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US-20260125949-A1 - ACCESS PANEL

US20260125949A1US 20260125949 A1US20260125949 A1US 20260125949A1US-20260125949-A1

Abstract

An access panel includes a planar sheet with a metallic inner surface designed to cover holes in walls, ceilings, or floors, allowing access to concealed infrastructure such as wiring and plumbing. It uses a magnetic attachment system that enables quick, tool-free installation, with magnets that can be adjusted around the hole's perimeter for optimal alignment and support. The magnetic attachment system eliminates the need for screws or hinges, preserving surrounding surfaces from wear or damage. With the flexibility to adjust magnet placement based on panel size and weight, this access panel is adaptable for diverse environments and offers aesthetic benefits, as it lacks visible fasteners and seamlessly blends into its surroundings.

Inventors

  • Menachem Treff

Assignees

  • MYT Enterprises LLC

Dates

Publication Date
20260507
Application Date
20251105

Claims (8)

  1. 1 . An access panel for covering a hole in a wall, ceiling, or floor, the access panel comprising: a planar sheet having a metallic inner surface; a plurality of magnets configured for selective placement around a perimeter of the hole; wherein the metallic inner surface is adapted to magnetically engage with the magnets to secure the planar sheet over the hole; wherein each magnet of the plurality of magnets is adjustable in position to provide optimal alignment and support for the planar sheet; and wherein the access panel is removable without the use of tools.
  2. 2 . The access panel of claim 1 , wherein each magnet of the plurality of magnets is secured to a clip, and wherein the clip is attachable to the perimeter of the hole.
  3. 3 . The access panel of claim 1 , wherein the number and placement of magnets are selected based on the size and weight of the planar sheet.
  4. 4 . The access panel of claim 1 , wherein the planar sheet lacks visible fasteners on its outer surface.
  5. 5 . The access panel of claim 1 , wherein the metallic inner surface is coated with a corrosion-resistant material.
  6. 6 . The access panel of claim 1 , wherein each magnet of the plurality of magnets are configured to be repositioned to accommodate holes of varying shapes and sizes.
  7. 7 . The access panel of claim 1 , wherein the planar sheet is configured to blend aesthetically with the surrounding surface.
  8. 8 . A method of installing an access panel comprising: positioning a plurality of magnets around a perimeter of a hole in a wall, ceiling, or floor; adjusting the magnets to achieve optimal alignment and support; placing a planar sheet having a metallic inner surface over the hole such that the metallic inner surface magnetically engages with the magnets; and removing the planar sheet as needed without the use of tools.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63/716,449 filed on November 5, 2024, entitled “Access Panel”, the disclosure and drawings of which are hereby incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to access panels, and more specifically, an access panel that utilizes magnetic attraction for attachment to a wall, ceiling or floor. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Access panels are practical solutions used to provide convenient access to hidden building components such as electrical wiring, plumbing, and HVAC systems without compromising the overall aesthetics of a space. Typically installed in walls, ceilings, or floors, they allow for easy maintenance and repairs by creating entry points to these concealed areas. Access panels can be formed from various material types for ensuring functionality. They are especially valuable in commercial and residential construction, reducing the need for destructive cutting or extensive remodeling when servicing critical systems. While access panels offer convenience and practicality, they can present several problems if not properly installed or maintained. One common issue is poor placement, which can hinder access rather than facilitate it, particularly if the panel is too small or located in an awkward position. Improper sealing of access panels can also lead to air or water leaks, potentially causing damage to surrounding structures. Aesthetic concerns may arise if the panels do not blend well with the design of the space, detracting from the overall appearance. Ensuring proper selection and installation is critical to minimizing these issues, which requires valuable time. Accordingly, there exists a need for an access panel which utilizes a metallic inner surface and magnetic attachment system, providing a secure, easily removable cover that simplifies installation and maintenance without compromising the structural integrity or aesthetics of surrounding surfaces. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with one form of the invention, there is provided an access panel includes a planar sheet with a metallic inner surface designed to cover holes in walls, ceilings, or floors, allowing access to concealed infrastructure such as wiring and plumbing. It uses a magnetic attachment system that enables quick, tool-free installation, with magnets that can be adjusted around the hole's perimeter for optimal alignment and support. The magnetic attachment system eliminates the need for screws or hinges, preserving surrounding surfaces from wear or damage. With the flexibility to adjust magnet placement based on panel size and weight, this access panel is adaptable for diverse environments and offers aesthetic benefits, as it lacks visible fasteners and seamlessly blends into its surroundings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a planar sheet of an access panel, according to one embodiment, covering a hole; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a plurality of magnets secured to the perimeter of a hole; and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the dual cannister foaming apparatus shown in cross-section. Like reference numerals refer to like reference parts throughout the several views of the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to the several views of the drawings, the access panel is shown and described herein, and is generally indicated as 10. The access panel 10 includes a planar sheet 12 having a metallic inner facing surface 14. The access panel 10 is intended to cover holes 100 in walls, ceilings, or floors, providing a non-intrusive yet easily removable barrier for accessing concealed infrastructure such as electrical wiring, plumbing, or HVAC components, and relies on a magnetic attachment system to secure it in place. The inner facing surface 14 of the panel 10 is made from or coated with a metallic material 16, allowing for magnetic engagement. A plurality of magnets 18 can be selectively positioned around the perimeter 102 of a hole 100, offering a flexible and tool-free installation method. According to an embodiment, the magnets 18 may each be secured to a securing device, such as a clip 20, which, in turn, may be secured to the perimeter 102 of the hole 100. The use of magnets permits adjustability and ease of installation. Users are able to affix magnets 18 around the perimeter 102 of the hole 100, adjusting their placement as necessary to achieve optimal support and alignment of the access panel 10. Once the magnets are in position, the metallic inner surface 14 of the planar sheet 12 adheres securely to them, covering the hole 100. This magnetic attachment system eliminates the need for screws, hinges, or other mechanical fasteners, which c