AU772957B2

AU772957B2 - Multi-part electrical fitting

Info

Publication number: AU772957B2
Application number: AU38971/01A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Tomasz Swiatek
Original assignee: HPM Industries Pty Ltd
Current assignee: HPM Industries Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2000-06-05
Filing date: 2001-04-30
Publication date: 2004-05-13
Anticipated expiration: 2021-04-30
Also published as: AU3897101A

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Applicant(s): H.P.M. INDUSTRIES PTY LTD A.C.N. 000 102 661 Invention Title: MULTI-PART ELECTRICAL FITTING The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: 2 MULTI-PART ELECTRICAL FITTING Field of the Invention This invention relates to a multi-part electrical fitting and, in particular, to a connecting arrangement that facilitates convenient interconnection of moulded components of the electrical fitting. The invention has particular application to a multi-part powerboard and the invention is hereinafter described in this context. However, it would be understood that the invention does have broader application to the interconnection of moulded components of any multi-part electrical fitting.

Background of the Invention It is sometimes desirable that an existing electrical fitting be interconnected with one of a number of possible further fittings, for the purpose of creating a new multi-part electrical fitting that extends the range of the existing fittings. This involves an ooooo approach that is more economical than the alternative approach of creating entirely new range-extending fittings.

The applicant currently markets a powerboard that provides four switched power outlets, and it is desired that this powerboard be extended by the interconnection of any one of a number of possible fittings that include, for example, a single switch, multiple switches, a switched power outlet, overload protection circuitry, and other such arrangements. The present invention is directed to an arrangement that facilitates this •desired product extension.

Summary of the Invention .In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multi-part electrical fitting comprising first and second moulded components having confronting wall portions; and a connector element arranged to engage with the confronting wall portions and interconnect the moulded components; each of the first and second moulded components including at least one groove having an engagement portion; the connector element having at least two limbs each limb being arranged to locate behind a respective wall portion of one of the first and second moulded components to thereby hold the wall portions in a confronting relationship, and the connector element having at least two fingers located between and the limb, each finger being positioned on the connector element and being arranged to slide into a respective groove, and each finger being provided with a lug arranged to resiliently engage with the engagement portion in a respective groove to thereby hold the connector element captive relative to the 42021 3 confronting wall portions of the first and second moulded components.

The arrangement as above defined provides for positive interconnection of the moulded components but in a way which facilitates convenient interconnection of the moulding components and, if desired, disconnection of the moulded components. Thus, the spaced-apart limbs of the moulded connector element are employed to hold the moulded components in engagement with one another, and the fingers of the moulded connector element provide for captive engagement between the moulded components and the moulded connector element.

Preferably the engagement portion is a ledge.

The first moulded component is preferably formed with a single groove into which one finger of the moulded connector element is arranged to slide. Also, the second moulded 15 component preferably is formed with two spaced-apart grooves into which two fingers S•of the moulded connected element are arranged to slide.

.••The first moulded component is preferably provided with at least one recess arranged and located on the first moulded component such that a finger engaged with a groove on the second moulded component is able to move rearwardly of the groove to thereby disengage the finger from the groove.

The second moulded component is preferably provided with at least one recess arranged and located on the second moulded component such that a finger engaged with a groove on the first moulded component is able to move rearwardly of the groove to thereby disengage the finger from the groove.

A moulded platform preferably is provided for supporting the moulded components when they are interconnected, and a moulded cover preferably is provided for overfitting the two moulded components, so as to provide them with the appearance of a single structure.

In accordance with an alternative aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector element for use with a fitting as described in the first aspect of the present invention, the connector element being arranged to engage in use with first and second moulded components by engaging with engagement portions provided in grooves formed in the first and second moulded components, and the connector element 42021 4 including: at least two limbs, each limb being arranged to locate in use behind a respective wall portion of the first and second moulded components to thereby hold the first and second moulded components in a confronting relationship; and at least two fingers located between the limbs, each finger being positioned on the connector element and being arranged such that in use the finger is slidable into a respective groove, and each finger being provided with a lug arranged to resiliently engage in use with a respective engagement portion to thereby hold the connector element captive relative to the confronting moulded portions of the first and second moulded components.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

ooooo Brief Description of the Drawings 0:0 •In the drawings: o-o* Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a complete multi-part electrical fitting, S. Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of component parts of the electrical fitting, 20 Figure 3 shows an end view of a portion of a second component of the ***electrical fitting, as viewed in the direction of arrows 3-3 indicated in Figure 2, Figure 4 shows an end view of a portion of a first component of the electrical fitting, as viewed in the direction of arrows 4-4 in Figure 2, Figure 5 shows a plan view of a portion of the two interconnected components of the electrical fitting, :.Figure 6 shows a sectional view of an interconnection made between the two components in Figure 5, as seen in the direction of section plane 6-6 shown in Figure Figure 7 shows a further sectional view of the interconnection made between the two components as shown in Figure 5, as seen in the direction of section plane 7-7 indicated in Figure Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a moulded connector element which is used for interconnecting the two components shown in Figure Figure 9 shows a plan view of the connector element illustrated in Figure 8, and Figure 10 shows an end view of the connector element shown in Figures 8 and 9.

42021 Detailed Description of an Embodiment of the Invention As illustrated, the multi-part electrical fitting 10 comprises: a first component 11 in the form of a powerboard having four outlet sockets 12 and associated switches 13, a second component 14 incorporating a single switch a third component 16 in the form of a platform to which the first and second components 11 and 14 are mounted, and a fourth component 17 in the form of a thin shell-like moulded cover that overfits the first and second components to create a streamlined appearance.

ee The first and second components 11 and 14 include first and second casings or (as referred to herein) first and second moulded components 18 and 19 in which the various electrical devices and wiring are located. The two moulded casings 18 and 19 have sidewalls 20 and 21 and, of particular relevance to the invention, end wall portions 22 20 and 23. Adjacent end wall portions 22 and 23 are held in confronting relationship by a removable moulded connector element 24.

Each of the end wall portions 22 of the first casing 18 is formed with a single groovelike recess 25. The recess 25 is located in the centre of the end wall and, importantly, is open to the lower marginal edge 26 of the casing 18. Also, the recess is stepped part way along its length to form a ledge 27.

Each of the end wall portions 23 of the second casing 19 is formed with two spacedapart parallel groove-like recesses 28 which open to a lower marginal edge 29 of the casing. Also, each of the recesses 28 is stepped along its length to form a ledge The moulded connector element 24 has a base portion 31, a first limb 32 extending upwardly from the base portion and a pair laterally spaced second limbs 33 also extending upwardly from the base portion. The first limb 32 is positioned centrally of the second limbs 33 and lies parallel with the pair of second limbs.

The first limb 32 of the connector element 24 is arranged to locate behind the end wall 42021 6 22 of the first casing moulding 18, and the pair of second limbs 33 is arranged to locate behind the end wall 23 of the second casing moulding 19. Thus, the limbs serve to hold the end walls in their confronting relationship, as best seen from Figures 6 and 7 of the drawings.

The moulded connector element 24 also is formed with a central, first finger 34, which extends upwardly from the base, and with a pair of laterally spaced second fingers The fingers 34 and 35 extend parallel to the limbs 32 and 33.

The finger 34 is positioned and arranged to slide into the recess 25, and the fingers are positioned and arranged to slide into the pair of recesses 28. Also, the fingers 34 and 35 are formed at their upper ends with lugs 36 that are arranged to engage resiliently with respective ones of the ledges 27 and 30 in the recesses 25 and 28 and so hold the connector element 24 captive to the confronting end walls 22 and 23 of the moulded casings.

A single shallow recess 37 is provided in the end wall 23 of the second moulded casing S•to align with the finger 34, to permit rearward releasing movement of the finger 34.

Similarly, a pair of shallow recesses 38 is provided in the end wall 22 of the first moulded casing, to permit rearward releasing movement of the fingers The platform 16 comprises a generally open moulded frame 39 which includes a plurality of apertures 40 through which screws may be passed for securing the platform to a wall or other mounting surface. Also, the platform includes threaded apertures 41 into which screws may be fixed for mounting the components 11 and 14 to the platform.

Slots 42 are provided near one end of the frame 16 for receiving hook-like projections 43 that are located at the underside of the second fitting component 14, to facilitate assembly of the various components.

When installing the electrical fitting as above described, the'platform 16 is first secured to a required surface. Thereafter, the two fitting components 11 and 14 are joined together by the connector element 24, and electrical wiring is connected to terminals (not shown) in the rear of the fitting components. The fitting components 11 and 14 are then mounted to the platform 16, first by using the hooked projections 43 and then by securing screws. Finally, the cover 17 is fitted to the completed unit.

42021 7 Variations and modifications may be made in the invention as above specifically described without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claim.

*a 42021 4202

Claims

1. A multi-part electrical fitting comprising: first and second moulded components having confronting wall portions; and a connector element arranged to engage with the confronting wall portions and interconnect the moulded components; each of the first and second moulded components including at least one groove having an engagement portion; the connector element having at least two limbs, each limb being arranged to locate behind a respective wall portion of one of the first and second moulded components to thereby hold the wall portions in a confronting relationship; and the connector element having at least two fingers located between and the limbs, each finger being positioned on the connector element and being arranged to slide into a respective groove, and each finger being provided with a lug arranged to resiliently engage with the engagement portion in a respective °groove to thereby hold the connector element captive relative to the confronting wall portions of the first and second moulded components. S*

2. A fitting as claimed in claim 1, wherein the engagement portion is a ledge.

3. A fitting as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first moulded ::component is provided with one groove into which one finger is arranged to slide.

4. A fitting as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second moulded component is provided with two grooves into which two fingers are arranged to slide.

A fitting as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first moulded component is provided with at least one recess arranged and located such that an associated finger engaged with a groove on the second moulded component is able to move rearwardly of the groove to thereby disengage the finger from the groove. 42021 9

6. A fitting as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second moulded component is provided with at least one recess arranged and located such that an associated finger engaged with a groove on the first moulded component is able to move rearwardly of the groove to thereby disengage the finger from the groove.

7. A fitting as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including a platform portion for supporting the first and second moulded components when the first and second moulded components are interconnected.

8. A fitting as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including a cover portion for over-fitting the first and second moulded components.

9. A connector element for use with a fitting as described in any one of the preceding claims, the connector element being arranged to engage in use with first and second moulded components by engaging with engagement portions S. .provided in grooves formed in the first and second moulded components, and the connector element including: at least two limbs, each limb being arranged to locate in use behind a S 20 respective wall portion of the first and second moulded components to thereby hold the first and second moulded components in a confronting relationship; and at least two fingers located between the limbs, each finger being positioned on the connector element and being arranged such that in use the finger is slidable into a respective groove, and each finger being provided with *a lug arranged to resiliently engage in use with a respective engagement portion to thereby hold the connector element captive relative to the confronting moulded portions of the first and second moulded components.

10. A multi-part electrical fitting substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings. 42021 10

11. A connector element substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings. Dated this 26~ day of April 2001 HPM INDUSTRIES PTY LIMITED By their Patent Attorneys GRifFITH HACK S S S. S 5555 5* S. S *5 S S es 5* 55 S S *55555 S C S OS@S 555* 0 0**S 5* S S S 42021