CA1069206A - Outlet box fastener - Google Patents
Outlet box fastenerInfo
- Publication number
- CA1069206A CA1069206A CA303,857A CA303857A CA1069206A CA 1069206 A CA1069206 A CA 1069206A CA 303857 A CA303857 A CA 303857A CA 1069206 A CA1069206 A CA 1069206A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- outlet box
- wall member
- opening
- fastener
- wall
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 abstract description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011900 installation process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011505 plaster Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007634 remodeling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 1
Landscapes
- Connection Or Junction Boxes (AREA)
- Details Of Indoor Wiring (AREA)
Abstract
OUTLET BOX FASTENER
Abstract of the Disclosure A fastener for securing an electrical switch or outlet box in an opening in a wallboard or similar wall surface. The fastener can be formed, for example, of metal and includes a first surface adapted to be positioned flush against the interior surface of the wallboard, a second surface which extends rearward-ly from the wallboard substantially perpendicular to the first surface and which is adapted to be positioned against one side of the outlet box, and one or more fingers which initially are substantially coplanar with the first surface and so are adapted initially to extend parallel to the wallboard, into the opening of the wallboard in which the outlet box is fitted. The fingers are bent outwardly around the side edge of the wallboard created by the outlet box opening. A fastener is positioned at one, and preferably at each, side of the outlet box opening, and the outlet box is inserted into the opening. The fingers of each fastener are then bent over the front edge of the outlet box to lie against the interior of the outlet box side surface. The outlet box is thus retained in the opening by the cooperation of the fasteners first surfaces, which abut the wallboard interior surface, and flanges which conventionally extend vertically from the outlet box top and bottom surfaces and which thus abut the wallboard exterior surface.
Abstract of the Disclosure A fastener for securing an electrical switch or outlet box in an opening in a wallboard or similar wall surface. The fastener can be formed, for example, of metal and includes a first surface adapted to be positioned flush against the interior surface of the wallboard, a second surface which extends rearward-ly from the wallboard substantially perpendicular to the first surface and which is adapted to be positioned against one side of the outlet box, and one or more fingers which initially are substantially coplanar with the first surface and so are adapted initially to extend parallel to the wallboard, into the opening of the wallboard in which the outlet box is fitted. The fingers are bent outwardly around the side edge of the wallboard created by the outlet box opening. A fastener is positioned at one, and preferably at each, side of the outlet box opening, and the outlet box is inserted into the opening. The fingers of each fastener are then bent over the front edge of the outlet box to lie against the interior of the outlet box side surface. The outlet box is thus retained in the opening by the cooperation of the fasteners first surfaces, which abut the wallboard interior surface, and flanges which conventionally extend vertically from the outlet box top and bottom surfaces and which thus abut the wallboard exterior surface.
Description
~ ~6~2~6 1 ¦ The present invention pertains to a fastener for secur-
2 ¦ing electrical outlet or switch boxes in a wall. More particular-
3 ¦ly, the present invention relates to an improved mounting fastener
4 ¦which securely holds an outlet or switch box in an opening in
5 ¦wallboard, paneling or a simi:Lar wall member without the necessity I of fastening the outlet box to a stud or other permanent support.
7 ¦ Electrical outlets and switches are generally mounted 81 within a box to which the necessary wiring is brought and which 9 ¦holds the outlet or switch in the desired position. These 10¦ outlet or switch boxes have, in the past, generally been secured 11 ¦to a stud or other such support member. As a consequence, hereto-12¦ fore either it has been necessary to locate outlet and switch 13¦ boxes in positions determined by the locations of studs and 14¦ joists or it has been necessary to put a suitable stud or other 15¦ support member in each location at which an electrical outlet or 16¦ switch is desired. While such additional studs can be positioned~
17¦ without undue difficulty during the initial construction of a 18¦ house or other building, during remodeling the addition of a stud 19¦ in order to support an electrical outlet or switch box can be a 20¦ major task. ~; ~
21¦ Electrical outlet and switch boxes come in a variety of 22¦ shapes, including rectangular, hexagonal and others. Fasteners 23¦ in accordance with the present invention can be provided to~
241 support outlet or switch boxes of any shape. In the following 251 detailed description and drawings, a substantiaIly rectangular 26¦ outlet box iS described; however, with appropriate modiflcation 271 the fastener of the present invention can be utilized with elec-28¦ trical outlet or switch boxes of other shapes. Generally, the z9 31~ ~
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~ '~ : , ' 1 1~69ZV6 1 ¦electrical outlet and switch boxes include a first vertical 2 ¦flange extending from the front of the box upper surface and a 3 ¦second vertical flange extending from the front of the box lower 4 ¦surface. Conventionally, these flanges have openings for screws 5 lor other fastening devices to permit fastening of the electrical
7 ¦ Electrical outlets and switches are generally mounted 81 within a box to which the necessary wiring is brought and which 9 ¦holds the outlet or switch in the desired position. These 10¦ outlet or switch boxes have, in the past, generally been secured 11 ¦to a stud or other such support member. As a consequence, hereto-12¦ fore either it has been necessary to locate outlet and switch 13¦ boxes in positions determined by the locations of studs and 14¦ joists or it has been necessary to put a suitable stud or other 15¦ support member in each location at which an electrical outlet or 16¦ switch is desired. While such additional studs can be positioned~
17¦ without undue difficulty during the initial construction of a 18¦ house or other building, during remodeling the addition of a stud 19¦ in order to support an electrical outlet or switch box can be a 20¦ major task. ~; ~
21¦ Electrical outlet and switch boxes come in a variety of 22¦ shapes, including rectangular, hexagonal and others. Fasteners 23¦ in accordance with the present invention can be provided to~
241 support outlet or switch boxes of any shape. In the following 251 detailed description and drawings, a substantiaIly rectangular 26¦ outlet box iS described; however, with appropriate modiflcation 271 the fastener of the present invention can be utilized with elec-28¦ trical outlet or switch boxes of other shapes. Generally, the z9 31~ ~
' :~ _ ,_.
~ '~ : , ' 1 1~69ZV6 1 ¦electrical outlet and switch boxes include a first vertical 2 ¦flange extending from the front of the box upper surface and a 3 ¦second vertical flange extending from the front of the box lower 4 ¦surface. Conventionally, these flanges have openings for screws 5 lor other fastening devices to permit fastening of the electrical
6 ¦outlet or switch box to a stud of other support member.
7 ¦ The present invention is a fastener for securing elec-
8 ¦trical outlet or switch boxes in a wall member at any desired
9¦ location ~ithout the necessity of fastening the outlet box to a
10 ¦stud or other such support. In accordance with the present
11 ¦invention, a fastener of, for example, metal includes a first
12 ¦surface member adapted to be positioned flush against the interior
13¦ surface of the wallboard, paneling or other wall material, a
14 ¦second surface member which extends rearwardly from the wallboard
15 ¦substantially perpendicular to the first surface and which is
16¦ adapted to be positioned against one side of the outlet box, and
17¦ one or more finger members which initially are substantially
18¦ coplanar with the first member and so are adapted initially to
19¦ extend parallel to the wallboard, into the opening of the wall-
20¦ board into which the outlet box is to be fitted. The fingers are
21¦ bent around the side edge of the wall member created by the
22¦ outlet box opening. Such a fastener is positioned at one, and
23¦ preferably at each, side of the outlet box opening, and the 241 outlet box is inserted into the opening. The fingers of each 25¦ fastener are then bent over the front edge of the outlet box to 26¦ lie against the interior of the outlet box side surface. The 27¦ outlet box is thus retained in the opening by the cooperation of 28¦ the fastener first surface, which abuts the wallboard interior 29 1 ~ .
301 -3- ;
311 .
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` ~6~2V6 surface, and the flanges which conventionally extend vertically from the outlet box top and bottom surfaces and which thus abut the wallboard exterior surface. It is accordingly seen that the fastener of the present invention can be easily manipulated to permit quick and efficient installation of outlet or switch boxes in any desired location. Such instal-lation thus requires significantly less time and, therefore, expense.
In accordance with one broad aspect, the invention relates to a fastener for securing an electrical outlet box in an opening of a wall member comprising: (a) a substantially planar first surface member adapted for contacting the interior - surface of a wall member; tb) a substantially planar second ; surface member extending from and generally perpendicular to said first surface member and adapted for contacting a sidewall of an electrical outlet box after said box has been inserted in an opening of a wall member;. (c) at least one finger member substantially coplanar with and extending from said first surface member on the opposite side of said second surface mem-ber, said finger member being adapted to be bent over a side-wall of an outlet box and into the interior thereof when that outlet box is positioned adjacent said fastener in the opening :` of the wall member; and (d) said first surface member of said .: :
fastener member being adapted to cooperate with the outlet box flanges and the wall member to retain the outlet box in the : .
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wall member opening. :
: ~ In accordance wlth another aspect, the invention relates to apparatus for securing an electrical outlet in an .: :
opening of a wall member, comprising: (a) a substantially planar :--first surfac.e member positioned flush against the interior ; surface of said wall member; (b) a substantially planar second :~
surface member extending from and generally perpendicular to '' ~ - - . . ., ... -, .. .. , . . ,. " ~
~69206 said first surface member, extending interiorly of said wall member; (c) at least one finger member adapted to extend from said first surface member, through said opening to the exterior of said wall member, and over a sidewall of said outlet box into the interior thereof; and (d) said first surface member of said fastener member being adapted to cooperate with the outlet box flanges and the wall member to retain the outlet box in the wall member opening.
In accordance with yet another aspect, the invention relates to apparatus for securing an electrical outlet in an opening of a wall member, comprising: (a) a substantially planar first surface member positioned flush against the interior sur-face of said wall member; (b) a substantially planar second surface member extending from and generally perpendicular to said first surface member, extending interiorly of said wall member; (c) an outlet box having at least one sidewall, said : outlet box positioned within said opening with said sidewall flush against said second surface member; (d) at least one finger member extending from said second surface member, through 20 said opening to the exterior of said wall member, and over said .
sidewall of said outlet box into the interior thereof; and (e) said first surface member of said fastener member being adapted to cooperate with the outlet box flanges and the wall : member to retain the outlet box in the wall member opening.
In accordance with a further aspect, the invention : .
relates to an electrical outlet box of the type having two parallel sidewalls, an upper surface, a lower surface, a first :.
: flange extending generally vertically upward from said upper ::
surface, and a second flange extending generally vertically .
downward from said lower surface, said outlet box being adapted ~.
for positioning within an opening in a wall member with said .:
flanges flush against the exterior surface of said wall member;
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apparatus for securing said outlet box in the wall member open-ing comprising: (a) a pair of fastener members, one fastener member consisting of: (1) a substantially planar first surface member positioned flush against the interior surface of said wall member and adapted to cooperate with the outlet box flanges and the wall member to retain the outlet box in the wall member opening; (2) a substantially planar second surface member extending from and generally perpendicular to said first sur-face member, extending interiorly of said wall member and flush against the adjacent sidewall of said outlet box; and (3) twofinger members extending from said first surface member, through said opening to the exterior of said wall member, and over the adjacent sidewall of said outlet box into the interior thereof.
In accordance with a still further aspect, the inven-tion relates to apparatus for use in the securing, in an opening in a wall member, of an electrical outlet box of the type hav-ing two parallel sidewalls, an upper surface, a lower surface, a first flange extending generally vertically upward from said ..
upper surface, and a second flange extending generally vertically :
downward from said lower surface, the outlet box being adapted :~ .
for positioning within the opening in the wall member with the flanges flush against the exterior surface of the wall member;
: said apparatus comprising a fastener member adapted for posi- . :
tioning adjacent a sidewall of the outlet box, said fastener :
member consisting of: (1) a substantially planar first surface :
member adapted to be positioned flush against the interior .: ' .
surface of the wall member; (2) a substantially planar second surface member extending from and generally perpendicular to said first surface member, and adapted to extend interiorly of the wall member and flush against the adjacent sidewall of the .. :
outlet box; and (3) two finger members extending from one of said surface mernbers, and:adapted to extend through the wall :
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1~69Z~iG
member opening to the exterior of the wall member and over the adjacent sidewall of the outlet box into the interior thereof;
said first surface member of said fastener member adapted to cooperate with the outlet box flanges and the wall member to retain the outlet box in the wall member opening.
These and other aspects and advantages of the present invention are more apparent in the following detailed descrip-tion and claims, particularly when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings i.n which like parts are desig-nated by like reference numerals. In the drawings:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a fastener in accordance with the present invention showing a preferred shape before installation;
Figure 2 is a front plan view of an outlet box installed in an opening in a wallboard or similar wall surface by means of two fasteners in accordance with the present invention;
: Figure 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2;
:
Figure 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of Figure 2;
Figure 5 is an elevational view of a fastener as it may be manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 6 is a front plan view of the outlet box installed in an alternative manner in an opening in a wallboard ; -or similar wall surface by means of two fasteners in accordance with the present invention.
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~ 92~6 1 ¦ As seen in Figure 1, fastener 10 is preferably made 2 ¦from a single sheet of material and includes a first surface 3 ¦member 12, a second surface me~ber 14, which is substantially 4 ¦perpendicular to the first surface member, and one or more finger 5 ¦members 16 which extend in su~)stantially the same plane as first 6 ¦surface member 12 and to the opposite side of second surface 7 ¦member 14. Fastener 10 may be made of metal or other similar 8 ¦material which can be readily bent and will retain its bent 9 ¦shape. The overall size of fastener 10 or of any portion thereof 10 ¦may be selected to accommodate different size outlet boxes and 11 ¦wall openings.
12 ¦ As depicted in Figure 2, a wall member 20, which may be 13¦ of any suitable dimension or construction, such as wallboard, 14¦ paneling, wood ox plaster, has cut therein an outlet box opening 15¦ 22 of the usual type. Opening 22 is of a size and shape to 16¦ loosely receive electrical outlet or switch box 30. Convention-17¦ ally outlet box 30 includes vertically projecting flanges 32 18¦ fixedly mounted to extend at about a 90 angla from the front of 19¦ each of upper surface~33 and lower surface 34 of box 30. When 20¦ outlet box 30 is inserted into opening 22, flanges 32 contact~the 21¦ exterior surface 36 of wall member 20 adjacent upper surface 33 22¦ and lower surface 34 of the outlet box. Outlet box 30 may be 231 made of any suitable material, typically metal.
241 Relerring to Figure 3, to install an electrical outlet 25¦ or switch box 30 with fasteners 10, a fastener 10 is inserted 26¦ into opening 22 so that its first sur~ace member 12 is positioned 271 `flush against: the interi~or surface 38 of wall member 20 to one 28¦ side of openi.ng 22. With fastener 10 so positioned, the second 291 ~ ~
31~ ~ ~ ~ -321 .~ :
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I ~al69;~:06 1 ¦surface member 14 is subtantially perpendicular to wall member 2 ¦20, extending rearwardly behind the wall member. The protruding 3 ¦finger members 16 which extencl from first surface member 12 are 4 ¦also substantially perpendicular to second surface member 14, and ¦initially they extend on the c>pposite side of the second surface 6 ¦member into opening 22, substantially parallel with wall member 7 ¦20. Fingers 16 are then positioned adjacent to exterior surface 8 136 of the wall member. This can readily be accomplished by ¦bending fingers 16 outwardly around the side edge of the wall 101 member created by opening 22, in the direction indicated by arrow 11 ¦40. With fingers 16 so positioned, fastener 10 readily remains 12¦ in place without additional support. This feature aids easy and 13¦ convenient installation of the outlet box, since there is no 14¦ necessity of other means for holding the fasteners while the 15¦ outlet box is inserted into the opening. Advantageously, tnere 161 are two finger members 16 on each fastener, preferably just above 171 and just below second surface member 14. Such design is advanta-18¦ geous since it provides secure fastening of the outlet box at two 191 distinct and separate points, preferably at the top and bottom of 20¦ each sidewall of the outlet box, thereby minimizing movement~of~
21¦ the outlet box. Preferably, a second fastener is mounted in a ¦ corresponding manner at the opposite side of the opening 22.
231 The outlet or switch box 30 can now be inserted into 241 opening 22 so that fIanges 32 are flush against exterior surface 36 at the upper and lower edges of opening 22, as illustrated in 26 Figure ~. If desired, small depressions can be formed in exterior 27 surface 36 to receive flanges 32 so that when the outlet box is 28 installed flanges 32 are substantially flush with surface 36.
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1q369Z06 1¦ With outlet box 30 positioned~ second surface member 14 of each 21 fastener 10 is positioned adjacent the exterior surface of a 31 sidewall of the outlet box. The pressure exerted on the second 41 surface member 14 assures that first surface members 12 of the ¦ fasteners securely abut the interior surface 38 of the wall 61 member. Finger members 16 are then bent in the direction indicat-71 ed by arrow 42, over the front edge of the sidewalls of the 81 outlet box and into the interior thereof, flush against the 9¦ interior surfaces of the outlet box sidewalls. The outlet box 30 10¦ is thus retained in opening 22. The first surface members 12 of 11¦ the fasteners, which abut the wall member interior surface 38, 12¦ and outlet box flanges 32, which abut the wall member exterior 13¦ surface 36, cooperate to securely maintain the position of the 14¦ outlet box.
1~¦ Figure 5 illustrates manufacture of a fastener 10 in 16¦ accordance with the present invention. The fastener is cut from 171 a sheet of material, for example by stamping. In the cutting 181 process, the outer perimeter of the fastener is cut, and the 19¦ lines 44 between second surface 14 and fingers 16 are cut. In 20¦ addition, if desired, a line 46 can be scored to define the bend 211 at which first surface 12 meets second surface 14.
22¦ Figure 6 depicts an alternate manner of installing 23l outlet box 30 into the opening 22 of the wallboard by use of I fasteners in accordance with the present invention. In this 251 alternate manner second surface member 14 abuts the interior 261 surface 38 of the wall member 20, and first surface member 12 271 extends rearwardly behind the wall member. Fingers 16, which are ;
28¦ substantially coplanar with, and extend from, first surface member 31 1 ~7 ~2 _ ~.
r 106g2~6 1 ¦12, protrude forward of the wall member 20, passing through ¦ opening 22. As fingers 16 are substantially perpendicular to 3 ¦wall member 20, outlet box 30 is inserted into opening 22 without interference, after which the fingers axe bent over the front 5 ¦edge of the outlet box to lie against the interior surface of the 6 loutlet box sidewall. Alternatively, fingers 16 may be bent ¦around the side edge of the wall member created by opening 22, 81 with the remainder of the installation process as heretofore 9¦ described.
101 Although the present invention has been described with 11¦ reference to a preferred embodiment, alternations and rearrange-1~¦ ments can be made, and still the result would be within the scope 4 of the invent on.
19~ .
; 21
301 -3- ;
311 .
32 _ _, .~ .
` ~6~2V6 surface, and the flanges which conventionally extend vertically from the outlet box top and bottom surfaces and which thus abut the wallboard exterior surface. It is accordingly seen that the fastener of the present invention can be easily manipulated to permit quick and efficient installation of outlet or switch boxes in any desired location. Such instal-lation thus requires significantly less time and, therefore, expense.
In accordance with one broad aspect, the invention relates to a fastener for securing an electrical outlet box in an opening of a wall member comprising: (a) a substantially planar first surface member adapted for contacting the interior - surface of a wall member; tb) a substantially planar second ; surface member extending from and generally perpendicular to said first surface member and adapted for contacting a sidewall of an electrical outlet box after said box has been inserted in an opening of a wall member;. (c) at least one finger member substantially coplanar with and extending from said first surface member on the opposite side of said second surface mem-ber, said finger member being adapted to be bent over a side-wall of an outlet box and into the interior thereof when that outlet box is positioned adjacent said fastener in the opening :` of the wall member; and (d) said first surface member of said .: :
fastener member being adapted to cooperate with the outlet box flanges and the wall member to retain the outlet box in the : .
.
wall member opening. :
: ~ In accordance wlth another aspect, the invention relates to apparatus for securing an electrical outlet in an .: :
opening of a wall member, comprising: (a) a substantially planar :--first surfac.e member positioned flush against the interior ; surface of said wall member; (b) a substantially planar second :~
surface member extending from and generally perpendicular to '' ~ - - . . ., ... -, .. .. , . . ,. " ~
~69206 said first surface member, extending interiorly of said wall member; (c) at least one finger member adapted to extend from said first surface member, through said opening to the exterior of said wall member, and over a sidewall of said outlet box into the interior thereof; and (d) said first surface member of said fastener member being adapted to cooperate with the outlet box flanges and the wall member to retain the outlet box in the wall member opening.
In accordance with yet another aspect, the invention relates to apparatus for securing an electrical outlet in an opening of a wall member, comprising: (a) a substantially planar first surface member positioned flush against the interior sur-face of said wall member; (b) a substantially planar second surface member extending from and generally perpendicular to said first surface member, extending interiorly of said wall member; (c) an outlet box having at least one sidewall, said : outlet box positioned within said opening with said sidewall flush against said second surface member; (d) at least one finger member extending from said second surface member, through 20 said opening to the exterior of said wall member, and over said .
sidewall of said outlet box into the interior thereof; and (e) said first surface member of said fastener member being adapted to cooperate with the outlet box flanges and the wall : member to retain the outlet box in the wall member opening.
In accordance with a further aspect, the invention : .
relates to an electrical outlet box of the type having two parallel sidewalls, an upper surface, a lower surface, a first :.
: flange extending generally vertically upward from said upper ::
surface, and a second flange extending generally vertically .
downward from said lower surface, said outlet box being adapted ~.
for positioning within an opening in a wall member with said .:
flanges flush against the exterior surface of said wall member;
- 4a - ~ :
~.~
apparatus for securing said outlet box in the wall member open-ing comprising: (a) a pair of fastener members, one fastener member consisting of: (1) a substantially planar first surface member positioned flush against the interior surface of said wall member and adapted to cooperate with the outlet box flanges and the wall member to retain the outlet box in the wall member opening; (2) a substantially planar second surface member extending from and generally perpendicular to said first sur-face member, extending interiorly of said wall member and flush against the adjacent sidewall of said outlet box; and (3) twofinger members extending from said first surface member, through said opening to the exterior of said wall member, and over the adjacent sidewall of said outlet box into the interior thereof.
In accordance with a still further aspect, the inven-tion relates to apparatus for use in the securing, in an opening in a wall member, of an electrical outlet box of the type hav-ing two parallel sidewalls, an upper surface, a lower surface, a first flange extending generally vertically upward from said ..
upper surface, and a second flange extending generally vertically :
downward from said lower surface, the outlet box being adapted :~ .
for positioning within the opening in the wall member with the flanges flush against the exterior surface of the wall member;
: said apparatus comprising a fastener member adapted for posi- . :
tioning adjacent a sidewall of the outlet box, said fastener :
member consisting of: (1) a substantially planar first surface :
member adapted to be positioned flush against the interior .: ' .
surface of the wall member; (2) a substantially planar second surface member extending from and generally perpendicular to said first surface member, and adapted to extend interiorly of the wall member and flush against the adjacent sidewall of the .. :
outlet box; and (3) two finger members extending from one of said surface mernbers, and:adapted to extend through the wall :
~ 4b . .
1~69Z~iG
member opening to the exterior of the wall member and over the adjacent sidewall of the outlet box into the interior thereof;
said first surface member of said fastener member adapted to cooperate with the outlet box flanges and the wall member to retain the outlet box in the wall member opening.
These and other aspects and advantages of the present invention are more apparent in the following detailed descrip-tion and claims, particularly when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings i.n which like parts are desig-nated by like reference numerals. In the drawings:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a fastener in accordance with the present invention showing a preferred shape before installation;
Figure 2 is a front plan view of an outlet box installed in an opening in a wallboard or similar wall surface by means of two fasteners in accordance with the present invention;
: Figure 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2;
:
Figure 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of Figure 2;
Figure 5 is an elevational view of a fastener as it may be manufactured in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 6 is a front plan view of the outlet box installed in an alternative manner in an opening in a wallboard ; -or similar wall surface by means of two fasteners in accordance with the present invention.
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~ 92~6 1 ¦ As seen in Figure 1, fastener 10 is preferably made 2 ¦from a single sheet of material and includes a first surface 3 ¦member 12, a second surface me~ber 14, which is substantially 4 ¦perpendicular to the first surface member, and one or more finger 5 ¦members 16 which extend in su~)stantially the same plane as first 6 ¦surface member 12 and to the opposite side of second surface 7 ¦member 14. Fastener 10 may be made of metal or other similar 8 ¦material which can be readily bent and will retain its bent 9 ¦shape. The overall size of fastener 10 or of any portion thereof 10 ¦may be selected to accommodate different size outlet boxes and 11 ¦wall openings.
12 ¦ As depicted in Figure 2, a wall member 20, which may be 13¦ of any suitable dimension or construction, such as wallboard, 14¦ paneling, wood ox plaster, has cut therein an outlet box opening 15¦ 22 of the usual type. Opening 22 is of a size and shape to 16¦ loosely receive electrical outlet or switch box 30. Convention-17¦ ally outlet box 30 includes vertically projecting flanges 32 18¦ fixedly mounted to extend at about a 90 angla from the front of 19¦ each of upper surface~33 and lower surface 34 of box 30. When 20¦ outlet box 30 is inserted into opening 22, flanges 32 contact~the 21¦ exterior surface 36 of wall member 20 adjacent upper surface 33 22¦ and lower surface 34 of the outlet box. Outlet box 30 may be 231 made of any suitable material, typically metal.
241 Relerring to Figure 3, to install an electrical outlet 25¦ or switch box 30 with fasteners 10, a fastener 10 is inserted 26¦ into opening 22 so that its first sur~ace member 12 is positioned 271 `flush against: the interi~or surface 38 of wall member 20 to one 28¦ side of openi.ng 22. With fastener 10 so positioned, the second 291 ~ ~
31~ ~ ~ ~ -321 .~ :
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I ~al69;~:06 1 ¦surface member 14 is subtantially perpendicular to wall member 2 ¦20, extending rearwardly behind the wall member. The protruding 3 ¦finger members 16 which extencl from first surface member 12 are 4 ¦also substantially perpendicular to second surface member 14, and ¦initially they extend on the c>pposite side of the second surface 6 ¦member into opening 22, substantially parallel with wall member 7 ¦20. Fingers 16 are then positioned adjacent to exterior surface 8 136 of the wall member. This can readily be accomplished by ¦bending fingers 16 outwardly around the side edge of the wall 101 member created by opening 22, in the direction indicated by arrow 11 ¦40. With fingers 16 so positioned, fastener 10 readily remains 12¦ in place without additional support. This feature aids easy and 13¦ convenient installation of the outlet box, since there is no 14¦ necessity of other means for holding the fasteners while the 15¦ outlet box is inserted into the opening. Advantageously, tnere 161 are two finger members 16 on each fastener, preferably just above 171 and just below second surface member 14. Such design is advanta-18¦ geous since it provides secure fastening of the outlet box at two 191 distinct and separate points, preferably at the top and bottom of 20¦ each sidewall of the outlet box, thereby minimizing movement~of~
21¦ the outlet box. Preferably, a second fastener is mounted in a ¦ corresponding manner at the opposite side of the opening 22.
231 The outlet or switch box 30 can now be inserted into 241 opening 22 so that fIanges 32 are flush against exterior surface 36 at the upper and lower edges of opening 22, as illustrated in 26 Figure ~. If desired, small depressions can be formed in exterior 27 surface 36 to receive flanges 32 so that when the outlet box is 28 installed flanges 32 are substantially flush with surface 36.
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1q369Z06 1¦ With outlet box 30 positioned~ second surface member 14 of each 21 fastener 10 is positioned adjacent the exterior surface of a 31 sidewall of the outlet box. The pressure exerted on the second 41 surface member 14 assures that first surface members 12 of the ¦ fasteners securely abut the interior surface 38 of the wall 61 member. Finger members 16 are then bent in the direction indicat-71 ed by arrow 42, over the front edge of the sidewalls of the 81 outlet box and into the interior thereof, flush against the 9¦ interior surfaces of the outlet box sidewalls. The outlet box 30 10¦ is thus retained in opening 22. The first surface members 12 of 11¦ the fasteners, which abut the wall member interior surface 38, 12¦ and outlet box flanges 32, which abut the wall member exterior 13¦ surface 36, cooperate to securely maintain the position of the 14¦ outlet box.
1~¦ Figure 5 illustrates manufacture of a fastener 10 in 16¦ accordance with the present invention. The fastener is cut from 171 a sheet of material, for example by stamping. In the cutting 181 process, the outer perimeter of the fastener is cut, and the 19¦ lines 44 between second surface 14 and fingers 16 are cut. In 20¦ addition, if desired, a line 46 can be scored to define the bend 211 at which first surface 12 meets second surface 14.
22¦ Figure 6 depicts an alternate manner of installing 23l outlet box 30 into the opening 22 of the wallboard by use of I fasteners in accordance with the present invention. In this 251 alternate manner second surface member 14 abuts the interior 261 surface 38 of the wall member 20, and first surface member 12 271 extends rearwardly behind the wall member. Fingers 16, which are ;
28¦ substantially coplanar with, and extend from, first surface member 31 1 ~7 ~2 _ ~.
r 106g2~6 1 ¦12, protrude forward of the wall member 20, passing through ¦ opening 22. As fingers 16 are substantially perpendicular to 3 ¦wall member 20, outlet box 30 is inserted into opening 22 without interference, after which the fingers axe bent over the front 5 ¦edge of the outlet box to lie against the interior surface of the 6 loutlet box sidewall. Alternatively, fingers 16 may be bent ¦around the side edge of the wall member created by opening 22, 81 with the remainder of the installation process as heretofore 9¦ described.
101 Although the present invention has been described with 11¦ reference to a preferred embodiment, alternations and rearrange-1~¦ ments can be made, and still the result would be within the scope 4 of the invent on.
19~ .
; 21
- 24 ` 25 ~27 ` 31 _ ' __.
; ~ ' ' .
; ~ ' ' .
Claims (14)
1. A fastener for securing an electrical outlet box in an opening of a wall member comprising:
(a) a substantially planar first surface member adapted for contacting the interior surface of a wall member;
(b) a substantially planar second surface member extend-ing from and generally perpendicular to said first surface member and adapted for contacting a sidewall of an electrical outlet box after said box has been inserted in an opening of a wall member;
(c) at least one finger member substantially coplanar with and extending from said first surface member on the oppo-site side of said second surface member, said finger member being adapted to be bent over a sidewall of an outlet box and into the interior thereof when that outlet box is positioned adjacent said fastener in the opening of the wall member; and (d) said first surface member of said fastener member being adapted to cooperate with the outlet box flanges and the wall member to retain the outlet box in the wall member opening.
(a) a substantially planar first surface member adapted for contacting the interior surface of a wall member;
(b) a substantially planar second surface member extend-ing from and generally perpendicular to said first surface member and adapted for contacting a sidewall of an electrical outlet box after said box has been inserted in an opening of a wall member;
(c) at least one finger member substantially coplanar with and extending from said first surface member on the oppo-site side of said second surface member, said finger member being adapted to be bent over a sidewall of an outlet box and into the interior thereof when that outlet box is positioned adjacent said fastener in the opening of the wall member; and (d) said first surface member of said fastener member being adapted to cooperate with the outlet box flanges and the wall member to retain the outlet box in the wall member opening.
2. A fastener as claimed in claim 1 wherein said members are made of metal.
3. A fastener as claimed in claim 1 having two finger members.
4. Apparatus for securing an electrical outlet in an opening of a wall member, comprising:
(a) a substantially planar first surface member posi-tioned flush against the interior surface of said wall member;
(b) a substantially planar second surface member extend-ing from and generally perpendicular to said first surface member, extending interiorly of said wall member;
(c) at least one finger member adapted to extend from said first surface member, through said opening to the exterior of said wall member, and over a sidewall of said outlet box into the interior thereof; and (d) said first surface member of said fastener member being adapted to cooperate with the outlet box flanges and the wall member to retain the outlet box in the wall member opening.
(a) a substantially planar first surface member posi-tioned flush against the interior surface of said wall member;
(b) a substantially planar second surface member extend-ing from and generally perpendicular to said first surface member, extending interiorly of said wall member;
(c) at least one finger member adapted to extend from said first surface member, through said opening to the exterior of said wall member, and over a sidewall of said outlet box into the interior thereof; and (d) said first surface member of said fastener member being adapted to cooperate with the outlet box flanges and the wall member to retain the outlet box in the wall member opening.
5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein said members are made of metal.
6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 having two finger members.
7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein said outlet box has first and second flanges extending generally vertically from respectively the upper surface and the lower surface of said outlet box, said flanges being flush against the exterior surface of said wall member.
8. Apparatus for securing an electrical outlet in an opening of a wall member, comprising:
(a) a substantially planar first surface member positioned flush against the interior surface of said wall member;
(b) a substantially planar second surface member extend-ing from and generally perpendicular to said first surface member, extending interiorly of said wall member;
(c) an outlet box having at least one sidewall, said outlet box positioned within said opening with said sidewall flush against said second surface member;
(d) at least one finger member extending from said second surface member, through said opening to the exterior of said wall member, and over said sidewall of said outlet box into the interior thereof; and (e) said first surface member of said fastener member being adapted to cooperate with the outlet box flanges and the wall member to retain the outlet box in the wall member opening.
(a) a substantially planar first surface member positioned flush against the interior surface of said wall member;
(b) a substantially planar second surface member extend-ing from and generally perpendicular to said first surface member, extending interiorly of said wall member;
(c) an outlet box having at least one sidewall, said outlet box positioned within said opening with said sidewall flush against said second surface member;
(d) at least one finger member extending from said second surface member, through said opening to the exterior of said wall member, and over said sidewall of said outlet box into the interior thereof; and (e) said first surface member of said fastener member being adapted to cooperate with the outlet box flanges and the wall member to retain the outlet box in the wall member opening.
9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein said members are made of metal.
10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 having two finger members.
11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein said outlet box has first and second flanges extending generally vertically from respectively the upper surface and the lower surface of said outlet box, said flanges being flush against the exterior surface of said wall member.
12. In an electrical outlet box of the type having two parallel sidewalls, an upper surface, a lower surface, a first flange extending generally vertically upward from said upper surface, and a second flange extending generally vertically downward from said lower surface, said outlet box being adapted for positioning within an opening in a wall member with said flanges flush against the exterior surface of said wall member;
apparatus for securing said outlet box in the wall member opening comprising (a) a pair of fastener members, one fastener member adjacent each sidewall of said outlet box, each fastener member consisting of:
(1) a substantially planar first surface member posi-tioned flush against the interior surface of said wall member and adapted to cooperate with the outlet box flanges and the wall member to retain the outlet box in the wall member opening;
(2) a substantially planar second surface member extend-ing from and generally perpendicular to said first surface member, extending interiorly of said wall member and flush against the adjacent sidewall of said outlet box; and (3) two finger members extending from said first surface member, through said opening to the exterior of said wall member, and over the adjacent sidewall of said outlet box into the interior thereof.
apparatus for securing said outlet box in the wall member opening comprising (a) a pair of fastener members, one fastener member adjacent each sidewall of said outlet box, each fastener member consisting of:
(1) a substantially planar first surface member posi-tioned flush against the interior surface of said wall member and adapted to cooperate with the outlet box flanges and the wall member to retain the outlet box in the wall member opening;
(2) a substantially planar second surface member extend-ing from and generally perpendicular to said first surface member, extending interiorly of said wall member and flush against the adjacent sidewall of said outlet box; and (3) two finger members extending from said first surface member, through said opening to the exterior of said wall member, and over the adjacent sidewall of said outlet box into the interior thereof.
13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein said members are made of metal.
14. Apparatus for use in the securing, in an opening in a wall member, of an electrical outlet box of the type having two parallel sidewalls, an upper surface, a lower surface, a first flange extending generally vertically upward from said upper surface, and a second flange extending generally vertically downward from said lower surface, the outlet box being adapted for positioning within the opening in the wall member with the flanges flush against the exterior surface of the wall member;
said apparatus comprising a fastener member adapted for posi-tioning adjacent a sidewall of the outlet box, said fastener member consisting of:
(1) a substantially planar first surface member adapted to be positioned flush against the interior surface of the wall member;
(2) a substantially planar second surface member extend-ing from and generally perpendicular to said first surface member, and adapted to extend interiorly of the wall member and flush against the adjacent sidewall of the outlet box; and (3) two finger members extending from one of said surface members, and adapted to extend through the wall member opening to the exterior of the wall member and over the adjacent sidewall of the outlet box into the interior thereof;
said first surface member of said fastener member adapted to cooperate with the outlet box flanges and the wall member to retain the outlet box in the wall member opening.
said apparatus comprising a fastener member adapted for posi-tioning adjacent a sidewall of the outlet box, said fastener member consisting of:
(1) a substantially planar first surface member adapted to be positioned flush against the interior surface of the wall member;
(2) a substantially planar second surface member extend-ing from and generally perpendicular to said first surface member, and adapted to extend interiorly of the wall member and flush against the adjacent sidewall of the outlet box; and (3) two finger members extending from one of said surface members, and adapted to extend through the wall member opening to the exterior of the wall member and over the adjacent sidewall of the outlet box into the interior thereof;
said first surface member of said fastener member adapted to cooperate with the outlet box flanges and the wall member to retain the outlet box in the wall member opening.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA303,857A CA1069206A (en) | 1978-05-23 | 1978-05-23 | Outlet box fastener |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA303,857A CA1069206A (en) | 1978-05-23 | 1978-05-23 | Outlet box fastener |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1069206A true CA1069206A (en) | 1980-01-01 |
Family
ID=4111522
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA303,857A Expired CA1069206A (en) | 1978-05-23 | 1978-05-23 | Outlet box fastener |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1069206A (en) |
-
1978
- 1978-05-23 CA CA303,857A patent/CA1069206A/en not_active Expired
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |