With Box Or Housing Mounting Means Patents (Class 174/58)
  • Patent number: 7525806
    Abstract: A combination current sensor and relay has an improved housing. In one aspect, the housing includes light emitting diodes on an upper surface that indicate open circuit and short circuit conditions. In another aspect, the housing includes a securement structure for a circuit board that includes the transformer and switches for device operation, together with aligned openings therein for routing wires to external devices. In another aspect, a multiple position switch is included on the upper surface that indicates multiple modes of operation of the device. In another aspect, the housing may be assembled in multiple parts by affixing a first portion to a support, a circuit board to the first portion, and a second portion to the first portion. In another aspect, the housing is suitable for engagement to alternatively a junction box and a duplex box. In another aspect, the configuration of the upper surface provides usability advantages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Veris Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Kent Holce, Frank Morey, Matt Rupert, Mark Bowman
  • Patent number: 7525042
    Abstract: The invention relates to a kit for a combination of plug devices, including a lower housing parts (102), upper housing parts (202) and mounting plates (301, 302). The mounting plates (301, 302) can be selectively mounted in like mounting openings (214) of the upper housing parts (202) and configured to receive different types and numbers of plug devices. The mounting plates can also be configured as window elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: AMAD Mennekes Holding GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Volker Lazzaro, Helmut Eicher
  • Patent number: 7525043
    Abstract: A two-gang recessed electrical box assembly for recessing a high voltage component and a low voltage component within a wall. The recessed electrical box assembly includes a frame member including a lateral flange, a rearward extending collar, and a peripheral flange extending inward at the rear edge of the collar. A high voltage compartment and a low voltage compartment are provided at the rear of the frame member. The high voltage compartment includes an electrical box extending rearward from the peripheral flange and the low voltage compartment includes bosses extending inward from the peripheral flange. The electrical box assembly enables the recessed mounting of a high and low voltage component in a single electrical box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7521631
    Abstract: A mounting bracket assembly for mounting an electrical box having one or more far-side supports, which fold out and contact the structure behind the bracket to provide additional stability and support. The mounting bracket assembly includes: a mounting plate having a pair of opposing sides, an opening for receiving an electrical box and a far-side support; and a mounting bracket attaching end. The far-side support has a first end, a second end and a pair of sides and includes a first section and a second section. The far-side support foldably extends from the mounting plate and the second section foldably extends from the first section. The first end of the far-side support is connected to the mounting plate and the far-side support can include a support bending aperture at the first end. The second section can include a first end, a second end and a pair of sides and the first end of the second section can have an extender bending aperture and can connect to the second end of the first section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Cong Thanh Dinh
  • Patent number: 7521632
    Abstract: A door hinge assembly is provided for an enclosure including a housing having a panel member, and a plurality of sides extending outwardly from the panel member to define an interior and an opening for providing access to the interior. The door hinge assembly includes a generally planar portion covering the opening of the housing of the enclosure, at least one side flange portion extending outwardly from the generally planar portion toward the housing of the enclosure and including a number of bends forming at least one first hinge element, and at least one second hinge element disposed at or about one of the sides of the housing to pivotably receive a corresponding first hinge element. The side flange portion, including the first hinge element thereof, is a single continuous piece of material. The door hinge assembly is movable between an open position and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Gaton Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7518061
    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 comprised of two pieces, including a one-piece electrical box and a one-piece cover member. An inner flange may be included 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. The recessed electrical box may include a second, outer flange, for recessing the box at the correct depth with respect to a wall surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7518059
    Abstract: A deep truncated cylindrical electrical box with angled molded-in internal mounting brackets on the flat side surface is mounted to the side of a wooden or metal beam. This internal mounting feature is especially of interest in old work to minimize the size of drywall cutout by limiting it to the outer contour of the electrical box. Any device, such as a paddle fan, will be directly supported by an exterior supportive L-bracket, not by the molded box itself. Replacing the L-bracket with a heavy-duty cold rolled steel bar bracket permits fastening between two beams. An alternate embodiment for the electrical box itself supports lighter loads by the electrical box itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Inventor: Greg Herth
  • Patent number: 7518060
    Abstract: A wire distribution system comprises a support structure having a first wall terminating in a first flange and a second wall terminating in a second flange. The second flange may be spaced apart from the first flange and provide a web section formed therebetween. The web section has an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the outer surface defines an abutment to a mating structure, such as a wall, door, or window. The inner surface further defines a part of an inner cavity, and further includes a conduit channel formed therein. The conduit channel has an at least one wall section extending into the inner cavity and further includes an open leg facing the mating structure. An aperture is formed in the support structure first side and is oriented substantially adjacent to the conduit channel. A receptacle extends into the aperture and defines an interior space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Comfort Line, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeffery V. Miller, John L. Sigmund, Jacob J. Huskins, Robert Douglas Spaans
  • Patent number: 7510429
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring system for use in an electrical distribution system including at least one electric circuit. The at least one electric circuit includes a plurality of electric power transmitting wires disposed between an electric power source interface and at least one electrical device location. The system includes an electrical wiring device disposed at the at least one electrical device location. The electrical wiring device includes a predefined coupling area having a plurality of electrical wiring device contacts disposed therein. A connector assembly includes a plurality of electrical connector contacts disposed therein. The connector assembly is configured to be directly connected to the plurality of electrical power transmitting wires such that electrical continuity is established between the plurality of electrical power transmitting wires and the plurality of electrical connector contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald R. Savicki, Jr., Ralph Baldwin
  • Publication number: 20090071680
    Abstract: A receptacle-receiver unit is provided for an electrical system, such as a lighting system. The unit includes a receptacle having a plurality of female slots and a plurality of male ends, wherein the female slots are configured to receive a plug of the lighting system. The unit also includes a receiver wired to a power supply and the receiver has plurality of female slots configured to receive male ends of the receptacle. The female slots of the receiver and the male ends of the receptacle are engaged without wiring process to deliver electric flow to the lighting system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Rhonda Lee Ailer, Arnold Everett Ailer, JR., Matthew Ryan Ailer, Christopher Ray Lee Ailer
  • Patent number: 7504580
    Abstract: An adapter closure structure for electrical conduit systems of the type having conduit bodies, for which additional conduit access to an in-service conduit junction box can be provided without the need for removing and/or rewiring the in-service junction box. In a first embodiment, a structure is provided in the form of a closure plate having one or more conduit hubs to replace a flat closure plate on one side of a conduit body. In a second embodiment, a second conduit body may be joined to the in-service body utilizing a novel coupling ring. In this alternative embodiment, the second body can provide additional interior working space. In addition the second body may also optionally add one or several additional conduit hubs for added access to the in-service system. In both embodiments, the closure structure is fitted into a female opening of the conduit body for structural integrity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Inventors: Albert James Lammens, Jr., Randy Lamar Marx
  • Patent number: 7501575
    Abstract: An electrical outlet box includes fastening hardware to secure the box to a wall structure. A cover overlies the fastening hardware. The box has a flange with mounting apertures therethrough to receive the fastening hardware. The apertures may be formed in a recess in the flange. The cover may be formed as a plug that is inserted into the recess to provide a flush surface with said flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert K. Jolly
  • Publication number: 20090057005
