MXPA97007292A - Assembly mechanism of electric box - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an improved mounting bracket that can be used to selectively support both square electrical boxes of 10.16 centimeters and electrical boxes of 11.91 centimeters so that the vertical movement of any type of electrical box is limited. The mounting bracket is preferably a unitary one-piece member, stamped from rolled metal. The mounting bracket has an upper support rail, a lower support rail and a pair of mounting ends that couple the support rails together to define a large, elongated central recess portion. An electrical box and its associated cover can be mounted between two wall bolts by first attaching the mounting bracket of the present invention to the wall bolts. The open front end of the box is then placed flush against the rear surface of the bracket so that an upper portion of the box makes contact with the lower rail of the bracket. Next, the associated cover is placed on the front surface of the opposite bracket and aligned with the box so that an upper portion of the cover contacts the upper support rail and a lower portion of the cover contacts the rail bottom support Finally, the electronic box and cover are clamped together to complete the installation of the electrical box to the bracket. The inner edges of the rails are spaced to fit the mounting screws of a 10.16 centimeter square electrical box so that the electrical box can not move significantly up or down relative to the mounting bracket. The upper and lower support rails are each provided with a stop to attach either the outer surface of a square electrical box of 11.91 centimeters or the front plate of the square electrical box of 11.91 centimeters so that the electrical box will not move significantly up or down relative to the mounting bracket when attached to the same

Description

MOUNTING BOX OF ELECTRICAL BOX Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to a mounting bracket secured between a pair of bolts in a wall to support an electrical box therebetween. More specifically, the mounting bracket of the present invention relates to a mounting bracket that is capable of mounting electrical boxes with different depths as well as both square boxes of 10.16 cm. and square boxes of 11.91 cms. with limited vertical movement of the electrical box relative to the mounting bracket.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Currently, there are many types of mounting brackets available in the market for mounting electrical boxes to wall studs. Many of the mounting brackets are designed to be mounted to a single wall bolt to support a single electric wall. While these mounting brackets work well, they do not provide a wide range of adjustability between wall studs and only support a single electrical box. Consequently, mounting brackets to support a plurality of electrical boxes have been developed that expand between a pair of adjacent wall bolts to allow the constructor to conveniently place the electrical box or boxes between the wall studs. An example of an anterior mounting bracket, which is capable of supporting a wide variety of electrical boxes, is described in US Pat. No. 5,330,137 to Oliva. The mounting method of the Oliva patent provides finite ij adjustability and can be used with boxes of different depths, in addition, the mounting bracket of the Oliva patent can be used with either a 10.16 cms cured electrical box. or a square electrical box of 11.91 ems or both. However, a disadvantage of the mounting bracket described in the Oliva patent is that it allows too much vertical movement of certain sizes of electrical boxes so that one of the mojite screws of a wiring device can rest outside on the bracket of the bracket. assembly and thus can not be completely screwed into the cover. More specifically, the central recess of the Oliva patent mounting bracket is too large so that the mounting screws that couple the electrical box and cover together can be moved vertically within the central recess of the mounting bracket of the patent. Olive. This movement of the electrical box can cause the hole in the cover to mount a wiring device to overlap with the mounting bracket so that the wetting screw of the installation device can not be fully threaded towards the cover. To avoid this problem, the central opening or recess of the mounting bracket of the Oliva patent could be designed to prevent the vertical movement of anyone, a square electrical box of 10.16 cm. or a square electric box of 11.91 cm, dimensioning the central recess to couple the mounting blocks of the electrical box and cover. However, if the central recess is dimensioned to limit the vertical movement of either the square electrical box of 10.16 cms. or the square electrical box of 11.91 cm, then the central recess is not properly sized to accommodate the other electrical box mentioned to prevent vertical movement in relation to it. Consequently, there is a need for a mounting bracket that has all the mustaches of the electric mounting bracket described in the Oliva patent as well as the capacity to mount both square electrical boxes of 10.16 cm and square electrical boxes of 11.91 cm of so that the electric box mounting bracket substantially prevents the relative movement of both types of electrical boxes mounted thereto. This invention addresses these problems in the art, along with other needs that will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the disclosure is provided.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a mounting bracket that is capable of mounting both square electrical boxes of 10.16 cm and square electric boxes of 11.91 cm between a pair of adjacent wall bolts so that the vertical movement between the mounting bracket and the electrical box mounted thereto is limited, while the horizontal movement is virtually unlimited. Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrical mounting bracket that can accommodate electrical boxes that have different depths. Another object of the present invention is to provide a mounting bracket that is relatively easy and inexpensive to manufacture. Another object of the present invention is to provide a mounting bracket that is relatively easy to install. The above objects are basically achieved by providing a mounting bracket for selectively mounting both 10.16 cm square electrical boxes. as electrical boxes squared of 11.91 cm thereto and for fixing between first and second adjacent support members, comprising: a top support rail having a front surface, a rear surface, an inner edge and an outer edge, the upper support rail being free of mounting openings to accommodate a fastener, the upper support rail further having a stop SJ; a lower support rail having a front surface, a rear surface, an inner edge and an outer edge, the lower support rail being free of mounting openings for accommodating a fastener, the lower support rail further having a stop lower; a first mounting end coupled to and extending between first ends of the upper and lower support rails, the first mounting end being adapted to be fixed to the first support member; and second mounting end coupled to and extending between the two ends of the upper and lower support rails, the second mounting end being adapted to be fixed to the second support member; the upper and lower support rails being spaced apart by first and second mounting ends to define an elongated central recess portion, the inner edges of the upper and lower restraining rails being spaced apart by a distance that is substantially equal to or slight greater than the distance between a pair of mounting screws a square electric box of 10.16 cm, and the lower upper stops being spaced by a distance that is substantially equal to or slightly greater than the external dimension of a square electric box of 11. § 1 cms. Other objects, advantages and peculiarities outstanding of the invention will become apparent to those experienced in the art from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, describes four preferred moities of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring now to the drawings forming part of this original disclosure: Figure 1 is a top plan view of an electrical box mounting bracket fixed between a pair of bolts or support members, and with a square electrical box of 10.16-cms and a square electrical box of 11.91 cms coupled to the same through a pair of covers according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a detailed top plan view of the mounting bracket, electrical boxes and their associated covers illustrated in Figure 1, prior to mounting to the bolts or support members; Figure 3 is a front elevational view of the mounting method illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, with the electrical boxes and associated covers coupled thereto, but with the bolts or support members removed for the purpose of illustration; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting bracket illustrated in Figures 1-3, taken along section line 4-4 of Figure 3, and with the square electrical box of 11.91 cms. and its associated cover illustrated in elevation; Figure 5 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the mounting bracket illustrated in Figures 1-3, and with - the square electrical box of 11.91 cms. and its associated cover illustrated in elevation; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting bracket illustrated in Figures 1-3, taken along the line 6-6 section of Figure 3, and with the square electrical box of 10.16. cms. and its associated cover illustrated elevation and the square electrical box of 11.91 cms. eliminated for clarity; Figure 7 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the mounting bracket illustrated in Figures 1-3, and with the square electrical box of 10.16 cms. and its associated cover illustrated in elevation; Figure 8 is a front elevational view of the mounting method illustrated in Figures 1-7 in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 is a front plan view of a square electrical box of 11.91 cms. conventional that can be used with the mounting bracket in accordance with the present invention; Figure 10 is a front plan view of a conventional 10.16 cm square electrical box that can be used with the co-mounting mounting bracket with the present invention.

Figure 11 is a front elevational view of a mounting bracket in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, with a 10.16 cm square electrical box, a square electrical box of 11.91 cm and its associated covers coupled thereto; Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting bracket illustrated in Figure 11, taken along section line 12-12 of figure 11, and with the square electrical box of 11.91 cm and its cover associated illustrated in elevation; Figure 13 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the mounting bracket illustrated in Figures 11 and 12, and with the square electrical box of 11.91 cm and its associated cover illustrated in elevation; Figure 14 is a front elevational view of a mounting bracket in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, with a square electrical box of 10.16 cm, a square electrical box of 11.91 cm and its associated covers coupled thereto; Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting bracket illustrated in Figure 14, taken along section line 15-15 of Figure 14, and with the square electrical box of 11.91 cms and its cover Figure 16 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the mounting bracket illustrated in Figures 14 and 15, and with the square electrical box of 11.91 cm and its associated cover illustrated in elevation; Figure 17 is a front elevational view of a mounting bracket in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention, with a square electrical box of 10.16 cm, a square electric box of 11.91 cm and its associated covers coupled thereto; Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting bracket illustrated in Figure 17 taken along the section line 18-18 of Figure 17, and with the square electrical box of 11.91 cm and its associated cover illustrated. in elevation; and Figure 19 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the mounting bracket illustrated in Figures 7 and 18, and with the square electrical box of 11.91 cm and its associated cover illustrated in elevation.

Detailed Description of Preferred Modes With reference initially to Figures 1-3, an electrical box assembly 10 is illustrated in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The electrical box co-ordinate 10 as illustrated in Figures 1-3 basically includes a mounting bracket 12 fixed between a pair of wall bolts or support members 14 through a pair of fasteners 16, an electrical box 18 square of 11.91 cm coupled to the mounting bracket 12 through a cover 20 square of 11.91 cm and screws 22, and a square electrical box 24 of 10.16 cm coupled to the mounting bracket 12 through a cover 26 square of 10.16 cm and screws 28. While the electrical box assembly assembly 10 is illustrated as including a pair of electrical boxes, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the electrical cord assembly assembly 10 may include only one single electric box to the mounting bracket 12 through its cover and associated screws, or various electrical boxes coupled to the 12 mounting method through its associated covers and screws The conju The electrical box assembly 10 is designed to carry electrical boxes of two different sizes so that n are capable of significant vertical movement relative to the mounting bracket 12 when mounted thereto. Even when some clearance or vertical clearance is allowed between the mounting bracket 12 and the electrical boxes 18 and 24, it is important that this vertical clearance be minimized so that the screws (not shown) of an installation device ( not shown) n are supported outside on the mounting bracket 12. further, the electric box assembly with 10 is specially designed to include any one or more square electrical boxes of 11. cms and / or one or more square electric boxes of 10.16 cms as explained in detail later. The mounting bracket 12 is preferably constructed as an integral unitary member, one piece from sheet metal material, such as twenty gauge galvanized sheet metal. In any case, the mounting bracket 12 is preferably constructed of a conductive laminate material, which is relatively rigid. The mounting bracket 12 must have sufficient structural strength to expand the bolts 14 and to support various electrical boxes thereon. Since the bolts 14 are typically spaced either 40.64 or 60.96 centimeters in the center, the mounting bracket 12 may be approximately 40.64 or 60.96 centimeters in length. For the purposes of describing the present invention, only one design of the 40.64 cm mounting bracket will be illustrated. Referring to Figure 8, the movable bracket 12 basically includes an upper support rail 30, a lower support rail 32, a first mounting end 34 and a second mounting end 36. An elongated central recess portion or opening 38 is defined by the support rails 30 and 32 and the mounting ends 34 and 36. In other words, the first mounting end 34 is coupled to and extends between the end ends of the upper and lower support rails 30 and 32 while the second mounting end 36 is coupled to and extends between the second ends of the mounting rail. the upper and lower support rails 30 and 32, so as to define the broken portion or central opening 38. The upper and lower support rails 30 and 32 are substantially mirror images of one another, except for the marks stamped therein. Specifically, the upper and lower support rails 30 and 32 each include a substantially straight internal edge and a substantially straight external edge 42. The inner and outer edges 40 and 42 are all preferably substantially parallel to one another and substantially perpendicular to the mounting ends 34 and 36. In this embodiment, the outer edges 42 of the upper and lower end rails 30 and 32 each include a stop flange 44 that extends rearwardly. As seen in Figures 4 and 5, the flanges 44 provide additional rigidity to the mounting bracket 12 as well as limited vertical movement of the square electrical box 18 of 11.91 cm in relation to the mon's bracket 12. As can be seen in Figures 6 and 7, the inner edges 40 and the upper and lower support rails 30 and 32 are preferably spaced approximately 9.05 cms so that the rods of the screws 28 of the 10.16 cm electrical box 24 substantially engage the inner edges 40 of the top and bottom support rail 30 and 32 so that the 10.16 cm square electrical box 24 can not move substantially up or down relative to the mounting bracket 12, of course, it will be evident to those experienced in the technique that a small amount of free space must be provided between the inner edges 40 of the support rails 30 and 32 and the screws 28 of the square electric box 24 of 10.16 cm. However, the clearance must not be too large to allow screws (not shown) of the installation device (not shown) to be fixed to the cover 26, to rest outside of the support rail 30 or 32. The outer edges 42 of the upper and lower support rails 30 and 32 are preferably spaced about 11.91 cm to about 12.23 cm apart so that the backwardly extending shoulder tabs will couple the outer periphery of the square electric box 18 11.91 cm to substantially prevent or limit the movement up or down of the electrical box 18 square of 11.91 cm in relation to the assembly tool 12. In other words, the stop flanges 44 are designed to couple the outer periphery of the quad box of 11.91 cm to limit p to prevent vertical movement c relative to the mounting bracket 12. Preferably, the dimension between the outer edges 42 of the rails 30 and 32 can be slightly larger than the dimension of the electric square box 18 of 11.91 cm to provide dimensional irregularities in the parts of the electrical mounting box assembly 10. . In any case, the dimension between the flanges 44 should not allow too much vertical movement of the electric box 18 squared of 11.91 cm so that the screws (not shown) of the connection dia (not shown) mounted to the cover 20 Stand outside on any 30 or 32 support rail. Preferably, the stop tabs 44 are continuous tabs that are integrally formed with their associated rails 30 and support. As seen in Figures 4 and 5, the stop lumps 44 are angled slightly outwardly from the rails 30 and 32 to allow easy insertion of the square electrical box 1 of 11.91 cms. between them. Preferably, the stop flanges 44 form an angle of approximately ten degrees with their associated rail 30 or 32. As seen in Figures 1-3, the first and second mounting ends 34 and 36 are preferably substantially mirror genes of each other, and each includes a hole 50 to receive a fastener 16 therethrough to fix at least the mounting 12 to the wall bolts or support members 14. The fastener 16 can be any type of conventional fastener, such as a screw or a nail, as needed and / or Preferably, each of the ends 34 and 36 of the bend is bent to form a substantially flat attachment portion 52 that lies in a different plane from the upper and lower support rails 30 and 3. Preferably, the fixing portions 5 are raised from the upper and lower support rails 30 and 32 and substantially parallel thereto. The distance by which the fixing portions 52 are raised from the upper and lower support rails 30 and 32 is determined by the thickness of the covers 20 and / or 26 as well as their torn messes 22 and / or 28 of fixation. Typically, the fixing portions 52 are offset from the upper and lower support rails 30 and 32 by approximately 6.35 mm.

The corners of the first and second mounting ends 34 and 36 are preferably removed to minimize the amount of mounting bracket material 12 as well as to avoid covering the bolts or support members 14. In this way, the removal of the corner portions allows fasteners such as nails to be easily propelled into the locations where the corners of the first and second mounting sections 34 and 36 would otherwise have been. As seen in Figure 9, the electric box 18 square of 11.91 cm is a substantially conventional electrical box of normal construction, and thus, the electrical box 18 will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein. Rather, electric power will only be discussed sufficiently so that one of ordinary skill in the art will understand the present invention. The 11.91 cm square electric box 18 has four substantially flat side walls 54 with ejection portions 56 and a rear wall 58 with ejection portions 60. Two of the opposite side walls 54 are provided with a pair of mounting lugs 62 having threaded mounting holes 64 for receiving screws 22 therein. The vertical distance A between the outer vertical edges of the mounting holes 64 is approximately 7.37 cm, while the horizontal distance B between the external horizontal edges of the mounting holes 64 is approximately 11.19 cm. Clearly the electric square box of 11.91 cm can be mounted only vertically as shown in Figure 9, since the vertical di- sion of the central recess 38 is approximately 9.05 cm in height. The depth of the electric square box of 11.91 cms is typically either 3.81 cms deep or 5. cms. of depth. The electric box 18 has an external height and chura of approximately 11.91 cms. The walls 54 the rails define a substantially square front opening 66 for receiving a connection device (not shown) in the same As seen in Figure 3, the cover 20 associated with the square electrical box 18 of 11.91 cm is also preferably a conventional member of conventional construction, and will not be discussed or illustrated in detail in the present. Rather, cover 20 will only be discussed so that one with ordinary skill in the art can understand the invention. The cover 20 is preferably constructed of a metallic laminate material such as galvanized laminated metal is tamped. The cover 20 has a central opening 68 for accommodating a connecting device, a pair of threaded holes 70 for attaching fixedly a connecting device (not shown) thereto through screws (not shown), and four shafts 72 assembly for receiving screws 22 for coupling the cover 20 to the square electrical box 18 of 11.91 cms. The outer edge of the threaded holes 70 is spaced approximately 8.73 cm apart. The slots 72 are arranged so that at least two of the slots 72 are aligned with at least two of the threaded mounting holes 64 in the mounting lugs 62 of the square electrical box 18 of 11.91 cms. E other words, the screws 22 are inserted through d of the grooves 72 and threaded towards two of the threaded holes 64 of the square electric box 18 of 11.91 cm to fasten the cover 20 thereto. The central opening 68 allows access to the inside of the square electric box 18 of 11.91 cm after the cover 20 is attached to it. As seen in Figure 10, the 10-inch electric square box 24 is a substantially conventional normal construction electrical box, and thus, the electrical box 24 will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein. Rather, the electric box 24 will only be discussed sufficiently for a person of ordinary skill in the art to tend the present invention. The 10.16 cm square electric box 24 typically has four substantially flat side walls 74 with ejection pins 76 and a rear wall 78 with ejection portions 8. Two of the opposite walls 74 are provided with a mounting lug 82 having a threaded mounting hole 84 for receiving the screws 28 therein. The vertical distance C between the vertical and terrestrial edges of the mounting holes 64 is approximately 8.96 cm Also, the horizontal distance D between the outer horizontal edges of the mounting holes 84 is also approximately 8.96 cm. Clearly, the 10.16 cm square electrical box 24 can only be mounted either vertically or horizontally, since the vertical dimension of the central recess 38 is approximately 9.05 cm in height. The depth of the square electric ca 24 cm 10.16 cm is typically either 3.81 cm deep or 5.40 cm deep. The electric box 24 has an external height and width of approximately 10.16 cms. The side walls 74 define a substantially square front opening 86 for receiving a connection device (not shown) therein. As seen in Figure 3, the cover 26 associated with the 10.16 cm square electric box 24 is also preferably a conventional construction member. normal, and thus, will not be discussed or illustrated in detail here. Rather, the cover 26 will only be discussed so that one of ordinary skill in the art can understand the present invention. The cover 26 is preferably constructed of a metallic laminate material such as a galvanized, foamed laminated metal. The cover 26 has a central opening 88 for acquiring a connection device, a pair of threaded holes 90 for fixedly coupling a connection device (not shown) thereto through screws (not shown), and four slots 92. of assembly to receive screws 28 to couple the cover 26 to the square electrical box 24 of 10.16 cms. The outer edges of the threaded holes 90 are spaced approximately 8.73 cms. The slots 92 are positioned so that at least two slots 72 are aligned with at least two of the threaded mounting holes 84 in the mounting tabs 82 of the 10.16 cm square electrical box 24. In other words, the screws 28 are inserted through the slots 92 and rotated into the threaded holes 84 of the electric box 24, wedged 10.16 cm to hold the cover 26 thereto. The central opening 88 allows access to the interior of the square electrical box 24 after the cover 26 is secured thereto.

Installation of the Electrical Box Assembly Assembly 10 The electrical box assembly assembly 10 is attached to support members 14 by first placing the mounting tool 12 on a pair of adjacent support members 14 so that the fixing portions 52 coupling the front face of the support members 14. Then, the fasteners 16 are inserted through the holes 50 to securely fasten the mounting blade 12 to the support members 14. As fixed, the front face of the mounting bracket 12 is substantially flush with the front plane of the support members 14. After the mounting bracket 12 is secured, one of the electrical boxes 18 or 24 is placed against the rear surface of the mounting bracket 12 with its front opening 66 or 86 engaging the rear surface of the rails 30 and 32 of upper and lower support. In the case of the square electrical box 18 of 11.91 cm, the upper and lower side walls 54 are substantially adjacent or engage the stop flanges 44 to limit or prevent vertical movement of the electrical box 18 relative to the bracket 12 of mounting. In the case of the 10.16 centimeter square electric box 24, the mounting holes 84 threaded into the mounting lugs 82 are positioned substantially adjacent but slightly spaced apart from the inner edges 40 of the carrier rails 30 and 32. upper and lower so that the mounting screws 28 engage the inner edges 40 of the support rails 30 and 32 so that. the mounting screws 28 engage the inner edges 40 of the support rails 30 and 32 to limit or prevent vertical movement of the electrical case 24 relative to the mounting method 12. Next, the associated cover 20 or 26 is placed against the front surface of the upper and lower support rails 30 and 32 so that the cover 20 or 26 is opposite the electrical boxes 18 or 24, respectively. In this position either the slots 72 of the cover 20 are aligned with the holes 64 of the electrical box 18 or the slots 92 of the cover 26 are aligned with the holes 84 of the electrical box 24. Now, the screws 22 or 28 are threaded towards the holes 64 or 84 of the mounting lugs 62 or 82 to secure the cover 20 or 26 to the electrical box 18 or 24. In any case, the screws 22 of the electric box 18 and the screws 28 of the electric box 24 both extend through the central opening 38 so that the electric boxes 24 24 can be placed anywhere along the the length of the central recess 38, in other words, the screws 22 and 28 do not pass through any of the upper or lower support rails 30 or 32 of the mounting bracket 12, but do not pass through them. the central opening 38 of the mounting bracket 12. This avoids any need to provide holes in any of the upper or lower rails 30 or 32. In this way, the positioning of the boxes 18 and 24 the tricas is not restricted by holes in the rails 30 or 32 above or below. It will be apparent to those experiments in the art that additional electrical boxes can be mounted on the mounting bracket 12 by repeating the above-mentioned steps for each electrical box. Furthermore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that any combination of electrical boxes of different depths and sizes can be mounted to the mounting bracket 12 within the restrictions of the length of the central opening 3.

Electrical Box Assembly Assembly 210 Referring now to Figures 11-13, an electrical box assembly 210 is illustrated in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. The electrical box junction 210 is similar in construction to the electrical box assembly 10, discussed above, except that the upper and lower support channels 30 and 32 of the molding bracket 12 have been modified in the electrical box junction 210. estra way, the electrical box assembly 210 will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein. The electrical box assembly 210 basically includes a mounting bracket 212 fixed between a pair of pair bolts or support members through a pair of fasteners in the same manner as discussed in the first embodiment. The electrical box assembly 210 also includes the square electrical box 18 of 11.91 centimeters, the square cover of 11 centimeters and 22 screws, all as discussed above, as well as the square electric box 24 of 10.16 centimeters, the cover 26 square of 10.16 centimeters and 28 screws also, as discussed above. Although the electrical box assembly 210 is illustrated as including a pair of electrical boxes, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the electrical box assembly 210 may only include a single electrical box coupled to the bracket 212. of jets through its cover and associated screws, or various electric boxes coupled to the mounting bracket 212 through its covers and associated screws. The electrical box assembly 210 is designed to support two electrical boxes of different sizes so that they are not capable of significant vertical movement relative to the mounting bracket 212 when mounted to it. Even when some space is allowed If the free play or vertical play between the mounting bracket 212 and the electrical boxes 18 and 24 is important, it is important that this vertical play be minimal so that the screws (not shown) of a connecting device (not shown do not lean out on the mounting bracket 212. In addition, similar to the first embodiment, the electrical box assembly 210 is specially designed to include any one or more square electrical boxes of 11.91 centimeters and / or one or more square electric boxes of 10.16 centimeters. as explained above in more detail with reference to the first modality The mounting bracket 212 is preferably constructed as a unitary one-piece mimebra, integral from metallic laminate material such as twenty-gauge galvanized sheet metal. In any case, the centre bracket 212 is tea preferably constructed of a relatively rigid conductive laminate. The mounting bracket 212 must have sufficient structural strength to expand a pair of wall studs and to support various electrical eyebrows on the wall. Maybe the wall bolts are typically spaced to either G.6 < ? or 6'.96 centimeter height of the center, the more the mounting 212 could be & be approximately 40.64 or 60.96 centimeters in length. Par? E. If the invention is invented, only the assembly will be carried out. I'm listening '-? FIG. 11. FIG. 11. The mounting module 2, 2 basically includes a top support rail 230, a bottom support rail 232, a first mounting end 234, a second mounting end 236. An elongated central recess portion or opening 238 is defined by the support rails 230 and 232 and the mounting ends 234 and 236. In other words, the first mounting end 234 is coupled to and extends between the first ends of the holding rails 230 and 232, 230 and 232, while the second mounting end 236 is coupled to and extends between the second ends of the upper and lower support rails 230 and 232 so as to de nite the central cutout portion or opening 238. The upper and lower support rails 230 and 232 each enclose a substantially straight internal edge 240 and edge 242. externally substantially straight. The inner and outer edges 240 and 242 are preferably all substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the mounting ends 234 and 236. In this embodiment, the outer edges 242 of the upper and lower support rails 230 and 232 each include a stop flange 244 extending rearwardly. As seen in Figures 12 and 13, the flanges 244 are substantially Z-shaped in cross section and provide additional stiffness to the mounting bracket 212 as well as limit vertical movement of the square electrical box 18 of 11.91 centimeters in relation to the mounting bracket 212. As seen in Figure 11, the inner edges 240 of the upper and lower support rails 230 and 232 are preferably spaced apart at a distance of about 9.05 centimeter, so that the rods of the screws 28 of the electrical box 2 10.16 cm curing substantially engages the inner edges 240 of the upper and lower support rails 230 and 232 so that the 10.16 centimeter squared electrical box 24 can not move substantially up or down relative to the mounting bracket 212 . Of course, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a small amount of clearance must be provided between the inner edges 240 of the support rails 230 and 232 and the screws 28 of the 10.16 centimeter square electric box 24. However, the clearance must not be too large to allow the screws (not shown) of the connection device (not shown) to be attached to the cover 26 through the holes 90 to rest on the outside. rail 230 or 232 d support The outer edges 242 of Iso rails 230 and 232 of upper and lower support are preferably spaced from approximately 11.91 centimeters to 12.23 centimeters so that the first portion of the stop flanges 244 extending to behind, they can couple the outer periphery of the square electric box 18 inches to substantially prevent or limit the vertical movement up or down of the square electric box 18 inches of 11.91 centimeters relative to the assembly head 212. In other words, the first part of the Z-shaped stoppers 244 are designed to couple the outer periphery of the 11.91 cm square box 18 to lighten or prevent vertical movement relative to the mounting bracket 212. Preferably, the dimension between the outer edges 242 of the rails 230 and 232 may be slightly larger than the dimension of the square electrical box 18 of 11.91 centimeters to provide for dimensional irregularities in the parts of the electrical mounting box assembly 210. In any case, the dimension between tabs 244 must not allow much vertical movement of the square electrical box 18 of 11.91 centimeters so that the screws (not shown) of the connection device (not shown) to be mounted to the cover 20 through the holes 70 does not rest on any supporting rail 230 or 232. Preferably, the stop tabs 244 are continuous tabs that are integrally formed with their associated support rails 230 and 232. As seen in FIGS. 12 and 13, the stop flanges 44 are angled slightly outwardly from the rails 230 and 232 to allow for easy insertion of the 11 square inch electric box 18 between them. Preferably, the stop tabs 244 are angled approximately ten degrees to allow stacking of the mounting bracket 212 with other similarly constructed mounting brackets. The first and second mounting ends 234 and 236 are preferably substantially mirror images of each other, and each includes a hole 250 for receiving a fastener (not movable) therethrough to secure the mounting bracket 212 to a pair. of wall bolts or support members (not shown), any type of conventional fastener can be used, such as a screw or a nail. Preferably, each of the mounting ends 234 and 236 are bent to form a substantially flat fastening portion 252 that lies in a different plane from the upper and lower bearing ribs 230 and 232. Preferably, the fixing portions 252 are raised from the upper and lower support rails 230 and 232 and substantially parallel thereto. The distance in which the high attachment portions 252 of the upper and lower support rails 230 and 232 are determined by the thickness of the covers 20 and / or 26 as well as their fixing screws 22 and / or 28. Typically, the fixing portions 252 are offset from the upper and lower support rails 230 and 232 by approximately 6.35 millimeters. Electrical Box Mounting Assembly 310 Referring now to Figures 14-16, a mounting assembly 310 is illustrated. of electrical box in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. The electrical switch assembly 310 is similar in construction to the electrical box assembly, discussed above, except that the upper and lower support brackets 30 and 32 of the mounting bracket 12 have been modified in the box assembly 310 electric In this way, the electrical box assembly assembly 310 will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein. The electrical box assembly 310 basically includes a mounting bracket 312 fixed between a pair of pair bolts or support members in the same manner as discussed above in the first embodiment through a pair of fasteners. The electrical box assembly 310 also includes the 18-inch square electric box of 11.91 centimeters, the square-shaped cover of 11.91 centimeters and screws 22, all as discussed above, as well as the square electric box 24 of 10.16 centimeter-meters, the 26 square cover of 10.16 centimeters and the screws 28, all as discussed in the foregoing. Although the electrical box assembly assembly 310 is illustrated as including a pair of electrical boxes, it will be apparent to those experienced in the art. that the electrical box assembly 310 may include only a single electrical box coupled to the mounting bracket 312 through its cover and associated screws. The electrical box mounting assembly 310 is designed to support electrical boxes of two different sizes so that they are not capable of significant vertical movement in relation to the mounting bracket 312 when mounted thereto. Even when some free space is allowed or vertical play between the mounting bracket 312 and the electric boxes 18 and 24It is important that this vertical clearance be minimal so that the bundles (not shown) of a connecting device (not shown) will not be supported outside the mounting bracket 312. In addition, similar to the first embodiment, the assembly 310 electrical box assembly is specially designed to include any one or more square electrical boxes of 11.91 centimeters and / or one or more square electric boxes of 10.16 centimeters as explained above in more detail with reference to the first modality The mounting bracket 312 is preferably constructed as a unitary, one-piece member, integral from a sheet metal material such as twenty-gauge galvanized sheet metal, In any case, the bracket 312 of mon je must have sufficient structural strength to expand the pair of wall bolts and support various electrical boxes thereon, since the wall bolts are typically already exposed either at a distance of 40.64 or 60.96 centimeters in the center, the mounting bracket 312 may be either approximately 40.64 or 60.96 centimeters in length. For purposes of describing the present invention, only one 40.64 centimeter mounting bracket design will be illustrated. Referring to Figure 14, mounting bracket 312 basically includes an upper support rail 330, a lower support rail 332, a first mounting end 334, and a second mounting end 336. An elongated center or recessed portion 338 is defined by the support rails 330 and 332 and the mounting ends 334 and 336. In other words, the first mounting end 334 engages and extends between the first ends of the upper and lower support rails 330 and 332, while the second mounting end 336 is bent and extends between the second ends of the assembly. the upper and lower support rails 330 332 so as to define the central recess portion or opening 338. The upper and lower support rails 330 and 332 each include a substantially straight internal edge 340 and an external substantially outer edge 342. straight. The inner and outer edges 340 and 342 are all preferably substantially flush with each other and substantially perpendicular to the mounting ends 334 and 336. In this embodiment, the outer edges 342 of the upper and lower support rails 330 and 332 each include a flange 44 that extends rearwardly and a plurality of indentations or stops 345 stamped towards the support rails 330 and 332.

As seen in Figures 15 and 16, the tabs 344 p provide additional stiffness to the mounting bracket 312, while the stops 345 limit the vertical movement of the square electrical box 18 of 11.91 centimeters in relation to the mounting machine 312. . More specifically, the stops 345 are vertically spaced approximately 11.91 to about 12.23 centimeters apart at their inner ends to prevent limiting the vertical movement of the square electrical box 18 of 11.91 centimeters. The stops 345 are also spaced horizontally about 4.45 centimeters apart so that at least two stops 345 engage both the upper and lower lat- eral walls of the electrical box 18 independent of their position in the central recess 338. FIG. As seen in Figure 14, the inner edges 340 of the upper and lower support rails 330 and 332 are preferably about 9.05 centimeters apart so that the rods of the screws 28 of the box 28 the square square of 10.16 centimeters substantially engage the inner edges 340 of the lower top guard rails 330 and 332 so that the 10.16 centimeter electrical box 24 can move substantially up or down relative to the mounting bracket 312. From below, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a small amount of clearance must be provided between the inner edges 340 of the support rails 330 and 332 and the screws 28 of the 10.16 centimeter square electrical box 24. However, the free space should not be too large to allow the tni 1 (not shown) of the connecting device (not shown to be fixed to the cover to be supported outside of any supporting r or 330 or 332. In other words, the stops 345 will engage the outer periphery of the square electrical box 18 of 11.91 centimeters to substantially prevent or limit vertical movement to the up or down of the square electrical box 18 of 11.91 meters in relation to the bracket 312. Preferably, the dimension between the inner edges of the upper and lower sets of stops 345 may be slightly larger than the dimension of the square electrical box 18 of 11.91 centimeters to provide for dimensional irregularities in the parts of the assembly. 310 of electrical mounting box In any case, the dimension between the stop 345 should not allow too much vertical movement of the square electric box 18 of 11. .91 centimeters so that the screws (not shown) of the connection device (not shown) to be mounted to the cover 20 through the holes 70 rest on any support rail 330 or 332. The first and second mounting ends 334 and 336 are preferably mirror images one of the other and each includes a hole 350 for receiving a fastener therethrough to secure the mounting bracket 312 to network bolts or support members. . Any type of conventional fastener can be used such as a screw or a nail. Preferably, each of the mounting ends 334 and 336 are bent to form a substantially planar fastening portion 352 that lies in a different plane from the upper and lower support rails 33 and 332. Preferably, the fastening portions 352 are raised from the rails 330 and 332 of the upper and lower frame and substantially parallel thereto. The distance at which the fixing portions 352 are raised from the upper and lower support rails 330 and 332 is determined by the thickness of the covers 20 and / or 26 as well as their fixing screws 22 and / or 28. Typically, the fastening portions 352 are offset from the upper and lower support rails 330 and 332 d by approximately 6.35 millimeters.

Assembly 410 of Electrical box Referring now to Figures 17-19, an electrical box mounting assembly 510 in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The electrical box assembly 410 is similar in construction to the electrical box assembly 10, discussed above, except that the upper and lower support rails 30 and 32 of the mounting bracket 12 have been modified in the assembly 410 of electric box. In this way, the electrical box assembly assembly 410 will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein.

The electrical box assembly 410 basically includes a mounting bracket 412 fixed between a pair of stop bolts or support mem through a pair of fasteners in the same manner as that discussed above in the first embodiment. The box assembly 410 electric also includes the square electric box 18 of 11.91 centimeters, the square cover of 11.91 centimeters and screws 22, all discussed above, as well as the electric square box of 10.16 cm, the cover 26 of 10.16 cm and screws 28, all discussed above. Although the electrical box counting assembly 410 is illustrated as including a pair of electrical boxes, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that the electrical box assembly 410 can include only one. Single electrical box coupled to mounting bracket 412 through its cover and associated screws, or various electrical boxes coupled to mounting bracket 412 through its associated covers and screws. The electrical box mounting assembly 410 is designed to support electrical boxes of two different sizes so that they are not capable of significant vertical movement relative to the mounting bracket 412 when mounted to it. Even when some space is allowed If the free play or vertical play between the mounting bracket 412 and the electrical boxes 18 and 24 is important, it is important that this vertical clearance be minimum so that the screws (not shown) of a connecting device (not illustrated do not lean out of the mounting bracket 412. Also, similar to the first embodiment, the electrical box mounting assembly 410 is specially designed to include any one or more 11.91 centimeter electrical boxes and / or one or more square electrical boxes. 10.16 centimeters as explained above in greater detail with reference to the first modality The mounting bracket 412 is preferably constructed as a unitary mem One piece, integral from a sheet metal material such as twenty gauge galvanized sheet metal. In any case, the mount bracket 412 is preferably constructed of a sufficiently rigid conductive laminate. Mounting bracket 412 must have sufficient structural strength to expand a pair of wall bolts and to support various electrical boxes thereon, since the wall bolts are typically spaced either 40.64 or 60.96 centimeters apart in the wall. center, the mounting bracket can be -yet ..sea.-approximately 40.64 60.96 centimeters in length. For the purpose of describing the present invention, only one 40.64 centimeter mounting bracket design will be illustrated. Referring to Figure 17, mounting bracket 412 basically includes an upper support rail 430, a lower support rail 432, a first mounting end 434 and a second mounting end 436. An elongated central recess portion or opening 438 is defined by support rails 430 and 432 and mounting ends 434 and 436. In other words, the first mounting end 434 is coupled to and extends between the first ends of the upper and lower rails 430 and 432, while the second mounting end 436 is coupled to and extends between the rails. second end of the upper and lower guard rails 430 and 432 in order to define the central recessed portion or opening 438. The upper and lower support rails 430 and 432 are substantially mirror images of each other, except for the markings stamped on them. the same. Specifically, the upper and lower support rails 4 and 432 each include a substantially straight internal edge and a substantially straight external edge 442. The inner and outer edges 440 and 442 are preferably substantially parallel to one another and substantially perpendicular to the mounting ends 434 and 436. In this modality, the outer edges 442 of the upper and lower support channels 430 and 432 each include a stop flange 444. As seen in Figures 18 and 19, one of the flanges 444 is substantially U-shaped in cross section and extends initially forward of the support rails 430 and 432, then extends substantially parallel to the rails. 430 and 432 of support, and finally extends backward relative to the rails 430 and 432 of support. The flanges 444 provide additional rigidity to the mounting 412 as well as limit the vertical movement of the square electrical box 18 of 11.91 centimeters in relation to the mounting bracket 412. As seen in FIG. Rails 430 and 432 of the upper and lower boot are preferably spaced at a distance of about 9.05 centimeters so that the rods of the screws 28 of the 10.16 centimeter square electrical box 2 substantially engage the inner edges 440 of the rails 430 and 432 upper and lower soot so that the 10.16 cm square electric box 24 can not move substantially up or down relative to mounting bracket 412. From then on, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a small amount of clearance must be provided between the inner edges 440 of the support rails 430 and 432 and the screws 28 of the square electrical box 24 of 10:16 centimeters. However, the clearance must not be too large to allow the screws (not shown) of the connection device (not shown) to be attached to the cover 26 to be pumped out in any support rails 430 or 432. . The outer edges 42 of the upper and lower supporting rails 30 and 32 are preferably spaced from approximately 11.91 centimeters to 12.23 centimeters so that the forwardly extending portions of the stop flanges 44 engage the outer periphery of the flange. square cover of 11.91 centimeters to substantially prevent or limit the vertical movement upwards or downwards of the square electric box 181.91 centimeters in relation to the mounting bracket 12 when the cover 20 is attached to it, in other words, the weight 444 stopper tabs are designed to couple the outer periphery of the 11.91 centimeter square cover 20 to limit impeding the vertical movement of the square electrical box 18 of 11.91 centimeters in relation to the mounting bracket 412. Preferably, the dimension between the outer edges 442 of the rails 430 and 432 may be slightly larger than the dimension of the square electrical box 18 of 11.91 centimeters to provide for dimensional irregularities in the parts of the electric mounting box assembly 410 . In any case, the dimensioning between the flanges 444 should not allow too much vertical movement of the square electrical box 18 of 11.91 centimeters so that ISO screws (not shown) of the connecting device (not shown) mounted to the cover 20 through the holes 70 touch the inner edges 440 of the support rails 430 and 432. Preferably, the stop flanges 444 are continuous flanges that are integrally formed with their associated support rails 430 and 432. As seen in Figures 18 and 19, the stop flanges 444 are slightly angled outwardly from the rails 30 and 32 to allow easy insertion of the 11.91 centimeter square electric box between them as well as to allow stacking of mounting bracket 412 with other mounting brackets of similar construction. Preferably, the forwardly extending portions of the stop flanges 444 form an angle of approximately ten degrees with their associated rail 30 or 32. The first and second mounting ends 434 and 436 are preferably substantially mirror images of one another, and each includes a hole 450 for receiving a fastener therethrough to secure the mounting bracket 412 to a pair of wall bolts or support members. Any type of conventional fastener, such as a screw or a nail, can be used. Preferably, each of the mounting ends 434 and 436 are bent to form a substantially flat fastening portion 452 that lies in a different plane from the upper and lower bearing ribs 430 and 432. Preferably, the fixing portions 452 are raised from the upper and lower support rails 430 and 432 and substantially parallel thereto. The distance in which the fixing portions 452 are lifted from the upper and lower support rails 430 and 432 is determined by the thickness of the covers 20 and / or 2 as well as their fixing screws 22 and / or 28. Typically, attachment portions 452 are offset from Iso rails 430 and 43 upper and lower by approximately 6.35 millimeters. Although four modalities have been selected only to illustrate the invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (28)

CLAIMS;

1. - A mounting bracket for selectively mounting both square electrical boxes of 10.16 centimeters and square electrical boxes of 11.91 centimeters thereto and for fixing between first and second adjacent support members, comprising: a top soprote rail having a front surface , an inner edge and an outer edge, the upper support rail being free of mounting openings for accommodating a bra, the upper support rail further having a stops a lower support rail having a front surface, a rear surface, an inner edge and an outer edge, the lower support rail being free of mounting openings to accommodate a fastener, the lower support rail-also having a lower stop; a first mounting end coupled to and extending from between first ends of the upper and lower support rails, the first mounting end being adapted to be fixed to the first support member; and a second mounting end coupled to and extending between second ends of the upper and lower support rails, the second mounting end being adapted to be fixed to the second support member; the upper and lower support rails being spaced apart by the first and second mounting ends to define an elongated central recessed station; the inner edges of the upper and lower support rails being spaced apart by a distance that is substantially equal to or slightly greater than an external distance measured between a pair of mounting holes in mounting lugs of a square electric box of 10.16 centimeters, and the upper and lower stops being spaced by a distance that is substantially equal to or slightly greater than the outer dimension of the square electrical box of 11.91 centimeters.

2. A mounting bracket according to claim 1, wherein the upper stop extends rearwardly from the rear underside of the upper support rail, and the lower stop extends rearwardly from the rear surface of the support rail. lower.

3. A mounting bracket in accordance with claim 2, wherein the upper and lower stops are formed as upper and lower stops that extend rearwardly.

4. A mounting bracket according to claim 3, wherein the upper stop flange is formed adjacent the outer edge of the upper support rail, and the lower stop flange is formed adjacent to the outer edge of the stop flange lower .

5. A mounting bracket according to claim 4, wherein the upper and lower stop flanges are substantially continuous along the outer edges of the upper and lower support ribs, respectively.

6. A mounting bracket according to claim 2, wherein the upper stop is formed by a plurality of upper protuberances formed in the upper support rail.

7. - A mounting bracket according to claim 6, wherein the lower stop is formed by a plurality of lower protuberances formed in the lower support rail.

8. - A mounting bracket according to claim 7, wherein the protrusions are spaced at least at a distance of less than about 5.08 centimeters.

9. A mounting bracket in accordance with claim 7, wherein the protrusions are formed substantially adjacent to the outer edges of the upper and lower support rails.

10. A mounting bracket in accordance with claim 9, further comprising an upper flange extending rearwardly from the upper support rail, and a lower flange extending backward from the lower support rail, the upper and lower eyelashes being spaced outward relative to the upper and lower protuberances, respectively.

11. A mounting bracket according to claim 1, wherein the upper and lower stops are formed on the front surfaces of the upper and lower support rails.

12. A mounting bracket according to claim 11, wherein the upper and lower support rails are doubled to form the upper and lower stops.

13. A mounting bracket according to claim 12, wherein the upper stop is formed by a substantially continuous upper shoulder, and the lower stop is formed by a substantially continuous lower shoulder.

14. A mounting bracket in accordance with claim 13, further comprising an upper flange extending rearwardly from the upper support rail and a lower flange extending backward from the lower support rail, the upper and lower eyelashes being further spaced apart from the upper and lower top.

15. - A set of electrical box mounting bracket for selectively mounting both square electrical boxes 10.16 centimeters and square electrical boxes of 11.91 centimeters to it and for fixing between first and second adjacent support members, comprising: an electrical box that has an annular side, a closed rear end and an open front end, the annular side having at least two mounting flanges extending inwardly with a threaded mounting hole in each of the mounting flanges; a cover having a front surface, a rear surface and at least two mounting slots arranged in alignment with the mounting holes of the electrical box; an electrical box mounting bracket coupled to the open front end of the electrical box and the rear surface of the cover, the electrical box mounting bracket including an upper support rail having a front surface, a rear surface, an inner edge and an outer edge, the upper support rail being free of mounting openings to accommodate a fastener the upper support rail having an upper stop, a lower support rail having a front surface, a rear surface, an inner edge and an outer edge, the lower support rail being free of mounting openings to accommodate a fastened lower support rail further having a lower stop, a first mounting end coupled to and exiting from the first. ends of the upper and lower sounder rails, the first mounting end is adapted to be fixed to the first support member, and a second end Mounting assembly coupled to and extending between the second ends of the upper and lower support rails, the second mounting end being adapted to be fixed to the second support member, the upper and lower support rails being spaced apart. 15 cited by the first and second mounting ends - to define an elongated central recessed portion, the inner edges of the lower upper support rails being spaced apart by a distance that is substantially equal to or slightly greater than the 20 distance between a pair of mounting holes in mounting ears of a square electrical box of 10.16 centimeters, and the upper and lower stops being spaced by a distance that is substantially equal or ligerman 25 greater than an external dimension of the square electrical box of 11.91 centimeters.

16. A mounting bracket in accordance with claim 15, wherein the upper stop extends rearwardly from the rear surface of the upper support rail, and the lower stop extends rearwardly from the rear surface of the rail. porte inferior.

17. A mounting bracket according to claim 16, wherein the upper and lower stops are formed as upper and lower stop flanges that extend rearwardly.

18. A mounting bracket according to claim 17, wherein the upper stop flange is formed adjacent the outer edge of the upper support rail, and the lower stop flange is formed adjacent the outer edge of the flange. of top ferior.

19. A mounting bracket according to claim 18, wherein the upper and lower stop flanges are substantially continuous along the outer edges of the upper and lower support ribs, respectively.

20. A mounting bracket according to claim 16, wherein the upper stop is formed by a plurality of upper protuberances formed in the upper guard rail.

21. A mounting bracket in accordance with claim 20, wherein the lower stop is formed by a plurality of lower protuberances formed in the lower support rail.

22. - A mounting bracket in accordance with r vindication 21, where the protuberances are spaced at least, I approximately 5.08 inches away.

23. A mounting bracket in accordance with claim 21, wherein the protrusions are formed substantially adjacent to the outer edges of the upper and upper support rails.

24. A mounting bracket according to claim 23, further comprising an upper flange extending rearwardly from the upper support rail, and a lower flange extending rearwardly from the lower support rail, the upper and lower eyelashes being spaced outward relative to the upper and lower protuberances, respectively.

25. A mounting bracket according to claim 15, wherein the upper and lower stops are formed on the front surfaces of the upper and lower guardrail rails.

26. A mounting bracket in accordance with claim 25, wherein the upper and lower guard rails are folded two to form the upper and lower stops.

27. A mounting bracket according to claim 26, wherein the upper stop is formed by a substantially continuous upper shoulder, and the lower stop is formed by a substantially continuous lower shoulder.

28. A mounting bracket in accordance with claim 27, further comprising an upper flange extending rearwardly from the upper support rail and a lower flange extending rearwardly from the lower support rail, lower and lower S tabs being further spaced than the upper and lower stops. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An improved mounting bracket is described which can be used to selectively support both square electrical boxes of 10.16 centimeters and square electric boxes 11.91 centimeters so that the vertical movement of any type of electrical box is limited. The mounting bracket is preferably a unitary member of a peice, ped from laminated metal. The mounting bracket has a top end rail, a bottom support rail and a pair of mounting ends that couple the support rails together to define a large, elongated central recess portion. An electrical box its associated cover can be mounted between two wall bolts by first pulling the mounting bracket of the present invention to the wall bolts. The open front end of the box is placed flush against the rear surface of the bracket so that an upper portion of the box contacts the bottom rail of the bracket. Next, the associated cover is placed on the front surface of the opposite bracket and aligns with the box so that an upper portion of the cover contacts the upper support rail and a lower portion of the cover contacts with the bottom support rail Finally, the electrical box and cover are clamped together to complete the inlation of the electrical box to the bracket. The inner edges of the rails are spaced to fit the mounting screws of a square electrical box of 10.16 cm so that the electrical box can not move significantly up or down relative to the mounting bracket. The upper and lower support rails are provided with one stop to engage either the outer surface of a square electrical box of 11.91 centimeters or the cold plate of the square electrical box of 11.91 centimeters of maner that the electrical box is not will move significantly up or down relative to the mounting bracket when coupling 1 to it.