Office Action 1: Notice of Allowance (2025-08-04)

CLAIMS:
CLAIMS:

What is claimed:

1\. An acoustic tee mounting clip, comprising:a body having a lower portion, an upper portion, a first arm, and a second arm,
wherein the upper portion transitions to the lower portion through an offset connection portion, the offset connection portion is angled inward such that a portion of the lower portion connected to the offset connection portion is more inward relative to a portion of the upper portion connected to the offset connection portion,
wherein the upper portion comprises a first bent portion, a second bent portion, and
a first cut-out, wherein the first cut-out is disposed between the first bent portion and the second bent portion,
wherein the first arm and the second arm are respectively disposed at distal ends of the first bent portion and the second bent portion, wherein the first arm and the second arm bend outward from the distal ends and are configured to be fastened to a horizontal surface of a support structure.

2\. The acoustic tee mounting clip of claim 1, wherein a bottom end of the lower portion comprises two legs configured to rest against a base of a ceiling member.

3\. The acoustic tee mounting clip of claim 1, wherein edges of the lower portion taper toward each other closer to an end of the lower portion.

4\. The acoustic tee mounting clip of claim 1, wherein the first bent portion and the second bent portion are configured to rest against an enlarged end of a stem of a ceiling member.

5\. The acoustic tee mounting clip of claim 1, wherein the upper portion comprises:a second cut-out; and
a central tab disposed between the first bent portion and the second bent portion, wherein the central tab provides an attachment point for the acoustic tee mounting clip.

6\. The acoustic tee mounting clip of claim 5, wherein the first cut-out is disposed between the first bent portion and the central tab, and wherein the second cut-out is disposed between the central tab and the second bent portion.

7\. The acoustic tee mounting clip of claim 5, wherein the first bent portion, the second bent portion, and the central tab collectively define a channel configured to receive an enlarged end of a stem of a ceiling member.

8\. The acoustic tee mounting clip of claim 1, wherein at least one rib is formed along the lower portion and/or the upper portion.

9\. The acoustic tee mounting clip of claim 1, wherein the lower portion, the upper portion, the first arm, and the second arm are formed from a continuous sheet of metal.

10\. A bracket system, comprising:a ceiling bracket;
at least one ceiling member; and
at least one acoustic tee mounting clip configured to couple the ceiling bracket to the at least one ceiling member, wherein the at least one acoustic tee mounting clip comprises:
a body having a lower portion, an upper portion, a first arm, and a second arm,
wherein the upper portion transitions to the lower portion through an offset connection portion, the offset connection portion is angled inward such that a portion of the lower portion connected to the offset connection portion is more inward relative to a portion of the upper portion connected to the offset connection portion,
wherein the upper portion comprises a first bent portion, a second bent portion, and
a first cut-out, wherein the first cut-out is disposed between the first bent portion and the second bent portion,
wherein the first arm and the second arm are respectively disposed at distal ends of the first bent portion and the second bent portion, wherein the first arm and the second arm bend outward from the distal ends and are configured to be fastened to a horizontal surface of the ceiling bracket.

11\. The bracket system of claim 10, further comprising an electrical box coupled to the ceiling bracket through a mounting bracket.

12\. The bracket system of claim 11, further comprising a hanging wire coupled to the at least one acoustic tee mounting clip via an attachment point configured to support a weight of the at least one acoustic tee mounting clip, the ceiling bracket, and the electrical box.

13\. The bracket system of claim 10, wherein a distal end of the lower portion comprises two legs configured to rest against a base of a ceiling member.

14\. The bracket system of claim 10, wherein edges of the lower portion taper toward each other closer to an end of the lower portion.

15\. The bracket system of claim 10, wherein the first bent portion and the second bent portion are configured to rest against an enlarged end of a stem of a ceiling member.

16\. The bracket system of claim 10, wherein the upper portion comprises:a second cut-out; and
a central tab disposed between the first bent portion and the second bent portion, wherein the central tab provides an attachment point for the acoustic tee mounting clip.

17\. The bracket system of claim 16, wherein the first cut-out is disposed between the first bent portion and the central tab, and wherein the second cut-out is disposed between the central tab and the second bent portion.

18\. The bracket system of claim 16, wherein the first bent portion, the second bent portion, and the central tab collectively define a channel configured to receive an enlarged end of a stem of a ceiling member.

19\. The bracket system of claim 10, wherein at least one rib is formed along the lower portion and/or the upper portion.

20\. The bracket system of claim 10, wherein the lower portion, the upper portion, the first arm, and the second arm are formed from a continuous sheet of metal.

OFFICE ACTION:
DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statement filed on February 2, 2024 and May 30, 2024 have been considered by the Examiner.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 1-20 are allowed.
The following is an examiner's statement of reasons for allowance: The primary reasons for the indication of the allowability of claims 1-20 are:
Regarding claims 1-9, the prior art does not teach or fairly suggest in combination with the other claimed limitations an acoustic tee mounting clip, wherein the upper portion transitions to the lower portion through an offset connection portion, the offset connection portion is angled inward such that a portion of the lower portion connected to the offset connection portion is more inward relative to a portion of the upper portion connected to the offset connection portion, wherein the upper portion comprises a first bent portion, a second bent portion, and a first cut-out, wherein the first cut-out is disposed between the first bent portion and the second bent portion, wherein the first arm and the second arm are respectively disposed at distal ends of the first bent portion and the second bent portion, wherein the first arm and the second arm bend outward from the distal ends and are configured to be fastened to a horizontal surface of a support structure.
Regarding claims 10-20, the prior art does not teach or fairly suggest in combination with the other claimed limitations a bracket system, wherein the upper portion transitions to the lower portion through an offset connection portion, the offset connection portion is angled inward such that a portion of the lower portion connected to the offset connection portion is more inward relative to a portion of the upper portion connected to the offset connection portion, wherein the upper portion comprises a first bent portion, a second bent portion, and a first cut-out, wherein the first cut-out is disposed between the first bent portion and the second bent portion, wherein the first arm and the second arm are respectively disposed at distal ends of the first bent portion and the second bent portion, wherein the first arm and the second arm bend outward from the distal ends and are configured to be fastened to a horizontal surface of the ceiling bracket.
These limitations are found in claims 1-20, and are neither disclosed nor taught by the prior art of record, alone or in combination.
Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee.  Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.”
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. Siddiqui et al (US 8,770,526), Nikayin et al (US 9,822,926), Laughlin et al (US 11,355,906), Schultz et al (US 10,408,247) and Petrakis et al (US 6,327,758) disclose a mounting clip.
5.



CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US8770526B2: Claims:
An electrical box support assembly for mounting an electrical box between a pair of studs comprising: a pair of telescoping overlapping struts, wherein each strut has a face to which the electrical box is adapted to be secured; and a pair of engaging tabs detachably coupled with each end of the pair of telescoping overlapping struts, wherein each of the pair of engaging tabs includes: a first engagement member facing a second engagement member, a side engagement member connecting the first and second engagement members together, and a first compressible member extending from one of the first engagement member, the second engagement member, or the side engagement member, wherein a portion of the first compressible member extends in a first direction D 1 either from the first engagement member towards the second engagement member or from the second engagement member towards the first engagement member, and wherein the portion of the first compressible member is compressible in a second direction D 2 opposite that of the first direction D 1 , wherein the first compressible member includes a generally right angle bend to wrap around at least a portion of a stud and wherein the first compressible member includes an indentation extending in the first direction D 1 .
a pair of telescoping overlapping struts, wherein each strut has a face to which the electrical box is adapted to be secured; and
a pair of engaging tabs detachably coupled with each end of the pair of telescoping overlapping struts, wherein each of the pair of engaging tabs includes: a first engagement member facing a second engagement member, a side engagement member connecting the first and second engagement members together, and a first compressible member extending from one of the first engagement member, the second engagement member, or the side engagement member, wherein a portion of the first compressible member extends in a first direction D 1 either from the first engagement member towards the second engagement member or from the second engagement member towards the first engagement member, and wherein the portion of the first compressible member is compressible in a second direction D 2 opposite that of the first direction D 1 , wherein the first compressible member includes a generally right angle bend to wrap around at least a portion of a stud and wherein the first compressible member includes an indentation extending in the first direction D 1 .
a first engagement member facing a second engagement member,
a side engagement member connecting the first and second engagement members together, and
a first compressible member extending from one of the first engagement member, the second engagement member, or the side engagement member, wherein a portion of the first compressible member extends in a first direction D 1 either from the first engagement member towards the second engagement member or from the second engagement member towards the first engagement member, and wherein the portion of the first compressible member is compressible in a second direction D 2 opposite that of the first direction D 1 , wherein the first compressible member includes a generally right angle bend to wrap around at least a portion of a stud and wherein the first compressible member includes an indentation extending in the first direction D 1 .
The electrical box support assembly of claim 1 , wherein each end of the pair of telescoping overlapping struts is adapted to be detachably coupled at one of two positions on each engaging tab in order to accommodate electrical boxes of varying depths.
The electrical box support assembly of claim 1 , wherein each of the pair of engaging tabs further includes a second compressible member, wherein the first compressible member extends from the side engagement member and the portion of the first compressible member extends in the first direction D 1 towards the second engagement member, and wherein the second compressible member extends from the second engagement member in the second direction D 2 and towards the first engagement member.
The electrical box support assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first engagement member includes an engagement tongue having a pair of inwardly facing notches adapted to detachably couple within a T-shaped opening formed at each end of the pair of telescoping overlapping struts.
An electrical box support assembly for mounting an electrical box between a pair of studs comprising: a pair of telescoping overlapping struts, wherein each strut has a face to which the electrical box is adapted to be secured; and a pair of engaging tabs detachably coupled with each end of the pair of telescoping overlapping struts, wherein each of the pair of engaging tabs includes: a first engagement member for primarily engaging a closed face of one of the studs, a second engagement member facing the first engagement member, the second engagement member for primarily engaging an open face of one of the studs, a side engagement member connecting the first and second engagement members together, and a first compressible member extending from one of the first engagement member, the second engagement member, or the side engagement member, and wherein a portion of the first compressible member extends in a first direction D 1 from the first engagement member towards the second engagement member, wherein the first compressible member is compressible in a second direction D 2 opposite that of the first direction D 1 , wherein the first compressible member includes an indentation extending in the first direction D 1 and wherein the first compressible member includes a generally fight angle bend to wrap around at least a portion of a stud.
a pair of engaging tabs detachably coupled with each end of the pair of telescoping overlapping struts, wherein each of the pair of engaging tabs includes: a first engagement member for primarily engaging a closed face of one of the studs, a second engagement member facing the first engagement member, the second engagement member for primarily engaging an open face of one of the studs, a side engagement member connecting the first and second engagement members together, and a first compressible member extending from one of the first engagement member, the second engagement member, or the side engagement member, and wherein a portion of the first compressible member extends in a first direction D 1 from the first engagement member towards the second engagement member, wherein the first compressible member is compressible in a second direction D 2 opposite that of the first direction D 1 , wherein the first compressible member includes an indentation extending in the first direction D 1 and wherein the first compressible member includes a generally fight angle bend to wrap around at least a portion of a stud.
a first engagement member for primarily engaging a closed face of one of the studs,
a second engagement member facing the first engagement member, the second engagement member for primarily engaging an open face of one of the studs,
a first compressible member extending from one of the first engagement member, the second engagement member, or the side engagement member, and wherein a portion of the first compressible member extends in a first direction D 1 from the first engagement member towards the second engagement member, wherein the first compressible member is compressible in a second direction D 2 opposite that of the first direction D 1 , wherein the first compressible member includes an indentation extending in the first direction D 1 and wherein the first compressible member includes a generally fight angle bend to wrap around at least a portion of a stud.
The electrical box support assembly of claim 5 , wherein each of the pair of engaging tabs further includes a second compressible member extending from the second engagement member in a second direction D 2 opposite that of the first direction D 1 and towards the first engagement member.
The electrical box support assembly of claim 5 , wherein each end of the pair of telescoping overlapping struts may be detachably coupled at one of two positions on each engaging tab in order to accommodate electrical boxes of varying depths.
An electrical box support assembly for mounting an electrical box between a pair of studs comprising: a pair of telescoping overlapping struts, each strut including an opening formed at a terminal end and having a face to which the electrical box is adapted to be secured; and a pair of engaging tabs detachably coupled with each end of the pair of telescoping overlapping struts, wherein each of the pair of engaging tabs includes: a first engagement member for primarily engaging a closed face of one of the studs, the first engagement member includes an engagement tongue having a plurality of pairs of notches, and a side engagement member connected generally perpendicular with the first engagement member, wherein the engagement tongue is positioned in the opening of the strut at one of the plurality of pairs of notches to detachably couple the engaging tab to the strut in order to accommodate electrical boxes of varying depths.
a pair of telescoping overlapping struts, each strut including an opening formed at a terminal end and having a face to which the electrical box is adapted to be secured; and
a pair of engaging tabs detachably coupled with each end of the pair of telescoping overlapping struts, wherein each of the pair of engaging tabs includes: a first engagement member for primarily engaging a closed face of one of the studs, the first engagement member includes an engagement tongue having a plurality of pairs of notches, and a side engagement member connected generally perpendicular with the first engagement member, wherein the engagement tongue is positioned in the opening of the strut at one of the plurality of pairs of notches to detachably couple the engaging tab to the strut in order to accommodate electrical boxes of varying depths.
a first engagement member for primarily engaging a closed face of one of the studs, the first engagement member includes an engagement tongue having a plurality of pairs of notches, and
a side engagement member connected generally perpendicular with the first engagement member,
wherein the engagement tongue is positioned in the opening of the strut at one of the plurality of pairs of notches to detachably couple the engaging tab to the strut in order to accommodate electrical boxes of varying depths.
The electrical box support assembly of claim 8 , wherein each of the pair of engaging tabs further includes a second engagement member and a first compressible member, wherein the second engagement member faces the first engagement member for primarily engaging an open face of one of the studs and the first compressible member extends from one of the first engagement member, the second engagement member, or the side engagement member, and wherein a portion of the first compressible member extends in a first direction D 1 either from the first engagement member towards the second engagement member or from the second engagement member towards the first engagement member, and wherein the portion of the first compressible member is compressible in a second direction D 2 opposite that of the first direction D 1 .
The electrical box support assembly of claim 9 , wherein each of the pair of engaging tabs further includes a second compressible member extending from the second engagement member in a second direction D 2 opposite that of the first direction D 1 and towards the first engagement member.
The electrical box support assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first compressible member extends from the side engagement member.
The electrical box support assembly of claim 1 , wherein the indentation is semi-spherical in shape.
The electrical box support assembly of claim 5 , wherein the first compressible member extends from the side engagement member.
The electrical box support assembly of claim 5 , wherein the indentation is semi-spherical in shape.
The electrical box support assembly of claim 9 , wherein the first compressible member extends from the side engagement member.
The electrical box support assembly of claim 9 , wherein the first compressible member includes a generally right angle bend to wrap around at least a portion of a stud.
The electrical box support assembly of claim 9 , wherein the first compressible member includes an indentation extending in the first direction D 1 .
The electrical box support assembly of claim 9 , wherein the pair of notches are inwardly facing and the opening at each end of the pair of telescoping overlapping struts is T-shaped opening.
Ref US9822926B2: Claims:
An electrical mounting bracket comprising: a bracket having a central surface to contact with a back side of an electrical box; said central surface having a fastening hole and a tail for mounting said electrical box to said bracket and further creating a vertical central axis between said fastening hole and said tail; at least two wings extending from said central surface; each of said wings having a gripping tab contact surface and a squeezing tab surface wherein said squeezing tab surface is distal from said gripping tab surface; said at least two wings each having at least two flexing arm spring members that flex on opposites sides of said central surface and perpendicular to said vertical central axis; said flexing arms spring members independently flex though bending axis parallel with said vertical central axis between an open and a closed position and being biased towards said closed position, and said gripping tabs are configured to contact a mounting bar and said squeezing tabs move said gripping tabs to an open position.
a bracket having a central surface to contact with a back side of an electrical box;
said central surface having a fastening hole and a tail for mounting said electrical box to said bracket and further creating a vertical central axis between said fastening hole and said tail;
at least two wings extending from said central surface;
each of said wings having a gripping tab contact surface and a squeezing tab surface wherein said squeezing tab surface is distal from said gripping tab surface;
said at least two wings each having at least two flexing arm spring members that flex on opposites sides of said central surface and perpendicular to said vertical central axis;
said flexing arms spring members independently flex though bending axis parallel with said vertical central axis between an open and a closed position and being biased towards said closed position, and
said gripping tabs are configured to contact a mounting bar and said squeezing tabs move said gripping tabs to an open position.
The electrical mounting bracket according to claim 1 wherein each of said at least two separate spring members is two spaced strips with an interior opening between each.
The electrical mounting bracket according to claim 1 wherein said mounting bracket is formed from metal.
The electrical mounting bracket according to claim 1 further includes a mounting bar.
The electrical mounting bracket according to claim 4 wherein said mounting bar is adjustable for length.
The electrical mounting bracket according to claim 4 wherein said mounting bar has flanges at both ends of said mounting bar.
The electrical mounting bracket according to claim 6 wherein said flanges are offset from said mounting bar.
The electrical mounting bracket according to claim 7 wherein said offset approximates a depth of said electrical box.
The electrical mounting bracket according to claim 4 wherein said electrical mounting bracket is temporally securable onto said mounting bar.
The electrical mounting bracket according to claim 9 wherein said electrical mounting bracket is movable along said mounting bar.
The electrical mounting bracket according to claim 9 wherein said at least two wings of said electrical mounting bracket grip said mounting bar.
The electrical mounting bracket according to claim 4 wherein said mounting bar has a recessed rear slot.
The electrical mounting bracket according to claim 12 wherein said gripping tabs are engaged into said recessed rear slot.
The electrical mounting bracket according to claim 13 wherein opposing ends of said gripping tabs engage into opposing surfaces of said recessed rear slot.
The electrical mounting bracket according to claim 14 wherein said electrical mounting bracket grips said mounting bar as a three-point clamp.
The electrical mounting bracket according to claim 4 wherein said mounting bar is formed as to telescoping members.
The electrical mounting bracket according to claim 4 wherein said mounting bar is electrically conductive to said electrical box through said electrical mounting bracket.
The electrical mounting bracket according to claim 1 wherein said electrical box mounts to said electrical mounting bracket with a single removable fastener.
The electrical mounting bracket according to claim 1 wherein both of said at least two wings have said flexing arm spring members that clamp said electrical mounting bracket to said mounting bar.
The electrical mounting bracket according to claim 1 wherein said gripping tabs operate said two flexing arm spring members and are connected to each of said gripping tabs independently on opposing sides of said vertical central axis.
Ref US11355906B2: Claims:
An attachment for securing an electrical box to a support structure, the electrical box including a back side with a first mounting opening and a second mounting opening, the attachment comprising: an attachment body configured to be secured to the support structure; and one or more engagement arrangements that are integrally formed with the attachment body and include: a first arm having a first section and a second section that are joined by a bend; and a second arm having a hook; the one or more engagement arrangements being configured to secure the electrical box to the attachment body, without use of a separate fastener, with: the attachment body being configured to be disposed along the back side of the electrical box; the first and second sections of the first arm being configured to extend from the back side of the electrical box through and within the first mounting opening into an interior of the electrical box, the first section and the second section of the first arm each configured to be in contact with an edge of the first mounting opening; the hook configured to extend from the back side of the electrical box through the second mounting opening into the interior of the electrical box; and the bend biasing at least one of the first or second sections of the first arm to secure the first arm within the first mounting opening, the bend is configured to be disposed inside of the electrical box when the first and second sections of the first arm extend through the first mounting opening, and the bend includes a U-shaped bend between the first and second sections of the first arm.
an attachment body configured to be secured to the support structure; and
one or more engagement arrangements that are integrally formed with the attachment body and include: a first arm having a first section and a second section that are joined by a bend; and a second arm having a hook;
a first arm having a first section and a second section that are joined by a bend; and
a second arm having a hook;
the one or more engagement arrangements being configured to secure the electrical box to the attachment body, without use of a separate fastener, with: the attachment body being configured to be disposed along the back side of the electrical box; the first and second sections of the first arm being configured to extend from the back side of the electrical box through and within the first mounting opening into an interior of the electrical box, the 
[Truncated to input limit]