Adjustable Patents (Class 174/57)
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Patent number: 7381893Abstract: A fastening device for mounting an electrical fixture suspended from an electrical junction box in a ceiling. When a mounting bracket assembly suspends the electrical junction box between two joists, the fastening device is an overlay positioned adjacent to each end-plate of the support bar. When the electrical junction box attaches directly to a joist, the fastening device is an overlay positioned inside a cavity of the electrical junction box. The overlay includes fastener openings that position a preset fastener to attach the end-plates to the spaced joists, or openings in the top wall of the cavity to attach the electrical junction box to a joist in the ceiling. The overlay also includes radial incisions, cut in a star pattern, that surround each fastener opening. When an installer tightens all of the fasteners, the star patterns open and allow the installer to easily pull-out and remove the overlay.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2007Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: Angelo Fan Brace Licensing LLCInventor: Jack Russell Kerr, Jr.
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Patent number: 7381891Abstract: An electrical box having spring legs for supporting the box within a space between a pair of spaced-apart parallel concrete forms. The legs engage the inside surface of one form and bias the open end of the box against the inside surface of the other form. The legs and the bottom of the box are cooperatively configured to facilitate attachment of the legs to the box. A bendable strap is attached to the box for wrapping around reinforcing bars within the forms. The legs and strap hold the box in position when concrete is poured into the space between the forms. The entire box and support elements remain embedded within the finished concrete wall, and with the open end of the box exposed at an outer surface of the concrete wall.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2005Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: The Lamson & Sessions Co.Inventors: Eric G. Hull, Charles H. Riedy, Robert M. Gudin
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Patent number: 7381892Abstract: An electrical outlet box and/or assembly is attachable to the wall stud. The assembly in one embodiment includes an outlet box having a perimetrical side wall, a back wall and open front face defining a box interior. The assembly may also include a communications frame or a ceiling light box. A mounting bracket is integrally formed with the box and extends from the side wall. The mounting bracket includes, integrally formed therewith, an attachment structure for directly securing the bracket to the stud and positionally fixing the bracket without the use of additional securement hardware. The bracket may be a U-shaped member having a planar face abutting the face of the stud and a pair of spaced apart arms extending therefrom for engagement with opposite sides of the stud.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2006Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.Inventors: Cong Thanh Dinh, John Charles Archer
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Patent number: 7367121Abstract: An electrical box is mounted on a wall stud, and a wiring panel is installed within the electrical box so as to partition the interior of the electrical box into a user inaccessible wiring compartment and a user accessible module compartment. A protective cover is attached to the wiring panel so as to protect the wiring panel during a makeup phase of wall panel installation and painting. After the makeup phase, the protective cover is removed from the wiring panel and a module having a user operable electrical function is mounted to the wiring panel within the user accessible module compartment.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2006Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: ProtectConnectInventor: Michael Gorman
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Patent number: 7361833Abstract: A pan-style electrical outlet box used to secure an electrical fixture such as a light or a ceiling fan to a ceiling joist. This shallow box has a generally planar back wall bounded by a perimeter sidewall extending therefrom. Also extending from the back wall but in an opposite direction are a plurality of mounting brackets that form a joist receiving channel therebetween. Each mounting bracket is integrally molded with the box and is also configured with at least one joist engaging device so as to engage the joist and hence temporarily hold the box thereto. This permits the installer to use both hands when subsequently permanently affixing the box to the joist, such as via the fasteners supplied with the box.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2007Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.Inventor: Cong Thanh Dinh
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Patent number: 7355118Abstract: An adjustable mounting bar and electrical box assembly for hanging a light fixture, fan, or other electrical device from a ceiling. All hardware required for mounting the electrical device is included with the assembly. The adjustable mounting bar includes sliding tubular members with end flanges for spanning between adjacent overhead joists. An electrical box is connected to the tubular members by a clamp and outer clamping fasteners, which can be loosened to adjust the length of the adjustable mounting bar. The end flanges include penetrable tabs that can be driven into the overhead joists to temporarily secure the adjustable mounting bar to the joists and thereby free the installer's hands. The outer face of the end flanges include a series of rows of slots arranged horizontally thereon and forming a plurality of bend lines.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2005Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
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Patent number: 7342173Abstract: An electrical junction box is disclosed in one aspect of the present invention as including a housing; two or more wiring ports formed in the housing to accommodate electrical wiring routed into the housing; and tabs resiliently connected to the housing and substantially covering the wiring ports. The orientation of the tabs is varied to accommodate wiring entering the wiring ports from different directions. Due to their resilient characteristics, the tabs deflect upon routing wire through the wiring ports and allow the tabs to clamp down on the wires.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2006Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: Cheetah USA Corp.Inventor: Brent L. Kidman
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Patent number: 7341463Abstract: An extension socket structure includes a positioning sleeve, which has a front face with an opening disposed thereon and a rear face having a plurality of positioning slots disposed thereon, and an extension socket being inserted in the positioning sleeve for a socket panel of the body of the extension socket to protrude from the opening of the positioning sleeve. Thus it allows for an insertion of a plug of an electrical appliance to the extension socket. Besides, a bottom of the positioning sleeve is coupled to a cone for fixing the extension socket to a lawn or sands to provide outdoor use. When the extension socket is not in use, a wire of the extension socket can be wound along the plurality of positioning slots of the rear face of the positioning sleeve to let the positioning sleeve to act as a collecting wheel.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2006Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Inventor: Li-Chun Lai
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Patent number: 7332683Abstract: A dimmer switch module removably connects to a wiring module mounted within an electrical box and connected to a power source. The dimmer switch module is configured to control electrical current flowing from the power source to a power sink, such as a light. The dimmer switch module has a front cover and a back cover housing a circuit board. A dimmer control is accessible on the front cover. Shielded plugs are disposed on the back cover and are configured to mate with corresponding structured sockets of a wiring module so as to electrically connect to a power source routed to the wiring module. A power control element mounted on the circuit board is responsive to the dimmer control so as to vary the amount of electrical current flowing between the shielded plugs.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2006Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: ProtectConnect, Inc.Inventor: Michael P. Gorman
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Patent number: 7319192Abstract: An electrical box assembly including a frame member and an outlet box assembly with an outlet box and a hinged cover. The frame member includes a peripheral flange and inward sloping sidewalls that extend to a rear panel having a central opening therein. The outlet box includes a flange and a rearward extending sidewall portion. The frame member can be secured to a wall and the rearward extending sidewall of the outlet box inserted into the central opening of the frame member until the flange of the outlet box seats against the rear panel of the frame member. The rear panel of the frame member is recessed a substantial distance from the front edge of the frame member, thereby ensuring that the outlet box assembly and hinged cover in a closed configuration will be recessed within the outer surface of the wall.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2006Date of Patent: January 15, 2008Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
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Patent number: 7309834Abstract: An extendible and retractable electrical extension cord device is disclosed, which includes a housing adapted to be secured to a wall of a structure, and a reel mounted in the housing for rotation. An extension cord is wound about the reel, and has a first plug end in the housing and a second plug end extending outwardly through the housing and winding relative to the reel upon rotation thereof in a first direction, and unwinding relative to the reel upon rotation thereof in a second direction. An electric-powered drive assembly is mounted in the housing and is movable between an active condition rotating the reel in the first direction and an inactive condition permitting the reel to rotate freely in at least the second direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2004Date of Patent: December 18, 2007Inventor: Danny L. Byrd
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Patent number: 7294781Abstract: A recessed electrical outlet assembly for recessing a duplex receptacle or similar electrical device within a wall. The recessed electrical outlet assembly includes an electrical box and a frame member. The electrical box includes sidewalls and a back wall defining a cavity therein. The cavity is capable of receiving an electrical device therein. The frame member includes a laterally extending flange and a rearward-extending collar that is received within the sidewalls of the electrical box. Alignment tabs are provided on the sidewalls of the electrical box to enable easy alignment against a stud in either a new work or retrofit situation. Bosses provided on the outer sidewalls of the electrical box are angled away from the sidewalls and toward the front of the electrical box and include captive fasteners to simplify the installation of the recessed electrical outlet assembly to a wall.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2007Date of Patent: November 13, 2007Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
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Patent number: 7276661Abstract: Disclosed is an electrical box mud ring member adapted to either receive an electrical device or receive an extending member adapted to both receive an electrical device and be elevated relative to the mud ring via one or more elevating fasteners. Either the mud ring member or the extending member, or both, have protrusions that maintain mechanical and electrical contact between the two members. The electrical box mud ring member preferably has frangible electrical device mounting plates.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2004Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Inventors: Wesley Gene Wegner, Paul Brett Wegner
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Patent number: 7273982Abstract: An extender and a method for making an extender for an electrical box is provided. The extender includes: a side wall having a length with first and second ends and a width with first and second edges, wherein the side wall is configured so that the first and second ends are in contact with each other. The extender also includes: a first member extending from the first end; a first embossed area on the first end; a second member extending from the second end; and a second embossed area on the second end. The first member is bent so that it contacts the second embossed area and the second member is bent so that it contacts the first embossed area to connect the first and second ends. The extender can have a pair of tabs extending from the first edge on opposing wall sections and each tab can have a mounting screw aperture.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2006Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.Inventor: Daniel Lalancette
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Patent number: 7271336Abstract: An adjustable mounting bracket assembly for mounting an electrical box that includes: (a) a mounting bracket that includes a mounting plate having a first opening for receiving an electrical box and a rail having a first aperture; a mounting bracket attaching end; a mounting bracket mating end; a first pair of side walls and a pair of tabs; (b) an adapter plate that includes: a base plate having a track with a second aperture; an adapter plate attaching end; an adapter plate mating end; and a second pair of side walls; and (c) a fastener. The mounting bracket mating end slidably receives the adapter plate mating end and the first aperture in the rail aligns with the second aperture in the track. The fastener is inserted in the first and second apertures and tightened to secure the mounting bracket to the adapter plate.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2006Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.Inventor: Cong Dinh
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Patent number: 7271335Abstract: A mounting system for securing an electrical box within a wall of a building. The electrical box is of typical construction having an open side thereof. The mounting system consists of an elongated bracket having one end region secured to the wall structure and a generally rectangular opening therein sized to permit access to the open side of the electrical box. An adapter plate is mounted to the bracket with this adapter plate having a central opening that is also sized to permit access to the open side of the electrical box. The adapter plate is further configured with box mounting structure to secure the electrical box to the adapter plate.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.Inventor: Cong Dinh
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Patent number: 7259328Abstract: A two-tier cover assembly for a field service box. The two-tier cover assembly can be retrofitted to an existing field service electrical box to protect the electrical device that is housed therein. The cover assembly provides two configurations for protecting the electrical box, including an expanded and a collapsed configuration. In the expanded configuration, the cover assembly provides two cord openings that are accessible with the cover plate closed. In the collapsed configuration, the cord openings are completely closed to seal all openings and thereby protect the electrical device from rain, dirt, insects and other hazards.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2006Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
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Patent number: 7250571Abstract: An electrical box assembly for nail-free mounting to a stud. The assembly includes an electrical enclosure and a bracket affixed to the enclosure, the bracket defining a stud receiving cavity and a clamping leg. The clamping leg extends into the stud-receiving cavity. The leg is being movable between a first stud-receiving position and a second stud-securing position whereupon insertion of the stud into the cavity moves the clamping leg from the stud-receiving position to the stud-securing position thereby securing the enclosure to the stud.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2006Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.Inventor: Joey Magno
