Laterally Patents (Class 248/271)
  • Patent number: 5584726
    Abstract: The device (5) according to the invention comprises a cylindrical body (50). The outer base of the body (50) has a crown piece with correction catches (501) engaging in a second crown piece of correction catches (30) of a connector (3). The number of correction positions between the body (50) and the connector (3) is equal to the number of catches (501, 30). An elastic washer permits a partial drawings back of device (5) to permit changing the correction position. According to a first mode of embodiment, the cylindrical body is extended by a threaded shaft and screwed onto the connector (3). According to a second mode of embodiment, a key system (54, 542, 543) acts on a latch (6) sliding inside connector (3), which permits locking onto a support (4). This key system is activated by a tool of the screwdriver type. The device can be used for coupling of complementary electrical connectors, notably for aeronautic applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Framatome Connectors International
    Inventors: Herve Le Gallic, Pascal M. Ribeau
  • Patent number: 5542549
    Abstract: A lightweight extremely versatile cross-connect frame and associated stand-off brackets are presented. This cross-connect frame comprises few components with integrally designed hole patterns to retain communication connector blocks and other standard products that require the dimensions of an EIA standard relay rack. The enhanced manufacturing and assembly produce clean sturdy frames which can be mounted either directly or with compatible stand-off brackets to a wall or 19" EIA relay rack. Additionally, these frames, with or without stand-off brackets, minimize the mounting space required by being both an even RMS (Rack Mount Space) in length and end stackable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: The Siemon Company
    Inventors: John A. Siemon, Christopher H. Cox
  • Patent number: 5542859
    Abstract: A wall mountable electrical socket for securement in an opening formed in a plasterboard wall. The socket includes a wall plate having a central opening with a rearwardly extending cylindrical member, and a plug housing insertable through the opening. Guide slots in the cylindrical member guide the housing to a position of locking engagement. During insertion, the housing cams tine members of the cylindrical member into piercing engagement with the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Woods Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Wendell Ison, Douglas Wright, Scott Ireland, Geoffrey Hicks, Bradley J. Hyde
  • Patent number: 5538206
    Abstract: The sink support is a simple structural device for mounting under counter tops used in bathrooms, kitchens and other facilities to support a sink. The sink support consists of a cross member with a mounting bracket at each end. The brackets are designed to rest on the top edge of the vertical element supporting the counter top. This is typically the cabinet structure under the counter top. With two brackets so mounted, the sink may rest on the sink supports on the sink edges when the sink is placed relative to the cutout formed in the typical counter top. Adjustment screws are provided in the cross member to provide for aligning the sink with the counter top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Inventor: Steven B. Sather
  • Patent number: 5524859
    Abstract: An anti-theft mounting for radios, stereos and similar audio equipment used in motor vehicles has several features to discourage and possibly prevent the theft of equipment. The audio equipment is mounted within an opening in a dash of a motor vehicle. The equipment is partially mounted within a housing which moves forward so that a front of the equipment extends out of the opening when the equipment is desired to be used and moves rearward when the equipment is not desired to be used. When the equipment is in the rearward rest position, a door closes the opening. When the equipment is desired to be operated, the door opens and the equipment protrudes at least partially from the opening for easy access. The opening is sized so that while the equipment will fit snugly through the opening, the housing will not. The door and the equipment are controlled by worm gears. One worm gear controls the forward and rearward movement of the housing and audio equipment and two additional worm gears control the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Inventors: Carlton G. Squires, Leslie A. Squires
  • Patent number: 5522575
    Abstract: A servo case and a mounting fixture for an actuator servo used for radio-controlled models. The mounting fixture is a molded frame which houses the servo case. The mounting frame is usually permanently mounted to the model. In airplanes, the frames are typically mounted within the interior of the wing. The servo contains removable tabs for the horizontal or vertical mounting of the servo, so that it can be removably attached to the fixture. This allows the servo case to be quickly snapped into the mounting frame, and likewise snapped out of the mounting frame when it has to be serviced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Inventor: Michael A. Volz
  • Patent number: 5509627
    Abstract: A retaining assembly is provided for an amplifier or other component to be inserted in a compartment formed in the instrument panel of an automotive vehicle. The assembly includes at least one clip having a pair of vertically spaced latching tongues carried on resilient arms to permit snap fit engagement of the component in the compartment without substantial modification to the instrument panel. A locating pin aids in support of the component, and the assembly provides the sole vertical support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Michael B. Darrow, John L. Aleva
  • Patent number: 5494244
    Abstract: The invention is a bracket having a resilient flange. The bracket attaches to the periphery of a room partition defining an orifice. The bracket provides a secure mounting location for an air diffuser and holds the box associated with the diffuser firmly in place allowing one person to install the diffuser and the box within an orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Inventor: Edward J. Walton
  • Patent number: 5482232
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting a hardware system in a wall is provided. A mounting bracket and bezel assembly and a rectangular wall frame device are attached to a wall. The bezel plate has a cam lock inserted through its upper portion. The wall frame device has a depth adjustment set screw through the top of the frame. That fits into the cam lock in the bezel plate. At least two angled T-shaped metallic tabs are located on the bottom of the wall frame device to receive the angled base of the assembly, which rests directly on these tabs. The method includes attaching the wall frame device around a suitably sized recessed rectangular hole in a wall. The assembly is attached to a rear portion of an electronics box with finger screws, and the angled base of the assembly is placed onto the lower edge of the wall frame device. The assembly is pushed into the wall frame device and the set screw is adjustable to ensure the assembly fits snugly against the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Mirage Resorts, Incorporated
    Inventors: Stephen A. Wynn, Ernest R. Pearce, Michael H. D'Amico, Ursula M. Conway, Troy W. Newberry
  • Patent number: 5478032
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) and method for mounting a wiring device (11) on a wall so that mounting on a stud is not necessary. A bracket (16) having a side member (17) is disposed in an opening in the wall such that a side member (17) of the bracket (16) is abutting the rear face of the wall. A mounting clip (25) is disposed in the opening in the wall with an ear (27) on the mounting clip (25) engaging the side member (17) and a flange (28) on the mounting clip (25) abutting the front face of the wall. A fastener passes through the flange (28) on the mounting clip (25), through the wall and into a mounting boss (21) on the side member (17) abutting the rear face of the wall, thereby securing the bracket (16) to the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventor: Vernon R. Miller
  • Patent number: 5475577
    Abstract: A plate for attaching an accessory to a panel such as a vehicle interior headliner including a molded polymeric frame having a dimension adapted to lie adjacent and span at least one opening formed in a panel to receive the accessory. At least one clamp, pivotally coupled to the frame, is adapted to be actuated from the same side of the panel on which the frame is mounted. The clamp swings through the panel opening and engages the opposite panel surface, locking the frame adjacent the panel opening. The frame includes bosses to receive fasteners attaching an accessory such as a vehicle light. In the alternative, the frame receives a conductive bracket for receiving a light bulb or other accessory, thereby acting as the accessory itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Troy I. Vanderhoof, Richard J. Goresch
  • Patent number: 5467947
    Abstract: A mounting kit for mounting one of various types of radios or the like to support brackets in a vehicle. The kit includes a radio housing, mounting brackets and shaft supports. The mounting brackets can be used with the radio housing to mount an ISO-DIN radio. The shaft supports can be used with the housing to mount a two-shaft radio. Only the radio housing need be used when installing a DIN radio with a DIN cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Metra Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: R. Spencer Quilling, II
  • Patent number: 5465928
    Abstract: A combination of an assemblage and at least one mounting clip for mounting the assemblage into an opening of a finite size in a panel having frontwardly facing and rearwardly facing surfaces to facilitate a display of a front face of the assemblage from the frontwardly facing surface of the panel. The mounting clip is secured by a fastener to the assemblage so that the combination of the assemblage and mounting clip are inserted into the opening in the panel as a unit. Thereafter, the fastening mechanism is rotated so as to cause the mounting clip to rotate therewith and place a flange thereon into engagement with the rearwardly facing surface of the panel while the front face of the assemblage engages the frontwardly facing surface of the panel. Continued rotation of the fastening mechanism will effect a drawing of the mounting clip toward the front face of the assemblage so as to clamp the material of the panel between the front face of the assemblage and the flange on the mounting clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: E.I. Partners
    Inventor: Joseph E. Massie
  • Patent number: 5465927
    Abstract: A metal bracket for the printed circuit board is provided. The bracket comprises a bracket plate and a removable cover plate. The bracket plate has an first surface of an internal side and a second surface of an external side. A window with an inner rim is formed on the substantially central area of the bracket plate and the inner rim has at least a first connecting devices. At least a second connecting devices is connected to the first surface for securing the printed circuit board with the bracket plate. The removable cover plate has a third connecting devices coupled to the first connecting devices for securing the removable cover plate with the bracket plate. The cover plate substantially covers the window on the external side which prevents the leakage of the electromagnetic wave emitted from the printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Acer Peripherlas, Inc.
    Inventor: Cho Chun-Jung
  • Patent number: 5452175
    Abstract: A construction of a panel includes at least one opening defined therein, a first and a second box are respectively disposed beside the opening of the panel, each of the first and second boxes has a hole defined therein and an extending live line and an extending ground line respectively extend from the first box and the second box and extend along sides defining the opening, one end of the extending live/ground line is in communication with the corresponding holes of the first and the second boxes. The extending live and extending ground lines are respectively and electrically connected to an electrical element disposed in the panel, which has two conductive plates extending therefrom, each of the conductive plates has an L-shaped plate extending transversely therefrom so as to receive the extending live/ground lines between the L-shaped plate and the conductive plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Inventor: Pei-Lien Tsai
  • Patent number: 5449859
    Abstract: A bracket supports an electrical access floor module in an opening in a raised floor. The bracket includes an elongate member having a first surface positionable on the upper surface of the floor, and a second surface extending perpendicular thereto into the floor opening. The second surface of the bracket includes a pair of bendable legs adapted to be bent under the floor to lie along the under surface of the floor. This securely supports the bracket in the floor opening. The second surface of the bracket further includes a screw receiving member for accommodating a screw inserted from within the access floor module to secure the module in the opening. The screw accommodating member prevents relative lateral movement of said access floor module with respect to said opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventor: Mark Bordwell
  • Patent number: 5440455
    Abstract: The innovation pertains to a device for fastening the housing of a data sensing element which encloses electronic circuits and connecting elements. Data sensing elements of this type are fastened in the wall which encloses the medium to be measured by means of a screw insert. Depending on their function, these data sensing elements may assume a position in which the connection of the connecting lines leading to a control room which is situated at a distance from the measuring point is only possible with great difficulties. This is the reason why the housing should be adjustable axially symmetrically relative to the screw insert. According to the solution suggested, the separable connection between the housing and the screw insert is formed by only one easily accessible screw which penetrates through a clamping disk and by projections which penetrate into a groove of the screw insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co.
    Inventor: Werner Rottmar
  • Patent number: 5434359
    Abstract: A nonmetallic electrical box which has mounting surfaces or contacting points, a pair of bosses and a pair of securing arms. The bosses extend from the center of the top and bottom walls of the box for mounting a wiring device within the box, and the securing arms extend from the top and bottom walls for securing the box within the opening of a wall or ceiling. The contacting points are spaced apart along the top and bottom walls, are coplanar and extend outwardly from the top and bottom walls a distance at least equal to the distance the bosses and arms extend outwardly from the top and bottom walls, thereby preventing any side to side rocking motion when the box is mounted within a rectangular opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Schnell
  • Patent number: 5430612
    Abstract: A combination instrument having a front frame (12), a transparent cover glass (16), display systems (2) and/or operating elements mounted in the combination instrument, a circuit board (6) arranged behind them and bearing electronic components, the display systems and/or operating elements contacting the circuit board, and having a rear closure cover (13) for the combination instrument. Such a combination instrument is particularly easy to construct and mount and can thus be produced at favorable cost when it has a system support (1) developed as supporting structural part provided with recesses for the positioning and holding of the display systems and/or operating elements. The circuit board is connected to the system support. The system support thus represents the supporting element of the combination instrument around which all other parts of the combination instrument are grouped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: VDO Adolf Schindling AG
    Inventors: Ernst-Ulrich Simon, Stephan Zech, Josef Langhammer
  • Patent number: 5423500
    Abstract: A bracket for the in-wall mounting of speakers has a bracket frame member in which a plurality of apertures are formed for receiving fasteners to attach at least one speaker thereto and also has a plurality of wing members formed upon the bracket frame member for attaching the frame member to a wall. The wing members are formed having a thickness of less than 0.040 inch to facilitate attachment to the wall intermediate a wall frame and wallboard such that bowing of the wallboard is mitigated. The frame member and wing members are preferably integrally formed of plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: Dana Innovatins
    Inventors: Scott Struthers, William J. Kindel, Geoffrey L. Spencer, F. Hendrik Huebscher, Ronald Maurer
  • Patent number: 5423499
    Abstract: A bracket device for mounting electrical devices in the interior space of hollow partitions having a front wall and a back wall with an anterior space therebetween typically comprising: (1) a base capable of being fixedly attached to the floor; (ii) a riser extending upwardly from the base, the riser having front and rear faces; and (iii) supporting means for supporting a cover ring and a junction box which extends into the interior space. The supporting means can include an annular plate having front and rear faces attached to an upper portion of the riser, the annular plate further having attaching means such as mounting holes for attaching the cover ring to its front face and the junction box to its rear face. Preferably, the device also includes (iv) a stabilizing arm extending rearwardly from the device to the rear wall of the partition. The arm can be detachable from the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Inventor: Ronald D. Webb
  • Patent number: 5414229
    Abstract: For use in mounting a speaker on a wall member, such as a rear corner pillar, of a vehicle, such as a van, minivan, or station wagon, a molded speaker mounting bracket adapted to being speaker mounted on the pillar. The molded bracket includes speaker receiving segment and three legs extending from the receiving segment for being heat welded onto a surface of the corner pillar. The speaker receiving segment is contoured to include a first square portion, a second frustoconical portion, and a third internal flange portion, with an upwardly converging open front terminating in upper corners positioned a predetermined distance apart, adapted to having a speaker snapped past the upper corners by spreading same and thereafter being securely retained by the first, second and third contoured portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Paula M. Rocheleau, James M. Wojciechowski, Donald E. Miller, Eric S. Mozer, Lisa Alcini-Mazur
  • Patent number: 5410373
    Abstract: An electronic chassis is disclosed for supporting components such as a CRT device or flat panel display unit and adapted for installation through an opening in a cabinet without requiring access from within the cabinet to secure the chassis in place. The frontal end of the chassis has flange members on opposite sides which fit against the cabinet surface around its opening. One side of the chassis frontal end has a movable retainer means controlled by one or more drive screws that can be adjusted to grip one side of the cabinet opening. Continued actuation of the drive screws moves the chassis into locking contact with a fixed retainer means on the opposite side of the chassis. A bezel frame member attached to the frontal end of the chassis covers the drive screws but has access holes to facilitate their adjustment, and gaskets are provided on the bezel frame to prevent moisture from entering the chassis or the cabinet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Berkeley Process Control
    Inventors: Paul Sagues, Steven M. Kraft
  • Patent number: 5404276
    Abstract: An RFI through-let for screening signals transmitted between different components, for instance circuit boards, of which one component is arranged in a screened space, includes signal-transmission through-let capacitors which are mounted in a screen plate intended to be positioned in a rectangular opening in the side-wall of the screened space. The screen plate is comprised of a front part which includes a rectangular, generally flat plate having tongues or tabs disposed along the sides thereof and also having a central, rectangular hollow, and a holding part which is soldered firmly in the vicinity of the hollow of the front part. The holding part includes a flat plate whose long sides are bent to form guide flanges which extend perpendicularly downwards away from the front part, along a first line corresponding to the long sides of the opening, and along a second line downwardly of the first line are further bent inwardly towards one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson
    Inventors: Kjell O. Hansson, Erik L. Ovanfors
  • Patent number: 5388795
    Abstract: A bracket for the in-wall mounting of speakers having a bracket frame member configured to receive at least one speaker and also having a plurality of wing members attached to the bracket frame member. The wing members having a thin portion to facilitate attachment to a wall intermediate a wall frame and a wall covering such that bowling or bulging of the wall covering is mitigated and the need to notch or mortise the wall frame is eliminated. The wing members additionally comprise a thick portion which serves as a clamping member. The position of the wing members relative to the frame member is adjustable after the bracket has been installed into a wall without requiring removal of the bracket from the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Dana Innovations
    Inventors: Scott Struthers, William J. Kindel, Geoffrey L. Spencer, F. Hendrik Huebscher, Ronald Maurer
  • Patent number: 5379972
    Abstract: An equipment support can be attached to the body of trunking having two inwardly facing lips. The support has on each edge of each of two mutually orthogonal pairs of opposite edges of unequal length a groove which can be engaged on these lips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Legrand
    Inventors: Bertrand Decore, Francois Perrignon de Troyes
  • Patent number: 5374103
    Abstract: A removable passenger control unit (20) is detachably latched in position in a recess in the arm (12) of a passenger seat by means of a rotatable C-shaped pawl (40) that is mounted on a support arm (54) that projects into a recess (48,50,52) in an end of the passenger control unit. The legs (70,72) of the pawl straddle the support arm, and one leg (72) is threadedly engaged with a cap screw (60) that is rotatable and slidable in an aperture at the end of the support arm. The other leg (70) of the C-shaped pawl (40) has an aperture that receives an enlarged head (62) of the cap screw. The arrangement allows the pawl to be rotated between latched and unlatched positions and to be shifted axially of the cap screw by rotation of the cap screw. The capture of an upper leg (70) of the C-shaped pawl by the enlarged head (62) of the cap screw resists tilting moments exerted by engagement of the pawl with a panel edge ( 18) of the passenger seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Assignee: Hughes-Avicom International, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard C. Stange, Konrad E. Nierich
  • Patent number: 5366185
    Abstract: A control board assembly including a control panel and a carrier plate which have alternatively occurring tab and hook members. The tab and hook members of the two elements can be overlappingly engaged to prevent movement of the carrier plate with respect to the control panel. The carrier plate is further comprised of a face plate which is adapted to receive one or more circuit boards held in parallel orientation by rails. When the carrier plate is slidably moved to an engaged position with the control panel, the carrier plate can be locked against further movement by an integral catch or by attaching one screw which extends through the carrier plate and threadably engages a bore located on the control panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Daryl A. Michael, Herbert E. Scott
  • Patent number: 5361981
    Abstract: An air conditioning unit for use with a central thermal unit supply system. The air conditioning unit includes a formed wall mounting member which is secured to a wall, and from which is supported a heat exchange unit consisting of a heat transfer fluid coil and an air moving assembly including a tangential blower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: Heat Exchangers, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Albert, John Spencer
  • Patent number: 5354019
    Abstract: Apparatus for mounting an electrical component actuated by a rotating spindle (e.g., a potentiometer or a selector switch) having a cross-slide guideway made of two slide components wherein a first slide component is displaceable relative to the second slide component. The second slide component is displaceable relative to the object on which the component is to be supported. The two displacement directions are off-set 90 degrees from each other and extend radially with respect to the axis of rotation of the electrical component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: Wilhelm Ruf KG
    Inventor: Dieter Braun
  • Patent number: 5350140
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a universal control console for use on domestic washing machines or dryers. The control console of the present invention extends between a pair of mounting end caps, and provides a plurality of mounting means to facilitate the mounting and attachment of controls thereto. The apertures include a central aperture having upwardly and downwardly extending rectangular apertures and a generally circular main opening. The main opening includes a pair of opposed radial notches. Below the downwardly extending rectangular aperture is a generally T-shaped aperture. Several generally tab-receiving apertures are laterally-spaced from the central aperture. The openings in the control console cooperate to mount a variety of control devices, allowing interchangeability among controls which is desirable for different appliance models.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignee: White Consolidated Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Ripley, James L. Boston, Edward G. Luehrmann, Dale L. Barglof
  • Patent number: 5338255
    Abstract: A mounting shoulder (34) attached to an air duct fitting (20) for securing an air duct register (24) over the end of the fitting. The fitting protrudes through an opening (26) in a wall member (22). The mounting shoulder comprises an attachment strip (36), a floor plate (32), and three side walls (40, 42, 44) all formed from a single plate of metal having properly placed cuts and bends. The attachment strip (36) affixes the shoulder to the fitting and is attached to the fitting such that its lower edge (52) is flush with the lower edge of the fitting. The width of the attachment strip is substantially equal to the thickness of the wall member. The floor plate, to which the air duct register may be secured, is attached along one edge to the attachment strip and lies in a plane substantially parallel to the wall member. The three side walls extend in a direction away from wall member from edges of the floor plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Noll Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Kenneth S. Akehurst
  • Patent number: 5330137
    Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for mounting an electrical box between studs in a wall is disclosed. The apparatus of the invention is a mounting bracket comprising a relatively flat, elongated frame having a front planar face, a rear planar face, and a first and second opposing ends attachable to two corresponding wall studs. The frame also has a central cut-out portion which defines a top edge and a bottom edge. An electrical box and its accompanying faceplate may be mounted between two wall studs by first attaching the bracket of the present invention to the wall studs. The open front end of the box is then placed flush against the rear face of the bracket such that a top portion of the box contacts the top edge of the bracket and a bottom portion of the box contacts the bottom edge of the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Inventor: John H. Oliva
  • Patent number: 5323297
    Abstract: Twist-in mounting structure comprises a barrel, and panel capture tabs extending oppositely away therefrom, each terminating in a free end spaced away from the barrel. Each tab has an interference surface sloping downwardly and inwardly toward the barrel, and an interference region bounded by the interference surface. An acute angle is included between the interference surfaces and a cooperative raised capture plateau lying below them. A spring locking arm, sprung out of the plane of the housing mounting surface, provides a distal locking element. The housing mounting surface provides structure for laterally capturing the locking arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Inventors: Nicholas R. Palumbo, Edward B. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 5322254
    Abstract: A mounting device for a rigid member such as a stone or concrete slab is disclosed. The slab has an opening which receives a sleeve. A continuous locking member has an inner surface complementary with the sleeve and an outer inclined surface adjacent the slab. A ring member has a flange mounted on the top of the slab and a hub connected to the sleeve. An object such as a cemetery vase is mounted in the ring member. A connector joins the vase to the ring member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: U.S. Metalcraft
    Inventor: Stephen J. Birkmeier
  • Patent number: 5320311
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for attachment to a housing comprising a bracket (10) having two side supports (14) separated by a horizontal bottom support (11) and at least one set of spacers (16, 18) having self-retaining means for connecting the spacers to one of the side supports (14) of the bracket (10). A ribbed extension (44) is disposed on an outside of one of the spacers (18) for slideably attaching to the housing (10). The spacers (16, 18) include means for incrementally rotating one of the spacers (18) with respect to the bracket (10) thus incrementally rotating the housing (10) when the housing (10) is attached to the spacers (16, 18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Tyler D. Jensen, William H. Robertson, Jr., Michael H. Bartlett
  • Patent number: 5310149
    Abstract: A bracket for the in-wall mounting of speakers having a bracket frame member configured to receive at least one speaker and also having a plurality of wing members attached to the bracket frame member. The wing members having a thin portion to facilitate attachment to a wall intermediate a wall frame and a wall covering such that bowling or bulging of the wall covering is mitigated and the need to notch or mortise the wall frame is eliminated. The wing members additionally comprise a thick portion which serves as a clamping member. The position of the wing members relative to the frame member is adjustable after the bracket has been installed into a wall without requiring removal of the bracket from the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Dana Innovations
    Inventors: Scott Struthers, William J. Kindel, Geoffrey L. Spencer, F. Hendrik Huebscher, Ronald Maurer
  • Patent number: 5307327
    Abstract: Most motor vehicles contain an audio such as a radio, cassette player or compact disc player. A housing generally having a box-like shape and an open end surround the actual hardware. A cover fits over the open end of the housing. The present invention provides a positive means for attaching and holding the front cover to the housing. A lip section of the cover is tightly held between upper and lower tabs integral with the housing. The interference fit created by the tabs tends to reduce the possibility of annoying rattling or buzzing sounds during vehicle operation due to a loose fit of the cover onto the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Dewayne E. Green, Steven F. Selby
  • Patent number: 5307238
    Abstract: An avionics display device having a stowable rotatable locking handle disposed therein for facilitating quick and easy installation and/or removal of the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
    Inventor: Russell D. Marcus
  • Patent number: 5303892
    Abstract: A control panel is detachably connected by a retaining bracket to a housing which is mounted in an aperture formed in a support structure such as a wall. The positioning of the panel adjacent an outer surface of the support structure is independent of the depth of insertion of the housing in the aperture. The bracket is U-shaped with a generally vertical base portion and first and second legs extending horizontally from opposite ends of the base portion. Each leg has a hook formed at a free end thereof for detachably engaging a spring clip mounted on a rear surface of the panel. A pair of spring plates are attached to the base portion by fasteners and each plate has two pairs of spring tabs formed thereon for engaging a roughened surface on opposite side walls of the housing. After the insertion of the bracket into the housing, the fasteners can be loosened to permit positioning of the panel relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Urs Minder, Peter Achermann
  • Patent number: 5302139
    Abstract: An adaptor for securing a data communication port to a panel having a base plate with a fixed latching member and a pair of movable latching members, each engagable with an unexposed surface of a panel having a cutout when the base plate is in engagement with the . exposed surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: MOD-TAP W Corp.
    Inventor: Steven J. Starsja
  • Patent number: 5299766
    Abstract: A retrofit bracket for wall mount speakers has a support surface configured for mounting at least one speaker thereto and a pair of elongate clamping bars extending across to opposite sides of the rear of the support surface and adjustably attach thereto such that a wall covering is clampably capturable intermediate the support surface and the bars. An adjustment means facilitates varying of the distance between the support surface and the bars to accommodate various wall covering thicknesses. The elongate bars are sufficiently flexible to provide spring tension against the wall covering captured intermediate the bars and the support surface. A foot is formed upon each end of the elongate bars for distributing the force applied by the bars over an increased surface area. The use of feet to spread the force of the bars over an increased surface area mitigates the potential for compression of the wall covering captured therebeneath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Dana Innovations
    Inventors: Jerry Curtis, William J. Kindel, Geoffrey L. Spencer, Scott Struthers, F. Hendrik Huebscher, Walter Malzahn, Ronald Maurer
  • Patent number: 5295644
    Abstract: A support for positioning different sized electrical outlet boxes on a strut spanning the distance between a pair of adjacent studs in a wall. The strut includes panel-shaped fingers which can be bent to a position perpendicular to the strut to receive and support an electrical outlet box and to automatically align the face of the outlet box with the strut and plasterboard attached to the studs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Inventor: James A. Ferguson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5292092
    Abstract: A retrofit bracket for wall mount speakers has a support surface configured for mounting at least one speaker thereto and a pair of elongate clamping bars extending across to opposite sides of the rear of the support surface and adjustably attach thereto such that a wall covering is clampably capturable intermediate the support surface and the bars. An adjustment means facilitates varying of the distance between the support surface and the bars to accommodate various wall covering thicknesses. The elongate bars are sufficiently flexible to provide spring tension against the wall covering captured intermediate the bars and the support surface. A foot is formed upon each end of the elongate bars for distributing the force applied by the bars over an increased surface area. The use of feet to spread the force of the bars over an increased surface area mitigates the potential for compression of the wall covering captured therebeneath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: Dana Innovations
    Inventors: Jerry Curtis, William J. Kindel, Geoffrey L. Spencer, Scott Struthers, F. Hendrik Huebscher, Walter Malzahn, Ronald Maurer
  • Patent number: 5288041
    Abstract: A bracket device for mounting electrical devices in the interior of hollow partitions having a front wall and a back wall with a hollow space therebetween typically comprising: (i) a base capable of being fixedly attached to the floor; (ii) a riser extending upwardly from the base; and (iii) an annular plate having front and rear faces attached to the upper portion of the riser and having an opening therethrough sufficiently large to receive an electrical device accessible from the exterior side of the front wall, the annular plate also having means such as mounting holes for attaching a cover ring to its front face and a junction box to its rear face. Preferably, the device also includes (iv) a stabilizing arm extending rearwardly from the annular plate, the arm being sufficiently long to extend to the rear wall of the partition. The stabilizing rm can be attached either to an upper segment or a lower segment of the annular plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Inventor: Ronald D. Webb
  • Patent number: 5280865
    Abstract: A mounting system includes a plurality of mounting structures attached to a perimeter of the radio and having longitudinal apertures extending therethrough. The mounting system also includes a plurality of mounting brackets having a pair of hook shaped ends opposing one another in spaced apart relationship and being disposed in the longitudinal apertures. The mounting system further includes fasteners for fastening the mounting brackets to vehicle structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Van Hout, Richard Megregian, Gilbert L. McCauley
  • Patent number: 5273243
    Abstract: A radio speaker is mounted in an aperture of a vehicle panel having an outerside and underside. A flange is provided the panel underside underlying the aperture. The aperture is larger than the speaker and the speaker is installed from the panel outerside through the aperture to rest on the flange. The flange surrounds only a portion of the aperture to define an opening laterally of the speaker through which the speaker may be removed from the panel underside by movement laterally of the aperture. A fastener is installed from the panel outerside to retain the speaker on the flange and is removable from the panel underside to dismount the speaker from the panel. Alternatively, the aperture may be smaller than the speaker and a series of flanged tabs struck from the panel surrounding only a portion of the aperture so that the speaker may be installed from the underside of the panel by sliding the speaker laterally of the panel to engage the speaker with the flanged tabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Ali M. Abdallah, Kenneth W. Hensley
  • Patent number: 5259655
    Abstract: The invention disclosed here is a dashboard accessory item in the form of an add-on housing that enables the repositioning of certain instrument panels closer to the driver, thereby making the instruments on such panels more accessible. In use, the instrument panels are first detached from a stock dashboard, and the housing is mounted to the dashboard over the location where the panels were originally located. The add-on housing projects forwardly of the dashboard, and the panels are remounted to its forward or frontal face. Such face angles toward the driver as it extends along the dashboard from the steering wheel toward the right-hand side of the cab. This repositions the panels much closer to the driver than they were when originally mounted to the stock dashboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Inventor: John W. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5256841
    Abstract: A electric switch is formed in the shape of a container having a front plate adapted for lockingly engaging an opening in an appliance control panel when the switch is rotatingly inserted within the opening in a clockwise direction. The front plate is shaped to allow orientation of the switch in a predetermined position. To unlock the switch from the panel for replacement or repair, the switch must be rotated in the counter-clockwise direction. A spring-loaded cam attached to the front plate engages a separate opening in the panel to prevent inadvertent removal of the switch during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: General Electric
    Inventor: John H. Zanella
  • Patent number: RE34786
    Abstract: A support and stabilizing apparatus for an electrical outlet box, such as a conventional electrical outlet box having a plurality of side walls and a back wall defining a chamber with an open front and having an access bore formed through at least one of the walls, The support and stabilizing apparatus comprises a stud apparatus having a shaft with forward and rearward opposed ends and generally cylindrical forward and rearward abutment plates secured to the shaft in predetermined spaced apart relationship. The rearward plate is disposed at the rearward end of the shaft, and the forward plate is disposed near and spaced inwardly from the forward end of the shaft so as to create a mounting segment between the forward plate and the forward end of the shaft. A flexible retainer is provided for supporting the mounting segment, to grippingly engage that portion of the mounting segment which projects into the outlet box chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Inventor: Donovan L. Slough