US4680426A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electrical switches
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1985-08-19
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Granted: 1987-07-14
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Expires: 2005-08-19
Abstract
Abstract An improved outlet box for an electrical fixture is provided which biases the electrical fixture in a forward position so that the electrical fixture and its cover plate can be mounted at a proper position with respect to a finished wall surface irrespective of the thickness of the wall.
Inventors
- 👤 Ralph L. Hawker
- 👤 George Spector
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 14:16
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02G; H02G3/00; H02G3/02; H02G3/08; H02G3/18
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
154 words
An improved outlet box with an electrical fixture, said outlet box being of the type having two mounting tabs, said electrical fixture of the type having two mounting straps, two mounting screws, a cover plate and at least one plate screw, wherein the improvement comprises means for biasing said electrical fixture in a forward position so that said electrical fixture can be mounted at a proper position with respect to a finished wall surface irrespective of the thickness of said wall and said cover plate can be mounted to said electrical fixture by said at least one plate screw, wherein said biasing means includes two deflection spools, each said spool being of a flexible material and having a hollow barrel with a plurality of vertical slots therein, said barrel is circumposed about one of said mounting screws between said mounting tab and said mounting strap for biasing said electrical fixture in a forward position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
154 words
An improved outlet box with an electrical fixture, said outlet box being of the type having two mounting tabs, said electrical fixture of the type having two mounting straps, two mounting screws, a cover plate and at least one plate screw, wherein the improvement comprises means for biasing said electrical fixture in a forward position so that said electrical fixture can be mounted at a proper position with respect to a finished wall surface irrespective of the thickness of said wall and said cover plate can be mounted to said electrical fixture by said at least one plate screw, wherein said biasing means includes two deflection spools, each said spool being of a flexible material and having a hollow barrel with a plurality of vertical slots therein, said barrel is circumposed about one of said mounting screws between said mounting tab and said mounting strap for biasing said electrical fixture in a forward position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
62 words
An improved outlet box as recited in claim 1 wherein each of said deflection spools includes a U-shaped clip-on member at one end so that said clip-on member can be attached to said mounting tab to hold said spool in a proper aligned position when said mounting screw of said electrical fixture is threaded into said mounting tab of said outlet box.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-07-13 | 1991-01-12 | 1991-07-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-07-13 | 1995-01-12 | 1995-07-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-07-13 | 1999-01-12 | 1999-07-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |