Patents by Inventor Thomas J. Gretz
Thomas J. Gretz 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).
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Publication number: 20200212638Abstract: A one-piece electrical fitting for connecting an electrical cable to a junction box, the electrical fitting formed from a single, flat blank of metal into a cylindrical connector body. The connector body includes a leading end having an exit bore, a trailing end, a cap, an inner bore, and one or more combination tangs including grounding tangs, locking tangs, and flanges extending radially outward from the connector body. According to one embodiment, the trailing end of the fitting includes a rolled edge, and the leading end includes a recessed lip for accommodating an insulating liner within the exit bore. The exit bore in the cap is offset to one side with cable retaining tangs on the fitting configured to push toward the exit bore in order to ease insertion of cables and conductors through the fitting.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2020Publication date: July 2, 2020Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
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Patent number: 10630030Abstract: A one-piece electrical fitting for connecting an electrical cable to a junction box, the electrical fitting formed from a single, flat blank of metal into a cylindrical connector body. The connector body includes a leading end, a trailing end, a cap, an inner bore, and one or more grounding tangs, locking tangs, and flanges extending radially outward from the connector body. According to one embodiment, the flanges extend from the grounding tangs and the locking tangs include free ends. According to a further embodiment, the locking tangs extend from an interior base of the locking tangs. In a further embodiment, a seat extends between the flanges of the grounding tangs and the free end of the locking tangs. One or more cable retaining tangs extend inward from the connector body into the inner bore. The one-piece electrical fitting is stamped and formed from a flat blank of metal.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2019Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: ARLINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: Thomas J. Gretz, Daniel J. O'Neil
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Patent number: 10601210Abstract: An electrical box assembly for mounting an electrical component in a countertop. The assembly includes an electrical box with an enclosure adapted to receive electrical wiring. A sidewall on the electrical box includes one or more channels each including a channel bottom, a ramp, and a channel cover with a slot. A mounting bracket includes a base and two arm members and is loosely assembled to the electrical box with the mounting fasteners. A cover bracket is secured in each of the slots. A cover provides access to the electrical component and includes a cover plate, a cavity for housing an electrical component, and a snap-engagement latch for selectively latching the electrical component outward of the cover plate or inward within the electrical box enclosure. Installation time and effort are minimized as site preparation requires only a single hole that may be made with a standard size hole-saw.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2018Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: ARLINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
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Patent number: 10593445Abstract: An electrical fitting adapted for insertion from the interior of an electrical box in order to provide a secure means for attaching an electrical cable to the box. The electrical insider fitting includes a connector body having a leading end, a trailing end, and a base flange on the trailing end. A leading face is included on the base flange and a seat on the connector body adjacent the leading face of the base flange. A snap ring resides in the seat and includes one or more outward extending locking tangs. The leading end of the connector body includes an internal bore with an internal snap ring secured therein. The internal snap ring includes one or more cable retaining tangs for engaging and securing an electrical cable to the leading end of the connector body.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2019Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: ARLINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
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Patent number: 10483735Abstract: A ninety degree snap fit electrical fitting for enabling rapid snap-fit insertion of an electrical cable to an electrical box. The ninety degree snap fit electrical fitting includes a connector body having a leading end, a trailing end, an internal bore, a box connection arrangement on the leading end, and a cable connection arrangement on the trailing end. A seat on the leading end of the connector body includes a snap ring with an outward extending locking tang. An internal snap ring is secured within the internal bore of the connector body at the trailing end. A cable retaining tang on the internal snap ring is adapted to engage and secure an electrical cable to the trailing end of the connector body.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2015Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: ARLINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: Thomas J. Gretz, Daniel O'Neil
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Patent number: 10468863Abstract: A duplex electrical connector having a one-piece connector body for securing electrical cables to a panel or junction box. The one-piece connector body includes a leading end with a nose portion having a bore therein and a trailing end with two bores therein. One or two tubular cable retainers secured in the trailing end enable snap in connection of electrical cables to the trailing end of the connector body. A fastening arrangement is included on the nose portion at the leading end of the connector body for securing the connector body to a knockout hole in a panel or an electrical box.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2009Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: ARLINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
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Publication number: 20190312392Abstract: A one-piece electrical fitting for connecting an electrical cable to a junction box, the electrical fitting formed from a single, flat blank of metal into a cylindrical connector body. The connector body includes a leading end, a trailing end, a cap, an inner bore, and one or more grounding tangs, locking tangs, and flanges extending radially outward from the connector body. According to one embodiment, the flanges extend from the grounding tangs and the locking tangs include free ends. According to a further embodiment, the locking tangs extend from an interior base of the locking tangs. In a further embodiment, a seat extends between the flanges of the grounding tangs and the free end of the locking tangs. One or more cable retaining tangs extend inward from the connector body into the inner bore. The one-piece electrical fitting is stamped and formed from a flat blank of metal.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2019Publication date: October 10, 2019Inventors: Thomas J. Gretz, Daniel J. O'Neil
