Patent · US Expired

Mounting device for releasable securement to a panel

US5045984A · kind A · utility

27Cited by
8References
44Claims
0Family size

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 10, 1990
Grant dateSep 3, 1991
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 10, 2010

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S411/913
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A device arranged to be releasably mounting within a hole in a panel, e.g., a ceiling, to hold a lamp bulb and associated reflector or any other member therein. The device comprises a tubular body, a flange for engaging one side of the panel, and plural, equidistantly, peripherally-spaced, flexible arms for engaging the other side of the panel. Each arm extends outward from the body and is moveable from an extended position to a retracted position and vice versa. The arms are moved from the extended position to the retracted position when the body is pushed into the hole while being twisted about its longitudinal central axis in one rotational direction. The arms automatically move back to the extended position when the device is in place to hold the device securely within the hole. The device can be removed by pulling it out of the hole while twisting it about its longitudinal axis in the same rotational direction as used to insert it, whereupon the arms flex to the retracted position. An adaptor is provided for mounting in the device to hold different sized members, e.g., bulbs and reflectors.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.