US1824548A - Switch box - Google Patents

Description

se nzz, 1931. R. M. HOLMES 1,824,548

SWITCH BOX Filed Aug. 10, 1922 {Sheets-Sheet 1 Sept. 22, 1931. HQLMES l;824,548

- SWITCH BOX Filed. Aug. 10, 1922 s Sheets-She 2 Sept. 22, 1931. R. M. HQLMES 1,824,543

svrn'cn box Filed Aug. 10, 1922 3 Sheets-Shoot. 3

Patented Sept. 22, 1931 UNITED STATES RICHARD M. HOLMES, OF DAVENPORT, IOWA SWITCH BOX Application filed August 10, 1922. Serial No. 580,964.

My invention relates to new and useful improvements in switch boxes and has for its principal object the provision of a switch box which is expansible or, which in other words, is so constructed that its capacity may be so increased as to accommodate more than one switch.

A further object residesin the provision of novel means whereby the sections or units going forward to make up the completed box may be so connected that the outer surface of the box will be perfectly smooth without any projections whatsoever.

Anotherv object consists in forming the box of separate units, said units comprising end portions and intermediate spacing strips, the spacing strips being of different shapes so that the size of the box may be increased vertically as well as longitudinally. I p

With the above and other objects in view, which will appear as the description proceeds, my invention consists in the novel details of construction and arrangements of parts described in the following specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and while I have illustrated and described the preferred embodiments of the invention, as they now appear to me, it will be understood that such changes may be made as will fall within the scope-of the appended claims. 1 y

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a front elevation showing the two main units of the box connected for receiv ing a single switch. v

Fig. 2 is a top plan of the construction shown in Fig, 1.

Fig. 3 is a front elevation of what may be termed a double switch box, or in other words shows a construction in which'a single spacing strip is inserted between the mainend units and expands the box longitudinally.

Fig. 4 is a top plan of the construction illustrated in Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a front elevation showing what may be termed a triple switch box or in other words a box which has been expanded both longitudinally and vertically, such box being particularly adapted for turning corners.

Fig. 6 is an end view of the construction illustrated in Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 "s a fragmental detail perspective of the interlocking connections between the adjacent units or the units and spacing strips.

Fig. 8'is a front elevation of the right hand end unit detached. 7 Fig. 9 is a front elevation of one of the spacing strips, detached, said spacing strip being of the construction used in expanding the box vertically.

Fig. 10 is a front elevation of the spacing 5 strip used for expanding the box longitudinally, and

Fig. 11 is a front elevation of the left hand end unit.

With switch boxes as now commonly constructed when electricians are called upon to put flush switch boxes in a wall or other surface they are compelled to carry a number of different sizes so that they may put in one or'more switches in different places as may be called for by the plans. My invention provides a switch box which comprises a'plurality of connectible units so that the electrician can expand the size of the switch box, at will, and only needs to carry in stock so a number of standard units.

In carrying out my invention I provide two main or end units and a plurality of spacing members or units, the end units being connected together to form a single switch box, and the spacing members or units-being inserted between and connected with the end units when it is desired to expand the box longitudinally or vertically so as to accommodate two or more switches. In the drawings A and B indicate the main or end units, C a spacing strip or unit adapted to be inserted between and connected tothe end units for expanding the box longitudinally and D a spacing strip or unit adapted for expanding the box vertically.

The end unit A comprises a back 1, a bottom 2, and end 3, the inner edge of the back being cut diagonally as shown at 4 fora purpose which will later appear. An

inwardly extending ear or lug 6 is formed on the top of the end 3 and is provided with a threaded opening 7 to receive a screw or other suitable fastening. An outwardly extending ear or lug 8 is formed on the forward edge of the end 3 and is provided with a threaded opening 9. Formed in the edge of the back 1, and extending from the diagonally cut edge 4 thereof, is a recess 10 and projecting from the edge 4 is a substantially L-shaped lug or projection 11, the end of said lug or projection extending over a portion of the front of the recess 10 as more particularly illustrated in Fig. 11 of the drawings. As also quite clearly shown in Fig. 11 the bottom 2 extends slightly beyond the diagonally cut edge 4 of the back 1, said extending portion having adjacent the forward edge an opening 12 to receive a fastening member ina manner to'be later described. vAdjustably secured upon the end 3, of this unit, by means of the screws or other fastenings 13, is a bracket 14, said bracket having the openings 15. As more clearly shown in Fig. 6 the brackets are provided with slotted arms 16 to receive the fastening members 13. The corner of the unit A is shaped as shown at 17 in Fig. 2 of the drawings, and therear corner of the bottom is also cut at an angle. V

The right hand end unit B isconstructed in a similar manner to the end unit A. This end unit B comprises a back 18, an end 19, and a top 20 the end of the back 18 being cut diagonally as shown at21. The corner of the unit is bent or formed on an angle as shown at 22 and the end of the top is cut at an angle to conform to the angle 17 of the member A. An inwardly extending ear or lug 23 is formed on the bottom edge of the end 19 and has a threaded opening 24 therein adapted to register with the opening 12 in the bottom 2 of the member A, when the two units are brought in position'to be (011? nected together. An outwardly extending ear or lug 25 is'formed on the forward edge of the end 19 and is provided with an opening 26 which is preferably threaded for the reception of a fastening member. A recess or notch 27 is formed in the back 18, from the diagonally extending edge 21, and formed adjacent this recess or notch is a substantially L-shaped projection, the outer end of which extends slightly over the edge of the notch or recess. Secured to the end 19, by means of screws or other suitable fastening means 29, is an adjustable bracket 30 which has the forked arms, the same as described for the bracket 14. The bracket 30 is also provided with the opening 30 for the reception of suitable fastening members. The outer end of the top 20 extends beyond the diagonally cut edge 21 of'the back 18 and is provided with an opening 31 as quite clearly shown in Fig. 8 of the drawings.

When the switch box is to be used for the reception of only one switch the two end units A and B will be connected in the manner shown in Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings. The extension. of the top 20 of the member B will overlie the ear or lug 6 of the member A and a screw or other suitable fastening member 32 will be passed through the aligned threaded openings 7 and 31. The extension on the bottom 2 of the member A will extend over the ear or lug 23 of the member B and a screw or other suitable fastening member 33 will be passed through the aligned threaded openings 12 and 24. Prior to connecting by-the screws or other fastening members 32 and 33 the lugs or projections 11 and 28, formed on the diagonally extending edges 4"and 21 of the members A and B, respectively,will be interlocked as shown in F ig. 1. With this construction it will be seen that the outer surface of the box is perfectly smooth and there will be no projections whatsoever to interfere with the insertion or the box in the wall or floor opening. At the same time the rear end corner of the box is formed on an angle so the box may be easily inserted. The box may be securedto the wall, floor or other object by passing fastening members through the openings 15 and 30 of the brackets 14 and 30 on the ends of the units A and B respectively. The interlocking projections 11 and 28 form an initial connectionfor the members Aand B and thefastening members 32 and 33 prevent accidental disengagement of the interlocking. The lugs 8 and 25 are used for fastening the switch" mechanism proper within the box.

When it isdesired to expand the box or to increase its capacity for two switches I insert the spacing strip or unit C between the end units A and Bas clearly shown in Figs. 3 and'4 of the drawings. This spacing stripor unit comprises a back 34, a top 35 and a bottom 36, the ends 37 j and 38 of the back being cut diagonally on an angle as quite'clearly shown'in Fig. 9 of the drawingsj The left hand side of the bottom 36 is slightly offset as shown at 39, the right hand side'of the bottom extending beyond the diagonally cut edge 38 and being providedwith an opening 40 for the reception of a screw 41} or other fastening member, said screw or fastening member 41 also engaging in the threaded opening 23 formed in the ear or lug '24 ,of the member B. The right hand end of the top 35 is slightly offset as shown at 42 and is provided with a threaded opening 43 to receive a screw or other fastening member 44 which also passes through the opening 31 formed in the top 20 of the unit B. The left hand end of the top 35 extends beyond the diagonally cut edge 37 and when the spacingstrip -is in position between theend-units will overlie the inwardly extendinglug-or projection 6, said extending endbeing provided with an opening 45 to receive the screw or other fastening member 46' which engages in the threaded opening 7'formed in the ear or lug 6. The ofiset portion 39 engages over the extended end of the bottom 2 of the unit A and a fastening screw 47 passes through the opening 12 formed in thebottom 2 and through an opening 48 formed in the offset portion. A recess 49 is formed in the diagonally cut edge 38 and-a substantially L- shaped projection 50 is formed on said edge adjacent the recess. A recess 51 is formed in the diagonally cut edge 37 and a substantially L-shaped projection 52 is formed on the edge adjacent the recess. 'As is quite clearly shown in Fig. 10 of the drawings the projections 50 and 52 extend in opposite directions. When the spacing strip or unit C is inserted between the end units A and B the lug or projection 52 is interlocked with the projectionfll on the endunit A- and the lug or projection 50 will interlock with the lug or projection 28 on the unitB. After the interlocking is perfected theseveral units'will be secured together by the fasteningmembers 41, 44, 46 and 47 as previously described. F or supporting one end of-the switch mechanism, placed in the box when the expansion unit C is used, I provide the vertically extending bar 50 which has its ends bent at right angles. This bar is secured to the top 35 and bottom 36 by rivets, screws or other fasteners and is provided with the threaded openings 51.

It is often found desirable to have the switch box turn a corner or to be expanded vertically and in order that this may be done I provide the spacing strip or unit D. This unit D comprises the back 53 and ends 54 and 55, the back and ends being connected by the angular portions 56 and 57. The end 54 is provided at its forward edge with a top ear or lug 58 and a bottom ear or lug 59, the lug 58 having a threaded opening 60 and the lug 59 having an opening 61. The end 55 has at its forward edge an inwardly extending upper ear or lug 62, and an inwardly extending lower ear or lug 63, the upper ear or lug 62 having a threaded opening 64, and the lower ear or lug 63 having a threaded opening 65. The upper edge 66 of the back 53 is cut at an angle, as shown, and the lower edge 67 is cut on a corresponding angle, so that the end 55 of this unit will be on a plane below the end 54. A recess 68 is formed in the diagonally extending edge 66 and a sub stantially L-sl aped lug or projection 69 is formed on said edge adjacent the recess. A recess 70 is formed in the diagonally extending edge 67 and a substantially L- shapedlug or projection 71 is formed on the edge adjacent the recess 70. As shown more particularly in Fig. 8 of the drawings the lugs or projections 69 and 71 extend in opposite directions. An outwardly extending car 72 is formed on the end 54 and'is 4 provided with an opening 73. A similar ear 74 is formed on the end 55 and has an opening 75. Secured to the end54 is a bracket 76 having the openings 77 and secured to'the end 55 is a similar bracket 78 having the openings 79'. The ears of the brackets are formed to receive connecting screws 80. When this spacing strip or unit D is used'it will beplaced between the diagolmuycut d 38 0f the member C and theedge of the unit B. The projection 69 will interlock with the projection 28 ofthe unit B and the projection 71 will interlock with the projection 50 of the member C. r The ear59 formed on the end 54 will overlie the ofiset portion 42 of the member C and willbe connectedto said member by a screw 81 or other suitable fastening member. The ear58 on the end 54 will be received beneath theextension of the top 20 of the member C and the two will be securedtogether by means of the screw'or other fastening member 83. The brackets 76 and 78 may be used for securing the box to-the wall, floor,"or other support and the lugs 72 and 74 are used for attaching the switch mechanism within the box.

From the above description, when consideredin connection with the accompanying drawings, it is thought that the manner of using the improved form' of box will be clearly understood. However, I desire it distinctly understood that I do not wish to limit myself to the specific mannerbf arranging the spacing strips or units, as illustrated, but such spacing strips or units maybepositioned in such manner as to provide forithe useofthe desired number of switches or the positions in which they are to b,e ,placed. It will. also be understood the spacing units as, shown in the drawings any des red number might be used. The electrician or otheruser may carry with him any desired number ofthe standard units sothat when he reaches the job he may construc t the boxes inaccordance with the plans submitted. The boxes are entirely smooth on the outer surface and there will be no' projections to prevent the easy inser- :0-

that instead of merely using one or two of tion of the boxes, or their removal, in or from the opening formed in the wall, floor, or other suitable support. I also desire to lay particular stress on the fact that the several units have their ends cut diagonally, such diagonal edges. allowing the proper adjustment and positioning of the several units one with respect to the other without providing any projections on the outer surfaces of the box.

Having fully described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A switch box comprising separable units, one of said units comprising a bottom, end and diagonally cut back portion, and the other unit comprising a top, end, and diagonally cut back portion, a spacing strip insertable between the units, said spacing strip having a top, bottom, and back portion, the edge of the back portion being cut diagonally, and means for detachably connecting the units and spacing strip.

2. A switch box comprising separable units, one of said units comprising a bottom, end and diagonally cut back portion, and the other unit comprising a top, end, and diagonally cut back portion, a spacing strip insertable between the units, said spacing strip having a top, bottom, and back portion, the edge of the back portion being cut diagonally, and interlocking projections on the units and spacing strip for detachably connecting the same.

3. A switch box comprising separable units, one of said units comprising a bottom, end and diagonally cut back portion, and the other unit comprising a top, end and diagonally cut back portion, the units when connected together forming a box-like structure, the top of the one unit and the bottom of the other unit forming top and bottom portions of the structure and the diagonally cut back portions forming the back thereof, and means for fastening the units together.

A switch box comprising separable end units and a spacing unit, one of the end units comprising a bottom, end and diagonally cut back portion and the other end unit comprising a top, end and diagonally cut back portion, the spacing unit being adapted to cooperate with the end units to make up a complete box-like structure, and means for fastening the units together.

5. A switch box including two separable end units, means whereby the end units may be connected directly together to form a means for connecting the spacing units to the end units.

6. A switch box including two separable end units having their inner edges cut at an angle of less than 90, means whereby the end units may be connected directly together to form a box-like structure, a spacing unit insertable between the end units for expanding the box longitudinally, the ends of the spacing unit being cut at an angle less than 90, and means for connecting the spacing unit to the end units.

7. A switch box including two separable end units, the meeting edges of which are cut at an angle of less than 90, means whereby the end units may be connected directly together to form a box-like structure, spacing units insertable between the end units for expanding the box both longitudinally and vertically, the ends of the spacing units being cut at an angle less than 90, and means for connecting the spacing unit to the end units.

8. A switch box including two similar separable end units, means whereby the end units may be connected directly together to form a box-like structure, a spacing unit insertable between the end units, and means for connecting the spacing unit to the end units, said spacing unit being formed and adapted when inserted between the end units to space the end units longitudinally and to position them on difierent vertical planes.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

RICHARD M. HOLMES.

, box-like structure, spacing units insertable between the end units for expanding the box both longitudinally and vertically, and

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