Universal Support Bracket for Electrical Junction Box
This invention relates to an Universal Support Bracket for Electrical Junction Box. The Universal Support Bracket has two brackets, each bracket being U-shaped and having two arms, the arms of one bracket being dimensionally larger than the arms of the other bracket and having a channel for purposes of receiving the arms of the smaller second bracket. The arms of the bracket may have a series of parallel bores, capable of receiving a fastener to lock the arms in place. The invention includes a snap-on fitting with a central opening for receiving an electrical junction box.
Priority is claimed based on the Jul. 11, 2008 filing of provisional application 61,080,217, said application being specifically incorporated herewith in its entirety by reference for all purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONIn construction of commercial, industrial and residential spaces, building and electrical codes require that the framing members of walls be generally spaced at either 16 inches or 24 inches on center. Occasionally, the span is more or less than 16 inches on center, depending on construction circumstances. Wall framing may consist of metal or wood stud members, generally attached to floor sole plates and top plates. Codes also specify certain criteria for the installation of electrical junction boxes between stud framing members. The electrical junction box is generally affixed to the stud framing members by nailing the box to the stud. Occasionally, building specifications call for the installation of electrical junction boxes between stud members and up to 26 inches as measured from the floor sole plate.
A problem arises when one wants to place the electrical junction box between stud framing members at some predetermined distance other than contiguous with one of the stud framing members. Problems also arise when one wants to install multiple electrical junction boxes in the same general area and on the same horizontal plane. If the electrical junction boxes are to be installed parallel to each other, the two must either be connected directly to each other or they must be installed on adjacent stud framing members.
Prior art discloses a wall bracket, either of fixed length or telescoping, consisting of a single arm with each end of the bracket being attached to adjacent stud framing members. An electrical junction box can then be attached to the arm with screws. A problem with the prior art is that the installed electrical junction box is prone to movement around the arm. Another problem is that prior art uses screws to attach to arms which means that the electrical junction box can only be attached to predetermined spots where holes are located. A further problem is that the wall bracket cannot be affixed to a sole plate. Prior art also discloses a floor bracket consisting of a single arm for attachment to a sole plate. A problem with the floor brackets disclosed by the prior art is that the brackets cannot be affixed to adjacent framing members. Finally, the prior art also discloses a fixed dual arm bracket for mounting a ceiling fan. The problem with this design is that the arms are not telescoping and the placement of the electrical junction box is at a fixed location. Further, the design is not suitable for attachment to a floor sole plate.
The present invention related to a Universal Support Bracket that can be installed either between stud framing members or attached to a sole plate. The Universal Support Bracket consists of two U-shaped brackets, each bracket having two arms which are adjustable with respect to each other. The Universal Support Bracket has tabs on each end allowing each end to be securely fastened to a different stud framing member. The Universal Support Bracket has a snap-on member allowing attachment at any point on the arms of the Universal Support Bracket. The 2 U-shaped brackets prevent pivoting of the electrical junction box after installation.
The present invention relates to a Universal Support Bracket for an Electrical Junction Box. An objective of the invention is to provide for a support bracket for an electrical junction box that allows for either horizontal or vertical installation. A further objective is to provide for an adjustable bracket allowing the bracket to span up to 26 inches, thereby allowing one bracket to be used in a multitude of applications. A further objective is to provide for a support bracket that allows for placement of the electrical junction box at a plurality of locations within the span of the bracket. A further objective is to provide for a support bracket that has the ability to prevent undesirable movement such as deflection, to prevent movement of the electrical junction box back into the wall cavity space area of a stud framed wall, and to prevent the pivoting or rocking motion of the electrical junction box when it is supported from a central point at the center back of a box with conventional supports. A further objective is to provide for a snap on installation feature of the electrical junction box to one of the slidably adjustable bracket without the use of fasteners, which function further enhances the ability of the box to accommodate job-site positioning requirements.
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Claims
1. An Universal Support Bracket for Electrical Junction Box comprising:
- A first U-shaped bracket, said bracket having two arms, each arm having a channel, and said first U-shaped bracket having a tab on one end;
- a second U-shaped brackets, said bracket having two arms and being of such predetermined dimension as to be slidably insertable into the channels of the arms of the said first U-shaped bracket, and said second U-shaped bracket having a tab on one end;
- a snap-on fitting, said fitting having a central opening for receiving an electrical junction box.
2. The Universal Support Bracket for Electrical Junction Box of claim 1 wherein the arms of said first and second U-shaped brackets have a series of parallel bores and one or more fasteners for locking the arms in position.
3. An Universal Support Bracket for Electrical Junction Box comprising:
- A first U-shaped bracket, said bracket having two arms, each arm having a channel, and said first U-shaped bracket having a tab on one end;
- a second U-shaped brackets, said bracket having two arms and being of such predetermined dimension as to be slidably insertable into the channels of the arms of the said first U-shaped bracket, and said second U-shaped bracket having a tab on one end;
- a snap-on fitting, said fitting having a central opening for receiving an electrical junction box;
- an attachment bar with a built in back support fixedly attached to the electrical junction box.
4. The Universal Support Bracket for Electrical Junction Box of claim 3 wherein the arms of said first and second U-shaped brackets have a series of parallel bores and one or more fasteners for locking the arms in position.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 10, 2009
Publication Date: Jan 14, 2010
Inventor: Frank Yan (Irvine, CA)
Application Number: 12/501,335
International Classification: A47B 96/06 (20060101);