Abstrict A clamping device is used to push a test button on an exit sign
or emergency light. The clamp can be attached without damaging various
signs and lights. The clamp includes a channel (40), which guides
an adjustable protruding object to push a test button located on
the bottom of the exit sign or emergency light. The clamp can test
exit signs and emergency lights that are wall mounted by modifying
the base (10) with a flat back (130). The clamp can also be used
in conjunction with an extension arm (90) to reach test buttons
located at a distance from the bottom.
Claims We claim:
1. A method to activate a test button on an emergency exit sign
or other emergency lighting systems using a clamp comprising a generally
U-shaped member (10) with an elongated base, a first side, and a
second side, an elongated longitudinal channel (40) formed on the
lower region of the base between said first and second sides, a
threaded hole formed on said first side of the base member through
which a first threaded bolt (50) is attached, and a second threaded
bolt (20) releasably attached to the base through the channel using
a nut (30) and comprising the steps of: (a) locating said emergency
exit sign or other emergency lighting system; (b) locating a test
button on a side of said emergency exit sign or other emergency
lighting system; (c) placing said U-shaped member on said emergency
exit sign or other emergency lighting system so that the U-shaped
member generally surrounds said emergency exit sign or other emergency
lighting system and said elongated channel is opposite said side
comprising said test button; and an inner surface of said second
side is in contact with said emergency exit sign or other emergency
lighting system; (d) locating by moving along said channel said
second bolt directly opposite said test button; (e) securing from
further movement of said second bolt along elongated channel using
said nut; (f) moving said U-shaped base member in a direction so
that said second bolt contacts with and subsequently activates said
test button; and (g) turning said first threaded bolt member in
a direction to releasably secure said clamp against said emergency
exit sign or other emergency lighting system within said U-shaped
member.
2. The method according to claim 1 further comprising the steps
of: (a) upon completion of testing, turning said first bolt in a
direction to release and subsequently remove said U-shaped member
from said emergency exit sign or other emergency lighting system;
and (b) repeating the steps of claim 1 for additional emergency
exit signs or other emergency lighting systems as required.
3. A method to activate a test button on an emergency exit sign
or other emergency lighting systems using a clamp comprising a generally
U-shaped member (10) with an elongated base, a first side, and a
second side, an elongated longitudinal channel (40) formed on the
lower region of the base between said first and second sides, a
threaded hole formed on said first side of the base member through
which a first threaded bolt (50) is attached, and a third threaded
bolt (100) attached to a flat member (90) and comprising the steps
of: (a) locating said emergency exit sign or other emergency lighting
system; (b) locating a test button on a front or back of said emergency
exit sign or other emergency lighting system; (c) placing said U-shaped
member on said emergency exit sign or other emergency lighting system
so that the U-shaped member generally surrounds said emergency exit
sign or other emergency lighting system and said flat member opposite
said front or back comprising said test button; and locating, by
moving said flat member, said third bolt directly opposite said
test button; (d) while holding said third bolt directly opposite
said test button, moving an inner surface of said second side to
be in contact with said emergency exit sign or other emergency lighting
system; (e) turning said first threaded bolt member in a direction
to releasably secure said clamp and said flat member against said
emergency exit sign or other emergency lighting system and within
said U-shaped member, subsequently activating said test button.
4. The method according to claim 3 further comprising the steps
of: (a) upon completion of testing, turning said first bolt in a
direction to release and subsequently remove said U-shaped member
said flat member from said emergency exit sign or other emergency
lighting system; and (b) repeating the steps of claim 3 additional
emergency exit signs or other emergency lighting systems as required.
Description CROSSREFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
Not applicable.
BACKGROUND
1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to exit signs and emergency lights, a device
specifically to push a test button located on most of these devices.
2. Description of Prior Art
Most buildings require exit signs and emergency lights to direct
individuals out of the building in an emergency. These signs and
lights are to be tested in order to check that they function properly
in the event of an emergency. A test button is located on most of
these devices in various locations. By pressing the test button,
the sign or light switches to test mode.
There are currently no clamps or tools designed specifically for
this application. One method available is to physically hold the
button or to tape the button down. Many existing clamping devices
are not designed to work with test buttons located on the bottom
or sides of an exit sign or emergency light.
A conventional clamp comprises a generally c-shaped frame having
first end provided with a threaded bore and a second, opposite end
provided with a flat object engaging surface. An elongated threaded
screw is threadably relievable within the threaded bore. C-shaped,
u-shaped and l-shaped clamps lack specific protruding parts. These
type of clamps damage the sign and light and are unable to reach
the test button.
Our exit sign and emergency light testing-clamp can push the test
button for any period of time.
SUMMARY
In accordance with the present invention an exit sign and emergency
light testing-clamp comprises of an u-shaped tool that can attach
and press the testing button on an exit sign or emergency light.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
Accordingly, besides the objects and advantages of the exit sign
and emergency light testing-clamp described in my above patent,
several objects and advantages of the present invention are: (a)
to provide a new tool to test emergency light and exit signs according
to local building and safety codes. (b) to provide a tool to hold
a test button on the emergency light and exit signs for any length
of time, thus eliminating the need to stand and wait. (c) to provide
a tool that will not damage the exterior of the exit sign and exit
light. (d) to provide a method so that many exit signs and emergency
light can be tested at one location using multiple testing-clamps.
Further objects and advantages are to provide a method to meet
the standard building codes requiring a 90-minute test of exit signs
and emergency lights. This test can now be performed using this
tool. The codes that govern testing of exit signs and emergency
lights are listed in the following references: 1) Standard Fire
Prevention Code 1999 807.1.4 Exit Illumination and Signs; 2) Occupational
Safety and Health Administration--Department of Labor, section 1910.36;
3) National Fire Protection Agency 101-1997 edition, section 5-9.3;
and many locals codes. Still further objects and advantages will
become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description.
DRAWING FIGURES
In the drawings, closely related figures have the same number but
different alphabetic suffixes
FIGS. 1A to 1D shows various aspects of a testing-clamp from a
side view, front view, back view and top view.
FIGS. 2A to 2B shows a similar testing-clamp with movable parts
adjusted
FIGS. 3A to 3B shows a modified testing-clamp with similar parts
and adjusted base.
FIGS. 4A to 4C shows a testing-clamp with an extension arm with
a side view, front view, and back view.
FIG. 5 shows a testing-clamp attached to a typical exit light
FIG. 6 shows a testing-clamp attached to a surfaced mounted exit
sign
FIG. 7 shows a testing-clamp and an extension arm attached to a
exit sign
REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS
10 u-shaped base 70 push button bolt cap 20 push button bolt 80
base inside gripper 30 push button nut 90 extension arm 40 channel
95 extension arm hole 45 hole 100 extension arm screw 50 main bolt
110 extension arm cap 60 main screw cap 120 L-shaped base 130 flat
back
DESCRIPTION--FIGS. 1A-1D--Preferred Embodiment
A preferred embodiment of the testing-clamp of the present invention
is illustrated in FIG. 1-A(side view), FIG. 1B (front view), FIG.
1C (back view), and FIG. 1-D (top view). The testing-clamp is an
u-shaped base 10 consisting of a metal, such as aluminum, and has
overall dimensions roughly 40 mm in height.times.90 mm in length.times.15
mm in width. However the u-shaped base can consist of any other
material that can be rigid such as plastic or nylon and the dimension
can vary as needed. Attached to the base on the inside is a gripping
device 80. This is a rubber material that protects and grips a device
in the testing-clamp.
Cut into the base 10 is a longitudinal channel 40 and has a dimension
of roughly 60 mm lenght.times.6 mm wide. Connected to the base through
this longitudinal channel 40 are a bolt 20 and a nut 30. These two
parts slide along the longitudinal channel 40. They can be tightened
at any point thus making 20 and 30 stationary. On the top of the
bolt 20 is a cap 70. The cap is rubber.
Cut into the base 10 by machining is a hole 45. This hole 45 is
threaded to fit a bolt 50. A bolt 50 is 60 mm in length and made
up of a rigid plastic. On the end of a bolt 50 is a cap 60 made
of rubber. However, this bolt 50 can consist of other rigid materials
such as nylon or various metals
FIGS. 2A and 2B show the testing-clamp with adjustable parts in
different positions. FIG. 2A shows a testing-clamp with bolt 50
closed position and a bolt 20 and nut 30 moved to a back position.
FIG. 2B shows a testing-clamp with a bolt 50 in an open position
and a bolt 20 and nut 30 moved to a front position.
FIGS. 3A-4C--Additional Embodiments
There are various possibilities with the regard to the relative
disposition of a testing-clamp. FIG. 3A shows a testing-clamp with
an adjust L-shaped base 120 and an attached flat back 130 with dimensions
roughly 15 mm wide.times.40 mm height.times.2mm thick; in FIG. 3B
shows a similar testing-clamp from a front view.
FIGS. 4A-4C shows a testing-clamp and an extension arm 90 with
dimensions roughly 15 mm wide.times.100 mm long.times.5 mm thick.
Cut into an extension arm 90 by machining is a hole 95 threaded
to fit a bolt 100. This bolt 100 is adjustable with a length of
25 mm and is made of a rigid plastic. On the end of a bolt 100 is
a cap 110 made of rubber. However, this bolt 100 and extension arm
90 can consist of other rigid materials such as nylon or various
metals.
Advantages
From the description above of additional embodiments, a number
of advantages of our exit sign and emergency light testing-clamp
become evident: (a) Many different styles of exit signs and emergency
light with test buttons in various locations can be tested. (b)
Exit signs and emergency lights surfaced mounted can be tested.
Operation--FIGS. 1 3 4 5 6 7
The manner of using the exit sign and emergency light testing-clamp
is shown in FIG. 5. Namely, the testing-clamp FIGS. 1A-D is attached
to the exit sign or emergency light generally in a perpendicular
plane by adjusting the main bolt 50. The testing-clamp is placed
in a manor so that the push button bolt 20 and nut 30 is placed
below the test button and secured into position. When the main bolt
is tightened to secure the testing-clamp the push button exerts
pressure on the test button of the exit light.
To remove the testing-clamp, one must loosen the main bolt 50 until
the testing-clamp slides off the emergency light or exit sign.
As shown in FIG. 6 when an exit sign is mounted closely to a wall,
testing-clamp in FIG. 3A is to be used. FIG. 3A testing-clamp is
attached to the exit sign or emergency light generally in a perpendicular
plane by adjusting the main bolt 50. The clamp is placed in a manor
so that the push button bolt 20 and nut 30 is placed below the test
button and secured into position. When the main bolt is tightened
to secure the testing-clamp the push button exerts pressure on the
test button of the exit light.
As shown in FIG. 7 when an exit sign has a test button located
at a distance an extension arm 90 is needed. Namely, the testing-clamp
FIGS. 1A-D or FIGS. 3A-3B is attached to the exit sign or emergency
light generally in a perpendicular plane by adjusting the main bolt
50. The testing-clamp is placed in a manor so that the extension
arm 90 can reach the test button. When a main bolt is tightened
to secure the testing-clamp the extension arm 90 and extension arm
bolt 100 exerts pressure on the test button of the exit light.
Conclusion, Ramifications, and Scope
Accordingly, the reader will see that the exit sign and emergency
light testing-clamp can be used to push the test button on most
exit signs or emergency lights easily and conveniently. The testing-clamp
can be removed just as easily and without damage to the exit sign
or exit light. In addition the testing-clamp can be modified to
reach test buttons located at a distance or that are mounted close
to walls. Further more, the testing-clamp has the additional advantages
in that it is the first tool designed for this specification application.
it is light weight and can clamp to most exit signs and exit lights.
it provides a means to reach most test buttons it holds a test button
on the emergency light and exit signs for any length of time, thus
eliminating the need to stand and wait.
Although the description above contains many specificities, these
should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but
as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred
embodiments of this innovation. For example the testing-clamp can
have other colors, different sizes, and different materials, etc.
Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended
claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples
given. |