Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority of US application No. 63/289077 filed 13 December 2021 and entitled PREFABRICATED FREESTANDING PANELS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING SAME which is hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. For purposes of the United States of America, this application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119 of US application No. 63/289077 filed 13 December 2021 and entitled PREFABRICATED FREESTANDING PANELS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING SAME.

Field

[0002] This invention relates to cementitious prefabricated building panels such as Cementitious Structural Insulated Panels (CSIPs) and methods of manufacturing same. Example embodiments provide prefabricated panels for supporting and/or integrating one or more devices such as solar panels, electric devices, displays, plumbing fixtures, etc.

Background

[0003] Constructing an installation (e.g. a solar panel array, an electronic sign, a water fountain, etc.) may be an extensive project involving significant amounts of time and/or resources (labour, energy, materials, etc.). Moreover, the carbon footprint of an installation built using existing systems and methods can be large.

[0004] Reducing the amount of time and/or resources required to construct an installation can be desirable. Reducing the carbon footprint of an installation can also be desirable.

[0005] There remains a need for practical and cost effective ways to construct various installations.

Summary

[0006] This invention has a number of aspects. These include, without limitation:

• prefabricated panels comprising at least one cavity for running service conduits; • prefabricated panels for installing devices such as electric devices, plumbing fixtures, air intakes or outtakes, etc.;

• prefabricated panels comprising at least one removable portion;

• methods for installing devices such as electric devices, plumbing fixtures, air intakes or outtakes, etc.;

• methods for manufacturing prefabricated panels.

[0007] Further aspects and example embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/or described in the following description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] The accompanying drawings illustrate non-limiting example embodiments of the invention.

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a prefabricated panel according to an example embodiment of the invention described herein.

[0010] Figure 1 A is a cross-sectional view of the panel of Figure 1 .

[0011] Figure 1 B is a perspective view of an example screw pile.

[0012] Figure 1 C is a schematic illustration showing an installation of a prefabricated panel according to an example embodiment of the invention described herein.

[0013] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a structure of a prefabricated panel according to an example embodiment of the invention described herein.

[0014] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a prefabricated panel according to an example embodiment of the invention described herein.

[0015] Figure 3A is a perspective view of an example removable and replaceable pair of sheets of the panel of Figure 3.

[0016] Figure 3B is a partial cutaway perspective view of the panel of Figure 3.

[0017] Figure 3C is a cutaway perspective view of the panel of Figure 3.

[0018] Figure 4 is a block diagram of a method according to an example embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

[0019] Throughout the following description, specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, the invention may be practiced without these particulars. In other instances, well known elements have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive sense.

[0020] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example prefabricated panel 10 which may be used for rapid installation of devices 11 at a site. A plurality of panels 10 may be installed at a site. Each panel 10 may be spaced apart from adjacent panels. Panels 10 may support an overhead structure. Each panel 10 may be installed vertically. Each panel 10 may be free-standing.

[0021] Devices 11 may comprise a number of different devices such as electric devices, electrical outlets, displays, fluid taps (e.g. water taps), airflow intakes or outtakes, etc. In some embodiments panels 10 support one or more solar panels (e.g. devices 11 comprise at least one solar panel in such embodiments). In some embodiments panels 10 are used to rapidly install a large number of devices 11 (e.g. 100s or 1000s of devices 11 ) at a specific site. Panels 10 may be particularly advantageous for rapidly installing devices 11 at a site such as a parking lot or retrofitting existing sites to include devices 11 .

[0022] Figure 1 A is a cross-sectional view of panel 10 along the plane A-A shown in Figure 1.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1 A panel 10 comprises a core 12. Core 12 may be made of a rigid foam material. Core 12 may be made of a single piece of foam material or a plurality of pieces. In some embodiments core 12 comprises two pieces which mirror one another. In some embodiments core 12 is made of expanded polystyrene (EPS), polyisocyanurate (polyiso), extruded polystyrene (XPS) and/or the like. In some embodiments core 12 is made of mineral fiber rigid insulation. In some embodiments core 12 is at least 3 inches thick. In some embodiments core 12 is between 3 and 24 inches thick.

[0024] Core 12 may be thermally insulative. For example, core 12 may have an insulative R-value of about R4 per inch. In some embodiments core 12 has an insulative R-value of at least R12. In some embodiments core 12 has an insulative R- value of at least R96. In some embodiments core 12 has an insulative R-value between R12 and R96.

[0025] Example panel 10 also comprises a framing structure 13 which structurally supports panel 10. Structure 13 may be designed in a manner that enables panel 10 to withstand forces which are exerted upon panel 10. Preferably, structure 13 is designed for panel 10 to be able to resist at least some of the following forces:

• shear forces;

• gravitational forces;

• seismic forces;

• etc.

[0026] In some embodiments panel 10 may be designed to resist/withstand sitespecific and/or panel specific forces which are dependent on a location of where panel 10 will be installed. For example, panel 10 may be designed to resist/withstand specific gravitational forces, snow loads, wind loads, seismic forces and/or the like. Amounts of forces that panel 10 may need to resist/withstand may be prescribed by a jurisdiction’s law, applicable building codes and/or the like.

[0027] Structure 13 (or panel 10 generally) is also preferably strong enough to withstand vehicular impacts. For example, structure 13 (or panel 10 generally) may withstand vehicular impacts of at least 22kN applied horizontally at any point that is about 500mm above the ground surface. This advantageously may eliminate (or reduce) the need to install one or more protective bollards around panel 10, for example at a parking lot installation site.

[0028] Structure 13 may, for example, comprise two columns 14A and 14B positioned on either side of panel 10 (see e.g. Figure 2). In some embodiments columns 14A and 14B are made of HSS (i.e. Hollow Structural Sections) steel. Columns 14A and 14B may for example each have a cross-section that is about 8 inches by about 6 inches. Core 12 may optionally at least partially surround columns 14A and 14B. In some embodiments structure 13 comprises structural elements which span between columns 14A and 14B (e.g. horizontally, diagonally). In some embodiments structure 13 comprises more than two columns. In some embodiments structure 13 comprises a single column.

[0029] In some embodiments structure 13 comprises primarily a cementitious material (e.g. a cementitious material described elsewhere herein). The cementitious material may be the same or different than the cementitious material of cementitious layer 16. The cementitious material may be reinforced with re-bar, a reinforcing mesh, reinforcing fibers, another reinforcing member described elsewhere herein (e.g. reinforcing members 17) or the like. In some embodiments columns 14A and 14B comprise the cementitious material instead of HSS steel.

[0030] Core 12 comprises at least one longitudinally extending cavity 15 through which service conduits such as electrical wiring, electrical conduits, fiber optics, fluid pipes, fluid hoses, airflow and/or HVAC ducting, network cables (e.g. ethernet cables) and/or the like may be run to provide a service connection to device 11 (e.g. an electric power connection, a water connection, a gas connection, etc.). Service conduits of different panels 10 may connect to the same main source of the service (e.g. a main electrical power supply system, a central water main, a main fiber optic line, etc.).

[0031] In some embodiments cavity (or cavities) 15 extend longitudinally along an entire length of panel 10. In some embodiments cavity (or cavities) 15 extend only partially along a length of panel 10. In some embodiments cavities 15 each have a rectangular cross-section. In some embodiments each of the rectangular crosssections is about 6 inches wide and about 6 inches deep. Cavities 15 may be centered relative to the depth of panel 10.

[0032] In some embodiments service conduits for different devices 11 are run in different cavities 15. In some embodiments different service conduits for a single device 11 may be run in different cavities 15 (e.g. a live wire may be run in a first cavity 15 and a neutral wire may be run in a second cavity 15). Running different service conduits in different cavities 15 may, for example, eliminate the need to rely on using protected or insulated service conduits such as electrically insulated wires thereby reducing plastic use. In some embodiments cavities 15 may act as a service conduit (e.g. may act as a fluid passage). In some embodiments panel 10 is pre-run (i.e. service conduits are run during manufacturing of panel 10 at a manufacturing facility) prior to panel 10 being shipped to an installation site.

