With Box Or Housing Mounting Means Patents (Class 174/58)
  • Patent number: 7179995
    Abstract: The invention pertains to an electrical box assembly having a support structure for use in securing electrical enclosures, housings or boxes or the like to a stud. Upon insertion of the stud into a stud-receiving cavity of the assembly, a movable tab is pivoted to press one or more prongs into engagement with the stud. Pivoting of the tab may continue until the tab is locked in place whereupon the electrical enclosure is secured to the stud in compliance with code requirements without the need for such secondary operations as driving a separate fastener into the stud; the box now being secured with sufficient rigidity to satisfy local code enforcement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Cong Thanh Dinh
  • Patent number: 7179992
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a protection device that includes line terminals coupled to a power source disposed in an electric power distribution system. The protection device is configured to protect a portion of the power distribution system from at least one fault condition. The device includes a receptacle member that includes a housing and a cover. The cover includes receptacle openings configured to accommodate plug contact blades. Receptacle contacts are disposed in the housing. The receptacle contacts are also coupled to the line terminals to thereby establish an electrical connection between the receptacle contacts and the line terminals. Each receptacle contact is in communication with a corresponding receptacle opening. A protective shutter mechanism is integrated into the housing. The protective shutter mechanism is movable from a closed position to an open position upon insertion of the plug contact blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas N. Packard, Dejan Radosavljevic
  • Patent number: 7179993
    Abstract: A universal junction box, which includes multiple methods for securing cables, various kinds of wires and conduits and multiple methods for securing the box within a wall cavity. The front side of the box which can be positioned flush with the installed wall covering includes fittings for attaching a wall plate, switches, plugs, connectors, and electrical/electronic devices to the box. The junction box allows the addition of an extension to the rear of the junction box for a between-wall design for the installation and attachment of similar devices on an opposing wall surface through the same junction box. The junction box also engages extensions to the side of the junction box allowing two or more ganged box configurations, which share the multiple methods for securing the junction box within a wall cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Frank P. Rose
  • Patent number: 7176378
    Abstract: An accessory attachment apparatus temporarily attaches an accessory to an electrical box with which the accessory is to be used. The accessory attachment apparatus includes an accessory adapted to be received by the electrical box. A stem, which has first and second ends, extends outwardly from the accessory. The first end of the stem is connected to the accessory. A spacer member is connected to the second end of the stem. The spacer member has a groove adapted to receive an edge of a wall of the electrical box to secure the accessory to the electrical box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Steven J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7176377
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7176376
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for securing a box cover to a watt-hour meter socket box. In certain embodiments, the apparatus has a clamping member that fits over a wall of a meter box, and a lock housing that locks to the clamping member after a box cover has been installed, thereby securing the cover to the box in a manner such that the box cover cannot be installed unless the clamping member has been installed correctly. In various other embodiments, the clamping member includes a clamp disposed between a clamp actuating member and a fastening shelf. In various other embodiments, the clamp includes a stopping member for indicating when the clamp actuating member is actuated into a fully secured position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: DeWalch Technoloiges, Inc.
    Inventor: John Stachowiak, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7173185
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for fastening a device housing onto a panel includes a housing and a clamp. The panel defines a front surface, a rear surface, and an opening extending therethrough for receiving the housing. The housing includes at least one wall sized to extend through the opening. The wall defines a bearing surface. The clamp includes a beam member and a head member. The beam member extends from the wall at a first end. The beam member is biased to deflect outwardly with respect to the wall at an oblique angle. The head member extends from a second end of the beam member and includes a first cam surface for engaging the rear surface of the panel and a second cam surface for engaging the bearing surface of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn D. Cloran, Kenneth J. Lutze, Mark S. Williams
  • Patent number: 7173186
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Dale A. Hageman
  • Patent number: 7173184
    Abstract: An electrical outlet box having alternative mounting flanges on opposite sides thereof for selectively mounting the box to a front surface of a wall stud or to a side surface of a wall stud. The box and mounting flanges are configured for use of either mounting flange with the box located on either of opposite sides of the wall stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: The Lamson & Sessions Co.
    Inventors: Eric G. Hull, Charles H. Riedy, Dennis P. Revlock, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7170015
    Abstract: A joist has a front surface and first and second opposite side surfaces. The side surfaces extend in a rearward direction from the front surface. They also extend in a lateral direction perpendicular to the rearward direction. An electrical box has a hole configured to receive a fastener that fastens the box to the first side surface. The box further has a side wall and a rear wall together defining a cavity that is isolated by the box from the hole. The cavity is configured to extend along both side surfaces of the joist and to contain electrical connections. The side wall extends laterally beyond the hole and the rear wall is located rearwardly beyond the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: The Lamson & Sessions Co.
    Inventors: Mark A. Roesch, Dennis P. Revlock, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7170003
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Dan Fields
  • Patent number: 7166800
    Abstract: A macroencapsulation container having in combination an inner container member with an inner lid member and an inner body member, and an outer container member with an outer lid member and an outer body member, the inner container member being composed of a thermoplastic polymer material that can be thermo-welded or thermo-bonded to itself by melting. The outer container is composed of a metal. At least one electric resistance wire is embedded in or mounted onto the inner lid member along the area of contact with the inner body member, such that the inner lid member may be thermo-bonded to the inner body member to create an integral, one-piece inner container member encapsulating any material or containers disposed within.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventors: Mark D. Shaw, J. Tad Heyman, Laurence M. Bierce
  • Patent number: 7166801
    Abstract: A two-piece electrical box assembly for recessing a duplex receptacle or similar electrical device within a wall. An inner box portion is constructed of metal and includes sidewalls and a back wall defining a cavity therein. The cavity is capable of receiving the electrical device therein. An outer box portion includes an outward extending flange and provides a protective enclosure surrounding the inner box portion and the electrical device within the inner box portion. The electrical box assembly is capable of recessing into a hole in a wall until the outward extending flange is flush with the wall. A cover on the outer box portion can be closed to provide a rainproof enclosure therein for the plug ends of electrical cords while they are connected to the electrical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7164081
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a toolbox may includes a plurality of walls that define at least in part an interior from/into which tools may be retrieved or deposited. A cable housing may be secured to an interior wall of the toolbox, with a reel secured therein for rotational winding and unwinding of a cable. A cable retention knob on the distal end of the cable may be available external the cable housing for enabling withdrawal of the cable external the toolbox. Further, a power spring may be operatively configured to apply a rotational force to the reel to enable tensioned winding/unwinding of the cable about the reel. In a particular example, the walls for the toolbox form an external shape adapted for installation across the bed of a pickup truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Peak Recreational Products, LLC
    Inventor: Dale Anton Tollefson
  • Patent number: 7154040
    Abstract: A support bracket and method for supporting an electrical junction box. The support bracket has a substantially flat base with a pair of conduit receiving holes, a pair of legs extending from the base at an angular relationship to the base, and a flange extending from each of the legs at an angular relationship such that each flange is substantially parallel to the base. The junction box is connected to the base of the support bracket with a junction box and the base in a face to face contact and a conduit receiving opening of the junction box aligned with one of the conduit receiving holes of the support bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Inventor: Philip M. Tompkins
  • Patent number: 7151219
    Abstract: A two-piece electrical box for recessing a duplex receptacle or similar electrical device within a wall. An inner box including a flange is recessed into a hole in a wall until the flange is flush with the wall. The inner box is then secured to the wall. An outer box is then secured to the inner box. A cover on the outer box provides a rainproof enclosure for the plug ends of electrical cords while they are connected to the electrical device housed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7151220
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Ian Rubin de la Borbolla
  • Patent number: 7151218
    Abstract: An electrical box bracket is positionable in one of two reversible positions to accommodate wall boards of two different thicknesses. The bracket includes a flange and an access member for providing access therethrough. In one of the two reversible positions, the access member accommodates wall board of one thickness and in the other reversible position the access member accommodates wall board of the other thickness. The bracket may be mounted directly to a stud or can be mounted to an outlet box which is attached to the stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Cong Thanh Dinh
  • Patent number: 7148420
    Abstract: An electrical box has a side wall with at least one mounting flange that is contained completely within the perimeter of the side wall. The flange is coupled to the side wall along a common non-linear edge to resist bending of the flange along the joining edge with the side wall. In one embodiment, the electrical box has a substantially circular side wall with at least one recessed portion. The mounting flange is connected to the upper edge of the recessed portion and is positioned within a radius of the circular side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven J. Johnson, Krzysztof W. Korcz
  • Patent number: 7145075
    Abstract: A square electrical box molded in one-piece of plastic material has three ENT connectors extending outwardly from each box sidewall. The connectors on each sidewall include a middle connector and two outer connectors. All of the middle connectors are sized for receiving one-half inch standard trade size ENT conduit. Both of the outer connectors one one pair of opposite sidewalls are sized for receiving three-quarter inch standard trade size ENT conduit. The other pair of opposite sidewalls have one outer connector sized to receive three-quarter inch standard trade size ENT conduit and another outer connector sized to receive one-inch standard trade size ENT conduit. The box has attachment ears extending outwardly from the box corners along diagonal lines that extend across diagonally opposite ones of the box corners. An adapter attached to a front surface of the box has attachment ears aligned with the box ears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: The Lamson & Sessions Co.
    Inventors: Eric G. Hull, Charles H. Riedy, Robert M. Gudin
  • Patent number: 7145077
    Abstract: An improved, non-conductive electrical junction box includes a wall defining an insert recess. An insert member is received into the insert recess and defines a conduit socket in order to provide for an end portion of an electrical conduit to be joined with the junction box, providing for electrical wiring to pass between the conduit and the junction box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventors: Gary K. Weise, Richard J. Kesl
  • Patent number: 7140646
    Abstract: A shield designed to be installed in exterior frame walls of buildings for the penetration of flexible tubing, cabling, or wiring. Comprised of a round, rectangular or square sleeve attached to mounting plate(s) or angle(s). The mounting plates or angles have holes to allow for the attachment of the shield to the framing of an exterior frame wall. The mounting plates or angles are attached to the sleeve at an angle sufficient to prevent the kinking of flexible tubing, cabling, or wiring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventor: Matthew K. Parker
  • Patent number: 7141736
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventor: Gary Dean Plankell
  • Patent number: 7135640
    Abstract: A prepackaged mounting assembly for securing a device, such as a ceiling fan, light fixture, or similar device to an overhead beam. The mounting assembly includes an L-shaped mounting box that includes a large side wiring cavity and an integral flange portion. A cover cooperates with the integral flange portion to provide a closure for the wiring cavity and a bottom flange for mounting a device-specific bracket thereon. The bracket includes slots therein and the integral flange portion includes downward extending alignment posts to enable easy centering of the manufacturer's bracket under the integral flange. The mounting assembly includes all hardware required to complete installation of the device including the cover, an initial fastener, and load bearing fasteners, which are all temporarily secured to the L-shaped box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John Ofcharsky, Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7132601
    Abstract: A moisture-resistant mount is provided for mounting enclosures, such as air conditioner disconnect enclosures, to a support structure, such as a building wall or other structure. The enclosure includes a back panel having a plurality of holes. The mount, which preferably includes a single molded piece, includes a mounting portion receiving the back panel of the enclosure and forming an interface therebetween, a plurality of weatherproofing mechanisms including a shield, a flange, receptacles and protrusions to resist moisture from entering the enclosure, and an engagement portion coupling the mount to the support structure. The shield extends from the mounting portion to shield the interface, and the receptacles and protrusions engage the holes in the back panel. The support structure includes a number of layers. An integral flange on the mount engages one of the layers, and a second, finishing layer overlies the integral flange of the mount, but not the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Paul D. Seff
  • Patent number: 7129411
    Abstract: A device for more reliable and rapid securing to or within a component. The device incorporates therein or independently uses a substantially flexible member to secure the device within the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Bump, Thomas M. Capone
  • Patent number: 7129412
    Abstract: An adapter plate to provide a stable supporting transition between the curvature of an exposed log in a log-construction building and electrical components to be installed into the log includes a substantially flat front side, a curved back side, and a center opening. The back side is provided with a smooth curvature complimentary to the curvature of the exposed log surface for snug installation thereto and tracking engagement therewith. The center opening is sized to slidably receive an electrical box into which the component is to be installed. The front side is configured to support the electrical box and for snug installation of the cover plate. The adapter plate is configurable for use with one or more electrical boxes ganged together. The adapter plate conceals the entire electrical box and the space between the component and the log.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventor: Kevin R. Pierce
  • Patent number: 7129409
    Abstract: Electronics cabinets stabilize electronic devices in vehicles. The electronics cabinet removably attaches to the vehicle seat frames via seat attachment holes in the bottom end of the legs. A pair of front stabilizers fitted onto the front of the bottom end of the legs and a rear stabilizer supporting the rear of the bottom end of the legs further contribute to the stability of the electronics cabinet. A top shelf and a middle shelf are provided to support electronic devices and other items. The back of the electronics cabinet has a wire exit hole to facilitate connecting devices within the cabinet to the vehicle and/or devices on top of the cabinet. A door of the roll-up type may be present to secure items within the interior of the cabinet. A retainer and front restraint may be present to secure items to the top of the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventors: Lester Brian Hicks, Hugh J. Moore
  • Patent number: 7126058
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Inventor: Greg Herth
  • Patent number: 7122738
    Abstract: In an electric connection box, first connectors of wire harnesses and second connectors of wire harnesses are received within a case body, and the first connectors are coupled respectively with the second connectors, and the pairs of coupled connectors are fixed to the case body. Slide rail portions are formed on an inner surface of a wall of the case body, and a connector holding plate is slidably mounted on the slide rail portions, and has a plurality of connector fixing portions spaced from each other in a direction of sliding of the connector holding plate. The plurality of pairs of coupled connectors are fixed to the plurality of connector fixing portions, respectively, and the connector holding plate is slid along the slide rail portions, and is inserted into the case body, thereby fixing the plurality of pairs of coupled connectors to the case body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiro Kanamaru
  • Patent number: 7117591
    Abstract: A siding block comprising an electrical junction box and a cover for mounting a light fixture to the exterior of a building. The electrical junction box includes a back wall, a front peripheral wall, and a recessed area within the back wall having one or more removable wall sections within the recessed area. One or more of the removable wall sections can be removed and an electrical cable connector inserted therein to provide strain relief attachment of an electrical cable therein. The electrical junction box includes two or more posts integral with and extending from the front peripheral wall and including fastener-accepting portions. The cover includes a central opening and a rear peripheral wall surrounding the central opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7115820
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7115813
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: The Wiremold Company
    Inventor: Joe A Young
  • Patent number: 7112743
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: The Lamson & Sessions Co.
    Inventors: Eric G. Hull, Dennis P. Revlock, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7109414
    Abstract: An electrical straddle box that includes a pair of electrical boxes sized to fit between construction studs and are joined alongside one another by a U shaped saddle, where the saddle legs are the opposing sides of the electrical boxes, and the saddle web is the width of, and is for fastening to, a center construction stud. Each electrical box includes a removable back panel with spaced holes therein for use in mounting low voltage components, distribution modules such as connector bars or strips, and wiring, and includes a hinge connected cover for fitting over both the electrical boxes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventor: Paul Reynolds
  • Patent number: 7109415
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Roger S. Neitzel, Ken R. Venegas
  • Patent number: 7105744
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for connecting a housing of an electrical fixture to an electrical junction box, in which a plate attached to the housing includes a locking member having an engager at a first end moveable relative to the plate between a first position and a second position. A locking post adapted for connecting to an electrical junction box includes a receiver for engaging the engager. The locking post secures the housing to the electrical junction box upon moving the locking member to the second position to engage the engager with the receiver of the locking post. A method of attaching a housing for an electrical fixture to an electrical junction box is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Regal King Comercial Offshore De Macau Limitada
    Inventors: Allan Kwong, Xiao Chen Chen
  • Patent number: 7105745
    Abstract: A water resistant floor box cover assembly including a flange including an opening therethrough adapted to permit access to electrical connectors and a cover securable to the flange. The cover is movable between a closed position wherein the opening is covered and an open position wherein the opening is uncovered to permit access to the outlet box. The flange also includes an inner wall and an outer wall extending about the opening. The inner and the outer walls define a channel disposed therebetween. The outer wall including a slot formed therein providing a path out of the channel. The slot permits water in the channel to exit therefrom away from the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Drane, Cong Thanh Dinh
  • Patent number: 7105742
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert K. Jolly
  • Patent number: 7102078
    Abstract: A housing for holding electrical and/or electronic components with a housing opening and with an entry fitting which is rotationally located in the housing opening, the entry fitting having a cylindrical holding part in which an annular groove is formed, and being held by a fastener in the housing. In the housing, the entry fitting can be securely attached to the housing with simple means and installation of the entry fitting, with the housing otherwise closed, is possible in that, for axially securing the entry fitting in the housing opening, there is an open plastic snap ring which is provided with a feed bevel which is guided in the annular groove, and which, in the installed state of the entry fitting, is locked at least partially in a groove in the housing opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: i f m electronic GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Weber, Wolfgang Heinrich, Andreas Hornstein, Wolfgang Mehnert, Franz Sauter, Ralf Siegler
  • Patent number: 7102079
    Abstract: An assembly is disclosed for finding and withdrawing wire and cable ends from locations inside a wall which is being constructed where they have been temporarily brought. The assembly includes a plaster ring fastened to a wall stud. A plaster ring cover plate is temporarily attached to the plaster ring. A hitch is provided on the plaster ring cover plate for joining the wire or cable ends to the cover plate. A tying member may be used to tie the wire or cable end to the cover plate if desired. A method for retrieving the wire and cable ends is also disclosed which includes placing a plaster ring near a location where the wire or cable ends are brought, providing a plaster ring cover plate which is removably engaged on the plaster ring with a hitch for receiving the wire or cable end, engaging the wire or cable end on the hitch, and engaging the plaster ring cover plate on the plaster ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Ken Kurtin
  • Patent number: 7098399
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Gretz, John Ofcharsky
  • Patent number: 7098400
    Abstract: A durable, pre-formed, and standardized mounting bracket is provided for mounting electrical meter boxes and other switching devices to a service pole or to a flat surface. An embodiment is configured to fit around a service pole and to be attached to the pole by screws or bolts through lag bolt holes in the sides of the bracket. Another embodiment fits against a flat surface such as a wall and is attached there by screws or bolts through lag bolt holes in a flat plate. Both types have meter mounting socket holes for mounting to the holes in the back of meter boxes with bolts, washers, and nuts. Different sizes of mounting brackets are provided for meters of different sizes. The bracket is manufactured of durable material such as metal for outdoor use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventors: Mack B. King, Frances S. King
  • Patent number: 7091413
    Abstract: Electrical equipment having a chassis with electronic parts mounted thereto can be simply mounted on a bottom of a cabinet without using screws and can be simply disassembled. A plurality of hooks are provided on a bottom plate of the cabinet. The chassis is formed with holes to permit the hooks to engage therewith. A positioning projection is provided on the bottom plate of the cabinet or on the chassis to afford flexible deformation, and a latch hole is provided on the chassis or on the bottom plate of the cabinet to permit the positioning projection to be latched thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Orion Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hidenobu Mukougawa
  • Patent number: 7087837
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7087836
    Abstract: An electrical outlet box assembly provides for the accommodation of dual voltage fixtures. The outlet box assembly accommodates electrical fixtures and data fixtures along separate mounting axes. The electrical outlet box assembly provides for increased capacity while meeting applicable code requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: John Archer, Dan Michaelis, Ron Wright
  • Patent number: 7078618
    Abstract: An outlet box assembly includes an outer faceplate having an interior opening. An inner faceplate is connected to the outer faceplate such that the inner faceplate is recessed from the outer faceplate and access to the inner faceplate is provided through the interior opening. The inner faceplate has an outlet port and a communication port. The outlet box assembly further includes a support housing having an inner surface and an interior region bounded by the inner surface. The support housing is connected to a rear surface of the inner faceplate such that the outlet port provides access to the interior region. The support housing is configured to allow insertion of an electrical receptacle into the interior region and to provide an enclosure for the electrical receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Cong Thanh Dinh
  • Patent number: 7078620
    Abstract: A mounting structure of the on-vehicle electronic circuit unit according to the present invention includes a base plate fixed to a glass plate of an automobile, and a frame mounted on the base plate and surrounded by four side plates. Since recessed parts are provided on the both side of protrusions of the frame, the volume of the frame is reduced. Also, since the tapered portion having a small volume, which is the protruded side of the frame, is protruded to the inside of the automobile, the space of the inside of the automobile becomes enlarged and baggage can be loaded in the vicinity of the glass plate in the rearward of the automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoki Ikeda, Masashi Nakagawa, Norio Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7075005
    Abstract: The present invention provides a floor box assembly including a housing, a ring assembly, and a temporary cover designed to be adaptable to use with various covers. The floor box is designed to accommodate various types or sizes of covers enabling the floor box to be installed when the type of cover has not yet been finalized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark R. Drane
  • Patent number: 7075003
    Abstract: Moisture-resistant flange structures and side assemblies are for an outdoor electrical enclosure adapted to be mounted in an opening, for example, in the wall of a building. The moisture-resistant flange structures include flange elements disposed on side members of the outdoor electrical enclosure without having an aperture extending through the flange element and not having a passageway extending between the flange element and the side member into the opening. The moisture-resistant side assemblies include at least one adjustable generally L-shaped flange element coupled to the first and second side members by fasteners extending through elongated apertures in the adjustable flange elements. Extensions coupled to the side members overlap a portion of each side member and a portion of at least one of the at least one generally L-shaped adjustable flange elements and the elongated aperture extending therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Johnson, Syed M. Karim