Electrical components through board construction

Abstract

The through plate (10) includes a body (12) having an opening (28) between opposing first and second surfaces (24, 26) for accommodating the passage of an electrical component. One or more upper retaining elements (50) protrude outwardly from the body and are disposed adjacent a top portion of the body. One or more lower retaining elements (72) protrude from the body and are disposed adjacent a bottom portion of the body. The upper retaining elements and the lower retaining elements are each configured to engage a respective top and bottom portion of an opening (92) in an external object (94) and, when installed in the opening, engage a back surface of the external object to maintain the through plate attached to the external object. The upper retaining elements and the lower retaining elements are configured to enable movement of the through plate from an upward position in the opening to a downward position in the opening for fixed attachment to the external object.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The through-plate construction disclosed herein relates to plates for passing electrical components between different compartments or portions of a vehicle, and more particularly, to through-plate constructions that are specifically configured to accommodate the mounting and attachment of the through-plate to an opening in an external object, such as a panel or plate disposed between such compartments or portions of the vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Pass-through plates are known for use in, for example, vehicles (e.g., trucks, etc.) to enable electrical components, cables, and / or conductors to pass between a passenger compartment and an engine compartment of the vehicle. Thus, such pass-through plates may be referred to as compartment pass-through (CPT) plates, among others. In one example, such pass-through plates may be disposed within the compartment and attached to a footrest or panel located within the compartment, near an operating pedal of the vehicle. Such pass-through plates are formed of a non-conductive material and include openings therethrough to accommodate placement of electrical components, cables, or conductors that travel between the vehicle's engine compartment and the compartment.

[0003] Conventional pass-through plates typically include a body having the above-mentioned opening to accommodate the placement of electrical components therethrough, and the body is adapted to be fixedly mounted to a portion of the vehicle compartment (i.e., a footboard or panel) once the plate containing the electrical components is installed on the vehicle. In some cases, the electrical components are provided in the form of a wiring harness that is combined with the pass-through plate before the pass-through plate is installed in the vehicle. In such cases, the technician installing the pass-through plate must make special efforts and spend additional time to position and align the pass-through plate with the footboard or panel opening so that the mounting or attachment holes in the pass-through plate are aligned with the mounting or attachment holes around the footboard or panel opening. Then, during this installation process, the technician must maintain the pass-through plate in a position aligned with the footboard or panel opening, for example, by using one or more fasteners that extend through the holes around the footboard or panel opening and into the attachment holes in the pass-through plate.

[0004] The installation process associated with this conventional pass-through plate is somewhat awkward and difficult because the plate incorporates the weight and stored stresses of the connected wiring harness while it is positioned within the plate. Consequently, the plate supports any tension induced on the wires in the harness, and the technician must maintain the position and alignment of the plate's attachment holes while installing fasteners. Furthermore, the installation process is typically performed by only one technician on one side of the footboard or panel opening, further contributing to the awkward and time-consuming installation process.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to configure a pass-through plate to facilitate installation of the pass-through plate to a vehicle such that the awkward and time-consuming processes associated with installing conventional pass-through plates can be reduced or eliminated, thereby enabling a single technician to speed up installation and increase installation efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The pass-through plate disclosed herein is configured to accommodate passage of one or more electrical components therethrough and, when used in a vehicle application, is attached adjacent to an opening through an opening such as a footboard or panel. In an example, the pass-through plate includes a body comprising a first surface and a second surface that are opposed. The body includes a plurality of mounting or attachment holes disposed along the first surface along a peripheral edge of the body for attaching the body to an external object. The body includes one or more openings disposed through the body and extending between the opposed peripheral edges of the body for accommodating passage of one or more electrical components therethrough. In an example, the body can be rectangular in shape.

[0007] The body includes one or more first or upper retaining elements that project outwardly a certain distance from a first surface of the body and are positioned adjacent to a top portion of a peripheral edge of the body. In an example, the body includes a pair of first retaining elements. In an example, the one or more first retaining elements include a first portion that extends vertically outwardly away from the first surface of the body and a second portion that extends upward relative to the first portion. The body includes one or more second or lower retaining elements that project outwardly a certain distance from the first surface of the body and are positioned adjacent to a bottom portion of a peripheral edge of the body. In an example, the body includes a pair of second retaining elements. In an example, the one or more second retaining elements include a first portion that extends vertically outwardly away from the first surface of the body and a second portion that extends downward relative to the first portion. In an example, the first and second retaining elements are integral with the body and form a one-piece construction. In an example, the one or more first retaining elements are configured to retain a top portion of an opening in an external object through the plate, while the one or more second retaining elements are configured to retain a portion of the opening in the external object through the plate through the bottom portion.

[0008] In an example, the first portions of the first retaining element and the second retaining element are longitudinally spaced apart from each other on the body to allow movement of the through-panel relative to the opening of the external object during installation of the panel when the first retaining element and the second retaining element are disposed in respective top and bottom portions of the opening of the external object. In an example, the first retaining element and the second retaining element are disposed longitudinally along the body such that, when disposed within the opening in the external object, the apertures disposed along the peripheral edge of the body align with the attachment apertures in the external object. In an example, the first portion of each of the first retaining element and the second retaining element has a length greater than a thickness of the opening of the external object. In an example, the first retaining element and the second retaining element second portions include ends, and the distance between opposing ends of the first retaining element and the second retaining element is greater than the distance between opposing top and bottom surfaces of the opening of the external object that contacts the first retaining element and the second retaining element when the through-panel is installed therein.

[0009] The pass-through plate disclosed herein can be maintained against an external object including an opening by engaging a top portion of a first surface of the pass-through plate within the top portion of the opening of the external object, such that a first retaining element engages and is positioned within the top portion of the opening. The remaining portion of the pass-through plate body, extending downward from the top portion, is moved by a pivoting motion toward the bottom of the opening in the external object, while the first retaining element remains positioned within the top portion of the opening. During the pivoting of the pass-through plate body, the engagement of the first retaining element with the top portion of the opening aligns the pass-through plate relative to the opening, facilitating the placement of a second retaining element within the bottom portion of the opening, such that the first surface of the pass-through plate body is positioned adjacent to the external object. While the pass-through plate body is pivoted to position the second retaining element within the bottom portion of the opening, the pass-through plate body is supported upward. The pass-through plate body is then lowered by removing the upward support to allow the pass-through plate body to move downward into the opening, such that the first retaining element and the second portion of the second retaining element engage the back surface of the external object, thereby retaining the pass-through plate within the opening, such that the mounting or attachment hole of the pass-through plate aligns with the attachment hole in the external object. The through plate is fixedly attached to an external object by using threaded fastening elements that engage the attachment holes of the T-through plate body.

[0010] Configured in this manner, the pass-through plate enables installation in a self-aligning manner, thereby eliminating the awkwardness associated with having to support and maintain the position of the pass-through plate relative to the external object opening throughout the installation process. Additionally, the pass-through plate disclosed herein, including the retaining element configured in the manner described above, enables installation by a single technician and further utilizes the weight of the pass-through plate and electrical components (e.g., wiring harnesses) disposed therethrough to facilitate attachment and retention within the opening, thereby improving installation efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The through plate construction disclosed herein will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, and wherein:

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example through plate in an assembled state according to various embodiments;

[0013] Figure 2 In an unassembled state according to various embodiments Figure 1 An example of a perspective view through the board;

[0014] Figure 3 According to various embodiments Figure 1 An example of a perspective view of a plate showing a surface of the plate opposite a surface engaging a vehicle step or panel;

[0015] Figure 4 According to various embodiments Figure 1 a perspective side view through a portion of a plate illustrating an example upper retention feature;

[0016] Figure 5 is an example perspective side view through a portion of a plate illustrating another example retention feature according to various embodiments;

[0017] Figure 6 According to various embodiments Figure 1 a perspective side view through a portion of a plate illustrating an example lower retention feature;

[0018] Figure 7 During the initial installation step of the pass plate to the vehicle step or panel according to various embodiments Figure 1 An example of a perspective view through the board;

[0019] Figure 8A is after the lower portion of the pass plate has moved into engagement with the footrest or panel according to various embodiments. Figure 7 A perspective view of an example through-board during the installation step following the step shown.

[0020] Figure 8B According to various embodiments Figure 8A a perspective side view through a portion of a panel illustrating the placement of an example lower retention feature relative to a footboard or panel opening; and

[0021] Figure 9 is after the pass plate has been lowered into position relative to the footboard or panel opening for fastener attachment according to various embodiments Figure 8A A perspective view of an example through-board during the installation step following the step shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Embodiments of the pass-through plate will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements. However, the pass-through plate disclosed herein may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided to make this disclosure thorough and complete and to fully convey the concept of the pass-through plate to those skilled in the art.

[0023] A pass-through plate is typically configured as a compartment for a vehicle for accommodating electrical components, cables, terminals, etc., which pass therethrough from the compartment to an adjacent compartment of the vehicle (e.g., an engine compartment, etc.). In an example, the pass-through plate disclosed herein is configured to be placed and attached to a footboard or panel provided in a pedal box of a vehicle's passenger compartment. A pass-through plate configured for this purpose includes one or more openings therethrough to facilitate the passage of electrical components between vehicle compartments, and in an example embodiment, is formed by or has an outer surface that includes a non-conductive material so as to avoid or eliminate the possibility of a short circuit occurring when conductors in an electrical component provided through the pass-through plate are exposed and in direct contact with the perforated plate. The pass-through plate disclosed herein is specifically designed and configured to facilitate assembly and installation to a footboard so as to reduce time, increase efficiency, and allow assembly and installation by a single technician.

[0024] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An example pass-through panel 10, as disclosed herein, is shown and includes a body 12 sized and shaped to facilitate attachment to a desired object, such as a vehicle's running board or an opening within a panel. In the example, the pass-through panel body 12 is configured to have a rectangular shape and includes an outer portion 14 that defines the outer dimensions of the pass-through panel. The outer portion 14 includes opposing long sides 16 and 18 and opposing short sides 20 and 22. In the example, the body 12 is formed from a non-conductive material. Examples of such non-conductive materials include, but are not limited to, polymeric materials, polyvinyl chloride, plastic, and the like. In the example, the body 12 has a generally flat or plate-like configuration with opposing surfaces 24 and 26, wherein surface 24 is configured to contact and attach to a desired object, such as a vehicle's running board, and opposing surface 26 is an exterior surface that can be located within a running board box within a vehicle's passenger compartment or cabin. In the example, the running board separates the vehicle's passenger compartment from the vehicle's engine compartment.

[0025] The through-plate body 12 includes a plurality of openings 28 extending through the thickness of the body 12 defined between surfaces 24 and 26. The openings 28 are configured and arranged to accommodate the placement and passage of electrical components, cables, conductors, and the like therethrough. The openings 28 are defined by a web portion 30 extending between the long sides 16 and 18 of the body. In an example, the openings 28 may be configured and arranged to accommodate the placement of a wiring harness, etc., therethrough to facilitate the passage of the wiring harness between the vehicle's passenger and engine compartments. In an example, the electrical components of the wiring harness may be routed to an instrument panel in the passenger compartment to display certain operating parameters of the vehicle's engine, etc.

[0026] While the pass-through plate 10 is shown as having five openings 28 in a generally rectangular configuration, it should be understood that the specific number, shape, and placement of these openings 28 in the pass-through plate 10 can and will vary depending on the specific end-use application, and all such variations are included within the scope of the pass-through plate disclosed herein. Furthermore, the openings 28 may have an axial thickness within the body 12 that exceeds the thickness of the pass-through plate 10 defined between the opposing surfaces 24 and 26. In an example, one or more openings 28 may include a wall surface that extends axially beyond one or both of the pass-through plate body surfaces 24 and 26. In an example, one or more openings 28 have a wall surface that extends axially beyond the plane of the body surface 24 a distance, as taken along the peripheral edge of the body 12, to extend to a depth equal to or exceeding the depth of the footboard opening to which the pass-through plate is attached. Configured in this manner, this extended wall surface provides enhanced protection for electrical components disposed within the pass-through plate from potential contact with the adjacent footboard opening, which may be made of a metallic material.

[0027] The body 12 includes a plurality of mounting or attachment holes 32 (also located in the Figure 2 1 and 2. The through plate 10 is shown in FIG. 2 , which is disposed along the exterior 14 of the body 12 and which is assembled with an insert 34 configured to be fixedly attached within the attachment hole 32. In an example, the insert 34 is metal and is sized and configured to accommodate attachment with a fastening element (not shown) that is used to mount and secure the attachment of the through plate 10 to the footboard or panel. In an example, the fastening element is a threaded fastener or screw that threadably engages the insert 34 to mount the through plate 10 to the footboard. The body surface 24 includes a recessed channel that extends along a peripheral edge of the surface 24 and is configured to accommodate placement of a sealing member 36 therein. The sealing member 36 protrudes outwardly from the surface 24 a distance and is used to provide a seal, which can be a leak-proof seal, between the through plate 10 and the footboard when the through plate is attached thereto by compression of the seal against an adjacent surface of the footboard. It should be understood that the use of the sealing member 36 and the provision of a seal between the pass plate 10 and the footboard is optional and may not be required in certain end-use applications.

[0028] The body 12 may include one or more electrical terminals, conductors, and power posts 42 and 44 disposed through the body 12 and extending between the surfaces 24 and 26 to provide electrical or power transmission between the vehicle compartments. The electrical conductors, terminals, or power posts may be similar or different in size depending on the particular end-use application and may be connected to the through plate using a receptacle opening in the through plate body 12 configured to accommodate attachment thereto.

[0029] Figure 3 The through plate 10 as disclosed above is shown, specifically showing the surface 26 which is opposite the surface 24 and which extends into the passenger compartment when used in a vehicle application. The surface 26 includes a plug 46 which is disposed in an attachment hole (e.g. Figure 1 and Figure 2 32) to seal the hole.

[0030] As disclosed herein and Figure 1 and Figure 2 The illustrated example through plate 10 is characterized by the presence of upper and lower retaining features 48, 49, which are respectively disposed along the upper and lower short sides 20, 22 of the body and are each configured to extend a distance outwardly from the body surface 24. The upper retaining features 48 are provided in the form of a pair of upper retaining elements 50 (e.g., Figure 1 ), which are laterally spaced a distance apart from each other between the attachment holes 32 provided at opposite corners of the upper short sides.

[0031] refer to Figure 4 Each upper retaining element 50 is positioned a distance below the top edge 52 of the body 12 and includes a first portion 54 that projects perpendicularly outward from the body surface 24 a distance to a second portion 56, with the second portion 56 curved upwardly away from the first portion 54 to an end 58. In the example, the second portion 56, adjacent the end 58, is oriented generally parallel to the body surface 24 and perpendicular to the first portion 54. In the example, the distance between the upper retaining element second portion 56 and the body surface 24 is greater than the depth of the footboard opening defined between the opposing footboard surfaces. In the example, the upper retaining element 50 is configured to be positioned within the footboard opening and engage the back surface of the footboard adjacent the upper portion of the footboard opening to maintain the pass-through board 10 within the upper portion of the footboard opening during installation of the pass-through board (discussed in detail below). The example upper retaining element 50 may optionally include a C-shaped channel portion 60 extending outwardly from the end 58 to accommodate attachment of a cover or the like (not shown) if it is desired to place a cover over the footboard opening once the pass-through board is installed.

[0032] Figure 5The example disclosed herein is shown through a portion 70 of the plate body 12, which includes the upper retaining element 50, which is similar to the upper retaining element 50 shown above with reference to FIG. Figure 4 The upper retaining element 50 shown is configured in the same manner, except that Figure 5 The upper retaining element 50 includes only the first portion 54, the second portion 56, and the end portion 58, and does not include the optional C-shaped channel portion. The upper retaining element 50 disclosed herein (as described in more detail below) is characterized in that it is configured to form a hinge point with the upper portion of the opening through the footrest during installation to provide alignment of the through plate within the opening and facilitate downward rotation of the remaining portion of the through plate toward the remaining portion of the footrest opening.

[0033] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the lower retaining feature 49 is provided in the form of a pair of lower retaining elements 72 which are laterally spaced apart from one another between inserts 34 provided in attachment holes 32 provided at opposite corners through the lower short side 22 of the plate. Figure 6 A portion 85 of an example pass-through board body 12 disclosed herein is shown, comprising a lower retaining element 72 disposed a distance above the bottom edge 74 of the body 12 and including a first portion 76 that projects vertically outwardly a distance from the body surface 24 to a second portion 78 that extends vertically downwardly a distance from the first portion 76 and forms an end 80. In the example, the end 80 comprises an upwardly angled surface that moves upwardly away from the body surface 24. In the example, the distance between the lower retaining element second portion 78 and the body surface 24 is slightly greater than the depth of the footrest opening defined between the opposing footrest surfaces. In the example, the lower retaining element 72 is configured to be disposed in the lower portion of the footrest opening and, during installation of the pass-through board, engage the back surface of the footrest to maintain the pass-through board in place within the lower opening (as described in detail below). In the example, the angled surface of the lower retaining element end 80 is used to facilitate passage of the lower retaining element end 80 across the edge of the lower portion of the footrest opening during through-plate installation, whereby the angled surface operates to move upward or deflect the through-plate to allow the lower retaining element 72 to pass into and through the lower portion of the footrest opening.

[0034] It should be understood that the configurations of the upper retaining elements 50 and the lower retaining elements 72 used with the pass-through plate 10 disclosed herein can vary from those specifically disclosed and illustrated while performing the same function of retaining the pass-through plate 10 within the footrest opening during installation of the pass-through plate with the footrest opening, and all such configurations capable of performing this function are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. Although the upper retaining elements 50 and the lower retaining elements 72 have been illustrated as being present in pairs, it should be understood that the upper retaining elements 50 and the lower retaining elements 72 disclosed herein can be present and configured in the form of a single upper retaining element 50 and / or lower retaining element 72, or can be present in the form of more than two upper retaining elements 50 and / or lower retaining elements 72, depending on the particular configuration and / or end-use application of the pass-through plate disclosed herein. Such upper retaining elements 50 and lower retaining elements 72 are characterized in that they are integral with the pass-through plate 10 and form a one-piece construction therewith, and are not provided as separate elements that are joined to the pass-through plate 10 prior to or during installation with the footrest opening.

[0035] Figure 7 An initial state 90 of the installation of the example pass-through plate 10 disclosed herein with an opening 92 through a footrest 94 is shown. In this initial state 90 of installation, the pass-through plate 10 is aligned with the footrest opening 92 such that the top edge 52 of the body 12 is adjacent to the upper portion 96 of the footrest opening 92. The pass-through plate 10 is oriented in an upwardly tilted position such that the pass-through plate retaining elements 50 extend through the upper portion 96 of the footrest opening 92 and engage the back surface 98 of the footrest 94 adjacent to the upper portion 96 of the opening. In this state, a portion of the pass-through plate body surface 24 adjacent to the upper short side top edge 52 of the body contacts the front surface 100 of the footrest 94 adjacent to the upper portion 96 of the opening. The curved configuration ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 56) is operated to simplify this process, and the end of each upper holding element 50 ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 58) shown operates to maintain engagement of the through plate 10 within the upper portion 96 of the footrest opening while also supporting the through plate 10 upwardly.

[0036] Figure 8A Shown with respect to the above and Figure 7The initial state 90 of installation is shown followed by a subsequent state 120 of installation of the through plate 10. This installed state 120 is achieved by maintaining upward support on the through plate 10, thereby maintaining engagement of the upper retaining element 50 with the upper portion 96 of the footrest opening, while simultaneously moving or pivoting the lower portion of the through plate toward the lower portion 122 of the footrest opening 92. With the upward support maintained on the through plate 10 and such pivotal movement provided by the upper retaining element 50, the lower retaining element 72 passes through the lower portion 122 of the footrest opening 92 and contacts the footrest front side surface 100 adjacent the body surface 24 of the lower portion of the through plate. Figure 8B As best shown, in this installed state 120, the pass plate 10 is still supported upwardly so that the lower retaining element 72 is disposed above the lower portion 122 of the footrest opening and each lower retaining element second portion ( Figure 6 78) is not yet in contact with the back surface 98 of the footrest.

[0037] Figure 9 Shown with respect to the above and Figure 8A The through plate 10 is shown in a subsequent state 140 of installation of the through plate 10 to the installation state 120 shown. The installation state 140 is achieved by removing the upward support from the through plate 10 while maintaining the position of the through plate 10 adjacent to the footrest opening 92. After removing such upward support, the through plate 10 is allowed to move / slide downward within the footrest opening 92 a certain distance so that the second portion of each lower retaining element 72 (such as Figure 6 78) engages the back surface 98 of the footrest, so that the through plate 10 is in a rest position in the footrest opening 92. In this state, the second portion of the upper retaining element (such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 56) and the lower retaining element second portion (as shown Figure 6 78) engages the backside surface 98 of the footrest 94 adjacent the corresponding footrest opening upper portion 96 and lower portion 122. Additionally, in this rest position, the plate attachment holes and inserts (32 and 34, respectively) are engaged. Figure 1) is oriented to align with the attachment opening or hole 124 in the footboard to facilitate attachment of the two by using a fastening member (not shown), such as a threaded fastener. In the example, the upper retaining element 50 and the lower retaining element 72 (specifically, the first portions 54 and 76 of the upper retaining element 50 and the lower retaining element 72, respectively) are arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a distance that is less than the distance between the upper and lower portions 96, 122 of the footboard opening to enable such movement of the pass-through plate within the footboard opening 92. In addition, the upper retaining element 50 and the lower retaining element 72 (specifically, the second portions 56 and 78 of the upper and lower retaining elements 50 and 72, respectively) are arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a distance that is greater than the distance between the upper and lower portions 96, 122 of the footboard opening to maintain the pass-through plate in place within the footboard opening 92 to facilitate attachment by using a fastening member.

[0038] A feature of the pass-through plate 10 disclosed herein, including the upper retaining element 50 and the lower retaining element 72, is that the weight of the pass-through plate 10, which typically includes electrical components in the form of wiring harnesses and stresses exerted thereon during the installation process, operates to cause the pass-through plate 10 to move downwardly by gravity once upward support is removed to ensure secure engagement of the lower retaining element 72 with the lower portion 122 of the footrest opening 92. Thus, the lower retaining element 72 is configured to allow the weight of the pass-through plate 10 to provide secure mounting engagement with the footrest opening 92. Another feature is that the upper retaining element 50 is configured to engage and align with the footrest opening upper portion 96 to align the pass-through plate 10 relative to the footrest opening 92 in a technician-independent manner during subsequent stages of installation of the pass-through plate 10.

[0039] The disclosed pass-through board 10 features the positioning and configuration of the upper and lower retaining elements 50, 72 extending from the body surface 24 to ensure engagement, registration, installation, and retention of the pass-through board 10 within the footrest opening 92 in the manner disclosed and illustrated, eliminating the awkward and time-consuming process associated with attaching conventional pass-through boards. Another feature is that the weight of the pass-through board 10 and the wiring harness disposed therethrough acts to securely engage the lower retaining element 72 with the footrest opening 92, thereby securely attaching the pass-through board 10 to the footrest. Furthermore, the upper and lower retaining elements 50, 72 being an integral part of the pass-through board body 12 eliminate the need for separate retaining elements, which can be difficult to attach and / or maintain in position to ensure proper alignment of the pass-through board 10 relative to the footrest 94 for secure attachment.

[0040] The foregoing description and accompanying drawings illustrate the principles, preferred embodiments, and modes of operation of the pass-through plate disclosed herein. However, the pass-through plate should not be construed as limited to the specific embodiments discussed above. Those skilled in the art will appreciate other variations of the above-described embodiments. Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. Therefore, it should be understood that those skilled in the art may modify those embodiments without departing from the scope of the pass-through plate as defined in the appended claims.

[0041] For example, the steps recited in any method or process description may be performed in any order and are not limited to the order presented. In addition, any function or step may be outsourced to or performed by one or more third parties. The systems, devices, and methods described herein may be modified, added to, or omitted without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, the components of the systems and devices may be integrated or separated. In addition, the operations of the systems and devices disclosed herein may be performed by more, fewer, or other components, and the methods described may include more, fewer, or other steps. In addition, the steps may be performed in any suitable order. As used herein, "each" refers to each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set. In addition, any reference to the singular includes multiple embodiments, and any reference to non-plural components may include a singular embodiment. Although specific advantages have been listed herein, various embodiments may include some, none, or all of the listed advantages.

[0042] In the detailed description herein, references to "in an example," "various embodiments," "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an example embodiment," etc., indicate that the described embodiments may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, it is contemplated that it is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described. After reading the specification, it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art how to implement the present disclosure in alternative embodiments.

Claims

1. A plate (10) for passing one or more electrical components therethrough, the plate being adapted to be attached to an external object having an opening, the plate comprising: a body (12) comprising opposing first and second surfaces; a plurality of holes (32) disposed along the first surface (24) along a peripheral edge of the body for attaching the body (12) to an external object (94); one or more openings (28) disposed through the body and extending between opposing peripheral edges of the body for receiving one or more electrical components therethrough; one or more first retaining elements (50), each of which projects outwardly a distance from the first surface (24) and is disposed adjacent a top portion of the peripheral edge of the body, wherein each first retaining element has a first portion that projects outwardly in a direction perpendicular to the first surface and has a second portion that projects upwardly away from the first portion to a terminal end of the first retaining element that is located above the second portion; as well as one or more second retaining elements (72), each second retaining element projecting outwardly a distance from the first surface and disposed adjacent a bottom portion of the peripheral edge of the body, wherein each second retaining element has a first portion projecting outwardly in a direction perpendicular to the first surface and has a second portion projecting downwardly away from the first portion of the second retaining element to a terminal end of the second retaining element located below the second portion of the second retaining element; wherein the one or more first retaining elements (50) are configured to retain a top portion of the plate within a top portion of an external object opening (92) in an external object (94), and the one or more second retaining elements (72) are configured to retain a bottom portion of the plate within a bottom portion of an external object opening (92) in the external object (94), wherein the first portion of the first retaining element and the terminal end of the second retaining element are positioned non-deformably away from each other by a distance that is less than a distance between relative tops and bottoms of an opening of the external object, wherein the second portion of the first retaining element extends a different length than the second portion of the second retaining element, and wherein the second portion of the first retaining element has a surface extending between the first portion of the first retaining element and the terminal end of the first retaining element, the surface having a shape that is different from a surface of the second portion of the second retaining element extending between the first portion of the second retaining element and the terminal end of the second retaining element.

2. A plate (10) as described in claim 1, wherein the first portion of the one or more first retaining elements (50) and the first portion of the one or more second retaining elements (72) extend vertically from the first surface (24) and the first portions are longitudinally spaced apart from each other on the body to allow the plate to move up and down relative to the external object opening (92) in the external object (94) when the first retaining elements and the second retaining elements are arranged in the respective top and bottom of the external object opening (92).

3. A plate (10) as described in claim 2, wherein the second portion of the one or more first retaining elements (50) extends in an upward direction from the first portion of the one or more first retaining elements (50) to retain the plate in the top of the external object opening when the plate is placed in the top of the external object opening.

4. A plate (10) as described in claim 2, wherein the second portion of the one or more second retaining elements (72) extends in a downward direction from the first portion of the one or more second retaining elements (72) to retain the plate in the bottom of the external object opening when the plate is placed in the bottom of the external object opening.

5. The panel (10) of claim 1, wherein the first and second retaining elements (50, 72) are longitudinally disposed along the body (12) such that when disposed within the external object opening (92) in the external object (94), the holes (32) disposed along the peripheral edge of the body (12) are aligned with attachment holes in the external object.

6. A through plate (10) for attachment to an external object (94), the through plate comprising: a body (12) having a thickness defined along a peripheral edge between opposed first and second surfaces (24, 26), the body having one or more openings (28) disposed therethrough and between the opposed peripheral edges for receiving one or more electrical components therethrough, the body including a plurality of holes (32) extending along the peripheral edge of the body for attaching the plate (10) to the external object (94); first retaining elements (50), each disposed along a top portion of the body (12) and configured to engage and extend along a top portion of the external object opening (92) in the external object (94), the first retaining elements being integral with the body, wherein each first retaining element includes a first portion projecting outwardly from a first surface and a second portion extending in an upward direction from the first portion to a terminal end; and second retaining elements (72), each second retaining element being disposed along a bottom portion of the body (12) and configured to engage and extend along a bottom portion of the external object opening (92), the second retaining element being integral with the body, wherein the first and second retaining elements (50, 72) operate together to retain the panel (10) within the external object opening (92) when engaged with the panel, wherein each second retaining element includes a first portion projecting outwardly from a first surface and a second portion extending in a downward direction from the first portion of the second retaining element to a terminal end, wherein the second portion of the first retaining element includes an upwardly facing surface having an offset angle greater than 90 degrees measured from the first portion of the first retaining element, wherein the second portion of the first retaining element is configured differently from the second portion of the second retaining element, and wherein the first portion of the first retaining element is spaced apart from a terminal end of the second retaining element by a distance that is less than a distance between relative top and bottom portions of an external object opening of the external object.

7. The panel (10) of claim 6, wherein the body (12) is rectangular in shape, with the top portion of the body and the bottom portion of the body located along opposing short sides of the body.

8. The panel (10) of claim 6, wherein the body (12) is rectangular in shape and the opening (28) extends between opposite long sides of the body and is separated by a cross-beam (30) element integral with the body.

9. The plate (10) of claim 6, wherein the plurality of holes (32) are configured to accommodate placement of corresponding fastening elements therein to attach the plate (10) to the external object (94).

10. A panel (10) as described in claim 8, wherein the first portion of the first retaining element (50) extends a certain distance vertically outward from the body, and the second portion of the first retaining element (50) extends away from the first portion at an upward angle, wherein the length of the first portion of the first retaining element (50) is greater than the thickness of the external object opening (92).

11. A panel (10) as described in claim 10, wherein a first portion of the second retaining element (72) extends vertically outward from the body, and a second portion of the second retaining element (72) extends away from the first portion of the second retaining element (72) at a downward angle, wherein the length of the first portion of the second retaining element is greater than the thickness of the external object opening (92).

12. The panel (10) of claim 11, wherein a distance between the first portion of each of the first and second retaining elements is less than a distance between a top and a bottom of the external object opening (92).

13. A panel (10) as described in claim 11, wherein the second portions of each of the first retaining element and the second retaining element extend away from each other in opposite directions, and wherein the distance between the ends of each of the second portions of the first retaining element and the second retaining element is greater than the distance between the top and the bottom of the external object opening (92).

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