Joints and connections – Rigid angle coupling – e.g. – elbow or u – etc.
Patent
1997-10-08
2000-04-18
Browne, Lynne H.
Joints and connections
Rigid angle coupling, e.g., elbow or u, etc.
403295, 403382, 3647081, G06F 116
Patent
active
060507381
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to an apparatus for connecting objects together and more particularly, to an apparatus for connecting a control panel to a control device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Today it is often desirable to connect a control device to a control panel in such a manner that the control panel is attached projecting outward in the area of the lower edge of the control device.
Apparatus is know in which the control device and the control panel are one structural unit and, therefore, can only be used together. Situations arise, however, where it would be useful to be able to separate the control device from the control panel in order to use the control panel with another control device or vice versa.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
An object of the invention is to provide a new apparatus for connecting a control panel to a control device that overcomes some of the problems and shortcomings of the prior art.
Another object of the invention is to provide a new apparatus for connecting a control panel to a control device that allows a control panel and a control device to be connected to each other in a simple manner. How these and other important objects are accomplished will be apparent from the following descriptions and from the drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention involves an apparatus for attaching a control panel to a control device. The apparatus is comprised of a control device having a first and second side and a control panel having an upper and lower side. A first frame that includes a screw receptacle surrounds the first side of the control device while a second frame also having a screw receptacle surrounds the upper side of the control panel. Two angled pieces, each having a first and second arm with a front and back side and at least one collet projecting from the front side of the first arm are inserted into the screw receptacle on the frame surrounding the control device. At least one collet projects from the front side of the second arm and is inserted into the screw receptacle on the frame surrounding the control panel. A plurality of fastening screws are then used to secure the first and second angled piece to the control device and the control panel.
In a particular embodiment of the invention, the frames surrounding both the control device and the control panel include corner connectors. In such embodiment, the first arms of the two angled pieces are connected to the corner connectors on the frame surrounding the control device and the second arms of the angled pieces are connected to the corner connectors on the frame surrounding the control panel. In a specific version of this embodiment, the frame surrounding the control device has a facing dimension. The first arm of the first angled piece extends along the facing dimension of the frame and the screw receptacles are inserted into the corner connectors on the frame.
In another embodiment of the invention, the first and second arms of the angled pieces form an angle greater than 90 degrees with respect to each other.
In still another embodiment of the invention, the angled piece has a transition section with a first and second end. The transition section is bent and an expanded screw head receptacle extends from each end of the transition section. In such embodiment, the first arm of the angled piece is connected to the first end of the transition section, the second arm is connected to the second end and the collets extend from the transition section through the expanded screw head receptacles.
In another embodiment of the invention, the frame surrounding the control device and the frame surrounding the control panel lie in a first and second plane respectively. In this embodiment, the screw receptacles for the collets of the first arm of the angled pieces are inserted into the corner connectors parallel to the first plane while the screw receptacles for the collets of the second arm are inserted into the corner connectors parallel to the second plane.
In a more preferred embodi
REFERENCES:
patent: 2904360 (1959-09-01), Gamlen
patent: 4669053 (1987-05-01), Krenz
patent: 4730364 (1988-03-01), Tat-Kee
patent: 4928470 (1990-05-01), Perez
patent: 5011323 (1991-04-01), Liuo
patent: 5021763 (1991-06-01), Obear
patent: 5340073 (1994-08-01), Masakazu
patent: 5498165 (1996-03-01), Tseng
patent: 5516225 (1996-05-01), Kvols
patent: 5566048 (1996-10-01), Esterberg et al.
patent: 5668570 (1997-09-01), Ditzik
patent: 5695263 (1997-12-01), Simon et al.
Rittal Handbuch 28, Cover page and pp. 180, 183 and 185 dated Nov. 10, 1994 .
Neuhof Markus
Reuter Wolfgang
Bochna David E.
Browne Lynne H.
Rittal-Werk Rudolf Loh GmbH
LandOfFree
Device for fitting a control panel to the lower front edge of a does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Device for fitting a control panel to the lower front edge of a , we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Device for fitting a control panel to the lower front edge of a will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2331667