CA2200668A1 - Retaining a block heater cord - Google Patents
Retaining a block heater cordInfo
- Publication number
- CA2200668A1 CA2200668A1 CA 2200668 CA2200668A CA2200668A1 CA 2200668 A1 CA2200668 A1 CA 2200668A1 CA 2200668 CA2200668 CA 2200668 CA 2200668 A CA2200668 A CA 2200668A CA 2200668 A1 CA2200668 A1 CA 2200668A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- cord
- clip
- vehicle
- base
- retaining
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
Abstract
A cord for supplying power to electrical appliances in the vehicle, particularly a block heater, is held in place by resting upon the top surface ofthe bumper and by pressing an end of the cord into a spring latch which holds the cord sectionally in position.
Description
~066%
RETAINING AN ELECTRICAL CORD
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an apparatus for use in the retaining an electrical cord from a block heater or the like at the front of an automobile or5 other similar location.
In cold climates it is well known that it is necessary or desirable to provide a plug in connection by which a block heater for the vehicle heater system can be plugged into an electrical outlet for maintaining heat in the system during very cold temperatures.
The electrical cord which extends from the front of the vehicle generally through an opening in the grill or suitable opening at one side of thevehicle front surface. It must have a sufficient length so that it can reach from the vehicle to the electrical plug in. The cord is therefore often loose and it is necessary to provide some system for retaining the cord at a suitable location 15 on the vehicle in a stored condition so the vehicle can travel normally while the cord remains suitable retained but is readily available when the vehicle is required to be plugged in. Various proposals have been made for retaining such a cord into the upstanding fingers around which the cord is wrapped or reel retraction devices.
It is one object of the invention to provide an improved retaining device for the electrical cord.
According to the invention there is provided an apparatus for retaining an electrical cord exiting from a device to be supplied with electrical 25 power, preferably a motor vehicle, comprising a generally u-shaped latch assembly into which the cord can be inserted between legs of the u-shape for retention at a base of the u-shape and means for mounting the clip on the device at a position spaced from an outlet of the cord from the device such ~n66~
that an end of the cord can be latched in the clip and the cord held straight across the device by the clip and by the exit points on the device.
Preferably the clip has a flat base for mounting on a flat surface of the device.
Preferably the clip has an adhesive layer on the flat base.
Preferably the clip is mounted on the front bumper of the vehicle on the side of the vehicle opposite to the exit point from the vehicle.
Preferably the clip has an inside surface which diverges from a mouth at the top of the legs to the base so that the legs are fed outwardly by insertion of the cord and the cord is retained in a wider area at the base.
One embodiment of the invention will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is an isometric view of the front of a vehicle showing the latching apparatus according to the present invention.
Figure lA is a top plan view of the front of a vehicle showing the latching apparatus according to the present invention.
Figure 2 is a computer generated illustration of a first embodiment of the latch according to the present invention.
Figure 3 is a similar computer generated illustration of a second embodiment of the latch.
Figure 4, 5 and 6 are respectively top plan views, so that the elevational views and end elevational views of a third embodiment of the latch.
Figure 7 is a computer generated isometric view of a further embodiment of the latch.
In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different figures.
~n66~
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In Figure 1 is shown a front section of a motor vehicle which includes hood 10, head lamps 11 and 12, a grill 13 and a front bumper 14 all of which are of conventional nature. An electrical cord 15 for plugging into an electrical outlet heating elements schematically indicated at 16 within the engine compartment of the vehicle emerges from an opening 17 either at one part of the grill or between the grill and the hood or through other suitable opening to the engine compartment. The cord includes a length extending from the opening 17 to a plug 18 which can be inserted into a suitable opening. The length of the cord is sufficient to enable the plug to be inserted into a suitable outlet spaced forwardly of the vehicle and can be optimum of the order of three to four feet or some places can be longer. The cord is held in place by mounting a retaining latch 20 on the top of the bumper, stretching the cord along the top surface of the bumper and snapping an end portion of the cord into the latch 20 adjacent the coupling 18. This holds the cord portion effectively and prevents any loose flapping of the cord or the end connector thus reducing the possibility of damage to the cord or the connector.
In Figure 1A is shown a similar arrangement in w-hich there are two retaining latches 20 and 21 and the cord extends from the outlet opening 17 to the latch 20 and then back along the top surface of the bumper 14 to the second latch 21.
The cord is thus held in place by its vesting upon the top surface of the bumper and by its engagement into the latch is which holds the cord portions taught.
- _ 2 ~ 8 The latch is of the type which engages and holds the cord in sectional engagements so as to prevent the cord from freely sliding through the latch.
In Figure 2 is shown a complete illustration of a suitable latch which has a flat base 30, an arched top surface 31 and a slot 32 into which the cord is inserted. At the base of the slot is provided a cylindrical wide endsection 33 for receiving the cord in sectional engagement. A vertical bore 34 allows a screw to be engaged through a narrower portion 35 emerging out a hole in the base so that the bottom flat surface can be screwed onto the top of the bumper. A screw driver is then extended through the hole 34 to engage the screw to clamp the bottom surface 30 on to the top surface of the bumper.
An alternative arrangement is shown in Figure 3 which has a flat base member 40, an upstanding vertical flange 41 and a u-shaped cup 42.
The u-shaped cup defines legs which approach closer together at an upper end 43 in defining a cylindrical base portion 44 into which the cord extends when it is pressed between the springy legs of the u-shaped member. Ends of the legs are chamfered as indicated at 48. The latch of Figure 3 is molded out of plastic material. A layer 45 of an adhesive is used to attach the latch to the 20 top surface of the bumper. When supplied, the adhesive is covered by a peel-off backing layer allowing the adhesive to be exposed and the latch bonded into place as shown in Figures 1 and 1A.
Figures 4, 5, 6 and 7 show alternative arrangements. In cross-section Figures 5 and 7 have the same cross-section as shown in Figure 6 25 which is of similar shape to that of Figure 3. In these figures the flat base is defined directly on the bottom of the u-shaped member which can then be ti 6 8 attached to the bumper by a screwport as in Figures 4 and 5 or by adhesive as in Figure 7.
Since various modifications can be made in my invention as herein above described, and many apparently widely different embodiments of same 5 made within the spirit and scope of the claims without departing from such spirit and scope, it is intended that all matter contained in the accompanying specification shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.
RETAINING AN ELECTRICAL CORD
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an apparatus for use in the retaining an electrical cord from a block heater or the like at the front of an automobile or5 other similar location.
In cold climates it is well known that it is necessary or desirable to provide a plug in connection by which a block heater for the vehicle heater system can be plugged into an electrical outlet for maintaining heat in the system during very cold temperatures.
The electrical cord which extends from the front of the vehicle generally through an opening in the grill or suitable opening at one side of thevehicle front surface. It must have a sufficient length so that it can reach from the vehicle to the electrical plug in. The cord is therefore often loose and it is necessary to provide some system for retaining the cord at a suitable location 15 on the vehicle in a stored condition so the vehicle can travel normally while the cord remains suitable retained but is readily available when the vehicle is required to be plugged in. Various proposals have been made for retaining such a cord into the upstanding fingers around which the cord is wrapped or reel retraction devices.
It is one object of the invention to provide an improved retaining device for the electrical cord.
According to the invention there is provided an apparatus for retaining an electrical cord exiting from a device to be supplied with electrical 25 power, preferably a motor vehicle, comprising a generally u-shaped latch assembly into which the cord can be inserted between legs of the u-shape for retention at a base of the u-shape and means for mounting the clip on the device at a position spaced from an outlet of the cord from the device such ~n66~
that an end of the cord can be latched in the clip and the cord held straight across the device by the clip and by the exit points on the device.
Preferably the clip has a flat base for mounting on a flat surface of the device.
Preferably the clip has an adhesive layer on the flat base.
Preferably the clip is mounted on the front bumper of the vehicle on the side of the vehicle opposite to the exit point from the vehicle.
Preferably the clip has an inside surface which diverges from a mouth at the top of the legs to the base so that the legs are fed outwardly by insertion of the cord and the cord is retained in a wider area at the base.
One embodiment of the invention will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is an isometric view of the front of a vehicle showing the latching apparatus according to the present invention.
Figure lA is a top plan view of the front of a vehicle showing the latching apparatus according to the present invention.
Figure 2 is a computer generated illustration of a first embodiment of the latch according to the present invention.
Figure 3 is a similar computer generated illustration of a second embodiment of the latch.
Figure 4, 5 and 6 are respectively top plan views, so that the elevational views and end elevational views of a third embodiment of the latch.
Figure 7 is a computer generated isometric view of a further embodiment of the latch.
In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different figures.
~n66~
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In Figure 1 is shown a front section of a motor vehicle which includes hood 10, head lamps 11 and 12, a grill 13 and a front bumper 14 all of which are of conventional nature. An electrical cord 15 for plugging into an electrical outlet heating elements schematically indicated at 16 within the engine compartment of the vehicle emerges from an opening 17 either at one part of the grill or between the grill and the hood or through other suitable opening to the engine compartment. The cord includes a length extending from the opening 17 to a plug 18 which can be inserted into a suitable opening. The length of the cord is sufficient to enable the plug to be inserted into a suitable outlet spaced forwardly of the vehicle and can be optimum of the order of three to four feet or some places can be longer. The cord is held in place by mounting a retaining latch 20 on the top of the bumper, stretching the cord along the top surface of the bumper and snapping an end portion of the cord into the latch 20 adjacent the coupling 18. This holds the cord portion effectively and prevents any loose flapping of the cord or the end connector thus reducing the possibility of damage to the cord or the connector.
In Figure 1A is shown a similar arrangement in w-hich there are two retaining latches 20 and 21 and the cord extends from the outlet opening 17 to the latch 20 and then back along the top surface of the bumper 14 to the second latch 21.
The cord is thus held in place by its vesting upon the top surface of the bumper and by its engagement into the latch is which holds the cord portions taught.
- _ 2 ~ 8 The latch is of the type which engages and holds the cord in sectional engagements so as to prevent the cord from freely sliding through the latch.
In Figure 2 is shown a complete illustration of a suitable latch which has a flat base 30, an arched top surface 31 and a slot 32 into which the cord is inserted. At the base of the slot is provided a cylindrical wide endsection 33 for receiving the cord in sectional engagement. A vertical bore 34 allows a screw to be engaged through a narrower portion 35 emerging out a hole in the base so that the bottom flat surface can be screwed onto the top of the bumper. A screw driver is then extended through the hole 34 to engage the screw to clamp the bottom surface 30 on to the top surface of the bumper.
An alternative arrangement is shown in Figure 3 which has a flat base member 40, an upstanding vertical flange 41 and a u-shaped cup 42.
The u-shaped cup defines legs which approach closer together at an upper end 43 in defining a cylindrical base portion 44 into which the cord extends when it is pressed between the springy legs of the u-shaped member. Ends of the legs are chamfered as indicated at 48. The latch of Figure 3 is molded out of plastic material. A layer 45 of an adhesive is used to attach the latch to the 20 top surface of the bumper. When supplied, the adhesive is covered by a peel-off backing layer allowing the adhesive to be exposed and the latch bonded into place as shown in Figures 1 and 1A.
Figures 4, 5, 6 and 7 show alternative arrangements. In cross-section Figures 5 and 7 have the same cross-section as shown in Figure 6 25 which is of similar shape to that of Figure 3. In these figures the flat base is defined directly on the bottom of the u-shaped member which can then be ti 6 8 attached to the bumper by a screwport as in Figures 4 and 5 or by adhesive as in Figure 7.
Since various modifications can be made in my invention as herein above described, and many apparently widely different embodiments of same 5 made within the spirit and scope of the claims without departing from such spirit and scope, it is intended that all matter contained in the accompanying specification shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.
Claims (5)
1. An apparatus for retaining an electrical cord exiting from a device to be supplied with electrical power, preferably a motor vehicle, comprising a generally u-shaped latch assembly into which the cord can be inserted between legs of the u-shape for retention at a base of the u-shape and means for mounting the clip on the device at a position spaced from an outlet of the cord from the device such that an end of the cord can be latched in the clip and the cord held straight across the device by the clip and by the exit points on the device.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the clip has a flat base for mounting on a flat surface of the vehicle.
3. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the clip has an adhesive layer on the flat base.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the clip is mounted on the front bumper of the vehicle on the side of the vehicle opposite to the exit point from the vehicle.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the clip has an inside surface which diverges from a mouth at the top of the legs to the base so that the legs are fed outwardly by insertion of the cord and the cord is retained in a wider area at the base.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2200668 CA2200668A1 (en) | 1997-03-21 | 1997-03-21 | Retaining a block heater cord |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2200668 CA2200668A1 (en) | 1997-03-21 | 1997-03-21 | Retaining a block heater cord |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2200668A1 true CA2200668A1 (en) | 1998-09-21 |
Family
ID=4160220
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2200668 Abandoned CA2200668A1 (en) | 1997-03-21 | 1997-03-21 | Retaining a block heater cord |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2200668A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD750564S1 (en) | 2015-01-19 | 2016-03-01 | Jamie C. Weagle | Retractable block heater cord unit |
-
1997
- 1997-03-21 CA CA 2200668 patent/CA2200668A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD750564S1 (en) | 2015-01-19 | 2016-03-01 | Jamie C. Weagle | Retractable block heater cord unit |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |