US20080116308A1 - Quick Set Device For Mounting Electrical Devices - Google Patents
Quick Set Device For Mounting Electrical Devices Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080116308A1 US20080116308A1 US11/932,180 US93218007A US2008116308A1 US 20080116308 A1 US20080116308 A1 US 20080116308A1 US 93218007 A US93218007 A US 93218007A US 2008116308 A1 US2008116308 A1 US 2008116308A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- ribbon
- reel
- clips
- clip
- assembly machine
- 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
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 241001425761 Parthenos sylvia Species 0.000 claims 2
- 238000004804 winding Methods 0.000 claims 2
- DMFGNRRURHSENX-UHFFFAOYSA-N beryllium copper Chemical compound [Be].[Cu] DMFGNRRURHSENX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 abstract description 2
- 230000009972 noncorrosive effect Effects 0.000 abstract description 2
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 abstract description 2
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 abstract description 2
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 10
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 3
- HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zinc Chemical compound [Zn] HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000011701 zinc Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052725 zinc Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007480 spreading Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
- G06F1/18—Packaging or power distribution
- G06F1/183—Internal mounting support structures, e.g. for printed circuit boards, internal connecting means
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
- Power Engineering (AREA)
- Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Connection Of Plates (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a method for making clips by running a ribbon of material through a stamp that partially cuts the part out of the material. The partially stamped clips stay on the ribbon that is placed on a reel. The reel may then be fed into an assembly machine for inserting the clips into plastic boxes at a rate of at least one per second. The assembly machine breaks the clip off of the reel. The ribbon (and thus the clip) is preferably made of pre-plated or non-corrosive material such as Stainless Steel or Beryllium-Copper.
Description
- This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/946,327 filed Sep. 22, 2004, now pending, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/504,203 filed Sep. 22, 2003, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
- The present invention is directed to a quick set device for mounting electrical devices in a flush mount device box. The inventive device is a clip that holds in place the mounting screw that fastens the electrical device to be mounted to a mount box. The inventive device allows the installer to “push” the mounting screw into the hole. The ability to push the mounting screw into the hole obviates the need to screw all the threads to complete the installation.
- While other devices have been developed to perform similar functions, known devices frequently strip threads from the mounting screw, thereby resulting in a loose and unsafe installation.
- The present inventive device alleviates these types of problems by increasing the contact area between the screw and the device engagement tab. In one embodiment, the inventive device increases the contact area by including two engagement tabs, thereby spreading out the force being applied to the screw. In another embodiment, a radius is cut in the nose of an engagement tab on the device, wherein the radius is designed to match the root diameter of a mounting screw.
- The inventive device provides for quick mounting of outlet and switches in flush device wall boxes. The device includes an engagement mechanism that allows the mounting screw to be held in place in the wall box. This engagement mechanism allows the mounting screw to be pushed into the mounting hole rather than having to manually twist the screw the full length of the threads, thereby saving installation personnel time. The engagement mechanism together with mounting screw holds the device in the box preventing wiring from being exposed.
- The increased contact area between the inventive device and the screw prevents thread damage that would render the screw incapable of being removed with a reverse twist of a screwdriver. In particular, it prevents threads from being stripped from the mounting screw during a sudden pull from the outside. The two tab embodiment allows a thinner material to be used, resulting in less insertion force being required to seat the mounting screw.
- Additional details about various embodiments of the inventive device are shown in the attached figures.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a left-side view of a clip mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 illustrates a right-side view of the clip mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 3 illustrates a back-side view of the clip mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the clip mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of the clip mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of the clip mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 7 illustrates a back perspective view of the clip mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. - As shown in the drawings, preferred embodiments of the inventive device provide for multiple prongs or tabs. As shown in the drawings, a preferred configuration provides for two top tabs extending to a first side of the device, and a single lower tab extending to the opposite side of the device. The device may be cut from a single sheet of metal and may be formed by bending certain portions at various angles not to exceed about forty-five degrees.
- In one embodiment of the invention, the clips are made by running a ribbon of material through a stamp that partially cuts the part out of the material. The partially stamped clips stay on the ribbon that is placed on a reel. The reel may be fed into an assembly machine for inserting the clips into plastic boxes at a rate of at least one per second. The assembly machine breaks the clip off of the reel. In this embodiment, the ribbon (and thus the clip) is preferably made of pre-plated or non-corrosive material such as Stainless Steel or Beryllium-Copper. No heat treating or zinc coating is necessary in this embodiment.
- In a test performed on the clip as described above, a screw is inserted in the clip and removed three different times. With the same screw, a fifty pound static load is then attached to a screw in the clip and held for five minutes, and then a one pound hammer slides along an eighteen inch track coming to rest on a 2 pound stop plate with the entire assembly being attached to the screw, with a maximum allowance of screw movement consistently being less than 0.094 inches.
- Plastic ridges may optionally be added to a plastic box inside the screw hole for attachment of the clip and screw. The ridges are made by filling in grooves of an insert for an injection mold. The grooves are preferably about 0.005 inches high and help resist slippage by contacting threads of the screw. The ridges add stability to the clip even beyond the stability shown in the test mentioned above. The ridges significantly help to resist slippage over the small allowance window of 0.094 inches.
- The inventive device may be heat-treated and zinc-coated in another embodiment. This method of manufacture in addition to the unique tab configuration ensures the ability of the device to support a large amount of weight. The inventive device has been certified as meetings UL standards. Thus, a light weight clip pressed from a single sheet of metal provides a minimum retaining force of 50 pounds for a size 6 screw, 100 pounds for a size 8 screw, and 200 pounds for a size 10 screw.
- While this invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention as set forth herein, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the true spirit and full scope of the invention as set forth herein.
Claims (10)
1-5. (canceled)
6. A method for making clips comprising running a ribbon of material through a stamp, stamping the ribbon to partially cut out of the ribbon certain material, while retaining the partially stamped clips on the ribbon, winding the ribbon on a reel, then feeding the reel into an assembly machine for detaching and inserting the clips into plastic boxes.
7. The invention as set forth in claim 6 further including breaking the clip off the reel.
8. The invention as set forth in claim 6 wherein the reel is fed into the assembly machine at a rate of at least one clip per second.
9-12. (canceled)
13. A method for making clips comprising running a ribbon of material through a stamp, stamping the ribbon to partially cut out of the ribbon certain material to partially form a plurality of clips, each clip having a single planar body portion with a first side having two engagement tabs depending away from the first side and a second, opposite side having a single lower tab depending away from the second side, while retaining the partially stamped clips on the ribbon, winding the ribbon on a reel, then feeding the reel into an assembly machine for detaching and inserting the clips into plastic boxes.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein a radius is cut in a nose of each engagement tab.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein the radius is cut to match a root diameter of a mounting screw pushed into a hole in the mounting box to engage each engagement tab.
16. The method as set forth in claim 13 further including breaking the clip off the reel.
17. The method as set forth in claim 13 wherein the reel is fed into the assembly machine at a rate of at least one clip per second.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/932,180 US20080116308A1 (en) | 2003-09-22 | 2007-10-31 | Quick Set Device For Mounting Electrical Devices |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US50420303P | 2003-09-22 | 2003-09-22 | |
US10/946,327 US20050121570A1 (en) | 2003-09-22 | 2004-09-22 | Quick set device for mounting electrical devices |
US11/932,180 US20080116308A1 (en) | 2003-09-22 | 2007-10-31 | Quick Set Device For Mounting Electrical Devices |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/946,327 Division US20050121570A1 (en) | 2003-09-22 | 2004-09-22 | Quick set device for mounting electrical devices |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20080116308A1 true US20080116308A1 (en) | 2008-05-22 |
Family
ID=34636269
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/946,327 Abandoned US20050121570A1 (en) | 2003-09-22 | 2004-09-22 | Quick set device for mounting electrical devices |
US11/932,180 Abandoned US20080116308A1 (en) | 2003-09-22 | 2007-10-31 | Quick Set Device For Mounting Electrical Devices |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/946,327 Abandoned US20050121570A1 (en) | 2003-09-22 | 2004-09-22 | Quick set device for mounting electrical devices |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US20050121570A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8669471B2 (en) | 2010-09-14 | 2014-03-11 | Southwire Company | Electrical accessories and associated methods of use and manufacture |
US8789256B2 (en) | 2010-09-14 | 2014-07-29 | Southwire Company, Llc | Folded electrical junction boxes and associated methods of use and manufacture |
US9819167B2 (en) | 2009-09-04 | 2017-11-14 | Cantex, Inc. | Electrical accessories and associated methods of use and manufacture |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN105522350B (en) * | 2016-01-20 | 2018-01-02 | 苏州和林微纳科技有限公司 | Special-shaped thickness Clip part processing methods |
Citations (29)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2006843A (en) * | 1934-08-13 | 1935-07-02 | Thomas W Russell | Clip |
US3777400A (en) * | 1971-08-26 | 1973-12-11 | Rheem Mfg Co | Clipping apparatus and clips therefor |
US3876821A (en) * | 1972-11-20 | 1975-04-08 | Capital Wire & Cable Division | Injection molded electrical box |
US3886643A (en) * | 1971-08-26 | 1975-06-03 | Rheem Mfg Co | Clipping apparatus and clips therefor |
US3955463A (en) * | 1971-08-09 | 1976-05-11 | Slater Electric Inc. | Screw mounting means |
US3972498A (en) * | 1975-07-30 | 1976-08-03 | Eaton Corporation | Device for attaching electrical boxes to metal studs |
US4053198A (en) * | 1976-04-23 | 1977-10-11 | Slater Electric Inc. | Electrical connector means |
US4069448A (en) * | 1975-10-20 | 1978-01-17 | Slater Electric Inc. | Threaded fastener mounting means |
US4073423A (en) * | 1977-01-03 | 1978-02-14 | Omley Industries, Inc. | Furniture clip attachment device |
US4105862A (en) * | 1973-07-30 | 1978-08-08 | Slater Electric Inc. | Outlet box having screw mounting means |
US4172626A (en) * | 1978-06-22 | 1979-10-30 | Amp Incorporated | Connector clip for connecting cable conductors to circuit board conductors |
US4285754A (en) * | 1979-11-05 | 1981-08-25 | Solid Photography Inc. | Method and apparatus for producing planar elements in the construction of surfaces and bodies |
US4290178A (en) * | 1978-05-10 | 1981-09-22 | International Telephone And Telegraph Corporation | Assembly apparatus for electrical connectors |
US4295003A (en) * | 1980-01-07 | 1981-10-13 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Threaded screw mounting means |
US4311422A (en) * | 1980-05-19 | 1982-01-19 | Midland-Ross Corporation | Screw retainer |
US4580699A (en) * | 1983-12-20 | 1986-04-08 | Chem-Trend Incorporated | Proportioner |
US4657457A (en) * | 1982-11-24 | 1987-04-14 | Rickwood Gerald C | Screw-action connectors security means |
US4840319A (en) * | 1988-01-28 | 1989-06-20 | Heleen Harold E | Bag tie dispenser |
US4972044A (en) * | 1989-02-02 | 1990-11-20 | Gomer Kropa | Junction box including cable clamps |
US4983285A (en) * | 1986-06-04 | 1991-01-08 | Nolen H Eugene | Individual wastewater treatment plant |
US5031789A (en) * | 1990-04-13 | 1991-07-16 | Fl Industries, Inc. | Standoff for outlet boxes |
US5118307A (en) * | 1990-03-19 | 1992-06-02 | Siemens Nixdorf Informationssysteme Ag | Contact strip |
US5176345A (en) * | 1991-01-10 | 1993-01-05 | Medlin Pauline B | Extension plate for outlet box bracket |
US5823821A (en) * | 1997-03-31 | 1998-10-20 | Tohanczyn, Jr.; Edward | Apparatus for securing an electrical outlet to an outlet box having stripped threads |
US6098939A (en) * | 1999-01-11 | 2000-08-08 | He; Ping | Electrical junction box supporting bracket |
US6170685B1 (en) * | 1999-04-16 | 2001-01-09 | Forrest R. Currier | Folding electrical outlet box |
USD491537S1 (en) * | 2003-09-22 | 2004-06-15 | Cantex, Inc. | Quick set device for mounting electrical devices |
US7053300B2 (en) * | 2004-07-09 | 2006-05-30 | Denier Electric Company, Inc. | Multi-functional electric support bracket |
US20060216134A1 (en) * | 2005-03-23 | 2006-09-28 | Cantex, Inc. | Securing mechanism |
-
2004
- 2004-09-22 US US10/946,327 patent/US20050121570A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2007
- 2007-10-31 US US11/932,180 patent/US20080116308A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (29)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2006843A (en) * | 1934-08-13 | 1935-07-02 | Thomas W Russell | Clip |
US3955463A (en) * | 1971-08-09 | 1976-05-11 | Slater Electric Inc. | Screw mounting means |
US3777400A (en) * | 1971-08-26 | 1973-12-11 | Rheem Mfg Co | Clipping apparatus and clips therefor |
US3886643A (en) * | 1971-08-26 | 1975-06-03 | Rheem Mfg Co | Clipping apparatus and clips therefor |
US3876821A (en) * | 1972-11-20 | 1975-04-08 | Capital Wire & Cable Division | Injection molded electrical box |
US4105862A (en) * | 1973-07-30 | 1978-08-08 | Slater Electric Inc. | Outlet box having screw mounting means |
US3972498A (en) * | 1975-07-30 | 1976-08-03 | Eaton Corporation | Device for attaching electrical boxes to metal studs |
US4069448A (en) * | 1975-10-20 | 1978-01-17 | Slater Electric Inc. | Threaded fastener mounting means |
US4053198A (en) * | 1976-04-23 | 1977-10-11 | Slater Electric Inc. | Electrical connector means |
US4073423A (en) * | 1977-01-03 | 1978-02-14 | Omley Industries, Inc. | Furniture clip attachment device |
US4290178A (en) * | 1978-05-10 | 1981-09-22 | International Telephone And Telegraph Corporation | Assembly apparatus for electrical connectors |
US4172626A (en) * | 1978-06-22 | 1979-10-30 | Amp Incorporated | Connector clip for connecting cable conductors to circuit board conductors |
US4285754A (en) * | 1979-11-05 | 1981-08-25 | Solid Photography Inc. | Method and apparatus for producing planar elements in the construction of surfaces and bodies |
US4295003A (en) * | 1980-01-07 | 1981-10-13 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Threaded screw mounting means |
US4311422A (en) * | 1980-05-19 | 1982-01-19 | Midland-Ross Corporation | Screw retainer |
US4657457A (en) * | 1982-11-24 | 1987-04-14 | Rickwood Gerald C | Screw-action connectors security means |
US4580699A (en) * | 1983-12-20 | 1986-04-08 | Chem-Trend Incorporated | Proportioner |
US4983285A (en) * | 1986-06-04 | 1991-01-08 | Nolen H Eugene | Individual wastewater treatment plant |
US4840319A (en) * | 1988-01-28 | 1989-06-20 | Heleen Harold E | Bag tie dispenser |
US4972044A (en) * | 1989-02-02 | 1990-11-20 | Gomer Kropa | Junction box including cable clamps |
US5118307A (en) * | 1990-03-19 | 1992-06-02 | Siemens Nixdorf Informationssysteme Ag | Contact strip |
US5031789A (en) * | 1990-04-13 | 1991-07-16 | Fl Industries, Inc. | Standoff for outlet boxes |
US5176345A (en) * | 1991-01-10 | 1993-01-05 | Medlin Pauline B | Extension plate for outlet box bracket |
US5823821A (en) * | 1997-03-31 | 1998-10-20 | Tohanczyn, Jr.; Edward | Apparatus for securing an electrical outlet to an outlet box having stripped threads |
US6098939A (en) * | 1999-01-11 | 2000-08-08 | He; Ping | Electrical junction box supporting bracket |
US6170685B1 (en) * | 1999-04-16 | 2001-01-09 | Forrest R. Currier | Folding electrical outlet box |
USD491537S1 (en) * | 2003-09-22 | 2004-06-15 | Cantex, Inc. | Quick set device for mounting electrical devices |
US7053300B2 (en) * | 2004-07-09 | 2006-05-30 | Denier Electric Company, Inc. | Multi-functional electric support bracket |
US20060216134A1 (en) * | 2005-03-23 | 2006-09-28 | Cantex, Inc. | Securing mechanism |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9819167B2 (en) | 2009-09-04 | 2017-11-14 | Cantex, Inc. | Electrical accessories and associated methods of use and manufacture |
US8669471B2 (en) | 2010-09-14 | 2014-03-11 | Southwire Company | Electrical accessories and associated methods of use and manufacture |
US8789256B2 (en) | 2010-09-14 | 2014-07-29 | Southwire Company, Llc | Folded electrical junction boxes and associated methods of use and manufacture |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20050121570A1 (en) | 2005-06-09 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |