Opposed Engaging Means Patents (Class 220/3.6)
  • Patent number: 11936167
    Abstract: A breaker panel cover extension can be installed above or below a breaker panel and can hide imperfections or openings in drywall immediately above or below the breaker panel. The cover extension can include a panel member having a top edge, a bottom edge, a left edge, and a right edge defining an area of the panel member. The panel member having a front face and a rear face. A thin and narrow bottom flange extends downwards from the bottom edge and away from the panel member. The thin and narrow flange can extend along the length of the bottom edge. On the rear face of the panel member, below the top edge, two or more brackets can be coupled to the rear face of the panel member. Each bracket can have a coupling member configured to engage the cover extension to the drywall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Inventor: Bryan Joseph Isbill
  • Patent number: 11811204
    Abstract: A wall installation connection box unit, including a box housing body having a rear-side base portion and a sleeve portion projecting forward from the base portion, which sleeve portion peripherally surrounds an installation component mounting space, which space is accessible via an open front end face of the sleeve portion, an extension sleeve which is configured for coaxial arrangement on the sleeve portion and axial pushing back relative to the sleeve portion, and a retaining structure which allows axial pushing back of the extension sleeve on the sleeve portion from a mounting position to an end use position on variable axial level and retains the extension sleeve in the end use position on the sleeve portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Hansgrohe SE
    Inventors: Günther Lehmann, Jürgen Schorer, Thomas Doll
  • Patent number: 11759011
    Abstract: A mounting system for securing a sink to a countertop supported by a cabinet is provided. The mounting system includes a receiving structure configured to be supported under a rim of the sink, a bracket having a first portion configured to engage a portion of the cabinet and a second portion configured to engage a bottom of a basin of the sink, a linking member extending between the receiving structure and the bracket, a first connector configured to engage a first end of the linking member and retain the linking member relative to the receiving structure, and a second connector configured to engage a second end of the linking member and secure the bracket against the cabinet and the bottom of the basin of the sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Shawn J. Booth, Jason R. Miller, James S. Giefer
  • Patent number: 11746809
    Abstract: A connection device for interconnecting two components of plastics material is provided. The components include a first wall and a second wall, which have respective edges arranged against one another, when the two components are assembled. The device includes at least one clip on the first wall and extending beyond the edge thereof, at least one first tooth and at least one second tooth on the second wall and designed to be snap engaged by the clip when the two components are in the pre-assembled state and in the assembled state, respectively. The first tooth is closer than the second tooth to the edge of the second wall such that, when pre-assembled, the two components are connected by the edges of the first wall and the second wall, the edges being spaced apart from one another. The first tooth has an inclined locking face for facilitating decoupling of the two components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: DENSO THERMAL SYSTEMS S.P.A.
    Inventors: Daniele Baseggio, Luca Bergamo
  • Patent number: 11674698
    Abstract: A chilled beam includes a body having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. The chilled beam also includes a first mounting bracket coupled to the first side and configured to rotate against a first bias of the first mounting bracket in response to a first force against the first mounting bracket. The chilled beam also includes a second mounting bracket coupled to the second side and configured to rotate against a second bias of the second mounting bracket in response to a second force against the second mounting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: AIR DISTRIBUTION TECHNOLOGIES IP, LLC
    Inventors: Gary A. Minor, Matthew B. McLaurin
  • Patent number: 11473721
    Abstract: A mounting bracket for an electrical box can be configured for use with a support that has a first and a second rail. The mounting bracket can include a first attachment device that is secured to mounting body and a second attachment device that is secured to the mounting body opposite the first attachment device. To secure the mounting bracket to the support, the first attachment device can be configured to engage one of the first rail or the second rail and the second attachment device can be configured to engage the other of the first rail or the second rail. Each of the first and second attachment devices can include a first arm configured to extend on a first side of the corresponding first or second rail, and a second arm configured to extend on a second side of the corresponding rail, opposite the first arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: ERICO International Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Hung-Sun Oh, James Anthony Bukowski, Kevin Jacobs
  • Patent number: 11444442
    Abstract: An adaptable toggle electrical work boxes with removable locators are provided as electrical old work boxes which can be used as “stud no stud” boxes, with one or more built-in fastener assemblies for attachment to a stud or a pair of external pivoting toggle fasteners which can attach the box to a wall board even if the location is not adjacent to an interior wall stud. The round electrical work box with flanges for holding the box against a wall board, but also where the flanges are a plurality of arcuate flanges separated from each other, providing hand gripping spaces for gripping the electrical box for rotating it so that removable burs or pointed members can etch into the wall board along the circumference of the open edge of the round electrical work box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Inventor: Greg Herth
  • Patent number: 11398721
    Abstract: An electrical box assembly includes an electrical box structure including an interior defined by a plurality of walls with an aperture formed through one of the walls for providing access to the interior of the box structure. An aperture cover extends over the aperture. The aperture is formed from a resiliently flexible material and includes a slit forming feature for prescribing a location of a slit for selectively providing access to the interior of the electrical box structure. The resiliency of the aperture cover urges the aperture cover to a closed position of the slit to minimize air passage through the aperture cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: ALLIED MOULDED PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Zackery Walk
  • Patent number: 10847769
    Abstract: A vehicular power source device includes: a case incorporating a battery; a service plug coupled to the battery incorporated in the case; and a protection cover of the service plug. The protection cover includes: a covering portion of the service plug; a fixing board fixed to the case via a fastener; and an opening board disposed to be adjacent to the fixing board and providing a gap to the case. In addition, the fixing board includes: a fixing portion fixed onto the case via the fastener; a linking portion linking the fixing portion to the covering portion; and a breaking portion. The breaking portion is provided in the fixing portion or in a boundary portion between the fixing portion and the linking portion, and a breaking strength of the breaking portion is lower than that of the linking portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wataru Okada, Kosho Abe, Yusuke Fujii, Yoshiaki Ueta
  • Patent number: 10781967
    Abstract: A rapid mount wall anchoring system and cable pass through for securing devices to a wall and routing device cables through a wall. The wall anchoring system includes a rigid frame with mounting fasteners for securing the frame to a wall and can be easily maneuvered between obstructions that may exist at the mounting location due to its “blade like” guide members and cross brace. The frame includes an opening for fitment of either a load bearing plate for securing objects to a wall or a grommet when only cable pass through is desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Inventor: Thomas DeCosta
  • Patent number: 10424905
    Abstract: A shallow octagonal electrical box having a back wall and a stepped sidewall construction. The back wall includes at least first and second substantially flat sections connected by an intermediate section. The sidewall extends from the back wall to an open front and has an octagonal shape formed by eight sidewall sections. At least three contiguous sidewall sections have a first height and at least three of the other sidewall sections have a second height that is different from the first. At least one sidewall section has an opening or aperture adapted to provide a passage into the interior. The sidewall can have a hub or connector attached to the exterior surface around the opening/aperture. The sidewall can also have a knockout and a plurality of mounting apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Lalancette, Marc-Antoine Veillette
  • Patent number: 10281121
    Abstract: A mounting system (1) for mounting a light fixture comprises two substantially L-shape designed receiving rails (4a, 4b). The receiving rails (4a, 4b) each have a first leg (5a, 5b) which is designed to be fastened to a front side of a suspended wall or an underside of a suspended ceiling (2) on a respective opposite edge of a recess (3) of the wall or ceiling (2). The receiving rails (4a, 4b) each further comprise a second leg (6a, 6b) which is designed to protrude into the recess (3) and to carry a light fixture housing (10) of the light fixture, but without connecting the light housing (1) rigidly to the first legs (5a, 5b) of the receiving rails (4a, 4b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: ZUMTOBEL LIGHTING GMBH
    Inventors: Martin Bader, Wolfgang Bechter, Wolfgang Gadner, Gerald Ladstatter
  • Patent number: 10240761
    Abstract: A lamp housing inserted into an installation-opening has an outer surface and an inner surface, a slot going through the outer surface into the inner surface, and a locking device connected to the outer surface. The locking device has an elongated member with a protruding part. The protruding part has a bottom and top part with a pushing-surface and a contacting-surface. The elongated member pivots between a first and second position. In the first position, the bottom part is inside the slot, and the top part is inside the housing, whereby the contacting-surface and pushing-surface are inside the housing. In the second position, the bottom part is outside the slot, and the top part is partly inside the slot, whereby the contacting-surface contacts the outer surface and the pushing-surface is between the outer and inner surface, whereby the housing can be wedged in the installation-opening by the elongated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Fischer Lighting ApS
    Inventor: Stig Elmvang
  • Patent number: 10053025
    Abstract: A hitch cover assembly includes a ring member, a first clip, a second clip and a cover member. The ring member defines a ring opening and has an axially extending wall with a first end and a second end. The first clip member has a body portion with a fixed end attached to the axially extending wall proximate to the second end, and a distal end spaced axially from the fixed end and spaced radially from the axially extending wall. The second clip member has a body portion with a fixed end attached to the axially extending wall proximate the second end, and a distal end spaced axially from the fixed end and oriented to face inward toward a center of the axially extending wall. The cover member is configured to selectively attach to the ring member to overlay the ring opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Greggs
  • Patent number: 9933143
    Abstract: Provided is a system for attachment to a lighting fixture including lens components within a recess of a substantially flat surface. The system includes a tension mechanism configured for rotatable movement in response to an applied force. The system also includes a tether configured to provide the applied force and facilitate movement of the tension mechanism from a minimum tension position to a maximum tension position. The tether attaches to the tension mechanism and is assessable at a position approximate to the lens components of the lighting fixture. Also provided is a method for mounting the lighting fixture using the tension mechanism engaged by the tether.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: GE LIGHTING SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventor: John Edward Chancey
  • Patent number: 9780545
    Abstract: A mounting bracket for a junction box includes a face plate, a first leg extending from the face plate, a second leg extending from the face plate, and a leg connector extending between and interconnecting the first and second legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Martin Lee Witherbee
  • Patent number: 9451715
    Abstract: A electrical box including a top wall, a side wall connected to the top wall, a cavity formed by the top wall and the side wall, at least one mounting flange on the side wall having a mounting hole therein, at least one mounting fastener in communication with the at least one mounting flange, and wherein the mounting fastener is slidably engaged with the at least one mounting flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventors: Jeffrey Baldwin, John Klein, Ryan Liebengood
  • Patent number: 9444236
    Abstract: A mounting bracket for a junction box includes a face plate, a first leg extending from the face plate, a second leg extending from the face plate, and a leg connector extending between and interconnecting the first and second legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Martin Lee Witherbee
  • Patent number: 9270099
    Abstract: The electrical box assembly includes a mount operationally coupled to a stanchion. A housing is operationally coupled to the mount. The housing is positionable at a selected position with respect to the stanchion. Moreover, upon installation, the electrical box assembly is able to adjust the elevation of the electrical box assembly in order to aid in trimming over the electrical box assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Inventor: Tilahun Anshu
  • Patent number: 9209610
    Abstract: A retrofit electrical outlet comprises an electrical box comprising one or more moveable braces coupled to linear brace actuators, whereby pulling on the linear brace actuator causes the brace to move toward the front end of the box to impinge a wall surface material between the brace and a front flange of the box. Releases may be included to allow for adjustment of the braces. The braces may move linearly or pivotally toward the wall surface material. The linear brace actuator may be stored within the wall for future use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Iven Dieterle, Richard L. Cleghorn, Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Lincoln Jolley
  • Patent number: 8681482