    Abstract: A cable harness for passing one or more cables through an opening the wall includes a cable conduit including a generally S-shaped channel defined by an inner surface of a first shell portion and an inner surface of a second shell portion attached to the first shell portion and a least one cable disposed in the cable conduit. A method of mounting a cable relative to an opening in a wall is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: Mack Trucks, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles J. Groeller, Wayne A. Hardwood
  • Publication number: 20090056969
    Abstract: Molded plastic commercial electrical boxes are provided with metal brackets to accept connectors for conduit or armored cable (BX). Using a sturdy molded plastic frame with metal brackets or regions is a cost-effective method to manufacture these electrical boxes. This type of construction can be used with electrical boxes having conventional attachment brackets or fastening extensions as well as electrical boxes with other variations of fastening methods. The metal brackets can accommodate one or more cable connector clamps therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Greg Herth
  • Patent number: 7497725
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a electrical wiring system that includes a plug connector having a plurality of plug contacts configured to terminate a plurality of wires. The system also includes an electrical wiring device having a cover member, a body member, a ground strap assembly disposed between the cover member and the body member, and a receptacle formed in a rear portion of the body member, the receptacle being configured to accept the plug connector. The ground strap assembly is configured to conform to at least one body member feature such that a distance from the ground strap assembly to a major rear surface of the body member is less than a predetermined distance. The receptacle includes a plurality of receptacle contacts configured to mate with the plurality of plug contacts when the plug connector is inserted into the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald R. Savicki, Jr., John Benoit
  • Patent number: 7498513
    Abstract: A storage box includes a plurality of walls that define an interior. A cable housing may be secured to an interior wall of the storage box, with a reel secured therein for rotational winding and unwinding of a cable. A cable retention knob on the distal end of the cable enables withdrawal of the cable external the storage box. A receiving port on a wall of the storage box can receive at least a portion of the cable retention knob. A latch assembly is operatively disposed proximate the receiving port and is selectively configurable, dependent on an open or close condition of a lid. The latch assembly is operatively and selectively configured to release the cable retention knob when the lid is open and to enable spring-biased capture of the cable retention knob when the lid is closed and when the cable retention knob is seated in the receiving port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Peak Recreational Products, LLC
    Inventor: Dale Anton Tollefson
  • Patent number: 7495170
    Abstract: This invention pertains to an adjustable cover for an electrical outlet box. The cover is configured having a generally planar mounting plate with a collar surrounding an opening through this mounting plate. An extension sleeve moves within this opening and adjacent the collar. At least one fastener is located adjacent the opening and is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The fastener operates a locking device that engages and bias against the extension sleeve when the fastener is in the locked position and which disengage and cease biasing the extension sleeve when the fastener is in the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Cong Thanh Dinh, Andrew Christopher Cole, James Munro Sanders
  • Patent number: 7488891
    Abstract: An electrical box with multiple selectable fastening points. The electrical box is capable of being mounted on a wide range of structures including those that are constructed with metal framing, wood framing, or with a masonry wall. To accommodate various layers of drywall, fasteners for mounting the electrical box to a stud may be moved to any one of the several fastening points to ensure that the fastener is approximately centered with respect to the stud. Outward extending tabs are provided on the sidewalls of the electrical box to enable mounting to masonry walls. Multiple connection points are provided at the front opening of the electrical box to enable the mounting of electrical components or electrical fixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7485805
    Abstract: A two-gang recessed electrical box assembly for recessing a plurality of high or low voltage electrical components within a wall. The recessed electrical box assembly includes an electrical box with an electrical enclosure therein and a trim plate. The electrical enclosure can accommodate two high voltage components or two low voltage components or an optional voltage separator can be installed to divide the enclosure and enable the mounting of both a high voltage and low voltage component in the resultant subdivided enclosures. The trim plate includes a laterally extending flange and a peripheral flange 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. A mounting arrangement is provided on the outer sidewalls of the electrical box for securing the two-gang electrical box assembly to a stud or similar support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7485804
