GB2601296A - Electrical back box - Google Patents

Electrical back box Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2601296A
GB2601296A GB2017633.5A GB202017633A GB2601296A GB 2601296 A GB2601296 A GB 2601296A GB 202017633 A GB202017633 A GB 202017633A GB 2601296 A GB2601296 A GB 2601296A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
back box
electrical back
wall
leg
hollow body
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB2017633.5A
Other versions
GB202017633D0 (en
Inventor
Reza Moeini Tabatabi Mahmood
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
New Inventions Ltd
Original Assignee
New Inventions Ltd
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by New Inventions Ltd filed Critical New Inventions Ltd
Priority to GB2017753.1A priority Critical patent/GB2598972A/en
Publication of GB202017633D0 publication Critical patent/GB202017633D0/en
Priority to GB2105209.7A priority patent/GB2599190A/en
Priority to IE20210167A priority patent/IE20210167A3/en
Publication of GB2601296A publication Critical patent/GB2601296A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • H02G3/12—Distribution boxes; Connection or junction boxes for flush mounting
    • 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

Abstract

A pattress or electrical back box 10 has adjustable depth D for installation in different size wall holes. The back box 10 may have a first hollow body 12 into which a second hollow body 14 fits and slides, providing depth adjustment. The hollow bodies 12, 14 may be fastened using screws 16 or clips. A clamp flange (50, figure 6) may move between a stowed and deployed position, to clamp back box 10, e.g. to a plasterboard wall. Legs (414, 416, figure 19) may be manufactured separately and connected removably on the back box outer surface. To adjust back box depth, the legs may be cut, reducing their length, or an outer leg portion may slide or screw relative to an inner leg portion, to adjust depth (figures 31, 35). The back box may have a cover. A kit of parts for back box installation may include a marking tool for releasably attaching to a wall.

Description

Electrical back box The present invention is concerned with an improved electrical back box. The present invention is also concerned with a kit of parts for installing such an improved electrical back box and a method for installing such an electrical back box.
Electrical back boxes, also known as pattress boxes, are the boxes or containers which are positioned behind electrical fittings such as power or signal outlet sockets and switches, such as light switches. Electrical back boxes are mounted within holes which are formed in either hard or solid walls or timber or plasterboard or stud walls.
Conventional back boxes are either generally square (for use with single sockets or switches) or generally rectangular (for use with double sockets or switches).
There is a requirement for electrical back boxes to be installed as quickly and as accurately as possible. In particular, there is a requirement for electrical back boxes to be installed such that they fit tidily within the wall, are level in the wall and the front of the electrical back box is flush with the outer surface of the wall.
Circular back boxes for sockets and switches, such as those disclosed in UK patent publication number GB2450881, German utility model publication number DE202014102284U and UK patent publication number GB2572814, have been designed to facilitate installation. Such electrical back boxes are easier to install, since a suitable hole can be formed using a hole saw or cutter.
Known electrical back boxes, including circular and generally circular back boxes, are available in fixed depths of 16 millimetres (for solid walls), 25 millimetres (for solid walls), 28 millimetres (for solid walls), 35 millimetres (for solid walls or plasterboard or stud walls) and 47 millimetres (for solid walls or plasterboard or stud walls).
In the event an installer does not have the correct electrical back box for the depth of hole in a wall, it is known for packing material, such as timber, to be used to fill excess space within the hole to ensure that the electrical back box fits neatly within the hole. This approach is time consuming for the installer.
An alternative approach, to avoid the need to find packing material and to enable the task to be completed more quickly, is to use a longer screw to fix the face of the electrical back box flush to the wall. The disadvantage of this approach is that the additional pressure applied via the socket face on plasterboard walls can result in unsightly cracks.
Electrical back boxes of different depths are also required to accommodate the different types of sockets and switches that are available. An electrical back box having a depth of at least 25 millimetres is required, for example, to accommodate dimmer switches and sockets which include Universal Serial Bus (USB) sockets. Since installers do not always know which electrical fittings will be mounted to the electrical back boxes they are installing, it is common for installers to carry a selection of electrical back boxes of different, fixed, depths.
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an electrical back box for a switch or socket, the electrical back box comprising: a hollow body having: a first end; a second end; and, an outer wall which extends between the first end and the second end; and, wherein the electrical back box further comprises: an adjustment member that is configured such that a depth of the electrical back box can be adjusted.
The adjustment member enables the electrical back box to be neatly and efficiently installed in holes within walls of different depths and / or to accommodate switches or sockets having different depth requirements. By depth of the electrical back box, we mean the overall depth of the product from the first end of the hollow body to the furthest point of the electrical back box beyond the first end. In other words, if the adjustment member extends beyond the second end of the hollow body, any additional depth provided by the adjustment member is included within the depth of the electrical back box.
The outer wall may have at least one generally arcuate wall portion. The outer wall may, for example, define a circle. Alternatively, the outer wall may have two generally arcuate wall portions, the two generally arcuate wall portions being separated by at least one linear wall portion, for example so that the outer wall defines the shape of a stadium or rectangle with rounded edges.
In alternative embodiments of the invention, the outer wall may define a quadrilateral shape, for example a square or a rectangle.
The electrical back box may further comprise a flange which extends around at least a portion of the outer wall and which is positioned at the first end of the electrical back box. The flange may define a quadrilateral shape, for example a square or a rectangle. The flange may be generally planar having an inner surface which is configured to abut a wall when the electrical back box is installed within the wall.
The hollow body may be a first hollow body and the adjustment member may comprise a second hollow body. The second hollow body may comprise: a first end; a second end; and, an outer wall which extends between the first end of the second hollow body and the second end of the hollow body.
The outer wall of the second hollow body may be dimensioned such that the outer wall of the second hollow body fits inside the outer wall of the first hollow body. The outer wall of the second hollow body may be configured to slide relative to the outer wall of the first hollow body. The adjustment member may further include at least one fastening member to fasten the first hollow body to the second hollow body. The at least one fastening member may include a screw. The at least one fastening member may include a clip. The clip may include a first clip portion which is provided on the first hollow body and a second clip portion which is provided on the second hollow body.
The electrical back box may further comprise a fastening mechanism. The fastening mechanism may include a clamp member. The clamp member may be arranged to move between a stowed condition, in which the clamp member is retained within the first hollow body and a deployed condition, in which the clamp member extends outside of the outer wall of the first hollow body and is positioned adjacent to the first end of the first hollow body. The clamp member may include a flange portion which is configured for abutting engagement with an inner surface of a plasterboard wall when the electrical back box is installed within a plasterboard wall. The clamp member may be configured such that the electrical back box and the clamping member are reusable. The clamp member may, for example, include a barrel portion within the outer wall of the hollow body, the barrel portion including a screw thread, such that rotation of the barrel portion by a screw driver causes the clamp member to move between the stowed condition and the deployed condition. The first hollow body may include a stop member to restrict or limit the movement of the clamp member within the first hollow body.
Additionally, or alternatively, the adjustment member may include a leg which is provided on an outer surface of the electrical back box. The leg may have a curved portion. Alternatively, the leg may be generally planar. The leg may have a length. The leg may further include a leg adjustment mechanism by which the length of the leg can be increased and/or decreased. The leg adjustment mechanism may include an outer leg portion. The outer leg portion may be configured such that the position of the outer leg position can be changed relative to the leg in order to increase or decrease the length of the leg. The leg may include a first set of markings indicative of the length of the leg. The electrical back box may include a second set of markings, for example on the hollow body, the second set of markings being indicative of length, such that the second set of markings corresponding to the first set of markings and are indicative of the length of the leg.
The leg and the outer leg portion may include a push fit mechanism. The leg may include a plurality of outer tongues and the outer leg portion may include a plurality of internal grooves which are each sized to accommodate one of the plurality of tongues, such that the position of the outer leg portion relative to the leg can be changed in order to increase or decrease the length of the leg. The leg may further include a lock mechanism to prevent undesirable or unwanted movement of the outer leg portion relative to the leg.
Alternatively, the leg may include an outer screw thread and the outer leg portion may include an internal screw thread. The outer screw thread of the leg and the internal screw thread of the outer leg portion may be arranged to cooperate such that the position of the outer leg portion relative to the leg can be changed in order to increase or decrease the length of the leg.
The electrical back box may include a plurality of legs. The electrical back box may, for example, include two, three or four legs.
The or each leg may be manufactured separately and attached to the outer surface of the hollow body of the electrical back box. The or each leg may be detachably connected to the outer surface of the hollow body of the electrical back box such that the or each leg can be removed from the electrical back box if not required.
The electrical back box may further comprise a cover that is configured to be removably placed over the first end of the hollow body to prevent dirt and/or debris, such as plaster, collecting in the hollow body during installation.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is a kit of parts for installing an electrical back box, the kit of parts comprising: an electrical back box according to the first aspect of the invention; and a marking tool for locating the position of the electrical back box during installation of the electrical back box in a wall.
The marking tool may include an attachment portion for releasably attaching the marking tool to a wall during installation of the electrical back box in a wall. In some embodiments of the invention, the marking tool may include a plurality of attachment portions.
According to a third aspect of the invention there is a method for installing an electrical back box, the method comprising using a marking tool to locate the position of the electrical back box on a wall, cutting a hole in the wall using the location marks created using the marking tool, and installing an electrical back box according to the first aspect of the invention in the hole in the wall.
The marking tool may include an attachment portion for releasably attaching the marking tool to a wall during installation of the electrical back box in a wall. In some embodiments of the invention, the marking tool may include a plurality of attachment portions.
Examples according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying Figures, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electrical back box according to a first embodiment of the invention in a retracted configuration; Figure 2 is an alternative perspective view of the electrical back box of Figure 1 in an expanded configuration; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a first body part of the electrical back box of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a second body part of the electrical back box of Figure 1; Figure 5 is an alternative perspective view of the electrical back box of Figure 1 with a fastening mechanism in a stowed condition; Figure 6 is an alternative perspective view of the electrical back box of Figure 1 within the fastening mechanism in a partially deployed condition; Figure 7 is a perspective view of an electrical back box according to a second embodiment of the invention in a retracted configuration; Figure 8 is an alternative perspective view of the electrical back box of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a first body part of the electrical back box of Figure 7; Figure 10 is a perspective view of a second body part of the electrical back box of Figure 7; Figure 11 is a perspective view of an electrical back box according to a third embodiment of the invention in a retracted configuration; Figure 12 is an alternative perspective view of the electrical back box of Figure 11 in an expanded configuration; Figure 13 is a perspective view of a first body part of the electrical back box of Figure 11; Figure 14 is a perspective view of a second body part of the electrical back box of Figure 11; Figure 15 is a perspective view of an electrical back box according to a fourth embodiment of the invention in a retracted configuration; Figure 16 is an alternative perspective view of the electrical back box of Figure 15 in an expanded configuration; Figure 17 is a perspective view of a first body part of the electrical back box of Figure 15; Figure 18 is a perspective view of a second body part of the electrical back box of Figure 15; Figure 19 is a perspective view of an electrical back box according to a fifth embodiment of the invention; Figure 20 is a side view of the electrical back box of Figure 19; Figure 21 is a perspective view of an electrical back box according to a sixth embodiment of the invention; Figure 22 is a side view of the electrical back box of Figure 21; Figure 23 is a perspective view of an electrical back box according to a seventh embodiment of the invention; Figure 24 is a side view of the electrical back box of Figure 23; Figure 25 is a perspective view of an electrical back box according to an eighth embodiment of the invention; Figure 26 is a side view of the electrical back box of Figure 25; Figure 27 is a perspective view of an electrical back box according to a ninth embodiment of the invention; Figure 28 is a side view of the electrical back box of Figure 27; Figure 29 is a perspective view of an electrical back box according to a tenth embodiment of the invention; Figure 30 is a side view of the electrical back box of Figure 29; Figure 31 is a perspective view of an electrical back box according to an eleventh embodiment of the invention; Figure 32 is a side view of the electrical back box of Figure 31; Figure 33 is a perspective view of an electrical back box according to a twelfth embodiment of the invention; Figure 34 is a side view of the electrical back box of Figure 33; Figure 35 is a perspective view of an electrical back box according to a thirteenth embodiment of the invention; Figure 36 is a side view of the electrical back box of Figure 35; Figure 37 is a perspective view of an electrical back box according to a fourteenth embodiment of the invention; Figure 38 is a side view of the electrical back box of Figure 37; Figure 39 is a perspective view of an electrical back box according to a fifteenth embodiment of the invention; Figure 40 is a side view of the electrical back box of Figure 39; Figure 41 is a perspective view of an electrical back box according to a sixteenth embodiment of the invention; Figure 42 is a side view of the electrical back box of Figure 41; Figure 43 is a perspective view of a marking tool for use with an electrical back box according to the invention; Figure 44 is a perspective view of an alternative marking tool for use with an electrical back box according to the invention; Figure 45 is a perspective view of a cover for use with an electrical back box according to the invention; Figure 46 is a perspective view of an alternative cover for use with an electrical back box according to the invention; Figure 47 is a perspective view of a clamp member for use with an electrical back box according to the invention; Figure 48 is a perspective view of an electrical back box according to a seventeenth embodiment of the invention; Figure 49 is a perspective view of an electrical back box according to an eighteenth embodiment of the invention; Figure 50 is a perspective view of a cover for use with an electrical back box according to the invention; Figure 51 is a perspective view of an electrical back box according to a nineteenth embodiment of th3e invention; Figure 52 is a perspective view of an electrical back box according to a twentieth embodiment of the invention; and, Figure 53 is a perspective view of a cover for use with an electrical back box according to the invention.
Referring to Figures 1 to 6, there is an electrical back box 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The electrical back box 10 is configured for use with a single socket or switch (not shown). The electrical back box 10 includes a first hollow body or member 12, an adjustment member in the form of a second hollow body or member 14 and a plurality of screws 16, a flange 18, and a fastening mechanism 19 including a first clamp member 20 and a second clamp member 22.
With particular reference to Figure 3, the first hollow member 12 has a first, open, end 24, a second, open, end 26 and an outer wall 28 The outer wall 28 is arcuate and generally forms a circle having a diameter dl such that the first hollow member 12 is generally tubular or cylindrical. The outer wall 28 includes a number of holes or apertures 30 which are configured to accommodate the screws 16 of the adjustment member. The flange 18 of the outer wall 28 includes a pair of screw receiving portions 31, each of which has an aperture 33 for receiving a screw (not shown). The outer wall 28 also includes a pair of guide channel portions 32 which are configured to accommodate at least part of the first and second clamp members 20, 22.
Referring now to Figure 4, the second hollow member 14 has a first, open, end 34, a second, generally closed, end in the form of a rear wall 36 and an outer wall 38.
The outer wall 38 is arcuate and generally forms a circle having a diameter d2 such that the second hollow member 14 is generally tubular or cylindrical. The outer wall 38 has an upper surface 40 adjacent to the first end 34 of the second hollow member 14. The upper surface 40 of the outer wall 38 is castellated. In other words, one or more portions of the upper surface 40 of the outer wall 38 extend or protrude away from the rear wall 36 of the second hollow member 14. The outer wall 38 also includes a number of holes or apertures 42, 44, which are configured to accommodate the screws 16 of the adjustment member. The holes or apertures 42 are positioned adjacent to the rear wall 36 of the second hollow member 14. The holes or apertures 44 are positioned adjacent to the upper surface 40 of the outer wall 38 of the second hollow member 14. In particular, the holes or apertures 44 are positioned within the one or more portions of the upper surface 40 of the outer wall 38 which extend or protrude away from the rear wall 36 of the second hollow member 14. The outer wall 38 also includes a pair of guide channel portions 46 which are configured to cooperate with the guide channel portions 32 of the first hollow member 12 and to accommodate at least part of the first and second clamp members 20, 22. Stop members 47 are provided within the outer wall 38 on the rear wall 36 of the second hollow member 14.
The diameter d2 of the outer wall 38 of the second hollow member 14 is smaller than the diameter dl of the outer wall 28 of the first hollow member 12.
The outer wall 38 of the second hollow member 14 is inset from an outer edge 48 of the rear wall 36 of the second hollow member 14 such that a flange 49 is provided at the second end of the second hollow member 14.
Each of the first clamp member 20 and the second clamp member 22 includes a screw (not shown), a tongue or tab or flange portion SO and a screw-receiving aperture 51, as shown in Figure 47.
The electrical back box 10 is assembled as follows.
The first and second hollow members 12, 14 and the first and second clamp members 20, 22 of the electrical back box 10 as shown in Figures 3 and 4 are manufactured from any suitable material.
The second hollow member 14 is placed inside the outer wall 28 of the first hollow member 12 such that the first end 34 of the second hollow member 14 is adjacent to the first end 24 of the first hollow member 12 and the second end 26 of the first hollow member 12 abuts the flange 49 of the second hollow member 14.
In this retracted configuration, the holes or apertures 30 of the first hollow member 12 are aligned with the holes or apertures 42 of the second hollow member 14 and the electrical back box 10 has a first depth D1, as shown in Figure 1.
The first clamp member 20 and the second clamp member 22 are installed on the electrical back box 10 such that the apertures 33 of the screw receiving portions 31 are aligned with the screw-receiving apertures 51 of each of the first and second clamp members 20, 22. Screws (not shown) are inserted into the apertures 33 of the screw receiving portions 31 and extend through to the screw-receiving apertures 51 of each of the first and second clamp members 20, 22 in order to secure each of the first clamp member 20 and the second clamp member 22 in position on the electrical back box 10.
The outer wall 28 of the first hollow member 12 and the outer wall 38 of the second hollow member 14 are able to slide relative to one another such that the depth of the electrical back box 10 can be adjusted. In particular, the outer wall of the 28 of the first hollow member 12 and the outer wall 38 of the second hollow member 14 can be moved relative to each other such that the holes or apertures 30 of the first hollow member 12 are aligned with the holes or apertures 44 of the second hollow member 14.
In this expanded configuration the electrical back box 10 has a second depth D2, as shown in Figure 2.
To fix the electrical back box 10 in the desired configuration, screws 16 are inserted through the holes or apertures 30 of the first hollow member 12 and the required holes or apertures 42,44 of the second hollow member 14.
When the first and second clamp members 20, 22 are in the stowed position, for example as shown in Figures 1,2 and 5, the flange portions 50 of the first and second clamp members 20,22 are housed within the assembled first and second hollow members 12, 14 of the electrical back box 10. The stop members 47 restrict or limit the movement or rotation of the tab or flange portions 50 of the first and second clamp members 20, 22 in the electrical back box 10.
The first and second clamp members 20, 22 are operated by inserting a screwdriver into the apertures 33 of the screw receiving portions 31 and rotating the screws (not shown). This causes the flange portions 50 to be released from electrical back box 10 and partially deployed, as shown in Figure 6. With continued rotation of the screws, the flange portions 50 move from being adjacent to the rear wall 36 to being adjacent to the flange 18 such that a plasterboard wall can be clamped between the flange 18 of the electrical back box 10 and the flange portions SO of each of the clamp members 20, 22. The flange portions SO of the clamp members 20, 22 are then fully deployed.
If removal of the electrical back box 10 is desired, the flange portions 50 can be released from the fully deployed position and returned to the stowed position within the electrical back box 10 by rotating the screws in the opposite direction. In other words, the clamp mechanism provided by the first and second clamp members 20, 22 is reversible.
An electrical back box 110 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 7 to 10. The electrical back box 110 has a similar design to the electrical back box 10 of the first embodiment of the invention, but is configured for use with a double socket or switch (not shown). The electrical back box 110 includes a first hollow body or member 112, an adjustment member in the form of a second hollow body or member 114 and a plurality of screws 116, a flange 118, a first clamp member 120 and a second clamp member 122.
With particular reference to Figure 9, the first hollow member 112 has a first, open, end 124, a second, open, end 126 and an outer wall 128.
The outer wall 128 has a first arcuate portion 129a and a second arcuate portion 129b and thus generally forms a stadium shape such that the first hollow member 112 is tubular with a generally obround or discorectangular cross sectional shape. The outer wall 128 includes a number of holes or apertures 130 which are configured to accommodate the screws 116 of the adjustment member. The flange 118 of the outer wall 128 includes a pair of screw receiving portions 131, each of which has an aperture 133 for receiving a screw (not shown). The outer wall 128 also includes a pair of guide channel portions 132 which are configured to accommodate at least part of the first and second clamp members 120, 122.
Referring now to Figure 10, the second hollow member 114 has a first, open, end 134, a second, generally closed, end in the form of a rear wall 136 and an outer wall 138.
The outer wall 138 has a first arcuate portion 139a and a second arcuate portion 139b and thus generally forms a stadium shape such that the second hollow member 114 is tubular with a generally obround or discorectangular cross sectional shape. The outer wall 138 has an upper surface 140 adjacent to the first end 134 of the second hollow member 114. The upper surface 140 of the outer wall 138 is castellated. In other words, one or more portions of the upper surface 140 of the outer wall 138 extend or protrude away from the rear wall 136 of the second hollow member 114. The outer wall 138 also includes a number of holes or apertures 142, 144, which are configured to accommodate the screws 116 of the adjustment member. The holes or apertures 142 are positioned adjacent to the rear wall 136 of the second hollow member 114. The holes or apertures 144 are positioned adjacent to the upper surface 140 of the outer wall 138 of the second hollow member 114. In particular, the hole or apertures 144 are positioned within the one or more portions of the upper surface 140 which extend or protrude away from the rear wall 136 of the second hollow member 114. The outer wall 138 also includes a pair of guide channel portions 146 which are configured to cooperate with the guide channel portions 132 of the first hollow member 112 and to accommodate at least part of the first and second clamp members 120, 122. Stop members 147 are provided within the outer wall 138 on the rear wall 136 of the second hollow member 114.
The outer wall 138 of the second hollow member 114 is dimensioned such that it is smaller than the outer wall 128 of the first hollow member 112.
The outer wall 138 of the second hollow member 114 is inset from an outer edge 148 of the rear wall 136 of the second hollow member 114 such that a flange 149 is provided at the second end of the second hollow member 114.
Each of the first clamp member 120 and the second clamp member 122 includes a screw (not shown), a tongue or tab or flange portion 150 and a screw-receiving aperture 151, as shown in Figure 47.
The electrical back box 110 is assembled as follows.
The first and second hollow members 112, 114 and the first and second clamp members 120, 122 of the electrical back box 110 as shown in Figures 9 and 10 are manufactured from any suitable material.
The second hollow member 114 is placed inside the outer wall 128 of the first hollow member 112 such that the first end 134 of the second hollow member 114 is adjacent to the first end 124 of the first hollow member 112 and the second end 126 of the first hollow member 112 abuts the flange 149 of the second hollow member 114.
In this retracted configuration, the holes or apertures 130 of the first hollow member 112 are aligned with the holes or apertures 142 of the second hollow member 114.
The first clamp member 120 and the second clamp member 122 are installed on the electrical back box 110 such that the apertures 133 of the screw receiving portions 131 are aligned with the screw-receiving apertures 151 of each of the first and second clamp members 120, 122. Screws (not shown) are inserted into the apertures 133 of the screw receiving portions 131 and extend through to the screw-receiving apertures 151 of each of the first and second clamp members 120, 122 in order to secure each of the first clamp member 120 and the second clamp member 122 in position on the electrical back box 110.
The outer wall 128 of the first hollow member 112 and the outer wall 138 of the second hollow member 114 are able to slide relative to one another such that the depth of the electrical back box 110 can be adjusted. In particular, the outer wall of the 128 of the first hollow member 112 and the outer wall 138 of the second hollow member 114 can be moved relative to each other such that the holes or apertures 130 of the first hollow member 112 are aligned with the holes or apertures 144 of the second hollow member 114.
To fix the electrical back box 110 in the desired configuration, screws 116 are inserted through the holes or apertures 130 of the first hollow member 112 and the required holes or apertures 142, 144 of the second hollow member 114.
When the first and second clamp members 120, 122 are in the stowed position, for example as shown in Figure 7, the flange portions 150 of the first and second clamp members 120, 122 are housed within the assembled first and second hollow members 112, 114 of the electrical back box 110. The stop members 147 restrict or limit the movement or rotation of the tab or flange portions 150 of the first and second clamp members 120, 122 in the electrical back box 110.
The first and second clamp members 120, 122 are operated by inserting a screwdriver into the apertures 133 of the screw receiving portions 131 and rotating the screws (not shown). This causes the flange portions 150 to be released from the electrical back box 110 and partially deployed, as shown in Figure 8. With continued rotation of the screws, the flange portions 150 move from being adjacent to the rear wall 136 to being adjacent to the flange 118 such that a plasterboard wall can be clamped between the flange 118 of the electrical back box 110 and the flange portions 150 of each of the clamp members 120, 122. The flange portions 150 of the clamp members 120, 122 are then fully deployed.
If removal of the electrical back box 110 is desired, the flange portions 150 can be released from the fully deployed position and returned to the stowed position within the electrical back box 110 by rotating the screws in the opposite direction. In other words, the clamp mechanism provided by the first and second clamp members 120, 122 is reversible.
Referring to Figures 11 to 14, there is an electrical back box 210 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The electrical back box 210 is configured for use with a single socket or switch (not shown). The electrical back box 210 includes a first hollow body or member 212, an adjustment member in the form of a second hollow body or member 214 and a plurality of clips 216, a flange 218, and a fastening mechanism 219 including a first clamp member 220 and a second clamp member 222.
With particular reference to Figure 13, the first hollow member 212 has a first, open, end 224, a second, open, end 226 and an outer wall 228.
The outer wall 228 is arcuate and generally forms a circle having a diameter d3 such that the first hollow member 212 is generally tubular or cylindrical. The outer wall 228 includes a number of projections 230. As will be described below, the projections 230 form part of the clips 216 of the adjustment member. The flange 218 of the outer wall 228 includes a pair of screw receiving portions 231, each of which has an aperture 233 for receiving a screw (not shown). The outer wall also includes a pair of guide channel portions 232 which are configured to accommodate at least part of the first and second clamp members 220, 222.
Referring now to Figure 14, the second hollow member 214 has a first, open, end 234, a second, generally closed, end in the form of a rear wall 236 and an outer wall 238.
The outer wall 238 is arcuate and generally forms a circle having a diameter d4 such that the second hollow member 214 is generally tubular or cylindrical. The outer wall 238 has an upper surface 240 adjacent to the first end 234 of the second hollow member 214. The upper surface 240 of the outer wall 238 is castellated. In other words, one or more portions of the upper surface 240 of the outer wall 238 extend or protrude away from the rear wall 236 of the second hollow member 214. The outer wall 238 also includes a number of grooves 242, 244, which are configured to accommodate the projections 230 of the first hollow member 212. The grooves 242 are positioned adjacent to the rear wall 236 of the second hollow member 214. The grooves 244 are positioned adjacent to the upper surface 240 of the outer wall 238 of the second hollow member 214. In particular, the grooves 244 are positioned within the one or more portions of the upper surface 240 of the outer wall 23 which extend or protrude away from the rear wall 236 of the second hollow member 214. The outer wall 238 also includes a pair of guide channel portions 246 which are configured to cooperate with the guide channel portions 232 of the first hollow member 212 and to accommodate at least part of the first and second clamp members 220, 222. Stop members 247 are provided within the outer wall 238 on the rear wall 236 of the second hollow member 214.
The diameter d4 of the outer wall 238 of the second hollow member 214 is smaller than the diameter d3 of the outer wall 228 of the first hollow member 212.
The outer wall 238 of the second hollow member 214 is inset from an outer edge 248 of the rear wall 236 of the second hollow member 214 such that a flange 249 is provided at the second end of the second hollow member 214.
Each of the first clamp member 220 and the second clamp member 222 includes a screw (not shown), a tongue or tab or flange portion 250 and a screw-receiving aperture 251, as described in relation to the first embodiment of the invention with reference to Figure 47.
The electrical back box 210 is assembled as follows.
The first and second hollow members 212, 214 of the electrical back box 210 as shown in Figures 13 and 14 are manufactured from any suitable material.
The second hollow member 214 is placed inside the outer wall 228 of the first hollow member 212 such that the first end 234 of the second hollow member 214 is adjacent to the first end 224 of the first hollow member 212 and the second end 226 of the first hollow member 212 abuts the flange 249 of the second hollow member 214.
In this retracted configuration, the projections 230 of the first hollow member 212 are aligned with the grooves 242 of the second hollow member 214 and the electrical back box 210 has a first depth 03, as shown in Figure 11.
The first clamp member 220 and the second clamp member 222 are installed on the electrical back box 210 such that the apertures 233 of the screw receiving portions 231 are aligned with the screw-receiving apertures 251 of each of the first and second clamp members 220, 222. Screws (not shown) are inserted into the apertures 233 of the screw receiving portions 231 and extend through to the screw-receiving apertures 251 of each of the first and second clamp members 220, 222 in order to secure each of the first clamp member 220 and the second clamp member 222 in position on the electrical back box 210.
The outer wall 228 of the first hollow member 212 and the outer wall 238 of the second hollow member 214 are able to slide relative to one another such that the depth of the electrical back box 210 can be adjusted. In particular, the outer wall of the 228 of the first hollow member 212 and the outer wall 238 of the second hollow member 214 can be moved relative to each other such that the projections 230 of the first hollow member 212 are aligned with the grooves 244 of the second hollow member 214.
In this expanded configuration the electrical back box 210 has a second depth D4, as shown in Figure 12.
To fix the electrical back box 210 in the desired configuration, the projections 230 of the first hollow member 212 are pressed into the required grooves 242, 244 of the second hollow member 214 to form clips 216 which hold the first hollow member 212 and second hollow member 214 together.
The first and second clamp members 220, 222 are operated as described in relation to the first embodiment of the invention.
An electrical back box 310 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 15 to 18. The electrical back box 310 has a similar design to the electrical back box 210 of the third embodiment of the invention, but is configured for use with a double socket or switch (not shown). The electrical back box 310 includes a first hollow body or member 312, an adjustment member in the form of a second hollow body or member 314 and a plurality of clips 316, a flange 318, a first clamp member 320 and a second clamp member 322.
With particular reference to Figure 17, the first hollow member 312 has a first, open, end 324, a second, open, end 326 and an outer wall 328.
The outer wall 328 has a first arcuate portion 329a and a second arcuate portion 329b and thus generally forms a stadium shape such that the first hollow member 312 is tubular with a generally obround or discorectangular cross sectional shape. The outer wall 328 includes a plurality of projections 330 which form part of the clips 316 of the adjustment member. The flange 318 of the outer wall 328 includes a pair of screw receiving portions 331, each of which has an aperture 133 for receiving a screw (not shown). The outer wall 328 also includes a pair of guide channel portions 332 which are configured to accommodate at least part of the first and second clamp members 320, 322.
Referring now to Figure 18, the second hollow member 314 has a first, open, end 334, a second, generally closed, end in the form of a rear wall 336 and an outer wall 338.
The outer wall 338 has a first arcuate portion 339a and a second arcuate portion 339b and thus generally forms a stadium shape such that the second hollow member 314 is tubular with a generally obround or discorectangular cross sectional shape. The outer wall 338 has an upper surface 340 adjacent to the first end 334 of the second hollow member 314. The upper surface 340 of the outer wall 338 is castellated. In other words, one or more portions of the upper surface 340 of the outer wall 338 extend or protrude away from the rear wall 336 of the second hollow member 314. The outer wall 338 also includes a number of grooves 342, 344, which are configured to accommodate the projections 330 of the first hollow member 312. The grooves 342 are positioned adjacent to the rear wall 336 of the second hollow member 314. The grooves 344 are positioned adjacent to the upper surface 340 of the outer wall 338 of the second hollow member 314. In particular, the grooves 344 are positioned within the one or more portions of the upper surface 340 which extend or protrude away from the rear wall 336 of the second hollow member 314. The outer wall 338 also includes a pair of guide channel portions 346 which are configured to cooperate with the guide channel portions 332 of the first hollow member 312 and to accommodate at least part of the first and second clamp members 320, 322. Stop members 347 are provided within the outer wall 338 on the rear wall 336 of the second hollow member 314.
The outer wall 338 of the second hollow member 314 is dimensioned such that it is smaller than the outer wall 328 of the first hollow member 312.
The outer wall 338 of the second hollow member 314 is inset from an outer edge 348 of the rear wall 336 of the second hollow member 314 such that a flange 349 is provided at the second end of the second hollow member 314.
Each of the first clamp member 320 and the second clamp member 322 includes a screw (not shown), a tongue or tab or flange portion 350 and a screw-receiving aperture 351, as described in relation to the second embodiment of the invention with reference to Figure 47.
The electrical back box 310 is assembled as follows.
The first and second hollow members 312, 314 of the electrical back box 310 as shown in Figures 17 and 18 are manufactured from any suitable material.
The second hollow member 314 is placed inside the outer wall 328 of the first hollow member 312 such that the first end 334 of the second hollow member 314 is adjacent to the first end 324 of the first hollow member 312 and the second end 326 of the first hollow member 312 abuts the flange 349 of the second hollow member 314.
In this retracted configuration, the projections 330 of the first hollow member 312 are aligned with the grooves 342 of the second hollow member 314 and the electrical back box 310 has a first depth D5, as shown in Figure 15.
The first clamp member 320 and the second clamp member 322 are installed on the electrical back box 310 such that the apertures 333 of the screw receiving portions 331 are aligned with the screw-receiving apertures 351 of each of the first and second clamp members 320, 322. Screws (not shown) are inserted into the apertures 333 of the screw receiving portions 331 and extend through to the screw-receiving apertures 351 of each of the first and second clamp members 320, 322 in order to secure each of the first clamp member 320 and the second clamp member 322 in position on the electrical back box 310.
The outer wall 328 of the first hollow member 312 and the outer wall 338 of the second hollow member 314 are able to slide relative to one another such that the depth of the electrical back box 310 can be adjusted. In particular, the outer wall of the 328 of the first hollow member 312 and the outer wall 338 of the second hollow member 314 can be moved relative to each other such that the projections 330 of the first hollow member 312 are aligned with the grooves 344 of the second hollow member 314.
In this expanded configuration the electrical back box 310 has a second depth D6, as shown in Figure 16.
To fix the electrical back box 310 in the desired configuration, the projections 330 of the first hollow member 312 are pressed into the required grooves 342, 344 of the second hollow member 314 to form clips 316 which hold the first hollow member 312 and second hollow member 314 together.
The first and second clamp members 320, 322 are operated as described in relation to the second embodiment of the invention.
Referring to Figures 19 and 20, there is an electrical back box 410 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The electrical back box 410 is configured for use with a single socket or switch (not shown). The electrical back box 410 includes a hollow body or member 412, an adjustment member in the form of a pair of legs 414, 416 and a flange 418.
The hollow member 412 has a first, open, end 434, a second, generally closed, end in the form of a rear wall 436 and an outer wall 438.
The outer wall 438 is arcuate and generally forms a circle such that the hollow member 412 is generally tubular or cylindrical.
The electrical back box 410 is assembled as follows.
The hollow member 412 and the legs 414, 416 are manufactured from any suitable material.
The legs 414, 416 are formed on the rear wall 436 during manufacture of the hollow member 412. In an alternative embodiment, the legs may be manufactured separately and attached to the hollow member 412.
The inclusion of the legs 414, 416 on the electrical back box 410 provides a simple method by which the overall depth of the electrical back box 410 can be increased to ensure that the electrical back box 410 can be inserted into holes within walls of different depths.
In the event that the overall depth of the electrical back box 410 needs to be adjusted between that of the hollow body 412 alone and the hollow body 412 with the legs 414, 416, an installer can simply cut or trim the legs 414, 416 in order to shorten or reduce the length of the legs 414, 416.
The legs 414,416 of this embodiment are C-shaped to provide greater stability when the back box 410 is inserted in a wall.
An electrical back box 510 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 21 and 22. The electrical back box 510 has a similar design to the electrical back box 410 of the fifth embodiment of the invention, but is configured for use with a double socket or switch (not shown). The electrical back box 510 includes a hollow body or member 512, an adjustment member in the form of a pair of legs 514, 516 and a flange 518.
The hollow member 512 has a first, open, end 534, a second, generally closed, end in the form of a rear wall 536 and an outer wall 538.
The outer wall 538 has a first arcuate portion 529a and a second arcuate portion 529b and thus generally forms a stadium shape such that the hollow member 512 is tubular with a generally obround or discorectangular cross sectional shape.
The electrical back box 510 is assembled as follows.
The hollow member 512 and the legs 514, 516 as shown in Figures 21 and 22 are manufactured from any suitable material.
The legs 514, 516 are formed on the rear wall 536 during manufacture of the hollow member 512. In an alternative embodiment, the legs may be manufactured separately and attached to the hollow member 512.
The inclusion of the legs 514, 516 on the electrical back box 510 provides a simple method by which the overall depth of the electrical back box 510 can be increased to ensure that the electrical back box 510 can be inserted into holes within walls of different depths.
In the event that the overall depth of the electrical back box 510 needs to be adjusted between that of the hollow body 512 alone and the hollow body 512 with the legs 514, 516, an installer can simply cut or trim the legs 514, 516 in order to shorten or reduce the length of the legs 514, 516.
The legs 514,516 of this embodiment are C-shaped to provide greater stability when the back box 510 is inserted in a wall.
Referring to Figures 23 and 24, there is an electrical back box 610 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The electrical back box 610 is configured for use with a single socket or switch (not shown). The electrical back box 610 includes a hollow body or member 612, an adjustment member in the form of a pair of legs 614, 616 and a flange 618.
The hollow member 612 has a first, open, end 634, a second, generally closed, end in the form of a rear wall 636 and an outer wall 638.
The outer wall 638 is arcuate and generally forms a circle such that the hollow member 612 is generally tubular or cylindrical.
The electrical back box 610 is assembled as follows.
The hollow member 612 and the legs 614, 616 as shown in Figures 23 and 24 are manufactured from any suitable material.
The legs 614, 616 are formed either on the rear wall 636 during manufacture of the hollow member 612. In an alternative embodiment, the legs may be manufactured separately and attached to the hollow member 612.
The inclusion of the legs 614, 616 on the electrical back box 610 provides a simple method by which the overall depth of the electrical back box 610 can be increased to ensure that the electrical back box 610 can be inserted into holes within walls of different depths.
In the event that the overall depth of the electrical back box 610 needs to be adjusted between that of the hollow body 612 alone and the hollow body 612 with the legs 614, 616, an installer can simply cut or trim the legs 614, 616 in order to shorten or reduce the length of the legs 614, 616.
The legs 614,616 of this embodiment are C-shaped to provide greater stability when the back box 610 is inserted in a wall.
Referring to Figures 25 and 26, there is an electrical back box 710 according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. The electrical back box 710 has a similar design to the electrical back box 610 of the seventh embodiment of the invention, but is configured for use with a double socket or switch (not shown). The electrical back box 710 includes a hollow body or member 712, an adjustment member in the form of a pair of legs 714, 716 and a flange 718.
The hollow member 712 has a first, open, end 734, a second, generally closed, end in the form of a rear wall 736 and an outer wall 738.
The outer wall 738 has a first arcuate portion 729a and a second arcuate portion 729b and thus generally forms a stadium shape such that the hollow member 712 is tubular with a generally obround or discorectangular cross sectional shape.
The electrical back box 710 is assembled as follows.
The hollow member 712 and the legs 714, 716 as shown in Figures 25 and 26 are manufactured from any suitable material.
The legs 714, 716 are formed on the rear wall 736 during manufacture of the hollow member 712. In an alternative embodiment, the legs may be manufactured separately and attached to the hollow member 712.
The inclusion of the legs 714, 716 on the electrical back box 710 provides a simple method by which the overall depth of the electrical back box 710 can be increased to ensure that the electrical back box 710 can be inserted into holes within walls of different depths.
In the event that the overall depth of the electrical back box 710 needs to be adjusted between that of the hollow body 712 alone and the hollow body 712 with the legs 714, 716, an installer can simply cut or trim the legs 714, 716 in order to shorten or reduce the length of the legs 714, 716.
The legs 714,716 of this embodiment are C-shaped to provide greater stability when the back box 710 is inserted in a wall.
Referring to Figures 27 and 28, there is an electrical back box 810 according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. The electrical back box 810 is configured for use with a single socket or switch (not shown). The electrical back box 810 includes a hollow body or member 812, an adjustment member in the form of a pair of legs 814, 816 and a flange 818.
The hollow member 812 has a first, open, end 834, a second, generally closed, end in the form of a rear wall 836 and an outer wall 838.
The outer wall 838 is arcuate and generally forms a circle such that the hollow member 812 is generally tubular or cylindrical.
The electrical back box 810 is assembled as follows.
The hollow member 812 and the legs 814, 816 as shown in Figures 27 and 28 are manufactured from any suitable material.
The legs 814, 816 are formed on the rear wall 836 during manufacture of the hollow member 812. In an alternative embodiment, the legs may be manufactured separately and attached to the hollow member 812.
The inclusion of the legs 814, 816 on the electrical back box 810 provides a simple method by which the overall depth of the electrical back box 810 can be increased to ensure that the electrical back box 810 can be inserted into holes within walls of different depths.
In the event that the overall depth of the electrical back box 810 needs to be adjusted between that of the hollow body 812 alone and the hollow body 812 with the legs 814, 816, an installer can simply cut or trim the legs 814, 816 in order to shorten or reduce the length of the legs 814, 816.
Referring to Figures 29 and 30, there is an electrical back box 910 according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. The electrical back box 910 has a similar design to the electrical back box 810 of the ninth embodiment of the invention, but is configured for use with a double socket or switch (not shown). The electrical back box 910 includes a hollow body or member 912, an adjustment member in the form of a pair of legs 914, 916 and a flange 918.
The hollow member 912 has a first, open, end 934, a second, generally closed, end in the form of a rear wall 936 and an outer wall 938.
The outer wall 938 has a first arcuate portion 929a and a second arcuate portion 929b and thus generally forms a stadium shape such that the hollow member 912 is tubular with a generally obround or discorectangular cross sectional shape.
The electrical back box 910 is assembled as follows.
The hollow member 912 and the legs 914, 916 as shown in Figures 29 and 30 are manufactured from any suitable material.
The legs 914, 916 are formed on the rear wall 936 during manufacture of the hollow member 912. In an alternative embodiment, the legs may be manufactured separately and attached to the hollow member 912.
The inclusion of the legs 914, 916 on the electrical back box 910 provides a simple method by which the overall depth of the electrical back box 910 can be increased to ensure that the electrical back box 910 can be inserted into holes within walls of different depths.
In the event that the overall depth of the electrical back box 910 needs to be adjusted between that of the hollow body 912 alone and the hollow body 912 with the legs 914, 916, an installer can simply cut or trim the legs 914, 916 in order to shorten or reduce the length of the legs 914, 916.
Referring to Figures 31 and 32, there is an electrical back box 1010 according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. The electrical back box 1010 is configured for use with a single socket or switch (not shown). The electrical back box 1010 includes a hollow body or member 1012, an adjustment member in the form of a set of adjustable legs 1014 and a flange 1018.
The hollow member 1012 has a first, open, end 1034, a second, generally closed, end in the form of a rear wall 1036 and an outer wall 1038.
The outer wall 1038 is arcuate and generally forms a circle such that the hollow member 1012 is generally tubular or cylindrical.
With particular reference to Figure 32, the adjustable legs 1014 include an inner leg member 1015 on which a plurality of tongues 1016 are formed and an outer leg portion 1017 having a number of grooves (not shown) on an inner surface (not shown) thereof.
The electrical back box 1010 is assembled as follows.
The hollow member 1012 and the adjustable legs 1014 as shown in Figures 31 and 32 are manufactured from any suitable material.
The inner leg members 1015 of the adjustable legs 1014 are formed on the rear wall 1036 during manufacture of the electrical back box 1010. In an alternative embodiment, the legs may be manufactured separately and attached to the rear wall 1036.
The inclusion of the adjustable legs 1014 on the electrical back box 1010 provides a simple method by which the overall depth of the electrical back box 1010 can be increased to ensure that the electrical back box 1010 can be inserted into holes within walls of different depths.
In the event that the overall depth of the electrical back box 1010 needs to be adjusted, an installer can increase or decrease the length of the adjustable legs 1014 by changing the position of the outer leg portion 1017 relative to the inner leg member 1015. The tongues 1016 on the inner leg member 1015 and the grooves (not shown) on the outer leg portion 1017 provide a snap fit between the inner leg member 1015 and the outer leg portion 1017 to retain the adjustable leg 1014 at the required length.
Referring to Figures 33 and 34, there is an electrical back box 1110 according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. The electrical back box 1110 has a similar design to the electrical back box 1010 of the eleventh embodiment of the invention, but is configured for use with a double socket or switch (not shown). The electrical back box 1110 includes a hollow body or member 1112, an adjustment member in the form of a set of adjustable legs 1114 and a flange 1118.
The hollow member 1112 has a first, open, end 1134, a second, generally closed, end in the form of a rear wall 1136 and an outer wall 1138.
The outer wall 1138 has a first arcuate portion 1129a and a second arcuate portion 1129b and thus generally forms a stadium shape such that the hollow member 1112 is tubular with a generally obround or discorectangular cross sectional shape.
With particular reference to Figure 34, the adjustable legs 1114 include an inner leg member 1115 on which a plurality of tongues 1116 are formed and an outer leg portion 1117 having a number of grooves (not shown) on an inner surface (not shown) thereof.
The electrical back box 1110 is assembled as follows.
The hollow member 1112 and the adjustable legs 1114 as shown in Figures 33 and 34 are manufactured from any suitable material.
The inner leg members 1115 of the adjustable legs 1114 are formed on the rear wall 1136 during manufacture of the electrical back box 1110. In an alternative embodiment, the legs may be manufactured separately and attached to the rear wall 1136.
The inclusion of the legs 1114 on the electrical back box 1110 provides a simple method by which the overall depth of the electrical back box 1110 can be increased to ensure that the electrical back box 1110 can be inserted into holes within walls of different depths.
In the event that the overall depth of the electrical back box 1110 needs to be adjusted, an installer can increase or decrease the length of the adjustable legs 1114 by changing the position of the outer leg portion 1117 relative to the inner leg member 1115. The tongues 1116 on the inner leg member 1115 and the grooves (not shown) on the outer leg portion 1117 provide a snap fit connection between the inner leg member 1115 and the outer leg portion 1117 to retain the adjustable leg 1114 at the required length.
Referring to Figures 35 and 36, there is an electrical back box 1210 according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. The electrical back box 1210 is configured for use with a single socket or switch (not shown). The electrical back box 1210 includes a hollow body or member 1212, an adjustment member in the form of a set of adjustable legs 1214 and a flange 1218.
The hollow member 1212 has a first, open, end 1234, a second, generally closed, end in the form of a rear wall 1236 and an outer wall 1238.
The outer wall 1238 is arcuate and generally forms a circle such that the hollow member 1212 is generally tubular or cylindrical.
With particular reference to Figure 36, the adjustable legs 1214 include an inner leg member 1215 on which a first screw thread 1216 is formed and an outer leg portion 1217 having a second screw thread (not shown) on an inner surface (not shown) thereof.
The electrical back box 1210 is assembled as follows.
The hollow member 1212 and the adjustable legs 1214 as shown in Figures 35 and 36 are manufactured from any suitable material.
The inner leg members 1215 of the adjustable legs 1214 are formed on the rear wall during manufacturing of the electrical back box 1210. In an alternative embodiment, the legs may be manufactured separately and attached to the rear wall.
The inclusion of the adjustable legs 1214 on the electrical back box 1210 provides a simple method by which the overall depth of the electrical back box 1210 can be increased to ensure that the electrical back box 1210 can be inserted into holes within walls of different depths.
In the event that the overall depth of the electrical back box 1210 needs to be adjusted, an installer can increase or decrease the length of the adjustable legs 1214 by changing the position of the outer leg portion 1217 relative to the inner leg member 1215. The first screw thread 1216 on the inner leg member 1215 and the second screw thread (not shown) on the outer leg portion 1217 provides mechanism by which the position of the outer leg portion 1217 relative to the inner leg member 1215 can be retained in order to maintain the adjustable leg 1214 at the required length.
Referring to Figures 37 and 38, there is an electrical back box 1310 according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention. The electrical back box 1310 has a similar design to the electrical back box 1210 of the thirteenth embodiment of the invention, but is configured for use with a double socket or switch (not shown). The electrical back box 1310 includes a hollow body or member 1312, an adjustment member in the form of a set of adjustable legs 1314 and a flange 1318.
The hollow member 1312 has a first, open, end 1334, a second, generally closed, end in the form of a rear wall 1336 and an outer wall 1338.
The outer wall 1338 has a first arcuate portion 1329a and a second arcuate portion 1329b and thus generally forms a stadium shape such that the hollow member 1312 is tubular with a generally obround or discorectangular cross sectional shape.
With particular reference to Figure 38, the adjustable legs 1314 include an inner leg member 1315 on which a first screw thread 1316 is formed and an outer leg portion 1317 having a second screw thread (not shown) on an inner surface (not shown) thereof.
The electrical back box 1310 is assembled as follows.
The hollow member 1312 and the adjustable legs 1314 as shown in Figures 37 and 38 are manufactured from any suitable material.
The inner leg members 1315 of the adjustable legs 1314 are formed on the rear wall 1336 during manufacture of the electrical back box 1310. In an alternative embodiment, the legs may be manufactured separately and attached to the rear wall 1336.
The inclusion of the adjustable legs 1314 on the electrical back box 1310 provides a simple method by which the overall depth of the electrical back box 1310 can be increased to ensure that the electrical back box 1310 can be inserted into holes within walls of different depths.
In the event that the overall depth of the electrical back box 1310 needs to be adjusted, an installer can increase or decrease the length of the adjustable legs 1314 by changing the position of the outer leg portion 1317 relative to the inner leg member 1315. The first screw thread 1316 on the inner leg member 1315 and the second screw thread (not shown) on the outer leg portion 1317 provides mechanism by which the position of the outer leg portion 1317 relative to the inner leg member 1315 can be retained in order to maintain the adjustable leg 1314 at the required length.
Referring to Figures 39 and 40, there is an electrical back box 1410 according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention. The electrical back box 1410 is configured for use with a single socket or switch (not shown). The electrical back box 1410 includes a hollow body or member 1412, an adjustment member in the form of a set of adjustable legs 1414 and a flange 1418.
With particular reference to Figure 39, the hollow member 1412 has a first, open, end 1434, a second, generally closed, end in the form of a rear wall 1436 and an outer wall 1438.
The outer wall 1438 is arcuate and generally forms a circle such that the hollow member 1412 is generally tubular or cylindrical.
With particular reference to Figure 40, the adjustable legs 1414 include a leg member 1415 on which a groove or opening (not shown) is formed and an outer leg portion 1417 having a fixing portion (not shown).
The electrical back box 1410 is assembled as follows.
The hollow member 1412 and the adjustable legs 1414 as shown in Figures 39 and 40 are manufactured from any suitable material.
The leg members 1415 of the adjustable legs 1414 are formed on the rear wall 1436 during manufacture of electrical back box 1410. In an alternative embodiment, the legs may be manufactured separately and attached to the rear wall 1436.
The inclusion of the adjustable legs 1414 on the electrical back box 1210 provides a simple method by which the overall depth of the electrical back box 1410 can be increased to ensure that the electrical back box 1410 can be inserted into holes within walls of different depths.
In the event that the overall depth of the electrical back box 1410 needs to be adjusted, an installer can increase or decrease the length of the adjustable legs 1414 by removing the outer leg portion 1417, cutting the leg member 1415 to the desired length and the replacing the outer leg portion 1417.
Referring to Figures 41 and 42, there is an electrical back box 1510 according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention. The electrical back box 1510 has a similar design to the electrical back box 1410 of the fifteenth embodiment of the invention, but is configured for use with a double socket or switch (not shown). The electrical back box 1510 includes a hollow body or member 1512, an adjustment member in the form of a set of adjustable legs 1514 and a flange 1518.
The hollow member 1512 has a first, open, end 1534, a second, generally closed, end in the form of a rear wall 1536 and an outer wall 1538.
The outer wall 1538 has a first arcuate portion 1529a and a second arcuate portion 1529b and thus generally forms a stadium shape such that the hollow member 1512 is tubular with a generally obround or discorectangular cross sectional shape.
With particular reference to Figure 42, the adjustable legs 1514 include a leg member 1515 on which a first screw thread (not shown) is formed and an outer leg portion 1517 having a second screw thread (not shown) on an inner surface (not shown) thereof.
The electrical back box 1510 is assembled as follows.
The hollow member 1512 and the adjustable legs 1514 as shown in Figures 41 and 42 are manufactured from any suitable material.
The leg members 1515 of the adjustable legs 1514 are formed on the rear wall 1536 during manufacture of the electrical back box 1510. In an alternative embodiment, the legs may be manufactured separately and attached to the rear wall 1536.
The fastening of the adjustable legs 1514 to the electrical back box 1510 provides a simple method by which the overall depth of the electrical back box 1510 can be increased to ensure that the electrical back box 1510 can be inserted into holes within walls of different depths.
In the event that the overall depth of the electrical back box 1510 needs to be adjusted, an installer can increase or decrease the length of the adjustable legs 1514 by removing the outer leg portion 1517, cutting the leg member 1515 to the desired length and the replacing the outer leg portion 1517.
Installation of an electrical back box according to the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 43 to 46.
The marking tool 2 of Figure 43 is designed for use when installing an electrical back box for a single socket or switch. The marking tool includes a plurality of holes 4 and a plurality of attachment portions 8 in the form of protrusions having teeth formed thereon. An installer places the marking tool 4 on the wall in which a hole is to be cut and uses the holes 4 to place marks on the wall. The attachment portions 8 pierce the plaster on the wall, thereby allowing the installer to temporarily fix the marking tool 2 in the correct position and mark the locations in the wall in which holes are to be cut. When each of the hole locations has been marked, the marking tool 2 can be removed from the wall. A hole can then be cut in the each of the marked positions on the wall using a cutting tool. An electrical back box 10, 210, 410, 610, 810, 1010, 1210, 1410 according to any of the first, third, fifth, seventh, ninth, eleventh, thirteenth or fifteenth embodiments of the present invention is then inserted into the correctly aligned hole. When the installer is satisfied that the electrical back box 10, 210, 410, 610, 810, 1010, 1210, 1410 is inserted to the correct depth such that the flange 18, 218, 418, 618, 818, 1018, 1218, 1418 is flush with the outer surface of the wall, the installer then places cover Gas shown in Figure 45 over the open first end 24, 224, 434, 634, 834, 1034, 1234, 1434 to ensure that no debris or other unwanted material, such as paint, enters the electrical back box 10, 210, 410, 610, 810, 1010, 1210, 1410 prior to installation of the socket or switch cover.
The marking tool 3 of Figure 44 is designed for use when installing an electrical back box for a double socket or switch. The marking tool includes a plurality of holes sand a plurality of attachment portions 9 in the form of protrusions having teeth formed thereon. An installer places the marking tool 3 on the wall in which a hole is to be cut and uses the holes 5 to place marks on the wall. The attachment portions 8 pierce the plaster on the wall, thereby allowing the installer to temporarily fix the marking tool 2 in the correct position and mark the locations in the wall in which holes are to be cut. When each of the hole locations has been marked, the marking tool 2 can be removed from the wall. A hole can then be cut in the each of the marked positions on the wall using a cutting tool. An electrical back box 110, 310, 510, 710, 910, 1110, 1310, 1510 according to any of the second, fourth, sixth, eighth, tenth, twelfth, fourteenth or sixteenth embodiments of the present invention is then inserted into the correctly aligned hole. When the installer is satisfied that the electrical back box 110, 310, 510, 710, 910, 1110, 1310, 1510 is inserted to the correct depth such that the flange 118, 318, 518, 718, 918, 1118, 1318, 1518 is flush with the outer surface of the wall, the installer then places a cover 7 as shown in Figure 46 over the open first end 124, 324, 534, 734, 934, 1134, 1334, 1534 to ensure that no debris or other unwanted material, such as plaster, enters the electrical back box 110, 310, 510, 710, 910, 1110, 1310, 1510 prior to installation of the socket or switch cover.
Variations fall within the scope of the patent application.
The electrical back boxes 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910, 1010, 1110, 1210, 1310, 1410, 1510 are described as including a single hollow body. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, each of the electrical back boxes 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910, 1010, 1110, 1210, 1310, 1410, 1510 may include a first hollow body and a second hollow body as described in relation to the first, second, third and fourth embodiments of the invention.
The hollow bodies or members and / or the adjustable legs of the various embodiments of the invention may, in some embodiments of the invention, include ruler markings indicative of lengths to facilitate the adjustment of the depth of the electrical back boxes.
The adjustable legs 1014, 1114 are described as including a snap fit connection which enables adjustment of the outer leg portions 1017, 1117 relative to the legs 1015, 1115. In embodiments of the invention, the adjustable legs may include a locking mechanism to prevent undesirable movement of the outer leg portion relative to the legs once the depth of the electrical back box has been adjusted by the installer.
The electrical back boxes 410, 510, 610, 710, 810 and 910 are described as including a pair of legs 414, 416, 514, 516, 614, 616, 714, 716, 814, 816, 914, 916. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, each of the electrical back boxes 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910 may include any number of legs, for example each of the electrical back boxes 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910 may include a single leg or more than two legs, for example three or four legs.
The electrical back boxes 1010, 1110, 1210, 1310, 1410 and 1510 are illustrated including four adjustable legs 1014, 1114, 1214, 1314, 1414, 1514. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, each of the electrical back boxes 1010, 1110, 1210, 1310, 1410 and 1510 may include any number of adjustable legs, for example each of the electrical back boxes 1010, 1110, 1210, 1310, 1410 and 1510 may include a single adjustable leg, two or three adjustable legs or more than four adjustable legs, for example five or six adjustable legs.
The electrical back boxes 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910, 1010, 1110, 1210, 1310, 1410, 1510 are described as including legs which are formed on the electrical back box during manufacture. In alternative embodiments of the invention, the legs may be manufactured separately and fastened or secured to the electrical back box by any suitable means after manufacture of the electrical back box if required. In some embodiments of the invention, the legs may be detachably connected to the electrical back box such that the legs can be removed from the electrical back box if they are not required.
The electrical back boxes 10, 210, 410, 610, 810, 1010, 1210, 1410 have outer walls 28, 38, 228, 238, 438, 638, 838, 1038, 1238, 1438 which define a circle. The electrical back boxes 110, 310, 510, 710, 910, 1110, 1310, 1510 have outer walls 128, 138, 328, 338, 538, 738, 938, 1138, 1338, 1538 which define an obround, discorectangular or stadium shape. In alternative embodiments of the invention, the electrical back boxes may have outer walls which define a quadrilateral shape. For example, and as shown in Figure 48 and 49, the electrical back boxes 1610, 1710 may have outer walls 1638, 1728, 1738 may define a square. Alternatively, and as shown in Figures 51 and 52, the electrical back boxes 1810, 1910 may have outer walls 1838, 1928, 1938 may define a rectangle. It will be understood that the electrical back boxes 1610, 1710, 1810, 1910 could have legs as described in relation to any of the previously described embodiments of the invention. A cover 1616 as shown in Figure 50 may be used with the electrical back boxes 1610, 1710. A cover 1816 as shown in Figure 53 may be used with the electrical back boxes 1810, 1910.

Claims (27)

  1. Claims 1. An electrical back box for a switch or socket, the electrical back box comprising: a hollow body having: a first end; a second end; and, an outer wall which extends between the first end and the second end; and, wherein the electrical back box further comprises: an adjustment member that is configured such that a depth of the electrical back box can be adjusted.
  2. 2. An electrical back box according to claim 1, wherein the outer wall has at least one generally arcuate wall portion.
  3. 3. An electrical back box according to claim 2, wherein the outer wall defines a circle.
  4. 4. An electrical back box according to claim 2, wherein the outer wall has two generally arcuate wall portions, the two generally arcuate wall portions being separated by at least one linear wall portion.
  5. 5. An electrical back box according to claim 1, wherein the outer wall defines a quadrilateral shape.
  6. 6. An electrical back box according to any of claims Ito 5, wherein the electrical back box further comprises a flange which extends around at least a portion of the outer wall and which is positioned at the first end of the electrical back box.
  7. 7. An electrical back box according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the hollow body is a first hollow body and the adjustment member comprises a second hollow body.
  8. 8. An electrical back box according to claim 7, wherein the second hollow body comprises: a first end; a second end; and, an outer wall which extends between the first end of the second hollow body and the second end of the hollow body.
  9. 9. An electrical back box according to claim 8, wherein the outer wall of the second hollow body is dimensioned such that the outer wall of the second hollow body fits inside the outer wall of the first hollow body.
  10. 10. An electrical back box according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the outer wall of the second hollow body is configured to slide relative to the outer wall of the first hollow body.
  11. 11. An electrical back box according to claim 8, claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the adjustment member further includes at least one fastening member to fasten the first hollow body to the second hollow body.
  12. 12. An electrical back box according to any of claims 8 to 11, wherein the electrical back box further comprises a fastening mechanism.
  13. 13. An electrical back box according to claim 12, wherein the fastening mechanism includes a clamp member.
  14. 14. An electrical back box according to claim 13, wherein the clamp member is arranged to move between a stowed condition, in which the clamp member is retained within the first hollow body and a deployed condition, in which the clamp member extends outside of the outer wall of the first hollow body and is positioned adjacent to the first end of the first hollow body.
  15. 15. An electrical back box according to claim 14, wherein the first hollow body includes a stop member to restrict the movement of the clamp member within the first hollow body.
  16. 16. An electrical back box according to any of claims 1 to 15 wherein the adjustment member includes a leg which is provided on an outer surface of the hollow body of the electrical back box.
  17. 17. An electrical back box according to claim 16, wherein the leg has a curved portion.
  18. 18. An electrical back box according to claim 16, wherein the leg is generally planar.
  19. 19. An electrical back box according to claim 16, claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the leg has a length and the leg includes a leg adjustment mechanism by which the length of the leg can be increased and/or decreased.
  20. 20. An electrical back box according to claim 19, wherein the leg adjustment mechanism includes an outer leg portion, wherein the outer leg portion is configured such that the position of the outer leg position can be changed relative to the leg in order to increase or decrease the length of the leg.
  21. 21. An electrical back box according to claim 20, wherein the leg includes a plurality of outer tongues and the outer leg portion includes a plurality of internal grooves which are each sized to accommodate one of the plurality of tongues, such that the position of the outer leg portion relative to the leg can be changed in order to increase or decrease the length of the leg.
  22. 22. An electrical back box according to claim 21, wherein the leg includes an outer screw thread and the outer leg portion includes an internal screw thread, wherein the outer screw thread of the leg and the internal screw thread of the outer leg portion are arranged to engage such that the position of the outer leg portion relative to the leg can be changed in order to increase or decrease the length of the leg.
  23. 23. An electrical back box according to any of claims 16 to 22, wherein the electrical back box includes a plurality of legs.
  24. 24. An electrical back box according to any of claims 16 to 23, wherein the or each leg is detachably connected to the outer surface of the hollow body of the electrical back box.
  25. 25. An electrical back box according to any of claims 1 to 24, the electrical back box further comprising a cover that is configured to be removably placed over the first end of the hollow body to prevent dirt and/or debris collecting in the hollow body.
  26. 26. A kit of parts for installing an electrical back box, the kit of parts comprising: an electrical back box according to any of claims 1 to 24; and a marking tool for locating the position of the electrical back box during installation of the electrical back box in a wall.
  27. 27. A kit of parts for installing an electrical back box according to claim 26, wherein the marking tool includes an attachment portion for releasably attaching the marking tool to a wall during installation of the electrical back box in a wall.
GB2017633.5A 2020-09-21 2020-11-09 Electrical back box Withdrawn GB2601296A (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2017753.1A GB2598972A (en) 2020-09-21 2020-11-11 Electrical back box
GB2105209.7A GB2599190A (en) 2020-09-21 2021-04-12 Electrical back box
IE20210167A IE20210167A3 (en) 2020-09-21 2021-09-21 Electrical Back Box

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2014886.2A GB2598950A (en) 2020-09-21 2020-09-21 Electrical back box

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GB202017633D0 GB202017633D0 (en) 2020-12-23
GB2601296A true GB2601296A (en) 2022-06-01

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GB2014886.2A Pending GB2598950A (en) 2020-09-21 2020-09-21 Electrical back box
GB2017633.5A Withdrawn GB2601296A (en) 2020-09-21 2020-11-09 Electrical back box
GB2017753.1A Pending GB2598972A (en) 2020-09-21 2020-11-11 Electrical back box
GB2105209.7A Pending GB2599190A (en) 2020-09-21 2021-04-12 Electrical back box

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GB2014886.2A Pending GB2598950A (en) 2020-09-21 2020-09-21 Electrical back box

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GB2017753.1A Pending GB2598972A (en) 2020-09-21 2020-11-11 Electrical back box
GB2105209.7A Pending GB2599190A (en) 2020-09-21 2021-04-12 Electrical back box

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LU502392B1 (en) * 2022-06-28 2024-01-09 Wall Smart Ltd Flush installation mount unit

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US20050051546A1 (en) * 2003-09-05 2005-03-10 Thomas & Betts International, Inc. Adjustable electrical box
US6875922B1 (en) * 2004-04-22 2005-04-05 Pw Industries, Inc. Position adjustable outlet box system
US20070044986A1 (en) * 2005-08-31 2007-03-01 Thomas & Betts International, Inc. Electrical box for concrete walls
US8899431B1 (en) * 2008-09-12 2014-12-02 Hubbell Incorporated Extendable electrical box
GB2540122A (en) * 2015-06-12 2017-01-11 Circle Box Ltd Electrical back box for mounting within a substantially circular hole

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GB2432265B (en) * 2005-09-10 2009-09-16 Schneider Electric Ltd Mounting box for electrical wiring accessories and assemblies
ATE538521T1 (en) * 2006-08-29 2012-01-15 C & C Marshall Ltd ELECTRICAL SOCKET
JP3129686U (en) * 2006-12-15 2007-03-01 株式会社モリタ Returnable container
EP2164142A1 (en) * 2008-09-15 2010-03-17 C & C Marshall Limited Service distribution box
US8242360B2 (en) * 2010-05-29 2012-08-14 Bercy Sr Rowland Electrical junction box
GB2525010A (en) * 2014-04-09 2015-10-14 Darren Blenkinsopp Clamp
JP6495135B2 (en) * 2015-07-28 2019-04-03 未来工業株式会社 Wiring box
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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5042673A (en) * 1989-06-22 1991-08-27 Mcshane William J Electric box extension
US20050051546A1 (en) * 2003-09-05 2005-03-10 Thomas & Betts International, Inc. Adjustable electrical box
US6875922B1 (en) * 2004-04-22 2005-04-05 Pw Industries, Inc. Position adjustable outlet box system
US20070044986A1 (en) * 2005-08-31 2007-03-01 Thomas & Betts International, Inc. Electrical box for concrete walls
US8899431B1 (en) * 2008-09-12 2014-12-02 Hubbell Incorporated Extendable electrical box
GB2540122A (en) * 2015-06-12 2017-01-11 Circle Box Ltd Electrical back box for mounting within a substantially circular hole

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GB2598950A (en) 2022-03-23
IE20210167A2 (en) 2022-06-08
GB202105209D0 (en) 2021-05-26
GB2598972A (en) 2022-03-23
GB202017633D0 (en) 2020-12-23
IE20210167A3 (en) 2022-10-26
GB202017753D0 (en) 2020-12-23
GB2599190A (en) 2022-03-30
GB202014886D0 (en) 2020-11-04

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