Awning Head Rod Patents (Class 248/273)
  • Patent number: 4488206
    Abstract: A plurality of plastic fastener members each provided with a fixing part, a resilient piece, and an engaging face are attached fast to the side walls of the lamp housing for an automobile. When the lamp housing is inserted into an insertion hole formed in advance in the body panel of the automobile, the engaging faces of the fastener members come into fast engagement with the rear side of the edge of the insertion hole. Thus, the lamp housing is safely fastened to the automobile body by one action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1984
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Akira Mizusawa
  • Patent number: 4461938
    Abstract: A rectangular switch case has integrally attached resilient wings adjacent its four corners and each wing has an upper free end portion with mutually perpendicular side and end surfaces which define seriated steps for engaging the opposed sides or ends of various size openings in panels of various thicknesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1984
    Assignee: Carlingswitch, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard W. Sorenson
  • Patent number: 4458552
    Abstract: A motion transmitting remote control assembly (10) of the type for transmitting forces along a curved path by a motion transmitting core element includes a conduit (14), a motion transmitting core element (12) movably supported by the conduit (14), and a support fitting (16) for supporting the conduit (14) through an aperture (18) of a support structure (20). The support fitting (16) includes a body portion (22) and an integral radially extending abutment (24) extending from the body portion (22) for abutting one extremity of the aperture (18). The support fitting (16) further includes a second integral abutment comprising a pair of stubs (26) extending from the body portion (22) and formed by the body portion having had a pair of legs (28) extending therefrom broken off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1984
    Assignee: Teleflex Incorporated
    Inventors: Arthur L. Spease, William G. Bennett, Thomas J. Frankhouse
  • Patent number: 4451720
    Abstract: Electric devices, like control and signal devices, in particular cam switches are mounted individually or in rows adjacent to each other and/or superimposed with respect to each other in bores of a mounting plate.In order to provide a device which is very simply constructed, simple to manipulate and which is usable for different embodiments of devices and lengths of devices it is suggested that a coupling plate with a spring clip is mounted on the front end of the device facing the mounting plate, and that an insert housing is provided which can be inserted from the outside through a bore and which is provided with a retaining device cooperating with the edge of the bore, and including actuating means cooperating with the spring of the coupling plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1984
    Assignee: Starkstrom Gummersbach GmbH
    Inventor: Bernd Ludwig
  • Patent number: 4448376
    Abstract: A holder (1) with a cylindrical housing (4) for an electrical component is arranged to be secured to a mounting panel of thickness (d) by pushing the housing through an opening in the panel until a flange (3) engages the panel. The housing is surrounded by a clamping collar (6) providing groups of strip springs (8) of different length. The springs are provided with oblique end edges (7) and are twisted outwardly so as to center the holder in the mounting panel opening and to engage the back of the panel around the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1984
    Assignee: Wickmann-Werke AG
    Inventor: Martin Behrendt
  • Patent number: 4447106
    Abstract: A modular jack suitable for mounting in a punched hole in a panel board. The jack has a rear end that fits into the hole and a front face that does not pass through the hole. The jack is held in place with a lock nut affixed to the rear end of the jack at a position flush with the panel. Flexible locking ears on the locking nut frictionally engage the jack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1984
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Timothy W. Houtz, Paul R. Jagen
  • Patent number: 4434537
    Abstract: A latching mechanism for latching the front plate of a circuit board module to the circuit board module rack effected by merely inserting the module in the rack. The mechanism includes a resilient tab having a prong with a tapered head. The prong mates with an aperture of a mount on the rack such that at full insertion of the module the head engages the mount through the aperture thus precluding withdrawal of the module from the rack. Depressing the resilient tab allows withdrawal of the prong from the mount through the aperture to unlatch the mechanism and permit withdrawal of the module from the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1984
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Thomas R. Bean, Edward F. Stockmaster, George S. Whaley
  • Patent number: 4434339
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mounting frame equipped with a decorative plate, for mounting a switch or the like. The mounting frame includes a decorative plate having a through-hole formed thereon so as to mate with a sleeve which is step-wise formed at the upper portion of a switch, a pilot lamp or the like, and leg portions vertically suspended from the lower end portions on both sides of the decorative plate. When the sleeve is fitted into the through-hole while the inner side surfaces of the leg portions or a bridge interconnecting the lower portions of both leg portions are anchored to the corresponding outer side surfaces of the switch, the pilot lamp or the like, the switch, the pilot lamp or the like can be mounted to, and dismounted from, the mounting frame in one-touch operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1984
    Assignee: Nihon Kaiheiki Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shigeo Ohashi
  • Patent number: 4408914
    Abstract: A printer ribbon cartridge mounting assembly includes a printer cartridge having a resilient cantilevered tab with a stepped surface which is arranged to push against a portion of a mounting bracket. The bracket also has an opening which accommodates a portion of the stepped surface, thereby locking the cartridge in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1983
    Assignee: Teletype Corporation
    Inventors: Allen R. Ciesiel, Richard E. LaSpesa, Ruperto B. Zolavvar
  • Patent number: 4398073
    Abstract: A fastening device which permits snap-in assembly of a switch to a panel or receiving member includes a resilient latching member connected to the switch housing and adapted to engage a shoulder of the receiving member. A second resilient member serves to urge the resilient latching member into contact with the shoulder. In one embodiment of the invention, the switch housing is inserted into a receiving portion of a control panel and a connector carries at least one resilient latching member adapted to engage a shoulder on the receiving portion. In this embodiment, the connector and panel cooperate to retain the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1983
    Assignee: ITT Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jakob Botz, Rolf Feger, Erich Mutschler, Hubert Spazierer, Adam Weber
  • Patent number: 4394054
    Abstract: A hook-type connection for the play-free connection of two parts. A first part comprises a hook with wings which engage an edge which is formed on an abutment on a second part. In the assembled condition, the wings are pivoted about the longitudinal axis of the shank of the hook, so that the hook is subjected to a torsional load. A hook-type connection of this kind offers optimum freedom of design for the different manufacturing tolerances of the parts and the hook-type connection occuring during practice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1983
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Gerrit Nieboer
  • Patent number: 4378099
    Abstract: An outer escutcheon fixing structure for car stereo etc. which is characterized by channel-shaped fixing members fitted to the front face of an escutcheon body for a car stereo etc. through an instrument panel of a car and horizontal members on an outer escutcheon member defining spaces for receiving tip ends of the respective channel-shaped fixing members. Either the channel-shaped fixing members or the horizontal members are imparted with resiliency in the vertical direction, so that the channel-shaped fixing members are resiliently engaged with the horizontal members to fix the outer escutcheon member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1983
    Assignee: Clarion Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuo Ikeda, Shoji Ariga
  • Patent number: 4365280
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an escutcheon for concealing a relatively expensive electronic apparatus, particularly magnetic tape players disposed in automobiles and the like. The escutcheon includes a face plate having indicia disposed on a front face thereof suggestive of a relatively inexpensive AM radio. The escutcheon includes means insertable into a receptacle provided for receiving magnetic tape magazines for firmly anchoring the escutcheon onto the magnetic tape player. The escutcheon disguises the appearance of an expensive electronic apparatus as an inexpensive radio to conceal its identity so as to thwart thieves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1982
    Assignee: Bicro, Incorporated
    Inventors: Stephen M. Crosetti, Michael A. Crosetti
  • Patent number: 4327264
    Abstract: A fastening device which permits snap-in assembly of a switch to a panel or receiving member includes a resilient latching member connected to the switch housing and adapted to engage a shoulder of the receiving member. A second resilient member serves to urge the resilient latching member into contact with the shoulder. In one embodiment of the invention, the switch housing is inserted into a receiving portion of a control panel and a connector carries at least one resilient latching member adapted to engage a shoulder on the receiving portion. In this embodiment, the connector and panel cooperate to retain the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1982
    Assignee: ITT Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jakob Botz, Rolf Feger, Erich Mutschler, Hubert Spazierer, Adam Weber
  • Patent number: 4325525
    Abstract: A mounting member for an actuator that is adapted to have the front portion thereof inserted into an opening in a support panel and to be secured thereto by a plurality of spring arms integrally formed with the mounting member. The rear portion of the mounting member is formed with a plurality of cantilevered sections which allow the actuator to be inserted into the mounting member at the rear portion thereof and serve to maintain the actuator within the mounting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1982
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: John E. Iafret
  • Patent number: 4313584
    Abstract: A structure for mounting a meter includes an instrument panel having a wall recessed on the instrument panel, a meter inserted in the recessed wall through the opening of the instrument panel, means for supporting the meter on the bottom of the recessed wall, the supporting means including a first projection formed on the bottom of the meter, the first projection being in contact with the bottom of the recessed wall, means for positioning the meter at the front portion of the recessed wall, and means for locking the meter in the recessed wall at the top thereof, the locking means including a second projection provided on the top of the meter and an engaging member which can be resiliently deformed when the meter becomes engaged with or disengaged from the second projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1982
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Company, Limited
    Inventor: Yukio Fukunaga
  • Patent number: 4304148
    Abstract: An all plastic retaining member for fixing an annular cable housing sheath member relative to an apertured workpiece. The basic portions include a stud portion having at least three axially and radially extending leg elements which are connected at one end to a cylindrical body portion having protuberance or shouldered rib means at the opposite end thereof. The opposite end is insert molded in a head portion which is adapted to overlie the apertured workpiece and fixedly accept such sheet member with said stud leg elements engaging the margins of said aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1981
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Denver C. Hamman
  • Patent number: 4300248
    Abstract: A soap dish liner is inserted with snap-type engagement into a bathroom fixture soap dish recess which is integrally built into a bathroom wall that is located adjacent to a bathtub and/or shower area. The liner has wall portions which shield the soap in its interior soap compartment from water, thereby preventing soap dissolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1981
    Inventor: Eugene Dworkin
  • Patent number: 4241972
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly for mounting an electrical connector to an associated apertured panel board, the electrical connector having a pair of outwardly extending flanges at opposite ends thereof, and the assembly including a pair of connector clips for releasably securing the connector to the panel. Each clip comprises a body member having first and second spaced-apart engagement surfaces disposed in facing relationship to define a mounting slot therebetween, the body member being received through the aperture in the panel so that the engagement surfaces extend along the inner and outer surfaces of the panel to grip the panel therebetween. The body member has a mounting surface spaced from the first engagement surface to receive and hold one of the flanges on the electrical connector, and has spaced-apart abutment shoulders to limit movement of the connector in a predetermined direction. Retaining fingers are carried by the abutment shoulders for snap-in retention of the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1980
    Assignee: Bunker Ramo Corporation
    Inventor: George E. Ayer
  • Patent number: 4235502
    Abstract: A molded latching device is disclosed which, along with a similar latching device, is intended for assembly to a rearward corner of a connector housing thereby to provide latching means on the housing for latching the housing to an opening in a panel. The latching device comprises an L-shaped member having first and second arms. The arms have first and second internal surfaces which define a pocket dimensioned to receive a rearward corner of the connector housing. Attaching means are provided on the first arm for attaching the latching device to the housing and a flexible latch arm extends parallel to the second arm for engagement with the surface of the panel. The second arm has bearing surfaces at its free end for engagement with surface portions of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1980
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard L. Marks, Charles H. Weidler
  • Patent number: 4227594
    Abstract: A brake assembly includes a backing plate, a pair of brake shoes slidably mounted on the backing plate, and a wheel cylinder supported on the backing plate between contiguous ends of the shoes. A retaining clip attaches the wheel cylinder to the backing plate. The retaining clip includes a base and a pair of opposed tabs extending from the base. One portion of each tab resiliently and releasably attaches the clip to the backing plate. Another portion of each tab projects into a recess in the wheel cylinder to resiliently and releasably retain the wheel cylinder in a mounted position on the backing plate. The clip and the wheel cylinder are capable of being attached to the backing plate from the same side of the backing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1980
    Assignee: The Bendix Corporation
    Inventor: Michael A. Kluger
  • Patent number: 4220808
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a unique device for mounting electrical apparatus to a wall panel, wherein the device includes a main body portion having a cavity for holding components of the electrical apparatus and a pillar-shaped portion attached to the main body portion and extending through an opening in the wall panel. A free end of the pillar-shaped portion includes a plurality of outwardly protruding steps which overlap the wall panel, with a first set of the steps having a first axial length and a second set of the steps having a second, shorter axial length. A biasing member extends between the main body portion and the wall panel and biases the wall panel into contact with only the first set of steps, creating a gap between the wall panel and the second set of steps. A cover member surrounds the free end of the pillar-shaped portion and extends into the gap, with the second set of steps biasing the cover into contact with the wall panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1980
    Assignee: Izumi Denki Corporation
    Inventor: Teizo Fujita
  • Patent number: 4219172
    Abstract: A holder comprises a leading portion adapted to retain in position thereon an electronic/electric part, a base portion adapted to be secured to a distributing base panel and a shank portion serving to interconnect the leading portion with the base portion and having a hole pierced therethrough for guiding the lead wire of the electronic/electric part to the lower side of the base portion. The holder permits a given electronic/electric part which is set in position on the leading portion to be securely retained at a distance from the distributing base panel, with the base portion fastened to the base panel and the lead wire of the part passed through the hole and connected to the prescribed point of connection on the base panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1980
    Assignee: Nifco, Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroo Murayama
  • Patent number: 4211905
    Abstract: A rectangular slide switch housing has a top wall with a longitudinal slot in it, the wall being provided with integral tabs projecting lengthwise from its opposite ends. Inside the housing is a contact-actuating slide provided with a button projecting out through the slot and movable lengthwise thereof. A switch holder for mounting the switch in a rectangular opening in a panel includes a face plate overlying the top wall of the switch and projecting laterally from the sides and ends of the housing. The plate is provided with a longitudinal slot, through which the slide button extends, and with a pair of laterally spaced resilient legs extending downwardly at each end of the housing, the upper ends of the legs being joined to the plate close to the ends of the housing but spaced inwardly from the ends of the plate. Each leg has an intermediate shoulder underlying the adjoining end of the switch for holding it against the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1980
    Assignee: Stackpole Components Company
    Inventor: Thomas J. Quigley
  • Patent number: 4209154
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for securing a substantially rigid housing containing an apparatus such as a readable instrument in a receiving wall. The device includes a mounting frame with resiliently movable locking tongues projecting in opposite directions from a wall of the frame. One set of locking tongues, in cooperation with an abutment shoulder of the frame serves to lock the frame with respect to the receiving wall. Another set of locking tongues, in cooperation with another abutment surface serves to lock the instrument housing in the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1980
    Inventor: Karl Hehl
  • Patent number: 4208558
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an electrical switch in a cut-out of a switch board comprises a support ring between the switch body and the rear side of the switch board, the support ring surrounding the axially extending switch grip and having claws arranged for engagement with the cut-out at the front side of the switch board. An axially biased housing is mounted between the support ring and the rear side of the switch board, with springs pressing a circumferential portion of the housing against the rear side of the switch board. A coupling ring between the support ring and the switch grip has a radially outwardly directed groove in engagement with a radially inwardly directed rib on the support ring whereby the coupling ring is held against axial movement by the support ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1980
    Assignee: Hubert Laurenz Naimer
    Inventor: Gottfried Alsch
  • Patent number: 4202640
    Abstract: A keyboard assembly includes a U-shaped carrier member and a plurality of key members connected thereon by resiliently yieldable legs having detent portions which engage cooperating recesses provided in the bottom wall of the U-shaped carrier member with snap action. Each key member has an upper and a lower housing port which are snap-fastened to each other, and an actuating shaft axially movable to energize an electrical component mounted below the carrier member. A locking member is also provided to lock the shaft in a down actuating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1980
    Assignee: Kienzle Apparate GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Schmidt, Walter Strobel, Gunter Treude, Paul Blaser
  • Patent number: 4185516
    Abstract: A motion transmitting control has an outer flexible conduit and an inner operating member reciprocable within the conduit. Attached to one end of the conduit is an end fitting having an externally threaded portion that fits through an aperture in a mounting plate. An overload safety fastener, that secures the end fitting within the mounting plate aperture, has a pair of stops threadedly mounted for axial movement upon the externally threaded portion of the end fitting to provide support for the end fitting on opposite sides of the mounting plate. Resilient means, positioned about the end fitting, extend axially thereof between one of the stops and the mounting plate. The resilient means are pre-loaded in compressive stress by the relative spacing between the stop and the mounting plate. Thus, the resilient means yieldably support the end fitting relative to the mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1980
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: Glenn M. Betlinski
  • Patent number: 4165146
    Abstract: An electrical wiring device, which may be an incandescent lamp socket, receptacle, switch, pilot light or any other wiring device intended for mounting in an opening of a metal sheet, has a mounting means of the snap-in spring type, including divergent spring arms formed with sheet engaging elements on their free ends, that have serrations adapted to engage opposed corners of the mounting opening formed in the metal sheet or plate in which the wiring device is to be supported. The serrations differ from conventional types used in springs of this type in that the portion of the spring arm in which the serrations are formed has a centrally depressed area which offsets inwardly, from the general plane of the teeth, all but the side edge portions of the portion of the spring arm in which the serrations are formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1979
    Assignee: Circle F Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles A. Snyder
  • Patent number: 4164986
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for removably fixing one element on another, by interlocking, particularly for fixing an instrument panel assembly on the dashboard of an automobile, said device comprising a clip to be fastened to a first element and a pin with a shouldered head to be fastened to a second element which is to be fixed to said first element, said clip being constituted by a frame inside which are connected two resilient lips, defining a central housing for the penetration of said pin and at least one lateral housing for receiving a member for spacing said lips apart in order to release said pin, said lip-spacing member being rotatably mounted on said frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1979
    Assignee: Automobiles Peugeot
    Inventors: Jacques Eloy, Claude Francois
  • Patent number: 4159405
    Abstract: An improved push button assembly including means for facilitating the mounting of the push button assembly to a mounting panel through an opening therein and from the front side thereof. The mounting means is comprised of first and second substantially flat resilient members. Each member has one end thereof fixed to respective opposite sides of the push button housing and another end thereof extending toward the front of the push button and biased away from the plane of the respective adjacent side of the housing. Each of the first and second members has a plurality of fingers forming the other end, wherein the plurality of fingers include a pair of end fingers and additional fingers intermediate the end fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1979
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William Semonchik, Arthur H. Unwin
  • Patent number: 4158244
    Abstract: A pool liner retainer is disclosed for holding or retaining the top peripheral edge portion or liner bead of a watertight pool liner, such as is used in swimming pool construction. The liner retainer includes an elongate retaining element defining a holding channel for accommodating the liner bead, a longitudinal outward slot communicating with the holding channel, and a longitudinal hinge channel located adjacent to the slot. An elongate closing element depends from the hinge channel to partially close the slot to retain the liner bead therebehind. The closing element is hinged for transverse inward movement to open the slot for insertion of the liner bead, and is biased for transverse outward movement to close the slot. Stop means are provided for preventing outward movement of the closing element into the slot by outward movement of the liner bead located in the holding channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1979
    Assignee: Timerax Holdings Ltd.
    Inventor: Gunter Stefan
  • Patent number: 4154498
    Abstract: An electrical connector which can be mounted on a panel. The connector includes a self contained locking mechanism with a pair of integrally molded resilient arms that are spaced from the body of the connector by hinges and which are designed to oppose a shoulder disposed around the perimeter of the face of the connector and to grip the panel for a secure fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1979
    Assignee: Alden Research Foundation
    Inventors: Theodore H. Wood, Robert D. Leighton
  • Patent number: 4124313
    Abstract: A keyboard assembly includes a U-shaped carrier member and a plurality of key members connected thereon by resiliently yieldable legs having detent portions which engage cooperating recesses provided in the bottom wall of the U-shaped carrier member with snap action. Each key member has an upper and a lower housing port which are snap-fastened to each other, and an actuating shaft axially movable to energize an electrical component mounted below the carrier member. A locking member is also provided to lock the shaft in a down actuating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1978
    Assignee: Kienzle Apparate GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Schmidt, Walter Strobel, Gunter Treude, Paul Blaser
  • Patent number: 4124267
    Abstract: A mounting clip is provided which is adapted to mount an electrical connector or the like in a cutout in a mounting panel. The clips are mounted in place on the panel in pairs and securely engage end portions of a clip by a simple "snap" action without the need for tools or securing means such as screws or the like. The connector is readily disengaged from one of the clips by a simple clip-bending step effected by a tool such as a screwdriver, pen knife or the like, so as to free one connector end, whereafter the opposed connector end may be readily slid from engagement with the remaining clip without damaging the connector or the clips whereby they may be reused indefinitely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1978
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon L. Mines, Aldo J. Consiglio
  • Patent number: 4123640
    Abstract: An electrical switch includes a tubular body having a sleeve portion defining an axially extending bore and adapted for insertion into an aperture of a support such as a vehicle door framing member. An annular collar on the sleeve portion is engageable with the support to limit insertion of the sleeve portion into the support. A plunger assembly includes a plunger guide member supported within the bore and a plunger rod extending through the sleeve portion bore and the guide member. A head portion is provided on either the plunger rod or the guide member adjacent the end of the sleeve portion and is adapted to engage and cause axial collapse and radial expansion of the sleeve portion to mount the tubular body on the support. A coil compression spring encircles the plunger rod and acts to move the plunger rod axially and carry an electrical contact mounted thereon into switch closing engagement with the tubular body or the guide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1978
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: David B. Ballantyne
  • Patent number: 4109564
    Abstract: A ventilation element for mounting in a partition opening having a tubular connector having an open end for admitting air to a room, a cover for regulating the quantity and direction of incoming air, and a tubular diffuser which telescopically engages the connector and mounts the cover for adjustment toward and away from the open end of the connector. The diffuser has a cylindrical wall extending less than 360.degree. to provide a radial inlet opening between the connector and the cover. The diffuser wall is engaged with the connector by fasteners and oblique slots which effect axial movement of the diffuser when it is rotated relative to the connector whereby the diffuser may be adjusted axially relative to the connector, and the connector and diffuser together may be adjusted circumferentially in the partition opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1978
    Assignee: AB Svenska Flaktfabriken
    Inventor: Lennart Widerby
  • Patent number: 4098423
    Abstract: The invention is a multi-purpose electrical outlet box adapted for use with wall switches, plug outlet receptacles, and light fixtures, and includes a mounting bracket for attaching the assembly to a frame member of the building and a wiring box slidable within the mounting bracket, this wiring box being forwardly spring-biased in the mounting bracket but retained against the spring action, there being structure on a facia plate which releases the retaining detent to permit the wiring box to snap forward into final position, and the complete insertion of the facia plate causes the wiring box to be locked in its terminal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1978
    Inventor: Louis Marrero
  • Patent number: 4080522
    Abstract: The snap-in arrangement includes a resilient locking flange and a resilient skirt located on the outer end of and extending from the opposite sides of a bushing which extends from a switch frame mounted on a switch base of an electrical toggle switch assembly and pivotally supports a toggle lever for actuating switch contacts housed on the switch base. The locking flange, which terminates in a lip, is first inserted through a square or rectangular support panel mounting hole and is hooked over one edge of the hole. The lip abuts the front of the panel and cooperates with a ridge provided on the bushing body and adapted to abut the back of the panel to secure one side of the bushing on the panel. The switch assembly is thereafter rotated relative to the back of the panel so that the outer portion of the skirt can be squeezed through the mounting hole and the skirt thereafter returns toward an undeflected condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1976
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1978
    Assignee: Cutler-Hammer, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Schimmels
  • Patent number: 4077419
    Abstract: Awning apparatus for travel trailers, mobile homes, and the like for canopy awnings of the type having a canopy attached at a fixed rail on the vehicle and at a wind-up roller bar. The roller bar includes springs for asserting wind-up tension on the canopy at all times such that movement of the roller bar from the canopy in-use position spaced from the vehicle to a storage position adjacent the vehicle is accompanied by an automatic wind-up of the canopy around the roller bar. A four point suspension system is provided for supporting the roller bar which includes side arms engageable with respective opposite ends of the roller bar and rafter arms engageable with the roller bar at positions intermediate the ends of the roller bar. To accommodate adjustment and connection of the rafter bars, the roller bar is provided with a slot engageable with an enlarged ball end portion of the rafter bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1975
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1978
    Inventor: Phil Lux
  • Patent number: 4077693
    Abstract: A printed circuit board connector block is inserted partly through a cutout in a panel, and then locked to the panel in its inserted position. The depth to which the connector block is inserted through the cutout is determined by protrusions extending laterally from the block into interfering relationship with the panel. A sliding movement of the block in a direction parallel to the panel translates lugs which were previously inserted through the cutout into vertically interfering relationship with the panel to lock the connector block to the panels. A key is inserted into a gap between the connector block and the panel to eliminate the possibility of a sliding movement of the connector block in a direction opposite to that of the locking movement. The insertion of the key thereby latches the connector block in its mounted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1976
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1978
    Assignee: Western Electric Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Henry Christian Briel, Jr., Julius Alan Sabo
  • Patent number: 4075773
    Abstract: A device for interchangeably supporting sheets in an upright position, particularly for displaying menu cards and the like, comprises interconnected wall portions defining a socket for one or more sheets. The wall portions have mutually inclined sheet-contacting surfaces which flex an inserted sheet and increase its rigidity in the longitudinal direction of the flexure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1975
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1978
    Inventor: Oskar Daster
  • Patent number: 4063660
    Abstract: A molded, plastic, hollow electrical connection box is disclosed. To support itself in a wall panel opening, the box includes stop ears formed at each end wall corner which extend perpendicularly to the end wall. Cooperating, mediately located cam segments of trapezoidal shape originally extend diagonally outwardly in planar configuration from the box end walls. After passing the panel during box insertion installation, the cam segments are permanently, rotatably deformed into positions extending generally parallel to the box end walls. In these positions, they permanently and compressively engage the supporting wall panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1977
    Assignee: Ware Fuse Corporation
    Inventor: Gordon K. Ware
  • Patent number: 4053130
    Abstract: To permit mounting automobile radios and other accessories on support panels of different thicknesses with a single fitting element which determines the position of the accessory in an opening formed in the panel, the fitting element is formed with a front wall from which lateral wall portions extend at approximately right angles, the lateral wall portions being formed with an overlapping edge to engage around the edge of the opening in the support wall of the automobile; the accessory attached thereto is clamped to the front wall by spring elements which engage a tapered, serrated holding surface, the serrations being staggered in a direction extending between the overlapping edge and the front wall of the fitting element so that the spring elements, typically spring wires, will hold the fitting element, and hence the accessory by engagement with that serration which fits against the rear surface of the support wall of the automobile, in the light of its thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1976
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1977
    Assignee: Blaupunkt-Werke GmbH
    Inventor: Udo Birkner
  • Patent number: 4035597
    Abstract: The snap-in means includes a snap-in member carried in a recess provided in the outer end portion of a bushing which extends from a switch frame mounted on a switch base of an electrical toggle switch asembly and pivotally supports a toggle lever for actuating switch contacts housed in the switch base. The snap-in member, which is preferably molded from a synthetic plastic material, is adapted for mounting the switch assembly in a support panel mounting hole and includes a radially compressible locking flange having a lower or inner edge which engages the front side of the panel upon insertion of the outer end portion of the bushing through the panel mounting hole. The snap-in member also includes a radially extending, generally annular ridge having a bearing surface which is engageable with the backside rim of the panel mounting hole and cooperates with the locking flange to securely hold the switch assembly on the support panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1975
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1977
    Assignee: Cutler-Hammer, Inc.
    Inventor: Leonardus J. Josemans
  • Patent number: 4033663
    Abstract: A connector block and terminal assembly adapted for connecting hook-up wires of a cord set to the internal wiring of an appliance, such as clothes washer or dryer, includes an insulator block having terminal receiving cavities for insertion of terminals connected to the internal wiring, the cavities opening outwardly of the block at access apertures where screw threaded fasteners connected to the terminals may be removed to permit connection of the hook-up wires and then the screws reapplied and tightened to effect an electrical connection between the wires and terminals. A nut associated with each terminal is retained in substantial registry with a screw receiving aperture in the terminal, while the screw is removed for connection of the hook-up wires, by tang means on the terminal. Locking tang means on the block cooperate with the terminals to retain them in the block. The connector block is configured for slidable mounting on the appliance and a locking tang prevents unintentional removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1977
    Assignee: Altair Tool & Engineering Inc.
    Inventor: Willard B. McCardell
  • Patent number: 4029385
    Abstract: An electrical connector including a housing made of insulation material and a generally flat electrically conductive terminal. The housing includes a generally channel-shaped terminal receiving cavity having a support surface joining two upstanding wall portions. A pair of flexible locking fingers extend from each of the wall portions over the support surface. The terminal is insertable into the cavity by being pressed downwardly over the fingers so that the fingers resiliently move to allow the terminal to be received between the support surface and the fingers.The connector has a new and improved means for mounting the connector on a panel. The panel includes an aperture with a pair of mounting tabs formed thereon. The mounting means on the connector includes a slot to receive the ends of the tabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1977
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Eugene J. Mysiak, Allen J. Burry
  • Patent number: 4020201
    Abstract: An artificial tree, such as a Christmas tree, including two hollow trunk members sleeved together and having removable limb sockets angularly disposed in said members. A lighting system comprising wiring is arranged within the trunk members and wiring sockets are disposed within openings in the trunk members adjacent the limb sockets and retained therein by spring clip members arranged in the trunk members opposite to the wiring sockets. Limbs extend outwardly from the limb sockets whereby bulbs and wiring extending from the wiring sockets may be secured thereto. Top and bottom caps are provided on the trunk members and the latter is sleeved over a supporting base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1977
    Inventor: Jeanne Marylyn Miller
  • Patent number: 4016359
    Abstract: An insulating bushing assembly for use with electrical apparatus and adapted to be installed through an aperture in a wall thereof, characterized by an electrically insulating bushing extending through an aperture in the wall and sealed in place by an elastic gasket between the bushing and the wall on one side thereof, the bushing having an annular groove on the other side of the wall and a garter spring disposed in the groove and having a smaller portion thereof extending beyond the groove and in contact with the other side of the wall, whereby the elastic gasket is retained in fluid-tight compression between the bushing and the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1975
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1977
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corporation
    Inventor: James R. Gamble
  • Patent number: 3989343
    Abstract: An improved mounting means is disclosed for removably mounting electrical connectors and the like in openings in a panel with the mounting and dismounting taking place from either side of the panel. The mounting means can compensate for various thickness panels as well as for variations in the thickness of a panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1976
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1976
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventors: John Edward Lucius, Linn Stephen Lightner