    Abstract: An electrical box and cover that includes a body having a back wall, a face plate and a perimeter wall which define an interior and an exterior for the body. The back wall has one or more removable elements for forming apertures that can be used to mount connectors. The faceplate has an opening for accessing the interior that extends beyond the perimeter wall to expose a slot. The cover is connected to the body by one or more hinges and is pivotably movable between an open and closed position. When the cover is in the open position, it can be retracted into the housing. A housing extending from the rear of the face plate on the exterior of the body receives the cover. The cover can include a rail on the interior surface and the perimeter wall can include a track that receives the rail when the cover is retracted into the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Cong Thanh Dinh, Robert Kevin Jolly
  • Publication number: 20090020306
    Abstract: A power distribution system has an electrical box configured to attach a power cable, a plaster ring releasably mounted to the box and one or more electrical devices installed into the ring. A pre-wired ground extends from a first end physically and electrically connected to a ground terminal on the electrical device. The plaster ring is movable between a closed position proximate the box and an open position distal the box. The pre-wired ground is configured as a lanyard so as to support the plaster ring as a wiring platform in the open position for connecting wires between the power cable and the electrical device or devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: ProtectConnect, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Purves, Dennis L. Grudt, John Karns
  • Patent number: 7479598
    Abstract: An electrical device cover assembly with a base unit having an electrical box, where the electrical box has an electrical device opening on a front side of the electrical box. Particular implementations may include a cover plate slidably coupled into the electrical device opening of the electrical box over the electrical device. A sleeve may be slidably coupled into the electrical device opening and be slidable with respect to the cover plate. The sleeve may also have a sleeve mounting feature and at least one sleeve hinge member. A lid having at least one hinge member may be included with the lid coupled to the at least one sleeve hinge member by the at least one hinge member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: TayMac Corporation
    Inventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Richard L. Cleghorn
  • Patent number: 7476803
    Abstract: An electrical box for housing electrical components that includes: a body having a back wall, a face plate, a perimeter wall therebetween and an interior. The back wall has one or more removable elements for forming apertures that receive one or more low voltage connectors. A cover fits over an opening in the face plate and one or more rotatable mounting brackets located near the end walls are used to mount the box in a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Cong Thanh Dinh
  • Patent number: 7476807
    Abstract: An electrical box assembly for providing a secure electrical enclosure on walls constructed with steel studs of two conventional sizes. The electrical box assembly includes an electrical box including captive fasteners on one sidewall and a bracket that is adjustable in length for attachment to the opposite sidewall. The adjustable length bracket may be used as is for bracing the opposite sidewall of the electrical box for a wide stud. A bend line is provided on the bracket for enabling simple reduction of its length for bracing the electrical box against a narrow stud. The electrical box assembly provides an electrical box that is fastened directly to a stud on one sidewall and braced against the drywall at both ends of the box on the opposite sidewall to securely hold the electrical box with respect to the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7476805
    Abstract: A receptacle for enclosing low-voltage electronic devices and maintaining the integrity of a vapor barrier. The receptacle includes a base, and four side walls. Each side wall is joined to two adjacent side walls to form a perimeter wall. The perimeter wall is joined to the base and extends from it in a generally perpendicular fashion. The perimeter wall and base delineate a generally rectangular enclosure with five closed sides and one open side. A mounting flange is joined to the four side walls and extends from them in a generally perpendicular fashion. The receptacle is positioned within a wall of a building so as to allow at least one flange direct contact with a structural member. The structural members of the wall and the receptacle are both covered with a barrier film. The barrier film is sealingly attached to the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Professional Partners, Ltd.
    Inventor: Craig A. Jacks
  • Patent number: 7476806
    Abstract: A electrical box assembly is provided that includes an electrical outlet box and an adapter plate configured to accommodate electrical components in a single or double gang formation. An engaging mechanism permits the adapter plate to snap into the electrical outlet box without the use of screws or other fasteners. Thus, the adapter plate can be removed and rotated to change the orientation of the adapter plate and any electrical components attached thereto from a vertical to a horizontal orientation, and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Cong Thanh Dinh
  • Publication number: 20090008121
    Abstract: An electrical outlet box for accommodating an electrical fixture which includes a generally rectangular box having a back wall, a perimetrical side wall surrounding said back wall defining an open front face and a box interior, said side wall includes a first and second set of generally parallel spaced apart wall portions; and a slidable extension nested within said generally rectangular box, that can be moved from within the generally rectangular box to an extended position beyond the open front face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Lalancette, Ioan Liviu Lupsa
  • Patent number: 7473845
    Abstract: A structural unit having a frame, a connecting face that surrounds an opening and a cover that is attached to the connecting face to cover the opening. The frame and the cover are formed of materials with different coefficients of thermal expansion, and the connecting face has a channel that opens towards the cover. At least one duct communicates with the channel so that when a filling compound is injected into the duct it is received in the channel. The filling compound thereby attaches the cover to the frame and provides a seal therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Pretema GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Lorenz Berchtold, Karlheinz Glaser, Dietmar Kurzeja
  • Patent number: 7470145
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a electrical wiring system that includes a plug connector having a plurality of plug contacts configured to terminate a plurality of wires. The system also includes an electrical wiring device having a cover member, a body member, a ground strap assembly disposed between the cover member and the body member, and a receptacle formed in a rear portion of the body member, the receptacle being configured to accept the plug connector. The ground strap assembly is configured to conform to at least one body member feature such that a distance from the ground strap assembly to a major rear surface of the body member is less than a predetermined distance. The receptacle includes a plurality of receptacle contacts configured to mate with the plurality of plug contacts when the plug connector is inserted into the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald R. Savicki, Jr., John Benoit
  • Patent number: 7468486
    Abstract: The Adjustable Mud ring consists of a collarless frame, having a central opening for an Extending Member, perimeter fastener openings for connecting to a junction box, and bendable tabs for securing the frame to an Extending Member, which is boxed shaped with a central opening for electrical apparatus, fixed tabs with openings for threading adjustable fasteners into openings in the frame, and bendable tabs for securing the system to a wall. A Grounding Spring Clip, constructed from sheet-metal, folded to create a compressive spring, with an opening for a fastener, allows proper grounding. Add-on Rings are boxed shaped with a central opening, openings on flat, fixed perimeter tabs for threading bolts into to an Extending Member, and bendable tabs for securing the system to a wall. A bracket, with openings for fasteners for attaching the assembly to wall members, can be made a part of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Inventor: Frank Shaochong Yan
  • Patent number: 7468487
    Abstract: A securable wallplate system couples a wallplate with a wall without need for additional attachment hardware. The wallplate system includes arm members pivotally coupled with a wallplate. For each arm member, the wallplate can include a guide member that allows the arm member to pivotally rotate from a retracted angular orientation during installation of the wallplate system to an extended angular orientation during final engagement with an interior side of the wall. In final position, the arm members engage with the interior side of the room wall while the wallplate engages with an exterior side of the room wall and covers an opening in the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: James M. Murphy
  • Patent number: 7462777
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a dual hinge recess weatherproof outdoor electrical box assembly for shielding and protecting electrical components from moisture. The electrical box assembly includes an electrical box having a plurality of hinge sockets, an adapter plate that is recessed in the electrical box, and a cover having a plurality of hinge pins for operable engagement with the hinge sockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Cong Thanh Dinh
  • Patent number: 7462775
    Abstract: An adjustable electrical box assembly for mounting an electrical device on a stone wall either flush with the wall or at a desired offset. The assembly includes a base member, anchoring members, an electrical box, and an optional base extender. For a wall constructed of narrow depth stones, the base member is mounted directly to the substrate using the anchoring members. For a wall constructed of thick stones, the base member and base extender are secured together with the anchoring members and the assembly is secured to the substrate. The offset of the electrical box from the wall surface is set by adjusting the position of attachment of the anchoring members with respect to the sidewalls of the base member and base extender. The electrical box is adapted to receive a light fixture or similar electrical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7461870
    Abstract: A one piece connector is provided for coupling a flexible conduit to junction boxes having different wall thicknesses. The connector includes a bottom defining an aperture for passing electrical conductor therethrough. The connector further includes a sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom, and a member projecting inwardly from the sidewall for engaging the flexible conduit. The connector also includes a locking tab member having an outwardly extending tab, an outwardly angled locking protrusion, and a locking arm having an outwardly angled region and an inwardly angled region for retaining the connector within an opening in a junction box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: IBC Corporation
    Inventor: Geoffrey Blake
  • Publication number: 20080296039
    Abstract: A recessed electrical outlet box which includes a body that is selectably connected to a cover by either a first or a second hinge assembly. The body includes a back wall, a face plate, a side wall and an interior, wherein the side wall extends between the back wall and face plate and the face plate has an opening for accessing the interior. The interior includes a recessed pair of bosses and a pair of mounting holes, which can be used for mounting electrical devices in the interior. The first and second hinge assemblies have a first hinge axis and a second hinge axis, respectively, and are attached to the face plate and cover so that the first hinge axis is substantially perpendicular to the second hinge axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Cong Thanh Dinh, Robert Kevin Jolly
  • Patent number: 7459631
    Abstract: Provided is a structure for housing an electrical junction box in a housing box by inserting the electrical junction box into the housing box from above and also for fixing the electrical junction box to the housing box so as to prevent slipping-off thereof by engagement between engagement parts provided on external side surfaces of the electrical junction box and engagement parts provided on internal side surfaces of the housing box, both of which face each other in parallel with an insertion direction in insertion of the electrical junction box. Moreover, groove-like depressions extended along the insertion direction into the housing box are provided in the external side surfaces of the electrical junction box, and engagement convex parts are provided in the depressions. Furthermore, engagement projections engaged with the engagement convex parts are provided on the internal side surfaces of the housing box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Nakayama, Masahiro Kanamaru
  • Patent number: 7459630
    Abstract: The embodiments described herein include a junction box assembly configured to enclose an electrical assembly. The junction box assembly includes a junction box cover and a base member. The junction box cover and base member are configured to enable optimal sealing, securing, and positioning of the electrical assembly within the junction box assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Montse Pinol Pedret, Ramon Aguila Caceres
  • Publication number: 20080289845
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting a device in a wall box is provided. The apparatus includes a base plate formed by a front portion and a plurality of side portions extending to the rear to define a substantially open rear portion, and a latching mechanism coupled to the base plate. The front portion is connected to the device. The base plate is configured to be at least partially inserted into the wall box. The latching mechanism includes a frictional engagement member configured to frictionally engage with the wall box upon insertion into the wall box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: AMX LLC
    Inventor: Phong Le
  • Patent number: 7456357
    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: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Gardenia Industrial Limited
    Inventors: Allan Kwong, Xiao Chen Chen
  • Publication number: 20080283266
    Abstract: A tool for installing various configurations of electrical boxes to framing studs during building construction includes a staff having graduations indicating distances from an end of the staff. A mounting fixture is slidably disposed on the staff and can be secured at a desired position along the length of the staff corresponding to a desired installation height for the electrical boxes. The mounting fixture may include pins for engaging apertures on an electrical box, and magnets for magnetically engaging metal electrical boxes, to help retain the electrical boxes on the mounting fixture during installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Murphy
  • Patent number: 7449633
    Abstract: An electrical outlet box for accommodating an electrical fixture includes a generally rectangular box having a back wall, a perimetrical side wall surrounding said back wall defining an open front face and a box interior, said side wall includes of a first and second set of generally parallel spaced apart wall portions; and a slidable extension nested within said generally rectangular box, that can be moved from within the generally rectangular box to an extended position beyond the open front face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Lalancette, Ioan Liviu Lupsa
  • Patent number: 7442873
    Abstract: An improved enclosure for electrical components is provided. The enclosure protects components from the environment. The enclosure may rest on a surface and to move it from one location to another the enclosure may be rotated 90° and can travel on top and bottom side wall portions. There is a recessed portion between the top and bottom side wall portion where electrical connections may be present and do not interfere with movement of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Inventors: Sean McCormick, Peter Herrmann, William Froehlich
  • Patent number: 7439442
    Abstract: A housing has two housing modules that are releasably connected to one another. The housing modules are releasably connected to one another at oppositely located wall regions via corresponding pairs of slots and hooks in engagement therewith. A snap-lock device is provided which locks the housing modules in the connected state in order to prevent unintentional release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Ba*Ro GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Bernhard Schutte
  • Patent number: 7439453
    Abstract: Hinge mechanisms that facilitates access to internal components associated with a cabinet, e.g., a fiber optic cabinet, are provided. The hinge mechanisms are adapted for use with a telecommunication cabinet that is of low profile design, e.g., 1U or 2U height. The hinge mechanisms accommodate a combination of motions, e.g., a sliding motion and a hinging motion, whereby the limited space associated with a low profile cabinet is overcome and access to internal componentry, e.g., patch panels, is facilitated. A pair of hinge mechanisms are provided with a door. The hinge mechanisms mount outward of the cabinet so as to permit the door to be pivoted downward without engagement between with another cabinet or other structure positioned therebelow. A U-shaped member may be mounted to the door and sliding pins to translate motion from the hinge mechanisms to the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Ortronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Murano, Chester H. Rynaski
  • Patent number: 7439443
    Abstract: A mounting bracket for an electrical box that includes: a base plate having substantially planar top and bottom surfaces, a first side, a second side, a first end, a second end, a plurality of mounting screw apertures and an opening for receiving an electrical box; a first flange and a second flange connected to the first and second sides, respectively, of the base plate by a first flange neck and a second flange neck, wherein each flange has a top and a bottom flange surface, wherein the flange necks extend from the top surface of the base plate; a wall connected to the first end having a substantially flat outer wall surface and a pair of opposing ends, wherein the wall extends from the bottom surface of the base plate; and a tab connected to each opposing end of the wall, wherein the tabs are substantially perpendicular to the outer surface of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Cong Thanh Dinh
  • Publication number: 20080251650
    Abstract: A double-mounted electrical box mounting bracket for mounting to a wall stud that includes: a substantially flat center section having a top surface, a bottom surface, a pair of opposing sides and one or more center mounting holes for securing the bracket to a structure; a pair of substantially flat base plates, each having a first end and a second end, an opening having a periphery for receiving an electrical box, and a bendable member extending into the opening from the periphery; a pair of offsets connecting the opposing sides of the center section and the first ends of the base plates; and a pair of substantially flat flanged ends connected to the second sides of the base plates by a pair of flange necks, wherein the base plates are offset and recessed from the center section and flanged ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Ian Rubin de la Borbolla, Joey D. Magno
  • Patent number: 7435902
    Abstract: An electric meter base bracket apparatus and system. Embodiments include a meter bracket installed between studs of a dwelling or structure. The bracket includes several holes to install the bracket to the studs as well as feed-through holes for wiring to the dwelling. Bolts are included on the bracket to attach directly to the meter base. A hole can be cut through the siding so that the meter base and the bracket can connect. An alternative embodiment of the meter base bracket includes a pair of L-brackets that can be co-arranged to form an upper bracket and an additional pair of L-brackets arranged generally parallel to the first pair forming a lower bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventors: Michael Edward Thornton, Mickey Eugene Britain
  • Patent number: 7435900
    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 includes of two pieces, including a one-piece electrical box and a one-piece cover member. An inner flange may be included 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. The recessed electrical box may include a second, outer flange, for recessing the box at the correct depth with respect to a wall surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7432440
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: The Lamson & Sessions Co.
    Inventors: Eric G. Hull, Charles H. Riedy, Robert M. Gudin
  • Patent number: 7432443
    Abstract: An accessory attachment apparatus for temporarily attaching an accessory to a structure with which the accessory is to be used. The apparatus includes an accessory that is adapted to be received by the structure with which the accessory is to be used, such as an electrical box. A stem having first and second ends extends outwardly from the accessory. The first end of the stem is connected to the accessory. A flexible and resilient head member is connected to the second end of the stem. The flexible head member is adapted to be received by the structure to secure the accessory to the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Steven J. Johnson