Patent Description:
European patent application <CIT> discloses a cord-like member holder for holding a cord-like member inserted into a through-hole provided in a partition wall of an operator's cab of a working machine, being capable of achieving reliable holding of the cord-like member and reliable sealing in the through-hole, with a simple structure. The cord-like member holder includes a grommet made of elastic material to have an inner peripheral surface surrounding a cord-like member insertion hole and a sealing surface, and a fixture. The fixture includes a clamp section to clamp the grommet to bring an inner peripheral surface of the grommet into close contact with an outer peripheral surface of the cord-like member, and a fixing section joined to the clamp section and fastened to the partition wall. The clamp section clamps the grommet while relative displacement of the clamp section to the grommet in a direction of approaching the partition wall is restrained, and the fixing section is fastened to the partition wall to bring the sealing surface into close contact with the partition wall.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a support bracket for securing an electrical component (e.g., a relay, distribution block, switch, connector, or the like) in a fixed position where existing attachment points and spacing have to be maintained, but with an emphasis on significant cost reduction by employing a simplified design. According to the invention, the electrical component support bracket includes a base member, a component support surface, and a component support member. The component support surface extends from the base member with an angled transition between the base member and the component support surface. The component support member is configured to surround at least a portion of an electrical component. The component support member includes a first tab and a second tab disposed at opposite ends of the component support member. The first tab and the second tab are configured to be coupled to the component support surface so that the electrical component is held against the component support surface by the component support member.

In an alternative embodiment, which is not part of the present invention, the electrical component support bracket includes a base member and a component support member extending from the base member, with an angled transition between the base member and the component support member. The component support member is configured to surround at least a portion of an electrical component. The component support member includes a first vertical support leg and a second vertical support leg extending from opposite ends of the component support member. The first vertical support leg and the second vertical support leg are configured to hold the electrical component between the first vertical support leg and the second vertical support leg.

The following summary is provided solely as an introduction to subject matter that is fully described in the detailed description and drawings. The summary should not be considered to describe essential features nor be used to determine the scope of the claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary and the following detailed description are example and explanatory only and are not necessarily restrictive of the subject matter claimed.

The present invention may be better understood when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. In the drawings:.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the present invention is limited by the appending claims only. The present invention is not limited any further in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components or steps or methodologies set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. In the following detailed description of embodiments of the instant present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the instant disclosure that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. The present invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

Such shorthand notations are used for purposes of convenience only, and should not be construed to limit the present invention in any way unless expressly stated to the contrary.

In addition, use of the "a" or "an" are employed to describe elements and components of embodiments of the instant present invention. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the present invention, and "a' and "an" are intended to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

Finally, as used herein any reference to "one embodiment," or "some embodiments" means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. The appearances of the phrase "in some embodiments" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, and embodiments of the present invention disclosed may include one or more of the features expressly described or inherently present herein, or any combination of sub-combination of two or more such features, along with any other features which may not necessarily be expressly described or inherently present in the present invention.

Broadly, the present invention is directed to a lightweight support bracket for securing an electrical component (e.g., a relay, distribution block, switch, connector, or the like) in a fixed position where existing attachment points and spacing have to be maintained, but with an emphasis on significant cost reduction by employing a simplified design. Electrical component support brackets, in accordance with one or more embodiments of this present invention, can be installed in aircraft environments, for example, in an aircraft galley to secure a connector for an aircraft galley insert (e.g., an appliance) to a surface within the aircraft galley. Electrical component support brackets can also be used in other aircraft environments (e.g., crew cabins, passenger cabins, lavatories, etc.), or in other vehicles (e.g., cars, busses, trains, boats, etc.), or in other settings (e.g., in offices, kitchens, and other building facilities).

Referring generally to <FIG>, various embodiments of an electrical component support bracket <NUM> are shown and described. The electrical component support bracket <NUM> may be manufactured out of metallic or non-metallic components, or a combination of both. For example, a base structure of the electrical component support bracket <NUM> may be manufactured by metallic pressing/stamping. In another example embodiment, the base structure may be manufactured by non-metallic injection molding, thereby eliminating any requirement for electrical grounding for safety purposes. In another example embodiment, the base structure may be manufactured by a combination of metallic and non-metallic parts using one or more of the aforementioned processes.