    Abstract: This disclosure describes examples of an apparatus to enclose components of a switching assembly of an automatic transfer switch. In one embodiment, the apparatus, or arc chamber cover, has a housing made of material with optical properties that permit observation of the interior of the housing. A mounting assembly couples to the housing. The mounting assembly secures the apparatus to the automatic transfer switch. In one example, the mounting assembly comprises feet comprising a material with mechanical properties that can withstand pressure and other forces inside of the interior chamber. The apparatus also includes one or more baffles to control the flow of gasses and control electric arcs within the switching assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Suresh Srikantaiah, Arthur Michael Evans, Sudarshan Allada, Pravin Pralhad Kulkarni
  • Patent number: 8631817
    Abstract: A subassembly for use in a vacuum inlet valve assembly for a central vacuum system, the subassembly having a valve body with a wiring compartment and at least one press connection detent means and a reversible mounting flange for connecting to the valve body. The mounting flange includes an attachment portion, a mounting flange wall sized and shaped to cover an open side of wiring compartment and press catch connection elements sized and shaped to interact with the detent to secure the mounting flange to the valve body. Also disclosed is a vacuum inlet valve assembly comprising the above subassembly in combination with a cover plate having a rectangular door, a hinge located on a long side of the rectangular door, and a face plate with a vacuum connection opening. In an alternate embodiment the valve body includes a perimeter wall, attachment openings internal but adjacent to said perimeter wall and a snap fit cover to close an open wall of a wiring compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Canplas Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: James Mantyla, Andrew Bird, John Ward
  • Patent number: 8579135
    Abstract: An electrical box including at least four walls extending forward from a back wall to an open front, at least two opposing walls of the four walls each including a rear mounting tab and a front mounting tab, wherein each of the rear mounting tabs are rigidly mounted to the wall and each of the front mounting tabs are pivotably mounted to the electrical box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Iven Dieterle, Richard L. Cleghorn, Thomas A. Miserendino, John Klein
  • Patent number: 8558110
    Abstract: An electrical box including a peripheral wall defining an outer perimeter and having a first end opposite a second end along a central axis, a first opening in the first end, a second opening in the second end, a dividing wall located between the first opening and the second opening, and wherein the first opening is arranged to secure a first electrical device on a first side of a structural wall and the second opening is arranged to secure a second electrical device on a second side of the structural wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Gabor Budahazi, John Klein, Thomas A. Miserendino, Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Richard L. Cleghorn
  • Patent number: 8403289
    Abstract: A universal bracket is provided for mounting electrical boxes. The bracket includes a generally rectangular first plate having at least one aperture defined within the first plate. The aperture is shaped to provide access to an electrical box mounted to the first plate, and further includes first and second pairs of diagonally opposite corners. A second plate extends rearward and substantially perpendicular to the first plate and located proximate a first side of the aperture. The first plate further includes one or more fastening portions and a plurality of mounting holes disposed about the fastening portions. One or more of the mounting holes are positioned for mounting the bracket to a vertical structural member adjacent either of two opposite sides of the bracket or a horizontal element adjacent a third side of the bracket, maintaining a particular bracket orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Eric R. Rinderer
  • Patent number: 8231022
    Abstract: An enclosure adapted to be recessed into a wall is disclosed. The enclosure may include an access frame or base to which an access door or lid is hinged or otherwise movable. The access frame is adapted to be secured to a stud of the wall. The door, in a closed configuration, is adapted to be substantially flush with the wall itself. Accordingly, in a closed configuration, the housing substantially conceals or hides the contents of the enclosure. In certain embodiments, the contents could be wall-mounted electrical devices such as power outlets, thermostats, switches, alarm key pads or audio/visual controls, but in alternative embodiments, the contents can be ordinary objects such as keys, wallets, or the like. In any embodiment set forth herein, a recessed housing is provided to provide for storage space to the user while not substantially disturbing the overall appearance or aesthetics of the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Allcova, LLC
    Inventors: John P. Goldenne, Curt Alan Conklin
  • Patent number: 8052008
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention includes a cover assembly for a floor box supporting at least one receptacle mounted therein. The assembly comprises at least one cover plate, at least one lid and a lock. The cover plate for at least partially covering the floor box includes at least one lock receiving channel. The at least one lid is pivotally secured to the cover plate for movement between a closed position covering the receptacle and an open position permitting access to the receptacle. The lock retains the lid in the closed position. Also, the lock is disposed at least partially within the channel and moveable between a locking position for retaining the lid in the closed position and at least one release position wherein the lid is not retained by the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Drane, Robert K. Jolly
  • Patent number: 7628286
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical outlet box assembly for adjustable positioning with respect to a wall stud. An electrical outlet box includes plural side walls defining a box interior having an open front face. A box locator is adjustably positioned on one of the side walls so as to adjust the location of the front face with respect to the stud to which the box locator is mounted. A support bracket is adjustably attached to another of the side walls for supporting the adjustably positioned box with respect to the back wall board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Lalancette
  • Publication number: 20090001082
    Abstract: An enclosure adapted to be recessed into a wall is disclosed. The enclosure may include an access frame or base to which an access door or lid is hinged or otherwise movable. The access frame is adapted to be secured to a stud of the wall. The door, in a closed configuration, is adapted to be substantially flush with the wall itself. Accordingly, in a closed configuration, the housing substantially conceals or hides the contents of the enclosure. In certain embodiments, the contents could be wall-mounted electrical devices such as power outlets, thermostats, switches, alarm key pads or audio/visual controls, but in alternative embodiments, the contents can be ordinary objects such as keys, wallets, or the like. In any embodiment set forth herein, a recessed housing is provided to provide for storage space to the user while not substantially disturbing the overall appearance or aesthetics of the room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: John P. Goldenne, Curt Alan Conklin
  • Patent number: 7468487
    Abstract: A securable wallplate system couples a wallplate with a wall without need for additional attachment hardware. The wallplate system includes arm members pivotally coupled with a wallplate. For each arm member, the wallplate can include a guide member that allows the arm member to pivotally rotate from a retracted angular orientation during installation of the wallplate system to an extended angular orientation during final engagement with an interior side of the wall. In final position, the arm members engage with the interior side of the room wall while the wallplate engages with an exterior side of the room wall and covers an opening in the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: James M. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20080196921
    Abstract: A electrical box assembly is provided that includes an electrical outlet box and an adapter plate configured to accommodate electrical components in a single or double gang formation. An engaging mechanism permits the adapter plate to snap into the electrical outlet box without the use of screws or other fasteners. Thus, the adapter plate can be removed and rotated to change the orientation of the adapter plate and any electrical components attached thereto from a vertical to a horizontal orientation, and vice versa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Cong Thanh Dinh
  • Patent number: 7378591
    Abstract: A electrical box assembly is provided that includes an electrical outlet box and an adapter plate configured to accommodate electrical components in a single or double gang formation. An engaging mechanism permits the adapter plate to snap into the electrical outlet box without the use of screws or other fasteners. Thus, the adapter plate can be removed and rotated to change the orientation of the adapter plate and any electrical components attached thereto from a vertical to a horizontal orientation, and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Cong Thanh Dinh
  • Patent number: 7290376
    Abstract: A wall device for supporting fittings includes a plurality of horizontal and vertical uprights (2), which can be assembled together to form the wall device. The horizontal and vertical uprights are mutually coupled together by at least one first adjustable fixing device (10), with connection elements (20) used for joining the fittings. The uprights (2) include at least a first channel section (5) and a second channel section (6), each including, starting from a respective bottom side (50), two respective opposed side parts (51) nearly orthogonal to the bottom side (50), and two respective first portions (52), parallel to the bottom side (50). The sides, parts and portions (50, 51, 52) of at least the first channel section (5) and the second channel section (6) define a respective cavity (55) and longitudinal openings (8) for the first fixing device (10) and for the connection elements (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: DE Agency S.R.L.
    Inventor: Fausto Emiliani
  • Patent number: 7288717
    Abstract: An electrical box assembly for a solar energy module that includes a lid having outer flanges and a box having slide chutes. The electrical box is assembled by gliding the outer flanges of the lid into the chutes of the box. Using a method, the object will not easily come apart. After the lid has been assembled with the box and covers the box, the through holes of the lid will corresponded to the fastener receiving apertures of the box allowing the fasteners to fix together. A set of shelves includes a first shelf and a second shelf, which can be secured into the first slot and the second slot of the box individually, allowing for electrical parts or devices to be installed on the shelves. In addition, the box, the lid and the shelves are all made of aluminum alloys which can enhance the efficiency of the heat radiation, accomplishing the goal of high heat conductivity and low rate of malfunction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Jin Hsin Ho Mold Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chang Chi Lee
  • Patent number: 7173194
    Abstract: An under-floor box system including a floor having an opening therein and a floor box position in the opening of the floor. The full box includes a housing and at least one fastening device partially retractable within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Pent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Rupert
  • Patent number: 7148421
    Abstract: A lid (20) and a cover main body (10) are formed with sliding contacts (17, 23) that slide in sliding contact with each other immediately before the lid (20) reaches a lid-closing position for damping biasing forces given from coil springs (30) to the lid (20). Frictional resistance is created by the sliding contact of the sliding contacts (17, 23) and the biasing forces given from the torsion coil springs (30) to the lid (20) are damped by this frictional resistance. In this way, an impact given when the lid (20) reaches the cover main body (10) at the lid-closing position is alleviated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinyu Nagashima, Akihito Maegawa, Mitsuru Tanigawa, Hiroyuki Kashiki
  • Patent number: 6951983
    Abstract: An outlet box assembly that simplifies the installation of an electrical box to a block wall. The assembly includes a box and a base plate. The box includes sidewalls, an open front with a planar front edge, and one or more side arms projecting from the sidewalls in a plane parallel to the planar front. The side arms include one or more apertures for receipt of fasteners. The base plate is substantially larger in area than the sidewalls of the box and includes an opening therein sized to accept the sidewalls of the box. The box is secured to a block wall by creating a hole in the wall at the desired location, positioning the base plate over the hole and against the wall, placing the box through the opening in the base plate until the back surface of the arms are flush with the base plate, and driving fasteners through one or more of the apertures in the side arms, through the base plate, and into the cement block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 6938640
    Abstract: A recessed box assembly (20) for a dryer exhaust hose (72) includes a box portion (22), having walls defining a box interior (26) open at a front, and a frame (24) attachable to the box portion (22). The box portion (22) has a port (42) in one of the walls configured to allow a dryer exhaust vent duct (40) to pass into the box interior (26) for interconnection with the dryer exhaust hose (72). Tabs (44) extend from the planar walls into the box interior (26) and releasably engage with receptacle sections (46) on the frame (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: Michael S. Mustoe
  • Patent number: 6774308
    Abstract: A system, device and method are claimed for installing electrical switches and electrical plug connectors in a wall, without the use of junction boxes. The system uses prefabricated switch assemblies and/or receptacle assemblies. These assemblies contain either a switch or a receptacle that is manufactured into a housing. On the rear of the housing are one or two protrusions. Wire connector ports are disposed within the areas defined by the protrusions. The wire connector ports are coupled to either the switch or receptacle within the housing. To install an assembly, at least one hole is drilled into a wall and a cable run through the hole. The wires from the cable are stripped and inserted into the wire connector ports within the protrusion on the rear of the assembly. The protrusion is then inserted into the hole in the wall and the assembly is mounted flush on the face of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: Steven Troyen
  • Publication number: 20040104228
    Abstract: A recessed box assembly (20) for a dryer exhaust hose (72) includes a box portion (22), having walls defining a box interior (26) open at a front, and a frame (24) attachable to the box portion (22). The box portion (22) has a port (42) in one of the walls configured to allow a dryer exhaust vent duct (40) to pass into the box interior (26) for interconnection with the dryer exhaust hose (72). Tabs (44) extend from the planar walls into the box interior (26) and releasably engage with receptacle sections (46) on the frame (24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Michael S. Mustoe
  • Patent number: 6740810
