Abstract:
A fastener assembly for releaseably fastening a first body to a second body is disclosed. The fastener assembly has a manual rotating mechanism to permit closing of the fastener by hand. Once closed, the manual rotating mechanism is not easily accessible to the user by hand. A separate tool operating rotating mechanism is accessible by a tool when the fastening mechanism is in the closed position. The fastening mechanism can be used to fasten a lid to a box in which case the lid has a recess for receiving the manual rotating mechanism

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a fastener assembly for releaseably fastening a first body to a second body. In particular, the invention relates to a fastener assembly for releaseably fastening a container and a lid of an electrical junction box. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    A variety of fastener arrangements are known in the prior art for fastening two or more objects together. For example, there are prior art fastener arrangements that require a tool for both fastening and unfastening. One such arrangement is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,361,925 to Wecke et al., Nov. 8, 1994, which discloses a fastener arrangement for fastening a cover and a base of a terminal box. Locking bolts with slotted heads at one end and blade-like expansions at the other are used to fasten the cover to the base. Each locking bolt is pushed downwards with a suitable tool through aligned bores in the cover and base, and then each locking bolt is turned slightly with the tool so that the blades cannot be withdrawn from the aligned bores. Detachment of the cover from the base is carried out by turning each locking bolt with the suitable tool to bring the blade again in alignment with the bores, allowing the locking bolts to be removed therefrom. 
         [0003]    It is also known in the prior art to use manual rotating mechanisms for both fastening and unfastening. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,530,629 to Shyr, Mar. 11, 2003, discloses a cam system for retaining a press strip against a plurality of interface cards on a computer casing. The system uses a cam button that extends through the computer casing and forms an integral body with a female seat located inside the computer casing, such that the female seat and cam button rotate synchronously. By manually rotating the female seat, the cam button can be moved to hold the press strip in place against the interface cards. The cam button can be released with further manual rotation of the female seat. 
         [0004]    One difficulty with manually operated mechanisms is that they may become opened or closed unintentionally. In other words, the ease of manual operation can limit security and accidental opening may result. Also, manually operated mechanisms may not be very strong or provide a secure seal, such as when used in a lid. 
         [0005]    There is, accordingly, a need in the prior art for a fastener arrangement having a manually operated mechanism that can be operated by hand for ease of use during closing, but is secure after closing. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to at least partially overcome some of the disadvantages of the prior art. Also, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved type of fastener assembly having a manually operated mechanism that can be operated by hand to fasten two bodies together, but requires a tool to unfasten the two bodies. 
         [0007]    Accordingly, in one of its aspects, this invention resides in a fastener assembly for releaseably fastening a first body to a second body, the fastener assembly comprising: a moveable fastening member rotateably fixed to the first body, said moveable fastening member having an open position, in which the first body and the second body are detachable from each other, and a closed position, in which the first body and the second body are fastened together; a manual rotating mechanism on the moveable fastening member that permits rotation by hand of the moveable fastening member from the open position to the closed position; a recess in the second body that receives at least a portion of the manual rotating mechanism when the moveable fastening member is in the closed position and restricts manual movement of the manual rotating mechanism in the closed position; and a tool-operated rotating mechanism on the moveable fastening member that is accessible when the moveable fastening member is in the closed position and permits rotation by a tool of the moveable fastening member from the closed position to the open position. 
         [0008]    In a further aspect, the present invention resides in an electrical junction box, comprising: a container; a lid detachably securable to the container and having at least one recess; and at least one fastener rotateably fixed to the container, each fastener comprising: a manual rotating mechanism that permits movement by hand of the fastener from an open position, in which the container and the lid are detachable from each other, to a closed position, in which the container and the lid are secured together and at least a portion of the manual rotating mechanism is received in a corresponding one of the recesses so as to restrict access to the manual rotating mechanism; and a tool-operated rotating mechanism that is accessible when the fastener is in the closed position and permits rotation of the fastener by a tool from the closed position to the open position. 
         [0009]    At least one advantage of the fastener assembly according to at least some embodiments of the present invention is that it permits fastening to be done by hand, which in preferred embodiments makes the fastening process quick, simple, and easy. Furthermore, because in at least some embodiments the manual rotating mechanism is not easily accessible in the closed position, a tool is required to unfasten. In this way, the fastener assembly can provide added security against unauthorized or accidental unfastening but still be easily fastened by hand. For example, only those with the required tool will be able to unfasten the assembly, as the hand operated rotating mechanism is substantially inaccessible when fastened. This likewise decreases the chances of accidental unfastening, as the substantially inaccessible hand operated rotating mechanism is less likely to be accidentally engaged and rotated into the open position. 
         [0010]    A further advantage of the fastener assembly is that, in preferred embodiments, the manual rotating mechanism is a tab that provides leverage for rotating the fastener. This makes the fastening process by hand easier, as less force is required to move the fastener into the closed position. In preferred embodiments, the tool-operated rotating mechanism requires more force than the manual rotating mechanism in order to rotate the fastener. This provides added security, as the fastener can be easily closed, but it is significantly more difficult to open because there is no corresponding leverage when opening. 
         [0011]    A further advantage of the present invention is that, in a preferred embodiment, the lid of the electrical junction box is provided with supporting ribs. These supporting ribs can advantageously be provided proximate the recesses in the lid, providing added support to this region. This improves the security of the electrical junction box, as the added support may decrease the likelihood of the lid cracking or breaking in the area of the recesses, thereby exposing the manual rotating mechanism or otherwise detaching the lid from the container. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment the supporting ribs are located only in the perimeter portion of the lid and not in the center. This permits the user of the electrical junction box to drill holes into the center portion of the lid without interfering with the added support provided by the supporting ribs. 
         [0012]    Further aspects of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and drawings, which illustrate the invention and preferred embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    In the drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the invention: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an electrical junction box with fasteners in a closed position according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of the electrical junction box with fasteners in an open position; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  shows a top view of the electrical junction box with fasteners in the closed position; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  shows a side view of a fastener in alignment with a bore of the electrical junction box container prior to insertion; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  shows a cross-sectional view of a bore of an electrical junction box container; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  shows a cross-sectional view of a bore of an electrical junction box container and a first end of a fastener within the bore; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  shows a partially transparent perspective view of a fastener held within a bore of an electrical junction box container; 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of the underside of a lid for the electrical junction box according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  shows a partially transparent exploded view of an electrical junction box; 
           [0023]      FIG. 10A  shows an exploded view of an electrical junction box; 
           [0024]      FIG. 10B  shows a perspective view of an electrical junction box with fasteners in the open position; and 
           [0025]      FIG. 10C  shows a perspective view of an electrical junction box with fasteners in the closed position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0026]    Preferred embodiments of the invention and its advantages can be understood by referring to the present drawings. In the present drawings, like numerals are used for like corresponding parts of the accompanying drawings. 
         [0027]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 to 3 , one embodiment of the present invention relates to an electrical junction box  10  with at least one and preferably two or more fastener assemblies  11 . Electrical junction box  10  may, in one embodiment, be used for holding electrical connections and can be used to conceal such electrical connections from sight and deter unauthorized tampering therewith. Electrical junction box  10  can be made from suitable plastic materials and provide electrical insulation as required by some building codes. 
         [0028]    The electrical junction box  10  comprises a container  12 , a lid  14 , and at least one fastener  16 . Preferably, the box  10  comprises four fasteners  16 , one at each corner. Each fastener  16  is part of a fastener assembly  11  for securely holding the lid  14  to the container  12 . When the fasteners  16  are in the closed position (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 ) the lid  14  is securely fastened to the container  12 . When the fastener  16  is in the open position (shown in  FIG. 2 ) the lid  14  and container  12  are detachable from each other. 
         [0029]    As best shown in  FIG. 4 , each fastener  16  has a first end  18  and a second end  20 . The first end  18  may be rotatablely fixed to the container  12 , as more fully described below. The second end  20  has a manual rotating mechanism  21 , which in this preferred embodiment is a tab  22  that permits rotation by hand of the fastener  16  from the open position to the closed position. The underside of the tab  22  preferably has a fastening surface  24  that is used in fastening the lid  14  to the container  12 , as more fully described below. Also, at the second end  20  of the fastener  16  preferably comprises a tool-operated rotating mechanism  26 . Preferably, the tool-operated rotating mechanism  26  permits rotation by a screwdriver  27  of the fastener  16  between the closed and open positions. The tool-operated rotating mechanism  26  cannot be easily operated by an unaided human hand. 
         [0030]    By extending laterally from the axis of rotation A R  of the fastener  16 , the tab  22  provides leverage for rotating the fastener  16  by hand. It is understood that the invention may comprise other types of manual rotating mechanisms  21 , and is not limited to a tab  22 . In general, the manually operated rotating mechanism  21  is preferably offset from the axis of rotation A R , will provide for relatively easy rotation of the fastener  16  by hand from the open position to the closed position and may provide a lever of some type to accomplish this. In contrast, the tool-operated rotating mechanism  26  may be substantially aligned with the axis of rotation A R  and therefore lacks this leverage and ease of rotation by hand. This makes it easier to rotate the fastener  16  using the tab  22  than it is to rotate fastener  16  using the tool-operated rotating mechanism  26 , as less force is required to rotate the fastener  16  with the tab  22  than the tool-operated rotating mechanism  26 . As will be described later, this increases the security of the fastener assembly  11 . 
         [0031]    In a preferred embodiment, the tool-operated rotating mechanism  26  requires 7 to 13 lbf-in of torque to rotate the fastener from the closed position to the open position. In contrast, the manual rotating mechanism  21  will preferably require less than 6 lbf-in of torque. 
         [0032]    As best shown in  FIG. 2 , the lid  14  has four recesses  28  (only one of which is visible in  FIG. 2 ). Each recess  28  is designed to receive at least a portion of the manual operated rotating mechanism  21  when the fastener  16  is rotated into the closed position, which in this embodiment comprises the tab  22  (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 ). This makes the tab  22  substantially manually inaccessible when the fastener  16  is in the closed position. The tool-operated rotating mechanism  26 , however, remains accessible when the fastener  16  is in the closed position. Accordingly, during operation the fastener  16  can be rotated from the open position to the closed position manually using the tab  22 , at which point the tab  22  is not easily accessible by hand because at least a portion is in the recess  28 . In this way, the fastener  16  can be moved to the open position using the tool-operated rotating mechanism  26 . This feature is particularly advantageous in one embodiment, as it allows the lid  14  to be secured to the container  12  relatively quickly and easily, by a user manually rotating the fastener  16  using the manually rotating mechanism  21 , in this embodiment the tab  22 , while also providing added security by requiring a screwdriver  27  or other tool, to move the fastener  16  back into the open position. This reduces the likelihood of unauthorized unfastening, as only those with the required tool are able to unfasten the lid  14  from the container  12 . This likewise decreases the chances of accidental unfastening, as the tab  22  is inaccessible and thus is less likely to be accidentally engaged and rotated into the open position. The extra force required to rotate the fastener  16  using the tool-operated rotating mechanism  26  also provides added security, by making the electrical junction box  10  even more difficult to open. These features can help to prevent access to the contents of the electrical junction box  10  by children, animals or unauthorized persons. This is important as the contents of the electrical junction box  10  may be dangerous, valuable and/or delicate. Also, the contents of the electrical junction box  10  could be damaged if tampered with. 
         [0033]    The lid  14  preferably has a flange  30  preferably located adjacent each recess  28  (shown in  FIGS. 1 to 3 ). When the fastener  16  is in the closed position, the flange  30  is located intermediate the fastening surface  24  of the tab  22  and the container  12 , so as to fasten the lid  14  and the container  12  together ( FIGS. 1 and 3 ). In this way, the tab  22  may serve a dual purpose, permitting manual rotation of the fastener  16 , as well as comprising the fastening surface  24  which acts on the flange  30  to fasten the lid  14  to the container  12 . When the fastener  16  is in the open position, the flange  30  is no longer intermediate the fastening surface  24  of the tab  22  and the container  12 , and the lid  14  can be detached from the container  12 . 
         [0034]    The fasteners  16  may be releasablely fixed to the container  12  at bores  32  (shown in  FIGS. 4 to 7 ). In this preferred embodiment, there are four bores  32  in the container  12 , one for each of the four fasteners  16 . Each bore  32  has two radial slots  34  ( FIG. 5 ) and an inner cavity  36  ( FIG. 7 ). Each bore  32  is designed to engage with the first end  18  of the fastener  16 , which has two terminal extensions  38  ( FIG. 4 ). The radial slots  34  are shaped so as to allow the first end  18  to pass therethrough when the terminal extensions  38  are in alignment with the radial slots  34  ( FIG. 6 ). The inner cavity  36  is located below the radial slots  34 . Once in the inner cavity  36 , the first end  18  of the fastener  16  is able to rotate freely. The first end  18  can only be extracted from the inner cavity  36  when the terminal extension  38  is back in alignment with the radial slots  34 . When the fastener  16  is in the closed position, the terminal extensions  38  are out of alignment with the radial slots  34 , and the fastener  16  is therefore fixed to the container  12 . In this way, the fastener  16  clamps the lid  14  and the container  12  together, with the terminal extensions  38  trapped in the inner cavity  36  of the container  12  at the first end  18 , and the fastening surface  24  of the tab  22  abutting against the flange  30  of the lid  14  at the second end  20 . 
         [0035]    In a preferred embodiment, the bores  32  are each provided with a small protrusion  40  ( FIG. 5 ). The protrusion  40  causes the bore  32  to be just slightly smaller than the first end  18  of the fastener  16 . In this way, the protrusion  40  keeps the first end  18  captive within the inner cavity  36 , even when the terminal extensions  38  are in alignment with the radial slots  34 , unless a force greater than gravity is applied to removing the fastener  16 . This feature is advantageous as it keeps the fastener  16  more securely fixed to the container  12  so that it is less likely to be accidentally detached therefrom, even when the box  10  is oriented on a wall or ceiling such that gravity is acting on the fastener  16  to remove it from the bore  32 . 
         [0036]    In a preferred embodiment, the lid  14  has an inner surface  42 , best shown in  FIG. 8 . The inner surface  42  has a perimeter portion  44  and a center portion  46 . The perimeter portion  44  is provided with supporting ribs  48 , which provide additional structural support to the lid  14 . Because the center portion  46  of the lid  14  is free of supporting ribs  48 , a user of the electrical junction box  10  can open holes in the center portion  46  of the lid  14  to run wires therethrough, for example, without interfering with the additional support provided by the supporting ribs  48 . 
         [0037]    The lid  14  also preferably comprises a gasket  64  which extends along the perimeter  65  of the lid  14 . In this way, the gasket  64  provides additional protection from the elements when the lid  14  is fastened to the container  12 . More preferably, the gasket  64  engages a groove, (not shown) on the rim of the container  12  to provide additional insulation from the environment. In a preferred embodiment, the box  10  is watertight when the lid  14  is fastened to the container  12  such that it could be completely submerged in water, saline solution or other fluids without affecting the components contained therein. 
         [0038]    The lid  14  also has an outer surface  50  opposite the inner surface  42  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). The outer surface  50  is located in a first plane P1. The flanges  30  are preferably located in a second plane P2, and the recesses  28  are intermediate the first plane P1 and the second plane P2 (see  FIG. 1 ). The recesses  28  are each located proximate to the perimeter portion  44  of the lid  14 , such that the supporting ribs  48  are able to provide added support particularly in the area of the recesses  28 . This improves the security of the electrical junction box  10 , as this added support may decrease the likelihood of the lid  14  cracking or breaking in the area of the recesses  28 , thereby exposing the tab  22  or otherwise detaching the lid  14  from the container  12 . 
         [0039]    The container  12  has a bottom  56 , shown in  FIG. 9 . The bottom  56  of the container  12  is provided with a number of mounting bosses  58 . The mounting bosses can be used, for example, for a back panel or a DIN rail. 
         [0040]      FIGS. 10A ,  10 B and  10 C illustrate the process of assembling the electrical junction box  10 .  FIG. 10A  shows the container  12 , the lid  14 , and the four fasteners  16  detached from one another, but in alignment for assembly. Initially, each of the fasteners  16  are inserted into the corresponding bores  32  in the container  12  (shown in  FIG. 10B ), which may be done at the time of manufacture, or, at a later time in the field. The electrical junction box  10  is then closed by mounting the lid  14  onto the top of the container  12  such as after components have been inserted in the box  10  and any connection made to the box  10  and components therein. To fasten the lid  14  to the container  12 , each of the fasteners  16  are rotated, as shown by the arrows in  FIG. 10B  by manually operating the manual rotating mechanism  21 , in this embodiment being the tabs  22 . When the lid  14  is fastened to the container  12 , at least a portion of each tab  22  is received in a corresponding recess  28  in the lid  14  (shown in  FIG. 10C ). The electrical junction box  10  is now securely fastened, and can only be unfastened by using a tool, such as a screwdriver  27  in this embodiment, to operate the tool-operated rotating mechanisms  26  of the fasteners  16 . 
         [0041]    Although the foregoing detailed description has described a preferred embodiment of the invention as an electrical junction box  10 , the invention is not so limited. The fastener assemblies  11  could be used to hold a lid  14  on any type of container  12 , and not just an electrical junction box  10 . For example, the fastener assemblies  11  could be used with shipping containers or storage containers. Furthermore, the fasteners assemblies  11  could be used for securing any suitable objects together, and need not be limited to a lid  14  and a container  12 . For example, fastener assemblies  11  could be used for securing a door to a building. This could be useful, for example, if the building is to be vacant for a stretch of time, with the fastener assemblies  11  providing additional security by helping to prevent unauthorized access. 
         [0042]    Although the tool-operated rotating mechanism  26  has been described as for engagement with a screwdriver  27 , the invention is not so limited. The tool-operated rotating mechanism  26  could be designed for operation by any other suitable tool, such as a wrench, pliers, or an electric screwdriver or drill. The amount of torque required to rotate the tool-operated rotating mechanism  26  from the closed position to the open position does not necessarily need to fall within the range of 7 to 13 lbf-in, as described in the preferred embodiments. Preferably the tool-operated rotating mechanism  26  is aligned with the axis of rotation to increase the torque required to open the fastener  16 . The amount of torque required can be selected according to the preferences of the user, the application to which the fastener assemblies  11  are being put, and/or the type of tool to be used. For example, if an electrically powered tool is to be used, the amount of torque required can be increased to provide additional security. The tool-operated rotating mechanism  26  could also be operated by a unique tool or key (not shown) to provide added security. 
         [0043]    Although the manual rotating mechanism  21  has been described in the preferred embodiments as a tab  22 , the invention is not so limited. The manual rotating mechanism  21  can have any suitable size, shape and configuration that allows for engagement and rotation by a human hand or finger. For example, the manual rotating mechanism  21  may be a ring, a rod, or a hook. The type of manual rotating mechanism  21  to be used can be selected according to the preferences of the user, and/or the size/shape of the lid  14 , or other suitable object to be fastened. Preferably at least a portion of the manual rotating mechanism  21  is received by the recess  28  to restrict manual movement of the manual rotating mechanism  21  in the closed position. Preferably at least a portion of the manually operated rotating mechanism  21  is offset or extends beyond the axis of rotation A R  of the fastener  16  to provide leverage and decrease the torque required to rotate the fastener  16  to the closed position. 
         [0044]    Although the fasteners  16  have been described in the preferred embodiments as releasablely fixed to the container  12  at bores  32 , the invention is not so limited. The fasteners  16  could instead be permanently rotateably fixed to the container  12 , for example with a rope or a swivel connection. The fasteners  16  could also be releasablely fixed to the container  12  using a different mechanism from the one described in the preferred embodiments. For example, the fasteners  16  could use a hook, releasable strap, or other suitable fastening mechanism that allows rotation of the fasteners  16 . 
         [0045]    Although the protrusion  40  has been described as located in the bore  32 , the protrusion  40  could instead be located on the first end  18  of the fastener  16 . This would likewise make the first end  18  of the fastener  16  slightly larger than the bore  32 , such that a force greater than gravity would be required to extract the first end  18  from the inner cavity  36 . The size, shape, and material of the protrusion  40  can be selected to achieve the desired amount of force required for extraction. 
         [0046]    Optionally, the fastener assemblies  11  produce an audible click when the fastener  16  moves from the open position into the closed position. This provides a readily detected indication that the fastener  16  is now in the closed position, and helps make the fastening process quicker and easier by letting the user know that the fastener  16  is now closed. 
         [0047]    To the extent that a patentee may act as its own lexicographer under applicable law, it is hereby further directed that all words appearing in the claims section, except for the above defined words, shall take on their ordinary, plain and accustomed meanings (as generally evidenced, inter alia, by dictionaries and/or technical lexicons), and shall not be considered to be specially defined in the specification. Notwithstanding this limitation on the inference of“special definitions”, the specification may be used to evidence the appropriate, ordinary, plain and accustomed meanings (as generally evidenced, inter alia, by dictionaries and/or technical lexicons), in the situation where a word or term used in the claims has more than one pre-established meaning and the specification is helpful in choosing between the alternatives. 
         [0048]    It will be understood that, although various features of the invention have been described with respect to one or another of the embodiments of the invention, the various features and embodiments of the invention may be combined or used in conjunction with other features and embodiments of the invention as described and illustrated herein. 
         [0049]    Although this disclosure has described and illustrated certain preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not restricted to these particular embodiments. Rather, the invention includes all embodiments which are functional or mechanical equivalents of the specific embodiments and features that have been described and illustrated herein.