In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the base structure or backplate of the electrical component support bracket <NUM> includes a base member <NUM> and a component support surface <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the component support surface <NUM> extends from the base member <NUM> with an angled transition <NUM> between the base member <NUM> and the component support surface <NUM>. For example, the base member <NUM> and the component support surface <NUM> may be portions of a common structure manufactured by metallic pressing or non-metallic injection molding, or alternatively by metallic/non-metallic casting. The angled transition <NUM> or step between the base member <NUM> and the component support surface <NUM> causes the component support surface <NUM> to be suspended at a distance from a mounting surface when the base member <NUM> is secured to the mounting surface (e.g., a surface within an aircraft galley or any other environmental surface on which the electrical component support bracket <NUM> is installed). In some embodiments, the base member <NUM> can be secured to the mounting surface by one or more fasteners/fixings <NUM> (e.g., screws, bolts, or the like) that can be extended through respective holes <NUM> in the base member <NUM>. In other embodiments, the base member <NUM> may be secured to the mounting surface by an adhesive, clips, or any other mounting means. As shown in <FIG>, the base member <NUM> may include an indentation between a first attachment point and a second attachment point (e.g., fasteners <NUM>/holes <NUM>). Alternatively, as shown in <FIG>, the base member <NUM> may comprise a simplified, uniform structure between the attachment points (e.g., fasteners <NUM>/holes <NUM>). This may result in added weight, but the simplified design may reduce manufacturing costs and increase strength of the base member <NUM>.

The electrical component support bracket <NUM> further includes a component support member <NUM> (e.g., a metallic/non-metallic strap) configured to surround at least a portion of an electrical component <NUM>. The component support member <NUM> may be cooperatively shaped (e.g., U-shaped) for the electrical component <NUM> to fit between the component support member <NUM> and the component support surface <NUM> when the component support member <NUM> is secured to the component support surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, the component support member <NUM> also includes an opening <NUM> configured for a cooperatively shaped projection <NUM> of the electrical component <NUM> to extend through the opening <NUM> to stabilize the electrical component <NUM> when the electrical component <NUM> is held against the component support surface <NUM> by the component support member <NUM>. In some embodiments, such as those illustrated in <FIG>, the component support member <NUM> includes one or more elongated openings <NUM> and/or <NUM> (e.g., slots) extending along one or more respective side portions of the component support member <NUM>. The one or more elongated openings <NUM> and/or <NUM> can be configured to slide over the projection <NUM> and/or any other retention feature on the electrical component <NUM> so that the component support member <NUM> can be installed by simply pressing the component support member <NUM> down on top of the electrical component <NUM>, rather than having to manipulate (e.g., turn/twist) the electrical component <NUM> to make it mate with the component support member <NUM>. The component support member <NUM> may include any number of retention features (e.g., opening <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM>) that mate with cooperatively shaped features (e.g., projection <NUM>) on the electrical component <NUM> to secure it in place. Retention features on the electrical component <NUM> may include, but are not limited to, projections/protrusions in the form of rails, tangs, ribs, lugs, and/or other clipping features. When the electrical component <NUM> is secured by the electrical component support bracket <NUM>, the component support member <NUM> is configured to hold the electrical component <NUM> in an orientation that does not encumber any wires/cables <NUM> extending from the electrical component <NUM>.

In embodiments, the component support member <NUM> includes a first tab <NUM> and a second tab <NUM> disposed at opposite ends of the component support member <NUM>. The first tab <NUM> and the second tab <NUM> are configured to be coupled to the component support surface <NUM> so that the electrical component <NUM> is held against the component support surface <NUM> by the component support member <NUM>. There are several methods by which the first tab <NUM> and the second tab <NUM> may be secured to the component support surface <NUM>.

In some embodiments, a fastener/fixing <NUM> (e.g., screw, bolt, or the like) is configured to secure the first tab <NUM> to the component support surface <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the first tab <NUM> may include a respective opening <NUM> (e.g., hole/slot) for the fastener/fixing <NUM> to extend through in order to secure the first tab <NUM> to the component support surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, the fastener/fixing <NUM> is configured to mate with a cooperatively threaded base <NUM> (e.g., rivet nut, floating rivet nut, any other type of nut, or the like) above, below, or at least partially embedded within the component support surface <NUM>. The fastener/fixing <NUM> may be configured to extend through the respective opening <NUM> of the first tab <NUM> and a threaded opening <NUM> (e.g., a threaded hole) in the base <NUM> in order to secure the first tab <NUM> to the component support surface <NUM>. The base <NUM> may be held in place by one or more fasteners/fixings <NUM> securing it beneath the component support surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, such as those illustrated in <FIG>, the base <NUM> (e.g., rivet nut) is angled to produce a smaller size bracket (e.g., having less width than would be required if the base <NUM> were not angled, for example, as shown in <FIG>.

The second tab <NUM> may be secured to the component support surface <NUM> by a clip connection. For example, the second tab <NUM> can be configured to extend into an opening <NUM> (e.g., slot) in the component support surface <NUM>. In an embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the second tab <NUM> is further configured to extend into a cavity/socket <NUM> underneath the component support surface <NUM> so that the second tab <NUM> is clipped into a secured position. In another embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the second tab <NUM> is to extend into an opening <NUM> (e.g., slot) in the component support surface <NUM>, and the second tab <NUM> includes an upwardly oriented projection/protrusion <NUM> configured to at least partially extend into a second opening <NUM> (e.g., slot) in the component support surface <NUM>. This may be referred to as a double slot retaining mechanism.

