U.S. patent application number 09/899613 was filed with the patent office on 2001-11-15 for electrical system mounting assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to Dekko Engineering, Inc.. Invention is credited to Laukhuf, Gregg E., Riner, Raymond H..
Application Number | 20010039772 09/899613 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23432463 |
Filed Date | 2001-11-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010039772 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Laukhuf, Gregg E. ; et
al. |
November 15, 2001 |
Electrical system mounting assembly
Abstract
Method of and apparatus for supporting and stabilizing elongated
electrical distribution units intermediate first and second
elongated generally parallel channels within modular furniture by
fixing a plurality of spaced legs to the distribution units with
each leg extending transversely to, and in generally the same
direction from each distribution unit. A portion of each
distribution engages the first channel and a plurality of mounting
brackets are disposed intermediate the distribution unit and the
second channel with each mounting bracket located adjacent to a
corresponding leg. Each leg is fastened to the adjacent bracket at
a generally central location of the adjacent bracket when the
spacing between the first and second elongated members is near a
preferred minimum distance, while each leg is fastened to the
adjacent bracket near one end of the bracket when the spacing
between the first and second elongated members is near a preferred
maximum distance. The brackets are disposed generally parallel to
the first and second channels when the channel separation is near
the preferred minimum distance and are disposed generally
orthogonal to the direction of elongation of the first and second
channels when the channel separation is near the preferred maximum
distance. In one application, a plurality of U-shaped adapters are
located intermediate each bracket and the second channel to adapt
the bracket lower end configuration to the contour of the second
channel.
Inventors: |
Laukhuf, Gregg E.; (Bryan,
OH) ; Riner, Raymond H.; (LaGrange, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Todd T. Taylor
Taylor & Aust, P.C.
142 S. Main St.
P.O. Box 560
Avilla
IN
46710
US
|
Assignee: |
Dekko Engineering, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
23432463 |
Appl. No.: |
09/899613 |
Filed: |
July 5, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09899613 |
Jul 5, 2001 |
|
|
|
09363962 |
Jul 29, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/239 ; 248/300;
52/220.7; 52/242; 52/36.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02G 3/288 20130101;
E04B 2002/7488 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/239 ; 52/36.1;
52/220.7; 52/242; 248/300 |
International
Class: |
E04H 001/00; A47F
010/00; E04C 002/52 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. The method of supporting and stabilizing an elongated electrical
distribution intermediate first and second elongated generally
parallel channels comprising the steps of: fixing a plurality of
spaced legs to the distribution with each leg extending
transversely to, and in generally the same direction from, the
distribution; engaging a portion of the distribution with the first
channel; introducing a plurality of mounting brackets intermediate
the distribution and the second channel with each mounting bracket
adjacent a corresponding leg; and fastening each leg to the
adjacent bracket at a generally central location of the adjacent
bracket when the spacing between the first and second elongated
members is near a preferred minimum distance, and fastening each
leg to the adjacent bracket near one end of the bracket when the
spacing between the first and second elongated members is near a
preferred maximum distance.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein each mounting bracket is elongated
with an axis of elongation extending generally parallel to the
first and second channels when the channel separation is near the
preferred minimum distance and extending orthogonal to the
direction of elongation of the first and second channels when the
channel separation is near the preferred maximum distance.
3. The method of claim 1 including the step of introducing a
plurality of U-shaped adapters intermediate each bracket and the
second channel to adapt the bracket lower end configuration to the
contour of the second channel.
4. The method of making a mounting bracket for facilitating the
support of an electrical distribution intermediate a pair of
elongated channels comprising: cutting a bracket blank from a
generally planar sheet of metal with a generally elongated channel
body, a first channel engaging foot near one channel body end, a
second channel engaging foot near an opposite channel body end, and
first and second arms extending transversely from the same side of
the channel body intermediate the first foot and second foot;
deforming the first foot and second foot from the plane of the
sheet and into a plane generally orthogonal to the plane of the
sheet; deforming the arms in opposite directions from the plane of
the sheet and into a plane generally orthogonal to the plane of the
sheet; and further deforming the free ends of the arms toward the
plane of the first foot and second foot.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein the step of cutting includes
forming open-ended slots at the opposite ends of the channel body
and an elongated aperture intermediate the ends of the channel
body.
6. A mounting bracket made by the method of claim 5.
7. A transverse stabilization system for utility distribution units
to be suspended in either of two elevational positions intermediate
at least two generally horizontal elongated channels located within
modular room divider panels comprising: a plurality of legs to be
fixed to and extend laterally from each distribution unit; a like
plurality of brackets each having at least two separate leg
attachment locations for receiving corresponding threaded fasteners
for joining a leg end to a bracket in either of at least two
separate locations, each bracket including at least two channel
engaging feet, one foot extending from the bracket in a direction
opposite the leg when the leg and bracket are joined in one
location to engage the lower channel and the other foot extending
from the bracket in a direction opposite the leg when the leg and
bracket are joined in the other location to engage the lower
channel.
8. The stabilization system of claim 7 further including a like
plurality of double U-shaped adapters of uniform cross-sectional
configuration to be located within one channel for receiving a
corresponding bracket foot.
9. The stabilization system of claim 7 wherein each bracket
includes three separate leg attachment locations and three channel
engaging feet.
10. The stabilization device of claim 7 wherein one foot of each
bracket comprises a pair of spaced apart channel engaging pads and
extends orthogonally from the bracket relative to another foot
thereof.
11. The stabilization device of claim 7 wherein each bracket
comprises an elongated body with a first channel engaging foot at
one body end, a spaced apart pair of channel engaging pads
intermediate the body ends extending transversely and in the same
general direction from the body, a first leg attachment opening
near the body end opposite the first foot, and a second leg
attachment opening intermediate the body ends.
12. The stabilization device of claim 11 wherein each bracket
further includes a second channel engaging foot at the body end
opposite the first foot and a third leg attachment opening near
said one body end.
13. A bracket assembly for supporting and stabilizing a utility
distribution unit over a subordinate horizontally extending channel
at either one of at least two different elevations above the
channel comprising: a leg to be fixed to and depend downwardly from
the unit; a bracket having an elongated body with a first channel
engaging foot at one body end, a spaced apart pair of channel
engaging pads intermediate the body ends extending transversely
from the body, a first leg attachment opening near the body end
opposite the first foot, and a second leg attachment opening
intermediate the body ends; and a screw for passing through the leg
and exactly one of the leg attachment openings to join the bracket
and leg whereby the first channel foot may engage the channel when
the screw passes through the leg and first opening, and the pair of
channel engaging pads may engage the channel when the screw passes
through the leg and second opening.
14. The bracket assembly of claim 12 wherein each bracket further
includes a second channel engaging foot at the body end opposite
the first foot and a third leg attachment opening near said one
body end whereby the second channel engaging foot may engage the
channel when the screw passes through the leg and third
opening.
15. The bracket assembly of claim 14 wherein the bracket is made
by: cutting a bracket blank from a generally planar sheet of metal
to include the elongated channel body, the first channel engaging
foot near one channel body end, the second channel engaging foot
near an opposite channel body end, and first and second arms
extending transversely from the same side of the channel body
intermediate the first foot and second foot; deforming the first
foot and second foot from the plane of the sheet and into a plane
generally orthogonal to the plane of the sheet; deforming the arms
in opposite directions from the plane of the sheet and into a plane
generally orthogonal to the plane of the sheet; and further
deforming the free ends of the arms toward the plane of the first
foot and second foot to form the pair of channel engaging pads.
16. The bracket assembly of claim 15 wherein the step of cutting
includes forming open-ended slots at the opposite ends of the
channel body and an elongated aperture intermediate the ends of the
channel body thereby forming the three leg attachment openings.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Iinvention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to power
distribution systems of the modular type which are incorporated
into or used in conjunction with prefabricated and prewired office
partitions or room divider panels and other modular furniture.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Prewired office partitions and similar modular furnishings
with power and/or communications wiring running in raceways along
the top or bottom of the partitions have been known for a number of
years. One known technique for mounting such wiring is to suspend
power distribution units beneath a horizontally extending channel
within the partition, for example, by spring clips that latch into
corresponding square channel holes. There is no support on the
bottom of the distribution. This results in the distribution
rocking back and forth, using the spring clip as the pivot point,
when plugs are inserted and withdrawn from the receptacles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention provides a mounting bracket design
which prohibits the distribution from rocking. The top of the
distribution is molded with a tower that is inserted into the 0.25"
square channel hole. This locates the distribution in the correct
spot on the channel and prevents lateral movement at the top of the
distribution. The distribution is held in the correct vertical
position by using a screw to secure the universal mounting bracket
to a leg which is riveted to the distribution. In addition to
securing the distribution vertically, this also prohibits any
lateral movement at the bottom of the distribution. The universal
mounting bracket can be oriented in one of three ways to
accommodate any of the three mounting locations. The result for the
end user is a more secure mounting method that prevents excessive
movement of the receptacles when plugging in and unplugging.
[0006] The invention comprises, in one form thereof, a support and
transverse stabilization system for utility distribution units to
be suspended in either of two elevational positions intermediate at
least two generally horizontal elongated channels located within
modular room divider panels. A plurality of legs are fixed to and
extend laterally from each distribution unit and joined to a like
plurality of brackets. Each bracket has at least two separate leg
attachment locations for receiving corresponding threaded fasteners
for joining a leg end to a bracket in either of at least two
separate locations and each bracket includes at least two channel
engaging feet with one foot extending from the bracket in a
direction opposite the leg when the leg and bracket are joined in
one location to engage the lower channel and the other foot
extending from the bracket in a direction opposite the leg when the
leg and bracket are joined in the other location to engage the
lower channel.
[0007] An advantage of the present invention is that the same
mounting bracket assembly may be used in a variety of different
mounting configurations.
[0008] Another advantage is the reduction or elimination of pivotal
motion when plugging into or unplugging from a utility distribution
unit supported and stabilized according to the present
invention.
[0009] A further advantage is the quick, easy and rigid support of
electrical or other utility distribution units at any one of
several possible elevations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of
this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more
apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference
to the following description of (an) embodiment(s) of the invention
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a channel bracket blank according
to the invention in one form;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the channel bracket of FIG. 1 after
a first deformation;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the channel bracket of FIG. 1 after
a second deformation;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the channel bracket of FIG. 1 after
a third deformation;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the channel bracket of
FIG. 4
[0016] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a leg for interconnecting a
distribution unit and bracket;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the leg of FIG. 6;
[0018] FIG. 8 is an end elevation view of the leg of FIGS. 6 and
7;
[0019] FIG. 9 is an end view partially in cross-section of a
distribution unit stabilizing system;
[0020] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the system of FIG. 9;
[0021] FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of the system of FIGS. 9
and 10 with the upper channel omitted;
[0022] FIG. 12 is a side elevation view similar to FIG. 11, but
showing distribution unit stabilization at a different elevational
position;
[0023] FIG. 13 is an end view partially in cross-section of the
distribution unit stabilizing system of FIG. 12;
[0024] FIG. 14 is a side elevation view similar to FIGS. 11 and 12,
but showing distribution unit stabilization at yet another
elevational position; and
[0025] FIG. 15 is an end view partially in cross-section of the
distribution unit stabilizing system of FIG. 14.
[0026] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views. The exemplification(s) set out
herein illustrates one preferred embodiment of the invention, in
one form, and such exemplification(s) is(are) not to be construed
as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1,
there is shown a bracket blank 11 cut from a planar sheet of metal
to be formed into a mounting bracket for facilitating the support
of an electrical distribution unit. The blank 11 has a generally
elongated channel body 13 having a vertical axis of elongation as
viewed, a first channel engaging foot 15 near one channel body end,
a second channel engaging foot 17 near an opposite channel body
end, and first and second arms 19 and 21 extending transversely
from the same side of the channel body 13 intermediate the first
foot 15 and second foot 17. Leg attachment openings such as
open-ended slots 23 and 25, and elongated aperture 27 may also be
formed in the blank 11. The use of slots rather than circular holes
facilitates rapid assembly later.
[0028] The blank is then bent along dotted line 29 to deform the
feet 15 and 17 from the plane of the body into a plane generally
orthogonal to the plane of the body as seen in FIG. 2 where the
feet 15 and 17 lie in the plane of the drawing while the body 13
and the plane of the remaining sheet of metal now extend
perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. Arms 19 and 21 are next
bent along lines 31 and 33 in opposite directions from the plane of
the body 13 and into a plane generally orthogonal thereto to again
be visible as seen in FIG. 3. Finally, the free ends of the arms 17
and 19 are further bent along lines 35 and 37 toward the plane of
the feet 15 and 17 to form a pair of channel engaging pads.
