US4388890A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Device for locating in buildings the exact position of hidden objects
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1980-12-12
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Granted: 1983-06-21
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Expires: 2000-12-12
Abstract
Abstract The present invention relates to a device for locating in buildings the exact position of hidden objects, preferably boxes for electrical installations which are to be exposed by providing a hole in a covering building unit, such as a platelike wall, roof, or floor unit, substantially opposite the object. The locating device may be used for all known types of covering building units without complicating rational mounting of the covering building unit. The locating device according to the invention comprises a locating magnet having a first magnetic body which is mounted on the object at one side of the building unit hiding the object, and a second magnetic body which is movable along the other side of the building unit for sensing the position of the first magnetic body mounted at the object.
Inventors
- 👤 Bengt Wester
- 👤 Anders West
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 12:29
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02G; H02G3/00; H02G3/02; H02G3/08; H02G3/12; H02G3/121; H02G1/00; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S33/00; Y10S33/01; Y10S33/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
192 words
A device for locating hidden objects such as electrical boxes, in buildings which objects are to be exposed by providing a hole in a covering unit, such as a plate like wall, over the object, said device comprising: a first annular magnetic body mounted at the object to be located on one side of said covering unit, said first body having a guide hole formed therein, and having a conically tapered recess formed around said guide hold, said recess having a diameter greater than the diameter of said guide hole; a second annular magnetic body which is movable along the other side of said covering unit for sensing the position of said first magnetic body, said second body having a guide hole formed therein, said guide holes being positioned on said bodies so as to be alignable on opposite sides of said covering unit for guiding a drill through said covering unit; means for releasably attaching said first magnetic body to said object whereby said first magnetic body can be removed from said object after said object is located and exposed; and wherein one of said magnetic bodies is a permanent magnet.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
192 words
A device for locating hidden objects such as electrical boxes, in buildings which objects are to be exposed by providing a hole in a covering unit, such as a plate like wall, over the object, said device comprising: a first annular magnetic body mounted at the object to be located on one side of said covering unit, said first body having a guide hole formed therein, and having a conically tapered recess formed around said guide hold, said recess having a diameter greater than the diameter of said guide hole; a second annular magnetic body which is movable along the other side of said covering unit for sensing the position of said first magnetic body, said second body having a guide hole formed therein, said guide holes being positioned on said bodies so as to be alignable on opposite sides of said covering unit for guiding a drill through said covering unit; means for releasably attaching said first magnetic body to said object whereby said first magnetic body can be removed from said object after said object is located and exposed; and wherein one of said magnetic bodies is a permanent magnet.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein both of said magnetic bodies comprise permanent magnets.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device as set forth in claim 2, wherein said permanent magnets have the same outer diameter.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said means and said object include interfitting locking portions.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
The device as set forth in claim 4, wherein said means comprises a cap which fits into said object, and wherein said first magnetic body is mounted to said cap.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said object is an electrical box.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-06-20 | 1986-12-20 | 1987-06-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-06-20 | 1990-12-20 | 1991-06-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-06-20 | 1994-12-20 | 1995-06-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |