Snap-fit elevator lanterns
AssigneeThyssenkrupp Elevator AG
InventorsThomas Felis, Anthony C. Douell, Stephen A. Anderson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An elevator lantern apparatus uses a snap-fit assembly and disassembly configuration where the lantern apparatus includes components such as a tray, a lens, and a control board having one or more illuminating features. These components are configured to assemble through an opening in a surface such as a wall. In some versions, assembly and disassembly is done without the use of tools. In some versions, disassembly of the lantern apparatus is done from the front side of the lantern apparatus by removing the lens to access other components.
Claims19
An elevator lantern configured to selectively engage an opening in a surface, wherein the elevator lantern comprises:
- (a) a lens, wherein the lens is positionable generally adjacent to a front side of the opening in the surface, wherein the lens is removable from the elevator lantern;
- (b) a first tray, wherein the first tray is positionable with a first portion of the first tray extending rearward from the opening;
- (c) a control board comprising at least one illuminating feature operable to illuminate the lens, wherein the control board is configured to be engaged with the first tray such that the control board is accessible when the lens is removed, wherein the control board is positionable within the first tray from the front side of the opening in the surface;
- and
- wherein the elevator lantern comprises a snap-fit, wherein the snap-fit permits assembly and disassembly of the elevator lantern without the use of separate fasteners.
An elevator lantern configured to selectively engage an opening in a wall, wherein the elevator lantern comprises:
- (a) a first tray comprising a first engaging feature that contacts a front side in the wall to inhibit the first tray from passing through the opening in the wall, and a second engaging feature that contacts a rear side in the wall to inhibit the first tray from passing through the opening in the wall;
- (b) a lens connectable by snap-fitting with the first tray, wherein the lens is positionable generally adjacent to the front side of the opening in the wall, wherein the lens is removable from the first tray without the use of separate fasteners;
- and
- (c) a control board comprising at least one illuminating feature operable to illuminate the lens, wherein the control board is connectable by snap-fitting with the first tray such that the control board is accessible when the lens is removed and removable from the first tray without the use of separate fasteners.
A method of assembling an elevator lantern, wherein the method comprises the steps of:
- (a) locating an opening in a wall surface for placement of the elevator lantern;
- (b) inserting a tray partially through the opening, wherein the act of inserting the tray partially through the opening comprises snap-fitting the tray within the opening such that portions of the tray are on both sides of the opening;
- (c) connecting a control board to a power supply;
- (d) connecting the control board to the tray, wherein the act of connecting the control board to the tray comprises snap-fitting the control board to the tray;
- and
- (e) connecting a lens to the tray, wherein the act of connecting the lens to the tray comprises snap-fitting the lens to the tray.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.