Clearly, the sequence of bending may be varied or several of the
bends may be performed contemporaneously as desired. The completed
bracket is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Note, in FIG. 1, the dotted
lines represent lines along which the blank is to be deformed while
in FIG. 5, the dotted lines represent hidden lines of the completed
bracket.
[0029] In FIGS. 6-8, the leg portion 55 of the bracket assembly is
cut from a similar sheet of metal and provided with an offset bend
39 and a pair of rivet accepting apertures 41 and 43. A threaded
insert 49 is crimped to the leg and two tabs 45 and 47 are bent to
extend coextensive with the insert 49.
[0030] In FIGS. 9-11, an electrical distribution unit 51 having
electrical outlets 52 and 54 is shown supported and stabilized over
a subordinate horizontally extending channel 53 at one preferred
elevation above the channel 53 by a pair of legs 55 and a like leg
57, which are riveted at 59, 61, 63 and 65 to the unit 51 and
depend downwardly therefrom. Channel 53 may, for example, be the
lowermost channel of a wall panel. The legs 55 and 57 are fastened
by screws 67 and 69 to brackets 11 and a like bracket 73. In FIGS.
9-11, the screw 67 rests in slot 23 and threadedly engages the
insert 49. The channel engaging foot such as 17 at the lower body
end rests in an double U-shaped adapter 71. This adapter 71 adapts
the bracket lower end 17 configuration to the contour of the
channel 53. Neither the spaced apart pair of channel engaging pads
19 and 21, nor the foot 15 are used in this installation. The
distribution unit 51 has a pair of upwardly extending posts 75 and
77 which pass into corresponding holes in the upper channel 79
providing upper stabilization to the distribution unit 51.
[0031] Comparing FIGS. 9 and 11 with FIGS. 12 and 13, it will be
noted the brackets 11 and 73 have been inverted and screws 67 and
69 now pass through the open-ended slots such as slot 25 and engage
the leg insert 49. The foot 15 now rests in a channel 81 of a
dissimilar cross-sectional configuration without any intervening
adapter such as 71. Channel 81 may, for example, be an intermediate
horizontally extending channel of a wall panel. In this case, the
outlets 52 and 54 could be located at a convenient desktop
elevation rather than one foot or so off the floor as in this
examples of FIGS. 9, 11, 14 and 15. The bracket has simply been
inverted to now support and stabilize the distribution 51 above a
different channel.
[0032] Comparing FIGS. 9 and 11 with FIGS. 14 and 15, it will be
noted the brackets 11 and 73 have been rotated clockwise about
ninety degrees so the pads 19 and 21 rest in the channel 53, again,
without any intervening adapter. The screws 67 and 69 now pass
through elongated closed slots such as aperture 27 and engage the
leg insert 49. The bracket has simply been rotated to now support
and stabilize the distribution 51 above, but much closer to, the
channel 53. Channel foot 17 engages the channel (by way of adapter
71) when the screw 67 passes through the leg 55 and opening 23
while the pair of channel engaging pads 19 and 21 engage the
channel when the screw passes through the leg and elongated opening
27.
[0033] The process of installing electrical or other utility
distribution units supported and stabilized between two elongated
generally parallel channels should now be clear. A plurality of
spaced legs 55 and 57 are fixed as by riveting to the distribution
51 with each leg extending transversely to, and in generally the
same direction from, the distribution. A plurality of posts 75 and
77 are engaged with the upper channel. The suspension of the
distribution from the above channel 79 by the posts 75 and 77 is
substantially as known in the prior art and results in excessive
pivotal movement when plugs are inserted or removed from the
outlets 52 or 54. To avoid this tipping motion, a plurality of
mounting brackets 11 and 73 are placed intermediate the
distribution 51 and the lower channel 53 or 81 with each mounting
bracket adjacent to a corresponding leg. The leg and adjacent
bracket are joined at a generally central location of the bracket
when the spacing between the first and second elongated members is
near a preferred minimum distance with the bracket extending
horizontally and parallel to the channels as in FIGS. 14 and 15
while each leg is fastened to the adjacent bracket near an end of
the bracket and the bracket extends vertically when the spacing
between the first and second elongated members is near a preferred
maximum distance.
[0034] While this invention has been described as having a
preferred design, the present invention can be further modified
within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is
therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of
the invention using its general principles. Further, this
application is intended to cover such departures from the present
disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to
which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of
the appended claims.
* * * * *