    Abstract: A container is provided, including a housing having a plurality of walls that define an inside and an outside of the housing; and at least one dual-sided outlet arranged on at least one of the walls, the dual sided outlet having a first electrical supply point arranged on the inside of the housing and a second electrical supply point arranged on the outside of the housing; wherein each of the first and second electrical supply points is configured to detachably couple to at least one respective electrical appliance, and each of the first and second electrical supply points is configured to provide electrical power to the at least one respective electrical appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Alejandro S Regueiro
  • Patent number: 6717053
    Abstract: A work surface electrical power distribution system including a plurality of first housing portions each having a different visual indicator and an electrical power assembly. The electrical power assembly including at least one electrical power receptacle, a second housing portion removably mountable to a work surface, the at least one electrical power receptacle connected to the second housing portion and a selected one of the plurality of first housing portions removably attached to the second housing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Dekko Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian K. Rupert
  • Patent number: 6669041
    Abstract: A service box for mounting in a floor includes a rigid container having walls and a lid for covering an upper opening in the container. The opening provides access into a cavity defined by the container. The container has access apertures in the walls for receiving service conduits such as cables, wires, or the like therethrough. The walls include sides which are closely adjacent the floor when the container is mounted in the floor. The container is adapted for mounting of service outlets in the cavity in service communication, that is, electrical communication or telecommunication with the service conduits. At least one recess is formed in the sides. Each recess has a side opening exposing the recess horizontally outwardly of the sides. An elongate first threaded member such as a bolt is rotatably and generally vertically mounted within each recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Spider Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Gordon S. Almond
  • Patent number: 6625934
    Abstract: An environmental detection system is particularly suited for elevator hoistways and other locations where access is difficult or restricted. The inventive system comprises a fire rated access cage which is disposed within the hoistway in a desired location, and is securely attached to an associated access panel, which is fire protection rated and positioned to extend through a wall defining the hoistway. An environmental sensing device, such as a smoke detector or heat sensor, is secured within the cage so that it is disposed within the hoistway, and can freely detect any smoke or excessive heat present in the hoistway because of a large number of apertures in the walls of the cage. The resultant system, thus, is constructed so that authorized personnel can access the environmental sensing unit conveniently through the access panel door from an adjacent hallway or room to test or maintain it, without shutting down the associated elevator or compromising the effectiveness of the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: James J. McGrath, III
  • Patent number: 6441302
    Abstract: A junction box mount structure in which a plug holder is secured by insertion within the interior section of the junction box that has a mount installed in an opening through the side of a junction box and a plug holder inserted onto the mount. The mount has a laterally extending collar section that is inserted into the junction box opening and, furthermore, the plug holder is aligned with and slipped into the collar section, and thereby positioned within the interior section of the mount. A retainer element is movably conjoined to each of the two sides of the mount and, furthermore, under normal conditions, the free ends of the retaining elements are tightly pulled by an elastic component and drawn into a state of compression such that after the plug holder is inserted, it is maintained in position by the retaining elements and cannot be pulled out while restrained within the mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Wen-Chang Wu
  • Patent number: 6328177
    Abstract: A box, in particular for electrical devices, is built into a wall of any kind by fitting into an opening therein. The box includes a transverse flange which bears in the manner of a guard against the wall to be equipped and, beyond the flange, at least one elastically deformable lug projecting laterally to cooperate with the wall. The elastically deformable lug has two branches with a common root and extending in respective different directions, namely, referred to the insertion direction, a first or front branch extending globally away from the flange and a second or rear branch extending globally towards the flange. Applications include electrical devices, for example infrared radiation receiving cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignees: Legrand, Legrand SNC
    Inventor: Jean-Paul Goudal
  • Patent number: RE38881
    Abstract: A plastic building wall mounting bracket assembly comprises a one-piece mounting bracket with a back wall and an integral continuous peripheral wall extending axially therefrom, a flange member having an outside flange and an integral flange wall extending axially therefrom to be received by the mounting bracket so that only the flange member is visible from outside the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventors: Norman L. Chubb, Richard J. MacLeod, Charles E. Schiedegger