Patents by Inventor Raymond S. Laughlin

Raymond S. Laughlin has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7346962
    Abstract: A suspension or staying system uses a length of wire or cable with a hook or plain bead secured to one end. The hook may be secured directly or indirectly to a structure, or pass around a fixed structure such as a beam, purlin or girder, or something fixed thereto, such as a clip, hook or eye, and hooked to the length of wire to form a loop. The hook may include an enlarged beaded end which may be used directly with some fasteners or clamps, or with a clip to form a loop. The clip may be used with the plain beaded end or a hooked beaded end. The enlarged bead of either enables the length of wire to be caught by somewhat smaller holes in a variety of structural fasteners. The other or free end of the wire or cable is extended through a jam cleat and around an object to be suspended or stayed, and then back through the jam cleat to form a tightenable, adjustable loop simply by pulling on the free end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: ERICO International Corporation
    Inventors: Geert van Gijsel, Peter Naaijkens, Raymond S. Laughlin
  • Patent number: 7150078
    Abstract: A suspension or staying system uses a length of wire or cable with a hook or plain bead secured to one end. The hook may be secured directly or indirectly to a structure. The other or free end of the wire or cable is extended through a jam cleat and around an object to be suspended or stayed, and then back through the jam cleat to form a tightenable, adjustable loop simply by pulling on the free end. Without the jam cleat and the adjustable loop, a fixture cleat may be employed to grip the wire or cable at any location for support or staying of objects such as light fixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Erico International Corporation
    Inventors: Geert van Gijsel, Peter Naaijkens, Raymond S. Laughlin
  • Patent number: 7039987
    Abstract: A suspension or staying system uses a length of wire or cable with a hook or plain bead secured to one end. The hook may be secured directly or indirectly to a structure. The other or free end of the wire or cable is extended through a jam cleat and around an object to be suspended or stayed, and then back through the jam cleat to form a tightenable, adjustable loop simply by pulling on the free end. The jam cleat uses swinging wire gripping levers accommodating a range of wire sizes driving the wire against a curved sufface tightly to grip the wire to prevent wire movement in one direction. In one form the jam cleat may be locked for seismic applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: ERICO International Corporation
    Inventors: Geert van Gijsel, Peter Naaijkens, Raymond S. Laughlin
  • Patent number: 6959898
    Abstract: A cable support system provides the organization and support for bundles or runs of communication or database cables, for example, avoiding the mess usually associated with the distribution of such cabling. The system is designed to be a low cost and easier to install tray, supporting runs or bundles of cable from a building structure such as a structural ceiling, beam, girder, or purlin, and above a suspended acoustical ceiling. The system is suspended by common threaded rod which supports a primary hanger having a generally rounded support symmetrically below the rod with one side openable so that a secondary hanger may be inserted in and fastened to the inside of the support. The secondary hanger is formed from a roll of flexible open plastic mesh having oriented strands secured to the inside of the primary hangers by spring clips. Plastic splice clips may be used to join lengths of such mesh, or may be used in the fabrication of various transitions or branches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Erico International Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond S. Laughlin, John A. DiFrancisco, Edward J. Lynch, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030221296
    Abstract: A suspension or staying system uses a length of wire or cable with a hook or plain bead secured to one end. The hook may be secured directly or indirectly to a structure, or pass around a fixed structure such as a beam, purlin or girder, or something fixed thereto, such as a clip, hook or eye, and hooked to the length of wire to form a loop. The hook may include an enlarged beaded end which may be used directly with some fasteners or clamps, or with a clip to form a loop. The clip may be used with the plain beaded end or a hooked beaded end. The enlarged bead of either enables the length of wire to be caught by somewhat smaller holes in a variety of structural fasteners. The other or free end of the wire or cable is extended through a jam cleat and around an object to be suspended or stayed, and then back through the jam cleat to form a tightenable, adjustable loop simply by pulling on the free end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Geert van Gijsel, Peter Naaijkens, Raymond S. Laughlin
  • Patent number: 5626316
    Abstract: A plastic clip is fastened to a metal or wood stud to support and position multiple runs of various types of wiring or cabling. The clip keeps the wiring in compliance with the National Electric Code (NEC) Section 300-4. The clip includes a base with a short gauge flange at one end to engage the face or front corner of the stud when the base is fastened to the side of the stud. Projecting directly from the base or a neck extension of the base are two spaced hinge arms, which extend at an angle to each other. Each arm includes two interior opening cable receiving slots. Between such slots is a bulbous thinner wall pressure body section which in its undistorted condition partly restricts the openings of such slots. A similar thinner wall section forms the interior or base side of the innermost slot in each arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Erico International Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Smigel, Raymond S. Laughlin
  • Patent number: 5619263
    Abstract: The box support system uses a channel shape one piece slotted strut and a twist spring snap clip. The strut ends are bent opposite the legs of the channel to form spring separable fingers which snap over and lock behind the bulb on the stem of a Tee bar. The slots of the strut are centered transversely providing two equal shelves on each side. The slots are positioned asymmetrically longitudinally so that a box may be supported anywhere between spaced Tee bars. If it will not fit because of unslotted areas, it will fit if the strut test is turned end-for-end. The spring snap clip includes a V-shape body forming a pointed nose. The two legs of the body have shouldered necked portions adjacent outwardly extending feet which terminate in upwardly extending toe tab. Opposite shoulders at the neck include oppositely angled spring locking talons. Box assembly is obtained by inserting the clip through the center knockout in the back of a box with the toe tabs entering two smaller holes on each side of the knockout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: Erico International Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond S. Laughlin, Robert Smigel, Richard Lees
  • Patent number: 5537714
    Abstract: A plastic grommet for use on metal studs in wall construction protecting wires, cabling, conduit, and the like. The grommet also makes the passing of such utilities easier and quieter. The grommet will function singularly or assembled to a clone. The grommet includes a cylindrical body having an enlarged flange on one end with radially projecting spring snaps on the exterior of the body whereby the grommet may be inserted in a sized hole in the web with the hole edge captured between the snaps and flange. On the other side of the flange are diametrically opposed axially projecting spring fingers. The flange also has two diametrically opposed holes, the fingers and holes being positioned so that two grommets can be joined flange-to-flange by axially rotating one with respect to the other. Two such grommets thus assembled on opposite sides of a rectangular or other irregular or pre-punched hole in the stud web capture the web between the flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Erico International Corp.
    Inventors: Edward J. Lynch, Jr., Raymond S. Laughlin
  • Patent number: 5533696
    Abstract: A conduit support clamp comprising a U-shaped body having resilient legs. Each leg terminates in a foot section extending toward the other leg, one foot overlapping the other foot. The clamp includes a low profile latch to connect the foot sections. The latch includes a catch having compound angles whereby the overlapping foot sections present a substantially smooth outer surface and in which neither foot section extends beyond the opposing leg whereby the clamp may be manually latched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Erico International Corp.
    Inventors: Raymond S. Laughlin, Kenneth A. Golonka, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5452873
    Abstract: A box bracket for stud wall construction is formed from a single sheet metal strap which has one major transverse right angle bend forming a vertical leg and a horizontal leg or arm with the vertical leg having a vertical offset overlapping the face of the stud while the horizontal arm extends in a horizontal plane over the top or bottom of the box and abuts the far wall panel. The horizontal and vertical legs are offset and the vertical leg is provided with a 45.degree. gusset or panel which includes a keyhole opening and a slot, to each of which a different size box and plaster ring may be mounted. The vertical leg includes two spaced edge tabs or flanges between which a vertical edge of the box is grasped. The horizontal leg or arm includes an interior stiffening flange and an exterior U-shape knock-out opposite the flange. The knock-out would normally block one of the knock-outs in the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Erico International Corporation
    Inventor: Raymond S. Laughlin
  • Patent number: 5386959
    Abstract: An electrical box support assembly for stud wall construction includes two channel shape struts with one being confined by and telescoping in the other. Both have a longitudinally extending V-shape groove opening toward the box or boxes to be supported thereon whereby the boxes may quickly be attached by a self tapping screw with a screw gun. The groove ensures that each box is straight and, if more than one box is mounted, both straight and aligned. While the two parts may be telescoped they are not readily separable and are sufficiently rigid so that they do not need to be preassembled. The opposite ends of the struts are each provided with planar tabs with two longitudinally spaced designed bend points at which the strut ends or tabs may selectively be field bent to form right angle flanges matching the depth of the box to be supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: Erico International Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond S. Laughlin, Martin F. Delmore
  • Patent number: 5148981
    Abstract: A track circuit retainer clip adapted to be driven on the edge of the base of a rail holds one or a plurality of conductors parallel to and within the rail base edge. The clip comprises a U-shape spring metal clip having a bight portion and upper and lower legs which embrace the rail base edge. The upper leg includes a center spring finger extending from the bight portion which includes two concave side-by-side recesses to hold the conductors against the upper leg. The outer end of the spring finger flares upwardly to facilitate insertion and the lateral edges of the spring finger are bent upwardly to avoid biting into the conductors. The lower leg includes barbs struck from the edge which terminate in truncated biting edges extending substantially parallel to the rail base edge. The line contact transverse the direction of insertion provides ease of insertion and better gripping or holding action without scratching or notching the bottom of the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Erico International Corporation
    Inventors: Edward J. Lynch, Jr., Raymond S. Laughlin
  • Patent number: 5127577
    Abstract: A track circuit retainer clip for a running rail adapted to secure a conductor extending perpendicular to the rail around the edge of the base of the rail in close proximity therewith. The clip includes a U-shape spring metal body having upper and lower legs adapted to embrace the edge of the base of the rail. Each leg includes a center section bowed outwardly adapted to embrace the conductor and hold it tightly against the top and bottom of the rail base edge. The legs of the clip include inwardly directed tangs or barbs struck from the edge of the legs, the inwardly projecting tip of each tang being truncated to provide a linear biting edge to engage the top and bottom of the rail base with a line contact extending longitudinally of the rail or normal to the direction of insertion of the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: Erico International Corporation
    Inventors: Edward J. Lynch, Jr., Raymond S. Laughlin
  • Patent number: 4955825
    Abstract: An electrical fixture for mounting a cover plate over a wall opening which eliminates the necessity of installing an outlet box within such wall opening to facilitate the mounting of the cover plate. In a preferred embodiment the fixture comprises a rectangular plate having a front and rear surface, and a major opening and a pair of screw openings extending therethrough. Extending from the longer side edges of the major opening essentially perpendicular to the front and rear surfaces are a pair of flanges which serve to provide lateral support for the fixture within the wall opening. Extending from the center of the narrower top and bottom edges of the major opening are a pair of diametrically opposed deformable fingers which, upon insertion of the fixture within a wall opening, may be bent firmly to secure the fixture within the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: Erico International Corporation
    Inventors: John E. Groth, Martin F. Delmore, Raymond S. Laughlin
  • Patent number: 4723749
    Abstract: This invention relates to a construction fastener and more specifically to a clamp or clip for securing a horizontally extending channel to another hoizontally or vertically extending construction element of miscellaneous configuration. The fastener is formed from a strip of resilient metal or spring steel and at least one end includes a notched portion for engaging a horizontally extending channel. The notched portion is oriented with respect to the horizontal channel such that the longitudinal planar surface of the notched portion is normal to the horizontal axis of the channel. The notched portion includes a cam-like spring tab adapted to spring out of the way and to snap back and lock behind the channel when the channel is inserted into the notched portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1988
    Assignee: Erico International Corporation
    Inventors: Eugene Carraro, Raymond S. Laughlin
  • Patent number: 4715161
    Abstract: A spring steel clip for suspended ceiling grids may be used both as an edge molding attachment starter clip and also as a clip for holding intersecting tee bars together with the intersection being horizontally adjustable with simple finger pressure. The one piece clip includes a orizontal portion and a right angle vertical portion. The horizontal portion includes an offset portion with slots in the lower edge of such offset portion to accommodate the bulb of the stem of a tee. When the offset portion is compressed with finger pressure the angle of the slots with respect to the tee change permitting the tee bulb to be inserted or removed or horizotally adjusted. When released the edges of such slots lock against and capture the bulb of the tee. The vertical portion includes a downwardly extending planar tab adapted to fit behind the edge molding and at least one offset tab which includes barbs extending toward the planar tab to capture and retain the hemmed upper edge of the molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1987
    Assignee: Erico International Corporation
    Inventors: Eugene Carraro, Raymond S. Laughlin
  • Patent number: 4429440
    Abstract: A clip for supporting conduit and the like against channels, wire, rod, bar and like structural elements is formed of a metal strip of uniform width throughout its length. The ends of the strip are bent along parallel bend lines extending transversely of the strip at an acute angle to one edge of the strip to form legs extending symmetrically but in opposite directions. The area between the bend lines is provided with an extruded internally threaded aperture for a clamping fastener and opposite corners of the strip are notched to engage the structural element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1984
    Assignee: Erico Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond S. Laughlin, Edward J. Lynch, Jr.