US2550662A

US2550662A - Support for electrical fixtures

Info

Publication number: US2550662A
Application number: US8472A
Authority: US
Inventors: Jr Merritt B Austin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1948-02-14
Filing date: 1948-02-14
Publication date: 1951-05-01
Anticipated expiration: 1968-05-01

Description

y 1951 M. B. AUSTIN, JR 2,550,662

SUPPORT FOR ELECTRICAL FIXTURES Filed Feb. 14, 1948 INVENTOR. Me/"m'zz B. flu-film, MP?

WZLMMLW ATTORNEYS 4 Patented May 1, 1951 2,550,662 SUPPORT FOR ELECTRICAL FIXTURES Merritt BtAustin, Jr., Kenilworth, Ill.

Application February 14, 1948, Serial No. 8,472

This invention relates to fixture supports used in building construction, and more particularly to supports known as bar hangers which are adapted'to be fastened between joists to support electric outlet'boxes, switch boxes, lighting fixtures and the like. The present invention is concerned with improvements in the bar hanger shown in my Patent No. 2,233,334, issued February 25, 1941, entitled Support for Electric Fixtures and the Like." In. this patent, there is disclosed a bar hanger comprising a single strip of solid, rec tangular cross-section bar stock having angularly' bent and twisted ends, the bar being adapted to extend laterally between two adjacent joists at an angle determined by the spacing of the joists, and having a prong or spur projecting from one end to provide for temporarily holding the bar in'its desired position whereby the permanent fastening thereof is made more convenient.

Anobject of the present invention is to provide an improved bar hanger of the above type, which is very simple and rugged in construction and satisfactory for all intended uses, while at the same time being quicker and more convenient to install, and extremely economical to produce, and using a minimum amount or weight of inexpensive stock, and requiring but simple and inexpensive fabricating operations.

Another object of-the invention is to provide an improved bar hanger as characterized above, which has very effective and economical to-produce means for temporarily holding it in place to permit the permanent fastening thereof to the joists to be done very conveniently, the said means also providing for secure anchorage of the hanger to the joists.

In accomplishing the above objects there is provided, in accordance with the invention and in the'embodiment thereof illustrated herein, a bar hanger comprising a sheet metal strip-which is formed to have a channel-like cross-section, the strip also preferably having a concaveconvex web portion which is shaped or formed to provide a longitudinally extending groove on its outer face and a longitudinally extending rib .on its innerface. Intermediate its ends the strip carries a fixture-engaging coupling means which is preferably of the type disclosed and described in myabove-referred-to patent. The ends of the channel member are bent in the same direction substantially at right angles tothe member whereby the flanges of the strip are outermost, and the ends are also twisted in the'same direcs' Claims. (01. 24s 27) 2. I tion through an acute angle about their longi tudinal axes. The said bent'ends have means, as for example perforations, to receive nails, or screws whereby the channel strip may be secured to adjacent, oppositely facing sides of a pair of juxtaposed joists.

Joists which are spaced far apart will receive the channel strip between them at substantially right angles thereto, that is, the strip will extend perpendicularly between the joists. Joists having a closer spacing will require the channel strip to be extended angularly between them whereby acute angles are formed between the strip and joists. The bent ends of the strip preferably make an angle slightly greater, than 90 with the outside face of the web, and when the strip is applied to the joists it may be forced or hammered into place between them in such a manner that the edges of the flanges of the strip ends dig into and become embedded in the sides of the joists regardless of the angularity of the strip with respect to said sides.

By virtue of the angle between the strip and bent ends thereof being slightly greater than 90, sloping or tapering flange edges are presented to the sides of the joists, and these constitute in effect barbs which, while enabling the strip to be readily forced or hammered into position between the joists, yet effectively prevent removal or inadvertent dislodgment of the strip after it has been so positioned. By this organization a quick, convenient and efiective temporary positioning of the bar hanger may be had between a pair of juxtaposed joists regardless of variations in the spacing of the joists, thereby making it convenient todrive in the screws or nails whereby the bar hanger is permanently anchored in place, while at the same time the structure utilizes a minimum of stock or weight of metal, and permits of extremely simple and quick fabrication or forming. 1; The concavo-convex web of the channel strip provides added rigidity to the strip and at-th'e same time the outwardly facing groove in the web acts as a guide whereby the perforations in the bent ends may be readily found for insertion of the nails or screws, by simply sliding the point of. the nail or screw along the groove until it meets the desired perforation. Upon the nails or screws being driven in, the flange portions of the bent ends of the channel strip will be forced more deeply into the sides of the joists, and will result in an extremely secure and reliable an:- chorage, V Other features and advantages will hereinafter appear.

In the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 is a plan view of an improved bar hanger of the present invention, illustrating one embodiment thereof.

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the bar hanger shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a view showing the application of the bar hanger to joists spaced apart by the maximum distance for which the bar hanger is adapted.

Fig. 4 is a view like Fig. 3 but showing the bar hanger between joists spaced apart by a lesser distance, which may be for example the standard joist spacing.

Fig. 5 is a view like Figs. 3 and 4 but showing the application of the bar hanger to joists having a still lesser spacing. v

Fig. 6 is an elevational view of the bar hanger secured to joists which are shown in section, the hanger supporting a fixture such as an outlet box, and

Fig. 7 is a transverse sectional view on line l'l of Fig. 2.

Referring to. Figs. 1 and 2, the improved bar hanger shown therein as one embodiment of this invention comprises a sheet metal strip l0. preferably formed of steel, carrying a coupling l l to which a fixture, such as the switch box IE in Fig. 6, may be secured. The coupling 1 I is adjustably positionable on the strip l0, and is preferably of the type shown and described in my patent above-mentioned, having a clamping portion I3 which encompasses the strip It, and having a stud portion M which is secured to the clamping portion l3 by a screw l5, the stud portion i4 being receivable in suitable apertures in various electrical fixtures, outlet and switch boxes and the like.

Referring to Fig. '7, the clamping portion [3 of the coupling has an aperture l3a to receive the strip l0, and a threaded aperture iBb for receiving the clamping screw I5 which passes through the stud l4. Positioning of the coupling II is effected by tightening the screw l5, which forces a skirt 130 on the stud Hi to engage the web or flat portion of the strip l0.

In accordance with the present invention the strip I0 is preferably formed of sheet metal, to have a substantially channel-shaped cross-section as shown, with side flanges l8 and I1, and

a connecting web portion I8. Preferably the web portion N3 of the strip l d is concavoconvex, that is, shaped or formed to present a groove I9 on its outer surface, extending longitudinally of the strip, and to present a rib 20 on its inner surface which is complimentary to the groove is and also extends longitudinally of the strip.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, according to the invention, the ends 2| of the strip 10 are bent in the same direction (upwardly as viewed in Fig. 2) wherebythe flanges of the ends are outermost and the said ends form an angle with the outer surface of the web portion I8 which is substantially 90 and preferably slightly greater than 90, and the ends 2i are also twisted in the same direction about their longitudinal axes and through a small acute angle. The ends 2i are provided with apertures or perforations 22, having their centers lying approximately at the deepest part of the groove 9, for receiving nails or screws by which the strip I0 may be secured be tween a pair of juxtaposed joists to extend laterally thereof.

By this novel organization and construction an extremely advantageous, quick and convenient 4 installation of the bar hanger is made possible. Referring to Figs. 1 and 2 it will be noted that the flange portions l6 and I! of the bent ends 2| present sharp edges or ribs 23 which are facing outwardly, that is, the edges or ribs 23 face away from the center of the strip l0, and the edges or ribs of one bent end face oppositely to the edges of the other bent end, each suitably positioned for embedment in an adjacent joist. Also, as shown in Fig. 2, the said edges or ribs are sloping or inclined with respect to a perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the strip H This enables the strip to be easily and quickly positioned between a pair of juxtaposed joists such as the joists 24 of Fig. 3, 25 of Fig. 4, 26 of Fig. 5 or 2'! of Fig. 6, and to be temporarily held in the position whereby the permanent fastening means, such as screws or nails, may be applied through the perforations 22 in the bar hanger ends 2|.

In positioning the strip. l0- between the joists 24. 25, 25. or 2'1, one bent end, 21 of the stripv may be. placed against a, side surface. of one joist and pressure applied, or blows from a hammer, to cause either one or both of the. edges 23. of the flange portions of the said end to become embedded in the side of the joist, the other end of the strip being positioned overthe corner of the other joist, such corner being the one formed bythe junction of the adjacent side face of the second joist and the outer edge face of said joist. This second end of the strip may then be hammered orotherwise forced inward with respect to the second joist, to cause the edges 23 of the flanges I6 and l! to cut into the adjacent side face of the second joist. 'I'h-e forcing inward of the said second end is continued until both bent ends of the. strip l0 have attained an equal depth along the adjacent side faces of the pair of joists.

It will be seen that the movement; by which the second end of the strip I0 is forced inward along the side face of the second joist is facilitated by the slope of the edges 23 of the strip end, which slope is a result of the angle between the end and the strip being slightly greater than 90. In. effect a camming action exists when the second end of the strip is forced inward in this manner, and the end may be carnmed inward, the edges of the flanges l6 and I! functioning as barbs at the extremity of the end 2 I and preventing inadvertent withdrawal of the strip or dislodgment from the position in which it is placed. This may be readily seen by inspection of Fig. 6.

Such procedure for temporarily positionin the bar it between a pair of joists may be followed regardless of variable spacing between the joists as shown in Figs. 3, 4 and 5. After the strip Ill has been temporarily positioned between the joists, nails or screws may be applied through he perforations 22 whereby the strip I0 is securely anchored in place.

Intermediate its ends 2| the strip It) may be provided with a perforation 28 and a slot 29 whereby a fixture or outlet box or the like may be screwed to the strip without the use of the coupling II, the latter being discarded or moved to one side. If the coupling ll is used, the hollow surface of the web 18 will provide clearance for the inner end of the screw [5. The formation of the web IS with its hollow outer surface or groove l9 not only provides clearance for the end of the screw IE but also increases the strength and rigidity of the strip 10, and facilitates the application of the nails or screws since the points sired perforation.

It will be seen that by the provision of the novel channel-section strip of the present invention, with ang'ularly bent and twisted ends, an extremely advantageous bar hanger is provided which has considerable structural rigidity satisfactory for all intended purposes, is economical of metal, requiring a minimum Weight of sheet metal of simple channel-shaped cross-section, and enables a quick and effective temporary positioning of the bar hanger between a pair of juxtaposed joists to be readily accomplished prior to securement of the hanger permanently to the joists.

Variations and modifications may be made within the scope of this invention and portions of the improvements may be used without others.

I claim:

1. A support for electrical fixtures, comprising a bar formed of sheet metal and having a substantially channel-shaped cross-section, the ends of the bar being bent to extend in substantially the same direction at substantially right angles to the bar, with the flanges of said ends outermost, the said bent ends being adapted to be secured to the adjacent sides of a pair of spaced joists to support the bar at an angle with respect to the joists as determined by the spacing between the joists.

2. A support for electrical fixtures, comprising a bar formed of sheet metal and having a substantially channel-shaped cross-section, the ends of the bar being bent to extend in substantially the same direction at substantially right angles to the bar, with the flanges of said ends outermost, and being twisted through an acute angle in the same directions about their longitudinal axes, the said bent ends bein adapted to be secured to the adjacent sides of a pair of spaced joists to support the bar at an angle with respect to the joists as determined by the spacing between the joists.

3. A support for electrical fixtures, comprising a bar formed of sheet metal and having a substantially channel-shaped cross-section, the web of the bar being concavo-convex, presenting an inwardly disposed longitudinally extending rib between the flanges of the bar and presenting an outer, hollow surface, the ends of the bar being bentto extend in substantially the same direction at substantially right angles to the bar, with the flanges of said ends outermost, the said bent ends being adapted to be secured to the adjacent sides of a pair of spaced joists to support the bar at an angle with respect to the joists as determined by the spacing between the joists.

4. A support for electrical fixtures, comprising a bar formed of sheet metal and having a substantially channel-shaped cross-section, the web of the bar being concavo-convex, presenting an inwardly disposed longitudinally extending rib between the flanges of the bar and presenting a longitudinally extending groove at its outer surface, the ends of the bar being bent to extend in substantially the same direction at substantially right angles to the bar, with the flanges of said ends outermost, the said bent ends having apertures in their webs centered substantially at the deepest part of said groove for receiving fastenings to secure the ends to the adjacent sides of a pair of spaced joists whereby the bar is supported at an angle with respect to the joists as determined the spacing between the joists.

' 5. A support for electrical fixtures, comprising a bar, the ends of which extend in substantially the same direction at more than right angles to the bar as to diverge slightly, the said ends being adapted to be secured to the adjacent sides of a of spaced joists to support the bar at an angle with respect to the joists as determined by the spacing between the joists; and a rib on each angularly extended end of the bar, said rib extending longitudinally of the end at the outer surface thereof for imbedment into the said sides oi the and having a sharp outer corner at its end'adjacent the end' of the bar.

6. A support for electrical fixtures, comprising a bar, the ends or" which extend in substantially the same direction at substantially right angles to the bar, the said ends being adapted to be secured to the adjacent sides of a pair of spaced joists to support the bar at an angle with respect to the joists as determined by the spacing between the joists; and a narrow, high and relatively sharp rib on each angularly extended end of the bar, said rib extending longitudinally of the end at the outer surface thereof for imbedrnent into the said sides of the joists.

7. A support for electrical fixtures, comprising a bar formed of sheet metal and having a substantially channel-shaped cross-section, the ends of the bar being bent to extend in substantially the same direction at more than right angles to the bar so as to diverge slightly with the flanges of said ends outermost, said flanges having sharp outer corners at each end thereof, the ends of the bar being adapted to be secured to the adjacent sides of a pair of spaced joists to support the bar at an angle with respect to the joists as determined by the spacing between the joists.

8. A support for electrical fixtures, comprising a bar formed of sheet metal and having a substantially channel-shaped cross-section, the ends of the bar being bent to extend in substantially the same direction at more than right angles to the bar, with the flanges of said ends outermost, and being twisted through an acute angle in the same directions about their longitudinal axes, the said ends being adapted to be secured to the adjacent sides of a pair of spaced joists to support the bar at an angle with respect to the joists as determined by the spacing between the joists. .MERRITT B. AUSTIN, JR.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS