초록 ▼

An improved mounting bracket is closed which can be used to selectively support both 4 inch square electric boxes and 411/16 inch square electrical boxes such that vertical movement of either type of electrical box is limited. The mounting bracket is preferably a one-piece, unitary member stamped fr

An improved mounting bracket is closed which can be used to selectively support both 4 inch square electric boxes and 411/16 inch square electrical boxes such that vertical movement of either type of electrical box is limited. The mounting bracket is preferably a one-piece, unitary member stamped from sheet metal. The mounting bracket has a top support rail, a bottom support rail and a pair of mounting ends coupling the support rails together to define a large, elongated central cut-out portion. An electrical box and its associated cover may be mounted between two wall studs by first attaching the mounting bracket of the present invention to the wall studs. The open front end of the box is then placed flush against the rear surface of the bracket such that a top portion of the box contacts the bottom rail of the bracket. Next, the associated cover is placed on the front surface of the bracket opposite and aligned with the box such that a top portion of the cover contacts the top support rail and a bottom portion of the cover contacts the bottom support rail. Finally, the electrical box and the cover are fastened together to complete installation of the electrical box to the bracket. The inner edges of the rails are spaced to engage the mounting screws of a 4 inch square electrical box such that the electrical box cannot significantly move up or down relative to the mounting bracket. The top and bottom support rails are each provided with an abutment for engaging either the outer surface of a 411/16 inch square electrical box or the faceplate of the 411/16 inch square electrical box such that the electrical box will not significantly move up or down relative to the mounting bracket when coupled thereto.

대표청구항 ▼

[What is claimed is:] [1.]a top support rail having a front surface, a rear surface, an inner edge, an outer edge and a top abutment;a bottom support rail having a front surface, a rear surface, an inner edge, an outer edge and a bottom abutment;a first mounting end coupled to and extending between

[What is claimed is:] [1.]a top support rail having a front surface, a rear surface, an inner edge, an outer edge and a top abutment;a bottom support rail having a front surface, a rear surface, an inner edge, an outer edge and a bottom abutment;a first mounting end coupled to and extending between first ends of said top and bottom support rails, said first mounting end being adapted to be attached to the first support member;a second mounting end coupled to and extending between second ends of said top and bottom support rails, said second mounting end being adapted to be attached to the second support member;said top and bottom support rails being spaced apart by said first and second mounting ends to define an elongated central cut-out portion; andsaid inner edges of said top and bottom support rails being spaced apart by a distance which is substantially equal to or slightly greater than an outer distance measured between a pair of mounting holes in mounting ears of a 4 inch square electrical box such that said inner edges of said top and bottom support rails limit relative movement of said 4 inch square electrical box in said central cut-out portion to prevent top and bottom mounting hole portions of a cover of said 4 inch square electrical box from overlapping said top and bottom support rails, respectively, so that top and bottom mounting holes in said top and bottom mounting hole portions respectively, for mounting of a wiring device thereto remain unobstructed by said top and bottom support rails, respectively, and said top and bottom abutments being spaced apart by a distance which is substantially equal to or slightly greater than a 411/16 inch square electrical box's outer dimension such that said top and bottom abutments limit relative movement of said 411/16 inch square electrical box in said central cut-out portion to prevent top and bottom mounting hole portions of a cover of said 411/16 inch square electrical box from overlapping said top and bottom support rails, respectively, so that top and bottom mounting holes in said top and bottom mounting hole portions respectively, of said cover of said 411/16 inch square electrical box for mounting of a wiring device thereto remain unobstructed by said top and bottom support rails, respectively.