Abstract:
A quick connection device including a body and a first resilient finger is provided. The first resilient finger extends from the body at a first pivot end and includes a first bolt engagement portion for engaging a threaded bolt. The first resilient finger applies a lateral force in a first direction traverse to an axis of rotation of the threaded bolt by pivoting as the threaded bolt is rotated. In another embodiment, the quick connection device includes a second resilient finger and forms an opening configured such that the threaded bolt may be pushed therethrough. The first and second resilient fingers clamp the threaded bolt when the threaded bolt is rotated.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention generally relates to a quick connection device and, more particularly, to a quick connection device for installing an electrical device or devices in an electrical box or ring. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    As technology advances, consumers are using more and more electrically-powered and electrically-wired devices. As a result, commercial and residential structures are being designed to include more and more electrical devices (e.g., electrical receptacles, electrical outlets, plug-ins, phone jacks, network cable jacks, etc.). Where a room in a structure may have had only a few electrical devices in the past, such a room may now have numerous different electrical devices. Therefore, electrically-powered and electrically-wired devices may be conveniently electrically coupled (i.e., plugged-in) to an electrical source (e.g., AC or DC source), connected to a network, or charged by the AC source if they include a battery. 
         [0003]    When installing electrical devices within a structure, the electrician (or another worker) typically mounts an electrical box (a.k.a., electrical ring, junction box, electrical box cover, etc.) to one of the studs within the structure. With the electrical box suitably supported by the stud, the electrician then appropriately wires the electrical device. With the wiring complete, the electrician next drives a threaded bolt supplied with the electrical device into each of a set of tapped (a.k.a., threaded) apertures in the electrical box using a screwdriver or drill. As such, the electrical device is securely held by the electrical box which is, in turn, supported by the stud. 
         [0004]    After the electrical device is wired and supported, a building material such as drywall is fitted around the electrical device. Then, a protective, yet aesthetic, cover is secured over the electrical device to protect and hide the electrical box and the wiring. 
         [0005]    Unfortunately, while the above-noted procedure for installing an electrical device is suitable, it takes an electrician a rather substantial amount of time to complete his portion. This is due, at least in part, to the electrician having to completely threadably drive the threaded bolts provided with the electrical device into each of the tapped apertures in the electrical box. For each bolt that must be completely threadably driven in this manner, the cost of having electrical work performed increases. This generally translates into the overall structure costing more to be built or remodeled. As noted above, if the structure calls for numerous electrical devices, the cost associated with wiring electrical devices is simply multiplied. 
         [0006]    There exists, therefore, a need in the art for a quick connection device for operably coupling an electrical device to an electrical box during an installation process. The invention provides such a quick connection device. These and other advantages of the invention, as well as additional inventive features, will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The quick connection device is secured to, or incorporated into and integrally formed with, for example, an electrical box. Therefore, an electrical device is mounted to an electrical box in a relatively quick, easy and convenient manner. 
         [0008]    In one aspect, a quick connection device having a body and a first resilient finger is provided. The first resilient finger extends from the body at a first pivot end and includes a first bolt engagement portion for engaging a threaded bolt. The first resilient finger applies a lateral force in a first direction traverse to an axis of rotation of the threaded bolt by bending as the threaded bolt is rotated. 
         [0009]    In another aspect, a quick connection assembly for supporting an electrical device using at least one threaded bolt is provided. The quick connection assembly includes an electrical box configured to receive the electrical device and a quick connection device. The quick connection device is operably coupled to the electrical box and forms an opening between resilient fingers. The opening is configured to receive the at least one threaded bolt when pushed therethrough. The resilient fingers clamp the threaded bolt when the bolt is rotated. 
         [0010]    In yet another aspect, a method of installing an electrical device in an electrical box using a threaded connecting member is provided. The method includes the steps of pushing the threaded connecting member between resilient fingers and rotating the threaded connecting member to increasingly clamp the threaded connecting member between the resilient fingers. 
         [0011]    Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a quick connection device in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the quick connection device of  FIG. 1  receiving a threaded bolt; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the threaded bolt disposed within the quick connection device of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the quick connection device operably coupled to an electrical box and positioned to support an electrical device along with the threaded bolt; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the quick connection device the threaded bolt has been rotated and the resilient fingers have clamped down upon the threaded bolt; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6A  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a quick connection device in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the quick connection device securing an electrical device to an electrical box; and 
           [0019]      FIGS. 6B-6D  include various views of the quick connection device of  FIG. 6A . 
