Mounting means for sheathed heating elements and method

Claim 1

A mounting assembly for securing a sheathed metallic heating element to a metallic bracket having an aperture therein comprising in combination: a sheathed metallic heating element including a linear portion disposed within the aperture of said bracket, a tubular metallic insert of relatively thin material disposed within the aperture of said bracket and in surrounding relation to said heating element linear portion, said insert including integrally therewith: an annular radial flange at one extremity thereof disposed in snug axial relation and in direct contact with one side of said bracket adjacent said aperture; an axially extending tubular portion in surrounding concentric relation to said heating element, a radially outwardly extending flange-like portion disposed in snug axial relation and in direct contact with the other side of said bracket adjacent said aperture thereby to axially grip the bracket therebetween, said flange-like portion merging into an axially adjacent reversely extending radially inwardly directed terminal flange in snug axial relation and in direct contact with said flange-like portion, said terminal flange at its radially inner extremity defining an opening of lesser effective diameter than said insert tubular portion thereby to mechanically engage the periphery of said sheathed heating element and secure the bracket thereto.