The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 20, 1998
Filed:
Jan. 17, 1995
Mark A Bordwell, Memphis, TN (US);
James D McCutcheon, Athens, TN (US);
Thomas & Betts Corporation, Memphis, TN (US);
Abstract
An improved electrical ceiling box including a top portion bounded by a peripheral side portion, with a pair of diametrically opposed ear lugs rigidly secured to the side portion. Each ear lug has a pair of ears integrally formed therewith extending inwardly into the interior cavity of the box. A first ear fits within a recess formed in the bottom edge of the box, while a second ear extends through a slot formed in the side portion of the box. The second ear has a mounting hole formed therein adapted for threaded engagement with a self-tapping screw, while the first ear has a receiving hole formed therethrough for supporting the distal end of the screw. In a preferred embodiment, the box has a substantially hexagonal configuration. In an alternative embodiment, the box has a circular configuration and is shallower, thereby eliminating the need for a pair of slots for receiving the first ears. Preferably, the ear lugs are formed from a heavier gauge material than the remainder of the box for improved strength and resistance to breakage from fatigue.