U.S. patent application number 10/971921 was filed with the patent office on 2005-10-13 for electrical box extension.
Invention is credited to WEGNER, PAUL BRETT, WEGNER, WESLEY GENE.
Application Number | 20050224249 10/971921 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 28794921 |
Filed Date | 2005-10-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050224249 |
Kind Code |
A2 |
WEGNER, WESLEY GENE ; et
al. |
October 13, 2005 |
ELECTRICAL BOX EXTENSION
Abstract
Disclosed is an electrical box extension that includes an
extending member for switch and/or plug mounting having one or more
fastening brackets, one or more base fastening brackets and one or
more fasteners that together with optional contact points provide
for mechanical and electrical connectivity between the extending
member and its associated electrical box and provide sufficient
mechanical resistance to support the adjustable elevation of the
elevating member thereby supporting a flush surface for surface
mounted sockets, switches and their associated plates.
Inventors: |
WEGNER, WESLEY GENE;
(THOUSAND OAKS, CA) ; WEGNER, PAUL BRETT; (LOS
ANGELES, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL BLAINE BROOKS, P.C.
P.O. BOX 1630
SIMI VALLEY
CA
93062-1630
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 0082079 A1 |
April 21, 2005 |
|
|
Family ID: |
28794921 |
Appl. No.: |
10/971921 |
Filed: |
October 21, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
174/58 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02G 3/12 20130101; H02G
3/121 20130101; H02G 3/086 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
174/058 |
International
Class: |
H02G 003/08 |
Claims
What is Claimed is:
1. An adapting member adapted to detachably attach to an electrical
box via at least one screw and to slidably attach to an extending
member via one or more fasteners, wherein the extending member is
adapted to detachably attach to at least one electrical device, the
adapting member comprising:a first set of one or more fastener
mounting brackets, each fastener mounting bracket comprising a tab
having one or more guiding apertures; anda mudring comprising:a
base having one or more apertures adapted to receive the at least
one screw; anda flange integrally attached to a front side of the
base; wherein the flange forms an opening adapted to receive the
extending member when retracted;wherein each tab extends behind the
front side of the base to a position coinciding with and reachable
through the opening, whereby the one or more associated guiding
apertures are adapted to engage at least one of the one or more
fasteners disposed within the opening; andwherein rotation of one
or more fasteners displaces the extending member relative to the
flange in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base.
2. The adapting member of claim 1, wherein each of the first set of
one or more mounting brackets projects from the flange.
3. The adapting member of claim 2, wherein one or more of the first
set of mounting brackets are integrally connected to the flange,
and each tab is substantially perpendicular to the flange.
4. The adapting member of claim 1, wherein the first set of one or
more mounting brackets project from the base.
5. The adapting member of claim 4, wherein the first set of one or
more mounting brackets are integrally connected to the base.
6. The adapting member of claim 1, wherein the tab of each of the
first set of one or more mounting brackets is substantially
parallel to the base.
7. The adapting member of claim 6, wherein each of the first set of
one or more mounting brackets comprises a first portion
substantially perpendicular to the base, each first portion
projecting from the mudring opposite the front side of the
base.
8. The adapting member of claim 1, wherein the adapting member
further comprises said extending member telescopically engaged to
the mudring.
9. The adapting member of claim 8, wherein the extending member is
centrally disposed within the opening of the flange.
10. 10. The adapting member of claim 8, wherein the depth of the
extending member in the direction substantially perpendicular to
the base is greater than the depth of the flange.
11. 11. The adapting member of claim 8, wherein the extending
member comprises a second set of one or more mounting brackets.
12. The adapting member of claim 11, wherein each of the second set
of one or more mounting brackets comprises one or more guiding
apertures.
13. The adapting member of claim 12, wherein the guiding apertures
of the first set of one or more mounting brackets and the guiding
apertures of the second set of one or more mounting brackets are
aligned in the direction substantially perpendicular to the
base.
14. The adapting member of claim 13, wherein the adapting member
further comprises said one or more fasteners, and each of the
fasteners is a threaded fastener adapted to:threadedly engage one
of the guiding apertures of the first set of one or more mounting
brackets; androtationally engage, in a fixed longitudinal
relationship, one of the guiding apertures of the second set of one
or more mounting brackets.
15. The adapting member of claim 13, wherein the adapting member
further comprises the one or more fasteners, and each of the
fasteners is a threaded fastener adapted to:rotationally engage one
of the guiding apertures of the first set of one or more mounting
brackets with restricted longitudinal displacement; andthreadedly
engage one of the guiding apertures of the second set of one or
more mounting brackets.
16. The adapting member of claim 13, wherein each of the one or
more fasteners comprises a grommet fixed to a portion of the
fastener between the associated guiding aperture of the first set
of one or more mounting brackets and the associated guiding
aperture of the second set of one or more mounting brackets.
17. The adapting member of claim 13, wherein the adapting member
further comprises the one or more fasteners, and each of the
fasteners is a threaded fastener comprising:a first portion
threadedly engaged to one of the guiding apertures of the first set
of one or more mounting brackets with a thread pattern having a
first direction; anda second portion threadedly engaged to one of
the guiding apertures of the second set of one or more mounting
brackets with a thread pattern having a direction opposite the
first direction.
18. The adapting member of claim 13, wherein the adapting member
further comprises the one or more fasteners, and each of the
fasteners is a comb pin adapted to engage one of the guiding
apertures of the first set of one or more mounting brackets and
engage one of the guiding apertures of the second set of one or
more mounting brackets, wherein rotation of one or more fasteners
facilitates extension and retraction of the extending member
relative to the flange in a direction substantially perpendicular
to the base.
19. The adapting member of claim 1, wherein the electrical device
is selected from the group consisting of electrical sockets and
switches.
20. The adapting member of claim 1, wherein the adapting member
further comprises said electrical box.
21. An adapting member adapted to detachably attach to an
electrical box via at least one screw and slidably attach to an
extending member via one or more fasteners, wherein the extending
member is adapted to detachably attach to at least one electrical
device, the adapting member comprising:one or more mounting
brackets, each mounting bracket comprising a first portion and a
tab; each tab comprising one or more guiding apertures; anda
mudring integrally connected to the one or more mounting brackets,
the mudring comprising:a base having two or more apertures adapted
to receive the at least one screw; anda flange integrally attached
to a front side of the base; wherein the flange forms an opening
adapted to receive the extending member therein when
retracted;wherein each first portion projects opposite the front
side and in a direction away from the base, and wherein each tab
projects substantially parallel with the base to a position behind
the front side of the base coinciding with the opening, whereby the
one or more guiding apertures are adapted to engage at least one of
the one or more fasteners disposed within the opening; andwherein
rotation of one or more fasteners displaces the extending member
relative to the flange in a direction substantially perpendicular
to the base.
22. An adapting member blank to be folded, wherein the folded
adapting member blank is adapted to detachably attach to an
electrical box via at least one screw and slidably attach to an
extending member via at least one fastener, wherein the extending
member is adapted to detachably attach to at least one electrical
device, the adapting member blank comprising:a substantially flat
base portion having one or more apertures adapted to receive the at
least one screw;a substantially flat flange portion integrally
attached to the base portion, wherein the flange portion forms a
cavity; andone or more substantially flat mounting brackets
projecting from the base portion outwardly with respect to the
cavity, each mounting bracket portion comprising a tab with a
guiding aperture, wherein the guiding aperture is adapted to
rotatably engage one or more of the at least one fasteners.
Description
Detailed Description of the Invention
[0001] CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] This application is a continuation-in-part of application
Ser. No. 10/349,746 filed January 21, 2003, which is a
continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/144,210 filed May
13, 2002, and claims the benefit of provisional application No.
60/370,419, to Wesley Gene Wegner and Paul Brett Wegner entitled
"ELECTRICAL BOX EXTENSION," filed April 4, 2002, and all three
applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein, in their
entirety, for all purposes.
[0003] BACKGROUND
[0004] This invention generally relates to electrical equipment for
housing electrical devices such as switches and outlets, and
particularly to electrical box extensions.
[0005] Electrical boxes are commonly used to provide electrical
service at convenient locations within buildings. The electrical
boxes are commonly formed of plastic or metal and are usually
securely fastened by screws or nails to the framework of a
structure being prepared for electrification. In newly constructed
buildings, the open face of the electrical box, within which an
electrical device such as an outlet or switch will be mounted, is
usually flush with the surface of the wall or ceiling in which it
is installed.
[0006] When buildings are renovated or restored or otherwise
modified from their original wall and ceiling surfaces, it is
common for renovators to lay down new sheet stock such as sheet
rock, paneling, and the like, over the existing ceilings or walls.
This process of layering causes the existing electrical boxes to
become recessed within the built-up wall by the thickness of the
new sheet stock. A need for extension therefore occurs when the box
or mud ring has been placed and then tile, brick or some other wall
covering is added thereby causing the screw mounts for plugs and/or
switches to be recessed within the wall.
[0007] To solve this problem, box extenders of several different
types have been developed. One type relies on a friction fit to
hold the box extender in the existing electrical box. This extender
does not provide a secure attachment to the existing box and may
allow an attached electrical device to slide further within the box
as the extender will slide based on an external force.
[0008] Another type of extender consists of an extension having
walls of approximately the same configuration as the existing box
and of fixed depths of extension. The extender is available in
several depths to accommodate several different sheet stock
thicknesses. Although there are several depths available, the depth
is not continuously variable resulting in an inability to
consistently provide a depth extension bringing the existing box
flush with the outer wall surface.
[0009] Another type of extender includes a body portion having at
least one wall and open faces. The extender includes side flanges
having holes that align with brackets that are connected to the
electrical box. This extender is difficult to use and install as
brackets must be firmly attached to the electrical box and then two
screws are used to attach each flange of the extender to the
electrical box.