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Patent number: 7235738Abstract: A portable data device includes: a first body including a display section, the first body having a first long side and a first short side; a second body housing a circuit section for controlling the display section, the second body having a second long side and a second short side; and a connecting member for connecting the first and second bodies. The portable data device has a first position in which the first and second bodies substantially overlie each other and a second position in which the first body is rotated from the first position to overlie the second body such that a part of the second body extends beyond the first body and the second short side coincides with or is located apart from the first long or short side.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2006Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazuyuki Horinouchi, Masashi Shiomi, Masayuki Ehiro
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Patent number: 7235739Abstract: A junction box extension method and apparatus for creating additional space proximate an existing junction box without having to remove the existing junction box. The junction box extension has an open box with a lip on one side and a rim on the other, a flange for holding the box proximate the existing junction box where the lip of the open box protrudes beyond the wall, and a cover to provide a finished appearance as the junction box extension engages the junction box to provide additional useable space.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2005Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Inventors: Lloyd Herbert King, Jr., Michael Belgeri, James C. Keeven, William Hiner
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Patent number: 7227080Abstract: A self-trimming in-wall receptacle and method therefor, comprising a receptacle having a storage area, a trim and a coupling mechanism that allows a person to insert the receptacle into an opening in a wall. The receptacle is self-trimming and easy to couple to a wall, eliminating the need for complicated installation. The self-trimming in-wall receptacle can substantially flush-mount wall-mounted electrical objects such as smoke detectors, air conditioning control units, alarm keypads, doorbell chime boxes and the like, as well as store other objects.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2006Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Inventors: Kim Kregle, Kevin E. Kregle
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Patent number: 7211727Abstract: The present invention overcomes the deficiencies with respect to the prior art devices by providing a plurality of straps joined together with frangible members which can be separated to form a gang of one or more straps which are coupled together for mounting wiring modules to wall boxes. The number of straps in a gang of straps used to couple the wiring modules to the wall boxes is determined by the number of wall boxes that are being used. Each strap of the present invention has a single opening defined by two side members where each side member has projections interposed with recesses for capturing and holding a wiring module. The modular strap accurately positions, aligns and locates all of the wiring modules relative to each other and positions them to a flat plane.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Inventors: James Pearse, legal representative, Paul Kadar, James N. Pearse, deceased
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Patent number: 7208680Abstract: A bracket assembly for supporting an electrical enclosure. The bracket assembly includes a bracket extending from an electrical enclosure and a flange extending from the bracket. The flange is designed to support one or more biasing structures which engage the support structure, such as a stud, to secure the bracket assembly thereto. The bracket assembly may further include gripping teeth to provide further securement thereto.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2006Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Thomas & Betts, International, Inc.Inventor: Mark R. Drane
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Patent number: 7205475Abstract: A cover assembly for covering a hinge (31) of a portable device includes a base (10) and a cover (20). The base (10) includes a fixing portion (11) protruding therefrom, a pair of slide protrusions (114) is formed on the fixing portion (11), and a latching slot (19) is defined in the base (10) adjacent the fixing portion (11). The cover (20) includes a pair of sliding slots (211) corresponding to the slide protrusions (114), and a hook (231) is formed on the cover (20) for engaging the latching slot (19).Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2006Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Xiao-Gang Jiang, Hung-Chun Lu, Wen-Kang Lo, Chien-Li Tsai, Jiang Zhao
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Patent number: 7198514Abstract: A junction box apparatus includes a housing that has a front side which is open and has an upper edge, a lower edge. The bottom wall has a plurality of first aligned slots therein positioned adjacent to the lower edge. The top wall has a plurality of second aligned slots therein positioned adjacent to the upper edge. Each of a pair of mounting members is provided and each has an aperture extending therethrough. Fasteners may be extended through mounting tabs on an electrical outlet and into one of the mounting members. Each coupler, of a pair of couplers, is attached to one of the mounting members. The couplers are each is removably extendable into one of the slots of the first and second aligned slots so that the apertures are orientated substantially perpendicular to a plane of the front side.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2005Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Inventor: Steve M. Grimes
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Patent number: 7176377Abstract: An assembly that enables easy mounting of an electrical box on an unfinished at a desired offset from the wall's eventual surface. The assembly includes an electrical box and a slide member. The slide member includes a flange having a rear surface, an opening therein, and arms extending rearwardly from the rear surface. The electrical box includes sidewalls having apertures therein, a front opening, a front edge, and a cavity for receiving an electrical device. The slide member is slideable with respect to the electrical box. A mounting arrangement is included on the flange for securing the slide member to the wall. A fastening and adjustment arrangement on the arms enables the box to be secured to the slide member and also enables easy adjusting of the offset of the front edge of the box from the wall surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2005Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
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Patent number: 7173186Abstract: A mounting bracket for electrical junction boxes has two sides to which electrical junction boxes for adjacent rooms may be attached. The mounting bracket is interposed between parallel vertical stud members. A plurality of electrical junction boxes may be attached to either side of the mounting bracket.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2006Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Inventor: Dale A. Hageman
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Patent number: 7170003Abstract: The present invention relates to a cut-in box that is stabilized without the support of a neighboring stud. Tabs extend from some or all of the sidewalls of the box and retract to a position flush with the sidewalls while the box is inserted into an appropriate wallboard opening. Because the tabs are spaced from the front face of the box at a distance substantially equal to the thickness of the wallboard, the tabs spring back to their original position when the front face of the box reaches a position that is essentially flush with the wallboard. A threaded rod projects from the rear wall of the cut-in box and is extensible to reach the sheet of wallboard opposite to the rear face of the cut-in box. The combined action of the tabs and of the threaded rod holds the cut-in box securely in place within the wallboard opening.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2005Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Inventor: Dan Fields
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Patent number: 7164082Abstract: A wiring device common in household circuits includes a flexible brush that is a separate piece from a screw plate that receives electrical power. A terminal screw can thread into the screw plate. The brush may be positioned between the screw plate and the head of the terminal screw and can have a clearance hole through which the threads if the terminal screw can pass. Good electrical and thermal conductivity is assured between the screw plate and the brush by tightening the screw. A ground strap can be employed to hold a cover to a base of the electrical device. The strap can include openings which engage snap tabs on the cover to lock all components into a complete assembly. The strap also can have hooks which engage the cover to prevent the cover from being pulled out of the strap. The wiring device can be an electrical switch, a receptacle, or any similar type of device.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2005Date of Patent: January 16, 2007Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Stephen R. Kurek, Anthony Tufano, Emma Levin
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Patent number: 7151220Abstract: A non-metallic electrical wiring box having a fast set screw mounting socket for mounting electrical devices inside the box. The box includes a pair of side walls, a pair of end walls, a back wall, a front opening and one or more fast set screw mounting sockets in each end wall, or connected to each end wall, for receiving a mounting screw. Each socket includes: a socket wall, preferably a cylindrically-shaped wall, an interior wall surface, a first end, a second end and a mid-region. The first end corresponds to the front opening of the box and the mid-region is between the first and second ends of the fast set screw mounting socket. Each socket also has a center slot in the socket wall, which preferably bisects the socket wall and extends from about the mid-region to the second end of the socket and defines two or more flexible socket wall sections.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2006Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.Inventor: Ian Rubin de la Borbolla
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Patent number: 7141736Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a cordless device in a building or furniture structure to provide reduced wiring visualization and exposure, and methods for mounting, installing, and using such apparatus are provided. An embodiment of the apparatus includes a base housing having a base open front, a base backwall, a plurality of base sidewalls, and a base inner chamber. The base open front provides access to the base inner chamber and is sized large enough to allow the passage into and storage in the inner chamber of a combination of an alternating current power plug, an alternating current power cord, at least one male telephone jack connector, and a telephone cord. The apparatus also includes a power outlet housing connected to a base sidewall, the position of which thereby reduces overall depth of the apparatus within the building or furniture structure.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2003Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Inventor: Gary Dean Plankell
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Patent number: 7126058Abstract: A low-voltage wiring box includes a pair of substantially parallel side walls wherein each of the side walls has a first end and a second end. The box also includes a top wall and a bottom wall coupling the first ends and the second ends, respectively, of each of the side walls. A pair of interior brackets are on at least on one wall of the side walls, the top wall, and the bottom wall. A reinforcement channel is on the top wall and the bottom wall. Bendable ribs are on a periphery of the side walls. Further, ribs are located on a periphery of at least one of the top wall and the bottom wall. In addition, a hinged-pane support panel is coupled to the side walls via the bendable ribs and to at least one of the top wall and the bottom wall via the ribs.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2005Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Inventor: Greg Herth
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Patent number: 7115820Abstract: A recessed electrical box including a flange having a rear surface formed to fit flush against siding. An inner cavity for accepting an electrical device extends well behind the flange. A removable cover is included for closing the inner cavity from the elements. The box is easily installed by forming a hole in the siding and sliding the box therein until the rear surface of the flange contacts the siding. The closeness of fit between the rear surface of the flange and the siding enables easy and rapid sealing between the box and the siding.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2005Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
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Patent number: 7115813Abstract: An outlet box includes a main body having a top wall integrally formed with lateral walls, a bottom wall, and a back wall, wherein said top, lateral, bottom and back walls define an inner cavity therebetween, an electrical receptacle secured within the inner cavity, and at least one securing member adapted to secure the outlet box within a wall frame. The outlet box is secured to a feature within the wall frame by way of the at least one securing member prior to concrete being poured into the wall frame.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2005Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: The Wiremold CompanyInventor: Joe A Young
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Patent number: 7112743Abstract: An electrical bracket is for mounting an electrical device to a wall stud. The bracket includes a frame having first and second opposite end walls and first and second opposite side walls. The bracket further includes a front opening surrounded by the end walls and side walls for inserting an electrical device into the frame. The frame has an end-mounted position in which the first end wall faces the stud. A fastening structure, connected to the frame, is configured to be fastened to the stud when the frame is in the end-mounted position. An extension extends rearward from the first end wall. A stabilizer extends from the extension in a direction away from the second end wall. The stabilizer is configured to abut the side surface of the stud at a location rearward from the side walls when the frame is in the end-mounted position.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2005Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Assignee: The Lamson & Sessions Co.Inventors: Eric G. Hull, Dennis P. Revlock, Sr.
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Patent number: 7109415Abstract: Molded enclosures including integrally formed knockouts are described herein. In one implementation, a molded enclosure a wall having a wall thickness and a first knockout integrally formed in the wall. At least a portion of a periphery of the first knockout is defined by at least one attachment tab formed at a portion of the periphery of the first knockout and at least one space is formed at the periphery of the first knockout separating a portion of the wall from a portion of the first knockout, the at least one attachment tab joining the first knockout to the wall. Upon removal of the first knockout from the wall, a first opening is defined in the wall.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2005Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Roger S. Neitzel, Ken R. Venegas
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Patent number: 7105742Abstract: An outlet box assembly for termination of electrical and/or communication wires. The outlet box assembly generally includes a housing defining an interior therein and a cover attached to the housing, wherein a mounting screw guide is formed between the cover and the housing upon attachment of the cover to the housing for holding and guiding a mounting screw during mounting of the box assembly to a structure.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2005Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.Inventor: Robert K. Jolly
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Patent number: 7098399Abstract: A through-wall electrical box that is capable of accommodating two wall-mounted electrical devices, one for each side of a wall. One of the electrical devices faces one direction and a second electrical device faces 180 degrees away from the first device. The electrical box includes a continuous peripheral wall having an open front side, an open rear side, and a channel therein. The front side includes a front facing surface for receiving a first electrical device in the channel. The rear side includes a rear facing surface for receiving a second electrical device in the channel. The peripheral wall has a length slightly less than the width of the structural wall thereby positioning the installed electrical devices flush or slightly less than flush with the outer surfaces of the structural wall. A fastening arrangement is included on the electrical box for securing the electrical box to the structural wall.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2004Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Gretz, John Ofcharsky
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Patent number: 7087837Abstract: An assembly that enables easy mounting of an electrical box on an unfinished wall at a desired offset from the wall's eventual surface. The assembly includes an electrical box and a slide member. The slide member includes a flange having a rear surface, an opening therein, and arms extending rearwardly from the rear surface. The electrical box includes sidewalls having apertures therein, a front opening, a front edge, and a cavity for receiving an electrical device. The slide member is slideable with respect to the electrical box. A mounting arrangement is included on the flange for securing the slide member to the wall. A fastening and adjustment arrangement on the arms enables the box to be secured to the slide member and also enables easy adjusting of the offset of the front edge of the box from the wall surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2005Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
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Patent number: 7082729Abstract: A cover assembly is provided for preventing water infiltration into an in-floor receptacle fitting, such as a poke-thru fitting. The cover assembly includes a trim flange which overlies the fitting and is adapted to support at least one receptacle within the fitting. A cover plate is mounted on the trim flange includes access doors for selectively covering and exposing the receptacles. A first seal member is interposed between the cover plate and the trim flange for sealing against water infiltration therebetween. The first seal may be in the form of a planar gasket or O-ring. A second seal, in the form of at least one compressible gasket, extends around the perimeter of the floor opening and is adapted to be compressed between the trim flange and the surface of the floor. The cover plate may also include top and bottom portions and a third seal member interposed between the top and bottom portions.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2002Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: Walker Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael T. Cole, Tim Bowman, Stephen T. English, John Kohaut, Joe Young
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Patent number: 7077280Abstract: A one-piece plastic part for use as electrical box extender having a rectangular outer opening and an inner opening. The part has two narrow sides and two wide sides joined at their corners to define the outer and inner opening. Two flanges are coplanar with and extend from the two narrow sides. The extender can be inserted into an existing electrical box with the four sides capable of flexing to accommodate the box until the flanges are flush with a surface of newly installed sheet rock. The box extender can be ganged together when necessary. No flanges are used on the two wide sides of the part.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2001Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
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Patent number: 7064271Abstract: A recessed electrical box with a breakaway cover. The cover member is rotatably attached to the electrical box and will slip off the box, without any damage to the electrical box or the cover member, if an excessive force is applied to the cover member while it is in the open position. Use of the recessed electrical box positions an electrical device substantially behind the surface of any structure. One or more flanges may be included on the exterior of the electrical box to enable easy positioning with respect to the structure's exterior surface. The flanges may be removable to facilitate installation in a retrofit situation on a finished building.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2005Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
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Patent number: 7045713Abstract: A combination of an electrical box and a bushing for providing electrical service on a block wall. A mounting arrangement is included on the electrical box for securing the box to a first surface of the block wall. A fastening arrangement is included on the bushing for securing the bushing to a second surface of the block wall. The electrical box includes sidewalls, a front opening, and a cavity for receiving an electrical device therein. The bushing includes a flange with a rear surface and a tube portion extending from the rear surface. An opening extends from the flange through the tube portion of the bushing. The electrical box and bushing combination provides electrical service to a block wall while minimizing the possibility of cable abrasion, electrical shorts, and the loss of power to the electrical box.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2005Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
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Patent number: 7005578Abstract: A recessed electrical box with a closeable cover member and at least one outward extending flange. The flange serves as a positioning arrangement to recess the electrical box at the correct depth with respect to the surface in which it will be mounted. The recessed electrical box is includes of two pieces, including a one-piece electrical box and a one-piece cover member. The cover member is of minimal size with respect to the electrical box to minimize the cost of construction. The electrical box can be installed on an exterior wall, including either a finished or an unfinished wall. The outward extending flange may include an inner flange for positioning the recessed electrical box with respect to the outer surface of the substrate on an unfinished building. The inner flange is removable to facilitate installation on a finished building, in which the finish layer such as siding or stucco is installed.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2004Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
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Patent number: 7005575Abstract: Device for arranging cables in a junction box extractable from a chassis. Between the junction box (1) and the chassis (2) there is a conduit (5) into which the cables (7) are run from the front viewed from the direction in which the box is extracted from the chassis (2), whereby the length of the cable (7) in the chassis (2) is chosen so that the junction box (1) can be drawn out of the chassis (2) for a distance determined in advance.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2002Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: MT Memoteknik ABInventor: Lars Hedström
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Patent number: 7002076Abstract: An electric box assembly that includes a box extender having a tubular body with opposed sides arranged to be received within an electric box, and which box extender is formed with a pair of laterally outwardly extending face flanges arranged to be flush mounted against a wall surface in the assembled position. The box extender is devoid of any top or bottom flanges and is adapted to be secured in place within an electric box by the electric device, outlet receptacle, switch or the like. In an embodiment of the invention, the sides of the tubular body are tapered inwardly toward the central axis of the tubular body so as to permit the box extender to be nested one within the other to facilitate shipping and handling.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2005Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: Bridgeport Fittings, Inc.Inventors: Mark E. Ungerman, Kenneth M. Kiely
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Patent number: 6998531Abstract: An electrical enclosure for use in poured concrete construction has a front opening that is closed by a removable cover that prevents poured concrete from entering the enclosure cavity. The cover is a knockout cover that is molded integrally with the enclosure and is attached to the enclosure peripheral wall by a frangible web.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2004Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: The Lamson & Sessions Co.Inventor: Eric G. Hull
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Patent number: 6979209Abstract: A pivoting utility receptacle assembly for use with a work surface, such as a desktop. The assembly includes a base member positionable within an opening in the work surface and a receptacle member that is pivotally mounted to the base member. A biasing member is engaged between the receptacle member and the base member, and biases the receptacle member to a partially exposed position with respect to the base member. The assembly also has a locking mechanism including a latch on the receptacle member which engages the base member and secures the receptacle member in a closed position with respect to the base member until such time as it is desired to expose the receptacle member. The movement of the receptacle member out of the base member under the influence of the biasing member is controlled by a movement controlling assembly engaged between the receptacle member and the base member.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2004Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: Krueger International, Inc.Inventor: Dennis G. Griepentrog
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Patent number: 6976601Abstract: An electrical equipment box includes a back incorporating one or more holes of elongate shape in a direction X for fixing the box to a wall. The hole or each hole is in a stud attached to the back by a flexible connection allowing a small offset of the hole relative to a stable original position in a direction Y parallel to the plane of the back and perpendicular to the direction X.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2003Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Assignees: Legrand, Legrand SNCInventor: Damien Adam
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Patent number: 6967284Abstract: An adjustable mounting bar and electrical box assembly for hanging a light fixture, fan, or other electrical device from a ceiling. All hardware required for mounting the electrical device is included with the assembly. The adjustable mounting bar includes sliding tubular members with end flanges for spanning between adjacent overhead joists. An electrical box is connected to the tubular members by a clamp and outer clamping fasteners, which can be loosened to adjust the length of the adjustable mounting bar. The end flanges include penetrable tabs that can be driven into the overhead joists to temporarily secure the adjustable mounting bar to the joists and thereby free the installer's hands. The outer face of the end flanges include a series of rows of slots arranged horizontally thereon and forming a plurality of bend lines.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2004Date of Patent: November 22, 2005Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz