NL1040534C2 - Improved lids for electrical boxes. - Google Patents

Description

Title: Improved lids for electrical boxes

The invention relates to a cover for standardized electrical boxes that incorporates functionality directly into the cover. The covers (also referred to as lids) of the invention can be used as a replacement for standard covers, used to close electrical boxes.

Every year thousands of electrical boxes (also referred to as “outlet boxes” or “junction boxes”) are installed in buildings in the Netherlands. The boxes are installed in ceilings and walls to allow future users of the building to connect electrical components, such as sockets or lighting fixtures. These boxes are typically made of a polymeric material, usually PVC or the like.

The measurements of these boxes are standardized The most common boxes are: - A round box with a diameter of 60mm and a height of 45mm - A square box of dimensions 91x91x53mm (lengthxwidthxheight)

When installed in a ceiling, the boxed are typically either placed flush to a ceiling, or are cast in a concrete floor. In general, moving the position of the box after installation is difficult or impossible.

After installing the boxes, electrical wires are pulled through the connecting pipes, which hold the electrical wires to feed electricity, and the wire ends are covered with terminal blocks, and a plastic lid is connected to the box, typically using one or more screws. Sometimes this cover (also referred to as lid or cover plate) has a hole. One or more reinforced ribs may be added to the cover to strengthen it. It is possible to attach a hook to the lid so that a fighting fixture can hang from it. The wires for powering the fixture are fed through the hole in the cover.

The distance between the screws, with which the cover is attached is standardized. A typical standard for round boxes is a distance of 60 mm or 67mm. For square boxes a typical standard distance is 80mm. A disadvantage of known electrical boxes and covers is that when a building is delivered no functionality is present in said boxes, except for holding the wires for future use. Thus, the known covers have only the functionality of covering the contents of the box. As a result poor fighting conditions are common in such newly delivered buildings, which is often impractical and may present hazards. On the other hand attaching electrical components, such as lamps or sockets, requires extra handling by the electricians or construction workers, for which there is usually no budget.

It is an object of the present invention to provide for a device that solves the above-mentioned problems, at least in part. It is a further object of the present invention to make better use of the space inside the electrical box, thus allowing multiple use and more user convenience.

It was found that these objectives can be met by providing a cover for electrical boxes, which incorporates extra electrical functionality. The invention is a cover for existing standardized electrical boxes, that incorporates extra electrical functionality. The standard cover is replaced by this cover. In accordance with the invention a direct connection between the wires and the box is made. No terminal block is left inside the box, thus allowing extra space. The invention thus integrates functionality, such as lighting or power outlet in the cover to be used with the known boxes.

The inventions thus makes efficient use of the mostly underused space inside the boxes that was always there. In accordance with the invention this spacer can be filled with several functions.

The invention thus provides a system that can be readily installed and which results in enhanced functionality of the known electrical boxes. The covers of the invention are easy to produce, for instance using known molding techniques, such as injection molding. This results in a low-cost value addition in freshly delivered building and building improvements in that light or electric power becomes readily available.

By way of example, the invention will be illustrated by detailing two functions that are enabled by the present invention, which will be explained in more detail, while referring to the enclosed figures. It is to be noted that each element of the invention as exemplified below, may be combined with other elements of the invention and the examples are not to be construed as limiting. Many more functions than those exemplified are conceivable without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Figure 1 is schematic representation of a cover of the present invention which incorporates an LED lamp. Figure 2 is schematic representation of a cover of the present invention with integrated light socket.

In a first example LED lamps are incorporated in the lid so that an LED spot is obtained. A small transformer is placed inside the box.

In recent years is that of LED lighting. LED fighting has become more and more affordable. LED lamps are far more efficient than traditional lamps and regardless of the way they are applied, produce far less heat, thus creating more design options.

Figure 1 is schematic representation of a cover (1) of the present invention, showing a complete replacement cover with integrated LED fights, in three views, front view (figure 1A), back view (figure IB) and side view (figure 1C). The cover can be screwed to the installed electrical boxes in either ceiling or wall through holes (A), and is kept in position by a protruding rim (E). A small transformer (C) is attached to the cover, which after installment will be situated inside the existing box. An adapted transformer can be integrated inside the cover. The transformer can be connected to the electricity net via wires (F) and to an number of LED lamps (D) that are protected by the cover (B). The whole cover may be made of transparent plastic material, such as poly methyl methacrylate (“Perspex™”).

In a second example a fight socket is obtained by incorporating a small sized standard fight socket in the cover.

The design of lamp sockets has changed in recent years. Traditional lamp sockets have a metal screw inside and the electrical wires are connected to the two poles by small screws. Recently designers have started to simplify the traditional socket. An example of this can be found in IKEA’s Lampan fixture. In this known fixture the metal parts in this lamp are reduced to two steel strips. All other parts are plastic. The entire fixture can be produced in one production flow. Except for adding the two small strips to the fixture, no further assembly is required. A consequence of the reduction of the design of the socket is a decrease in size of the socket.

Figure 2 is schematic representation of a cover (1) of the present invention, showing a complete replacement cover with integrated fight socket, in three views, front (2A), back (2B) and side (2C). The cover may be screwed to the installed electrical boxes in either ceiling or wall through holes (A), and can be kept in position by a protruding rim (E). Light socket (B) can be situated, as much as possible inside the space of the existing electrical box. The fitting may be made of the same material as the cover and may form an integrated part of the design. The fitting may be connected to the electrical net by wires (F).

Claims (7)

A cover plate for electrical boxes, which comprises one or more electrical connectors on one side and at least one electrical component on the other side, said electrical component being electrically connected to said one or more electrical connectors. A cover plate according to claim 1, wherein said component is selected from a socket (socket) and a lamp socket. 3. Cover plate according to the preceding claim, wherein said lamp fitting comprises an LED lighting system. 4. Cover plate as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein said cover plate is included in a DIN 89250 or DIN 89300 welding box. 5. Cover plate as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, which comprises two electrical connectors, which are electrically connected to said electrical component. The use of a cover plate according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of said connectors in said cover plate is electrically connected to at least one corresponding wire present in said electrical box, which electrical box is present in a ceiling or wall or the like, followed by closing off said electrical box by said cover plate. The use according to the preceding claim, wherein said closing is performed by means of one or more screws