Mounting system for electrical wiring boxes
US6410851B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 26, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jun 25, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 26, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02G3/10
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A mounting system for use in an electrical housing or junction box provides a tactile indication to the installer that the housing is properly installed. The mounting system includes a keyhole shaped opening in a wall of the housing. The keyhole-shaped opening has a smaller section dimensioned to receive a shaft of a fastener and larger section to receive the head of the fastener. A neck portion between the smaller and larger sections has a width less than a width of the fastener shaft to provide interference as the fastener slides between the larger and smaller sections. In one embodiment, the neck portion is formed by two flexible arms extending into the opening. The housing is positioned over the head of the mounting member and repositioned so that the shank of the fastener slides between the two arm members. In so doing, the arm members flex outwardly, and then snap back into place after the shank is fully and properly seated in the smaller section of the keyhole shaped opening. The snap gives the installer a tactile indication that the housing is positioned and mounted properly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.