In some embodiments, such as those illustrated in <FIG> or in <FIG>, another fastener/fixing <NUM> (e.g., screw, bolt, or the like) is configured to secure the second tab <NUM> to the component support surface <NUM>, rather than using a clip mechanism as described above with reference to <FIG>. For example, the second tab <NUM> and the component support surface <NUM> may include respective openings (e.g., holes/slots) for the fastener/fixing <NUM> to extend through in order to secure the second tab <NUM> to the component support surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, the fastener/fixing <NUM> is configured to mate with a cooperatively threaded base <NUM> or nut underneath the component support surface <NUM>. The base <NUM> may be held in place by one or more fasteners/fixings securing it beneath the component support surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, such as those illustrated in <FIG>, the bases <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., rivet nuts) are angled to produce a smaller size bracket (e.g., having less width than would be required if the bases <NUM> and <NUM> were not angled, for example, as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrate alternative embodiments of the electrical component support bracket <NUM>, where the first tab <NUM> is configured to be secured to the component support surface <NUM> by a clip mechanism, rather than the fastener/fixing <NUM> described above. For example, the first tab <NUM> may include a projection/protrusion (e.g., bent tip <NUM> or distally formed bump <NUM>) configured to fit into an indentation <NUM> formed in the component support surface <NUM> to secure the first tab <NUM> to the component support surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, the tension caused by clipping the first tab <NUM> and the second tab <NUM> into respective retaining features (e.g., indentation <NUM> and slot <NUM>) of the component support surface <NUM> serves to hold both tabs <NUM> and <NUM> in place and secure the component support member <NUM> to the component support surface <NUM>. In other embodiments, such as those described above, tension for securing the component support member <NUM> is caused by fasteners/fixings (e.g., fasteners/fixings <NUM> and <NUM>) for both tabs <NUM> and <NUM>, or by a combination of a fastener/fixing (e.g., fastener/fixing <NUM>) for the first tab <NUM> and a clip mechanism for the second tab <NUM>. In other embodiments (not shown), the first tab <NUM> may be secured by a clip mechanism (e.g., as shown in <FIG>), and the second tab <NUM> may be secured by a fastener/fixing (e.g., by fastener/fixing <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> or in <FIG>).

<FIG> illustrates an example embodiment of a deformable filler <NUM> that may be employed to keep the electrical component <NUM> held firmly in position between the component support member <NUM> and the component support surface <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the deformable filler <NUM> may be disposed between the component support member <NUM> and the electrical component <NUM> to keep the electrical component <NUM> under tension and prevent movement (e.g., rattles, wear, etc.) caused by operation vibration. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the deformable filler <NUM> is a foam or sponge cutout/block that may be adhered to a portion of the of the component support member <NUM> that is configured to press against the electrical component <NUM>. In other embodiments, the deformable filler <NUM> may be a metallic/non-metallic spring (e.g., like the deformable filler <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>). Any other deformable structure or material may be used, such as rubber, fabric, or the like. The deformable filler <NUM> can additionally or alternatively include a protrusion formed by the portion of the component support member <NUM> that is configured to press against the electrical component <NUM>.

Alternative embodiments of the electrical support bracket <NUM>, not part of the present invention, are illustrated in <FIG>. In these embodiments, the base structure or backplate includes a component support member <NUM> that extends from the base member <NUM>, with an angled transition <NUM> between the base member <NUM> and the component support member <NUM>. For example, the base member <NUM> and the component support member <NUM> may be portions of a common structure manufactured by metallic pressing or non-metallic injection molding, or alternatively by metallic/non-metallic casting. As shown in <FIG>, the angled transition <NUM> or step between the base member <NUM> and the component support member <NUM> allows the component support member <NUM> to suspend an electrical component <NUM> held by the component support member <NUM>. For example, the angled transition <NUM> may be a <NUM> degree or substantially <NUM> degree (e.g., <NUM> to <NUM> degree) transition so that the component support member <NUM> extends perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly from the base member <NUM>.

The component support member <NUM> is configured to surround at least a portion of an electrical component <NUM>. For example, the component support member <NUM> may be cooperatively shaped (e.g., U-shaped) for at least a portion of the electrical component <NUM> to mate with the component support member <NUM>. In embodiments, the component support member <NUM> includes a first vertical support leg <NUM> and a second vertical support leg <NUM> extending from opposite ends of the component support member <NUM> so that the electrical component <NUM> can be held between the first vertical support leg <NUM> and the second vertical support leg <NUM>. The component support member <NUM> or portions thereof (e.g., vertical support legs <NUM> and <NUM>) may include any number of retention features (e.g., projections) that interface/mate with cooperatively shaped features (e.g., projections/indentations) on the electrical component <NUM> to secure it in place. Retention features on the electrical component <NUM> may include, but are not limited to, projections/protrusions in the form of rails, tangs, indentations, and/or other clipping features. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the component support member <NUM> or a portion thereof (e.g., vertical support leg <NUM>) also includes an opening <NUM> (e.g., hole/slot) configured for a cooperatively shaped projection <NUM> of the electrical component <NUM> to extend through the opening <NUM> to stabilize the electrical component <NUM> when the electrical component <NUM> is held by and suspended from the component support member <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate example embodiments of a deformable filler <NUM> that may be employed to keep the electrical component <NUM> held firmly in position when the electrical component <NUM> is secured by the component support member <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the deformable filler <NUM> may be disposed between the component support member <NUM> and the electrical component <NUM> to keep the electrical component <NUM> under tension and prevent movement (e.g., rattles, wear, etc.) caused by operation vibration. In an embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the deformable filler <NUM> is a metallic/non-metallic spring. In another embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the deformable filler <NUM> is a foam or sponge cutout/block that may be adhered to a portion of the of the component support member <NUM> that is configured to press against the electrical component <NUM>. Any other deformable structure or material may be used, such as rubber, fabric, or the like.

As shown in <FIG>, the deformable filler <NUM> can additionally or alternatively include a protrusion <NUM> formed by the portion of the component support member <NUM> that is configured to press against the electrical component <NUM>. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the component support member <NUM> may include a slot <NUM> formed along a length of the protrusion <NUM> to improve flexibility of protrusion <NUM> (i.e., the portion of the component support member <NUM> that is configured to press against the electrical component <NUM>). Improved flexibility can make installation of the electrical component <NUM> easier, for example, by reducing the load placed on the electrical component <NUM> by the protrusion <NUM> during installation. Material reduction for the slot <NUM> can also help reduce weight of the overall structure.

In some embodiments, such the embodiments illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the component support member <NUM> further includes a first stiffener <NUM> and a second stiffener <NUM> configured to reinforce the first vertical support leg <NUM> and the second vertical support leg <NUM>, respectively. For example, the stiffeners <NUM> and <NUM> may include strengthening/bracing webs, or the like, configured to stiffen the vertical support legs <NUM> and <NUM> that hold the electrical component <NUM> when the electrical component <NUM> is secured by the component support member <NUM>, in order to prevent lateral movement of the electrical component <NUM> or vertical support legs <NUM> and <NUM> if distorted.

As shown in <FIG>, the component support member <NUM> may further include a retaining tab <NUM> extending from a portion of the component support member <NUM> that is between the first vertical support leg <NUM> and the second vertical support leg <NUM>. For example, the retaining tab <NUM> may extend from an edge of the protrusion <NUM> and/or portion of the component support member <NUM> that is configured to press against the electrical component <NUM> when the electrical component <NUM> is secured/suspended by the component support member <NUM>. The retaining tab <NUM> can be configured to stabilize the electrical component <NUM> when the electrical component <NUM> is held between the first vertical support leg <NUM> and the second vertical support leg <NUM> (i.e., when the electrical component <NUM> is secured/suspended by the component support member <NUM>). The retaining tab <NUM> may prevent the electrical component <NUM> from going out of skew (e.g., by rotating) after installation and/or may prevent lateral movement of the electrical component <NUM> that could result in the electrical component <NUM> detaching from the component support member <NUM>.

Advantages of the electrical component support bracket <NUM> embodiments described herein may include, but are not limited to: ability to use low cost pressed metal or plastic injection molded components instead of cast/machined components; simplified spring design or elimination (for some versions); electrically non-conductive when in plastic form; reduced weight; reduced part count (for some versions); and components are easily replaceable.

Claim 1:
An electrical component support bracket (<NUM>), comprising:
a base member (<NUM>); and
a component support surface (<NUM>) extending from the base member (<NUM>) with an angled transition (<NUM>) configured as a step between the base member (<NUM>) and the component support surface (<NUM>), the step (<NUM>) causing that the component support surface (<NUM>) will be suspended at a distance from a mounting surface when the base member (<NUM>) is secured to the mounting surface; and
a component support member (<NUM>) configured to surround at least a portion of an electrical component (<NUM>), the component support member (<NUM>) including a first tab (<NUM>) and a second tab (<NUM>) disposed at opposite ends of the component support member (<NUM>), wherein the first tab (<NUM>) and the second tab (<NUM>) are configured to be coupled to the component support surface (<NUM>) so that the electrical component (<NUM>) is held against the component support surface (<NUM>) by the component support member (<NUM>) in use.