[0010] There remains a need to extend the electrical box with a
minimal number of parts that provide ready height adjustment while
maintaining mechanical and structural soundness and electrical
connectivity including ground, and thereby compensate for add-ons
to a wall that cause depth to be added between the box or ring and
the outer wall.
[0011] SUMMARY
[0012] Disclosed is an electrical box extension including an
extending member with one or more fastening brackets, one or more
fastening brackets and one or more elevating fasteners such as a
double reverse screw or a standard threaded screw with attached
grommet for mechanically connecting and, in the case of the double
reverse screw electrically connecting, the extending member and the
box via the fasteners, brackets, and/or ridges and thereby
providing sufficient mechanical resistance to support the
adjustable elevation of the extending member and providing a flush
surface for surface mounted sockets, switches and their associated
plates. Where a standard threaded screw is used or in embodiments
without elevating fasteners or without loaded springs, the
extending member provides electrical connectivity via one or more
protrusions or projections from the sleeve against an electrical
box and/or adapting member.
[0013] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] For a more complete understanding of the present invention
and for further features and advantages, reference is now made to
the following description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a top view of a reverse screw embodiment of the
present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of a reverse screw
embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of a reverse screw
embodiment of the present invention in partial extension;
[0018] FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of an alternative reverse
screw embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a reverse screw embodiment
of the present invention mounted on an electrical box;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a top view of a reverse screw embodiment of the
present invention mounted on an electrical box;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a reverse screw embodiment
of the present invention mounted on an electrical box;
[0022] FIG. 6A is a side view of a reverse screw used in an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 6B is a top view of a reverse screw used in an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of an alternative
embodiment of the present invention having a bracket attached to
the electrical box;
[0025] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of an alternative
embodiment of the present invention engaging an electrical box;
[0026] FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view of an alternative
embodiment of the present invention engaging an electrical box;
[0027] FIG. 7D is a cross-sectional view of an alternative
embodiment of the present invention engaging an electrical box;
[0028] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an extending member of an
alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 9 is a top view of a mud ring member of an alternative
embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an extending member within
a mud ring member of an alternative embodiment of the present
invention;
[0031] FIG. 11A is a top view of an assembly of an alternative
embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 11B is a top view of an assembly of an alternative
embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional view of an assembly of an
alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of an assembly of an
alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 12C is a cross-sectional view of an assembly of an
alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 12D is a cross-sectional view of an assembly of an
alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 13A is a perspective view of an extending member of an
alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 13B is a perspective view of an extending member
portion of an alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an extending member of an
alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 15 is a top view of an assembly of an alternative
embodiment of the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 16 is a planform view of an extending member of an
alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 17 is an extending member of an alternative embodiment
of the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 18 is a planform of a mud ring member of an alternative
embodiment of the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 19 is a top view of a mud ring member of an alternative
embodiment of the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 20A is a perspective view of an extending member within
an adapting member of an alternative embodiment of the present
invention;
[0046] FIG. 20B is a perspective view of an extending member within
an adapting member of an alternative embodiment of the present
invention;
[0047] FIG. 21 is a top view of an assembly of an alternative
embodiment of the present invention;
[0048] FIG. 22 is a top view of a washer of an alternative
embodiment of the present invention;
[0049] FIG. 23A is a cross-sectional view of an assembly of an
alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0050] FIG. 23B is a cross-sectional view of an assembly of an
alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0051] FIG. 24 is a top view of an adapting member of an
alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0052] FIG. 25 is a top view of an assembly of an alternative
embodiment of the present invention;
[0053] FIG. 26 is a top view of an adapting member of an
alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0054] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an extending member of an
alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0055] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an assembly of an
alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0056] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of an extending member of an
alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0057] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of an assembly of an
alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0058] FIG. 31A is a front view of an elevating fastener of an
alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0059] FIG. 31B is a top view of an elevating fastener of an
alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0060] FIG. 31C is a side view of an elevating fastener of an
alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0061] FIG. 31D is a perspective view of an elevating fastener
proximate to receiving brackets of an alternative embodiment of the
present invention;
[0062] FIG. 31E is a perspective view of an elevating fastener
within receiving brackets of an alternative embodiment of the
present invention;
[0063] FIG. 31E is a perspective view of an elevating fastener
inserted within receiving brackets of an alternative embodiment of
the present invention;
[0064] FIG. 31F is a perspective view of an elevating fastener
engaged between receiving brackets of an alternative embodiment of
the present invention;
[0065] FIG. 31G is a perspective view of an elevating fastener
engaged between receiving brackets of an alternative embodiment of
the present invention;
[0066] FIG. 32 is a top view of two-gang extending member
embodiment of the present invention;
[0067] FIG. 33 is a top view of two-gang adapting member embodiment
of the present invention;
[0068] FIG. 34 is a top view of two-gang assembly embodiment of the
present invention;
[0069] FIG. 35 is an isometric view of an example alternative
extending member of the present invention;
[0070] FIG. 36 is a top view of the example alternative extending
member of the present invention;
[0071] FIG. 37 is a top view of alternative example of a mud ring
member or adapting member embodiment of the present invention;
[0072] FIG. 38 is a top view of an assembly of an alternative
embodiment of the present invention wherein the tabs or brackets of
the mud ring have been removed;
[0073] FIG. 39 is a perspective view of an extending member within
an adapting member of an alternative embodiment of the present
invention;
[0074] FIG. 40 is a top view of an assembly of an alternative
embodiment of the present invention;
[0075] FIG. 41 is a perspective view of an extending member within
an adapting member of an alternative embodiment of the present
invention;
[0076] FIG. 42 is a top view of an assembly of an alternative
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0077] FIG. 43 is a perspective view of an extending member within
an adapting member of an alternative embodiment of the present
invention.
[0078] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0079] The extending member, or sliding tubular member, is an
attachable or otherwise adjustable element of an assembly comprised
of the extending member and a mud ring, adapting member or
electrical box. A first embodiment has at least two sets of
mounting brackets, placed in each of two diametrically opposed
corners. One bracket is placed at the base of the ring and extends
into the open portion of the ring. The second bracket is preferably
placed proximate to the base of the extending member to maximize
screw/extending member travel. An alternative embodiment has the
second bracket approximately midway between the base and top of the
extending member. Each bracket has a tapped entry for a combination
left-right thread screw. By turning either screw, the extension is
elevated or lowered such that the outer edge of the extension is
made substantially flush with the wall surface. The design of the
brackets and screw mounting effects a solid ground and satisfies
the electrical grounding requirements. Embodiments without the
fasteners use protrusions from the extension and/or the ring to
maintain the electrical grounding. Additional sets of mounting
brackets may be required depending primarily upon the ring/box
size. For example, an example two-gang article has mounting
brackets on the middle portion of each of the opposite inner sides
of the adapting member.
[0080] FIG. 1 illustrates the upper screw mounting plates 4 or
brackets and lower screw mounting plates 5 orbracketsof the present
invention that are placed such that fastener such as a reverse
thread screw 3 connects the at least two brackets, the upper
bracket 4 and the lower bracket 5, and when rotated, the screw 3
works to lower and raise the sleeve or extending member 2 relative
to the mud ring or adapting member 1. While a reverse thread screw
3 is shown as the fastener, other fasteners of adjustable height
that provide mechanical and electrical connectivity may be
substituted. The extending member 2, extension or sleeve is shown
is a tubular member with a transversal shape that is substantially
rectangular. The transversal shape of the extension may also be
circular, oval or multifaceted depending upon the adapting member
to which it is attached. The switch/plug screw plates 6 are a part
of the extension 2 or the extension 2 is embodied alternatively
such that the end portions of the extension 2 fit about the plates
6. In the preferred embodiment, the lower bracket 5 is fixedly
attached to the adapting member 1. Alternatively, the lower bracket
5 may be fixedly attached to an electrical box (not shown) or
similar housing.
[0081] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view 8 of FIG. 1 that
illustrates the manner in which a screw 3 engages the upper
mounting bracket 4 and lower mounting bracket 5. The lower bracket
5 is fixedly attached to the mud ring or adapting member 1. The
upper bracket 4 is fixedly attached to the sleeve, extension, or
extending member 2. By turning the one or more screws 3, the
extension 2 rises or falls along the axis of extension and
retraction 80 or principal axis of extension depending upon the
direction of turn of the one or more screws 3. An extending member
elevated with respect to the adapting member is illustrated in FIG.
2B. An alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2C, the lower
bracket 5` is attached to the ring 1, but configured with an
extending portion to support greater screw travel and longer
reverse thread screws 3`.
[0082] FIGS. 3-5 illustrate an embodiment of the present invention
from various perspectives as it is mounted on an electrical box 7.
FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of an embodiment of the present
invention mounted on an electrical box 7. The extending member 2 is
shown within the flange of the adapting member 1. A screw 3 as an
example fastener is visible mechanically connecting the extension 2
to the ring 1 by way of a lower bracket 5 fixedly attached to the
ring 1 and an upper bracket 4 fixedly attached to the extending
member 2. The upper and lower brackets are also referred to as a
set or pair of brackets 4 and 5. FIG. 4 provides a top view of the
present invention mounted on an electrical box and shows the
preferred embodiment with a screw 3 and pair of brackets 4 and 5
diagonally opposed from a second screw 3 and pair of brackets. The
lower bracket 5 may, in an alternative embodiment, be fixedly
attached to the box 7 and is illustrated below (FIG. 7A) in
cross-sectional view 89. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an
embodiment of the present invention mounted on an electrical box
and illustrating a typical travel of the extending member 2
relative to the remaining screw thread.
[0083] In the preceding example embodiment, fasteners are used to
provide mechanical and electrical contact and provide for the
adjusting of the sliding or extending member. FIGS. 6A and 6B
illustrate side and top views 9 of the reverse thread screw 3 of an
embodiment of the present invention. The screw length selected
depends upon the particular embodiment used as is described in
detail below.
[0084] Rather than the one or more lower brackets 5 (FIG. 2A) being
fixedly attached to the ring 1, in an alternative embodiment of the
present invention, the one or more lower brackets 5 (FIG. 2B) are
fixedly attached to the box 7 shown inFIG. 7A in cross-section view
ofFIG. 4. The extending member 2 remains in electrical and
mechanical contact with the box by way of the one or more screws 3
as disclosed above by engaging the one or more upper brackets 4 and
the one or more lower brackets 31. Depending on the dimensions of
the box 7 relative to the extending member 2, a ring 1 or other
adapting member thereby becomes optional in this alternative
embodiment as a separate member and otherwise the functionality of
the ring 1 is taken on by the box 7. An alternative embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 7B has at least one tapped aperture 30 of the
electrical box 7 rather thanthe one or more lower brackets 31 for
engaging the screw 3`. FIG. 7C illustrates an embodiment where in
place of an adapting member or ring, the electrical box has a
mounting surface or bracket 31 and the extending member or slider 2
is in close proximity to the walls of the box 7. Mechanical and
electrical contact illustrated in FIGS. 7C and 7D is enhanced where
the embodiments include one or more protrusions 55 from the slider
2 outer surface contacting at least one of the inside walls of the
box 7.
[0085] An alternative embodiment of the present invention
illustrated in FIG. 8 has a sliding member 10 with a plurality of
protrusions 14 stamped into the sliding member wall. The protrusion
is produced by at least one of several fabricating means including
bending the extension, punching the extension and the build-up of
electrically conductive material. In this embodiment, the sliding
member is attached and its elevation relative to a mounting surface
adjusted with fasteners (not shown) inserted into attachment
surface 11. A ring 12 is illustrated in FIG. 9 where additional
attachment surfaces 13 are provided by the ring 12. Preferably, the
mounting surfaces 13 are part of a stamped die comprising the ring
12 with extended tabs 13 that are subsequently folded back and
under the main portion of the ring 12 or stamped so as to protrude
into the main aperture and so as to be aligned with the attachment
surfaces 11 of the sliding member 10 (not shown).
[0086] FIG. 10 illustrates the sliding member 10 inserted into the
main aperture of the ring 12. The protrusions of the sliding member
14 are in contact with the inner wall of the ring 12 and thereby
provide electrical and mechanical contact between the ring 12 and
the sliding member. The aperture 31 of the attachment surface 11 of
the sliding member 10 and the aperture 32 of the attachment surface
13 of the ring 12 are aligned such that fasteners 15 (not shown)
such as machine screws are able to connect the surfaces by
insertion into the apertures 31, 32 of the surfaces 11, 13. While
both the apertures of the attachment surfaces 11 of the sliding
member 10 and the attachment surfaces 13 of the ring 12 may be
tapped to engage a screw, a preferred embodiment has the attachment
surfaces 11 of the sliding member 10 as atapped aperture 32 and a
smooth guiding aperture 31 for the attachment surfaces 13 of the
ring 12. An alternative embodiment has the attachment surfaces 11
of the sliding member 10 as a smooth guidingaperture 32 and tapped
aperture 31 for the attachment surfaces 13 of the ring 12.
[0087] FIG. 11A illustrates from a top view the interaction of the
protrusions 14 of the sliding member 10 with the inner walls of the
ring 12. In this example, the fasteners 15 are in place connecting
surfaces of the ring 10 and sliding member 12. FIG. 11B illustrates
a similar embodiment where the brackets 11 are along the same sides
as those having the plug-mounting bracket 6.
[0088] Throughout FIGS. 12A-12D, horizontal, substantially
continual, protrusions 14 are illustrated. Alternative embodiments
have vertical, substantially continual protrusions, arrays of
hemispherical protrusions, and other shapes protruding from at
least one of extending member 10 outer walls. FIG. 12A is a
cross-sectional view of FIG. 11A illustrating the fastener 15
connecting with the bracket surface of the ring 12 and the bracket
surface of the sliding member surface 11. A grommet 17 is
illustrated as attached to the fastener 15 at a point below the
sliding member bracket surface 11 as an example of a means of
constraining the travel of the sliding member bracket surface 11
along the fastener 15. Put another way, the grommet 17 is used to
force the extending member 10 to travel and secures the screw 15 to
which it is attached. FIG. 12B illustrates an embodiment where a
spring is placed about the fastener 15 in tension between the
bracket surfaces 11, 13. FIG. 12C is a cross-sectional view of FIG.
11B illustrating the fastener 15 connecting with the bracket
surface of the ring 13 and the bracket surface of the sliding
member surface 11. The grommet 17 is shown applying force to the
extending member 10. FIG. 12D is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 11B
at 86 where the fastener is oriented in a direction opposite to
that of the fastener described in FIG. 12C. The grommet 17 is shown
securing the screw 15 travel.
[0089] An alternative embodiment of the present invention
illustrated in FIG. 13A has a sliding member 10 with a plurality of
protrusions 18 fixedly attached to the surface of the sliding
member 10 wall. For purposes of illustration, these plurality of
protrusions 18 are shown running in, i.e., parallel with, the
direction of travel 80 of the extending member 10, that is a
principal axis of extension. In alternative embodiments as
illustrated in FIG. 13B with a portion of the extending member at
least one protrusion 18 on at least one outer side of the extending
member runs horizontal, i.e., perpendicular, to the direction of
travel 80 of the extending member 10. In these embodiments, the
sliding member 10 is attached and its elevation relative to a
mounting surface adjusted with fasteners (not shown) inserted into
attachment surface 11. In the several alternative embodiments of
the invention, the plurality of protrusions 18 are pimples, ridges,
or segments of electrically conductive material fixedly attached to
the surface of the sliding member 10 wall sufficiently raising the
surface of the sliding member 10 wall to cause electrical and
mechanical contact with the ring 12 when the sliding member 10 is
inserted into the ring 12.
[0090] An alternative embodiment of the present invention
illustrated in FIG. 14 has a extending or sliding member 10 with a
plurality of protrusions 18 fixedly attached to the outer wall
surface of the sliding member 10 and sized in elevation from the
surface of the extending member 10 wall to cause friction and
tension mounting when inserted into the adapting member or ring 12
(not shown). In this example embodiment, rather than using
fasteners 15, the tight fitment and resulting stiction, i.e., the
sticking friction between the plurality of protrusions 18 and the
inner wall of the adapting member 12 sustain the mechanical and
electrical contact with the adapting member 12. Alternative
protrusion for this embodiment include pimples, ridges, or segments
of electrically conductive material fixedly attached to the outer
wall surface of the extending member 10.
[0091] Alternative embodiments have the adapting ring 12 with
protrusions, stamped or affixed, or otherwise, either separately or
in combination with the sliding member 10. FIG. 15 illustrates
stamped adapting member protrusions 21 of the adapting member 12 in
combination with stamped extending member protrusions 14 of the
sliding member 10. While some embodiments employ only the slider
protrusions as shown in FIGS. 11 and 13 other embodiments employ
only adapting member protrusions as shown in FIG. 15.
[0092] FIG. 16 illustrates an example form of an alternative
embodiment of the slider, or extending member, before protrusions
are stamped and other shaping has taken place. FIG. 17 illustrates
the alternative elevation member 35, where the elevation member 35
is shaped into a tubular member and connected 36, the slider
bracket, or upper bracket is formed 22, from a bent tab for
example. The upper bracket has an aperture 23 that preferably is
adapted to receive a threaded fastener.
[0093] FIG. 18 illustrates a form of an alternative adapting member
37 with bracket portions 38 extended showing guiding apertures 39.
Once stamped, the bracket portions are extended and shaped to
provide a surface with a guiding aperture. A blank of an adapting
member 37 such as the example of FIG. 18 may be stamped or
otherwise drawn into the preferred shape, particularly with respect
to the flange portion with the mounting bracket 38 preferably bent
into shape. FIG. 19 illustrates a top view of an alternative
adapting member 37 having the flange portion bent into shape with
bracket portions 38 having guiding apertures 39.
[0094] FIG. 20A illustrates in a perspective view the extending
member 35 inserted into the ring member 37 so that the aperture 23
of the upper bracket 23 is aligned with the aperture 39 of the
lower bracket 38. FIG. 20B illustrates in a perspective view the
extending member 35 inserted into the adapting member 37 so that
the aperture 23 of the upper bracket 22 is aligned with the
aperture 39 of an alternative lower bracket 38`.
[0095] FIG. 21 illustrates in a top view the extending member 35
inserted into the adapting member 37 showing the tapped end of a
screw 40 with the screw 40 engaging the upper bracket 22 and the
lower bracket 38. Also shown is a lock washer 41 for each screw 40.
A top view of an example lock washer 41 is shown in FIG. 22.
[0096] FIG. 23A is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 21 at 50
illustrating the engagement of the upper bracket 22 and the lower
bracket 38 via the elevating fasteners 40. Where tapped screws are
used 40, lock washers 41 are also preferably used and grommets are
used in alternative embodiments. FIG. 23B illustrates in
cross-sectional view an alternative embodiment having springs 34
inserted between the upper brackets 22 and the lower brackets 38.
The springs 34 provide force to the extending member 35 and work to
aid in the extension process.
[0097] In several embodiments as illustrated in the example of FIG.
24, the adapting member is first installed with a bracket having an
aperture 39 with later access 57. In this example, FIG. 25
illustrates the extending member that is inserted into the adapting
member also has apertures adapted for lateral access 58. A fastener
40 having a washer 41 for example may be inserted into the aligned
apertures laterally.
[0098] FIG. 26 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
adapting member 37 including at least one plug/switch mounting
plate 59 and in this example, two plug/switch mounting plates. The
example embodiment of FIG. 26 satisfies the typical functions of a
mud ring but additionally supports a number of extending members
including the following extending member examples that may be
subsequently installed. FIG. 27 illustrates an extending member 61
where one or more walls of the extending member 61, and in this
example two walls, are shaped so that the extending member passes
around the plug/switch mounting plate by being substantially
semi-circular in transverse cut 62 and accordingly the extending
member shape supports full travel extending member 61. FIG. 28
illustrates the extending member 61 of FIG. 27 inserted within the
flange portion of the adapting member 37. An alternative extending
member 63 illustrated in FIG. 29 has a cut-out 64 along each of the
one or more walls, and in this example two walls, of the extending
member 63. FIG. 30 illustrates the extending member 63 of FIG. 29
inserted within the flange portion of the adapting member 37.
[0099] In several embodiments, one or more fasteners provide a
mechanical means of extending and retracting the slider relative to
the ring. While screws are preferred, other embodiments do not use
fasteners and instead rely on the stiction provided by the ring and
or slider protrusions acting against one another. An alternative to
the screw faster is illustrated in FIGS. 31A-31F. In FIG. 31A, the
front view of a comb pin 70 is illustrated. In the top view of the
comb pin 70 (FIG. 31B), a groove 71 is provided for engagement with
a flat screwdriver or equivalent tool. The side view (FIG. 31C) of
the comb pin 70 shows the pin to be substantially flat. In FIG.
31D, the comb pin 70 is positioned to engage 76 representative
upper 72 and lower brackets 74 having substantially slotted
apertures 73, 75. The upper bracket 72 in this example is
contiguous with an extending member (not shown) and the lower
bracket 74 is contiguous with a ring member (not shown). FIG. 31E
illustrates the insertion of the comb pin through the upper and
lower brackets. With a ninety degree turn 78 of the comb pin 70,
the spacing 79 between the upper 72 and lower brackets 74 is fixed
by the comb pin as shown in a side view in FIG. 31F. The comb pin
70 thereby provides mechanical and electrical connectivity between
the upper 72 and lower brackets 74. FIG. 31G illustrates an
alternative embodiment wherein a spring 56 surrounds the portion of
the comb pin 70 between the upper 72 and lower brackets 74 and is
tension between these brackets 72, 74 providing additional
mechanical support to the extending member and electrical
connectivity between the extending member (not shown) and the
adaptor or ring member (not shown).
[0100] FIG. 32 illustrates an example two-gang extending member 90
embodiment of the present invention. The switch/plug mounting
plates 91 are each positioned to receive a switch or a plug and
together mount two such devices in tandem. The upper brackets 92 of
the elevating member 90 are, in this example, substantially aligned
along a line of symmetry that also bisects the mounted plugs and/or
switches. FIG. 33 illustrates an example two-gang adapting member
93 embodiment of the present invention. The lower brackets 94 of
the adapting member 93 are substantially along the same line of
symmetry as the upper brackets 92 (FIG. 32) of the elevating member
90. FIG. 34 illustrates the two-gang extending member inserted into
the two-gang adapting member. As with the several embodiments of
the single switch/plug electrical box extenders described above,
the two-gang embodiments include the various fastening and
elevating means and bracket embodiments for laterally insertable
fasteners as disclosed above.
[0101] An alternative embodiment of the present invention includes
a circular sliding member and either rounded or square-shaped
adapting plate portions adapted to detachably attach to an
electrical box, for example. Oval sliding members are accommodated
in a fashion substantially similar to the circular examples that
follow. FIG. 35 illustrates the circular sliding member 201 with
electrical device mounting plates 202 and a plurality of preferably
linear protrusions 214 stamped into the sliding member wall
preferably parallel with the axis of extension as shown in this
example. The slider bracket, or upper bracket 203 connects the
slider with the mud ring member by way of an elevating fastener.
The upper bracket 203 has an aperture 204 which may be tapped to
engage an elevating fastener such as a screw for example.
[0102] FIG. 36 illustrates an adapting circular ring 210 with a
circular base including at least one plug/switch mounting plate 206
and in this example, two plug/switch mounting plates 206 extending
from the top portion of the flange 280 of the ring 210. As an
example of the frangible device mounting plates, preferably
perforations 208 or creases allow the mounting plate 206 to be
snapped or worked off of the ring 210, or otherwise removed from
the ring 210, enabling the sliding member 201 to be inserted into
the adapting member 210 by way of the flange aperture formed or
otherwise bordered by the flange inward side 250. The lower bracket
238 provides for theconnecting of the sliding member 201 via the
elevating fastener to the adapting ring. The lower bracket 238 has
a ring aperture 239 which may be tapped to engage an elevating
fastener such as a screw, where a preferred embodiment has a smooth
rather than threaded guiding aperture 239. FIG. 37 illustrates an
alternative mud ring 290 having a square base adapting plate 291
with an adapting circular ring 210.
[0103] FIG. 38 illustrates in a top view an extending member 201
inserted into a ring member 210 showing the tapped end of a screw
240 having a groove, where the screw 240 engages the upper bracket
203.The protrusions 214 of the sliding member 201 are in contact
with the inner wall 250 of the flange of the ring 210 which form
the boundary of the ring aperture and thereby provide electrical
and mechanical contact between the ring 210 and the sliding member
201. Also shown isthe remaining region of the ring 109 after
snapping off or otherwise removing the frangible device mounting
tabs 206 previouslyextending from the top edge of the flange 280 of
the ring member 210 into the aperture formed by the flange 280 and
substantially parallel to the adapting plate portion 269 of the mud
ring or adapting member 210. An alternative embodiment of the ring
member 210 is made without electrical device mounting tabs. FIG. 39
illustrates in a perspective view the extending member 201 inserted
into the adapting member 210 so that the aperture 204, as
illustrated in FIG. 35, of the upper bracket 203 is aligned with
the aperture 239, as illustrated in FIG. 36,of the lower bracket
238.The lower bracket 238 is shown extending into the well of an
example octagonal electrical box 270. Also shown is the screw 240
engaging the upper bracket 203 and the lower bracket 238.
[0104] FIGS. 40-43 illustrate an alternative embodiment of an
adapting ring 210 with a plurality of protrusions 215 preferably
stamped into the ring wall. The protrusions of the adapting ring
215 are in contact with the outer wall of the sliding member 201
and thereby provide electrical and mechanical contact between the
ring 210 and the sliding member 201. FIG. 40 illustrates, in a top
view, the alternative embodiment where the ring protrusions 215
contact the outer wall of the slider 201 and the slider protrusions
214 contact the inner wall of the flange 280 of the mud ring 210.
In an alternative embodiment, the slider 201 does not have
protrusions, so that the assembly preferably relies upon the
adapting ring protrusions 215 from the flange inner wall 250 for
electrical connectivity. FIG. 41 illustrates, in an isometric view,
the alternative embodiment where the ring protrusions 215 contact
the outer wall of the slider and the slider protrusions 214 contact
the inner wall of the flange 280 of the mud ring 210. FIG. 42
illustrates, in a top view, the alternative embodiment where the
ring protrusions 215 contact the outer wall of the slider 201 and
the slider protrusions 214 contact the inner wall 250 of the flange
280 of the mud ring 290 having a rectangular adapting plate 291 for
detachably attaching to a rectangular electrical box. Also
illustrated is the region of the flange remaining 109 after the
removal of the mounting plates 206 shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 43
illustrates, in an isometric view, an alternative embodiment of the
mud ring 290 adapted to detachably attach to a rectangular
electrical box 271 where the ring protrusions 215 contact the outer
wall of the slider 201 and the slider protrusions 214 contact the
inner wall of the flange 280 of the mud ring 290.
[0105] Many alterations and modifications may be made by those
having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention. Therefore, it must be understood that
the illustrated embodiment has been set forth only for the purposes
of example and that it should not be taken as limiting the
invention as defined by the following claims. While illustrated as
a single assembly, the adapting member and, as an assembly, the
extending member, are applicable to an array of attachable
electrical devices and the adapting member and the assembly are
applicable to an array of assemblies mounted to electrical boxes of
extended size (e.g., elongated rectangles receiving several
assemblies).
[0106] The words used in this specification to describe the
invention and its various embodiments are to be understood not only
in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by
special definition in this specification structure, material or
acts beyond the scope of the commonly defined meanings. Thus if an
element can be understood in the context of this specification as
including more than one meaning, then its use in a claim must be
understood as being generic to all possible meanings supported by
the specification and by the word itself.
[0107] The definitions of the words or elements of the following
claims are, therefore, defined in this specification to include not
only the combination of elements which are literally set forth, but
all equivalent structure, material or acts for performing
substantially the same function in substantially the same way to
obtain substantially the same result. While the drawings reflect an
electrical box, ring, or adapting member, and the sleeve, or
extending member, all made of galvanized steel, the invention may
be embodied with members each made of plastic, preferably fire
resistant plastic, metal, preferably galvanized steel, ceramic or
combinations thereof. In those embodiments having the electrical
box, adapting member and extending member each made of plastics and
ceramics or combinations thereof, it is preferred that electrical
conductivity maintained by reverse thread screws as extending
fasteners. In addition, the term electrical box is used generically
to refer to grounded electrical housing of three-dimensional shapes
including boxes of rectangular sides, boxes of square sides, and
boxes of cylindrical shapes with circular or oval tops and bottoms
or other shapes acceptable in the electrical applications and the
grounded electrical housing may accommodate one or more plugs and
or switches.
[0108] In addition to the equivalents of the claimed elements,
obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill
in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined
elements.
[0109] The claims are thus to be understood to include what is
specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptually
equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and also what
essentially incorporates the essential idea of the invention.
* * * * *