Access fixture
OwnerRichard Jelacicinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An access fixture is providing, having a base frame (100) having an inner edge (14) and an outer edge (12) and generally defining an opening of the access fixture, and at least a pair of tabs (2) provided adjacent inner edges (14) of the frame (100). The tabs (20) are preferably integral with the base frame (100) and are adapted to operatively secure the access fixture to an appropriately dimensioned aperture in a gutter guard, downpipe, ducting or the like.
Claims11
An access fixture comprising:
- a base frame having inner and outer edges and generally defining an opening of the access fixture;
- and
- at least a pair of tabs provided adjacent the inner edge of the frame;
- wherein the tabs are adapted to operatively secure the access fixture to an appropriately dimensioned aperture in a gutter guard, downpipe, ducting or the like.
An access fixture of integral, planar construction fabricated from a metal plate, the access fixture comprising:
- a generally rectangularly-shaped frame having inner and outer edges and generally defining an opening of the access fixture;
- and
- tabs formed integrally with the frame and extending inwardly from an inner edge of the frame on each of the sides of the inner edge of the frame;
- wherein the tabs are adapted to operatively secure the access fixture to an appropriately dimensioned aperture in a gutter guard, downpipe, ducting or the like by bending the tabs back against the frame towards its outer edge to thereby secure the access fixture against the fabric of the gutter guard adjacent its aperture.
A method of fabricating an access fixture of integral, planar construction fabricated from a metal plate, the method comprising steps of:
- cutting a base frame in a planar metal plate by cutting an outer edge of the base frame of a generally rectangular shape, and by cutting an inner edge of the base frame to define an opening in the base frame, while leaving tabs extending inwardly from the inner edge from at least two opposed sides of the inner edge;
- and
- stamping the base frame to form guide slots running along opposing sides of the base frame for receiving in slotting engagement a cover plate for covering the opening defined by the base frame.
A method of installing an access fixture in a gutter guard, downpipe, ducting or the like, the method comprising steps of:
- cutting a suitably dimensioned aperture in a guard, downpipe, ducting or the like;
- placing over the aperture an access fixture comprising a base frame having inner and outer edges and generally defining an opening, and at least a pair of tabs provided adjacent the inner edge of the frame;
- securing the access fixture in place by bending back the tabs into the aperture;
- and
- optionally covering the opening with a cover plate removably held or supported in place by guide slots formed along opposing edges of the base frame.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.