       
    
    
       [0020]    While the invention will be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0021]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a quick connection device  10  is illustrated. As will be more fully explained below, the quick connection device  10  is secured to, or incorporated into and integrally formed with, for example, an electrical box (a.k.a., electrical ring, junction box, electrical box cover, etc.). Therefore, an electrical device is mounted to an electrical box in a relatively quick, easy and convenient manner. As shown, the quick connection device  10  includes a body  12  and resilient fingers  14 ,  16 . In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the resilient fingers  14 ,  16  generally oppose each other. However, the resilient fingers  14 ,  16  may have other suitable orientations. 
         [0022]    The body  12  of the quick connection device  10  is generally flat and has a rectangular shape when viewed from above or below. The dimensions of the body  12  vary depending upon the particular application for which the quick connection device  10  is chosen. In the illustrated embodiment a length  18  of the body  12  is generally between about a half an inch and about three inches when measured from one end  20  of the body to another end  22 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the opposing ends  20 ,  22  of the body  12  are radiused or rounded. 
         [0023]    The width  24  of the body, when measured from a front  26  of the body  12  to the back  28 , is generally between about a quarter of an inch and about an inch. The thickness  30  of the body  12 , when measured from a top surface  32  to a bottom surface  34  of the body, is approximately one sixteenth of an inch. Despite the above-noted ranges, the overall size and dimensions of the quick connection device  10  may be altered to suit particular applications. 
         [0024]    In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the body  12  and the resilient fingers  14 ,  16  are unitarily formed with each other. Even so, in other embodiments the body  12  and the resilient fingers  14 ,  16  are separate and distinct components operably coupled together by, for example, a hinge. As shown, the quick connection device  10 , including the body  12  and resilient fingers  14 ,  16 , is formed from a spring steel. However, other construction materials are also suitably employed to form the quick connection device  10 . If desired, the quick connection device  10  is coated, rust-proofed, painted or otherwise covered for aesthetic or functional purposes. 
         [0025]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the body  12  includes a coupling structure  36  proximate each of the ends  20 ,  22 . The coupling structures  36  are employed to couple the quick connection device  10  to another device, assembly, or component as needed or desired. For example, the coupling structures  36  are used to secure the quick connection device to an electrical box or electrical box cover. Depending on their particular orientation and configuration, the coupling structures  36  are formed on and/or within the body  12 . 
         [0026]    In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling structures  36  are apertures passing from the top to bottom surface  32 ,  34  of the body  12 . If the apertures are free of threads, a rivet, bolt and nut combination, or another connector may suitably secure the quick connection device  10  to another proximate device. If on the other hand the apertures are threaded or tapped, a screw, a threaded bolt without a nut, or another threaded member may be suitably used to couple the quick connection device  10  to another device. In one embodiment, the coupling structures  36  are simply flat portions of the body  12  suitable for accepting a weld or forming a welded connection. 
         [0027]    In the illustrated embodiment, the body  12  also includes a connecting strip  38 . The connecting strip  38  is laterally spaced apart from the resilient fingers  14 ,  16  and generally spans across the body  12  between the ends  20 ,  22 . The connecting strip  38  is, in the illustrated embodiment, created when the resilient fingers are cut or otherwise formed out of a single workpiece. The connecting strip  38  is laterally spaced from the resilient fingers  14 ,  16  and holds opposing portions of the body  12  together. 
         [0028]    The resilient fingers  14 ,  16  each include a pivot end  40 ,  42  and a free end  44 ,  46 , respectively. Beginning proximate their respective pivot ends  40 ,  42 , the resilient fingers  14 ,  16  each extend upwardly away from the back top surface  32  of the body  12 . In other words, each resilient finger  14 ,  16  is canted relative to the body  12  and generally becomes further spaced apart from the body as the resilient finger  14 ,  16  progresses toward the free end  44 ,  46 . In this arrangement and as shown in  FIG. 1 , the resilient fingers  14 ,  16  each generally form an acute angle  48  with connecting strip  38  of the body  12 . 
         [0029]    The free end  44 ,  46  of each of the resilient fingers  14 ,  16  is generally directed toward the free end  44 ,  46  of the resilient finger. As such, the free ends  44 ,  46  of the resilient fingers  14 ,  16  form an opening  50  between them. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening  50  has border that is not completely defined by structure. Indeed, as the resilient fingers  14 ,  16  are pivoted such that the free ends  44 ,  46  are drawn closer together or pushed further apart together, the opening  50  has either a periphery that becomes more or less defined, respectfully. If the free ends  44 ,  46  engage each other, the periphery of the opening becomes completely defined by the structure. 
         [0030]    In the illustrated embodiment, each of the free ends  44 ,  46  includes bolt engagement portion in the form of a notch  52 ,  54  (a.k.a., detent, recess, etc.) formed between tips  56  of the free ends. Even so, in other embodiments only one, or perhaps neither, of the free ends  44 ,  46  is formed with a notch  52 ,  54 . In  FIG. 1 , each of the notches  52 ,  54  generally opens up toward the other notch. Therefore, the notches  52 ,  54  collectively form the opening  50  disposed between the resilient fingers  14 ,  16 . 
         [0031]    While other shapes are possible and contemplated, each of the notches  52 ,  54  in  FIG. 1  has a concave, semi-circular periphery  58 . As such, when the notches  52 ,  54  are collectively viewed from below in  FIG. 1 , the opening  50  is generally round or circular in shape. With this configuration, the opening  50  formed between the free ends  44 ,  46  of the resilient fingers  14 ,  16  is particularly well suited to accommodate a generally cylindrical connecting member such as, for example, a threaded bolt  60 , which is depicted in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0032]    Because the resilient fingers  14 ,  16  are flexible and able to pivot about the pivot ends  40 ,  42 , the threaded bolt  60  (or other type of connector) is able to be pushed through the opening  50  in the direction generally indicated by arrow  62 . As the arrow  62  indicates, the threaded bolt  60  passes through the quick connection device  10  from the back surface  34  of the body  12  to the front  32  as shown in  FIG. 2 . When the threaded bolt  60  is pushed through in this manner, the free ends  44 ,  46  of the resilient fingers  14 ,  16  are generally biased away from each other to expand the size of the opening  50 . 
         [0033]    Because the quick connection device  10  is generally made from a resilient material such as spring steel, the free ends  44 ,  46  of the resilient fingers  14 ,  16  are naturally biased back toward the front surface  32  of the body  12 . Therefore, the free ends  44 ,  46  clamp down upon the threaded bolt  60  as shown in  FIG. 3 . After the threaded bolt  60  has been pushed between the resilient fingers  14 ,  16 , the threaded bolt is held safely in place. 
         [0034]    In one particularly useful application, as depicted in  FIG. 4 , the quick connection device  10  is coupled to an electrical box  64 . While the quick connection device  10  may be simply integrated into the electrical box  10  in one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 4  the quick connection device  10  has been secured to the electrical box using rivets  66  passing through the coupling structures  36 . When attached in this manner, a central aperture  68  in the electrical box  64  is generally aligned with the opening  50  in the quick switch connection device  10 . 
         [0035]    Despite being secured to the electrical box  64  in the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 4 , the quick connection device  10  may also be suitably mounted to other electrical components such as, for example, an electrical ring, junction box, electrical box cover, or other device (not shown). In that regard, the quick connection device  10  is configured to be easily retro-fit to, or integrated within, existing electrical parts and accessories. 
         [0036]    When joined as shown in  FIG. 4 , the quick connection device  10  and the electrical box  64  collectively form a quick connection assembly  70 . The quick connection assembly  70  is utilized to support an electrical device  72  such as, for example, an electrical receptacle, electrical outlet, plug-in, phone jack, network cable jack, or other electrical coupling or connector used in the industry. Using the quick connection assembly  70 , securing the electrical device  72  to the quick connection assembly  70  is a quick, easy and convenient process, the details of which are noted below. 
         [0037]    When the quick connection assembly  70  benefiting from the quick connection device  10  is called into service, the electrical device  72  is generally maneuvered close to the quick connection assembly. When the aperture  74  in the electrical device  72  is aligned with the aperture  68  in the electrical box  64 , the threaded bolt  60  shown in  FIG. 4  is pushed through the resilient fingers  14 ,  16  (see  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). 
         [0038]    The electrician or other user is generally able to thrust the threaded bolt between the resilient fingers  14 ,  16  using, for example, a thumb or finger. At this time, the opening  50  formed between the resilient fingers  14 ,  16  may expand to receive the threaded bolt  60 . Typically, the threaded bolt  60  is forced into the electrical box  64  until the head  76  of the threaded bolt  60  engages or comes into close proximity with the front side  78  of the electrical box. Because a portion of the threaded bolt  60  is axially inserted into the electrical box  64  instead of being rotatably driven, a substantial amount of installation time is saved. 
         [0039]    After having been forced between the resilient fingers  14 ,  16 , the threaded bolt  60  is generally captured by the quick connection device  10 . Thereafter, the threaded bolt is rotated. The rotational force is supplied to the threaded bolt  60  by, for example, a tool such as a cordless drill or screwdriver. When the electrician or user wielding the tool causes the threaded bolt  60  to rotate in a particular direction, the free ends  44 ,  46  of the resilient fingers  14 ,  16  engage with the threads  80  on the threaded bolt. 
         [0040]    As the threaded bolt  60  is rotated, the free ends  44 ,  46  of the resilient fingers  14 ,  16  are pulled toward each other and drawn toward the bottom surface  32  of the quick connection device  10  as shown in  FIG. 5 . This causes the opening  50  between the resilient fingers  14 ,  16  to reduce in size or constrict and, therefore, the resilient fingers to clamp down upon the threaded bolt  60 . With enough rotation, the threaded bolt  60  is sufficiently secured between the resilient fingers  14 ,  16 . As such, the electrical device  72  of  FIG. 4  is securely mounted to the electrical box  64 . 
         [0041]    Because many of the threads  80  were pushed past the free ends  44 ,  46  of the resilient fingers  14 ,  16  (as shown in  FIG. 3 ), the amount of rotation required to tighten and secure the threaded bolt  60  within the quick connection device  10  (as shown in  FIG. 5 ) is not substantial or excessive. Therefore, tightening the threaded bolt  60  within the quick connection device  10  is no longer such a burdensome and time consuming task. Indeed, the threaded bolt  60  is quickly pushed between the resilient fingers  14 ,  16 , rotated a few turns instead of numerous turns, and then held in place. 
         [0042]    Despite a pair of resilient fingers  14 ,  16  having been depicted in  FIG. 1 , a greater number (e.g., three, four, etc.) of resilient fingers may also be suitably used to engage and hold the threaded bolt  60 . For example, several resilient fingers may be oriented in a generally circular pattern such that the resilient fingers collectively engage and clamp down upon the threaded bolt  60 . 
         [0043]    From the foregoing, those skilled in the art will recognize that using the quick connection device  10  to secure electrical devices  72  will save time because only a portion of the threads  80  on the threaded bolt  60  need to be rotated past the free ends  44 ,  46  of the resilient fingers  14 ,  16  for the electrical device to be secured in place. When numerous electrical devices  72  must be installed in a structure, saving time on each electrical device decreases the overall time and expense of electrical installation work. As a result, the cost of completing the overall structure is reduced. 
         [0044]    In  FIGS. 6A-6C , another embodiment of a quick connection device  100  is depicted. The quick connection device  100  includes a body  101  and a single resilient finger  104 . The body  101  is operably coupled to an electrical box  102 . In this embodiment, a threaded bolt  106  is pushed through an aperture  105  in an electrical device  107 , through an aperture  108  in the electrical box  102 , and then through an aperture  110  in the resilient finger  104 . A side wall of the aperture  110  in the resilient finger  104  forms a bolt engagement portion. 
         [0045]    As the threaded bolt  106  is rotated, the resilient finger  104  pivots generally toward the head  112  of the threaded member  106  and reduces the angle  114  between the resilient finger and the bottom portion  109  of the electrical box  102 . As such, the lateral force exerted upon the threaded bolt  106  by the resilient finger  104  increases and the threaded bolt is able to suitably secure the electrical device  107  to the electrical box. 
         [0046]    In the embodiment of  FIGS. 6A-6D , because the threaded bolt  106  is generally pushed through the opening  110  in the resilient finger  104  and rotated only a few times to tighten the threaded bolt, the process of securing the electrical device  107  to the electrical box  102  is a relatively quick and easy process. 
         [0047]    From the foregoing, those skilled in the art will recognize that using the quick connection device  10  to secure electrical devices  72  will save time because only a portion of the threads  80  on the threaded bolt  60  need to be rotated past the free ends  44 ,  46  of the resilient fingers  14 ,  16  for the electrical device to be secured in place. When numerous electrical devices  72  must be installed in a structure, saving time on each electrical device decreases the overall time and expense of electrical installation work. As a result, the cost of completing the overall structure is reduced. 
         [0048]    All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein. 
         [0049]    The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention. 
         [0050]    Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.