US2293776A - Electrical fitting - Google Patents

Description

25, 1942- I c. L. STEBER 2,293,776

ELECTRICAL FITTING Filed May 12, 1939 INVENTOR.

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Patented Aug. 25, 1942 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ELECTRICAL FITTING Clarence L. Steber, Chicago, Ill.

Application May 12, 1939, Serial No. 273,273

1 Claim.

This invention relates to an electric fitting, and the primary object of the invention is the provision of a device or fitting which can be arranged outside of a building to support a lighting fixture by means of a gooseneck or conduit, the device or fitting being formed in one piece, preferably by a casting, and having a watertight cover which can be readily and instantly removed so as to permit easy access to the interior of the box.

Another object of the invention is to provide a one piece waterproof fitting which will act as an outlet box, juncture box or conduit connector, the same acting as a bracket or a support to make the proper electrical connection to an electric lamp or electric appliance.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a one piece cast box provided with attaching ears to permit ready and instant attachment of the fitting to a structure such as the outside of a house or barn, there being threaded openings provided in the fitting to threadedly engage a conduit into which the electric wires lead to the fitting, as well as the provision of a threaded boss into which another conduit or supporting bracket may be threaded.

The invention also contemplates a sturdy. rugged, one piece structure provided with a re movable plate to permit ready access into the interior thereof for the purpose of making electric connections from the source of supply to a lamp or appliance; furthermore, the invention contemplates the construction of a box which can be readily and easily manufactured, which will sell at a low cost, which will meet the underwriters requirements, and which will greatly reduce and minimize the fire hazard inherent in the construction which is conventionally employed.

Numerous other objects and advantages will be apparent throughout the progress of the following specification.

The accompanying drawing illustrates a selected embodiment of the invention and the views therein are as follows:

Fig. 1 is an elevational view of the improved electric fitting;

Fig. 2 is a detail sectional view;

Fig. 3 is a detail side elevation; and

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 2, showing the front of the box arranged at an inclined angle.

The electric fitting herein shown for the purpose of illustrating the invention comprises a one piece cast fitting or receptacle 5 including a front wall 6, a side wall 1, a rear wall 8, a

top wall 9, and a bottom wall l0, all of the said walls being integral and cast in one piece. The side wall opposite the side wall 1 is provided with an opening H which is adapted to be closed by a weatherproof plate or closure I2.

The top wall 9 is provided with an overhanging lip [3 which engages a recess I4 on the front cover l2. A projection I5 extends upwardly of the recess l4 and engages the inside of the overhanging lip l3, as clearly shown in Fig. 2. A flange or rib I6 is provided interiorly of the box and extends about the opening H so as to provide a bearing against which the cover plate I2 engages. A gasket I1 is arranged between the inner surface of the plate or cover l2 and the web or rib I6, and a screw 18 passes through the cover plate and threadedly engages a threaded opening l9 provided in the base or bottom H1. The overhanging lip 13 prevents water from engaging in the seam or crack at the top of the box and has a binding or squeezing action against the gasket I! when the screw 18 is screwed tightly in place.

A boss 20 is integrally formed on the front 6 and extends outwardly a predetermined distance. This boss is adapted to be screw-threaded threadedly to receive a conduit 2|. The bottom I0 is cast relatively thick and is provided with a threaded opening 22 threadedly to receive a conduit 23 in which the electric conductors 24, 24 lead from a source of supply to the interior of. the fitting. Ears 25, 25a, and 252) are integrally formed. with the box and cast therewith for the purpose of securing the fitting to a structure, the ears receiving screws or other fastening members 26 for so securing the fitting in position.

In Fig. 4, the fitting 5 may be recessed a predetermined distance in a side wall thereof to close the opening, the top wall 9 being provided with a recess 21 into which the upper edge of the closing plate I2 extends. A rib 28 may be formed completely about the opening II to form a support or backing for the plate l2. A gasket 29 is arranged between the rib 28 and the inside of the cover plate l2 to permit the watertight connection. The plate may be inclined at a predetermined angle, as shown in Fig. 4, to act as a water shed because the device is particularly applicable for use outside, the single screw l8 locking the cover plate in position and making a waterproof connection therewith.

A light fixture 30 may be operatively connected to the conduit or light supporting bracket 2|, conductors being electrically connected from the light socket to the interior of the box and electrically connected to the conductors 24. Instead of a lamp or globe 30 being connected to the conduit 2|, it is of course understood that an electric connector of some kind, such as a socket, may be carried at the end of the conduit 2| to make electric connection with an electric appliance.

The invention provides a rugged, economical, Waterproof, one piece electric fitting which not only acts as an outlet box, juncture box, or other similar structure, but acts as a support for a lighting fixture. The device is particularly adaptable for outside use, particularly on farm houses, barns, garages, and other places where a rugged, waterproof structure of an exceedingly low price is required.

Changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the parts without de- 7 parting from the spirit of the invention or sacrificing any of its advantages, and the right is hereby reserved to make all such changes as fairly fall Within the scope of the following claim.

The invention is hereby claimed as follows:

A one piece cast electrical fitting comprising a substantially rectangularly shaped box having five integral walls and an open side, means in a plurality of said walls for receiving an electrical conduit or the like, means integral with the box providing for attachment of the fitting exteriorly thereof to a structure, a removable cover plate for covering the opening in said side, a gasket interposed between said cover plate and the walls of said box, the top of said box having an overhanging lip adapted to extend over and downwardly with respect to the cover plate and being provided with a recess interiorly of said lip, said cover plate having an upper portion insertable within said recess and being otherwise directly receivable against the walls of the box, and fastening means passing through said cover plate and threadedly engaging a lower portion of said box, whereby the upper portion of the cover plate is insertable within said recess to press against the upper portion of said gasket and the plate is fulcrumed within said overhanging and downwardly extending lip by operation of said fastening means to squeeze against all portions of the gasket and provide a waterproof closure.

CLARENCE L. STEBER.

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