Hubbell Limited

Harvey Hubbell Incorporated

Gregory J Kesler

Kenneth R Schnell

Robert W Jorgensen

Thomas E Lewis

A waterproof cover for electrical devices such as electrical outlets, receptacles, switches, ground fault circuit interrupters, dimmers, etc. The waterproof cover has snap-in modular cover plates which can be used either alone with one gang covers or outlet boxes, or ganged together in combination for use with two gang electrical covers or outlet boxes. The cover plate has a side edge which defines an overhanging interlock extending along a first length of the side edge and an underhanging interlock extending along a second length of the side edge. The arrangement is such that the overhanging interlock can interlock with an underhanging interlock and the underhanging interlock can interlock with an overhanging interlock of a second similar cover plate to form a two gang cover plate for a two gang weatherproof cover. Alternatively, the overhanging interlock can interlock with an underhanging interlock and the underhanging interlock can interlock with an overhanging interlock of a one gang waterproof cover. At least one other side edge of the cover plate snap fits under at least one retention boss in the cover, and in a disclosed embodiment three other side edges of the cover plate snap fit under retention bosses in the cover and are secured between the retention bosses and a seating flange.

Electrical device waterproof cover with snap-in modular plates

An electrical box and a holding device for use therewith is disclosed. The holding device can be a flexible plastic bag-like container having a first wall coupled to a second wall and forming a substantially enclosed inner receiving area. A mounting fastener such as fan or fixture mounting screws are temporarily secured within the receiving area of the container. A box mounting screw extends completely through the container and extends through a side of the electrical box to temporarily secure the container and the electrical box to a structure; such as a joist. The fan or fixture mounting screws are then accessible for removal from the container and can be used to further fix the electrical box and the fan or fixture to the joist. The electrical box also has a pair of slots for receiving the fan or fixture mounting screws. Each slot has two areas for receiving a screw with a knockout between the areas. The knockout can be removed if the screw must be positioned between the two areas.

Electrical box and holding device for use therewith

A connector for coupling non-metallic electrical conduit or tubing within an electrical box opening that is molded of plastic and is flexible and resilient and can be used with either plastic or steel electric boxes. The connector includes a ring, four legs resiliently and pivotally coupled to the ring with adjacent pairs of legs defining a slot therebetween, and four latch tabs located within the slots and flexibly and resiliently coupled to the ring for retaining the conduit within the connector and angled inwardly and extending away from the ring. Each leg has an arcuate groove therein for locking the connector within an aperture of an electrical box, and the legs form a stop wall for limiting insertion of the conduit within the connector. Each leg has a transverse arm which spans one of the slots. As the connector is being inserted into the aperture of the electrical box, each arm slidably engages the next adjacent leg. Once the connector is fully inserted into the electrical box and conductors have been fed through the conduit, the arms protect the conductors from being damaged by the electrical box.

Non-metallic electrical conduit connector

An electrical box is formed with an elongated channel in its back surface and brackets straddling the channel. The elongated U-shaped part of a hanger bar is inserted through the brackets and in the channel and is retained by a transverse rib which frictionally engages the hanger bar. Nail-receiving ears are provided on the sides of the box.

Electrical box mounting apparatus

An electrical ceiling box has an entrance port which is substantially closed by a cable clamp including an elongated tab hingedly connected at one end to a wall of the box. Near the other end of the tab is an arcuate wall extending from the inner surface of the tab. The wall has a concave surface facing toward the distal end of the tab. The concave surface is shaped and dimensioned to receive the end of a finger so that the installer can engage the tab to swing into the box and insert a cable through the port. At the base of the concave surface is a recess shaped and dimensioned to receive the end of a screwdriver blade to allow a screwdriver to be used for opening the port.

Cable clamps for electrical box

A knockout structure is provided for selectively forming openings for either one of two different sizes of conduit. The center of the inner knockout is offset from the center of the outer knockout, creating an eccentric relationship which permits a positive ground to be established between the smaller conduit and the box wall by a standard lock washer when the smaller conduit is mounted therein. A secure mechanical connection is similarly established.

Growing community of inventors

South Bend, IN, United States of America

Gregory J Kesler