener) so that the bulk of the cage nut 1 10 (e.g., excluding a bolt head 1 1 ) can be disposed below the support surface 88 of the stop block 70.

|Q0563 With the sto block 70 secured to the frame member 102 as described above (or otherwise), both the first and second portions 92a and 92b of the support columns 92 of the stop block 70 are firmly seated on the support surface 106 of the frame member 102. As noted above, the support columns 92, and in particular the second portions 92b thereof, angle awa from the stop flange 78 of the stop block 70 (e.g., to the right, as illustrated in FIG. 3) to define an extended geometry of the stop block 70. Accordingly, the support columns 92, and particularly the second portions 92b thereof, in combination with the cage nut 1 10 (or other fastener) can hel to resist a moment imposed by the panel 100 on the sto block 70 vi the stop flange 78 (or otherwise),

|0057] As part of the installation illustrated in FIG. 3 the slide block 20 is als positioned on the frame member 102, with the contact surface 42 of the slide block 20 seated (e.g., squarely) on the support surface 106 of the frame member 102. With the contact surface 42 seated on the support surface 106, the slide block 20 is then slid towards the stop block 70 (e.g., as indicated by the arrow 1 1 ) until the tongue 86 of the stop block 70 is nested within the mating recess 54 of the slide block 2 (i.e., between the support flange 50 of the slide block 20 and the support surface 106 of the frame member 102). As illustrated in a similar mounting configuration of FIG, 4, for example, this can result in the support surfaces 56 of the slide block 20 bearing on the support surface 88 of the stop block 70, and the stop surface 58 of the slide block 20 bearing on the sto surface 90 of the stop block 70, This, in turn, can provide a relatively stable arrangement for transmission of supportive force for the panel 100 from the frame member 102 through the tongue 86 and the support flange 50. Further, in some embodiments, the physical contact of the stop surfaces 58 and 90 (or other features of the slide block 20 and the stop block 70) can provide a tactile feedback to a user to indicate when the tongue 86 is appropriately nested within the mating recess 54 and, accordingly, whe the slide block 20 and the stop block 70 are generally correctly installed, f 0058] To secure the slide block 20 to the frame member 102, the mounting aperture 26 can be aligned with another of the mounting apertures 108 of the frame member 102. With th end 50a of the support flange 50 appropriately spaced from the mounting aperture 26 in view of the spacing of the spacing of the mounting apertures 10$, this alignment can occur automatically whe the tongue 86 is f lly nested withi the mating recess 54 and the sto block 7 is secured to the fr me membe 1 2 (e.g., usin the cage nut 110, as described above).

[0059] Once the slide block 20 ha been appropriately positioned, a fastener, such as a cage nut 1 18 similar to the cage nut 1 10, can be inserted through the aligned mounting apertures 26 and 108, and tightened to secure the slide block 2 to the frame member 102. As with the cage nut 1 10 and the stop block 70, the shoulder 28 of the mounting aperture 26 can be configured to support a flange 120 of the cage nut ί 18 (or similar feature of another fastener), so that the bulk of the cage nut 1 18 (e.g., excluding a bolt head, as illustrated can be disposed below the support surface 88 of the stop bloek 70.

[0060]: As illustrated in FIGS. 1 A and IB, the slide block 20 generally includes the clearance recess 60 within the mating recess 54. This can be useful, for example, in order to allow the nestin of the tongue 86 within the mating recess 54, even if the bolt head 1 1 (or other feature of a fastener) extends above the support surface 88 of the tongue 86. For example, referring again to FIG. 3, when the cage nut 1 10 secures the stop block 70 to the frame member 102 (not illustrated), the clearance recess 60 (not shown in FIG. 3) can slide over the bolt head I ] 4 as the matin recess 54 of the slide block 20 is moved over the tongue 86 of the stop block 70. Accordingly, for example, the support surface 56 of the slide block 20 can bea on the support surface 88 of the stop block 70 without interference from the bolt head 1 14 or other part of the cage nut 1 10.

[0061] As illustrated in FIG. 4 in particular, with the tongue 86 nested within the mating recess 54, the contact surface 42 and support shelf 52 of the slide block 20, along with the support shelf 82 and stop surface 80 of the stop block 70, generally define u-shaped support channel 122 that is sized to receive the panel 100, with the support shelves 52 and 8 generally aligned and in parallel with each other. In some embodiments, a width of the channel 122 (e.g., as measured between the contact surface 42 and the stop surface 80} can provide a relatively small (or negative) clearance fo insertion of the panel 100. In this way, for example, the attachment flange 40 (via the contact surface 42) and the sto flange 78 (via the sto surface 80) can substantially limit movement of the panel 100 once the panel 100 is seated within the channel 122. Further, as also described above, due to the engagement of the support surfaces 56 and 88 with each other, a lower end 1 4 of the panel 100 can be strongly supported by the frame member 102 via the tongue 86 and support flange SO* when seated on the support shelves 52 and 82 within the channel 122,

[0062] To further secure the panel 100 in place, a bolt 126 (or other fastener) can be Inserted through the mounting aperture 44 in the slide block 20 and through a threaded hole 128 (or other mountin feature) on the panel 100. The bolt 126 can then be tightened, in order to firmly secure the panel 100 to the attachment fl nge 40 at the contact surface 42. In some embodiments, the recess 46 on the contact surface 42 can be dimensioned to accommodate a clip 130 (or other feature) on the panel 100, so thai the panel 100 can be seated relatively firmly on the contact surface 42 despite the protrusion of the cli 130 (or other feature) beyond the relevant face of the panel 100,

|0063] The method presented above of mounting the panel 100 within the enclosure frame 10 includes express discussion onl of mounting the panel using a mounting arrangement with a single instance of the stop block 70 and of the slide block 20. To fully secure the panel 100 in place, it may be useful to repeat the operations discussed above (or variations thereupon) with other sets of mounting blocks configured similarly to the slide block 20 and the sto block 70. For example, a set of sto and slide blocks similar to the sto block 70 and the slide block 20 ca be used to secure each comer, or other parts of the panel 100 to a respective frame member of the enclosure frame 104. For convenience of discussion herein, multiple slide blocks and sto blocks of a mounting arrangement ma sometimes each be referred to, respectively, as simply the slide block 20 and the stop block 70, with directional qualifiers (e.g., top, bottom, to left, and so on) distinguishing particular instances of particular mounting blocks as ppopriate. [00641 Of note, the methods discussed above and below, including the order of various operations of the methods, are presented as an example only. For example, in the method discussed above, the slide block 20 and the sto block 70 can be secured to the frame member 1 2 before the panel 1 0 is disposed to be supported by the slide block 20 and the sto block 70. In other implementations, as also discussed below, the panel 100 can be secured t the slide block 20 (or multiple instances thereof) before the slide block 20 is moved to a final position on the frame member 102, Similarly., In some implementations, the stop block 70: can be secured to the frame member 102, or engaged with the slide bloe 20, after the slide block 20 has been moved to final ositio s or at various other times.

[0065] In some implementations, the slide block 20 can be secured to the frame member 102 before the stop block 70, and the stop block 70 then slid along the frame member 102 until the tongue 86 is appropriately nested within the mating recess 54. In this regard, for example, it will be understood that the labels of "slide" and ⁱ⁴ stop" for the slide block 20 and the top block 70 (and other components), as well as similar other qualifiers used herein (e.g., regarding the "stop" surface 80), are used as labels of convenience onl and are not, for example, intended to exclude the slide block 20 (or other slide blocks) from serving as a fixed stop, or to exclude the stop block 70 (or other stop blocks) sliding or otherwise movin during a particular panel-mountin operation.

[0066] FIG. 4 illustrates another example method of mounting the panel 10 within the enclosure fram 104. Under the method of PIG. 4, the sto block 70 and the slide block 20 are nested together and secured to a frame member 132 to define the support channel 122 before th panel 100 is seated on either of the stop block 70 or the slide block 20. A similar set of stop and slide blocks 20 and 70 (not shown) are also secured to a fr me membe (not shown) on an opposite side of the enclosure fr me 10 in order to define a simila support channel that is substantially aligned with the support channel 122, along line that is generally perpendicular to the frame member 132 (i.e., generally to the right, from the perspective of FIG. 4). The panel 100 can then be slid (e.g., as indicated by th arrow 134) into the support channel 122 and the support channel (not shown) at the opposite side of the enclosure frame 104, and the panel 100 secured to the slide blocks 20 at respective mounting features (e.g., at the threaded hole 128 and a threaded hole 136).

[0Θ67 In some embodiments, an elongate channel structure can be disposed to extend between mounting blocks, in order to support an installation of the panel 100 in a manner similar to that illustrated in FIG. 4, As illustrated in FIG. 5, for example, an elongate channel member 140 is seated in respective support channels 122 of opposing slide blocks 144, The panel 100 (not shown in FIG. 5) can then be slid into place along the channel member 140, so that the panel is supported in the enclosure by the frame members 132 and 102, via the slid© blocks 1 4 and the channel member 140. In some embodiments, the channel member 140 (or another channel member) can be similarly used with other mounting blocks, such as instances of the slide block 20 and the sto block 70 (not shown in FIG. 5), 0068] FIG, 6 illustrates another method for mounting the panel 100 within the enclosure frame 104 using multiple sets of the slide block 20 and the stop block 70. In the illustrated method, respective sto blocks 70 are secured to the lower side frame members 10 and 13 (only one such lower sto block 70 shown in FIG. 6), to a lower central frame member 150 (all sto blocks 70 on frame member 150 hidden from view in FIG. 6), to upper side frame members 146 and 148, and to an upper central frame member 152, at locations corresponding to a desired final orientation for a rear side of the panel 100. A lo er end of the panel 1 0 is secured to a set of four of the lower slide blocks 20, and those slide blocks 20 are seated on the respective frame members 102, 132, and I SO, If desired (and if not already appopriately tilted), me panel 100 and the slide blocks 20 can the be tilted forward relative to the enclosure frame 104 (i.e,, out of the page and to the left in FIG. 6), and the slide blocks 20 slid alon the frame members 102 and 132 until farthe movement Is impeded by the contact of the slide blocks 20 with the lower set of the stop blocks 70. The panel 100 can then be tilted back towards vertical, until contact of the panel 100 with the upper stop blocks 70 (or the nesting of the lower set of sto bocks 70 and slide blocks 20 together) prevents further movement of the panel 100. If desired, further slide blocks 20 (or other mounting blocks) can then be secured (not shown in FIG. 6) to the fram members 146, 148, and 152, and to the panel 100 (e.g,, at an up er end of the panel 100), similarly to the embodiment illustrated in FIG, 7 A. I this wa * for example, the pastel 100 can be slid to, and then rigidly secured in place at, a desired location within the enclosure frame 1 4.

[0069] In the embodiment illustrated i FIG. 6, four pairs of stop and slide blocks 20. 70 are used at th bottom of the enclosure frame 1 4, and four pairs of stop and slide blocks 20, 70 can be used at the top of the enclosure fram 104 (top slide blocks 20 not shown in FIG. 6). In some embodiments, a different number of the sto or slide blocks 20, 70 can be used, For example, in enclosures without the central frame members 150, 152, it may be possible to use two pairs of the stop and slide blocks 20. 70 at the top of the enclosure and two pairs of the sto and slide blocks 20, 70 at the bottom of the enclosure. Likewise, in other embodiments presented herein, the particular configurations o enclosures (e,g., the number and orientation of relevant frame members), and the corresponding particular arrangement of mounting blocks (e.g., the number, type, and location of the mounting blocks), are intended as examples only.

[ΘΘ7Θ]; In some implementations of the disclosed method, multiple instances of the slide block 20 can be used to mount the panel 100 to the enclosure frame 104 without necessarily requiring the use o any instances of the stop block 70 (o other similar mounting block). As illustrated in FIG. 7 A, for example, multiple instances of the slide bl ock 20 have been attached to the corners and at central locations of the panel 100 and seated on the respective frame members 102, 132, 146, 148, 150, arid 152. From this configuration, the slide blocks 20 ca be slid alon the respective frame members to any desired mounting location; for the panel 100 within the enclosure frame 104. As desired, instances of the sto blocks 70 may or may not then be installed,

[0071J As illustrated in FIG, 7B, in some implementations^ the desired mountin location for the panel 100 can coincide with a rear end of the frame of the enclosure frame 104. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the slide blocks 20 (or other mounting blocks) can be configured to engage, respectively, upper and lower rear frame members 1 0 and 162, in order to support the panel 100 relative to the enclosure fr me 104, For example, as illustrated in detail in FIG. t, the lower rear frame member 162 includes flange 164 disposed behind and above support surface 1 6 of the f ame member 162, Correspondingly, the mating recess 54 and th support flange 50 Of each of the lower slide blocks 20 is configured so that the support surface 56 of the support flange 50 can be seated o the flange 164 when the contact surface 42 of the slide block 20 is seated on the support surface 106 Of the frame member 102, Accordingly, the flange 16 of the lower rear fr me member 162, along with the support surface 106 of th frame member 102, can support the panel 1 0 via the slide block 20..

[0072] FIGS. 9 A and 9B illustrate another method for mounting the panel 100 within the enclosure frame 104 using multiple sets of the slide block 20. Generally , the panel 100 (e.g., i a f lly loaded configuration wit electrical components 158) is first disposed in a horizontal orientation on a support surface of a support structure suc as a work table 168, The enclosure frame 104 is disposed in a similar horizontal orientation above the panel 100, and then lowered onto the support structure (e.g,, the work table 168) until enclosure frame 10 is aligned for attachment to the panel 100 (e,g. until the panel 100 is disposed between the upper and lower rear frame members 160 and 1 2, and side rear frafn© members 170 and 172), In mis way, for example, it may be possible to avoid lifting and maneuvering the fully-loaded panel 1 0 separately from the enclosure frame 104. For example, the panel 100 can be moved in a unloaded configuration into position on the work table 168, and electrical components installed on the panel 100 before or after the panel 1 0 is secured to the enclosure frame 104.

[0073]: With the panel 100 appropriately disposed relative to the enclosure frame 104 and electrical components appropriately installed, a number of the slide blocks 20 can be secured to the panel 100 (e,g., using a similar number of the bolts 126), as well a to the frame members 102, 132, 142, 148, 150, and 152 (e.g., using a number of cage nuts (not shown in FIGS 9A and 9B)). The panel 100 and enclosure frame 104 can then be collectively rotated t vertical orientation (e.g,, as indicated by arro 184), with the respective support shelves 52 and contact surfaces 42 of the slide blocks 20 (see, e.g., FIGS. lA and IB) securing the panel 100 to, and supporting the panel 100 relative to, the enclosure frame 104, In some embodiments, as similarly discussed above with regard to FIG. % the respective support flanges 50 of the slide blocks 20 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1 and IB) can engage (e.g., be seated on) respective flanges of the rear frame member 160 and 162 (e,g,, the flange 164, as illustrated i FIG, 8) in order to further support the panel 100 onee (and while) the assembly is rotated to the vertical orientation, [0074] I so ne implementations, a particular mounting method described herein, such as the mounting method illustrated in Figures 9 A and 9B, can be combined with other mounting methods. For example, after the panel 100 has bee mounted as illustrated in FIG. 90 and the panel 100 and enclosure frame 104 rotated to the vertical orientation, the panel 100 may be disposed at the rear of the enclosure f ame 104 (e.g.,. a illustrated in FIGS. 7B and 8), I some implementations, the panel 100 can then be slid to another desired location on the enclosure frame 104, as supported by the ^• various slide blocks 20. For example^ after being rotated to the vertical orientation, the panel 100 can be slid from the rear of the enclosure f ame 104 (&§>, as illustrated in FIG, 7B to a central location in the enclosure frame 104 (e,g,, as illustrated in FIG. 7A). As appropriate, various of the sto blocks 70 (see, e.g., FIGS. 2A and 2B> can the be nested with the various slide blocks 20 (e.g, ₅ as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4) to further secure the panel 100 to the enclosure frame 104. f 0075 J FIG. 10 illustrates another method for mounting the panel 100 within the enclosure frame 104, similar to the method illustrated in FIGS. 9 A and 9B, As illustrated in FIG. 10, the enclosure frame 104 is disposed in a horizontal orientatio and a set of four of the sto blocks 70 secured, respectively, to the ftarne members 102, 132, 142, 148, ISO, and 152. The panel 100 is then be lifted above the enclosure frame 104 in a horizontal orientation, and then lowered (e.g , as illustrated by the arrow 184) onto the sto blocks 70. With the stop blocks 70 accordingly supporting the weight of the panel 100, a set of four of the slide blocks 20 are attached to the panel 100 (if not attached already) as well as to the respective frame members 102, 132, 142, 148, ISO, and 152. With the panel 100 thus secured in place relative t the enclosure frame 104, the enclosure frame 104 and the panel 100 are then collectively rotated to a vertical orientation (not show in FIG- 10), In this way, for example, it may be possible to avoid unwieldy manual maneuvering of the panel 100 (e.g„ in a fully loaded state). For example, the panel 100 can be fully loaded, then raised into position above the enclosure frame 104 using a mechanical, hydraulic o other lift, before bein lowe ed by the lift into the desired orientation for attachment to the enclosure frame 104. Alternatively, for example, a lift can be used to raise the panel 100 above the enclosure frame 104 and then lower the panel 100 for attachment to the enclosure fr me 104, after which appropriate equipment can be installed on the panel 100, [0076] FIGS. 11 A and 1 IB illustrate a similar method to the method illustrated in FIG, 10, hut with a panel configured as a shelf 174 (e.g., a battery shelf), rather than as a vertical panel such as the panel 100. In the method illustrated in FIGS . 1 1 A and 1 I B, a set of the stop blocks 70 (only one shown in FIGS. 11 A and 1 1B) are secured to vertical frame members of the enclosure frame 104 (e.g., to a frame member 178), The shelf 176 is then slid (e.g., horizontally) or lowered (e.g., vertically) onto the stop blocks 70, With the shelf 176 in place, each of a set of the slide blocks 20 (only one shown i FIGS. 11 A and 1 I B) can be nested with a respective one of the sto blocks 70 (e,g., as also described above) and then secured to the shelf 176 (if not already attached thereto) and to the relevant frame members (e.g., the frame member 1 8). In this way, for example, the shelf 176 or other similar panels or components can be supported at any n mber of heights relative to the enelosure frame 104.

P077J In some implementations, a panel can be installed similarly to the installation illustrated in FIGS. 1 IA and 1 IB, In contrast to the method of FIGS. 1 1 A and 1 IB, however, a set of slide blocks 20 can be used in place of one or more of the stop blocks 70,

[0078] In some embodiments, the disclosed mounting blocks can be used to mount panels back-to-back within an enclosure. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 12, respective slide blocks 20 to support respective panels 100 are secured to the frame member 102 in opposite orientations. As such, the panels 100 can be supported b the respective slide blocks 20 in a back-to-back configuration,

[0079] In some embodiments, a mounting feature for a mounting block can include a quick- release mechanism. As illustrated in FIG. 13, fo example, a slide block 180 can be configured somewhat similarly to the slide block 20, with guide legs,, a slide surface, a support shelf, and so on. In contrast to the slide block 20, however, the slide block 180 includes a quick-release mechanism, configured as a quick-release plunger 182, for securing the slide block 180 to the frame member 102. In other embodiments, other types of engagement or locking mechanisms can additionally (or alternatively) be used to secure a slide block (or other mounting block) at a desired location on a frame member. f §08©} Sortie example installations presented above employ multiple mounting blocks. I some implementations, multiple similarly configured mounting blocks (e.g., multiple instances of the slide block 20 and the sto block 70) can be used togethe to mount a panel within a enclosure. In some implementations, other combinations of mounting blocks can additionall (or alternatively) be used. For example, iri some implementations, in order to mount a panel to an enclosure frame, one instance of the slide block 20 (or the stop block 70) can be used, along with one or more dilfereutly configured slide block (or stop blocks). For exam le, a combinatio of multiple instances of the slide block 20 (see FIOS- 1A and IB), multiple instance of the slide block 180 (see FIG. 13), and one or more stop blocks (e»g., similar to the sto block 70) can be used to secure a particular panel -withi a particular enclosure. ipo¾ 1 i Thus, embodiments of the disclosure provide for an improved mountin arrangement for securing a panel within an enclosure. The disclosed mounting arrangement, and corresponding methods* can provide for highly customizable mounting of panels a different locations and orientations withi an enclosure. Further, the disclosed mounting arrangements including as used in the disclosed methods, can provide for a connection between an enclosure frame and multiple points on a panel that is relatively strong in comparison to conventional arrangements.

[0082J The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable airy person skilled i the art to make or use the invention. Various ni difieations to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herei may be applied to other embodiments without departin from the spirit or scope of the invemion. Thus, the invention is not intended to he limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.