Single-fastener mounting plate for electrical outlets.

(54) Title: SINGLE FASTENER MOUNTING PLATE FOR ELECTRICAL OUTLETS.

(54) Title: SINGLE-FASTENER MOUNTING PLATE FOR ELECTRICAL OUTLETS.

(57) Summary

A mounting plate for an electrical outlet includes a central region having a front surface, a rear surface, and an opening for accessing an electrical outlet. A first mounting flange and a second mounting flange extend from the central region at an angle. The mounting plate can be used to connect an outlet to an outlet housing that has a wiring compartment and a panel that at least partially encloses the wiring compartment. The panel has a front wall and an opening to receive an outlet.

(57) Abstract

A mounting piafe for an electrical outlet ineludes a central region having a front surface, a rear surface, and an opening for accessing an outlet. A first mounting fab and a second mounting fab extend from the central region at an angle. The mounting piafe may be used to attach an outlet to an outlet housing having a wiring compartment and a panel at least partially enclosing the wiring compartment. The panel has a front wall and an opening for receiving an outlet.

IMPI

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PATENT TITLE No. 352010

Headlines): HUBBELLINCORPORATED

Address: 40 Waterview Drive, Shelton, Connecticut, 06484, USA

D nomination: SINGLE FASTENER MOUNTING PLATE FOR ELECTRICAL OUTLETS.

Classification:

CIP:

CPC:

H01R13 / £ H Η0ψΪ3 / 74Ν,

CHRISTQ &amp; dEfTALAN CARB

PAPAG6.GRGE THO

T RICHapDjHpGESTYN; RYAN GENE

Inventor (s)

I heard

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Industrial.

June 2034

Number!

MX / a / 201 &amp; 0lp807

Blackberry:

/ 14:16

In accordance with the article from the date of present

Who subscribes the present title lo'fSae. ítr ^ foundation in (Official Gazette of the Federation (Mft 25/01/2006, 06/05 / 2009,06 / 01/2010, iW mextendable, sung to - - - - - - - - - -, - -. - -.,. - - - - - - - of the Regulations of the Mexican Institute of lej ^ opii articles 1, 3, 4^or, 5^or fraction V subsection a), 16 12/27/1999, amended on 10/10/2002, 07/29/2004, Deputy Generals, Coordinator. Departmental Divisional Directors and other subordinates of the INSTITUTE Mexicano de la Vroi 08/04/2004 and 09/13/2007).

a Law on Industrial Property / 1999. 01/26/2004. 06/16/2005, subsection a). 4 "and 12" sections I and III 002, 07/15/2004, 07/28/2004 and 09/07/2007); Exican of Industrial Property (DOF agreement that delegates powers to the National Directors, Divisional Deputy Directors, Itrial Coordinators. (DOF 12/15/1999, amended on 02/04/2000, 07/29/2004,

This document is signed with an advanced electronic signature (FIEL), based on articles 7 BIS 2 of the Industrial Property Law; 3 of its Regulations, and 1 section III, 2 section V, 26 BIS and 26 TER of the Agreement establishing the guidelines for the use of the Payment and Electronic Services Portal (PASE) of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property, in the procedures indicated.

THE DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OF PATENTS

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NAHANNY CANAL REYES

Original string

NAHANNY MARISOL CANAL REYES | 00001000000403252793 | Administration Service

Tax | 1595 |] MX / 2017/90097 | MX / a / 2016/010807 | Title Divisional Patent Parent | 1223 | GAGV | Page (s) | yQFQSnM3ESaZJ58iGfiS3u91 qYE =

Digital stamp:

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Arenal No 550. Floor 1 Pueblo Santa Mana Tepepan. Xochimilco, 16020

Mexico City (55) 533 407 00 wm .gob mx / impí

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3S2C4O

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

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SINGLE FASTENER MOUNTING PLATE FOR OUTLETS

ELECTRICAL

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to mounting plates for electrical outlets and electrical plug housings.

BACKGROUND

Assemblies and brackets have been developed to support electrical outlets in housings such as electrical wall boxes. Typically, an outlet is attached to a housing by fasteners placed on a grounding strap. A cover plate or outer plate is then attached to the electrical device to cover the open end of the electrical box, hide the grounding strips, and provide a decorative appearance. The outer plates are typically attached by one or more screws that extend through a screw hole in the outer plate and are threadedly coupled to a threaded hole in the electrical device.

In addition to standard wall mounted outlets, other outlet brackets, such as floor boxes, have been developed to provide solutions

Modular IMPI mnrtvro Muucano * M »ta Mn * ICDADs that allow access to multiple electrical tqmacorri, data and communication outputs. Typical floor electrical boxes have two, four or more wiring compartments around a central square or rectangular access cavity with the same number of exterior plates. A cover is placed over the access cavity that is level, or close to level, with the floor surface. The wiring compartments are capable of receiving different types of electrical outlets, data outlets, and communications depending on the needs and desires of the user. Consequently, outlets are frequently installed in wiring compartments after floor box installation and outlets may need to be changed or replaced over time.

Typical prior systems require numerous and sometimes complicated fasteners for the exterior plates at the point of sale that take a long time to install and repair. Typical outlet housings include those described in US Patent No. 4,041,238 to Penczak entitled Preset Housing for Electrical Distribution Box, US Patent No. 4,591,656 to Mohr entitled Activation Kits for Pre-sets, US Patent No. 5,285,009 to Bowman entitled Electrical Floor Box, US Patent No. 5,362,922 to Whitehead

IMPI ηαητυτο mqocaho MLAnonstMD txtxjsrxiAi titled Electrical Floor Box Divider, and yrr'ld

US No. 8,350,154 to Shotey entitled Universal Wall, Píate Mount, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference for their general significance and are not intended to supplant the description and definitions set forth herein. .

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SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, a mounting plate for an outlet includes a central region, a first mounting flange, and a second mounting flange. The central region has a front surface, a rear surface, and an opening for accessing an outlet. The first mounting flange extends from the central region at an angle and includes a first slot. A second mounting flange extends from the central region.

According to a further embodiment, a mounting plate for an electrical outlet includes a central region having a front surface, a rear surface, and an opening for accessing an electrical outlet. A first mounting flange and a second mounting flange extend from the central region at an angle.

According to a further embodiment, an outlet housing includes a socket compartment.

<img file="MX352010B_D0007.tif" />

IMPI MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY INDUSTRIAL wiring and a panel that encloses the unemployment ₃in._?nt-n wiring compartment. The panel has a front wall and an opening. A mounting accessory extends from the front wall. A mounting plate is attached to an outlet. The mounting plate has a slot configured to engage the mounting feature to at least partially retain the mounting plate and outlet in one position relative to the panel.

In accordance with another embodiment, a method of positioning an outlet in a housing includes attaching an outlet to a mounting plate. The mounting plate includes a central region, a front surface, a rear surface, and an opening to access the outlet. A first mounting flange and a second mounting flange extend from the central region at an angle. The mounting flange includes a first slot and a second slot. The mounting plate is located next to an outlet housing. The outlet housing has a wiring compartment, a panel that at least partially encloses the wiring compartment, a mounting fixture that extends from the panel, and a mounting opening. The first slot engages the mounting feature and a fastener is attached through the second slot and into the. mounting opening.

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IMPI

Mexican Institute of Industrial Property

Other embodiments, including "'1UL' appliances, systems, methods, and the like that constitute part of the invention, will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments and viewing the drawings. It is to be understood that both the above general description and the following detailed description are illustrative and explanatory only and therefore not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are incorporated into and constitute a part of the specification. The drawings, together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments and methods given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In these drawings:

Figure 1 is a correct perspective view of an outlet housing, developed outlet, and mounting plate according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is an enlarged right perspective view of the mounting plate shown in Fig. 1;

Figure 3 is a front elevation view of the mounting plate of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a view

IMPI INSTITUTE MEXICANO M LA PROPERTY INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX352010B_D0009.tif" />

in upper elevation of the mounting plate of Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a rear elevation view of the mounting plate of Figure 2;

Figure 6 is a partial perspective view of the outlet housing shown in Figure 1;

Figure 7 is a partial perspective view of the outlet housing, outlet, and the outlet box mounting plate shown in Figure 1 in a position about to be installed;

Figure 8 is a partial top plan view of the outlet housing, outlet, and outlet box mounting plate shown in Figure 1 with the mounting plate about to be attached to a mounting fixture in accommodation;

Figure 9 is a partial perspective view of the outlet housing, outlet, and plate assembly shown in Figure 1 with the mounting plate about to be attached to a mounting fixture in the housing as in Figure 8 ;

Figure 10 is a partial perspective view of the outlet, and outlet box mounting plate shown in Figure 1 with the mounting plate attached to a mounting fixture in the housing;

The

Figure

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frontal section taken along line 11-11 at the

Figure 1 of the mounting plate housing shown in Figure 1 with outlet, outlet, and outlet box having the mounting plate secured over the outlet and in the housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE MODALITIES AND ILLUSTRATIVE METHODS

Reference will now be made in detail to illustrative embodiments and methods of the invention as shown in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the drawings. It should be noted, however, that the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative devices, and illustrative procedures and examples shown and described in connection with illustrative embodiments and methods.

Figure 1 depicts a horizontally arranged outlet housing 10 having a wiring compartment 12 partially closed by a panel 14. An outlet 16 will be attached to a mounting plate 18. The mounting plate 18 is attached to panel 14 such that outlet 16 is positioned in wiring compartment 12 and extends outward from it. In

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The example, the illustrative embodiment shows, the socket outlet 10 is a floor box 20 intended to be depressed into a concrete or raised access floor. The floor box 20 has a main compartment or central cavity 22 that allows the user to access one or more outlets 16 with electrical cables and corresponding plugs or other connectors and / or to work on the floor box 20. The term user may be used in different contexts herein and will refer to anyone including who is using, installing, repairing, or performing any operation with or on the receptacle housing 10, receptacle 16, or mounting plate 18.

Floor box 20 is embedded in the floor with outlet 16 that is accessible to a user through a cover (not shown), the top of which is generally level with the top of the floor. The outlet housing 10 does not have to be a floor box, and in various alternative embodiments it can be any type of outlet box, junction box, recessed housing, perforation, etc.

As best shown in Figures 2-5, the mounting plate 18 includes a central region 26 having a front surface 28 and a rear surface 30. The mounting plate 18 may be made of a resilient material, eg, metal. or plastic. The front surface 28 is

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IMPI INSTITUTE MEXICANO DE LA PROHEDAD INDUSTRIAL designed to face the main compartment while the rear surface 30 faces the panel 14. The central region 26 includes an opening 32 that allows access to an outlet 16. As best shown in the Figures 2 and 3, opening 32 has a substantially angular shape with rounded corners. As shown in Figures 7 and 9, the opening 32 is designed to receive the outside of the outlet 34. The outside of the outlet 34 is shown as extending at least partially through the opening 32, although it may also be flush with front surface 28. In various alternative embodiments, opening 32 may be different shapes and sizes to accommodate different outlets 16. As required, more than one opening 32 can also be provided.

Central region 26 also includes a pair of clamp openings 36. Openings 36 receive fasteners 38, such as threaded fasteners, for attachment of mounting plate 18 to outlet 16. For example, as best shown in Fig. Figure 1, the fasteners 38 extend through the mounting plate 18 and into the mounting tape 40 of the outlet 16. The fasteners 38, however, can be connected to any part of the outlet 16. In various alternative embodiments, a fixation opening 36 or more than two

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

<img file="MX352010B_D0013.tif" />

openings 36 can be provided in. . function of the outlet configuration 16. The fasteners 38 may be mechanical locking fasteners such as bolts, screws, or a type of interlocking joint. Mounting plate 18 may also be attached to outlet 16 through adhesives or bonding, or mounting plate 18 may be integrally formed with outlet 16.

The mounting plate 18 includes a first mounting flange 42 and a second mounting flange 44. The first and second mounting flanges 42, 44 may extend from opposite ends of the central region 26 oriented horizontally or vertically. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the first mounting flange 42 and the second mounting flange 44 each extend at an angle to the central region 26. The first and second mounting tabs 42, 44 extend at an obtuse angle to the front surface 28, the degree of the angle can vary. For example, the first and second mounting tabs 42, 44 may extend at an angle in the approximate range of about 172 to about 174 degrees from the front surface 28. Various illustrative embodiments may use mounting tabs 42, 44 without an angle τ or just a single angle mounting flange. The mounting tabs 42, 44 may be elastic and allow approximately some flex. Mounting tabs

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IMPI

INSTITUTE MEXICANO DE LA «QUEDAD INDUSTUAL are shown as a single piece with the central region

26, although they can be formed separately and fixed together.

Mounting plate 18 also includes a first open end opening or slot 46 and a second composition open opening or slot 48 at opposite ends of mounting plate 18. Although the first and second grooves 46, 48 are shown, only one Slot can be used alone or in connection with an opening or slit. For example, the second slot 48 can be replaced by a circular opening or other opening. The first and second grooves 46, 48 extend into the first and second mounting tabs 42, 44 respectively. In various illustrative embodiments, the first and second grooves 46, 48 may extend partially in the first and second mounting tabs 42, 44 or partially in the central region 26.

Mounting plate 18 includes one or more vertical and horizontal score lines 50 defining one or more blind regions 52. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3, there are three vertical marking lines 50A, 50B, 50C through each side of front surface 28 and Figure 5 shows three vertical marking lines 50A, 50B, 50C and two horizontal score lines 50D, 50E on each side of rear surface 30. In the example embodiment shown, four blind regions 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D are

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IMPI INSTITUTE MEXICANO DE LA PXOMEDA · INDUSTRIAL present on each side of the mounting plate 18 ^τ= · ^ I ^ -? Nc of incision 50 may partially extend on the front and / or rear surfaces 28, 30, through the front and / or rear surfaces 20, 30, or any combination thereof. The score lines 50 reduce the thickness of the mounting plate 18, create areas of structural weakness, and allow a user to easily peel and separate the blind regions 52 regions of the mounting plate 18 by hand or through the use of a tool. , such as pliers, altering the shape of mounting plate 18 to fit different configurations of outlet housings 10.

As best shown in Figures 6-11, the mounting plate 18 allows a user to quickly and easily connect and secure and remove the outlet 16 in the floor box 20. The vertical panel 14 of the floor box 20 It has a front wall 54 and a top wall 56 that partially enclose the wiring compartment 12. The front wall 54 faces the main compartment 22. In other illustrative configurations panel 14 may have additional walls, including side, bottom, and back walls. Panel 14 includes a panel opening 58 that provides access to wiring compartment 12 from main compartment 22. Panel opening 58 is shown in front wall 54, albeit in different examples.

IMPI mode, aperture 58 may also be placed, at. other walls, for example top wall 56. Opening 58 and wiring compartment 12 are depicted as substantially rectangular in a horizontal orientation, with the long end of wiring compartment 12 substantially parallel to the bottom of floor box 20 . In an alternative embodiment, the panel opening 58 and the wiring compartment 12 may be oriented substantially vertically, with the long end of the wiring compartment substantially orthogonal to the bottom of the floor box 20.

A mounting fixture 60 extends rigidly from front wall 54 proximate opening 58. As best shown in Figures 6 and 7, mounting feature 60 is on the outer side of panel opening 58 proximate a wall. exterior of the floor box 20, although it can be placed on the interior side if desired. A mounting opening 62 is positioned opposite the mounting feature 60 in the front wall 54. The mounting opening 62 extends through the front wall 54, although a blind opening can also be used. The mounting aperture 62 may include threads to threadably receive a fastener. In the vertical orientation, the mounting feature 60 could be located on the top or bottom side of the

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IMPI

IWSTtTUTO MEXICANO

MU MOREDAD inbustual panel opening 58.

Mounting fixture 60 may be integrally formed with front wall 54 or may be separately attached to front wall 54 during fabrication or later by a user through a threaded, welded, or other mechanical connection.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, mounting feature 60 includes a post 64 and a knob 66 ​​extending from post 64. Post 64 and knob 66 ​​are both substantially cylindrical, although other shapes may be used. In various exemplary embodiments, mounting feature 60 may be a mechanical fastener that is connected to panel 14. The mounting feature 60 is designed to mate with the first or second grooves 46, 48 of the mounting plate 18. This description may refer to the first or second grooves 46, 48 interchangeably. Post 64 has a width or diameter sized to fit within first slot 46 and be slightly smaller. Knob 66 ​​is larger in size or width or diameter than first slot 46 and acts to retain mounting plate 18. When the first mounting flange 42 is angled, it will flex to take a variable amount of space between the base of the knob 66 ​​and the front wall 54. Although an inlet 64 and a knob 66 ​​are shown and described, the feature of mount 60 can be

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IMPI, INDUSTRIAL * · any structure that is configured to accommodate mounting plate 18 and hold it in a desired position or range of positions.

FUNCTIONING

The outlet housings 10 are not always easily accessible to an installer or user. For example, when a floor box 20 is recessed into the floor, certain parts of the main compartment are not easily accessible or are obstructed by other accessories. This is especially true when a large number of wiring compartments 16 are placed in a floor box 20 that have overall dimensions optimized to be as small as possible. In certain cases, it can be difficult for a user or installer to access, mount or remove an outlet using traditional mechanical fasteners. These difficulties can be compounded by the need to create versatile outlet housings 10 that can accommodate different outlets 16 and allow a user or installer to easily switch from one type of outlet 16 to another.

During an installation operation, a user may first separate one or more blind regions 52 if required by the configuration of outlet housing 10. The outlet 16 is then attached to the mounting plate

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IMPI INSTITUTE MEXICANO BE LA PROPERTY INDUSTRIAL

18, for example, the fasteners 38 as shown in Figure 1. The outlet 16 is then connected to the wiring housed in the wiring compartment 12. Alternatively, the outlet 16 can be connected and then connected to the mounting plate 18. As best shown in Figures 7 and 8, mounting plate 18 is initially held at an angle and positioned close to mounting feature 60. The mounting plate 18 is then moved so that the first slot 46 mates with the post 64. The placement of the first slot 4 6 on the post 64 allows the user to easily and quickly align the outlet 16 with the wiring compartment 12 and to secure one side of the mounting plate 18.

As best shown in Figures 9 and 10, once the first slot 46 is positioned on the post 64, the user can rotate the other end of the resilient mounting plate 18 toward the front wall 54 and position the rear surface 30 near or in engagement with the front wall 54. The user can then insert a mounting clip 68 through the second opening or slot 48 and into the mounting opening 62, complete the insertion of the clip 68, and orient the mounting plate against and substantially parallel to the front wall 54. Once the mounting clip 68 is fully attached to the front wall 54, the outlet 16 is secured in the wiring compartment.

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IMPI

MEXICAN INSTTtVTO OF INDUSTRIAL CURRENCY

12. As discussed above, only one y'únir ?. λ £ can be used to attach post 64 and plate mount 18 can have a different type of opening, such as a hole with a closed perimeter (not shown) to receive mounting clip 68. By using a single element To fix the mounting plate 18, the amount of effort and time required to install the outlet is reduced and the number of parts required is reduced.

When the outlet 16 is installed, certain areas of the outlet in the housing 10 may be more easily accessible than others. In the floor box 20 shown by way of example, the inner side of the panel opening 58 is more easily accessible than the outer side due to the placement of additional components. These components can make it difficult for a user to easily attach a bra. In such cases, the mounting feature 60 eliminates this problem. In alternative embodiments using a vertical orientation, the top of the panel opening 58 may be easier to access so that the mounting feature 60 can be positioned at the bottom of the panel opening 58.

The above detailed description of certain embodiment examples has been provided for the purpose of explaining the principles of the invention and its application.

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY INDUSTRIAL practical, thus allowing other experts in the art to understand the invention for various modalities and with various modifications that are suitable for the particular use contemplated. This description is not necessarily intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise embodiments described. Any of the modalities and / or elements described in this document can be combined with each other to form various additional modalities not specifically described. Accordingly, additional embodiments are possible and are intended to be within this specification and the scope of the appended claims. The specification describes specific examples to achieve a more general objective that can be accomplished in another way.

Only the clauses that use the words shall be construed are to be interpreted under 35 USC 112, sixth paragraph.

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IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL FROHEDAD