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Patent number: 10431970Abstract: An electrical insider fitting for connecting flexible metal conduit to an electrical box without disrupting the walls surrounding the box. The fitting includes a connector body with a leading end, a trailing end, and a nose portion. A resilient split snap ring on the fitting enables snap connection of the fitting to the interior wall of an electrical box. Discontinuous threads on the nose portion are adapted to grab and hold a flexible metal conduit to the box. Conductors from the attached flexible metal conduit feed through the interior bores of the fitting to the interior of the electrical box enabling an installer to complete electrical connections in order to supply voltage to any components within the box.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2016Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: ARLINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
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Patent number: 10374371Abstract: A one-piece electrical fitting for connecting an electrical cable to a junction box, the electrical fitting formed from a single, flat blank of metal into a cylindrical connector body. The connector body includes a leading end, a trailing end, a cap, an inner bore, and one or more grounding tangs, locking tangs, and flanges extending radially outward from the connector body. According to one embodiment, the flanges extend from the grounding tangs and the locking tangs include free ends. According to a further embodiment, the locking tangs extend from an interior base of the locking tangs. In a further embodiment, a seat extends between the flanges of the grounding tangs and the free end of the locking tangs. One or more cable retaining tangs extend inward from the connector body into the inner bore. The one-piece electrical fitting is stamped and formed from a flat blank of metal.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2018Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: ARLINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: Thomas J. Gretz, Daniel J. O'Neil
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Publication number: 20190198200Abstract: An electrical fitting adapted for insertion from the interior of an electrical box in order to provide a secure means for attaching an electrical cable to the box. The electrical insider fitting includes a connector body having a leading end, a trailing end, and a base flange on the trailing end. A leading face is included on the base flange and a seat on the connector body adjacent the leading face of the base flange. A snap ring resides in the seat and includes one or more outward extending locking tangs. The leading end of the connector body includes an internal bore with an internal snap ring secured therein. The internal snap ring includes one or more cable retaining tangs for engaging and securing an electrical cable to the leading end of the connector body.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2019Publication date: June 27, 2019Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
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Patent number: 10283890Abstract: A snap-engagement duplex electrical fitting with an open transition area to accommodate easier insertion of electrical cables and pass-through of conductors. The duplex fitting includes a one-piece connector body having a pair of inlet bores, a single outlet bore and an open transition area. A dividing wall separates the inlet bores. Two cable engaging clips are secured to the connector body, one adjacent each of the inlet bores, for engaging and securing an electrical cable in each of the inlet bores. Two lens-shaped cable passages through the fitting provide a wide path for easy pass-through of conductors through the fitting. A collar stops the forward travel of the inserted cables prior to entering the outlet bore. A funnel surface on the collar enables easy advancement of conductors through the transition by providing a slight redirection of conductors toward the axial center of the outlet bore.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2018Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: ARLINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
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Electrical box assembly for recessed mounting of an electrical component within a concrete pour area
Patent number: 10283951Abstract: An electrical box assembly for the recessed mounting of an electrical component within a concrete pour area. The electrical box assembly includes a concrete can with an open end. A leveling ring is secured within the concrete can to provide a means of mounting an electrical component level with respect to the concrete surface. A funnel, mountable to the leveling ring, provides an electrical enclosure for enclosing the electrical component and recessing the component below the floor surface. A trim ring secures the funnel to the leveling ring and can. A cover plate closes the concrete assembly. A slot in the cover plate closes the top end of the concrete can while enabling the plug ends of electrical cords to remain installed while the cords are in use. The electrical box assembly enables protective recessed mounting of electrical components well below and level with the surface of the concrete pour.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2016Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: ARLINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz -
Patent number: 10269473Abstract: An electrical fitting adapted for insertion from the interior of an electrical box in order to provide a secure means for attaching an electrical cable to the box. The electrical insider fitting includes a connector body having a leading end, a trailing end, and a base flange on the trailing end. A leading face is included on the base flange and a seat on the connector body adjacent the leading face of the base flange. An external snap ring resides in the seat and includes one or more outward extending locking tangs. The leading end of the connector body includes an internal bore with an internal snap ring secured therein. The internal snap ring includes one or more cable retaining tangs for engaging and securing an electrical cable to the leading end of the connector body.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2015Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignee: ARLINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
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Patent number: 10263361Abstract: A transition fitting for achieving a rain-tight transition at the entry of photovoltaic cables with EMT. The transition fitting includes a fitting body with an internal bore, a grommet seated within the bore, a nut for tightening the grommet against the fitting body, a compression fitting and a ground lug extending from the nut. A plurality of bores extend partially through the grommet. Photovoltaic (PV) cables may be inserted within one or more of the bores in the grommet and the nut tightened upon the fitting body to form a rain-tight fit around the PV cables. The skins of the grommet remain intact in any unused bores to maintain a rain-tight seal on any unused bores. The transition fitting will maintain a rain-tight seal at the entry of PV cables to EMT. The ground lug provides a means of grounding the EMT to the transition fitting.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2017Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
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Patent number: 10205310Abstract: A flanged vapor box for mounting an electrical component in a wall or similar structure while preventing air infiltration around or through the box. The vapor box includes a flange with an integral face gasket and one or more cable gaskets at cable entry points into the box. The face gasket prevents seepage of air between the drywall and the box. The cable gaskets seal around any inserted electrical cables to prevent infiltration into the inside environment. Captive fasteners include end portions integral with the box and can be rapidly tightened to secure the box to a stud or similar support. Thin tabs on the flanged vapor box provide a means for rapidly and accurately positioning and aligning the box against a stud or similar support. The alignment tabs are substantially thin to avoid creating a bulge in the drywall surrounding the box.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2018Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: ARLINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
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Publication number: 20180351310Abstract: A one-piece electrical fitting for connecting an electrical cable to a junction box, the electrical fitting formed from a single, flat blank of metal into a cylindrical connector body. The connector body includes a leading end, a trailing end, a cap, an inner bore, and one or more grounding tangs, locking tangs, and flanges extending radially outward from the connector body. According to one embodiment, the flanges extend from the grounding tangs and the locking tangs include free ends. According to a further embodiment, the locking tangs extend from an interior base of the locking tangs. In a further embodiment, a seat extends between the flanges of the grounding tangs and the free end of the locking tangs. One or more cable retaining tangs extend inward from the connector body into the inner bore. The one-piece electrical fitting is stamped and formed from a flat blank of metal.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2018Publication date: December 6, 2018Inventors: Thomas J. Gretz, Daniel J. O'Neil
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Patent number: 10128646Abstract: A TV bridge kit including a kit, package, or assembly of components for providing power supply and low voltage cables to a TV or similar electronic device while minimizing disruption to the wall surface. The assembly includes a first and second mounting bracket with associated cover plates and a molded power cable including a male plug end and a female receptacle end. Rotatable clamp arms on the mounting brackets enable rapid installation to existing structural walls. The cover plates include openings and peripheral walls and are adapted for selective mounting of the male or female plug ends and a low voltage device. Mounting of the mounting brackets in vertical alignment in a wall portion sharing a common interior wall cavity between two studs enables rapid installation of power and low voltage feeds to the TV. The TV bridge kit assembly may include trim plates for attachment to the mounting brackets.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2018Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: ARLINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
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Patent number: 10103533Abstract: An electrical box assembly for mounting an electrical component in a countertop. The assembly includes an electrical box with an enclosure adapted to receive electrical wiring. A sidewall on the electrical box includes one or more channels each including a channel bottom, a ramp, and a channel cover with a slot. A mounting bracket includes a base and two arm members and is loosely assembled to the electrical box with the mounting fasteners. A cover bracket is secured in each of the slots. A cover provides access to the electrical component and includes a cover plate, a cavity for housing an electrical component, and a snap-engagement latch for selectively latching the electrical component outward of the cover plate or inward within the electrical box enclosure. Installation time and effort are minimized as site preparation requires only a single hole that may be made with a standard size hole-saw.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2017Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: ARLINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
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Patent number: 10014626Abstract: A compression connector including a tubular connector body with a through bore, a flange, a leading end and a trailing end for connecting ground conductors to a load center. A nose extends from the flange to the leading end and a trailing body portion extends to the trailing end. A boss on the connector body includes a threaded bore and an opening on each side of the boss. A screw within the threaded bore of the boss holds a clip to the connector body. The clip includes two legs with arcuate ends that bisect the through bore. Insertion of a grounding electrode conductor into the through bore and tightening of the clip enables a secure connection of the conductor grounding electrode to the connector body. A threaded nose and a locknut are provided on the compression connector to facilitate attachment of the leading end of the connector body to a knockout aperture in a load center.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2017Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: ARLINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
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Patent number: 9966708Abstract: A one-piece electrical fitting for connecting an electrical cable to a junction box, the electrical fitting including a tubular connector body including a leading end, a trailing end, a cap, an inner bore, and one or more grounding tangs and locking tangs. The grounding tangs include flanges and the locking tangs include free ends. A seat extends between the flanges of the grounding tangs and the free end of the locking tangs. One or more cable retaining tangs extend inward from the connector body into the inner bore. The electrical fitting is stamped and formed from a flat blank of metal. A tab and notch arrangement on the blank facilitates forming the blank into the tubular connector body. The fitting provides electrical continuity between the electrical cable, the fitting, and the junction box and stain relief to resist inadvertent removal of the electrical cable from the fitting.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2017Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: ARLINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: Thomas J. Gretz, Daniel J. O'Neil