Patents Assigned to Erico International Corporation
  • Electrical box with fitting flanges, and method of use
    Patent number: 8598454
    Abstract: An electrical box has four sides that define a rectangular space. The box has flanges extending outward from opposite sides, for mounting the box to a stud or other structure. One of the flanges has one or more tabs, outward protrusion(s) that fit into one or more openings in the flange on the opposite side. The fitting of the one or more tabs into the one or more openings allows two such electrical boxes to be conveniently located at the same height, on opposite sides of the stud. The tab(s) and opening(s) automatically align the boxes with each other. The result is an easier and accurate installation, with less time and effort expended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: ERICO International Corporation
    Inventor: Raymond S. Laughlin
  • ELECTRICAL BOX
    Publication number: 20130312997
    Abstract: An electrical box includes a box portion that surrounds a volume and has an at least partially open back, a mud ring that is coupled to the front of box portion, and structure mounts that extend out beyond a perimeter of the volume enclosed by the box portion. The structure mounts are used to couple to any of a variety of types of structure, such as a stud, an inter-stud bracket, or other structure. The structure mounts may include integral parts of the mud ring, integral parts of the box portion, or separate brackets that are attached to the box portion and/or the mud ring. Advantages for the electrical box include a reduced number of parts, reduced time and labor for installation, and flexibility in installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: ERICO International Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Barrett Korte, Raymond Michael Olle, Raymond Scott Laughlin, Eric J. Wilson, Edward J. Lynch, Daniel S. Mominee
  • Clamp for circular objects
    Patent number: 8573543
    Abstract: A clamp includes first and second parts, each of the parts having a circular central section and a pair of straight extensions extending away from the circular central section in opposite directions. In the first part the holes are closed holes, while in the second part the holes are open holes, connected by slots to an upper edge of the part. Bolts may be pre-located through the closed holes, with nuts threaded onto the bolts, but not tightened. The pre-placed bolts may be received through the slots and into the open holes of the second part. The nuts may then be tightened against the second part to clamp the circular central sections on opposite sides of a circular object, such as a vertical pipe run, between the parts. According to a variant, the bolts are permanently secured to the first part so as to prevent rotation of the bolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: ERICO International Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel S. Mominee, Raymond M. Olle, Michael H.-S. Oh, Raymond S. Laughlin, Eric J. Wilson
  • QUICK THREADED ROD LOCKING DEVICES AND METHOD
    Publication number: 20130243545
    Abstract: A threaded rod hanger has quick lock plunger mechanism that includes plunger pieces within a tapered hole in a housing. The plunger pieces have tapered outer surfaces. A spring within the housing presses the plunger pieces toward the narrow end of the bore, with the spring located between the plunger pieces and a back plate that closes off part of a wide end of the tapered bore. The plunger pieces have internally threaded surfaces that engage threads on a threaded rod that is inserted into the bore, between the plunger pieces. Once the threaded rod has been inserted between the plunger pieces and released, the plunger pieces are pushed toward the narrow bore end. This causes the plunger pieces to press inward, automatically causing the internal plunger half threads to engage the external threads on the threaded rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: ERICO International Corporation
    Inventor: Michael H.-S. Oh
  • Self-correcting conductor positioning bracket
    Patent number: 8496211
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to a bracket adaptable to mount upon a wall stud and resist displacement of the bracket in response to external forces, thereby maintaining one or more securely enclosed conductors at least a fixed distance from an installed sheet of drywall. A mounting portion is shaped to permit fastening to a wall stud. A lateral support portion is attached to the mounting portion and at an angle relative to the mounting portion such that upon fastening of the bracket to the wall stud an edge of the lateral support portion engages the wall stud and resists displacement of the bracket. The lateral support portion includes an aperture wherein the conductors may be placed such that they extend substantially parallel to the plane of the wall stud, and are also thereby positioned at least a fixed distance from the plane of the sheet of drywall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: ERICO International Corporation
    Inventor: Eric Rinderer
  • CABLE LOCKING DEVICE
    Publication number: 20130139358
    Abstract: A device is used for gripping and securing cable for the purpose of suspending objects or loads. The device may be a two-barrel device that allows the user to create a loop of cable to secure to a hanging load, or to a structural member. The user of the locking device feeds the cable through one barrel, around an object to be suspended, and through the other barrel. The device has carriers installed in sockets in a housing, with wedge-shape jaws in openings in the carriers able to engage the cable and hold the cable within the device. Pushing or pulling of the carrier is used to release the spring force pressing the jaws inward, allowing the cable to be removed from the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: ERICO INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: ERICO International Corporation
  • Quick threaded rod locking devices and method
    Patent number: 8434725
    Abstract: A threaded rod hanger has quick lock plunger mechanism that includes plunger pieces within a tapered bore in a housing. The plunger pieces have tapered outer surfaces. A spring within the housing presses the plunger pieces toward the narrow end of the bore, with the spring located between the plunger pieces and a back plate that closes off part of a wide end of the tapered bore. The plunger pieces have internally threaded surfaces that engage threads on a threaded rod that is inserted into the bore, between the plunger pieces. Once the threaded rod has been inserted between the plunger pieces and released, the plunger pieces are pushed toward the narrow bore end. This causes the plunger pieces to press inward, automatically causing the internal plunger half threads to engage the external threads on the threaded rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: ERICO International Corporation
    Inventors: Michael H. -S. Oh, Jeffrey K. Jackson
  • CLAMP FOR CIRCULAR OBJECTS
    Publication number: 20130026306
    Abstract: A clamp includes first and second parts, each of the parts having a circular central section and a pair of straight extensions extending away from the circular central section in opposite directions. In the first part the holes are closed holes, while in the second part the holes are open holes, connected by slots to an upper edge of the part. Bolts may be pre-located through the closed holes, with nuts threaded onto the bolts, but not tightened. The pre-placed bolts may be received through the slots and into the open holes of the second part. The nuts may then be tightened against the second part to clamp the circular central sections on opposite sides of a circular object, such as a vertical pipe run, between the parts. According to a variant, the bolts are permanently secured to the first part so as to prevent rotation of the bolts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: ERICO INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: ERICO INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
  • Modular rooftop pipe support
    Patent number: 8356778
    Abstract: An extruded or molded elastomeric (e.g., rubber) or polymeric multi-piece (e.g., two-piece) modular pipe support system utilizes a wide base with protrusions and/or recesses, and a separate top with recesses and/or protrusions that engage the protrusions and/or recesses of the top. The tops are configured to securely capture a pipe/conduit without any additional parts, straps, etc. The top may have one or more pipe-receiving recesses for receiving the pipes (conduits).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: ERICO International Corporation
    Inventors: Mary E. Birli, Scott E. Anderson, Edward J. Lynch, Raymond S. Laughlin, Eric C. Osborn, Raymond M. Olle
  • Lateral seismic brace
    Patent number: 8353143
    Abstract: A sway brace fitting clamp is used for lateral bracing of sprinkler or other types of pipe (designated the service pipe) to a structure, to prevent movement of the service pipe perpendicular to the axis of the pipe relative to the structure to which it is attached. The sway brace fitting clamp includes a U-bolt which fits around the service pipe, and a pair of hooks that are coupled to straight ends of the U-bolt, for hooking the sway brace pipe. A pair of nuts engages threaded portions of the U-bolt ends. The nuts may be tightened to pull the sway brace pipe into contact with the service pipe, firmly clamping the sway brace pipe and the service pipe together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: ERICO International Corporation
    Inventors: Eric C. Osborn, Nicholas J. Ambrogio, Eric J. Wilson, Paul Hart
  • Lateral seismic brace
    Patent number: 8353486
    Abstract: A sway brace fitting clamp is used for lateral bracing of sprinkler or other types of pipe (designated the service pipe) to a structure, to prevent movement of the service pipe perpendicular to the axis of a sway brace relative to the structure to which it is attached. The sway brace fitting clamp includes a body which fits around the service pipe, and a pair of hooks that are coupled to the body, for hooking the sway brace. The nuts may be tightened to pull the sway brace into contact with the service pipe, or otherwise firmly clamping the sway brace and the service pipe together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: ERICO International Corporation
    Inventors: Eric C. Osborn, Nicholas J. Ambrogio, Eric J. Wilson, Paul A. Hart, Scott E. Anderson
  • Clamp for circular objects
    Patent number: 8276854
    Abstract: A clamp includes first and second parts, each of the parts having a circular central section and a pair of straight extensions extending away from the circular central section in opposite directions. In the first part the holes are closed holes, while in the second part the holes are open holes, connected by slots to an upper edge of the part. Bolts may be pre-located through the closed holes, with nuts threaded onto the bolts, but not tightened. The pre-placed bolts may be received through the slots and into the open holes of the second part. The nuts may then be tightened against the second part to clamp the circular central sections on opposite sides of a circular object, such as a vertical pipe run, between the parts. According to a variant, the bolts are permanently secured to the first part so as to prevent rotation of the bolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: ERICO International Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel S. Mominee, Raymond M. Olle, Michael H.-S. Oh, Raymond S. Laughlin, Eric J. Wilson
  • Grounding lug
    Patent number: 8152575
    Abstract: A grounding lug for holding a grounding wire includes a housing defining an opening for receiving a wire and a clamping pad movable relative to the housing. The clamping pad is movable between an unclamped position in which the clamping pad defines a wire-receiving pocket in combination with the opening defined by the housing, and a clamped position in which the clamping pad clamps the wire to the housing. The grounding lug also includes a moving mechanism coupled to the housing and the clamping pad for moving the clamping pad between the unclamped and clamped positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: ERICO International Corporation
    Inventors: Dale R. Boling, Nicholas J. Ambrogio, Matthew Flemming
  • Quick threaded rod locking devices and method
    Patent number: 8132767
    Abstract: A threaded rod hanger has quick lock plunger mechanism that includes plunger pieces within a tapered bore in a housing. The plunger pieces have tapered outer surfaces. A spring within the housing presses the plunger pieces toward the narrow end of the bore, with the spring located between the plunger pieces and a back plate that closes off part of a wide end of the tapered bore. The plunger pieces have internally threaded surfaces that engage threads on a threaded rod that is inserted into the bore, between the plunger pieces. Once the threaded rod has been inserted between the plunger pieces and released, the plunger pieces are pushed toward the narrow bore end. This causes the plunger pieces to press inward, automatically causing the internal plunger half threads to engage the external threads on the threaded rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: ERICO International Corporation
    Inventors: Michael H.-S. Oh, Jeffrey K. Jackson
  • Clamp and seismic sway brace
    Patent number: 8100368
    Abstract: A seismic sway brace includes a clamp for engaging a circular object, a sway brace member, and a pair of connecting mechanisms for coupling the circular object to the sway brace member, and for coupling the sway brace member to building structure. The sway brace member may be a sway brace pipe or rod. Each of the connecting mechanisms may include a pair of strap clamps, held together by a retainer. The strap clamps and/or the circular object clamp may include one or more longitudinal slots. The longitudinal slots enhance wrapping of the clamps that engage the sway brace member or circular object, allowing the clamps to better engage the sway brace member or circular object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: ERICO International Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey K. Jackson, Eric J. Wilson, Paul A. Hart
  • I-beam seismic sway brace clamp
    Patent number: 8100369
    Abstract: An I-beam clamp, used for engaging the bottom flange of an I-beam or bar joist, includes a pair of threaded rods and a pair of brackets that can be moved relative to each other along the threaded rods. One of the brackets, a clamp bracket, has a set screw configured to engage a top surface of the I-beam flange, to hold the clamp in place once it is installed on the I-beam. The other of the brackets, a nut bracket, has half-threaded portions for selectively engaging the threaded rods, to hold the nut bracket in place relative to the threaded rods, and to disengage from the threaded rods, in order to allow positioning of the nut bracket along the threaded rods. The nut bracket may include a spring clip or other device to provide force to bias into engagement the threaded rods with the half-threaded portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: ERICO International Corporation
    Inventors: Eric C. Osborn, Nicholas J. Ambrogio, Eric J. Wilson, Paul B. Allen
  • Flange-engaging clamp
    Patent number: 7971838
    Abstract: A clamp for engaging a structure flange includes a clamp body having a slot between a pair of body sections, a spring clip on the clamp body that extends into the slot, and a pair of screws threadedly engaged with the clamp body. The spring clip holds a structure flange in place when the clamp is placed on a structure flange, with the flange in the slot. This allows the installer to tighten the screws to engage the flange, without having to simultaneously hold the clamp in place. The screws may bite into the flange, providing a more secure coupling between the clamp and the structure flange. The clamp may be used to mount a variety of objects, such as sway braces for seismic bracing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: ERICO International Corporation
    Inventors: Eric C. Osborn, Nicholas J. Ambrogio, Eric J. Wilson, Paul Hart
  • GROUNDING LUG
    Publication number: 20110014824
    Abstract: A grounding lug for holding a grounding wire includes a housing defining an opening for receiving a wire and a clamping pad movable relative to the housing. The clamping pad is movable between an unclamped position in which the clamping pad defines a wire-receiving pocket in combination with the opening defined by the housing, and a clamped position in which the clamping pad clamps the wire to the housing. The grounding lug also includes a moving mechanism coupled to the housing and the clamping pad for moving the clamping pad between the unclamped and clamped positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: ERICO INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dale R. Boling, Nicholas J. Ambrogio, Matthew Flemming
  • Rooftop equipment support and method of use
    Patent number: 7735270
    Abstract: A rooftop equipment support includes a polymer material block and a metal fastener support attached to an upper portion of the block. The fastener support has a fastener portion that is configured to receive one or more fasteners for securing piping or other equipment. According to one embodiment, folded-down lips of the metal fastener portion form a channel configured to accept one or more fasteners, such as pipe clamps. In another embodiment, the metal fastener portion is a plate having one or more threaded inserts. The threaded inserts may be located between a sheet metal part of the fastener portion and a top surface of the polymer material block. The polymer material block may be made of a polyurethane foam material. The metal fastener portion may cover at least part of the edges of a top surface of the polymer material block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: ERICO International Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond M. Olle, Raymond S. Laughlin
  • Weld metal material apparatus and method
    Patent number: 7721937
    Abstract: A solid weld-metal-producing material is formed by agglomerating weld metal material powder. An igniter may be integrally formed in or on the agglomerated weld metal material. In addition to typical components of a weld metal material mixture, such as a reductant metal and a transition metal oxide, the agglomerated weld metal mixture may include a binder material, such as sodium silicate. In addition to functioning as a binder to help hold the agglomerated weld metal material together, the binder material may aid in the exothermic reaction that occurs when the weld metal material is ignited. The agglomerated weld metal material may be made by mixing together a reductant metal powder, a transition metal oxide powder, and possibly a binder solution. A slurry of the components may be pressed together, for example, using a die and a ram, and then may be dried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: ERICO International Corporation
    Inventors: Glenn T. Siracki, John J. Gregel, Dale R. Boling, Frank J. Fitzgerald, George F. Kub, Jr., Andrew W. Weisel, Johannes L. L. A. van den Broek, Timothy P. Sepelak