Electricity: conductors and insulators – Boxes and housings – With electrical device
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-10
2001-08-28
Reichard, Dean A. (Department: 2831)
Electricity: conductors and insulators
Boxes and housings
With electrical device
C174S051000, C220S003200
Reexamination Certificate
active
06281439
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to electrical boxes and methods of producing the same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Consumers, updated National Electrical Codes (NEC), and Underwriter Laboratories (UL) requirements all require that electrical boxes be made stronger than n the prior art.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the invention is to overcome the drawbacks of known electrical boxes.
Another object of the invention is to provide two (2) electrical boxes in one; e.g., an installer can use the inventive electrical box to install a first type of fixture requiring a first type of fastener, and the installer can use the box to install a second type of fixture requiring a second type of fastener, so that the installer always has the proper fastener. This object also fulfills the object of reducing the amount of inventory a retailer must carry.
A further object of the invention includes making electrical boxes which use the standard punched-out, stamped electrical boxes in a more intelligent fashion.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a standard industry size electrical box with a fixture support for supporting a fixture, and that is located the proper distance from a second fixture support, and meets National Electrical Code (NEC) standards.
Another object of the invention is to fully exploit the strength of fixture support studs, the top wall, and the side walls of electrical boxes.
A further object of the invention is to provide a square junction box having fixture supports at four corners thereof.
A further object of the invention is to provide a junction box having four fixture supports, two fixture supports being a first type, and two fixture supports being of a second type.
A still further object of the invention is to provide a junction box suited for direct attachment to a mounting location, such as a ceiling joist, and for carrying the static and dynamic loading of a ceiling fan by itself.
Another object of the invention is to provide a junction box having a fixture support which is a rivet and/or a modified pull rivet.
Another object of the invention is to provide a junction box having a fixture support with strengthening members disposed thereon for securing the attachment of the fixture support to the junction box, as well as for enhancing the load-carrying capability of the box, such as for carrying electrical fixtures.
Another object of the invention is to achieve a strengthened electrical box with a fixture support that is contained within a standard so-called “4×4” box, while maintaining the near universal 3.5 inch (8.9 cm) spacing between the fixture supports so that the box is usable with standard light fixtures, ceiling fans, and the like, and so that the box can be located in a standard 4″×4″ hole in a gypsum board wall, for example.
It is likewise an object of the invention to provide metal inserts in and/or on the electrical boxes to enhance the carrying strength of the electrical boxes.
A further object of the invention is to provide studs in the electrical boxes that strengthen the electrical boxes.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide studs in the electrical boxes which cover the threads of standard screws so that no screw threads are present in the interior of such electrical boxes.
A still further object of the invention is to provide an electrical box having a fixture support with a sufficiently smooth exterior for preventing wear to the plastic coating of plastic-coated electrical wire.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide electrical boxes in which supports, such as studs, are added during the manufacturing process to eliminate problems in prior art electrical boxes, as well as to strengthen the inventive electrical boxes.
Another object of the invention is to provide a junction box having a fixture support, yet which requires no screwing of fasteners nor welding during assembly thereof.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide an electrical box having components which are easily fabricated, added to the electrical box, and assembled in the final form by the operation of pressing or riveting, yet which do not loosen when subjected to static and/or dynamic loading.
A still further object of the invention is to provide a junction box in which the fixture support for carrying static and dynamic loads automatically extends in the desired direction along the side walls of the junction box during assembly and/or in use thanks to the fixture support being configured for engaging the side wall and/or fixture support when the support is attached and located in its attached, final form ready for use.
A still further object of the invention is to provide a junction box capable of carrying static and/or dynamic loads that has an support and that is assembled with fewer parts and with fewer steps than known devices.
It is a yet further object that all the above be carried out with an electrical box which carries the load of supported static and dynamic fixtures better than known electrical boxes.
In summary, the present invention is directed to an electrical junction box or mounting assembly which includes an electrical junction box or mounting assembly including 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 fixture support extends into the cavity and support an electrical fixture. A threaded hole may be provided on the fixture support. Preferably, the 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. Two or more fixture supports may be provided. The fixture support may enhance the use of conventional inwardly extending ears. An adhesive element, such as double-sided tape, may be provided on the box for rapid attachment thereof to a support surface.
These objects and advantages as well as others will be readily apparent from a review of the following description and drawings.
The drawings show a variety of embodiments of the invention, as will be clear from reading the description below.
It is important to note that the use of relative terms such as “up” and “down”, and “left” and “right” is for convenience only and is not intended to be limiting.
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Estrada Angel R.
Reichard Dean A.
Reiker Enterprises of Northwest Florida Inc.
Shlesinger & Arkwright & Garvey LLP
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