[0033] A cementitious layer 16 at least partially encloses core 12 and structure 13. In some embodiments cementitious layer 16 continuously covers the front, rear, left and right faces of panel 10. In some embodiments a top and/or bottom surface of panel 10 may at least partially be covered by cementitious layer 16. In some embodiments cementitious layer 16 continuously covers at least each of the front and rear faces of panel 10. In some embodiments a portion of core 12 may be left exposed proximate to a location of core 12 where a device 11 is to be coupled to panel 10. Device 11 may be coupled to panel 10 with a bonding agent (e.g. an adhesive or the like), may be fastened to panel 10, etc. In some embodiments device 11 is at least partially recessed within panel 10.

[0034] In some cases prior to installing a device 11 one or more access points to cavity (or cavities) 15 is made. For example, a technician may drill holes to access a cavity 15. In some cases such access points are pre-fabricated (i.e. the access points are made as part of the manufacturing of panel 10 prior to panel 10 being shipped). In some cases device 11 is pre-installed in panel 10 (i.e. device 11 is installed at a manufacturing facility and panel 10 is shipped with device 11 already installed).

[0035] Cementitious layer 16 is preferably directly coupled to core 12. For example, cementitious layer 16 may be wet-bonded to surfaces of core 12.

[0036] Seams or interfaces between cementitious layer 16 and core 12 may be sealed to prevent ingress of fluids (and/or pests) from entering panel 10 through the seams or interfaces. In some embodiments the seams or interfaces are sealed with a commercially available weatherproofing material.

[0037] In some embodiments cementitious layer 16 is physically coupled to elements of structure 13. For example, a reinforcing mesh (e.g. welded wire mesh, fiberglass reinforcing mesh, etc.), forming pins, and/or the like may be coupled to columns 14A and 14B. The reinforcing mesh may be coupled to columns 14A and 14B using fasteners, may be welded to columns 14A and 14B, etc. Cementitious layer 16 may be poured over the reinforcing mesh thereby embedding the reinforcing mesh within cementitious layer 16 and coupling cementitious layer 16 to structure 13.

[0038] Cementitious layer 16 is typically made of a cementitious material having a high thermal resistance. For example, cementitious layer 16 may be made of a cementitious layer that can last at least about 2 hours at about 1800 degrees Fahrenheit without disintegrating to a point that core 12 becomes exposed. In some embodiments cementitious layer 16 has a density in the range of about 5 to about 35 megapascals (MPa). In some embodiments cementitious layer 16 has a density in the range of about 35 to about 90 MPa. In some embodiments cementitious layer 16 has a density in the range of about 90 to about 200 MPa.

[0039] Optionally, panel 10 may comprise one or more reinforcing members 17 embedded within cementitious layer 16. Advantageously, reinforcing members 17 may increase structural strength of cementitious layer 16, prevent cracking of cementitious layer 16 and/or the like. Although Figure 3C shows reinforcing members 17 embedded within cementitious layer 16, reinforcing members 16 may be partially embedded within cementitious layer 16 and partially embedded within insulative core 12. Additionally, or alternatively, reinforcing members 17 need not extend throughout all of cementitious layer 16.

[0040] Reinforcing members 17 may be made of:

• expanded metal mesh (EMM);

• welded wire mesh (WMM);

• fiberglass mesh;

• basalt mesh and/or rebar;

• carbon fiber mesh and/or rebar;

• carbon nanotubes;

• Kevlar;

• steel and/or stainless steel rebar;

• etc.

[0041] In some embodiments reinforcing members 17 comprise a plurality of fibers. For example, reinforcing members 17 may comprise a plurality of polymer fibers, a plurality of fiberglass fibers, a plurality of basalt fibers, a plurality of carbon fiber fibers and/or the like. The plurality of fibers may be mixed into the cementitious material of cementitious layer 16 prior to cementitious layer 16 being poured, while cementitious layer 16 is being poured and/or while cementitious layer 16 is setting.

[0042] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an example structure 13 comprising columns 14A and 14B. A base of columns 14A and 14B may, for example, be coupled directly to a ground surface (e.g. by fastening the bases of columns 14A and 14B to the ground surface, etc.). In some embodiments structure 13 comprises a base plate 21 which extends along a base of panel 10. In such embodiments panel 10 may be installed by coupling base plate 21 to a ground surface (e.g. by fastening base plate 21 to the ground surface, etc.). Columns 14A and 14B may, for example, be welded to base plate 21.

[0043] In some embodiments elements are inserted into the ground surface where panel 10 will be installed. For example, two screw piles (e.g. about 6 to 20 feet long) may be installed into the ground. Figure 1 B illustrates an example screw pile 19. As shown in Figure 1 B, screw pile 19 may comprise threads 19A. The screw piles may be made of steel or another electrically conductive material (not necessary). If the screw piles are electrically conductive, the screw piles may advantageously electrically ground panel 10 as described elsewhere herein. Screw piles 19 may be designed for a specific soil condition (or conditions) and/or characteristic(s) present where a panel 10 will be installed. For example, length, diameter, threads 19A and/or the like may be varied based on conditions or characteristics of the site where a panel 10 is to be installed. Figure 1 C schematically illustrates example panel 10 coupled to a pair of screw piles 19. In some cases screw piles 19 are interchangeable with other types of piles.

[0044] In some embodiments columns 14A and 14B may each be coupled directly to a corresponding screw pile 19 to install panel 10 (see e.g. Figure 1 C). In some embodiments base plate 21 is coupled to screw piles 19 (or other elements inserted into the ground) to install panel 10. In some embodiments a plate 22 is coupled to screw piles 19 (or other elements inserted into the ground) (e.g. by welding plate 22 to screw piles 19). Columns 14A and 14B or base plate 21 may be coupled to plate 22 to install panel 10 (e.g. using fasteners, by welding, etc.).

[0045] Dimensions and/or characteristics of screw piles 19 or threads 19A may be varied depending on parameters of a panel 10 (e.g. dimensions, weight, etc.) as well as anticipated forces panel 10 may need to withstand (e.g. shear wind forces, repeated vehicular impacts, etc.).

[0046] Plates 21 and/or 22 may advantageously level panel 10 relative to the ground surface.

[0047] In some embodiments structure 13 (or panel 10 more generally) is coupled to a foundation (e.g. a cast foundation, etc.) to install panel 10 at a site. In some embodiments structure 13 (or panel 10 more generally) is coupled to a floating slab, strip footing and/or the like. In some embodiments panel 10 is installed elevated relative to the ground surface (e.g. a bottom surface of panel 10 is raised above the ground surface). Installing panel 10 elevated relative to the ground surface may, for example, simplify installation by improving access to coupling points at the base of panel 10 (e.g. welding points, fastening points, etc.), protect panel 10 from pooling water, etc.

[0048] In some embodiments structure 13 additionally, or alternatively, comprises a top plate 23 coupled to top ends of columns 14A and 14B. Panel 10 may be lifted by, for example, coupling hoisting points to top plate 23. In some cases, panel 10 is lifted by coupling hoisting points to columns 14A and/or 14B directly.

[0049] Plates 21 , 22 and/or 23 may be made of steel or similar metal and/or metal alloy. In some embodiments plates 21 , 22 and/or 23 are made of about % inch thick steel. In some embodiments plates 21 , 22 and/or 23 are made of fiberglass, carbon fiber, polycarbonate and/or the like.

[0050] In currently preferred embodiments plates 21 , 22 and/or 23 comprise apertures 24. Apertures 24 advantageously may allow for access to one or more cavities 15.

[0051] In some embodiments one or more of plates 21 , 22 and/or 23 are replaced with a cementitious element. The cementitious element may comprise one or more apertures 24 allowing for access to one or more cavities 15. In some embodiments a cementitious element is cast over one or both of the top and/or bottom surface of panel 10. Additionally, or alternatively, the cementitious element may extend longitudinally into core 12 of panel 10. The cementitious element may have a higher structural strength than cementitious layer 16. In some embodiments cementitious layer 16 at least partially covers the top and/or bottom surface of panel 10. In some embodiments structural anchor points may be embedded into the cementitious element. The anchor point may be used to hoist panel 10, mount a device 11 to panel 10, mount one or more additional elements to panel 10 and/or the like.

[0052] Aperture(s) 24 may be covered and/or sealed to prevent ingress of fluid, pests, etc. In some embodiments aperture(s) 24 are covered with a removable cover and or sealed with a removable and/or re-sealable seal.

[0053] Core 12 may extend along an entire vertical length of panel 10 (e.g. extend between base plate 21 and top plate 23). However this is not necessary in all cases. In some embodiments core 12 and cementitious layer 16 extend only along a portion (e.g. 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, etc.) of the vertical length of panel 10. In some such embodiments a removable and replaceable section extends along the remaining portion of the vertical length. The removable and replaceable section may extend along a portion of panel 10 which has a high likelihood of being damaged (e.g. due to being hit by vehicles, etc.). The removable and replaceable section may also structurally reinforce panel 10 (i.e. increases structural strength of panel 10). In some embodiments removing elements of the removable and replaceable section facilitates access to a coupling of panel 10’ to the ground or any other coupling or fastener within the interior of panel 10’.

[0054] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an example panel 10’ comprising an example removable and replaceable section 30. Figures 3B and 3C illustrate cutaway perspective views of example panel 10’. Panel 10’ may comprise any feature or characteristic described herein with respect to panel 10. Panels 10 and 10’ may be interchanged.

[0055] Removable and replaceable section 30 may comprise sheets 32 which are removably coupled to structure 13. For example, section 30 may comprise two sheets 32 which are removably coupled to structure 13 (e.g. to columns 14A and 14B). Sheets 32 may, for example, be coupled to structure 13 (e.g. columns 14A and 14B) in a clamshell manner. Sheets 32 may have bent edges in order to also cover side edges of panel 10’. Edges of sheets 32 may optionally comprise interlocking members which engage one another once the two sheets are coupled together (see e.g. Figure 3A). Removable fasteners may couple the two sheets together. In some embodiments the removable fasteners extend into columns 14A and/or 14B thereby coupling sheets 32 to structure 13. In some embodiments sheets 32 are made of steel. In some embodiments sheets 32 are made at least partially from the cementitious material described herein, fiberglass, carbon fiber, polycarbonate, a metal alloy and/or the like. In some embodiments sheets 32 are separate from one another. In some embodiments sheets 32 are coupled together at one end with a hinge. In some embodiments outer surfaces of sheets 32 are flush with outer surfaces of other portions of panel 10’.

[0056] In some embodiments removable and replaceable section 30 may be like a crush zone described in US provisional patent application No. 63/263492 filed on 3 November 2021 and titled MODULAR EXPANDABLE OUTDOOR BUSWAY SYSTEM.

[0057] As described elsewhere herein, removing at least one of sheets 32 may facilitate access to a base of panel 10’, a coupling of panel 10’ to the ground, etc.

[0058] Columns 14A and 14B (or other structural elements of structure 13) may comprise a plurality of brackets 33 (see e.g. Figure 2). A sheet 32 may, for example, be at least partially coupled to panel 10’ by coupling sheet 32 to one or more brackets 33 (e.g. by fastening sheet 32 to bracket 33). Additionally, or alternatively, brackets 33 may advantageously at least partially prevent inward movement of sheets 32 relative to panel 10’. In some embodiments outward surfaces of brackets 33 are flush with inner surfaces of sheets 32. In some embodiments brackets 33 are dimensioned (i.e. extend outwardly from columns 14A and 14B by an amount) such that outer sides of sheets 32 are flush with remaining portions of panel 10’.

[0059] In some embodiments a seal (or a plurality of seals) is positioned between removable and replaceable section 30 and core 12 and/or cementitious layer 16. The seal may prevent ingress of fluids, pests, etc. In some embodiments the seal comprises a sealing gasket (e.g. foam gasket, rubber gasket, etc.), a sealing material (e.g. a caulking type sealant) and/or the like. In some embodiments the seal comprises one or more flashing elements or the like. The flashing elements may, for example, direct fluids away from an interface between removable section 30 and the rest of panel 10’.

[0060] In an example case a panel 10 is about 170 inches high, 44 inches wide and 12 inches deep. In such example case removable and replaceable section 30 of panel 10’ may extend vertically about 36 inches from the bottom of panel 10’. Core 12 and cementitious layer 16 may extend vertically for the remaining 134 inches approximately.

[0061] To prevent inadvertent electrical shocking hazards (e.g. due to a short circuit, etc.) panel 10 (or panel 10’) may be electrically grounded. In some embodiments any electrical device 11 or electrical conductive element is grounded to structure 13.

Structure 13 may be grounded through its coupling to the ground surface (e.g. via metal fasteners, plates 21 and/or 22, the screw piles inserted into the ground (e.g. screw piles 19), etc.). In some embodiments structure 13 and/or device 11 is grounded to a ground connection of an input electrical power source (e.g. through the main service distribution system). In some embodiments a grounding rod electrically coupled to structure 13 and inserted into the ground surface proximate panel 10 electrically grounds panel 10.

[0062] In some embodiments a service is supplied to the main service distribution system via a service conduit running through a cavity 15 of panel 10. For example, a service conduit running through a cavity 15 of panel 10 may couple a solar panel supported by panel 10 to a main electrical power distribution system.

[0063] In some cases panel 10 (or a plurality of panels 10) may be coupled into an exterior wall of a building. For example, a panel 10 may form a part of an exterior wall of a single story commercial building facilitating customer access to a service (e.g. use of device 11 ). In some such cases panel 10 may only comprise an exterior portion of removable and replaceable section 30. For example, such panel 10 may only comprise one replaceable sheet 32 (i.e. the exterior side sheet 32). The interior portion of removable and replaceable section 30 (e.g. the interior side sheet 32) may be replaced with core 12 and cementitious layer 16. In some embodiments panel 10 is coupled to a structure of the building.

[0064] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example method 50 for manufacturing a panel 10.

[0065] In block 51 a core of panel 10 is prepared (e.g. core 12). For example, cavities 15 and/or other features may be manufactured into core 12. Features may be manufactured into core 12 using a computer-aided-machining process.

[0066] In block 52 a structure (e.g. structure 13) is prepared (e.g. plates 21 and 23 may be coupled to columns 14A and 14B). In some embodiments the structure is at least partially cast within core 12.

[0067] Core 12 and structure 13 may be coupled together in block 53. In some embodiments core 12 and structure 13 are adhered together. As described elsewhere herein, core 12 may comprise a plurality of pieces. In such cases, the plurality of pieces may be coupled together and to structure 13. In some such cases core 12 comprises two mirroring pieces which enclose structure 13. As described elsewhere herein, in some embodiments the structure is at least partially cast within core 12.

[0068] To facilitate coupling of elements to panel 10, panel 10 may be rotated (or pivoted) during the manufacturing process. In some embodiments panel 10 is rotated (or pivoted) about structure 13. For example, plates 21 and 23 of panel 10 may be coupled to a pivotable work bench which allows for rotating (or pivoting) of panel 10 about structure 13.

[0069] Optional reinforcing members (e.g. reinforcing members 17) may be coupled to core 12 and/or structure 13 in block 54.

[0070] In block 55 a cementitious layer (e.g. cementitious layer 16) is cast over core 12 and/or structure 13. Block 55 may, for example, use a casting form to cast the cementitious layer. In some cases a first side of the panel is cast (e.g. the back or front side of panel 10). Once the cementitious layer sets sufficiently, the opposing side may be cast. In some cases a casting form permits for simultaneous casting of the cementitious layer on all sides of panel 10. The cementitious material may advantageously have a high flow rate permitting a high flow rate casting method to be performed.

[0071] In some embodiments cementitious coverings for a plurality of cores 12 may be cast simultaneously (e.g. the plurality of cores 12 may be positioned vertically in a set arrangement and the cementitious material may be simultaneously cast over the plurality of cores 12).

[0072] As described elsewhere herein, access points to one or more cavities 15 may be pre-fabricated. In such embodiments the access points may be plugged prior to poring the cementitious material during manufacturing of panel 10 to avoid casting the cementitious material over the access points.

[0073] In some embodiments panel 10 comprises one or more sensors configured to provide user feedback. For example, a proximity sensor may sense the position of a user vehicle relative to panel 10 and guide the vehicle to an appropriate parking position relative to panel 10.

[0074] In some embodiments one or more light sources are embedded into panel 10. The one or more light sources may be configured to illuminate an area surrounding panel 10.

[0075] In some embodiments network devices (e.g. wifi transmitters, receivers, transceivers; cellular transmitters, receivers, transceivers; etc.) may be installed within a panel 10. Such network devices may provide a user with network access while proximate to panel 10. Such network devices may be a device 11 or may be in addition to a device 11 .

Interpretation of Terms

[0076] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims:

• “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”;

• “connected”, “coupled”, or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling or connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof;

• “herein”, “above”, “below”, and words of similar import, when used to describe this specification, shall refer to this specification as a whole, and not to any particular portions of this specification;

• “or”, in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list;

• the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” also include the meaning of any appropriate plural forms.

[0077] Words that indicate directions such as “vertical”, “transverse”, “horizontal”, “upward”, “downward”, “forward”, “backward”, “inward”, “outward”, “left”, “right”, “front”, “back”, “top”, “bottom”, “below”, “above”, “under”, and the like, used in this description and any accompanying claims (where present), depend on the specific orientation of the apparatus described and illustrated. The subject matter described herein may assume various alternative orientations. Accordingly, these directional terms are not strictly defined and should not be interpreted narrowly.

[0078] For example, while processes or blocks are presented in a given order, alternative examples may perform routines having steps, or employ systems having blocks, in a different order, and some processes or blocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified to provide alternative or subcombinations. Each of these processes or blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, while processes or blocks are at times shown as being performed in series, these processes or blocks may instead be performed in parallel, or may be performed at different times.

[0079] In addition, while elements are at times shown as being performed sequentially, they may instead be performed simultaneously or in different sequences. It is therefore intended that the following claims are interpreted to include all such variations as are within their intended scope.

[0080] Specific examples of systems, methods and apparatus have been described herein for purposes of illustration. These are only examples. The technology provided herein can be applied to systems other than the example systems described above. Many alterations, modifications, additions, omissions, and permutations are possible within the practice of this invention. This invention includes variations on described embodiments that would be apparent to the skilled addressee, including variations obtained by: replacing features, elements and/or acts with equivalent features, elements and/or acts; mixing and matching of features, elements and/or acts from different embodiments; combining features, elements and/or acts from embodiments as described herein with features, elements and/or acts of other technology; and/or omitting combining features, elements and/or acts from described embodiments.

[0081] Various features are described herein as being present in “some embodiments”. Such features are not mandatory and may not be present in all embodiments. Embodiments of the invention may include zero, any one or any combination of two or more of such features. This is limited only to the extent that certain ones of such features are incompatible with other ones of such features in the sense that it would be impossible for a person of ordinary skill in the art to construct a practical embodiment that combines such incompatible features. Consequently, the description that “some embodiments” possess feature A and “some embodiments” possess feature B should be interpreted as an express indication that the inventors also contemplate embodiments which combine features A and B (unless the description states otherwise or features A and B are fundamentally incompatible).

[0082] It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions, omissions, and sub-combinations as may reasonably be inferred. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.