CA1101978A - Vapor barriers for electrical boxes - Google Patents
Vapor barriers for electrical boxesInfo
- Publication number
- CA1101978A CA1101978A CA332,630A CA332630A CA1101978A CA 1101978 A CA1101978 A CA 1101978A CA 332630 A CA332630 A CA 332630A CA 1101978 A CA1101978 A CA 1101978A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- cover
- box
- flange
- vapor barrier
- electrical box
- 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
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
- H02G3/00—Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles
- H02G3/02—Details
- H02G3/08—Distribution boxes; Connection or junction boxes
- H02G3/088—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof casings or inlets
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
- H02G3/00—Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles
- H02G3/02—Details
- H02G3/08—Distribution boxes; Connection or junction boxes
- H02G3/12—Distribution boxes; Connection or junction boxes for flush mounting
- H02G3/123—Distribution boxes; Connection or junction boxes for flush mounting in thin walls
- H02G3/125—Distribution boxes; Connection or junction boxes for flush mounting in thin walls with supporting bar extending between two separate studs of a wall frame
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Connection Or Junction Boxes (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A cover is provided for an electrical box, particularly when installed in an outside wall or in a ceiling, above which there is a cooler space. The cover extends around all of the electrical box except the open face thereof andhas a flexible flange around its perimeter which contacts and seals against the back surface of the wall or ceiling in which the box is mounted. The cover prevents cold air from entering the building through or around the box and heated air from escaping from the interior of the building which are disadvantages faced in electrical outlet box installations heretofore where no vapor barrier device is employed. The cover also prevents water or moisture from entering the box from the outside. The cover also can be specifically designed to receive particular shapes of electrical boxes including a plurality of boxes. There are spacing means for varying the distance the open face of the box extends beyond the slanted flange so as to accommodate walls or ceilings of different thicknesses.
These spacing means include a curved portion of the cover connecting the flange to the main portion of the cover 90 that the curved portion can collapse in a bellows-like fashion when the wall is urged against the flange.
A cover is provided for an electrical box, particularly when installed in an outside wall or in a ceiling, above which there is a cooler space. The cover extends around all of the electrical box except the open face thereof andhas a flexible flange around its perimeter which contacts and seals against the back surface of the wall or ceiling in which the box is mounted. The cover prevents cold air from entering the building through or around the box and heated air from escaping from the interior of the building which are disadvantages faced in electrical outlet box installations heretofore where no vapor barrier device is employed. The cover also prevents water or moisture from entering the box from the outside. The cover also can be specifically designed to receive particular shapes of electrical boxes including a plurality of boxes. There are spacing means for varying the distance the open face of the box extends beyond the slanted flange so as to accommodate walls or ceilings of different thicknesses.
These spacing means include a curved portion of the cover connecting the flange to the main portion of the cover 90 that the curved portion can collapse in a bellows-like fashion when the wall is urged against the flange.
Description
S P E C I F I C A T I Q N
This invention relates to a cover for an electrical box which prevents cold air from entering and heated air from escaping therethrough and therearound and also prevents water and moisture from entering.
At the present, electrical boxes are simply installed in an opening in a wall or ceiling with the box nailed to a stud or with various fastening flanges or hangers employed. In such instances, cold air, particularly under windy conditions, can enter the building through the various openings in the electrical box, and, frequently, around the box through the opening in the wall or ceiling. Similarly, heated air can es-cape in the opposite direction. In addition, water or moisture can enter the box from the outside and cause short circuits, resulting in fires or electricutions.
The present invention provides a cover for an electrical box which extends completely around the side walls and back of the box and has a flange slanting away from the cover so that the peripheral edge of the flange can ti~htly contact the back sur~ace of the wall or ceiling in which the box is mounted. In this manner, air and water or moisture are prevented from entering through the box itself and also through the opening in the wall or ceiling in which the box is mounted. Similarly, heated air is prevented from escaping.
In one form of the invention, the cover is molded directly on the electrical box and has a curved portion ex-tending away from the box near the open face of the box. The slanted flange is then connected to the curved portion which enables the flange to be moved toward and away from the Gpen face of the box. Thus, for example, when paneling is ~sed, the open face of the box can extend a short distance beyond the flange, such as one-quarter inch. When plaster board or wall ~k - 1 - ~1;' -. . . .
. .
~1~11978 board is employed, the open face of the box can extend farther beyond the flange, such as one-half inch. For plastered walls, the open face can extend even farther beyond the flange, such as three-quarters inch.
In another form, the cover can be specially shaped to fit an electrical box having a functionally-integral fastening flange extending rearwardly from one side thereof. The cover has a hollow projection which receives the fastening flange and enables this flange to extend into the projection varying distances to vary the extent to which the open face of the box extends beyond the slanted flange of the cover.
In still another form, the cover can be designedto receive a multiplicity of electrical boxes, such as switch boxes. In such an instance, the cover can be equipped with pro~ections to back up the electrical boxes and control the extent to which the open faces extend beyond the slanted flange, which is common to all of the covers.
It is, therefore, a purpose of the invention to provide an improved air and moisture cover for electrical boxes to prevent the passage of air and moisture through and around the box.
Another purpose of the invention is to provide a cover for an electrical box with means to adjuAt the open face of the box relative to a slanted flange of the cover.
This invention relates to a vapor barrier device for use in association with open faced metal electrical boxes and the like, said vapor barrier device comprising flexible flange means to extend around the perimeter of said electrical box near the open face of said box; said flange means further positioned to slant outwardly and away from said box whereby the peripheral edge of the flange can tightly contact the back surface of a wall or the like when said wall is urged against said flange means thus forming a vapor barrier; and spacing means whereby the relative distance between the open face of said electrical box and said flange, after said wall has been urged against said flange means, can be varied.
~ -2-A~
~ l97B
This invention further relates to a vapor barrier device as aforesaid wherein said device comprises a cover of flexible plastic material having a receptacle portion to extend around and enclose the back and at least a part of the sides of said electrical box, said cover further incorporating said flange means around the perimeter of the open side of said receptacle portion, said spacing means comprising curved portions of said :
cover extending around the perimeter of said cover connecting said flange means to said cover, whereby said curved portions can collapse in a bellows-like fashion when said wall is urged against said flange means.
Many other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments ;
thereof, references being made to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1, is a view in perspective, with parts broken away, of an electrical outlet box with a cover embodying the invention extending therearound, with the combination molded together and fastened to a stud;
Figure 2, is a view in vertical cross section taken ! ~ -2a-through the box and cover of Figure 1;
Figure 3, is a fragmentary view of the box and cover in a completed installation;
Figure 4, is a view similar to Figure 3 but showing the box and cover installed in a thinner wall;
Figure 5, is an exploded view in perspective of another embodiment o~ an electrical box with a fastening flange and a cover designed to fit over that box;
Figure 6, is a somewhat schematic view in cross section of the electrical box and cover of Figure 5 installed in a thin ceiling.
Figure 7, is an exploded view in perspective of an electrical box cover and straps designed for two or more boxes, with parts broken away and with parts in section;
Figure 8, is a fragmentary front view in elevation of the cover of Figure 7 with electrical boxes installed therein;
Figure 9, is a fragmentary view in cross section taken along the lie 9-9 of Figure 8; and Figure 10, is a somewhat schematic view in elevation similar to Figure 8 showing the cover used with electrical boxes in a different position.
Referring to the drawings, and particularly to Figures 1-4, an electrical outlet box 10 is shown with a cover 12 and affixed to a stud or other structural member 1~ by nails 16, in this instance. The electrical box is of a substantially conventional design, including ears 18 and holes 20 (Figure 3) formed when knockout plugs are removed. Wire clamps 22 and screws 24 hold wires 26 having insulation 28.
The cover 12 has a receptacle 30 molded directly on 30-~- the electrical box 10 and functionally integral therewith. The receptacle 30 covers the entire back of the box along with approximately two-thirds of the side walls. The cover also ~L978 includes a slanted flange 32 which slants outwardly from the electrical box 10 and tightly engages the back surface of a wall or ceiling in which the electrical box is mounted. The slanted flange 32 is connected to the receptacle 30 by a curved portion 5 or bellows 34. This curved portion enables the slanted flange 32 to be moved toward and away from the open side of the box 10 to vary the distance the open face extends beyond the flange.
Thus, in Figure 3, the cover 12 is shown with the open face of the box 10 extending well beyond the flange 32, about three-10 quarters of an inch. This is the position when the electricalbox is to be mounted in a plastered wall 36. In Figure 4, the flange 32 is much closer to the open face of the electrical box 10, being back only about one-quarter inch. This is the position when the box is mounted in a thin panelled wall 38.
1~ In between, the open face of the box can project about one-half inch, for plaster board or dry wall.
The cover 12 is of plastic material about 0.030 inch to 0.050 inch thick, and preferably about 0.040 inch. However, the curved portion 34 can be even thinner so that i~ part of 20 the curved portion 34 and the flange 32 are between the wall and the stud 14, the amount of thich~ess is not objectionable.
Also , the plastic material is preferably transparent or translucent so that an electrician can see the nail holes in the electrical box 10 through the receptacle 30 of the cover 12.
25 The plastic material should also be flexible and substantially uninflammable, or at least not readily prone to burn.
In installing the electrical box 10 with the cover 12 molded thereon, they are positioned with the open face of the electrical box the desired distance beyond the front edge of 30 the stud 14. The nails 16 are then driven through the cover and box and into the stud. Where the wires 26 are to enter the box, the knockout plug was previously removed to leave the opening 20 and the receptacle 30 is then pierced with a ~ L~L~L9~8screwdriver or similar tool. The wires 26, preferably with the insulation 28 thereon, are then pushed through the receptacle aperture and through the opening 20 of the box 10. The nature of the plastic material employed in the cover 12 is such that 5 the plastic of the receptacle 30 snugly fits around the insulation 28 of the wires 26 to provide a substantially air and moisture proof point of entry through the cover.
Referring to Figures 5 and 6, an octagonal electrical box is indicated at 40 and includes a fastening flange 42 affixed thereto, extending rearwardly from an open face thereof, and being provided with at least one nail hole 44.
An electrical box cover 46 is specially designed to fit this type of electrical box. The cover has a receptacle 48 to receive the side walls and back of the box 40 and includes 15 a tapered, rearwardly-extending, hollow projection 50 which is structurally integral with the receptacle. The cover 46 also includes a slanted flange 52 which slants outwardly from the electrical box 40 and tightly engages the back surface of a wall or ceiling 54 in which the electrical box is mounted.
The electrical box 40 is positioned in the cover 46 with the hollow projection 50 enabling the fastening ~lange 42 to extend therein a desired distance such that the open face of the box can project a desired distance beyond the slanted flange 52 so as to be adaptable for plastered walls, wall board 25 or dry wall, and panelling, as before. When properly adjusted, a nail 56 can be driven through a wall of the projection 50, the flange 42, and the other wall of the projection 50 into a joist or other structural member 58.
The receptacle 48 can also be provided with a cy-lindrical recess 60 as viewed from the back of the cover 46which projects toward the electrical box. As such, the cover is readily adaptable for use with octagonal boxes to be used with variable length bar hangers having studs, usually five-eights inch in diameter, and wing nuts. The wall of the _5_ recess 60 thereby tends to snugly contact the stud of the bar hanger and more effectively act as a air and moisture barrier.
Referring to Figures 7-1o, a plurality of electrical boxes, particularly switch boxes, indicated at 62 can be adjacent or ganged together and used in a group of three, as shown in Figure 8, or a pair as shown in Figure 10. The boxes have outwardly extending ears 64 to receive switch plates or A the like and flanges ~4 which can be adjusted toward and away from the open faces of the electrical boxes 62. The boxes 62 also have the usual wire clamps 68 and screws 70, and knock out plugs (not shown).
A vapor barrier cover for a plurality of the electrical boxes 62 is indicated at 72. The cover 72 has a receptacle 74 extending around the backs and sides of the electrical boxes 62.
1~ The cover 72 also has a slanted flange 76 slanting outwardly and away from the electrical boxes to tightly contact the back surface of the wall or the like, as before. The receptacle 74 also has outwardly extending projections 78 with larger diameter base portions 80 and smaller diameter tip portions 82 forming 20 shoulders 84 therebetween.
When the electrical boxes 62 are inserted in the receptacle 74 with the backs of the boxes against the ends of the projecting tips 82, the boxes will extend from the cover 72 about three-quarters of an inch so as to be effectively 25 positioned for plastered walls. When the tips 82 are cut off at the shoulders 84, the boxes 62 will then extend about one-half inch from the cover so as to be suitably positioned for dry wall or plaster board. Finally, when the projections 72 are removed by cutting the base portions 80 at the back wall of the receptacle 74, the boxes 62 will extend about one-quarter inch, which is suitable for panelled walls.
When the boxes are positioned in the cover 72 at the desired depth, mounting straps 86 are extended through the side .. ~ . .
walls of the receptacle 74 of the cover 72 and between the ears 64 and the adjustable flanges 66. The boxes 62 can then be snugly held with the flanges pressing against the straps 86 and the backs of the boxes being urged against the projections 78, or portions thereof which are not cut away, or against the back of the receptacle 74 itself. The boxes 62 can also be fast-ened to the straps by screws 92. ~he straps 86 are then suitably fastened to studs or other structural members 88 by nails 90 or other suitable fasteners.
To facilitate penetration of the straps 86 through the cover 72, the edges of the sides of the receptacle 74, where they meet the slanted flange 76, have molded elongate thin portions or areas 94. The plastic material of the cover still snugly fits aruund the straps 86 when in the position to minimize the passage of air or moisture therearound.
The thin portions 94 are also molded into the other top walls of the.receptacle 74 of the cover 72. The cover 72 can then be turned 90, as shown in Figure 10, with the straps 86 extending through the other thin portions of the receptacle.
In this position, the cover readily accommodates a pair of the boxes 62. The cover also has thin portions 96 to receive bar hangers.
The covers can also be used for other boxes such as telephone junction boxes and thermostats.
This invention relates to a cover for an electrical box which prevents cold air from entering and heated air from escaping therethrough and therearound and also prevents water and moisture from entering.
At the present, electrical boxes are simply installed in an opening in a wall or ceiling with the box nailed to a stud or with various fastening flanges or hangers employed. In such instances, cold air, particularly under windy conditions, can enter the building through the various openings in the electrical box, and, frequently, around the box through the opening in the wall or ceiling. Similarly, heated air can es-cape in the opposite direction. In addition, water or moisture can enter the box from the outside and cause short circuits, resulting in fires or electricutions.
The present invention provides a cover for an electrical box which extends completely around the side walls and back of the box and has a flange slanting away from the cover so that the peripheral edge of the flange can ti~htly contact the back sur~ace of the wall or ceiling in which the box is mounted. In this manner, air and water or moisture are prevented from entering through the box itself and also through the opening in the wall or ceiling in which the box is mounted. Similarly, heated air is prevented from escaping.
In one form of the invention, the cover is molded directly on the electrical box and has a curved portion ex-tending away from the box near the open face of the box. The slanted flange is then connected to the curved portion which enables the flange to be moved toward and away from the Gpen face of the box. Thus, for example, when paneling is ~sed, the open face of the box can extend a short distance beyond the flange, such as one-quarter inch. When plaster board or wall ~k - 1 - ~1;' -. . . .
. .
~1~11978 board is employed, the open face of the box can extend farther beyond the flange, such as one-half inch. For plastered walls, the open face can extend even farther beyond the flange, such as three-quarters inch.
In another form, the cover can be specially shaped to fit an electrical box having a functionally-integral fastening flange extending rearwardly from one side thereof. The cover has a hollow projection which receives the fastening flange and enables this flange to extend into the projection varying distances to vary the extent to which the open face of the box extends beyond the slanted flange of the cover.
In still another form, the cover can be designedto receive a multiplicity of electrical boxes, such as switch boxes. In such an instance, the cover can be equipped with pro~ections to back up the electrical boxes and control the extent to which the open faces extend beyond the slanted flange, which is common to all of the covers.
It is, therefore, a purpose of the invention to provide an improved air and moisture cover for electrical boxes to prevent the passage of air and moisture through and around the box.
Another purpose of the invention is to provide a cover for an electrical box with means to adjuAt the open face of the box relative to a slanted flange of the cover.
This invention relates to a vapor barrier device for use in association with open faced metal electrical boxes and the like, said vapor barrier device comprising flexible flange means to extend around the perimeter of said electrical box near the open face of said box; said flange means further positioned to slant outwardly and away from said box whereby the peripheral edge of the flange can tightly contact the back surface of a wall or the like when said wall is urged against said flange means thus forming a vapor barrier; and spacing means whereby the relative distance between the open face of said electrical box and said flange, after said wall has been urged against said flange means, can be varied.
~ -2-A~
~ l97B
This invention further relates to a vapor barrier device as aforesaid wherein said device comprises a cover of flexible plastic material having a receptacle portion to extend around and enclose the back and at least a part of the sides of said electrical box, said cover further incorporating said flange means around the perimeter of the open side of said receptacle portion, said spacing means comprising curved portions of said :
cover extending around the perimeter of said cover connecting said flange means to said cover, whereby said curved portions can collapse in a bellows-like fashion when said wall is urged against said flange means.
Many other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments ;
thereof, references being made to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1, is a view in perspective, with parts broken away, of an electrical outlet box with a cover embodying the invention extending therearound, with the combination molded together and fastened to a stud;
Figure 2, is a view in vertical cross section taken ! ~ -2a-through the box and cover of Figure 1;
Figure 3, is a fragmentary view of the box and cover in a completed installation;
Figure 4, is a view similar to Figure 3 but showing the box and cover installed in a thinner wall;
Figure 5, is an exploded view in perspective of another embodiment o~ an electrical box with a fastening flange and a cover designed to fit over that box;
Figure 6, is a somewhat schematic view in cross section of the electrical box and cover of Figure 5 installed in a thin ceiling.
Figure 7, is an exploded view in perspective of an electrical box cover and straps designed for two or more boxes, with parts broken away and with parts in section;
Figure 8, is a fragmentary front view in elevation of the cover of Figure 7 with electrical boxes installed therein;
Figure 9, is a fragmentary view in cross section taken along the lie 9-9 of Figure 8; and Figure 10, is a somewhat schematic view in elevation similar to Figure 8 showing the cover used with electrical boxes in a different position.
Referring to the drawings, and particularly to Figures 1-4, an electrical outlet box 10 is shown with a cover 12 and affixed to a stud or other structural member 1~ by nails 16, in this instance. The electrical box is of a substantially conventional design, including ears 18 and holes 20 (Figure 3) formed when knockout plugs are removed. Wire clamps 22 and screws 24 hold wires 26 having insulation 28.
The cover 12 has a receptacle 30 molded directly on 30-~- the electrical box 10 and functionally integral therewith. The receptacle 30 covers the entire back of the box along with approximately two-thirds of the side walls. The cover also ~L978 includes a slanted flange 32 which slants outwardly from the electrical box 10 and tightly engages the back surface of a wall or ceiling in which the electrical box is mounted. The slanted flange 32 is connected to the receptacle 30 by a curved portion 5 or bellows 34. This curved portion enables the slanted flange 32 to be moved toward and away from the open side of the box 10 to vary the distance the open face extends beyond the flange.
Thus, in Figure 3, the cover 12 is shown with the open face of the box 10 extending well beyond the flange 32, about three-10 quarters of an inch. This is the position when the electricalbox is to be mounted in a plastered wall 36. In Figure 4, the flange 32 is much closer to the open face of the electrical box 10, being back only about one-quarter inch. This is the position when the box is mounted in a thin panelled wall 38.
1~ In between, the open face of the box can project about one-half inch, for plaster board or dry wall.
The cover 12 is of plastic material about 0.030 inch to 0.050 inch thick, and preferably about 0.040 inch. However, the curved portion 34 can be even thinner so that i~ part of 20 the curved portion 34 and the flange 32 are between the wall and the stud 14, the amount of thich~ess is not objectionable.
Also , the plastic material is preferably transparent or translucent so that an electrician can see the nail holes in the electrical box 10 through the receptacle 30 of the cover 12.
25 The plastic material should also be flexible and substantially uninflammable, or at least not readily prone to burn.
In installing the electrical box 10 with the cover 12 molded thereon, they are positioned with the open face of the electrical box the desired distance beyond the front edge of 30 the stud 14. The nails 16 are then driven through the cover and box and into the stud. Where the wires 26 are to enter the box, the knockout plug was previously removed to leave the opening 20 and the receptacle 30 is then pierced with a ~ L~L~L9~8screwdriver or similar tool. The wires 26, preferably with the insulation 28 thereon, are then pushed through the receptacle aperture and through the opening 20 of the box 10. The nature of the plastic material employed in the cover 12 is such that 5 the plastic of the receptacle 30 snugly fits around the insulation 28 of the wires 26 to provide a substantially air and moisture proof point of entry through the cover.
Referring to Figures 5 and 6, an octagonal electrical box is indicated at 40 and includes a fastening flange 42 affixed thereto, extending rearwardly from an open face thereof, and being provided with at least one nail hole 44.
An electrical box cover 46 is specially designed to fit this type of electrical box. The cover has a receptacle 48 to receive the side walls and back of the box 40 and includes 15 a tapered, rearwardly-extending, hollow projection 50 which is structurally integral with the receptacle. The cover 46 also includes a slanted flange 52 which slants outwardly from the electrical box 40 and tightly engages the back surface of a wall or ceiling 54 in which the electrical box is mounted.
The electrical box 40 is positioned in the cover 46 with the hollow projection 50 enabling the fastening ~lange 42 to extend therein a desired distance such that the open face of the box can project a desired distance beyond the slanted flange 52 so as to be adaptable for plastered walls, wall board 25 or dry wall, and panelling, as before. When properly adjusted, a nail 56 can be driven through a wall of the projection 50, the flange 42, and the other wall of the projection 50 into a joist or other structural member 58.
The receptacle 48 can also be provided with a cy-lindrical recess 60 as viewed from the back of the cover 46which projects toward the electrical box. As such, the cover is readily adaptable for use with octagonal boxes to be used with variable length bar hangers having studs, usually five-eights inch in diameter, and wing nuts. The wall of the _5_ recess 60 thereby tends to snugly contact the stud of the bar hanger and more effectively act as a air and moisture barrier.
Referring to Figures 7-1o, a plurality of electrical boxes, particularly switch boxes, indicated at 62 can be adjacent or ganged together and used in a group of three, as shown in Figure 8, or a pair as shown in Figure 10. The boxes have outwardly extending ears 64 to receive switch plates or A the like and flanges ~4 which can be adjusted toward and away from the open faces of the electrical boxes 62. The boxes 62 also have the usual wire clamps 68 and screws 70, and knock out plugs (not shown).
A vapor barrier cover for a plurality of the electrical boxes 62 is indicated at 72. The cover 72 has a receptacle 74 extending around the backs and sides of the electrical boxes 62.
1~ The cover 72 also has a slanted flange 76 slanting outwardly and away from the electrical boxes to tightly contact the back surface of the wall or the like, as before. The receptacle 74 also has outwardly extending projections 78 with larger diameter base portions 80 and smaller diameter tip portions 82 forming 20 shoulders 84 therebetween.
When the electrical boxes 62 are inserted in the receptacle 74 with the backs of the boxes against the ends of the projecting tips 82, the boxes will extend from the cover 72 about three-quarters of an inch so as to be effectively 25 positioned for plastered walls. When the tips 82 are cut off at the shoulders 84, the boxes 62 will then extend about one-half inch from the cover so as to be suitably positioned for dry wall or plaster board. Finally, when the projections 72 are removed by cutting the base portions 80 at the back wall of the receptacle 74, the boxes 62 will extend about one-quarter inch, which is suitable for panelled walls.
When the boxes are positioned in the cover 72 at the desired depth, mounting straps 86 are extended through the side .. ~ . .
walls of the receptacle 74 of the cover 72 and between the ears 64 and the adjustable flanges 66. The boxes 62 can then be snugly held with the flanges pressing against the straps 86 and the backs of the boxes being urged against the projections 78, or portions thereof which are not cut away, or against the back of the receptacle 74 itself. The boxes 62 can also be fast-ened to the straps by screws 92. ~he straps 86 are then suitably fastened to studs or other structural members 88 by nails 90 or other suitable fasteners.
To facilitate penetration of the straps 86 through the cover 72, the edges of the sides of the receptacle 74, where they meet the slanted flange 76, have molded elongate thin portions or areas 94. The plastic material of the cover still snugly fits aruund the straps 86 when in the position to minimize the passage of air or moisture therearound.
The thin portions 94 are also molded into the other top walls of the.receptacle 74 of the cover 72. The cover 72 can then be turned 90, as shown in Figure 10, with the straps 86 extending through the other thin portions of the receptacle.
In this position, the cover readily accommodates a pair of the boxes 62. The cover also has thin portions 96 to receive bar hangers.
The covers can also be used for other boxes such as telephone junction boxes and thermostats.
2~ Various modifications of the above described embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art and it is to be understood that such modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention, the embodiments shown and described being primarily for purposes of illustration and not limitation.
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Claims (14)
PROPOERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A vapor barrier device for use in association with open faced metal electrical boxes and the like,said vapor barrier device comprising flexible flange means to extend around the perimeter of said electrical box near the open face of said box; said flange means further positioned to slant outwardly and away from said box whereby the peripheral edge of the flange can tightly contact the back surface of a wall or the like when said wall is urged against said flange means thus forming a vapor barrier;and spacing means whereby the relative distance between the open face of said electrical box and said flange, after said wall has been urged against said flange means, can be varied.
2. A vapor barrier device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said device comprises a cover of flexible plastic material having a receptacle portion to extend around and enclose the back and at least a part of the sides of said electrical box, said cover further incorporating said flange means around the perimeter of the open side of said receptacle portion, said spacing means comprising curved portions of said cover extending around the perimeter of said cover connecting said flange means to said cover, whereby said curved portions can collapse in a bellows-like fashion when said wall is urged against said flange means.
3. In combination, a metal electrical box and the vapor barrier device of claim 2.
4. The combination of claim 3 wherein said receptacle portion of said vapor barrier device is molded directly onto said electrical box to be functionally integral therewith.
5. A vapor barrier device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said device comprises a cover of flexible plastic material having a receptacle portion to extend around and enclose the back and at least a part of the sides of said electrical box, said cover further incorporating said flange means around the perimeter of the open side of said receptacle portion, said spacing means comprising a hollow projection structurally integral with said receptacle portion and adapted to slidably receive a fastening flange extending rearwardly from an electrical box, whereby the fastening flange can extend into the projection by predetermined amounts.
6. In combination a metal electrical box having an open face and a fastening flange affixed to a side wall of said box, said flange extending rearwardly away from said open face and the vapor barrier device of claim 5, said flange being slidably located in said hollow projection.
7. The combination according to claim 6 characterized by the portion of said cover located around the back of said electrical box having a centrally located recess therein.
8. A vapor barrier device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said device comprises a cover of flexible plastic material having a receptacle portion to extend around and enclose the back and at least a part of the sides of said electrical box, said cover further incorporating said flange means around the perimeter of the open side of said receptacle portion, said spacing means comprising a plurality of projections at the back of said receptacle portion extending toward the open face to limit the extent to which the electrical box can be inserted in the said cover.
9. A cover according to claim 8 characterized by said projections having intermediate shoulders thereon, whereby said projections can be cut to an intermediate length to change the extent in which an electrical box can be inserted into said vapor barrier device.
10. A cover according to claim 8 characterized by said receptacle having thin wall areas around the perimeter at the open side and positioned to receive mounting straps.
11. A cover according to claim 10 characterized by said receptacle being rectangular and having two of said thin wall areas in each side wall.
12. A cover according to claim 8 characterized by said cover being proportioned and sized to receive a pair of electrical boxes in one position and three electrical boxes in another position.
13. A vapor barrier device as claimed in claims 2, 5 and 8 wherein said flexible plastic material is from 0.030 to 0.050 inches in thickness.
14. A vapor barrier device as claimed in claims 2, 5 and 8 wherein said flexible plastic material is transparent or translucent and substantially uninflammable.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA332,630A CA1101978A (en) | 1979-07-26 | 1979-07-26 | Vapor barriers for electrical boxes |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA332,630A CA1101978A (en) | 1979-07-26 | 1979-07-26 | Vapor barriers for electrical boxes |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1101978A true CA1101978A (en) | 1981-05-26 |
Family
ID=4114797
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA332,630A Expired CA1101978A (en) | 1979-07-26 | 1979-07-26 | Vapor barriers for electrical boxes |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1101978A (en) |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4626617A (en) * | 1984-01-25 | 1986-12-02 | Glen Rye | Container for electrical outlets |
| US4794207A (en) * | 1986-03-21 | 1988-12-27 | Enercept, Inc. | Electrical outlet unit for a building |
| US10236668B2 (en) | 2016-05-20 | 2019-03-19 | Specified Technologies, Inc. | Molded box cover for fire and acoustical sealing of electrical boxes |
| CN113659464A (en) * | 2021-07-31 | 2021-11-16 | 王凤仙 | Multifunctional integrated power distribution cabinet |
-
1979
- 1979-07-26 CA CA332,630A patent/CA1101978A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4626617A (en) * | 1984-01-25 | 1986-12-02 | Glen Rye | Container for electrical outlets |
| US4794207A (en) * | 1986-03-21 | 1988-12-27 | Enercept, Inc. | Electrical outlet unit for a building |
| US10236668B2 (en) | 2016-05-20 | 2019-03-19 | Specified Technologies, Inc. | Molded box cover for fire and acoustical sealing of electrical boxes |
| CN113659464A (en) * | 2021-07-31 | 2021-11-16 | 王凤仙 | Multifunctional integrated power distribution cabinet |
| CN113659464B (en) * | 2021-07-31 | 2024-03-15 | 安徽汇泰建设工程有限公司 | Multifunctional integrated power distribution cabinet |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |