Electrical Outlet Box Support Patents (Class 248/906)
  • Patent number: 6227499
    Abstract: Generally, the present invention provides a mounting or “rough in” bracket comprising a border surrounding an opening of a size and shape to accept for mounting one or more CEBUS tap point units adjacent to at least one standard electrical receptacle such as a switch or electrical outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Jennison Trust Holdings
    Inventors: Michael T. Jennison, Gary Maleski, Carl C. Sandulli, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6229087
    Abstract: A gangable electrical box adaptable for securing to at least one adjacent electrical box having an adjacent male coupling member and an adjacent female coupling member. The electrical box includes a side wall and a rear panel coupled to the side wall that defines an interior of the electrical box therewith. A male coupling member is disposed on the side wall and a female coupling member is disposed on the side wall opposite the male coupling member and in the interior of the electrical box. The female and male coupling members are securingly engagable to the adjacent male coupling member and the adjacent female coupling member, respectively, of the adjacent electrical box for permitting lateral coupling of two or more electrical boxes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: John Charles Archer
  • Patent number: 6209836
    Abstract: An improved mounting bracket is closed which can be used to selectively support both 4 inch square electric boxes and 4{fraction (11/16)} inch square electrical boxes such that vertical movement of either type of electrical box is limited. The mounting bracket is preferably a one-piece, unitary member stamped from sheet metal. The mounting bracket has a top support rail, a bottom support rail and a pair of mounting ends coupling the support rails together to define a large, elongated central cut-out portion. An electrical box and its associated cover may be mounted between two wall studs by first attaching the mounting bracket of the present invention to the wall studs. The open front end of the box is then placed flush against the rear surface of the bracket such that a top portion of the box contacts the bottom rail of the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Richard D. Swanson
  • Patent number: 6207897
    Abstract: An electrical fixture mounting assembly includes a junction box having a wall defining a junction box cavity therein. There are provided one or more members on the wall for attaching the junction box to a support. The attachment members include spaced apart mounting brackets which are configured for engaging various sizes and shapes of supports. In addition, there may be provided adhesive members for supplementing and/or replacing the attachment members so that the fixture mounting assembly can be readily attached to a variety of surfaces. Additional features include features which transfer static and dynamic loads directly from a supported fixture to the mounting bracket and substantially without transferring such forces to the associated junction box. Depth indicators for various drywall thicknesses may be provided, as well as movable elements for accommodating different drywall thicknesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Reiker Enterprises of Northwest Florida, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth H. Reiker
  • Patent number: 6204450
    Abstract: A mounting assembly includes a junction box having a top wall and a side wall. The side wall extends downwardly away from the top wall and defines a cavity therein. A fixture support is disposed in the cavity. A recess or removed portion is provided on the support, and the removed portion is configured for receiving the inner face of the radiused portion of the box disposed between the top wall and side wall so as to not interfere therewith. A threaded hole for receiving fasteners of a fixture to be supported thereby may be provided on the fixture support. Preferably, the fixture support is sufficiently smooth for preventing wear to plastic-coated electrical wire which engages exposed surfaces of the fixture support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Reiker Enterprises of Northwest Florida, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth H. Reiker
  • Patent number: 6198045
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use of drill-pointed screws to attach electrical boxes to heavy gauge metal studs. The drill-pointed screws of the invention are at least two inches long and have a length to thread diameter ratio of at least 12 to 1. The electrical boxes of the invention have brackets that form a relatively steep angle to the stud, such a steep angle having proven necessary to get the drill-pointed screws to penetrate the metal. The electrical boxes may also include a second set of brackets that angle more shallow angle with the stud surface and are more suitable for use with nails. The electrical boxes are preferable made of extra-thick relatively shatter resistant engineered plastic and are preferably formed so that they can be vertically stacked in a nested fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: The Lamson & Sessions Co.
    Inventor: Mark A. Roesch
  • Patent number: 6184461
    Abstract: A remote power inlet arrangement for use with a portable generator having a power outlet, for providing auxiliary power to the main electrical panel or load center of a building. The power inlet arrangement includes a power inlet which is secured inside a power inlet enclosure. An electrical cord is attached at one end to the power inlet. The electrical cord has a plug at a second end which can be engaged with the power outlet of the portable generator. The electrical cord remains connected to and is stored with the power inlet inside the power inlet enclosure when not in use. A door having a peripheral resilient seal is attached to the power inlet enclosure to provide a weathertight seal when the door is in a closed position. A securing mechanism is provided to maintain the door in its closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Reliance Controls Corporation
    Inventor: David D. Flegel
  • Patent number: 6158180
    Abstract: A communications conduit connector mounting device comprising a support member having a forwardly directed front surface and a rearwardly directed rear surface spaced from the front surface, the support member having a thickness defined between the front surface and the rear surface, an aperture extending transversely through the support member throughout the thickness of the support member opening through both the front surface and the rear surface, a slotway extending transversely through the support member throughout the thickness of the support member open through both the front surface and the rear surface laterally from the aperture to a side of the support member. Preferably, the mounting device includes a hook member coupled to the support member for suspending the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Office Specialty Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Edwards
  • Patent number: 6127630
    Abstract: A recessible electrical receptacle including an open-ended housing mounted in a building member with a hinged closure pivotable from a service position to a recessed position flush with the building member. Sealing is disposed between the housing and closure for deterring introduction of fluid in the housing. A conventional duplex receptacle is mounted on the closure. Electrical conduits provide electrical communication between the receptacle and electrical contacts on the housing. A latch mounted on the housing may be selectively engaged with the housing to maintain the closure in the recessed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventors: James P. McKenzie, Mark D. Kuhn
  • Patent number: 6105918
    Abstract: A hanger bar includes a longitudinally elongated body that has a first end region and a second end region. The elongated body is bendable at one or more locations near or within the first end region. Furthermore, the second end region has a mounting flange and a longitudinally flexible area. The mounting flange extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal body. The improved hanger bar can be installed by measuring a distance between spaced support members and transferring the measured distance to the hanger bar. Then, the hanger bar is bent near the first end region so that the longitudinal length of the hanger bar, after being bent, is no greater than the measured distance. Installation is completed when the second end region is fastened to one of the support members and the first end region is fastened to another one of the support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Gabriel P. Gromotka
  • Patent number: 6102360
    Abstract: A faceplate has self-contained fastening devices for securing it in a wall opening, and also has rearwardly projecting flanges and legs that are received in the wall. The flanges locate the faceplate relative to the opening and the legs serve to cooperate with the swinging fastener mounted arms to limit their rotation as the fastener is rotated to bring the arms into contact with the backside of the sheetrock wall structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: The Wiremold Company
    Inventors: William Clegg, Steven C. Thibault
  • Patent number: 6098945
    Abstract: A supporting structure, including a bracket brace and a bracket is disclosed. Preferably, the brace has an inside section and an outside section that move relative to each other. A portion of the inside section can be positioned completely within the outside section and each of the inside and outside sections have a pair of vertical portions. The brace also has a slot extending through the inside and outside sections. The bracket is coupled to the inside section of the brace and to each of the vertical portions of the outside sections of the brace. The bracket also has a coupling members in the form of threaded openings to secure a supported member; such as an electrical junction box, against the brace to prohibit relative movement between the brace and the bracket. The brace and bracket allow new, heavier lighting fixtures and ceiling fans to be safely supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Krzysztof Wojciech Korcz
  • Patent number: 6098939
    Abstract: A bracket includes a generally planar vertical member having an upper end supporting a pair of spacer arms and a spacer plate for positioning the vertical member between wall surfaces. The bracket further includes a junction box support portion having a plurality of spacers each having end portions for further maintaining the position of the bracket within the wall. The lower portion of the bracket includes a pair of support arms having inverted V-shaped clips together with an attachment plate defining an inverted V-channel, each adapted to be received upon the upwardly extending lips of a conventional toe plate stud. A conventional electrical junction box is secured to the bracket using conventional fasteners and a plurality of apertures formed in the bracket. The various spacers and support members of the bracket cooperate to maintain the desired position of the bracket within the wall for supporting the junction box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: Ping He
  • Patent number: 6100469
    Abstract: An electrical box for supporting ceiling fans, the electrical box has a top portion and a side portion extending completely around the top portion and extending substantially perpendicularly to the top portion. The top portion has a substantially planar lower surface, and the side portion has two oppositely spaced tabs extending inwardly toward each other. Each of the tabs has an opening extending completely therethrough. At least one mounting hole is formed in either the top portion or the side portion or the corner formed between the top and side portions. The mounting hole or holes each have a hole axis inclined with respect to the lower surface of the top portion. Each mounting hole extends completely through the wall between an inner cavity of the electrical box and an area outside the wall. The electrical box can have various mounting brackets attached thereto for securing the electrical box to a support member such as a joist or a truss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert W. Jorgensen, Richard D. Swanson
  • Patent number: 6096974
    Abstract: An electrical mounting assembly includes a box having a top wall and a side wall. The side wall extends downwardly away from the top wall and defines a cavity therein. A dimpled hole is provided in the top wall, and a supplemental fixture support extends into the dimpled hole for engaging at least a portion of the walls thereof. A threaded hole may be provided on the supplemental fixture support. The supplemental fixture support may be a rivet. A rough surface or fluting may be provided on a portion of the supplemental fixture support for engaging the walls of the dimpled hole. Preferably, the supplemental fixture support has exposed portions which are sufficiently smooth for preventing wear to plastic-coated electrical wire which engages such exposed surfaces of the supplemental fixture support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Kenneth H. Reiker
  • Patent number: 6050528
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical control or signaling apparatus such as a push-button or indicator lamp consisting of a tubular body (12) which can be inserted into an aperture in a surface (13) and capable of fitting, using locking means (24), to a base (2) designed to receive at least one electrical unit (4) and comprising fastening means (3) acting on the inner side of the surface and characterized by the fact that the base (2) fits onto the tubular body (12) to which it is fastened by a sliding lock (24) and fastening means (3) consisting of a pivoting yoke (3) provided with two anchoring forks (33,34) mounted on hinges (35-221) to the base so that their free ends lie on either side of the movable section (25) of the lock (24), said yoke bearing a tightening screw (31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Schneider Electric SA
    Inventor: Eric Bardy
  • Patent number: 6007422
    Abstract: A universal damper mounting system and method for mounting a damper within an opening in a wall includes the use of a plurality of metal straps, each of which is initially formed into an roughly S shape with one leg being longer than the thickness of a wall into which the damper is being installed and also being longer than an opposite leg. The damper includes a rectangular housing with top and bottom peripheral sealing flanges on one side of the housing. A first pair of the straps are abutted against the top sealing flange and a second pair are abutted against the bottom sealing flange with the opposite leg of each strap being folded over a respective one of the top or bottom sealing flanges. The damper is then placed in the wall opening and the terminal ends of the long legs of each strap are bent upward or downward, depending upon the position, to overlap the wall surface. The straps thus serve to retain the damper in the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Tomkins Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert M. Van Becelaere
  • Patent number: 5981874
    Abstract: An electrical junction box or mounting assembly includes a box having a top wall and a side wall. The side wall extends downwardly away from the top wall and defines a cavity therein. A dimpled hole is provided in the top wall, and a supplemental fixture support extends into the dimpled hole for engaging at least a portion of the walls thereof. A threaded hole may be provided on the supplemental fixture support. The supplemental fixture support may be a rivet. A rough surface or fluting may be provided on a portion of support for engaging the walls of the dimpled hole. Preferably, the supplemental fixture support has exposed portions which are sufficiently smooth for preventing wear to plastic-coated electrical wire which engages such exposed surfaces of the fixture support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Kenneth H. Reiker
  • Patent number: 5965845
    Abstract: An electrical junction box or mounting assembly includes a box having a top wall and a side wall. The side wall extends downwardly away from the top wall and defines a cavity therein. A supplemental fixture support is disposed in the cavity. An opening is provided in the side wall, and the supplemental fixture support extends into the opening. A threaded hole may be provided on the supplemental fixture support. The supplemental fixture support may be a rivet. Preferably, the supplemental fixture support is sufficiently smooth for preventing wear to plastic-coated electrical wire which engages exposed surfaces of the fixture support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Inventor: Kenneth H. Reiker
  • Patent number: 5957574
    Abstract: Pan assemblies for mounting of recessed lighting fixtures in ceilings and the like such as between structural joists, the invention primarily comprises pan frames formed of wire and strap stock shaped according to various embodiments of the invention into particular configurations capable of carrying standard cans or reflector housings, junction box structures and bar hangers inter alia for rough-in of downlighting fixtures. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the pan assemblies adjustably mount IC/non-IC cans which contain a source of illumination and appropriate trim inter alia, adjustable bar hanger assemblies usually being mounted by the pan assemblies with junction box structure being carried by the pan assemblies or connected directly to a can mounted by one of said pan assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: NSI Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Hentz, Richard F. Ashcraft
  • Patent number: 5957414
    Abstract: A support system for devices, in particular electrical devices, to be attached transversely to a trunking body between two longitudinal walls of the latter comprises two crossmembers each engaged with one of the longitudinal walls at each end and each equipped with fixing arrangements for local fastening of the device. These fixing arrangements are mounted on the crossmember so that their position can be adjusted along its length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignees: Legrand, Legrand SNC
    Inventors: Fran.cedilla.ois Perrignon de Troyes, Bertrand Decore
  • Patent number: 5954304
    Abstract: An adjustable hanger assembly is disclosed for mounting and supporting an electrical box between a pair of structural supports, such as studs or joists. The adjustable hanger assembly is designed to properly position electrical boxes of different depths between the structural supports such that the open end of the electrical box is flush with the exterior surface of the wallboard or plasterboard, e.g., dry wall or sheet rock. The adjustable hanger assembly has a pair of telescoping support members slidably coupled together and a hanger strap fixedly coupled to an electrical box. The support members are preferably tubular with a rectangular transverse cross-section. One side of the support members acts as a positioning edge for maintaining the open end of an electrical box of a first depth flush with the exterior surface of the wall board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert W. Jorgensen
  • Patent number: 5950974
    Abstract: An apparatus for fastening and wiring of a plurality of electrical units, particularly in a switchgear cabinet. At least one mounting crosspiece (12-15) accommodating the electrical units on its mounting side can be fastened to at least two bearing rails (10, 11) arranged vertically and behind them, fasteners for fastening the electrical units on the mounting crosspiece (12-15) being provided. This mounting crosspiece (12-15) shaped like a flat strip has, on its rear side opposite the mounting side (29), an integrally formed holding rib (28) extending over its length and having a mounting groove (30) open toward the mounting side (30) designed for accommodating the heads (33) of mounting screws (34) for fastening the mounting crosspiece (12-15) by means of the holding rib (28) on the bearing rails (10, 11). At least one of the two opposite longitudinal edges of the mounting crosspiece (12-15) shaped like a flat strip can be provided with a wiring comb (39).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Gerhard Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 5942726
    Abstract: A junction box includes a wall defining a junction box cavity therein. There is a fastening element provided on the junction box for temporarily attaching the junction box to a support. There may likewise be provided a fastener for permanently attaching the junction box to the support. A method of attaching a junction box to a support includes first temporarily attaching the junction box to a support, and then permanently attaching the junction box to the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventor: Kenneth H. Reiker
  • Patent number: 5942727
    Abstract: A universal ballast mounting structure for fluorescent lamp fixtures has two spaced mounting plates on opposite sides of the ballast. One of the plates is adapted to be pivotally mounted to the cover of a junction box, and has an opening therethrough to enable wiring to extend from the interior of the ballast to the interior of the fixture or junction box. A snap latch or screw may be used to fix the mounting plate in a closed position. The second plate is provided with mounting ears on its opposite ends to permit the mounting of the plate to a fixture which has wiring extending from the ballast directly into the fixture. In another embodiment of the invention, the pivotal plate may be replaced by a plate with bolt ears which are offset from the ears of the second mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Shawn A. Strange
  • Patent number: 5941621
    Abstract: A bracket for mounting a sliding fixture to a computer cabinet for enabling a computer to slide relative to the computer cabinet includes a bracket body portion having first and second ends. A first pattern of holes is formed through the bracket body portion enabling the bracket to be mounted to the sliding fixture with fasteners. A first flange portion extends from the first end of the bracket body portion at an angle relative to the bracket body portion. A second pattern of holes is formed through the first flange portion. A second flange portion extends from the second end of the bracket body portion at an angle relative to the bracket body portion. A third pattern of holes is formed through the second flange portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Digital Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Steven G. Boulay, Michael L. Joseph, Richard M. Braun
  • Patent number: 5938157
    Abstract: The mounting assembly includes a support having a first member and a second member, and a support bar disposed adjacent the first the second support members. A junction box is provided adjacent the support bar. A first fixture fastener extends from said support into the junction box cavity. The first fixture fastener is configured for transferring forces exerted on said first fixture fastener substantially without exerting such forces on the junction box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventor: Kenneth H. Reiker
  • Patent number: 5934631
    Abstract: A hanger bar assembly supports an outlet box between spaced apart support elements. The assembly includes a longitudinally expandable elongate support bar having a first elongate open ended channel member, and a second open ended channel member. The first channel member being slidably and telescopically received in the second channel member. A fastening element slidably supported within the first channel member. The channel members having adjacent facing surfaces, one of the surfaces having a gripping element for engaging the other surface. A mounting apparatus for attaching the outlet box to the fastening element. Upon securing the outlet box to the fastening element, the facing surfaces are urged together and the gripping element engages the other facing surface thereby restricting movement between said members. Additionally, an attachment member coupled to each opposed end of the support bar is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventors: Jessica R. Becker, Mark A. Bordwell, Rene J. Thibodeau
  • Patent number: 5931425
    Abstract: A mounting bracket including a flat elongated frame having front and rear faces and opposing ends for attaching to adjacent wall studs. The bracket has a central cut-out portion which defines top and bottom members. The open front end of an electrical box is placed flush against the rear face of the bracket and contacts the top and bottom members of the bracket. The front face of the box is substantially flush with the plane formed by the wall studs regardless of the depth of the box. Boxes are stabilized against disorientation relative to the cut-out portion by upper and lower spaced-apart tabs that protrude from the rear face at a selected angle to engage the upper and lower surfaces of the box. An accompanying faceplate is placed on the front face of the bracket opposite and aligned with the box and in contact with the top and bottom members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventor: John H. Oliva
  • Patent number: 5931432
    Abstract: A system for mounting a recessed electrical or electronic device housing in (behind or above) a wall or ceiling surface utilizes a pair of resilient spring clips that are threadedly attached to respective diametrically opposed threaded screws. The threaded screws are accessible from the front surface of the housing so that the recessed-mounted housing may be inserted into a hole in the wall or ceiling material and fixedly mounted therein by rotating the screws from the front (ceiling or wall) surface of the housing. Each spring clip includes a bearing tab that bears down against the back side of the wall or ceiling material to sandwich the ceiling material between the bearing tab and an annular flange on the front, open end of the housing. Each threaded screw is journaled in a shouldered bushing which is press-fitted into the housing annular flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Pelco
    Inventors: Robert T. Herold, Deborah A. L'Heureux, James F. Arbuckle, Gregory S. Giroux
  • Patent number: 5927667
    Abstract: An improved mounting bracket can be used to selectively support both 4 inch square electrical boxes and 411/16 inch square electrical boxes such that vertical movement of either type of electrical box is limited. The mounting bracket is preferably a one-piece, unitary member stamped from sheet metal. The mounting bracket has a top support rail, a bottom support rail and a pair of mounting ends coupling the support rails together to define a large, elongated central cut-out portion. An electrical box and its associated cover may be mounted between two wall studs by first attaching the mounting bracket of the present invention to the wall studs. The open front end of the box is then placed flush against the rear surface of the bracket such that a top portion of the box contacts the bottom rail of the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Richard D. Swanson
  • Patent number: 5927844
    Abstract: A cover plate for ceiling or wall mounted electrical devices which follows the contour of the surface of the ceiling or wall about such devices. A mounting plate which can be mounted to a suitable box in the ceiling or wall has two sets of tongues to engage locking members on the cover plate. The locking members are flexible tabs which establish notches therebetween to receive the tongues of the cover plate and thus fix the cover plate to the mounting plate. The two detent posts with their associated tongues are independently applied so that the cover plate can more nearly match the contour of the ceiling or wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph G. Justiniano, Stephen Stewart
  • Patent number: 5921522
    Abstract: A utility box positioning fixture provides a box holding device onto which a utility box may be easily placed and held relative to the fixture. A set of jaw and spacer bars are mounted onto a vertically held support bar, the width of the jaw and spacer bars establishing the horizontal position of the utility box relative to a horizontal stringer and a vertical stud of a wall structure. With the utility box positioned against the side surface of the stud, and with the jaw bars positioned against the front face of the stud, the box is positioned for mounting and therefore may be accurately fastened into place on the stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: Scott D. Weber
  • Patent number: 5913787
    Abstract: A communications conduit connector mounting device comprising a support member adapted to carry a communications conduit connector for joining together ends of at least two communication conduit for transmission of signals therebetween, which support member depends from an engagement member adapted for engaging an interior structure of a panel system for supporting the support member within the interior of the panel system. Preferably the engagement member may comprise a hook mechanism removably engaging a horizontal member attached to a frame forming the panel assembly which frame has covers removably mounted to at least one side of the frame. The hook mechanism engages the horizontal member such as the bracket carrying the connector locates the connector within the internal space disposed for ready access of the removable cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Inventor: John R. Edwards
  • Patent number: 5909006
    Abstract: An electrical junction box or mounting assembly includes a box having a top wall and a side wall. The side wall extends downwardly away from the top wall and defines a cavity therein. A supplemental fixture support is disposed in the cavity. A dimple is provided in the top wall, and the supplemental fixture support engages the dimple. A threaded hole may be provided on the supplemental fixture support. The supplemental fixture support may be a rivet. Preferably, the supplemental fixture support is sufficiently smooth for preventing wear to plastic-coated electrical wire which engages exposed surfaces of the fixture support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Inventor: Kenneth H. Reiker
  • Patent number: 5907124
    Abstract: An electrical junction box or mounting assembly includes a box having a top wall and a side wall. The side wall extends downwardly away from the top wall and defines a cavity therein. A hole is provided in the side wall, and a fixture support is disposed in the hole. A threaded hole is provided on the fixture support, and the threaded hole is sized for mating with the threads of a fixture fastener. The fastener may be a screw. The fixture support may be made of metal, and the side wall and/or top wall may be made of plastic. The fastener may be a stud having the threaded hole therein. Flutes may be provided on the stud for engaging with the plastic/metal side wall for preventing rotation of the stud. An adhesive sufficiently strong to adhere the junction box to a downwardly facing surface may be provided on the top wall of the junction box. The adhesive may be in the form of double-sided tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Inventor: Kenneth H. Reiker
  • Patent number: 5894404
    Abstract: A circuit breaker panelboard enclosure is adapted to receive circuit breaker covers that are attached to the interior or circuit breaker module without requiring attachment screws and the like. The circuit breaker modules within the enclosure are equipped with electrically-insulative extension clips that are received and retained within apertures formed in the circuit breaker covers in press-fit relation. The circuit breaker covers are removed by grasping the ends of the circuit breaker covers and pulling the circuit breaker covers away from the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas F. Vrnak, Kevin D. Mazzella, Kevin F. Nolan
  • Patent number: 5883331
    Abstract: An electrical device mounting assembly includes a box having a top wall and a side wall extending downwardly therefrom for defining a junction box cavity therein. A fixture support is disposed in the cavity adjacent to the side wall. The fixture support includes a bottom plate extending away from the side wall, and a threaded extension disposed on the bottom plate. The fixture support may include a pair of spaced apart fixture supports. Each of the spaced apart fixture supports may be sized for supporting a ceiling fan or a light fixture. An adhesive, such as a piece of double-sided tape, may be provided on the top wall of the junction box. The adhesive assists in the installation of the junction box by adhering the junction box to a support surface for a sufficiently long period of time so that the user may have both hands free for holding fasteners and attaching the fasteners to the support and, thus, supporting the junction box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Inventor: Kenneth H. Reiker
  • Patent number: 5873556
    Abstract: A ceiling fixture hangar having an adjustable elongated first support and an adjustable elongated second support. Each of the first and second supports have first and second ends. Each of the ends of the first support is securable to a ceiling joist. The first end of the second support is slidably connected between the two ends of the first support. A mounting plate is secured to the second end of the second support which is adapted to receive a fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Inventor: Kenneth H. Reiker
  • Patent number: 5873553
    Abstract: A mounting bracket assembly including a mounting bracket and an outlet box having a mounting member. The mounting bracket includes a plate member having an opening adapted to receive the outlet box and a support member extending laterally from the plate member at an edge of the opening. A tab member is affixed to one of the mounting member and the support member and engages the other thereof. One of the mounting member and support member also includes a raised portion which slidably engages the other member during insertion of the outlet box so as to bias the mounting member away from the support member until the raised portion is brought into locking engagement with the other member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Herman Miller Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn Stahl, Greg Slocum, Steve Teays, Richard Van Vugt, Richard Weise
  • Patent number: 5860548
    Abstract: A ceiling box construction for supporting a relatively heavy hanging load such as a ceiling fan from the underside of a ceiling and comprised of an electrical junction box having lateral inwardly extending tabs. Coaxially aligned apertures in the tabs and top plate of the junction box accommodate the post of internally. threaded shoulder rivets that are threadedly engaged by upwardly extending load bolts having heads from which a received load is supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Inventor: Jack R. Kerr, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5845886
    Abstract: An adjustable ceiling fan support assembly for use in recreational vehicles, motor homes, camper shells and the like to removably suspend a ceiling fan from opposing vertical supports. A spring-biased adjustable fan support is interposed between two vertical supports, such as the interior walls of a recreational vehicle or retractable awning frames, and the fan is suspended from the support. The support includes a pair of generally parallel, elongated support arms having a fixed component and a reciprocable component. The fixed component depends from diametrically opposed edges of a plate. The reciprocable component has an engaging end portion, slidably engaged with the fixed component, and a wall engaging end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventor: Henry McCormick
  • Patent number: 5823482
    Abstract: A wiring device support for supporting electrical devices such as duplex receptacles, switches, Decora switches or ground fault circuit interrupters. The C-shaped wiring device includes a ramp portion on the top inside perimeter of the C, a tapered notch portion on another end of the inside perimeter of the C, and an integral rib extending substantially around the inner periphery of the C. The wiring device support may be used to support an existing electrical device which is loose or has sunken into a wall by loosening the existing electrical device, sliding the wiring device between the electrical device and the electrical box, and retightening the screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 5810303
    Abstract: The stud bracket is used for mounting an electrical wiring box on a stud, particularly a metal stud. The bracket is made of a single sheet of a hand-deformable material. It comprises two initially flat leg portions which are initially provided in an L-shaped configuration. The first leg portion features a lateral strip used to either grip an edge of a metal stud or serve as a positioning guide. The second leg portion comprises an outer section surrounding an elongated inner strip that is delimited by a continuous cut leaving only an end of the inner strip, opposite the first leg portion, integral with the outer section. The bracket is very versatile and allows the electrical wiring box to be connected without tools to various positions on a wide variety of studs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Temco Electric Products Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Alain Bourassa, Sylvain Poissant, Alain Legris, Claude Lacroix
  • Patent number: 5810307
    Abstract: A swivel mounting bracket for attachment to an electrical junction box and to a detector device, the swivel mounting bracket having two identical fittings. Each fitting has an internal passageway which progresses around a 90.degree. bend, and each fitting has a mounting plate at one end and a mounting base at the other end, positioned orthogonal to each other. Each mounting plate has an arcuate groove with an internal shoulder for facilitating attachment to a mounting base. The mounting base of one fitting is attachable to the mounting plate of the other fitting, and the respective remaining fitting ends are attached to the junction box at a detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Detector Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: James M. Odum
  • Patent number: 5804763
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing electrical outlets in a wall panel assembly. The wall panel includes an open frame structure and front and rear panel inserts removably attached to front and rear faces of the frame structure. The rear panel insert is removed from the rear face of the frame structure, a cutout is formed in the front panel insert at a desired location for the outlet, a bracket is secured at one end thereof to the frame structure with another end thereof positioned proximate the cutout in the front panel insert, the outlet is positioned in the cutout in the front panel insert and secured to the other end of the bracket, and the rear panel is replaced against the rear face of the frame structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: American Seating Company
    Inventor: Paul Allen Smeenge
  • Patent number: 5782438
    Abstract: A mounting member for engagement with the housing of a PIR device includes a plurality of elongated, flexible arms for mounting the device in an operative position on a ceiling panel. The arms are hingedly attached to the mounting member and extend to terminal ends which are attached to one another. The arms may be moved toward one another to a flexed position to permit insertion through an opening in the ceiling panel, and return to their unflexed position to engage the panel adjacent the periphery of the opening. A first plurality of relatively short legs having inwardly directed hook portions are provided on the mounting member for engagement with the horizontal flange on an inverted T-shaped track member for supporting ceiling panels. A second plurality of short legs having outwardly directed hooked portions permit engagement of the mounting member with a wall plate having an opening therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward B. Hubben, Curtis J. Royce
  • Patent number: 5726384
    Abstract: An electrical fitting support device includes a housing having a cylindrical tubular wall with a first open end and a base end opposite to the first end. A base is provided at the base end of the housing, and is constituted by two base walls extending at right angles to each other from a central longitudinal plane of the housing and being adapted to fit over a protruding corner edge of two adjoining building walls. An inlet formation is joined to the base and includes a hole for receiving an electrical conductor. A number of protrusions extend from the housing at its first end and have threaded holes for receiving screws for fitting a lid over the open end. At least two spaced apart lugs are provided extending outwardly from the housing and each of the lugs has an aperture for receiving a fastening element for attachment of the housing to a protruding corner edge of two adjoining building walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Inventor: Christian Julian Veermeer
  • Patent number: 5720461
    Abstract: An improved hanger assembly for the support of heavy hanging loads at the underside of a ceiling. The assembly is longitudinally expandable via a threaded rod secured between relatively displaceable longitudinal bars in which the rod includes an allthread having a double to triple lead for increasing the expansion rate while teeth at the distal end of each bar are configured to arcuately displace inward of the joists in the course of joist penetration to effect a grasping penetration therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Fan Tex, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack R. Kerr, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5677512
    Abstract: A junction box includes a wall defining a junction box cavity therein. There is an adhesive material provided on the wall for temporarily adhering the junction box to a support. A fastener is provided for permanently attaching the junction box to a support. A method of attaching a junction box to a support includes first temporarily attaching the junction box to a support, and then permanently attaching the junction box to the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Inventor: Kenneth H. Reiker