GB2591265A

GB2591265A - An electrical backbox installation device

Info

Publication number: GB2591265A
Application number: GB2000967.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Delmer-Vickers Roger
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-01-23
Filing date: 2020-01-23
Publication date: 2021-07-28
Anticipated expiration: 2040-01-23
Also published as: GB2591265B; GB202000967D0

Abstract

A tool for electrical backbox installation has a base 2 for supporting a backbox. A support 8 locates the base at a correct height for backbox installation. The base 2 has a bubble level for ensuring appropriate angle of backbox installation. The base 2 may have extendable arms for setting a horizontal distance between backbox installations. The base 2 may have a magnetic top surface. The base 2 and support 8 may be connected by a pivot 3 to adjust orientation of the base 2. The support 8 may include a pole 5 of adjustable length, such as a telescopic pole, with measurement indications. The support 8 may have rotatable foot pads 7.

Description

AN ELECTRICAL BACKBOX INSTALLATION DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an electrical backbox installation device, in particular a device for aiding in installation of electrical backbox; more particularly but not exclusively a device for installing backboxes level or at correct heights.

Background

Increasing amounts of work in new homes falls under regulations in many societies, and heights of electrical outlets, switches, sockets, back boxes or pattresses can be regulated.

Additionally or alternatively it can be difficult to install said back boxes level. Prior Art EP 2 744 055 (SHAW) discloses an electrical pattress marking template comprising a plurality of outline sections spaced according to wiring regulation horizontal interpattress distances and allowing rapid marking of the locations of plural pattresses without re-measuring. A distance pole is insertable into a distance pole mount allowing the template to be spaced a wiring regulation distance from the floor against a wall and a spirit level provides indication when the template is level. The distanced pole mount allows the distance pole to be positioned on either side of the template allowing the template to be used to mark positions close to the corner of the wall for all styles of outlines, A version of the distance pole mount allows the distance pole to be clicked from one orientation to another. The distance pole is one of a plurality of distance poles supplied with each template. Wiring regulation heights that require distance poles that are longer than can be conveniently held in a pack are assembled by attaching one or more partial distance poles in line with a terminal distance pole to make a lengthened distance pole. The template can also be used without the distance pole by providing markings spaced at regulation distances from edges of the template permitting positioning of the template.

US 2004 0 035 015 (O'CONNOR) discloses an integrated electrician's measuring apparatus for marking and locating the position of outlet boxes, counter height outlets, and standard wall switches comprising: a) a substantially flat elongated body having a first end, a second end, a front side a back side, and a longitudinal axis, wherein said elongated body has a length of about 6 feet for determining horizontal placement of the outlets from one another in accordance with a selected standard or code; b) a first horizontal slot disposed on said elongated body at a first location, said first horizontal slot being arranged perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of said elongated body, said first horizontal slot determining placement of the outlet boxes in accordance with said selected standard or code such that the placement of a single outlet box may be marked; c) a second horizontal slot disposed on said elongated body at a second location, said second horizontal slot being arranged perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of said elongated body, said second horizontal slot determining placement of the counter height outlets in accordance with said selected standard or code such that the placement of a single counter height outlet may be marked; d) a third horizontal slot disposed on said elongated body at a third location, said third horizontal slot being arranged perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of said elongated body, said third horizontal slot determining placement of the standard wall switches in accordance with said selected standard or code such that the placement of a single standard wall switch may be marked; a level for leveling the length of said apparatus vertically; and means for folding said substantially flat elongated body for easy transportation, wherein said means for folding comprises at least one hinge spanning the width of the substantially flat elongated body.

US 559 863 8 (PLESH) discloses an article suitable for use in installation of electrical boxes to supporting members at uniform heights above floor level and as a measuring device comprising: a substantially rigid, non adjustable rectangular board having a continuous surface throughout and having height generally between about 55 and 75 inches; a width of between about 2.25 and 3 inches and a thickness corresponding to the thickness of the wall surface surrounding said box when installed and ranging between about 0.25 inch to about 3 inches; said board further comprising a first face and a second face to the rear of said first face, each said face having a plurality of markings at predetermined locations which correspond to code requirements for the height of said electrical boxes above floor level; and immediately below each said marking on said board, a height box indicator is located on said board immediately beneath said markings to insure during installation correct positioning of boxes at the desired predetermined heights.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing 5 devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided an electrical backbox installation device comprising a backbox base and a backbox base support, wherein the support locates the base at an appropriate height for installation of the backbox, and the base comprises a bubble level for ensuring the backbox is at an appropriate inclination for installation.

The base is envisaged to be arranged for contact or receipt of an electrical backbox on the base's top surface. For example the base's top surface may be substantially the same as or deeper than a standard electrical backbox, so that the backbox can easily and conveniently rest in contact with the top surface.

In some embodiments the surface may be envisaged to comprise a minor magnetic charge.

The support may be envisaged to comprise an elongate vertical pole leg portion, and a lateral foot portion.

The leg portion may be envisaged to be coaxially telescopic, so as to vary height of the base from the foot portion, or the floor in use.

The pole may thereby comprise measurement indications, and/or predetermined or 30 predefined locations for the base.

The base may be arranged to attach to the leg portion or pole at a pivot, such that the angle between the support and the base may be varied, so as to accommodate the level of the base.

The base pivot may thereby enable the user to adjust the base to a desired orientation according to the bubble level.

In some embodiments the base pivot may be locked, for example wherein the base 5 pivot comprises a locking dial or handle or similar.

In some embodiments the leg portion and foot portion are arranged to attach at a pivot, such that the angle between the leg portion and foot portion may be varied, so as to accommodate the level of a floor.

In some embodiments the foot portion may be multipartite so as to accommodate irregular flooring and/or provide a more stable footing for the device.

In some embodiments the foot portion may comprise rotatable parts, for example so 15 as to rotate out the parts for a wider or different footprint for the device.

In some embodiments the support comprises measurement indications so as to allow for precise measurement of local conditions and/or positioning of the backbox for installation.

In some embodiments the base comprises measurement indications so as to allow for precise measurement of local conditions and/or positioning of the backbox for installation.

In some embodiments the base comprises one or more extendable arms, which arms may provide a larger footprint for the base, and/or may enable the user to measure distances, for example distances between backbox installations.

In some embodiments such extendable arms are arranged to extend laterally from 30 the base.

In some embodiments the arms may be envisaged to extend or be manipulated vertically in addition or the alternative. For example in some such embodiments the arms may comprise a hinge or similar which hinge enables a part of the arm to be extended vertically, for example to define a vertical edge of a subsequent back box installation.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the device shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; 15 And Figure 4 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the pictured embodiment there is shown an embodiment of the device generally comprising an electrical backbox installation device comprising a backbox base 2 and a backbox base support 8, wherein the support 9 locates the base 2 at an appropriate height for installation of the backbox, and the base comprises a bubble level 10 for ensuring the backbox is at an appropriate inclination for installation.

In particular reference to the pictured embodiment the embodiment comprises a rectangular cuboid housing 1 and a depending pivot block 15. The cuboid housing has four notches 19 spaced apart from end to end.

The housing has extendable arms 24, having pivoting articulated further extension 25 35 pivoting at a shared pin 26, so as to pivot through 180 degrees. The arms 24 slide out of the ends of the housing to measure further distances such as spacing between backboxes. The extensions or pivot pins may have measurement indicia to measure angles and length for the spaced backboxes.

A pivot 3 passes through the block 15 and two pivot arms 4 extending from a collar at 5 the top end of a pole 5.

The pole 5 substantially provides the height of the support in use, and in some embodiments may be adjustable in length.

The support in the pictured embodiment comprises a powder coated metal pole, and a holder formed by the pivot arms 4 for the base 2 at one end and at the distal end a foot 31. The foot is comprised by a flat rectangular plate 6 with depending legs at the plate's ends. Above the plate 6 is a socket 13 for the pole, and below the plate is pair of rotating pads 7.

The pads rotate to expand the footprint of the embodiment. The pads provide a rubber textured surface lowermost for contact with ground and are largely semicircular with pivots 14 on spurs extending from a circumferential location.

The embodiment may come in a selection of specifications dependant on cost, durability and finish. An affordable embodiment may use injection moulded plastic components and plastic extrusion whilst a longer-lasting embodiment may be made with powder-coated die-cast metal components and metal extruded parts.

In use the user will: Fold out the support feet 7 in the required direction away from the wall and place the measuring device on the floor.

Place the backbox on top using the notches 19 to align it.

To adjust the angle loosen the pivot 3, make the changes and tighten.

To judge the distance between installations, pull out a side arm 24 and measure from 35 a point of reference where the depth of the gauge is 13mm.

Once positioned accurately fix the socket to the wall and remove the embodiment.

Different size embodiments may be offered to be set or defined for different jobs, for example a 450mm embodiment for standard height plug boxes. A 1.2-meter 5 embodiment may be produced for fitting light switch boxes, as well as alternatives to meet specifications in foreign countries.

Some other embodiments may include a height-adjustable central column so that one embodiment can fit multiple jobs.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.

Claims

Claims 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
An electrical backbox installation device comprising a backbox base and a backbox base support, wherein the support locates the base at an appropriate height for installation of the backbox, and the base comprises a bubble level for ensuring the backbox is at an appropriate inclination for installation.
A device according to claim 1 wherein the base is connected to the support by a pivot.
A device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the support comprises a pole and a foot.
A device according to claim 3 wherein the foot comprises rotating pads to expand the footprint of the device A device according to any preceding claim wherein the base ends comprise extending arms to measure horizontal spacing of electrical backbox installations.
6. A device according to claim 5 wherein the arms comprise pivoting end extensions.