With Support Patents (Class 220/3.9)
  • Patent number: 6669041
    Abstract: A service box for mounting in a floor includes a rigid container having walls and a lid for covering an upper opening in the container. The opening provides access into a cavity defined by the container. The container has access apertures in the walls for receiving service conduits such as cables, wires, or the like therethrough. The walls include sides which are closely adjacent the floor when the container is mounted in the floor. The container is adapted for mounting of service outlets in the cavity in service communication, that is, electrical communication or telecommunication with the service conduits. At least one recess is formed in the sides. Each recess has a side opening exposing the recess horizontally outwardly of the sides. An elongate first threaded member such as a bolt is rotatably and generally vertically mounted within each recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Spider Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Gordon S. Almond
  • Patent number: 6642445
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a protector plate that can be readily secured to furring strips in a manner that reduces and/or eliminates any bowing or deflection of the furring strip during installation. This protector plate is to be located on the furring strip so that its face panel is positioned to protect any service component located there behind from nails, screws or other anchors that may be subsequently driven into the wall. The protector plate contains a front panel having a flange secured thereto with prongs, tabs, sawteeth or other securing assembly jutting or extending from this flange. This securing assembly is designed to penetrate the furring strip along its stronger axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Lalancette
  • Patent number: 6595479
    Abstract: An electrical fixture mounting assembly is provided for quickly and easily mounting an electrical fixture to a brace assembly. The electrical fixture mounting assembly includes an electrical box, a brace assembly and a bracket. The brace assembly is mounted between joists located above an aperture in a ceiling. A bracket is snap-fitted onto the brace assembly. Protrusions on the bracket prevent substantial movement of the bracket during installation of the electrical box. Tabs on the bracket engage openings in the electrical box, thereby facilitating alignment of the electrical box with the bracket. An electrical box is secured to the brace assembly by the bracket and fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven J. Johnson, Richard Swanson
  • Patent number: 6573449
    Abstract: A floor stand having two parallel uprights mounts an electrical box having a plaster ring, via fasteners passing between the parallel uprights, whereby the parallel uprights are clamped between the plaster ring and the electrical box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Peter A. Vrame
  • Patent number: 6452813
    Abstract: This invention is a one-piece terminal or junction device for a low-voltage linear distribution system. The terminal device is formed in one piece with a terminal plate that may be easily removed and inserted into slots in the back of the terminal device to serve as a conduit mounting point or a cable tie-off. An opening in the terminal plate is of adjustable size to accommodate different sizes of conduit. The invention may be installed in the roughing out phase of new construction. After the interior wall is installed and a system device is hooked up, screwing down the faceplate brings the terminal device into firm contact with the back of the wall for a secure, tight installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 6429371
    Abstract: There is provided an electrical block, which cures those deficiencies outlined above of providing a mount, and a separate electrical box. The mount has a base that is adapted to be secured to an exterior surface of a structure. The mount also has a housing extending from the base that has an opening formed therein to receive an electrical box. The electrical box includes a base, plurality walls extending from the base. The walls have an upper portion, which is received in the opening of the housing such that the electrical box is securely retained. One of the walls of the electrical box defines a second opening formed within the electrical box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Schiedegger, Aundrea Nurenberg, Clyde D. Allen, J. Richard Logan
  • Patent number: 6423899
    Abstract: Mounting assembly includes a junction box having a top wall and a downwardly extending side wall that define a cavity therein. A side mount may be disposed adjacent the junction box. A fixture support may be provided; and the side mount, the junction box, and the fixture support are disposed so that substantially all forces exerted on the fixture support are transferred to the side mount. The side mount may be attached to the junction box and may include a mounting plate configured for being secured to a support surface. The mounting plate may extend away from the junction box and may extend over the top wall of the junction box. A fastener may be provided which secures the side mount to the junction box. A fastener may be provided for securing the side mount to the support surface. The junction box may be made of plastic and the side mount may be made of metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Reiker Enterprises of Northwest Florida, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth H. Reiker
  • Patent number: 6389658
    Abstract: A clip for mounting an object such as an electrical box on a stud is provided which comprises a fist side portion for engaging a first surface of the stud; a second side portion for engaging a second surface of the stud; the second side portion including at least one box clip arm for securing the electrical box to the clip; and at least one support member extending between the electrical box and the second surface of the stud for substantially preventing flexing of the clip and inward movement of the electrical box when a force is applied generally inwardly of the electrical box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Jerome Pfaller, Mark Anthony Bailey
  • Patent number: 6384334
    Abstract: An electrical junction box includes a box enclosure having an open face supporting a pair of downwardly extending shorter length tabs on its upper edge and a pair of upwardly extending longer tabs on its lower edge. A riser having a base for attachment to a floor track within a wall or partition includes an opening formed therein to define a box mounting portion of the riser. The box mounting portion of the riser further includes a pair of upper slots having a spacing therebetween corresponding to the spacing between the upper tabs of the junction box. The box mounting portion of the riser further includes a pair of lower slots having a spacing therebetween corresponding to the upwardly extending lower tabs of the junction box. The slots are formed as generally rectangular punched U-shaped members having rear surfaces which define respective apertures therein. The upper tabs and lower tabs of the junction box define corresponding apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Ronald D. Webb
  • Patent number: 6359220
    Abstract: An electrical block trim assembly that has a mount, a decorative ring, and a separate electrical box is provided. The mount has a base adapted to be secured to an exterior surface of a structure. The mount also has a housing extending from the base with a top portion that has an opening. Exterior covering, or siding, is attached to the exterior surface to surround a portion of the mount. A decorative ring is secured to the mount over the siding to conceal the edges of the siding that are adjacent to the mount. The decorative ring has an inner perimeter that is adjacent to the housing. An electrical box having walls with an upper portion is securely received and retained within the opening. The electrical box is interposed between the exterior surface and the top portion. The electrical box may be constructed of a different material than the mount and decorative ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventors: Charles E. Schiedegger, Aundrea Nurenberg, Clyde D. Allen, Michael C. Clark, J. Richard Logan
  • Patent number: 6343947
    Abstract: An electrical junction block is provided with a latching device adapted to engage a retaining tab in a support structure. The latching device includes a first cantilever beam extending from one edge of an upper surface of the junction block and having a free end extending beyond the centerline of the junction block and a tab channel in alignment with a centerline of the junction block. A second retention beam extends from a location adjacent an opposite edge of the upper surface of the junction block and overlaps a portion of the free end of the first cantilever beam. When a junction block provided with a latch of the present invention is inserted in a frame with a retaining tab, the junction block may be inserted from either of two opposite directions. When the junction block is inserted such that the retaining tab first engages the latch adjacent the one edge, the first cantilever beam is depressed against the tab until the tab channel is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Inventor: Norman R. Byrne
  • Patent number: 6332597
    Abstract: A supporting structure, including a bracket brace and a bracket is disclosed. Preferably, the brace has an inside section and an outside section that move relative to each other. A portion of the inside section can be positioned completely within the outside section and each of the inside and outside sections have a pair of vertical portions. The brace also has a slot extending through the inside and outside sections. The bracket is coupled to the inside section of the brace and to each of the vertical portions of the outside sections of the brace. The bracket also has a coupling members in the form of threaded openings to secure a supported member; such as an electrical junction box, against the brace to prohibit relative movement between the brace and the bracket. The brace and bracket allow new, heavier lighting fixtures and ceiling fans to be safely supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Krzysztof W. Korcz, Richard Swanson
  • Patent number: 6310287
    Abstract: An electrical block trim assembly that has a mount, a decorative ring, and a separate electrical box is provided. The mount has a base adapted to be secured to an exterior surface of a structure. The mount also has a housing extending from the base with a top portion that has an opening. Exterior covering, or siding, is attached to the exterior surface to surround a portion of the mount. A decorative ring is secured to the mount over the siding to conceal the edges of the siding that are adjacent to the mount. The decorative ring has an inner perimeter that is adjacent to the housing. An electrical box having walls with an upper portion is securely received and retained within the opening. The electrical box is interposed between the exterior surface and the top portion. The electrical box may be constructed of a different material than the mount and decorative ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Schiedegger, Aundrea Nurenberg, Clyde D. Allen, Michael C. Clark, J. Richard Logan
  • Patent number: 6303862
    Abstract: Mounting assembly includes a junction box having a top wall and a side wall. The side wall extends downwardly away from the top wall and defines a cavity therein. An auxiliary cavity may be provided adjacent to and outside of the cavity. A support may be provided that is at least partially within the auxiliary cavity. A dimpled hole may be provided in the top wall, and the supplemental fixture support extends into the dimpled hole for engaging at least a portion of the walls thereof. A threaded hole may be provided on the supplemental fixture support. The supplemental fixture support may be a stud or rivet. A rough surface or fluting may be provided on a portion of said support for engaging the walls of the dimpled hole. Preferably, the supplemental fixture support has exposed portions which are sufficiently smooth for preventing wear to plastic-coated electrical wire which engages such exposed surfaces of the fixture support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Reiker Enterprises of Northwest Florida, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth H. Reiker
  • Patent number: 6291768
    Abstract: An electrical junction box or mounting assembly includes a box having a top wall and a side wall. The side wall extends downwardly away from the top wall and defines a cavity therein. An auxiliary fixture support is disposed in the cavity. An opening or seat is provided in the side wall, and the auxiliary fixture support extends into such opening or seat. A threaded hole may be provided on the auxiliary fixture support. The auxiliary fixture support may be a lug. Preferably, the fixture support has an extension for engaging a side wall of the junction box for counteracting any tendency of the support to move or rotate when carrying a fixture or ceiling fan. Preferably, the auxiliary fixture support is sufficiently smooth for preventing wear to plastic-coated electrical wire which engages exposed surfaces of the fixture support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Reiker Enterprises of Northwest Florida, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth H. Reiker
  • Patent number: 6274811
    Abstract: An improved conduit box assembly for a large electric motor permits placement of busbar units and other such components at various locations therein. The conduit box has a main box in which fixed mounting bases are installed. Preferably, four L-shaped mounting bases are provided, one located in each of the respective corners. The mounting bases are configured to permit attachment of removable terminal support members on which the busbar units or other components are carried. Each terminal support member is mounted in a desired location within the main box across a pair of opposed base elements. Preferably, the support members can be placed in any one of a plurality of rotational and axial positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Reliance Electric Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher A. Blalock
  • Patent number: 6242696
    Abstract: An electrical junction box or mounting assembly includes a box having a top wall and a side wall. The side wall extends downwardly away from the top wall and defines a cavity therein. A fixture support is provided. A dimple is provided in the top wall, and the fixture support engages the dimple. The fixture support may be sufficiently smooth for preventing wear to plastic-coated electrical wire which engages exposed surfaces of the fixture support. A side mounting plate may be provided for attaching the box to the side of a support. An adhesive may be provided for securing the box to a support. A fixture support-receiving cavity not connected with the main junction box cavity may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Reiker Enterprises of Northwest Florida, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth H. Reiker
  • Patent number: 6227395
    Abstract: A stake assembly for an electrical receptacle includes a stake formed with a slot, and a coupling device mounted movably on the stake for sliding along the slot. The coupling device includes a pair of opposite engaging members respectively having first protrusions, each of which has a hooking end adapted to hook releasably with the receptacle. The engaging members are slidable along the slot between a first position, in which the hooking ends of the first protrusions engage the receptacle, and a second position, in which the first protrusions move toward each other from the first position and the hooking ends disengage from the receptacle. The coupling device further includes an urging member that urges the engaging members to move from the second position to the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: Hsien-Wen Ho
  • Patent number: 6207898
    Abstract: An electrical junction box or mounting assembly includes a box having a top wall and a side wall. The side wall extends downwardly away from the top wall and defines a cavity therein. A fixture support is disposed on the box. The fixture support may be disposed inside or outside the cavity of the box. By locating the fixture support outside the cavity of box, the user can see how strong the fixture support is. The fixture support may be made of metal, and the side wall and/or top wall may be made of plastic. A friction surface, such as fluting, may be provided on the fixture support for engaging with the junction box for preventing rotation and other relative movement of the fixture support relative to the box. An adhesive sufficiently strong to adhere the junction box to a support surface may be provided on one of the walls of the junction box. The adhesive may be in the form of double-sided tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Reiker Enterprises of Northwest Florida, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth H. Reiker
  • Patent number: 6204450
    Abstract: A mounting assembly includes a junction box having a top wall and a side wall. The side wall extends downwardly away from the top wall and defines a cavity therein. A fixture support is disposed in the cavity. A recess or removed portion is provided on the support, and the removed portion is configured for receiving the inner face of the radiused portion of the box disposed between the top wall and side wall so as to not interfere therewith. A threaded hole for receiving fasteners of a fixture to be supported thereby may be provided on the fixture support. Preferably, the fixture support is sufficiently smooth for preventing wear to plastic-coated electrical wire which engages exposed surfaces of the fixture support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Reiker Enterprises of Northwest Florida, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth H. Reiker