With Box Or Housing Mounting Means Patents (Class 174/58)
  • Patent number: 7075006
    Abstract: In an electrical junction box for an automobile vehicle, a casing includes upper and lower casing members. A lock section joints the upper and lower casing members. A vehicle attachment section extends outward from an outer surface of the casing above the lock section. A bracket projecting from a vehicle body is inserted upward into the vehicle attachment section to fix the electrical junction box onto the vehicle body. The electrical junction box comprises a lock protection section including right and left ribs that project from the outer surface of the casing on the opposite sides of the lock section so that the right and left ribs extend to a position higher than the lock section. A distance between the right and left ribs is set to be smaller than a width of the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Nojima, Manabu Matsumoto, Mitsuhiro Kato
  • Patent number: 7075004
    Abstract: An integral, one-piece low voltage/receptacle electrical outlet box includes an integral one-piece structure having a top, a bottom, opposing side walls and an internal, integral dividing wall defining low voltage and receptacle sides of the electrical box. Punchouts and apertures for the insertion of power and securing of electrical cables and the like are provided in the receptacle side and punchouts and/or openings are provided in the low voltage side for the insertion and securing of low voltage wiring/cables. Both a new construction and “old work” or retrofit version of such a device are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7067736
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for an electrical box repair cover have been described. Two substantially U-shaped members are capable of being positioned about an electrical box and then connected together resulting in being affixed to the electrical box. A cover may be secured to the electrical box by various techniques including straps, clamps, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: Scott L. Lemke
  • Patent number: 7064271
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7057106
    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: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: The Lamson & Sessions Co.
    Inventors: Eric G. Hull, Charles H. Riedy, Robert M. Gudin
  • Patent number: 7053297
    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: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: The Lamson & Sessions Co.
    Inventors: Eric G. Hull, Charles H. Riedy, Robert M. Gudin
  • Patent number: 7053300
    Abstract: A multi-purpose bracket for supporting electric boxes in a stud wall which can be attached directly to a stud, between two adjacent studs, or supported from the floor, includes a mounting bracket that includes four tabs that are adapted to attach to a vertically slotted base unit. Further, the bracket includes a cable support having an edge which aligns with a stabilizing leg of the bracket which allows it to align itself to a metal stud. An edge of the bracket is then screwed to the metal stud. Further, the bracket includes channels which receive straps which can be used to support the bracket between two adjacent studs without use of the floor support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Denier Electric Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. Denier, Dennis Hickey, Charles H. Bull, Joseph P. Kallmeyer
  • Patent number: 7053301
    Abstract: An electrical box extension includes a base having a first edge, a second edge, an inner wall, and an outer wall. The inner wall defines an aperture. An annular flange is disposed on the inner wall. The flange has first and second support surfaces. A first receiving section is formed between the first edge and the upper support surface. A second receiving section is formed between the second edge and the second support surface. The extension is reversible for extending the electrical box in either a partially or fully extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Steven J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7049515
    Abstract: A grommet is provided for insertion into a hole defined through and surrounded by a housing wall of an electrical device through which one or more electrical connectors exit. The grommet generally includes first and second legs connected by a connecting portion. The first and second legs have flange portions and lip portions extending outwardly from the first and second leg's end portions generally opposite the connecting portion. The flange and lip portions collectively define at least one groove for receiving a portion of the housing wall. The grommet also includes a slit extending at least partially between the first and second legs, and at least one aperture for engagingly receiving at least one electrical connector therethrough. The grommet, when engaged with the hole, seals against the housing wall and the electrical connector within the aperture to thereby inhibit the ingress of moisture through the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Michael T. Collins, Stanley Duke Snider
  • Patent number: 7049511
    Abstract: A connection box assembly comprising a connection box having a proximal end shaped to receive a fastener and a distal end, spaced in the lateral direction from the proximal end, having a stop and a slide. The assembly may include a spacer shaped to be inserted, without the use of tools, within the slide until the spacer abuts the stop. The spacer may be adjustable in length. The spacer may be arranged to extend from the proximal end of the connection box in the transverse direction when inserted into the slide and abutted against the stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Quixemble, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale C. Gledhill, Brent L. Kidman
  • Patent number: 7049512
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide an electronic device for outdoor use, includes a housing and at least one fastening member. The housing includes at least one groove on one outer surface thereof. Each fastening member includes at least one protrusion projected from one side thereof. The protrusion is adapted to neatly insert into the groove for securing the fastening member to the electronic device. The other side of the fastening member is extended beyond the housing such that one outer surface of the housing with the groove formed thereon is adapted to mount on and dispose parallel to a wall when the other side of the fastening member is secured onto the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: D-Link Corporation
    Inventors: Ming-Tsai Chung, Cheng-Chi Cho, Yong-Jhih Su
  • Patent number: 7049509
    Abstract: A first fixing portion of a generally L-shape is provided in one side of a box and a first attachment portion is provided in a first fixing member to which the box is attached corresponding to the first fixing portion. The first fixing portion of the box is engaged with the first attachment portion of the fixing member. The first fixing portion is provided in the one side of the box and a second fixing portion equipped with a flexible arm is provided in other side of the box. A second attachment portion is provided in the fixing member corresponding to the second fixing portion and the second fixing portion of the box is engaged with the second attachment portion of the fixing member, and where the flexible arm formed outward the box is bent. A moving regulating portion to regulate the moving for transverse and longitudinal directions for the second attachment portion is provided in the second fixing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Tomoyasu Terada
  • Patent number: 7045713
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7041902
    Abstract: An electrical wiring device including a housing. The electrical wiring device further includes a first electrical device disposed within the housing. The first electrical device includes a plurality of terminals. The electrical wiring device further includes a second electrical device disposed within the housing. The second electrical switch includes a second plurality of terminals. The electrical wiring device further includes a insertable member or element coupled to at least one of the first plurality of terminals and at least one of the second plurality of terminals, thereby establishing electrical conductivity between the first and second electrical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald R. Savicki, Jr., Dejan Radosavljevic, Kenneth Vought
  • Patent number: 7041896
    Abstract: The invention provides a housing for an electronic apparatus whose components can be worked through a reduced number of steps without deteriorating the shielding performance against electromagnetic waves. The housing for an electronic apparatus includes a plurality of metal plates including a first metal plate and a second metal plate and each having a coated face coated over an overall area thereof and a non-coated face. The metal plates are assembled to form the housing such that the coated faces thereof are exposed as outer faces to the outside of the housing. The first metal plate is bent back at a portion thereof such that the non-coated face thereof is exposed to the outside to form a contact portion on a side edge of the first metal plate. The first metal plate is coupled to the second metal plate with the non-coated face of the contact portion thereof held in contact with the non-coated face of the second metal plate to establish electric connection between the first and second metal plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Shinya Okamoto
  • Patent number: 7041901
    Abstract: An electrical fixture is disclosed that has an electrical enclosure, a knockout plug coupled to the electrical enclosure with an interference fit, and a seal coupled to a circumference of the knockout plug between the knockout plug and electrical enclosure so that the seal provides an environmental barrier between an interior and exterior of the electrical enclosure. A method is also disclosed for providing an environmental barrier for a tapered-threaded knockout of an electrical enclosure including placing a seal on a knockout plug and pressing the knockout plug into the tapered-threaded knockout to establish an interference fit between the knockout plug and tapered-threaded knockout. The knockout plug is detachably coupled to the tapered-threaded knockout, with the seal providing an environmental barrier between interior and exterior portions of the electrical enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: B-K Lighting, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Case
  • Patent number: 7041899
    Abstract: An outdoor electrical outlet stand with a control device including a housing, a support, at least one outlet, and a control device. The control device is one of a timer module and a light module. The control device is electrically connected to a power supply and each of the at least one outlet. The control device controls power supplied to the at least one outlet to selectively provide power to appliances connected to each of the at least one outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventor: Albert Stekelenburg
  • Patent number: 7038132
    Abstract: A combination outlet box is disclosed which allows for the termination of both line and low voltage field wiring at the same location within a standard single gang electrical outlet box opening. In addition, the combination outlet box allows for a variety of configurations for routing the line and low voltage field wiring while providing the required separation between line and low voltage field wiring. The combination outlet box also provides for sufficient outlet box volume for both line and low voltage field wiring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Lowe, Patricia V. Roccaro
  • Patent number: 7038130
    Abstract: An electrical fitting for installation of electrical systems in poured concrete, includes a relatively flat body of material having an opening for receiving an electrical conduit, a number of equally spaced legs projecting from a side of the body where the legs are adapted to face a form wall opposing another form wall onto which an electrical box is mounted flush, and a tip disposed on a top of each leg. The tip of each leg is adapted to grip the form wall and provides a sturdy and solid base that holds an electrical box and a conduit in position during the pouring of concrete. The length of each spaced leg is sufficient to allow concrete to flow between the body and the form wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventor: Gary Sing Choy Yip, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7038131
    Abstract: A telescoping box adapter that enables a user to adjust the enclosure on an electrical box from a compressed to an expanded configuration. The telescoping box adapter includes a first frame member that is secured to an electrical box. A second frame member having sidewalls slightly larger than the first frame member is slideable with respect to the first frame member. Additional frame members can be provided with successively larger sidewalls thus making each additional frame member slideable with respect to the next smaller frame member. A cover is secured to the outermost frame member and is movable from an open to a closed position. Sliding the outermost frame member fully forward adjusts the box adapter to a fully expanded configuration forming an expanded enclosure therein. Sliding the outermost frame member fully rearward adjusts the box adapter to a fully compressed configuration forming a compressed enclosure therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7034222
    Abstract: An electrical junction system includes a junction box specially configured to enhance electrical circuitry installation in buildings or other structures. The junction box is attached to a wall stud or other structure and electrical power is routed to the box. Installation of utility modules (such as a receptacle or switch) into the junction box requires no connection of wires. In addition, the depth at which the utility module is secured within the junction box cavity is advantageously adjustable to enable the face of the module to be mounted at a desired location, such as flush with drywall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventor: Roy Wayne York
  • Patent number: 7034224
    Abstract: A receptacle includes an insulated outer case, first and second trip switches formed on an inner bottom of the insulated case, a reset switch formed on the inner bottom of the insulated outer case, a cover disposed on a top of the outer case, first and second test buttons disposed in the insulated outer case to be movable in a vertical direction, each of the first and second test buttons having a bottom adjacent to the corresponding trip switch and a top exposed through the cover, a first spring for biasing the first and second test buttons to an initial position, a reset button disposed in the insulated outer case to be movable in a vertical direction, the reset button having a bottom adjacent to the reset switch and a top exposed through the cover, and a locking portion for selectively locking the reset button in response to the vertical motion of the first and second test button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Seochang Electric Communication Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheon-Youn Kim, Dong seb Kim, Sul-Kil Lee, Ki-Young Lim, Seok-Won Song, Dae-Gun Kim
  • Patent number: 7022912
    Abstract: An electrical junction box is employed for use in conduit rack systems. The junction box having two separate enclosed spaces, the first space enclosed by an upper section and the second space enclosed by a second section which extends perpendicularly from the first section. External surfaces of the first and second sections form dual step-like configurations on either side of the box which form two accessways or pathways for positioning and accepting straight runs of conduit laterally and over the junction box, thus eliminating the need for separating and bending runs of conduit. Straight runs of conduit are connected, via joint members, at the ends of the junction box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Robert J. Kilburn
  • Patent number: 7019210
    Abstract: The invention concerns a cable suspension arrangement for hanging luminaries including a holder for a cable which is vertical in the position of installation for suspending a luminaire at a cable holder point and a fixing region for fixing the luminaire to the suspension arrangement, wherein the fixing region has a center, wherein there is provided a mechanism for displacement of the cable holder point laterally with respect to the longitudinal direction in which the cable extends, relative to the center of the fixing region for the luminaire, or for displacement of the center of gravity of the luminaire, laterally with respect to the longitudinal extent of an associated luminaire, relative to the cable holder point of the luminaire housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Trilux-Lenze GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bernd Radin, Matthias Eickel
  • Patent number: 7019211
    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: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Frank P. Rose
  • Patent number: 7009110
    Abstract: A prepackaged fan and fixture mounting assembly for securing an electrical fixture, such as a ceiling fan, light fixture, or similar device to an overhead joist or other suitable structure. The mounting assembly includes an electrical box having a closed top, a sidewall, and an open bottom that define an electrical wiring enclosure. Provided within the electrical box are integral holsters for temporary storage of device fasteners. A bracket is provided attached to a recessed area in the sidewall for securing the mounting assembly to an appropriate surface. An electrical fan or fixture is installed to the electrical box by removing the device fasteners from their respective holsters and securing them through the mounting ring of the electrical fixture and into the mounting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7009109
    Abstract: A casing structure for electronic equipment is disclosed that allows electronic equipment to be easily assembled while providing sufficient electromagnetic wave shielding effects, and which allows the manufacture of electronic equipment at a low cost. The casing structure includes a case member having an opening, and an electronic equipment support member. The electronic equipment support member is mounted in an opening periphery of the case member, and has an opening shielding portion that closes the opening and a mounting periphery that is bent from the opening shielding portion to extend along the opening periphery. With the electronic equipment support member, the angle formed between the opening shielding portion and the mounting periphery is an angle that is 90 degrees or greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Kyocera Mita Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyoshi Omura, Hiroaki Ohashi
  • Patent number: 7005578
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7005575
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: MT Memoteknik AB
    Inventor: Lars Hedström
  • Patent number: 7002076
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Bridgeport Fittings, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Ungerman, Kenneth M. Kiely
  • Patent number: 6998531
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: The Lamson & Sessions Co.
    Inventor: Eric G. Hull
  • Patent number: 6994585
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring system. The system includes a plug connector device that is configured to terminate a plurality of wires. A portion of the plurality of wires are configured to transmit electrical power provided by an electrical power distribution system. An electrical wiring device is configured to provide the electrical power to a load. The electrical wiring device includes a receptacle disposed therein. The receptacle is configured to receive the plug device, such that electrical continuity is established between the electrical wiring device and the plurality of wires when the plug device is inserted into the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: John Benoit, Gerald R. Savicki, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6992248
    Abstract: A junction box assembly includes a lower cover, a junction box and an upper cover. The junction box holds one or more connectors that mate with corresponding connectors in the lower cover. The junction box includes a locking structure that engages with a corresponding locking structure of the upper cover. The junction box also includes a cover engagement restriction portion. The upper cover includes a lock position assurance device that abuts against the cover engagement restriction portion and restricts the upper cover from engaging the lower cover if the junction box is not properly installed into the lower cover. The lock position assurance device may also restrict accidental disengagement of the junction box from the junction box by restricting the junction box locking structure from disengaging the corresponding locking structure of the upper cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems - Detroit Technical Center, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Patrick Dunbar, Joseph Mauney
  • Patent number: 6989488
    Abstract: A poke through fitting comprising a conduit body, the conduit body including a conduit, a fixed flange and a slidable flange, and an intumescent member formed at least in part of an intumescent material, said intumescent member comprising a retention member for retaining the intumescent member on the conduit body wherein an engagement member maintains a relationship between the slidable flange of the conduit body and the intumescent member during expansion of the intumescent material. A stop member is preferably provided in a fixed relationship to the conduit to limit the travel of the slidable flange during expansion of the intumescent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Alva-Tech Inc.
    Inventor: Philip F. Valenziano
  • Patent number: 6982379
    Abstract: An electrical connection box has upper and lower casings (10, 11) for accommodating circuitry. A surrounding wall (10a) of the upper casing (10) fits inside a surrounding wall (11a) of the lower casing (11). Engaging locking claws (10b, 11b) project from the outer surface of the surrounding wall (10a) of the upper casing (10) and from the inner surface of the surrounding wall (11a) of the lower casing (11). An upper wall of the upper casing (10) is inclined down from a center portion to three peripheral edges. A drainage path (13) is defined by a clearance between the surrounding walls (10a, 11a) of the upper and lower casings (10, 11). A bottom wall of the lower casing (11) has drainage holes (14) at the bottom end of the drainage path (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukinori Saka, Tooru Nakagawa, Yoshito Oka
  • Patent number: 6979783
    Abstract: A high-volume, high-utility, non-conductive electrical junction box includes a back wall and four side walls in rectangular array extending from the back wall, with each side wall being jointed to the back wall and to the two adjacent side walls in order to both define an opening to the junction box, and to substantially enclose a volume therewithin. Inside of the junction box, electrical wiring and devices may be safely installed. The junction box includes internal mounting lugs that extend from the opening of the junction box toward but short of the back wall, and which thus provide an improved volume within a junction box of a standard size. Additionally, a multitude of conduit sockets may be attached to the junction box, and mutually lock to the walls of the junction box by use of a specialized multiple-engagement nut member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Inventors: Gary K. Weise, Richard J. Kesl
  • Patent number: 6979777
    Abstract: A weatherproof electrical enclosure having a base and a cover pivotably connected to the base by movable hinge clips. The position of the hinge clips can be adjusted to allow the cover to be oriented to open horizontally or vertically without needing to remove or remount the enclosure. The cover has cable openings at the top and bottom that may be shielded by hoods and may also have a latch mechanism to keep the cover in the closed position. The enclosure may also include a cover plate having ribs that can be selectively removed to create different kinds of apertures that conform to different types of electrical fixtures. The cover plate may have recesses on two diagonally opposite corners and horizontally elongated mounting holes to make it easier to install, position and remove the cover plate from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Cooper Wiring Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean Claude Marcou, Jim Knapik, Xing Yao
  • Patent number: 6979778
    Abstract: A foot pad has an elastic conical body and at least one elastic rib. The elastic conical body defines a connecting surface and an outer conical surface. The connecting surface defines a hollow portion, and the elastic rib integrally connects to the elastic conical body at a surface of the hollow portion. The outer conical surface has a root portion connecting with an outer edge of the connecting surface. A thickness of the elastic conical body at the root portion of the outer conical surface is greater than a thickness of the elastic conical body at other portions of the outer conical surface. Elasticity of the foot pad is thereby increased so as to enlarge a contact area contacting an outer supporting surface, so that an anti-skid effect is improved and the foot pad is capable of absorbing a deformation of an electronic product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Lite-On Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Roger Xiong, Chi-Ren Hsueh
  • Patent number: 6979779
    Abstract: A rapid mounting, “square” electrical outlet or junction box (4? square, 4 11/16? square, 2-gang, etc.) includes a back plate and four upstanding sidewalls attached to the back plate and defining a front opening. One or more of the sidewalls has a number of conduit knockouts, as well as a plurality of cable access ports, which allow entry of AC, MC, NM, or other cables. The sidewalls also have a mounting hole pattern for rapidly mounting the outlet box, by way of any of the sidewalls, to a wood or metal stud. Accordingly, regardless of the box's orientation, conduit and/or electrical cables can always be routed to the box, and conduits that approach the box from any direction can be easily accommodated without bending or rerouting. Among other things, the outlet box may also be provided with external cable clamps, fold-out depth tangs, device connection flanges, and pre-attached ground leads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Inventor: John K. Grady
  • Patent number: 6979780
    Abstract: A non-gangable electrical outlet box which includes a pair of side walls with raised portions on the exterior surfaces. The raised portions have a pair of holding prongs, a pair of positioning tabs and at least one depression having a bottom surface and an aperture. The bottom surface of the depression is angularly disposed to the raised portion to facilitate insertion of a screw in the aperture though the front opening of the outlet box. The top wall, the bottom wall and the side walls are attached to each other and to the rear wall with at least one weld to form the outlet box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts, International, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Lalancette
  • Patent number: 6974908
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods provide an adjustable aerial terminal that is capable of being pole-mounted or wall-mounted. In an embodiment, this invention includes an aerial terminal having the means to rotationally adjust positions about a curved surface. In another embodiment, this invention includes an aerial terminal having the means to longitudinally adjust positions along a planar surface. In further embodiments, this invention includes a kit-of-parts capable of being assembled with conventional aerial terminals and also includes a method of adjusting aerial terminals located at an elevated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventor: Isaac Daniel McIntosh White
  • Patent number: 6969800
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hub concealed by tabletop, where a top lid is joined to a bottom casing and a space within the hub is configured to receive multiple electrical components. The hub includes a plurality of resilient key buttons to be secured to the apertures formed on opposing sides of the base to allow the hub to rotate about the resilient key buttons over the base. The hub is rotatable to an exposed state in use or a concealed state when not in use by the engagement between two tennon devices and tennon openings of the base, wherein the base is further pressed into a circular opening preformed on tabletop by the opposing securing tabs so as to join to the tabletop. The hub may be rotated to expose out of the tabletop in use, and to be concealed underneath the tabletop when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: Hsueh-Shu Liao
  • Patent number: 6969801
    Abstract: The present invention is a protection device that is coupled to a power source 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 line terminals configured to be coupled to the power source when a proper wiring condition is effected. A receptacle member includes receptacle openings configured to accommodate plug contact blades. Receptacle contacts are disposed in the receptacle member and coupled to the line terminals. An electrical connection is established between the receptacle contacts and the line terminals. At least one protective shutter is movable between a closed position and an open position. The at least one protective shutter is disposed between the receptacle openings and the receptacle contacts in the closed position to prevent the plug blades from making contact with the receptacle contacts. A mis-wiring sensor is coupled to the line terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: Dejan Radosavljevic, Richard Weeks
  • Patent number: 6967284
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 6965077
    Abstract: The claimed inventions relate generally to electrical boxes that may be installed to a ceiling, and more particularly to electrical box ancillary devices, such as brackets and struts, that permit the carrying of heavy ceiling appliances such as ceiling fans and lighting fixtures. Disclosed herein are brackets and other devices for reinforcing ceiling electrical boxes to structural members, such as trusses and joists, against the load of fixtures including ceiling fans and lighting fixtures. Also disclosed herein are ceiling electrical boxes having built-in reinforcement. Further disclosed herein are other reinforcement structures, some including box molded parts therein, that additionally provide direct support to a ceiling fixture. Additionally disclosed herein, explicitly or implicitly, methods of using and installing those brackets, devices and boxes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Inventor: Alan P. Halbert
  • Patent number: 6965078
    Abstract: A recessed electrical box with a closeable cover member. The box may include a flange that 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 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 as a retrofit on a finished building or as an installation on the wall of a building under construction. 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 a building under construction. The inner flange is removable to facilitate installation in a retrofit situation, in which the finish layer such as siding, stucco, or masonry is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 6963027
    Abstract: This invention relates to a surface mount outlet box for use in electrical, electronic, security and various telecommunications installations which stores and ships flat to save space and interfaces with a wide variety of face plates and raceways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Inventors: James W. Williams, John K. Domici, Jr., Boris Orshansky
  • Patent number: 6963029
    Abstract: A housing for a spliced wire includes a base, a wall extending from an edge defining a perimeter of the base, and a cavity defined by the wall and base. The wall includes opposing sides each having an opening receptive to a wire therethrough. A cover is pivotally hinged to one edge defining the wall and is configured to close the cavity to an environment and protect a splice between each wire from the environment. A siding clip extends from either the base or wall and is configured to clip to siding of a building structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Rivers, Frederick Diggle, III
  • Patent number: 6960720
    Abstract: A lift-type positioning structure for a lid of a bracket of a computer interface card havs a housing, a seat member, a lid and a positioning structure. The housing has a receiving slot for receiving the interface card, a rectangular slot over the receiving slot, and a horizontal platform extending perpendicularly from a lower edge of the rectangular slot. The seat member is mounted to the housing at an edge of the rectangular slot. The lid is pivotally connected to the seat member to be lifted up or down. The positioning device is operative to secure the lid at an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Shuttle Inc.
    Inventor: Yu Wen-Lung
  • Patent number: 6958448
    Abstract: A tool for installing an electrical box is provided. The tool includes a holding assembly for holding an electrical box to be mounted on a framing member; a depth adjuster for positioning the electrical box a predetermined distance relative to a face of the framing member; and a height adjuster for positioning the electrical box a predetermined height relative to a floor, wherein the holding assembly includes a rectangular shaped holding member for holding the electrical box, wherein a width of the holding member is less than a height of an opening of the electrical box and the depth adjuster is L-shaped and has a first end for abutting the framing member to set the electrical box at the predetermined distance relative to the face of the framing member. The height adjuster includes a support member, e.g., conduit, for positioning the tool at the predetermined height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Inventor: Gerald A. Nave