US3885701A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Valance molding for equipment cases
Assignee: Environmental Container Systems Inc
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Filing: 1973-10-23
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Granted: 1975-05-27
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Expires: 1993-10-23
Abstract
Abstract A valance molding for cases such as impact resistant fiber glass reinforced plastic cases of the type used to house electronic equipment that is used in the field. A valance molding configuration that is formed by extrusion or the like in elongate straight pieces and which can be deformed into conformity with the mouth of the case. A dovetail slot on the inward facing surface of the molding and a clamp body having a corresponding dovetail protrusion for retention in the slot. Portions of the extrusion are excised to afford entry of the clamp body into the slot. The clamp body has a tapped hole therein for receiving a screw that maintains a cover plate in place. A complemental extrusion that forms a watertight seal with the first mentioned extrusion and is secured to the cover of the case. The extrusions are formed so that when the case is closed the equipment panel and circuitry attached thereto are firmly retained by the extrusions against vibration.
Inventors
- 👤 Dennis M Becklin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 02:58
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65D; B65D43/00; B65D43/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
217 words
A formable valance molding for a case having a mouth bounded by edges of wall panels that form the case, said valance molding comprising an elongate deformable body having a length corresponding to the peripheral length of the mouth, said body having a first surface that defines a continuous slot therein for receiving the edges of the wall panels to secure the valance to the case, said body having a second surface generally normal to said first surface, said second surface facing inward with respect to said mouth, said body defining a continuous channel having a relatively small dimension in said second surface and a relatively large dimension inward of said second surface, portions of said body being excised in a region adjacent said channel to afford access to said channel, a clamp body having a lateral surface adapted to confront said second surface and a protrusion extending from said lateral surface and being configured complementally to said channel so as to be retained therein, said excised region having a longitudinal extent such that said protrusion can be introduced and retained in said channel by inserting said protrusion into said channel at the excised region and sliding the body away from said excised region, said clamp body having means for fastening a mouth spanning panel member thereto.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
217 words
A formable valance molding for a case having a mouth bounded by edges of wall panels that form the case, said valance molding comprising an elongate deformable body having a length corresponding to the peripheral length of the mouth, said body having a first surface that defines a continuous slot therein for receiving the edges of the wall panels to secure the valance to the case, said body having a second surface generally normal to said first surface, said second surface facing inward with respect to said mouth, said body defining a continuous channel having a relatively small dimension in said second surface and a relatively large dimension inward of said second surface, portions of said body being excised in a region adjacent said channel to afford access to said channel, a clamp body having a lateral surface adapted to confront said second surface and a protrusion extending from said lateral surface and being configured complementally to said channel so as to be retained therein, said excised region having a longitudinal extent such that said protrusion can be introduced and retained in said channel by inserting said protrusion into said channel at the excised region and sliding the body away from said excised region, said clamp body having means for fastening a mouth spanning panel member thereto.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
A valance molding, according to claim 1, wherein said mouth has four linear sides arranged in a rectangular configuration, said valance having a corresponding shape, there being one or more excised regions in each of said sides.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
68 words
A valance molding, according to claim 1, wherein said body includes a third surface opposite said first surface, said third surface defining an upstanding tongue, there being a deformable member having a lower surface defining a groove for receiving said tongue, said deformable member having an upper surface opposite said lower surface, said upper surface defining a slot for receiving the edges of a cover for said case.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
A valance molding, according to claim 3, including a tubular resilient gasket disposed in said groove and means for limiting entry of said tongue into said groove to avoid over-compression of said gasket.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
96 words
A valance molding, according to claim 4, wherein said entry-limiting means comprises a bearing surface on said deformable member adjacent said groove on the side of said member toward the interior of said case, said valance molding having an upward facing shoulder on which said panel member resides, said tongue having an extent such that when said bearing surface bears on said panel said tongue compresses said resilient gasket within the elastic limit thereof, said bearing surface gasket to retain said panel member against said shoulder when said deformable member and said valance molding are interengaged.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
87 words
A valance, according to claim 5, wherein said clamp body has an upward facing surface at a level below said shoulder and wherein said fastening means includes a threaded hole formed in said clamp body at said upward facing surface and a screw engagable in said threaded hole, there being a resilient spacer disposed on said upward facing surface, said spacer having a hole therein in registry with said threaded hole and inward of the periphery thereof so that portions of said spacer totally circumscribe said screw.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
45 words
A valance molding, according to claim 5, wherein said valance molding defines a continuous groove intermediate said shoulder and said tongue, a resilient tubular gasket in said groove, said groove and said gasket being sized so that said gasket is compressed by said panel member.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3088623A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-05-26 | 1978-11-25 | 1979-05-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-05-26 | 1982-11-25 | 1983-05-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-05-26 | 1986-11-25 | 1987-05-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |