Patents Assigned to Arlington Industries, Inc.
  • Patent number: 7161095
    Abstract: A duplex electrical fitting having an improved arrangement on the trailing end for attaching electrical cables thereto. A connector body includes a leading opening, a midportion, two trailing openings, and a sidewall. Two open channels are provided in the sidewall on the trailing end of the connector, one open channel into each trailing opening. Each of the open channels extends from the trailing opening to the midportion of the connector body. Each of the channels includes a bridge adjacent the trailing opening which bridges each of the open channels. Each of the bridges is adapted to receive a tandem tang secured thereto. The tandem tangs include a common middle section and a leading tang and a trailing tang extending therefrom. Cable grabbing ends are provided on both the leading and trailing tangs. The leading and trailing tangs extend from outward of the connector body into the open channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7154054
    Abstract: An electrical fitting having an improved arrangement on the trailing end for attaching electrical cables thereto. A connector body includes a trailing opening and an intermediate flange. An open channel extends from the trailing opening to the intermediate flange and includes a bottom. A bridge on the connector body adjacent the trailing opening is adapted to receive a tandem tang secured thereto. The tandem tang includes a common middle section and a leading tang and a trailing tang extending therefrom. Cable grabbing ends are provided on both the leading and trailing tangs. The leading and trailing tangs extend from outward of the connector body into the open channel. The tangs are of substantial length and are cantilevered over such a distance so as to enable easy insertion of cable within the trailing opening. The open channel permits additional space for flexing of the tangs of the tandem tang to further ease insertion of cables into the fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7151219
    Abstract: A two-piece electrical box for recessing a duplex receptacle or similar electrical device within a wall. An inner box including a flange is recessed into a hole in a wall until the flange is flush with the wall. The inner box is then secured to the wall. An outer box is then secured to the inner box. A cover on the outer box provides a rainproof enclosure for the plug ends of electrical cords while they are connected to the electrical device housed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7135640
    Abstract: A prepackaged mounting assembly for securing a device, such as a ceiling fan, light fixture, or similar device to an overhead beam. The mounting assembly includes an L-shaped mounting box that includes a large side wiring cavity and an integral flange portion. A cover cooperates with the integral flange portion to provide a closure for the wiring cavity and a bottom flange for mounting a device-specific bracket thereon. The bracket includes slots therein and the integral flange portion includes downward extending alignment posts to enable easy centering of the manufacturer's bracket under the integral flange. The mounting assembly includes all hardware required to complete installation of the device including the cover, an initial fastener, and load bearing fasteners, which are all temporarily secured to the L-shaped box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John Ofcharsky, Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7117591
    Abstract: A siding block comprising an electrical junction box and a cover for mounting a light fixture to the exterior of a building. The electrical junction box includes a back wall, a front peripheral wall, and a recessed area within the back wall having one or more removable wall sections within the recessed area. One or more of the removable wall sections can be removed and an electrical cable connector inserted therein to provide strain relief attachment of an electrical cable therein. The electrical junction box includes two or more posts integral with and extending from the front peripheral wall and including fastener-accepting portions. The cover includes a central opening and a rear peripheral wall surrounding the central opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7115820
    Abstract: A recessed electrical box including a flange having a rear surface formed to fit flush against siding. An inner cavity for accepting an electrical device extends well behind the flange. A removable cover is included for closing the inner cavity from the elements. The box is easily installed by forming a hole in the siding and sliding the box therein until the rear surface of the flange contacts the siding. The closeness of fit between the rear surface of the flange and the siding enables easy and rapid sealing between the box and the siding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7109419
    Abstract: A temporary and disposable cover for an electrical box. The cover includes a faceplate, side walls, and flexible tabs projecting inwardly from the side walls. When placed upon an electrical box with a permanent cover, the indents seat behind the sidewalls of the permanent cover and hold the temporary cover thereon. While seated upon the electrical box, the temporary cover protects the permanent cover and the forward portion of the electrical box from spatter, overruns, or any other misdirected applications of stucco mud to the surface surrounding the electrical box. After the stucco has cured, the temporary cover is disposed of. The temporary cover is capable of being manufacture at a low cost per unit, thereby permitting it to be disposed of after the stucco has been cured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7098399
    Abstract: A through-wall electrical box that is capable of accommodating two wall-mounted electrical devices, one for each side of a wall. One of the electrical devices faces one direction and a second electrical device faces 180 degrees away from the first device. The electrical box includes a continuous peripheral wall having an open front side, an open rear side, and a channel therein. The front side includes a front facing surface for receiving a first electrical device in the channel. The rear side includes a rear facing surface for receiving a second electrical device in the channel. The peripheral wall has a length slightly less than the width of the structural wall thereby positioning the installed electrical devices flush or slightly less than flush with the outer surfaces of the structural wall. A fastening arrangement is included on the electrical box for securing the electrical box to the structural wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Gretz, John Ofcharsky
  • Patent number: 7087837
    Abstract: An assembly that enables easy mounting of an electrical box on an unfinished wall at a desired offset from the wall's eventual surface. The assembly includes an electrical box and a slide member. The slide member includes a flange having a rear surface, an opening therein, and arms extending rearwardly from the rear surface. The electrical box includes sidewalls having apertures therein, a front opening, a front edge, and a cavity for receiving an electrical device. The slide member is slideable with respect to the electrical box. A mounting arrangement is included on the flange for securing the slide member to the wall. A fastening and adjustment arrangement on the arms enables the box to be secured to the slide member and also enables easy adjusting of the offset of the front edge of the box from the wall surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7080859
    Abstract: A rain tight fitting for connecting electrical metal tubing to a panel. The rain tight fitting includes a tubular body having an inner bore and a rearward end. A threaded outer periphery and a seal ring seat are included on the rearward end. A seal ring is disposed against the seal ring seat and a compression ring against the seal ring. A compression nut is threaded upon the rearward end and tightened thereon to force the seal ring tightly into the seal ring seat and against the outer periphery of the metal tubing. An effective rain tight seal is formed by the close tolerances between the inner periphery of the seal ring and the outer periphery of the metal tubing and by the hardness of the seal ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Gretz, John Ofcharsky
  • Patent number: 7075004
    Abstract: An integral, one-piece low voltage/receptacle electrical outlet box includes an integral one-piece structure having a top, a bottom, opposing side walls and an internal, integral dividing wall defining low voltage and receptacle sides of the electrical box. Punchouts and apertures for the insertion of power and securing of electrical cables and the like are provided in the receptacle side and punchouts and/or openings are provided in the low voltage side for the insertion and securing of low voltage wiring/cables. Both a new construction and “old work” or retrofit version of such a device are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7064271
    Abstract: A recessed electrical box with a breakaway cover. The cover member is rotatably attached to the electrical box and will slip off the box, without any damage to the electrical box or the cover member, if an excessive force is applied to the cover member while it is in the open position. Use of the recessed electrical box positions an electrical device substantially behind the surface of any structure. One or more flanges may be included on the exterior of the electrical box to enable easy positioning with respect to the structure's exterior surface. The flanges may be removable to facilitate installation in a retrofit situation on a finished building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7060898
    Abstract: A removable plug for closing an unused cord opening on an electrical box. The cord opening is typically a U-shaped slot extending from the side of an electrical box or side of the cover member. The plug includes a main body, inner arms and outer arms that define a channel therebetween. The channel has a width slightly greater than the walls of an electrical box that it will be used in conjunction with. The plug may be used to plug any unused cord openings to prevent the entry of insects into the electrical box. The plug can be removed or reinserted as desired to protect any unused cord openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7060900
    Abstract: A snap engagement electrical fitting for securing electrical cables or conduit to an electrical panel or junction box. The fitting features a flangeless tubular connector body having a snap fit retaining ring surrounding its leading end. The connector body and snap fit retaining ring are electrically conductive. The snap ring includes an inward directed retainer tang for securing the snap ring to the connector body. One or more tangs are cantilevered outwards radially from the snap ring and include locking tangs and grounding tangs. The locking tangs snap engage and lock the electric connector assembly to a knock out in a panel or junction box when it is pressed therein and provide strain relief to prevent easy withdrawal of the connector therefrom. The grounding tangs establish good electrical continuity or ground between the connector assembly and the panel or junction box when it is connected thereto. The connector body is flangeless to reduce cost of construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7045713
    Abstract: A combination of an electrical box and a bushing for providing electrical service on a block wall. A mounting arrangement is included on the electrical box for securing the box to a first surface of the block wall. A fastening arrangement is included on the bushing for securing the bushing to a second surface of the block wall. The electrical box includes sidewalls, a front opening, and a cavity for receiving an electrical device therein. The bushing includes a flange with a rear surface and a tube portion extending from the rear surface. An opening extends from the flange through the tube portion of the bushing. The electrical box and bushing combination provides electrical service to a block wall while minimizing the possibility of cable abrasion, electrical shorts, and the loss of power to the electrical box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7036960
    Abstract: A light fixture for mounting a light and one or more electrical devices to either the ground or a structural surface. The light fixture includes an integral rectangular base assembly with a plurality of vertical framing members. A light transmitting tube is slidingly carried over the vertical framing members and a plurality of louver members are slidingly carried over the light transmitting tube. The light fixture provides a weatherproof enclosure for enclosing the light, the electrical devices, and all associated electrical wiring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7038131
    Abstract: A telescoping box adapter that enables a user to adjust the enclosure on an electrical box from a compressed to an expanded configuration. The telescoping box adapter includes a first frame member that is secured to an electrical box. A second frame member having sidewalls slightly larger than the first frame member is slideable with respect to the first frame member. Additional frame members can be provided with successively larger sidewalls thus making each additional frame member slideable with respect to the next smaller frame member. A cover is secured to the outermost frame member and is movable from an open to a closed position. Sliding the outermost frame member fully forward adjusts the box adapter to a fully expanded configuration forming an expanded enclosure therein. Sliding the outermost frame member fully rearward adjusts the box adapter to a fully compressed configuration forming a compressed enclosure therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7025311
    Abstract: A low profile support for mounting and supporting electrical fixtures in an outdoor setting. The apparatus includes an elongated body having side walls and a closed top. The closed top includes an aperture that may be threaded or may include an electrically conductive bushing. Stabilizer bars are provided on the lower portion of the elongated body for anchoring the apparatus to the ground. The stabilizer bars are integral with the body to lower production costs and also to minimize separation of the bars from the body when the support is anchored in the ground. A wide cable entryway is provided in the lower portion to accept electrical feed cables. Cables are pulled into the junction box and the lower portion of the body, including the stabilizer bars, are buried in the ground. An electrical fixture may be mounted to the bushing by simply threading into the top threaded aperture or bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: D522347
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: D524635
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz