Including Manipulatable Latch Patents (Class 248/681)
  • Patent number: 5677513
    Abstract: A tying device for tying a wiring harness having a first annular holder for holding general wires, which has a first slit for inserting therethrough the general wires into the first annular holder; and a second annular holder for holding specific wires, which has a second slit for inserting therethrough the specific wires into the second annular holder and has a diameter smaller than that of the first annular holder so as to extend into the first annular holder from an inner peripheral surface of the first annular holder through a rib; wherein the second annular holder is positioned at a central portion of the first annular holder such that a space for accommodating the general wires is defined between the inner peripheral surface of the first annular holder and an outer peripheral surface of the second annular holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeharu Ito, Takahiro Kato, Hiroshi Kuroda, Mikio Satou, Chigusa Ichio, Tutomu Sakata
  • Patent number: 5669590
    Abstract: A clip for securing together a plurality of elongated articles such as hoses or wire bundles has a plurality of separately formed clamps. Each clamp comprises first and second generally arcuate arms connected at their first ends by a V-shaped hinge and movable about the hinge between a circular closed position and an open position wherein the free ends of the arms are parted to allow an article to be placed into or removed from encirclement by the arms. A link member interconnects the hinges of the clamp to maintain the clamps in spaced relationship with one another and includes braces which add stiffness to the hinge and resist flattening of the V shape. The hinges and link member are of uniform cross sectional thickness so that stress concentrations are avoided. The clip is molded in the open position so that during installation it is not necessary to manually spread the arms in order to position them around an article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin Donald Przewodek
  • Patent number: 5655738
    Abstract: A cable management device is disclosed for holding a plurality of cables including a cable holding main body having a plurality of juxtaposed compartments, and an arm for enclosing the compartments. The main body is preferably pleated having a series of adjoining V-shaped compartments for receiving the cables. Each compartment includes at least one side wall and an open side. The arm includes a pivot end, a terminating end, and at least one tab located near the terminating end. The pivot end is pivotably secured to a first compartment. A second, or preferably last, compartment includes an opening through one side wall of the last compartment for releasably receiving the tab, so that the arm may be easily secured and released. The cable management device preferably includes a first plurality of compartments open on a top of the main body, and a second plurality of compartments open on a bottom of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Inventors: Thomas Ray Ragsdale, Ronald Jeffrey Walden
  • Patent number: 5653416
    Abstract: An arrangement for the stable connection of two home appliances stacked one above the other, particularly a washing machine and a drier comprises two vertically displaceable supporting feet (21) provided with vertical recesses and fixed to the bottom of the upper appliance, and two vertically protruding connection elements, fixed to the worktop of the lower appliance, which are adapted to be introduced into the recesses of supporting feet when the two appliances are stacked one above the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Whirlpool Europe B.V.
    Inventor: Michael Frank
  • Patent number: 5653411
    Abstract: A clamp for clamping pipes, especially but not exclusively for combustion engine supply pipes, comprises a body (1) with at least two housing seats (2) which are adjacent and provided with two sidepieces (102, 202) which encompass a pipe (3) laterally. A coupling notch (4) for a catch-type distance piece (5) is provided between the adjacent sidepieces (102, 202) of two adjacent housing seats (2), the catch-type distance piece being borne by a clamping bracket (6) which can be clamped against the body (1) itself. According to the invention the catch-type distance pieces (5) and at least one of the associated external surfaces of at least one sidepiece (102, 202) have respectively at least a complementary tooth (105, 302) or respectively a tooth and a complementary reciprocal clamping notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Bundy International Limited
    Inventors: Pierluigi Picco, Roberto Rossi, Luigi Bisio
  • Patent number: 5651518
    Abstract: A support system for data transmission lines and the like, comprising a rail section adapted to be supported generally horizontally. Each rail section has a hollow box beam portion comprising a top wall, opposite side walls and a bottom wall and splices for connecting the rail sections to another structure. Each splice has a central part and a first and second end parts, the first end part being receivable in an open end of the box beam portion of the rail section and the second part being connectable to the structure. Snap fasteners on the first end part of the splice are receivable in an opening in the box beam portion of the rail section for connecting the splice to the rail section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: B-Line Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric R. Rinderer
  • Patent number: 5651519
    Abstract: A support device configured to support and enclose one or more supply lines, such as hoses, cables and leads, employed to deliver a fluid, gas or electrical power to an end-of-arm tool mounted to a robot. The support device is particularly suited for use with arc and spot welding robots and mechanical handling robots, which may require multiple fluid, gas and electrical lines. The support device is adapted to be mounted to a moving member of the robot, enabling supply lines to be safely routed along moving members from a suitable source to the end-of-arm tool. The support device serves to protect the lines from the working environment of the robot, and facilitates the repair and maintenance of the robot by permitting ready access to the lines. The lines can be correspondingly installed in segments, such that a limited segment of damaged line can be removed for repair or replacement, as opposed to the entire length of line being replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Inventors: John J. Goodrich, Charles Griffiths
  • Patent number: 5649632
    Abstract: A fixture assembly for accommodating variance in size and number of pipe materials lying in a horizontal plane is provided. The fixture assembly includes plural pairs of fixture bodies 15A and 15B defining a pair of inclined portions 11A and 11B and a horizontal support surface 12A. A spacer member 25 is disposed between the pair of fixture bodies. The spacer member including a support surface 12B for the pipe material, the support surface 12B being coplanar with the horizontal support surface 12A. The plurality of pairs of fixture bodies with the spacer member therebetween are clamped, together with a bar member disposed between adjacent pairs of fixture bodies, between clamp frames 17A and 17B in an aligned manner. The fixture bodies and the spacer members may be formed from recycled plastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignees: Kawasaki Steel Corporation, Shinwa Package Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kaihei Terashima, Hiroshi Okuno, Haruho Niwa
  • Patent number: 5639048
    Abstract: A cable tray support system supports a plurality of cables and conduits therein. Cable tray support system includes a pair of longitudinally extending transversely spaced rails and a plurality of longitudinally spaced transversely extending cable support members extending between the rails. Cable support members include provisions for the secure support of cables within the tray by use of both a cable tie and a pipe strap. Such combination provides greater flexibility to the cable tray of the present invention by allowing several securement techniques within a given cable tray system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventors: Paul J. Bartholomew, Roger L. Vaught, Michael Jurgenliemk
  • Patent number: 5634614
    Abstract: A support system for data transmission lines and the like, including an elongate support structure adapted to be supported generally horizontally. The support structure comprises a vertical wall extending lengthwise of the structure, and a plurality of tray members extending laterally outwardly from the wall at different elevations with respect to the wall. The tray members and the wall combine to form a plurality of elongate horizontal trays extending lengthwise of the structure at different elevations with respect to the structure for supporting in the trays a series of horizontal runs of data transmission lines and the like at said different elevations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: B-Line Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric R. Rinderer
  • Patent number: 5628481
    Abstract: A support system for data transmission lines and the like, comprising a plurality of rail sections, a hub supported at a fixed elevation, and a plurality of rail connectors for connecting the rail sections to the hub in positions in which the rail sections radiate out from the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: B-Line Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric R. Rinderer
  • Patent number: 5626316
    Abstract: A plastic clip is fastened to a metal or wood stud to support and position multiple runs of various types of wiring or cabling. The clip keeps the wiring in compliance with the National Electric Code (NEC) Section 300-4. The clip includes a base with a short gauge flange at one end to engage the face or front corner of the stud when the base is fastened to the side of the stud. Projecting directly from the base or a neck extension of the base are two spaced hinge arms, which extend at an angle to each other. Each arm includes two interior opening cable receiving slots. Between such slots is a bulbous thinner wall pressure body section which in its undistorted condition partly restricts the openings of such slots. A similar thinner wall section forms the interior or base side of the innermost slot in each arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Erico International Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Smigel, Raymond S. Laughlin
  • Patent number: 5626172
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved transfer set for use in an automated compounding device. The transfer set comprises a plurality of fluid conduits, each fluid conduit including a first section and a second section, the first and second sections being coupled together in fluid communication by a coupler. A housing is provided for receiving at least a portion of the fluid conduits and the coupler. The housing defines separate channels for receiving a portion of the second section of each fluid conduit. The channels extend for a sufficient distance so that at least substantially an entire length of the second section that is located in the housing is located in a channel thereby securing the fluid conduits in place in the housing. An improved method for making a transfer set is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Clintec Nutrition Company
    Inventors: William L. Schumacher, Edward G. Oilschlager, Thomas R. Lillegard, Arnold C. Bilstad, Robert E. Lewis, Sidney T. Smith
  • Patent number: 5624180
    Abstract: A bracket for mounting wire, especially strings of lights, to interior or exterior structures. The bracket has a body with a counterbored fastener throughbore. The body extends out from the throughbore on either side and includes at least two differently-sized channels for receiving wire. The channels are formed in a face of the body held flush against the structure by the fastener. The throughbore thus extends perpendicular to the channels through the body. A number of brackets clamp portions of the wire close to each light to the structure enabling uniform orientation of the lights therefrom. The bracket is made of clear material to be less conspicuous. The material is preferably acrylic to extend the life of the bracket from exposure when installed on the exterior of a building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Inventor: William C. Lanning
  • Patent number: 5618014
    Abstract: A support system for data transmission lines and the like, comprising a plurality of first rail sections and a series of supports extending down from one or more of the first rail sections. Each support comprises a generally vertical column and a series of arms extending laterally outwardly from the column. The arms of each support cooperate with the arms of the other supports for supporting a series of horizontal runs of data transmission lines and the like. The system also includes a plurality of second rail sections, a series of rungs projecting laterally from one or more of the second rail sections for supporting runs of data transmission lines and the like, and splices for connecting the first and/or second rail sections end to end. The splices and the first and second rail sections are so dimensioned and configured that splices of identical construction can be used interchangeably with said first and second rail sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: B-Line Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric R. Rinderer
  • Patent number: 5615852
    Abstract: A cable clip for resiliently retaining coaxial cables and the like against a mounting surface is provided which includes cable receiving means for accommodating cables of different-sized diameters in order to minimize nicks or dents thereto. In a preferred embodiment, the cable receiving means includes double cable receiving openings defined by first and second side walls of a housing member which are separated by a mid-portion, and a pair of flexible, resilient first and second fingers extending downwardly from the upper surface of the housing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Richard H. Heidorn, Mohammad Masghati
  • Patent number: 5615850
    Abstract: An improved wire bracket for use in construction which can be used to hold and organize electrical wires within holes located in the bracket. The bracket has two separable portions with a breakaway line separating the two portions, each of the individual portions having holes formed therein through which wire is threaded. The bracket further having reinforced mounting flanges or plates oriented on each of the three axes of the bracket to provide flexibility in mounting the bracket on different construction members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Inventor: Leonard W. Cloninger
  • Patent number: 5613655
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for releasably retaining and mounting an article such as tubular members. The apparatus includes a body member having an article retention portion for capturing an article and a mounting surface. A hinged cover is releasably disposable over the article retention portion of the body member for releasably retaining an article captured in the article retention portion of the body member. A first engagable clasp having a first latching surface is disposed on a second end portion of the cover and a first latch engaging surface is disposed on the body member, wherein the first latching surface is engagable with the first latch engaging surface when the cover is disposed over the article retention portion of the body member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Marion
  • Patent number: 5612509
    Abstract: A modular fastener system for securing conductive cabling to a variety of surfaces and wiring devices. In a strap configuration, a base support includes a pair of standoffs and a connecting bridge piece that define a conductor support channel. The base standoffs include wall fasteners and a plurality of bores having serrated surfaces. A plurality of ribbed protrusions project from exposed surfaces of each base and retainer bridge. A retainer strap includes a pair of standoffs having serrated bores and a connecting bridge. A plurality of serrated prongs extend from the retainer standoffs and align to provided bores at the base and other retainer straps to define further conductor support channels, upon vertically stacking a number of retainer straps to the base and/or each other. In various wiring devices, the base may include a spanner bracket, a fixed or gangeable junction box or a bushing collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Inventor: Roger Market
  • Patent number: 5607126
    Abstract: A support for mounting elongate articles, such as, tubes, pipes, conduits, cables, or the like, comprises a base member having a longitudinal extent, and a plurality of support members disposed transversely across the base member for engaging and supporting the elongate articles. The support members are longitudinally spaced upon the base member and engage opposite sides or regions of the elongate articles, such as, for example, upper regions or surface portions, and lower regions or surface portions. The upper support members comprise a plurality of deformable, resilient, and flexible blade members, and the lower support members comprise either cut-out portions formed within partition members, or similar resiliently flexible and deformable blade members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: ITW De France
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Cordola, Rachid Idjakiren
  • Patent number: 5603473
    Abstract: A cover plate is provided for use with a pesticide distributing system having a plurality of tubes disposed within the structures of a building. This cover plate comprises a front surface, a back surface, and a plurality of apertures extending through the back surface. The back surface includes chamfers on the apertures or the like for connecting the tubing to respective ones of the apertures. The apertures provide fluid communication of the pesticide from the front surface to the tubing. The cover plate may include a mounting device such as hinges disposed at the edge of the cover plate for mounting the cover plate to a building surface, e.g., to the exterior wall of a residence or other building. An enclosure also may be provided for selectively enclosing the front surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Inventor: Michael Shotey
  • Patent number: 5601260
    Abstract: An engaging structure of a flexible retainer which includes a retaining portion for retaining a member to be retained and which retains the member to be retained at a mounting plate by engaging the retaining portion with a mounting hole formed at a mounting plate, comprising: a pair of leg pieces which are inserted through the mounting hole; a pair of pawl pieces which are provided at an anchor portion to which distal ends of the pair of leg pieces are connected and which are inserted through the mounting hole so as to elastically abut a back surface of the mounting plate; and elastic plates which are provided in pairs so as to oppose the pawl pieces and elastically contact the surface of the mounting plate. Because the elastic plates urge the anchor portion in a direction of withdrawing the anchor portion, the engaging structure of the retainer can conform to changes in the thickness of the mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignees: NIFCO, Inc, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuyoshi Shinohara, Takahiko Inari
  • Patent number: 5597980
    Abstract: The present invention provides a detachable mounting mechanism for a fuel injector wiring harness cover. The cover is detachably mounted to a fuel injector assembly such as a fuel injector rail. The cover includes a base which has a channel for receiving the fuel injector wiring harness. A lid is adapted to be mounted on the base, thereby securing the fuel injector wiring harness within the channel. A pair of locking structures extend outwardly from the base. Each locking structure includes a continuous outer wall which defines a cavity adapted to receive a mounting tab located on the fuel injector assembly. A locking lever is pivotally attached to each locking structure and has a locked position and a released position. The locking lever is biased in the locked position. The locking lever includes an integrally formed handle extending outwardly from the locking structure and an integrally formed projection which extends into the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Weber
  • Patent number: 5593143
    Abstract: A universal post connector is disclosed for interconnecting fence posts and braces either of which may be a pipe post or tee post at any horizontal or vertical angle and at any position along the length of each. The universal connector is also adaptable to tee posts and pipe posts of all standard cross-sectional sizes. The preferred embodiment includes a pair of sleeves and a pair of collars to interconnect two tee posts. At least one sleeve is slipped onto each tee post and fastened thereto at any position along the length of the tee post using a fastening device. A collar encircles each sleeve and is clamped at any position along the length of the sleeve. A coupler pivotally interconnects the collars and locks the collars at variable angles with respect to each other. In the case where a pipe post is used in place of a tee post, the collar can be directly clamped to the pipe post without using a sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventor: James A. Ferrarin
  • Patent number: 5593115
    Abstract: A telescopically extendable elongate pipe hangar has resilient connector grommets affixed to opposed ends. The grommets snap rigidly into standard punch holes or knockouts to secure the pipe hangar to metal construction studs. The hangar has spaced boreholes along at least one side for receiving screws or bolts attaching clamps at selective locations to space and support pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventor: James M. Lewis
  • Patent number: 5582199
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for securing an outlet hose and an inlet hose or an inlet valve to a rear wall baffle of a domestic appliance such as a washing machine, dishwasher and the like. The outlay on parts and assembly is considerably reduced in that there is provided in the rear wall baffle an opening into which a retaining portion may be resiliently engaged, and in that the retaining portion has two outwardly open resilient engagement openings, into which the outlet hose and the inlet hose or the inlet valve may be resiliently engaged and axially immovably secured before resilient engagement of the retaining portion in the opening in the rear wall baffle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Whirlpool Europe B.V.
    Inventors: Friedrich H. Schmidt, Helga E. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5564658
    Abstract: A support system for data transmission lines and the like, including a rail formed as a plurality of separate sections, and splices for connecting the rail sections end to end. In one embodiment a plurality of supports extend down from one or more rail sections at intervals spaced along the sections. Each support has a generally vertical column and a series of arms extending laterally outwardly from the column along the length of the column at different elevations. The arms of each support cooperate with the arms of the other supports for supporting a series of horizontal runs of data transmission lines and the like at the different elevations. Other embodiments of the invention are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: B-Line Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric R. Rinderer
  • Patent number: 5564672
    Abstract: A conduit binding system for use in restricted spaces of motor vehicles comprises an extruded body and a fastener for fastening the extruded body to a support panel. The extruded body can be of any usable selected length and is composed of a flexible material such as a plastic. The preferred plastic is polypropylene. The extruded body has a plurality of axial perforations that allow a length of the extrusion to be wrapped about one or more wires or tubes and to have its outer shape adapted to fit within a restricted space. The fastener attaches the body to a support member. The fastener may be of either wrap-around construction or may be a fastener fitted between the body and the support member. The fasteners are also preferably composed of a plastic such as polyethylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Inventor: Bradley A. Matson
  • Patent number: 5547307
    Abstract: A device for butt-joining two sections of perforated cable tray includes a fishplate having on each side of a central area a latch member adapted to slide in a longitudinal slot with hoops adapted to cooperate with a line of perforations and to be locked therein by means of a comb member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignees: Legrand, Legrand SNC
    Inventors: Bertrand Decore, Alain Jadaud
  • Patent number: 5542339
    Abstract: A tube clamp includes a cylindrical resilient plastic body containing an axial mounting hole and having four tube receptacles arranged with a first pair on one side of the axis and with a second pair being respectively located in diametrically opposite locations from the first pair. Each receptacle includes an entryway leading to a tube-receiving portion defined by a cylindrical wall sized for snugly receiving a given tube and into which the tube may be snap-fit and retained without the use of fasteners. When shipping a tube bundle for use on equipment provided with hydraulic cylinders, as many clamps are used along the length of the bundle as are necessary to keep the tubes separated one from another, these same clamps being used to mount the clamps to structure of the equipment by inserting mounting bolts through the clamp mounting holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Edward T. Kaczmarczyk, Daniel R. Fuzzen, Paul G. Aucoin, Lyle V. Norris
  • Patent number: 5538208
    Abstract: A single or twin spacer mounting permits the rapid and efficient installation of elongated elements for example in an aircraft. Such elements include, for example, electrical cable bundles, pipes, hoses, cables and the like, whereby these elongated elements must be maintained at a precise spacing from one another and/or from a support. Additionally, the elongated elements may need to be arranged at an angle relative to each other. For this purpose, substantially identical interlocking spacer mounting members are used. Each spacer mounting member has a saddle to which the elongated element is secured, for example, by a cable binder or hose clamp. The saddle is connected to an interlocking section that either includes a female plug-in socket or a male plug. In another embodiment interlocking pins with locking heads are used to hold two identical spacer mounting members to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aerospace Airbus GmbH
    Inventors: Rolf Cordes, Hermann Hinrichs, Werner Piede, Guy Rossini
  • Patent number: 5535787
    Abstract: A flexible cable holder is disclosed comprising a flexible web with a plurality of edge fasteners along opposite edges of the web. The edge fasteners are engaged, forming an enclosed duct for retaining cables, wires and power cords. End fasteners are provided at the ends of the web for attaching adjacent cable holders end-to-end. The web is flexible allowing the cable holder to form bends without special fittings or devices. End fasteners may be connected to edge fasteners to form branch connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Howell
  • Patent number: 5535969
    Abstract: A clip for mounting at least one element includes a base member having a first rigid engagement member for engaging the element, and a first substantially flexible arm member for resiliently engaging the element. A cover member is also included for cooperative engagement with the base member and has a second rigid engagement member for engaging the element, and a second substantially flexible arm member for resiliently engaging the element, wherein the first and second rigid engagement members and the first and second substantially flexible arms cooperate to capture the element therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Duffy, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5534665
    Abstract: A wiring harness shroud for use in a harsh environment to provide precise routing and protection for wire bundles. The wiring harness shroud comprises a U-channel having a base and two substantially parallel side walls within which one or more wire bundles may be received. The side walls have opposed and registered receiving slots within which a mounting member is demountably secured. The mounting member serves not only to secure the shroud but also to retain the wire bundles within the U-channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Charles F. Long
  • Patent number: 5529269
    Abstract: A cable harness laying device for fastening on a laying shelf to position a cable harness. The cable harness laying device comprises at least two columns fastened to the laying shelf and extending from the laying shelf, a bridge spaced from the laying shelf and extending between the columns, a generally elongated holding finger disposed on each of the columns and extending away from the laying shelf beyond the bridge, the holding fingers each being movable relative to their respective column in the direction of their elongation, a generally U-shaped channel defined by the holding fingers and the bridge, wherein the channel houses the cable harness, and a spring connection for each of the holding fingers biasing the holding fingers away from the bridge to a use position, the holding fingers being movable relative to their respective column away from the use against the bias of the spring connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Paul Hellermann GmbH
    Inventor: Viktor Kurmis
  • Patent number: 5516062
    Abstract: A pressure contact cable holder comprises a plurality of first holding claws spacedly arranged in a row and a plurality of second holding claws spacedly arranged in a row in parallel relation to the first holding claws. First grooves are formed between adjacent ones of the first holding claws and are adapted to hold two cables passing therethrough, and second grooves are formed between adjacent ones of the second holding claws and are adapted to hold two cables passing therethrough. The first grooves are displaced relative to the second grooves in a direction of the row. Two cables are held by one of the first grooves and are also held by two adjacent second grooves having a common second holding claw arranged opposite the first grooves. Contact receiving ports are arranged in position in conformity with the cables and between the first grooves group and the second grooves group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Yamaichi Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeru Sato
  • Patent number: 5516063
    Abstract: A boiler tube clamp assembly and a method of forming the clamp assembly. The clamp assembly includes two identical elongated clamp halves which coact in their assembled relation to define a series of axially spaced openings to pass respective tubes and further define first and second passages extending axially along the respective side edges of the assembled clamp halves. The assembly further includes first and second locking rods respectively slidably received in the first and second passages and acting to maintain the clamp halves in their assembled relation. Each clamp half includes an axially spaced series of first slots opening in one side edge of the clamp half with a series of first land portions positioned respectively between the slots and further includes a series of second axially spaced slots opening the other side edge of the clamp half with a series of second land portions positioned respectively therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Inventors: Dennis J. Buckshaw, James A. Clark
  • Patent number: 5513701
    Abstract: A tube alignment strap for maintaining alignment and spacing between adjacent tubes in a superheater. A U-shaped strap receives a first tube in the U-shape of the strap. The open end of the strap is rigidly attached to pads provided on a second adjacent tube. A semi-circular collar has a bore at each end sized to receive the straight portions of the U-shaped strap such that the semi-circular collar is slidable over the U-shaped strap so as to be adjacent the first tube. The semi-circular collar is rigidly attached to the U-shaped strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Gregory A. Burns, Charles E. Cameron, Richard S. Conrad
  • Patent number: 5511349
    Abstract: A raceway cable retention and accommodation apparatus which has a support surface and a bracket. The bracket comprises a mounting portion, a first leg connected to the mounting portion, a second leg connected to the first leg, and a third leg connected to the second leg. The mounting portion and the first, second, and third legs are configured so as to define a J-shaped structure. The bracket is attached to the support surface by a mounting device. A panel for a panel system which has five surfaces. The panel has a first surface, a second surface connected to the first surface, and a third surface connected to the second surface. Furthermore, the panel has a fourth surface connected to the third surface and a fifth surface connected to the fourth surface. The panel is configured such that the first and second surfaces are mirror images of the fourth and fifth surfaces with respect to a plane which is perpendicular to the third surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: James O. Kelley, John G. Otto
  • Patent number: 5505411
    Abstract: A fixing device for fixing cable harnesses to panels or other structures, having an elongate element which can be secured to the harness. A fastening element is fitted to the elongate element via a portion which is movable longitudinally relative to the elongate element. The fastening element is formed with a projection or a socket for fixing it to the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Tyton Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Heaton, Edward P. Dyer
  • Patent number: 5505556
    Abstract: Clamping mechanism for clamping a plate to a base comprises an arm having a clamp head on one end and a sleeve slidably receiving the arm. The sleeve is mounted for rotation on an axis perpendicular to the arm. A drive is provided to rotate the sleeve from a first position to a second position in which the arm is disposed with its head in position to clamp the plate to the base and to slide the arm through the sleeve when the sleeve is in the second position to draw the head tightly against the plate and clamp it to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Western Atlas, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald A. Brown, William M. Faitel
  • Patent number: 5503354
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the universal support bracket 10 is illustrated for supporting a fiber optic cable carrier 28 in a telecommunication overhead cable distribution system 12. The bracket 10 includes a body section 40 that has an arm 46 that extends outward with a supporting surface for receiving and supporting cable carrier 28 at various spaced locations. The support bracket 10 includes a second body section 40 that is supported therebetween by a brace 44 in which the body section 42 has complementary clamping members 54 and 56. The body section 42 has a vertical aperture 64, a horizontal aperture 68 and a rectangular aperture 72 for receiving and clamping the bracket 10 securely to the support rods either in an upright orientation or in a tilting, sideways orientation or to a side rail 18 of the distribution system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Telect, Inc.
    Inventors: Lloyd W. Lohf, Glen M. Larson
  • Patent number: 5494245
    Abstract: A wiring harness retainer clip for securing a wiring harness to a vehicle body panel. The retainer clip includes a first clip portion and a second clip portion connected together using one or more flexible webs. The first clip portion includes an extending axle which is pivotally engageable with an extending bushing on the first clip portion. The two clip portions are rotatable between an open position and a closed position. A mechanism is provided for securing the first clip portion to the second clip portion in the closed position. A mechanism for securing the clip assembly to the vehicle body panel is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Yasutaka Suzuki, Tim M. Dangel
  • Patent number: 5484150
    Abstract: An assembly capable of accommodating casters having a different attaching-bolt pitches to a load carrying wheeler is disclosed, which includes two segmented halves of a pair of sleeves each composed of a mouth to receive therein ends of horizontally spaced tubular crossbeams and segmented halves of a caster-attaching block interposed between each sleeve pair. The blocks have a plurality of elongated bolt holes in the direction perpendicular with the axis of the sleeves, laid out end-to-end, so as to accommodate a range of caster-bolt pitches, and at least a pair of elongated bolt holes in the direction parallel with the sleeves' axis, also provided to accommodate a range of bolt pitches for a caster being attached to the base of the wheeler's rectangular framework. The segmented sleeves are made to slide closer or farther away from each other, so that the spacing of bolt holes across the segments can be adjusted to meet a wide range of caster-bolt pitches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Yazaki Industrial Chemical Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinobu Yasutomi
  • Patent number: 5484123
    Abstract: A self-locking vehicle routing retainer comprises a U-shaped spring steel body which is nestably engageable within a frame rail channel of a vehicle such as a truck and retained by engagement of the outturned edges of the legs of the body with the frame rail flanges. The central portion of the body includes an arched bundle attachment arm projecting away from the body. Each surface of the arch may be provided with structure to which a cable tie for holding elongated members such as wiring harnesses or brake tubing may be engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Navistar International Transportation Corp.
    Inventor: Dan T. Logan
  • Patent number: 5472159
    Abstract: An integrally formed mount member is provided for mounting a bundle of wires that are secured by a metal cable tie that includes flange portions for retaining the mount to one side of a mounting surface and for providing engagement with a cable tie strap on the opposite side of the mounting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventor: Gregory L. Kuffel
  • Patent number: 5470021
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for effecting changes of direction in cable trays constructed of fiberglass include structural members having ends at a 90.degree. angle at (A) which are supplied with splice plates including corner members (B) presenting converging sides (C). The corner members have web members (D) extending therefrom at an angle complementary to the angle in which a change of direction to be effected at the joint wherein the splice plate is utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: MPHusky Corporation
    Inventor: James Q. Looney
  • Patent number: 5467948
    Abstract: The present invention is related to an apparatus for retaining cooling pipes employed in an ice rink on a floor supporting the rink. The apparatus comprising a plurality of pipe support sections or chairs to be disposed on the floor of the rink. Each of pipe support section comprises a base plate adapted to rest on the floor surface, at least one pipe retaining element integrally connected to the base plate and projecting vertically therefrom at the position over and above the floor surface. An upper portion of the pipe retaining element being provided with a pipe locking means adapted releasably lock the cooling pipe, a bar supporting element integrally connected to the pipe retaining element. This bar supporting element being spaced on predetermined distance between the base plate and the upper portion of pipe retaining element. Bar supporting element being adapted to support a plurality of reinforcement bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Inventor: Duncan S. Gillespie
  • Patent number: 5465929
    Abstract: A ladder-type cable tray system comprising a first cable tray section and a second cable tray section. Each cable tray section includes first and second rails extending lengthwise of the section at opposite sides of the section and a plurality of rungs extending between the rails at intervals spaced lengthwise of the section. Each of the first and second rails has a tubular portion forming a hollow beam extending the length of the rail. The tubular portion has open ends at opposite ends of the rail and a rung-supporting portion integrally formed as one piece with the tubular portion and depending therefrom. The system further comprises fasteners for securing the rungs to the rung-supporting portions of the first and second rails in a position wherein the rungs span the rung-supporting portions, and a plurality of splices for connecting the first and second cable tray sections end to end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignees: B-Line Systems, Inc., Tray-Safe Inc.
    Inventor: David M. Dooley
  • Patent number: 5464179
    Abstract: The invention concerns a two-piece holding assembly made of plastic for mounting of at least one tube-shaped part such as a vehicle fuel line or the like. The assembly includes an outer dish element 2 of hard plastic material which is attachable to a support via a mounting zone. An inner dish-like element 3 formed of soft plastic material and having at least one storage location 5 for acceptance of the tube-shaped part is received in outer dish element 2. In the preferred arrangement, the inner dish-like element 3 is attached on both sides of storage location 5 via an anchorage 6, 6' to the outer dish-like element 2. Between inner dish-like element 3 and outer dish-like element 2 in the area about the storage location 5, there exists an open transverse free space 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: TRW United Carr GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Hans-Werner Ruckwardt