IP Library Granted Patent US 7,165,980
Granted Patent B2
US 7,165,980 · App. 11/093,106 · Granted Jan 23, 2007

Conduit bushing with revolving lug

View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,165,980
App. No.
11/093,106
Granted
Jan 23, 2007
Kind
B2
Abstract

A grounding device for an electrical conduit which includes: a bushing having an outer wall and a notch in the outer wall; a lug rotatably accommodated by the notch; and a grounding connector with a set screw which is attached to the lug. The grounding conductor is electrically contacted to the bushing by the set screw. In addition, the force exerted by the set screw frictionally engages the lug with the bushing and locks the lug in place so that the lug is no longer free to rotate. The grounding connector can be reoriented by loosening the set screw and rotating the lug to a different orientation.

Claims (29)

1. A grounding device for an electrical conduit comprising:

a bushing comprising an outer wall;

a lug rotatably accommodated by the bushing; and

a grounding connector attached to the lug,

wherein the grounding connector comprises a set screw or a clamp, wherein a grounding conductor is electrically contacted to the bushing by the grounding connector and wherein the force exerted by the set screw or clamp frictionally engages the lug with the bushing and locks the lug in place so that the lug is no longer free to rotate.

2. The grounding device for an electrical conduit according to claim 1 , wherein the grounding connector is reoriented by loosening the set screw or clamp and rotating the lug to a different orientation.

3. The grounding device for an electrical conduit according to claim 1 , wherein the outer wall of the bushing comprises a notch or a ring.

4. The grounding device for an electrical conduit according to claim 3 , wherein the outer wall of the bushing comprises a flange and a plurality of flats.

5. The grounding device for an electrical conduit according to claim 4 , wherein the notch is defined by the flange and the plurality of flats.

6. The grounding device for an electrical conduit according to claim 1 , wherein the bushing, lug and connector are made from electrically conductive material.

7. The grounding device for an electrical conduit according to claim 3 , wherein the lug comprises a flexible lip, and wherein the flexible lip engages the notch.

8. A grounding device for an electrical conduit comprising:

a bushing comprising an outer wall;

a lug rotatably accommodated by the bushing; and

a grounding connector attached to the lug,

wherein a grounding conductor is electrically contacted to the bushing by the grounding connector, wherein the outer wall of the bushing comprises a notch or a ring and wherein the lug comprises an interior wall with a recessed portion, wherein the recessed portion accommodates the ring.

9. A grounding device for an electrical conduit comprising:

a bushing comprising a first means of attachment;

a lug rotatably accommodated by the first means of attachment; and

a grounding connector attached to the lug, wherein the grounding connector comprises a set screw or a clamp and wherein the force exerted by the set screw or clamp frictionally engages the lug with the bushing and locks the lug in place so that the lug is no longer free to rotate,

wherein the bushing, lug and connector are made from electrically conductive material, and wherein a grounding conductor is electrically contacted to the bushing by the grounding connector.

10. The grounding device for an electrical conduit according to claim 9 , wherein the grounding connector is reoriented by loosening the set screw or clamp and rotating the lug to a different orientation.

11. A grounding device for an electrical conduit comprising:

a bushing comprising an outer wall comprising a flange, a plurality of flats and a notch, wherein the notch is formed by the flange and the plurality of flats;

a lug comprising a flexible lip, wherein the flexible lip is rotatably accommodated by the notch; and

a grounding connector comprising a set screw or a clamp, wherein the grounding connector is attached to the lug,

wherein the bushing, lug and connector are made from electrically conductive material, and wherein a grounding conductor is secured in place and electrically contacted to the bushing by the set screw or the clamp.

12. The grounding device for an electrical conduit according to claim 11 , wherein the lip extends upwardly and inwardly.

13. The grounding device for an electrical conduit according to claim 11 , wherein the flexible lip engages the bushing when the set screw or clamp is tightened and prevents the lug from rotating.

Assignments (3)
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Mar 5, 2014
From: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
To: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL LLC
Reel/Frame 032388/0428 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Sep 8, 2006
From: THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION
To: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Reel/Frame 018275/0802 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Mar 29, 2005
From: PYRON, ROGER D.; FRAZE, DAVID W.
To: THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 016431/0323 →