GB2380778A

GB2380778A - Screw lug for an electrical back box

Info

Publication number: GB2380778A
Application number: GB0124167A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Martin Meade
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-10-09
Filing date: 2001-10-09
Publication date: 2003-04-16
Also published as: GB0124167D0

Abstract

A screw lug for an electrical back box (7) includes means for attaching the lug to an edge of the back box (7) and a portion having a threaded hole which is adapted to receive a screw. The lug can be used for repairing damaged back boxes (7).

Description

REPLACEMENT ELECTRICAL SOCKET BACK-BOX LUG This invention relates to an electrical socket back-box screw retaining lug (hereafter screw lug.) Electrical back-boxes are a very well known piece of apparatus within the electrical profession. They are usually made of galvanised sheet metal formed into a box shape to accommodate a switch or socket outlet, with 2 or 4 lugs per back box, threaded to accommodate the socket screw/s.

Switch/socket screw lugs when damaged cannot be replaced without removing the whole of the back-box which can cause considerable damage to the fabric of the wall construction and decor.

The present invention provides a replacement electrical socket/switch back box lug. One piece of apparatus, in formed galvanise steel with no moving part, comprising of a shaped locking device and a threaded bored hole to retain the socket/switch screws. When placed in position it locks and provides a secure fixing and earth continuity for the socket/switch screws.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by the way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which Figure 1 shows in perspective, the screw lug in position attached to an electrical back box (sheet 1 of 2) Figure 2 shows in perspective, the screw lug Figure 3 shows a plan view in the direction of arrow A (figure 2) Figure 4 shows a front elevation view in the direction of arrow B (figure 2) Figure 5 shows a side elevation view in the direction of arrow C (figure 2)

Figure 6 optional anchor detail Referring to the drawings the screw lug is a device one piece comprising of no moving parts, with 2 retaining anchors, 1. A bored hole, 2 with a screw thread within, 3. In order to position the device to the electrical back box, 7 firstly the existing faulty lug has to be removed, making way for the new screw lug. Positioning the screw lug into position applying it In the direction of the arrow, 5 (figure 1) the retaining anchors, 1 by design to allow a sliding movement in the direction of arrow 5. Once fully in position with the curved edge, 4 flush with the front edge of the electrical box, 7. The retaining anchors, 1 anchor the lug into position allowing for no movement in the direction of arrow 6 (figure 1) allowing the switch/socket outlet to be secured by the use of a socket screw (not shown) The screw lug can be constructed not only to facilitate electrical back boxes but can be more widely used for example, fixing electrical trunking lid to trunking, and can be made in different sizes for heavier tasks.

Claims

Claims 1. A screw lug formed into shape means for securing lug to the back box, the lug by design being able to slide in one direction, with a shaped retaining edge to arrest the lug into position whilst providing provision to receive a screw 2. A screw lug as claimed in claim 1 a form locking device is provided to secure the lug in position. 3. A screw lug as claimed in claim 1 and 2, a form locking device to allow movement in one direction. 4. A screw lug as claimed in claim 2,3 the locking device to provide earth continuity for the switch/socket screw. 5. A screw lug as claimed in any preceding claim, a curved shaped edge by design to arrest the lug in position. 6. A screw lug as claimed in any preceding claim, a bored threaded hole is provided for the socket/switch screw 7. A screw lug as substantially described herein with reference to figures1 to 6. <Desc/Clms Page number 4>

1. A one piece replacement lug comprising of a piece of resident sheet metal defining three pianes, the first piane having a stabilizing role parallel with the main body plane. The main body plane having a means of securing the lug 1. A curved flexible arresting hinge 4 connects the said stabilizing plane and the main body plane together, the main body plane having a bored threaded lug, the third plane at a right angle to the said planes.

The device being adapted to slide over the edge of the electrical back box between the stabilizing plane and the main body plane in a compressed state providing earth continuity.

2. As claimed in 1. The stabilizing plane and the main body plane pull together when the securing anchors 1 are forced apart from the stabilizing edge when accepting the back box edge 7. The curved arresting edge 4 acting as a hinge under tension forcing the stabilizing plane and the main body plane together gripping the box edge providing earth continuity between the two said planes and the electrical back box Allowing provision for a plate screw due to a 90 degree position of the lug to the box edge.

A replacement lug as described with reference to the drawings, figures 1-6 accompanying the provisional specification Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows