Electricity: conductors and insulators – Overhead – Towers – poles or posts
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-08
2001-01-09
Kincaid, Kristine (Department: 2831)
Electricity: conductors and insulators
Overhead
Towers, poles or posts
C174S050000, C174S058000, C220S003300
Reexamination Certificate
active
06172298
ABSTRACT:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Not Applicable
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the invention
This invention relates to electrical distribution panels and particularly to electrical distribution panels having a telescoping portion.
2. Description of related art
Electrical distribution panels are used in virtually every business and residence. These panels hold circuit breakers and act as load centers. All wiring related to the home or business is routed through these boxes. Panels are installed in all new construction, in electrified areas. In new construction, the panels are installed and wires are set in place before the framing is closed with sheet rock or other surface treatment. This makes installation and wiring fast, easy and convenient. In doing remodel work, however, the task of replacing a distribution panel becomes much more difficult. In many cases, these upgrades are to increase the size of the available service. For example, many older homes have 60 amp or 100 services. Although these levels may have been sufficient forty or even twenty years ago, many homes are now using 200 amp services. As such, panels must be removed and replaced. Panels have a common width to fit between normal wall stud spacing of 16 inches. Panels also have a common length, making them easy to fit into existing wall openings. However, there is one major problem. The wiring entering and leaving the panel does so at the sides, top and bottom of the panel. Thus, it is very difficult to rewire a panel and have it drop nicely into an existing hole. Often, the wallboard must be cut to give enough room to bring the wires into the panel. Once cut, costs increase for repair and painting of the wall.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The instant invention overcomes this difficulty in replacing a distribution panel. The panel has an overall size equivalent of an ordinary panel. However, approximately one third of the panel is cut off and removed. This separate bottom piece this then fitted to the upper portion and held in place with grounding screws. When stored, the lower portion is pushed up against the bottom of the cut portion. This reduces the overall length of the panel. During installation of the panel, the wires can be placed into the reduced-height panel and the panel can be secured inside the wall without having to cut a larger hole. Once the upper portion of the panel is secured, the lower portion can be extended downward until the opening is fully filled. The grounding screws can be locked in place and the fully extended panel is then ready for wiring. An alternative design uses a bonding jumper to ensure a proper ground between the two portions. Another design uses slots to allow for better adjustment of the panel in a wall, as needed. Once the panel is installed, the panel is then made up as usual.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2516464 (1950-07-01), Hooser
patent: 4063660 (1977-12-01), Ware
patent: 4737599 (1988-04-01), Fontaine
patent: 4882885 (1989-11-01), Chatterson et al.
patent: 5067907 (1991-11-01), Shotey
patent: 5107075 (1992-04-01), Currier, Jr.
patent: 5206777 (1993-04-01), Clarey et al.
patent: 6031183 (2000-02-01), Guerrieri
Kincaid Kristine
Patel Dhiru R
Tavella Michael J.
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