Support bracket for cables and conduit

Abstract

A support bracket for use with an electrical box. The support bracket has a cable management portion at a first end. The cable management portion includes a first arm, a second arm, and a gate extending from the first arm toward the second arm. The first arm, the second arm, and the gate define a pass-through window for receiving conduits or cables extending from the electrical box. The gate is movable relative to the first arm to transition the pass-through window between an open position and a closed position. The support bracket has an attachment portion at a second end. The attachment portion includes a locator tab configured for insertion into a notch on the electrical box. A mounting portion is provided between the cable management portion and the attachment portion. The mounting portion is configured to receive at least one bracket that surrounds the conduits or cables.

Description

SUPPORT BRACKET FOR CABLES AND CONDUITCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application 63 / 621,489, filed January 16, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The present disclosure is directed to electrical box assemblies for inwall and in-ceiling electrical wiring. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to a support bracket that secures electrical cables or conduit and that can be attached to an electrical box.BACKGROUND

[0003] Electrical boxes, sometimes referred to as junction boxes, are typically attached to walls, ceilings, or other support structures to receive distal ends of inwall wiring that may terminate to an electrical component or components such as a socket, outlet, or switch component mounted inside the electrical box.

[0004] In the United States, the National Electrical Code requires cables or conduits to be secured within 12 inches of the electrical box from which they extend. Other countries may have similar requirements or consider this to be a desirable practice. Currently, this requirement is addressed using separate components that cannot be included in a prefabricated assembly. Assembling and installing such components, however, adds time to the installation process and makes it necessary to carry additional tools.

[0005] In view of the foregoing, it is desired to provide a prefabricated support bracket that can be installed without additional tools.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In one embodiment, a support bracket for use with an electrical box has a cable management portion at a first end. The cable management portion includes a first arm, a second arm, and a gate extending from the first arm toward the second arm. The first arm, the second arm, and the gate define a pass-through window for receiving conduits or cables extending from the electrical box. The gate is movable relative to the first arm to transition the pass-through window between an open position and a closed position. The support bracket has an attachment portion at a second end. The attachment portion includes alocator tab configured for insertion into a notch on the electrical box. A mounting portion is provided between the cable management portion and the attachment portion. The mounting portion is configured to receive at least one bracket that surrounds the conduits or cables.

[0007] In another embodiment, a method of securing cables or conduits extending from an electrical box includes providing a support bracket having a cable management portion, an attachment portion, and a mounting portion between the cable management portion and the attachment portion. The cable management portion includes a first arm, a second arm, and a gate extending from the first arm toward the second arm. The method further includes bending at least one of the cable management portion and the attachment portion relative to the mounting portion so that the at least one of the cable management portion and the attachment portion extends at a nonparallel angle relative to the mounting portion. The support bracket is attached to the electrical box. The gate is moved relative to the first arm to place the pass-through window in an open position. The conduits or cable are placed in the pass-through window. The gate is moved relative to the first arm to place the window in a closed condition.

[0008] In yet another embodiment, a support bracket for use with an electrical box has a cable management portion at a first end. The cable management portion includes a pass-through window for receiving conduits or cables extending from the electrical box. The support bracket has an attachment portion at a second end.The attachment portion includes alocatortab configured for insertion into a notch on the electrical box. A mounting portion is provided between the cable management portion and the attachment portion. The mounting portion is configured to receive at least one bracket that surrounds the conduits or cables. The support bracket has a first configuration for when the electrical box is wall mounted and a second configuration for when the electrical box is ceiling mounted. Only the cable management portion extends at a nonparallel angle relative to the mounting portion in the first configuration. The cable management portion and the attachment portion each extend at a nonparallel angle relative to the mounting portion in the second configuration.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] In the accompanying drawings, structures are illustrated that, together with the detailed description provided below, describe exemplary embodiments of the claimed invention. Like elements are identified with the same reference numerals. It should be understood that elements shown as a single component may be replaced with multiple components, and elements shown as multiple components may be replaced with a single component. The drawings are not to scale and the proportion of certain elements may be exaggerated for the purpose of illustration.

[0010] Figure l is a first perspective view of a first embodiment of a support bracket in an initial position,

[0011] Figure 2 is a first plan view of the first embodiment of the support bracket in the initial position,

[0012] Figure 3 is a second plan view of the first embodiment of the support bracket in the initial position,

[0013] Figure 4 is a first side view of the first embodiment of the support bracket in the initial position,

[0014] Figure 5 is a second side view of the first embodiment of the support bracket in the initial position,

[0015] Figure 6 is a first end view of the first embodiment of the support bracket in the initial position,

[0016] Figure 7 is a second end view of the first embodiment of the support bracket in the initial position,

[0017] Figure 8 is a second perspective view of the first embodiment of the support bracket in the initial position,

[0018] Figure 9 is a first perspective view of the first embodiment of the support bracket in a first configuration,

[0019] Figure 10 is a first plan view of the first embodiment of the support bracket in the first configuration,

[0020] Figure 11 is a second plan view of the first embodiment of the support bracket in the first configuration,

[0021] Figure 12 is a first side view of the first embodiment of the support bracket in the first configuration,

[0022] Figure 13 is a second side view of the first embodiment of the support bracket in the first configuration,

[0023] Figure 14 is a first end view of the first embodiment of the support bracket in the first configuration,

[0024] Figure 15 is a second end view of the first embodiment of the support bracket in the first configuration,

[0025] Figure 16 is a second perspective view of the first embodiment of the support bracket in the first configuration,

[0026] Figure 17 is a first perspective view of the first embodiment of the support bracket in a second configuration,

[0027] Figure 18 is a first plan view of the first embodiment of the support bracket in the second configuration,

[0028] Figure 19 is a second plan view of the first embodiment of the support bracket in the second configuration,

[0029] Figure 20 is a first side view of the first embodiment of the support bracket in the second configuration,

[0030] Figure 21 is a second side view of the first embodiment of the support bracket in the second configuration,

[0031] Figure 22 is a first end view of the first embodiment of the support bracket in the second configuration,

[0032] Figure 23 is a second end view of the first embodiment of the support bracket in the second configuration,

[0033] Figure 24 is a second perspective view of the first embodiment of the support bracket in the second configuration,

[0034] Figure 25 is a first perspective view of a second embodiment of a support bracket in an initial position,

[0035] Figure 26 is a first plan view of the second embodiment of the support bracket in the initial position,

[0036] Figure 27 is a second plan view of the second embodiment of the support bracket in the initial position,

[0037] Figure 28 is a first side view of the second embodiment of the support bracket in the initial position,

[0038] Figure 29 is a second side view of the second embodiment of the support bracket in the initial position,

[0039] Figure 30 is a first end view of the second embodiment of the support bracket in the initial position,

[0040] Figure 31 is a second end view of the second embodiment of the support bracket in the initial position,

[0041] Figure 32 is a second perspective view of the second embodiment of the support bracket in the initial position,

[0042] Figure 33 is a first perspective view of the second embodiment of the support bracket in a first configuration,

[0043] Figure 34 is a first plan view of the second embodiment of the support bracket in the first configuration,

[0044] Figure 35 is a second plan view of the second embodiment of the support bracket in the first configuration,

[0045] Figure 36 is a first side view of the second embodiment of the support bracket in the first configuration,

[0046] Figure 37 is a second side view of the second embodiment of the support bracket in the first configuration,

[0047] Figure 38 is a first end view of the second embodiment of the support bracket in the first configuration,

[0048] Figure 39 is a second end view of the second embodiment of the support bracket in the first configuration,

[0049] Figure 40 is a second perspective view of the second embodiment of the support bracket in the first configuration,

[0050] Figure 41 is a first perspective view of the second embodiment of the support bracket in a second configuration,

[0051] Figure 42 is a first plan view of the second embodiment of the support bracket in the second configuration,

[0052] Figure 43 is a second plan view of the second embodiment of the support bracket in the second configuration,

[0053] Figure 44 is a first side view of the second embodiment of the support bracket in the second configuration,

[0054] Figure 45 is a second side view of the second embodiment of the support bracket in the second configuration,

[0055] Figure 46 is a first end view of the second embodiment of the support bracket in the second configuration,

[0056] Figure 47 is a second end view of the second embodiment of the support bracket in the second configuration,

[0057] Figure 48 is a second perspective view of the second embodiment of the support bracket in the second configuration,

[0058] Figure 49 is a front view showing the first embodiment of the support bracket in the first configuration and attached to an electrical box,

[0059] Figure 50 is a rear view of the assembly of Figure 49,

[0060] Figure 51 is a front view showing the first embodiment of the support bracket in the second configuration and attached to an electrical box,

[0061] Figure 52 is a rear view of the assembly of Figure 51

[0062] Figure 53 is a front view showing the second embodiment of the support bracket in the first configuration and attached to an electrical box,

[0063] Figure 54 is a rear view of the assembly of Figure 53,

[0064] Figure 55 is a front view showing the second embodiment of the support bracket in the second configuration and attached to an electrical box,

[0065] Figure 56 is a rear view of the assembly of Figure 55.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] Figures 1-24 and 49-52 illustrate one embodiment of a support bracket 1000. The support bracket 1000 is shown in an initial position in Figures 1-8. As will be discussed further below, the support bracket 1000 may be manipulated into a first configuration, shown in Figures 9-16, 49, and 50, and a second configuration, shown in Figures 17-24, 51 and 52.

[0067] In the initial configuration, the support bracket 1000 extends along a central axis 1005 between a first end 1010 and a second end 1015. A first face 1020 and an opposite facing second face 1025 extend between the first end 1010 and the second end 1015. A cable management portion 1030 is provided at the first end 1010 of the support bracket 1000. An attachment portion 1035 is provided at the second end 1015 of the support bracket 1000. A mounting portion 1040 is provided between the cable management portion 1030 and the attachment portion 1035.

[0068] A first primary bending area 1045 separates the cable management portion 1030 and the mounting portion 1040. The cable management portion 1030 may be bent relative to the mounting portion 1040 in the first primary bending area 1045 along a first primary bending line 1045a. In the illustrated embodiment, although the first primary bending line 1045a is not constrained to a fixed location other than being located in the first primary bending area 1045, an exemplary location for the first primary bending line 1045a is shown with dashed lines. In alternative embodiments, the location of the first primarybending line may be dictated by a plurality of elongated apertures, a series of circular perforations, a thin wall portion, or any other desired arrangement.

[0069] A second primary bending line 1050 separates the attachment portion 1035 and the mounting portion 1040. The first primary bending line 1045 extends substantially perpendicular relative to the central axis 1005. The second primary bending line 1050 extends substantially parallel with the first primary bending line 1045. In the illustrated embodiment, the second primary bending line 1050 is defined by a plurality of elongated apertures. In alternative embodiments, the second primary bending line may be defined by any desired arrangement. For example, the first or second primary bending lines may be defined by a series of circular perforations or athinwall portion. In other alternative embodiments, the support bracket may include a second primary bending area (similar to the first primary bending area) in which the second primary bending line can be located rather than providing the second primary bending line at a fixed location using features such as the elongated apertures, series of circular perforations, or thin wall portion described above.

[0070] The cable management portion 1030 includes a first arm 1055 and a second arm 1060. In the initial configuration, the first arm 1055 and the second arm 1060 extend parallel with the central axis 1005. The first arm 1055 and the second arm 1060 each include a plurality of arm bending lines 1065, 1070. Each of the arm bending lines, 1065, 1070 extends substantially parallel with the first primary bending line 1045. In the illustrated embodiment, each arm 1055, 1066 includes three arm bending lines 1065, 1070, respectively. In alternative embodiments, each arm may include a greater or fewer number of arm bending lines. In other alternative embodiments, the arm bending lines may be omitted.

[0071] A gate 1075 extends from a free end of the first arm 1055 toward the second arm 1060. A gate bending line 1080 separates the gate 1075 and the first arm 1055. The gate bending line 1080 extends substantially perpendicular relative to the arm bending lines 1065, 1070. A retaining opening 1085 is provided at a free end of the gate 1075. The retaining opening 1085 is configured to receive a retaining finger 1090 that is provided at a free end of the second arm1060. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining opening 1085 is provided between the edges of the free end of the gate 1075. In alternative embodiments, the retaining opening may be provided along one of the edges so as to form a notch on the gate.

[0072] The first and second arms 1055, 1060 and the gate 1075 define apass- through window 1095. A backing flange 1100 is provided along a side of the pass-through window 1095 that is adjacent to the first primary bending line 1045.

[0073] The attachment portion 1035 includes a locator tab 1105 and knockout openings 1110, 1115. The locator tab 1105 is located at a terminal end of the support bracket 1000. In the illustrated embodiment, the locator tab 1105 is a single nub that is aligned with the central axis 1005 of the support bracket 1000. The knockout openings 1110, 1115 are located between the second primary bending line 1050 and the locator tab 1105. In the illustrated embodiment, the support bracket 1000 includes two circular knockout openings 1110, 1115 that are located on opposite sides of the central axis 1005 of the support bracket 1000. In alternative embodiments, there may be a greater or fewer number of locator tabs, or the locator tabs may be provided at any desired location. In other alternative embodiments, there may be a greater or fewer number of knockout openings, or the knockout openings may be any desired shape.

[0074] The mounting portion 1040 includes a plurality of mounting apertures1120. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting apertures 1120 are provided as a single row of stadium-shaped openings and a single row of circular openings. In other alternative embodiments, there may be a greater or fewer number of mounting apertures, or the mounting apertures may be any desired shape.

[0075] The first primary bending line 1045 and the second primary bending line 1050 are configured to facilitate bending of the support bracket 1000 to change it from the initial position (Figures 1-8) to the first configuration (Figures 9-16, 49, and 50) or the second configuration (Figures 17-24, 51 and 52). In the first configuration, the support bracket 1000 may be used with a wall mounted electrical box 1500. In the second configuration, the support bracket 1000 may be used with a ceiling mounted electrical box 1600.

[0076] An exemplary process of changing the support bracket 1000 from the initial position to the first configuration and using the support bracket in the first configuration will now be described with reference to Figures 9-16, 49, and 50.

[0077] First, the cable management portion 1030 is bent relative to the mounting portion 1040 along the first primary bending line 1045 so that the cable management portion 1030 extends at a nonparallel angle relative to the mounting portion 1040. In the illustrated embodiment, the cable management portion 1030 and the mounting portion 1040 form a 90° angle. When so bent, the support bracket 1000 approximates an L-shape (see Figures 12 and 13). In alternative embodiments, the cable management portion may be bent relative to the mounting portion along the first primary bending line so that the cable management portion and the mounting portion form any desired angle.

[0078] Next, the locator tab 1105 of the attachment portion 1035 is bent relative to the remainder of the attachment portion 1035. In the illustrated embodiment, the locator tab 1105 is bent relative to the remainder of the attachment portion 1035 to form an L-shape (see Figures 12 and 13). In alternative embodiments, the locator tab may be bent relative to the remainder of the attachment portion to form any desired shape.

[0079] As shown in Figures 49 and 50, the bent locator tab 1105 is inserted into a notch 1505 provided on the wall mounted electrical box 1500. This positions the support bracket 1000 relative to the wall mounted electrical box 1500 so that the knockout openings 1110, 1115 on the support bracket 1000 are aligned with knockouts 1510 provided on the wall mounted electrical box 1500. Additionally, as discussed further below, this position ensures that the cable management portion 1030 is located relative to the wall mounted electrical box 1500 to secure cables or conduits 1525 extending therefrom as required by the National Electrical Code. A screw 1515 or any other desired fastening arrangement may be used to attach the support bracket 1000 to the wall mounted electrical box 1500.

[0080] Next, the gate 1075 is bent relative to the first arm 1055 along the gate bending line 1080. This places the pass-through window 1095 in an openposition. The backing flange 1100 is then bent relative to the remainder of the cable management portion 1030. In the illustrated embodiment, the backing flange 1100 is bent so that it extends away from the wall mounted electrical box 1500.

[0081] Conduit or cable 1525 may be placed in the open pass-through window 1095 and secured to the electrical box 1525. Then, the gate 1075 is bent relative to the first arm 1055 along the gate bending line 1080 until the retaining opening 1085 at the free end of the gate 1075 is adjacent to the retaining finger 1090 at the free end of the second arm 1060, thus placing the pass-through window 1095 in a closed position. The retaining finger 1090 is then bent into engagement with the retaining opening 1085, thus locking the pass-through window 1095 in the closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining finger 1090 is bent into a C-shape. In alternative embodiments, the retaining finger may be bent into any desired shape.

[0082] With the pass-through window 1095 locked in the closed position, the ends of the first and second arms 1055, 1060 are bent along one of the respective arm bending lines 1065, 1070 until the gate 1075 engages the conduit or cable 1525 that is secured to the electrical box 1500. In a similar fashion, the backing flange 1100 is bent relative to the remainder of the cable management portion 1030 until the backing flange 1100 engages the conduit or cable 1525. The conduit or cable 1525 is thus trapped between the gate 1075 and the backing flange 1100, thereby securing the conduit or cable 1525 as required by the National Electrical Code. The conduit or cable may 1525 be further secured by brackets 1530 that surround the conduits or cables 1525 and are secured to the mounting apertures 1120 on the mounting portion 1040 of the support bracket 1000.

[0083] An exemplary process of changing the support bracket 1000 from the initial configuration to the second configuration and using the support bracket in the second configuration will now be described with reference to Figures 17-24, 51 and 52.

[0084] First, the cable management portion 1030 is bent relative to the mounting portion 1040 along the first primary bending line 1045 so that the cable management portion 1030 extends at a nonparallel angle relative to the mounting portion 1040. In the illustrated embodiment, the cable management portion 1030 and the mounting portion 1040 form a 90° angle. Then, the attachment portion 1035 is bent relative to the mounting portion 1040 along the second primary bending line 1050 so that the attachment portion 1035 extends at a nonparallel angle relative to the mounting portion 1040. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment portion 1035 and the mounting portion 1040 form a 90° angle. The cable management portion 1030 and the attachment portion 1035 are bent to extend in the same direction away from the mounting portion 1040. When so bent, the support bracket 1000 approximates a U-shape or C-shape (see Figures 20 and 21). In alternative embodiments, the cable management portion may be bent relative to the mounting portion along the first primary bending line so that the cable management portion and the mounting portion form any desired angle. In other alternative embodiments, the attachment portion may be bent relative to the mounting portion along the second primary bending line so that the attachment portion and the mounting portion form any desired angle.

[0085] Next, the locator tab 1105 of the attachment portion 1035 is bent relative to the remainder of the attachment portion 1035. In the illustrated embodiment, the locator tab 1105 is bent relative the remainder of the attachment portion 1035 to form an L-shape (see Figures 20 and 21). In alternative embodiments, the locator tab may be bent relative to the remainder of the attachment portion to form any desired shape.

[0086] As shown in Figures 51 and 52, the bent locator tab 1105 is inserted into a notch 1605 provided on the ceiling mounted electrical box 1600. This positions the support bracket 1000 relative to the ceiling mounted electrical box 1600 so that the knockout openings 1110, 1115 on the support bracket 1000 are aligned with knockouts 1610 provided onthe ceiling mounted electrical box 1600. Additionally, as discussed further below, this position ensures that the cable management portion 1030 is located relative to the ceiling mounted electrical box1600 to secure cables or conduits 1625 extending therefrom as required by the National Electrical Code. A screw 1615 or any other desired fastening arrangement may be used to attach the support bracket 1000 to the ceiling mounted electrical box 1600.

[0087] Next, the gate 1075 is bent relative to the first arm 1055 along the gate bending line 1080. This places the pass-through window 1095 in an open position. The backing flange 1100 is then bent relative to the remainder of the cable management portion 1030. In the illustrated embodiment, the backing flange 1100 is bent so that it extends away from the ceiling mounted electrical box 1600.

[0088] Conduit or cable 1625 may be placed in the open pass-through window 1095 and secured to the electrical box 1625. Additionally, in the second configuration, the conduit or cable 1625 extends through the knockout openings 1110, 1115 on the support bracket 1000 and the knockouts 1610 on the ceiling mounted electrical box 1600 that are aligned with one another. Then, the gate 1075 is bent relative to the first arm 1055 along the gate bending line 1080 until the retaining opening 1085 at the free end of the gate 1075 is adjacent to the retaining finger 1090 at the free end of the second arm 1060, thus placing the pass-through window 1095 in a closed position. The retaining finger 1090 is then bent into engagement with the retaining opening 1085, thus locking the pass- through window 1095 in the closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining finger 1090 is bent into a C -shape. In alternative embodiments, the retaining finger may be bent into any desired shape.

[0089] With the pass-through window 1095 locked in the closed position, the ends of the first and second arms 1055, 1060 are bent along one of the respective arm bending lines 1065, 1070 until the gate 1075 engages the conduit or cable 1625 that is secured to the electrical box 1600. In a similar fashion, the backing flange 1100 is bent relative to the remainder of the cable management portion 1030 until the backing flange 1100 engages the conduit or cable 1625. The conduit or cable 1625 is thus trapped between the gate 1075 and the backing flange 1100, thereby securing the conduit or cable 1625 as required by theNational Electrical Code. The conduit or cable may 1625 be further secured by brackets 1630 that surround the conduits or cables 1625 and are secured to the mounting apertures 1120 on the mounting portion 1040 of the support bracket 1000.

[0090] As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, the foregoing steps maybe performed in any order without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the gate 1075 may be bent relative to the first arm 1055 to place the pass-through window 1095 in an open position before the support bracket 1000 is bent along the first primary bending line 1045 or the second primary bending line 1050.

[0091] Figures 25—48 and 53-56 illustrate another embodiment of a support bracket 2000. The support bracket 2000 is shown in an initial position in Figures 25-32. As will be discussed further below, the support bracket 2000 may be manipulated into a first configuration, shown in Figures 33^40, 53, and 54 and a second configuration, shown in Figures 41-48, 55, and 56.

[0092] In the initial configuration, the support bracket 2000 extends along a central axis 2005 between a first end 2010 and a second end 2015. A first face 2020 and an opposite facing second face 2025 extend between the first end 2010 and the second end 2015. A cable management portion 2030 is provided at the first end 2010 of the support bracket 2000. An attachment portion 2035 is provided at the second end 2015 of the support bracket 2000. A mounting portion 2040 is provided between the cable management portion 2030 and the attachment portion 2035.

[0093] A first primary bending line 2045 separates the cable management portion 2030 and the mounting portion 2040. A second primary bending line 2050 separates the attachment portion 2035 and the mounting portion 2040. The first primary bending line 2045 extends substantially perpendicular relative to the central axis 2005. In the illustrated embodiment, the first primary bending line 2045 is defined by a plurality of elongated apertures. The second primary bending line 2050 extends substantially parallel with the first primary bending line 2045. In the illustrated embodiment, the second primary bending line 2050 is definedby a plurality of elongated apertures. In alternative embodiments, the first or second primary bending lines may be defined by any desired arrangement. For example, the first or second primary bending lines may be defined by a series of circular perforations. As another example, the first or second primary bending lines may be defined by a thin wall portion. In other alternative embodiments, the support bracket may include a first primary bending area or a second primary bending area in which the first primary bending line and second primary bending line, respectively, can be located rather than providing the first primary bending line or second primary at a fixed location using features such as the elongated apertures, series of circular perforations, or thin wall portion described above.

[0094] The cable management portion 2030 includes a first arm 2055 and a second arm 2060. In the initial configuration, the first arm 2055 and the second arm 2060 extend parallel with the central axis 2005. A gate 2075 extends from a free end of the first arm 2055 toward the second arm 2060. A retaining opening 2080 is provided at a free end of the gate 2075. The retaining opening 2080 is configured to receive a retaining figure 2085 that is provided at a free end of the second arm 2060. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining opening 2085 is provided along one of the edges of the gate 2075, thereby forming a notch. In alternative embodiments, the retaining opening may be provided between the edges of the free end of the gate.

[0095] The first and second arms 2055, 2060 and the gate 2075 define apass- through window 2090. Management fingers 2095 are provided along a side of the pass-through window 2090 that is adjacent to the first bending line 2045. A backing flange 2100 is provided along a side of the pass-through window 2090 opposite the management fingers 2095. In the illustrated embodiment, the support bracket 2000 includes 15 linear management fingers 2095. In alternative embodiments, the support bracket may include a greater or fewer number of management fingers. In other alternative embodiments, the management fingers may have any desired configuration (e.g., wavy).

[0096] The attachment portion 2035 includes a locator tab 2105 and knockout openings 2110, 2115. The locator tab 2105 is located at a terminal end of thesupport bracket 2000. In the illustrated embodiment, the locator tab 2105 is a single nub that is aligned with the central axis 2005 of the support bracket 2000. The knockout openings 2110, 2115 are located between the second primary bending line 2050 and the locator tab 2105. In the illustrated embodiment, the support bracket 2000 includes two circular knockout openings 2110, 2115 that are located on opposite sides of the central axis 2005 of the support bracket 2000. In alternative embodiments, there may be a greater or fewer number of locator tabs, or the locator tabs may be provided at any desired location. In other alternative embodiments, there may be a greater or fewer number of knockout openings, or the knockout openings may be any desired shape.

[0097] The mounting portion 2040 includes a plurality of mounting apertures 2120. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting apertures 2120 are provided as two rows of stadium-shaped openings and two rows of circular openings. In other alternative embodiments, there may be a greater or fewer number of mounting apertures, or the mounting apertures may be any desired shape.

[0098] The first primary bending line 2045 and the second primary bending line 2050 are configured to facilitate bending of the support bracket 2000 to change it from the initial position (Figures 25-32) to the first configuration (Figures 33^40, 53, and 54) or the second configuration (Figures 41—48, 55, and 56). In the first configuration, the support bracket 2000 may be used with a wall mounted electrical box 2500. In the second configuration, the support bracket 2000 may be used with a ceiling mounted electrical box 2600.

[0099] An exemplary process of changing the support bracket 2000 from the initial configuration to the first configuration and using the support bracket 200 in the first configuration will now be described with reference to Figures 33-40, 53, and 54.

[0100] First, the cable management portion 2030 is bent relative to the mounting portion 2040 along the first primary bending line 2045 so that the cable management portion 2030 extends at a nonparallel angle relative to the mounting portion 2040. In the illustrated embodiment, the cable management portion 2030 and the mounting portion 2040 form an obtuse angle. When so bent, the supportbracket 2000 approximates an L-shape (see Figures 36 and 37). In alternative embodiments, the cable management portion may be bent relative to the mounting portion along the first primary bending line so that the cable management portion and the mounting portion form any desired angle.

[0101] Next, the locator tab 2105 of the attachment portion 2035 is bent relative to the remainder of the attachment portion 2035. In the illustrated embodiment, the locator tab 2105 is bent relative the remainder of the attachment portion 2035 to form an L-shape (see Figures 36 and 37). In alternative embodiments, the locator tab may be bent relative to the remainder of the attachment portion to form any desired shape.

[0102] As shown in Figures 53 and 54, the bent locator tab 2035 is inserted into a notch 2505 provided on the wall mounted electrical box 2500. This positions the support bracket 2000 relative to the wall mounted electrical box 2500 so that the knockout openings 2110, 2115 on the support bracket 2000 are aligned with knockouts 2510 provided on the wall mounted electrical box 2500. Additionally, as discussed further below, this position ensures that the cable management portion 2030 is located relative to the wall mounted electrical box 2500 to secure cables or conduits 2525 extending therefrom as required by the National Electrical Code. A screw 2515 or any other desired fastening arrangement may be used to attach the support bracket 2000 to the wall mounted electrical box 2500.

[0103] Next, the gate 2075 is bent relative to the first arm 2055. This places the pass-through window 2090 in an open position. Then, the management fingers 2095 and the backing flange 2100 are both bent relative to the remainder of the cable management portion 2030. In the illustrated embodiment, the management fingers 2095 and the backing flange 2100 are both bent so that they extend away from the wall mounted electrical box 2500.

[0104] Conduit or cable 2525 may be placed in the open pass-through window 2090 and secured to the electrical box 2500. Then, the gate 2075 is bent relative to the first arm 2055 until the retaining notch 2080 at the free end of the gate 2075 is adjacent the retaining finger 2085 at the free end of the second arm2060, thus placing the pass-through window 2090 in a closed position. The retaining finger 2085 is then bent into engagement with the retaining notch 2080, thus locking the pass-through window 2090 in the closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining finger 2085 is bent into a loop. In alternative embodiments, the retaining finger may be bent into any desired shape.

[0105] With the pass-through window 2090 locked in the closed position, the management fingers 2095 are bent relative to the remainder of the cable management portion 2030 toward the conduit or cable 2525 until the management fingers 2095 engage each conduit or cable 2525 that is secured to the electrical box 2500. In a similar fashion, the backing flange 2100 is bent relative to the remainder of the cable management portion 2030 until the backing flange 2100 engages at least one conduit or cable 2525. The conduit or cable 2525 is thus trapped between the management fingers 2095 and the backing flange 2100, thereby securing the conduit or cable 2525 required by the National Electrical Code. As the management fingers 2095 are bent toward the conduit or cable 2525, some of the management fingers 2095 may not engage with the conduit or cable 2525 but, instead, be located in the spaces therebetween. The management fingers 2095 located in the spaces prevent certain movement of the conduit or cable 2525, thus providing additional security. The conduit or cable 2525 may be further secured by brackets 2530 that surround the conduits or cables 2525 and are secured to the mounting apertures 2120 on the mounting portion 2040 of the support bracket 2000.

[0106] An exemplary process of changing the support bracket 2000 from the initial configuration to the second configuration and using the support bracket in the second configuration will now be described with reference to Figures 41-48, 55, and 56.

[0107] First, the cable management portion 2030 is bent relative to the mounting portion 2040 along the first primary bending line 2045 so that the cable management portion 2030 extends at a nonparallel angle relative to the mounting portion 2040. In the illustrated embodiment, the cable management portion 2030 and the mounting portion 2040 form an obtuse angle. Then, the attachmentportion 2035 is bent relative to the mounting portion 2040 along the second primary bending line 2050 so that the attachment portion 2035 extends at a nonparallel angle relative to the mounting portion 2040. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment portion 2035 and the mounting portion 2040 form a 90° angle. The cable management portion 2030 and the attachment portion 2035 are bent to extend in the same direction away from the mounting portion 2040. When so bent, the support bracket 2000 approximates a U-shape or C-shape (see Figures 44 and 45). In alternative embodiments, the cable management portion may be bent relative to the mounting portion along the first primary bending line so that the cable management portion and the mounting portion form any desired angle. In other alternative embodiments, the attachment portion may be bent relative to the mounting portion along the second primary bending line so that the attachment portion and the mounting portion form any desired angle.

[0108] Next, the locator tab 2105 of the attachment portion 2035 is bent relative to the remainder of the attachment portion 2035. In the illustrated embodiment, the locator tab 2105 is bent relative the remainder of the attachment portion 2035 to form an L-shape (see Figures 44 and 45). In alternative embodiments, the locator tab may be bent relative to the remainder of the attachment portion to form any desired shape.

[0109] The bent locator tab 2105 is inserted into a notch 2605 provided on the ceiling mounted electrical box 2600. This positions the support bracket 2000 relative to the ceiling mounted electrical box 2600 so that the knockout openings 2110, 2115 on the support bracket 2000 are aligned with knockouts 2610 provided on the ceiling mounted electrical box 2600. Additionally, as discussed further below, this position ensures that the cable management portion 2030 is located relative to the wall mounted ceiling box 2600 to secure cables or conduits 2625 extending therefrom as required by the National Electrical Code. A screw 2615 or any other desired fastening arrangement may be used to attach the support bracket 1000 to the wall mounted electrical box 2600.

[0110] Next, the gate 2075 is bent relative to the first arm 2055. This places the pass-through window 2090 in an open position. Then, the managementfingers 2095 and the backing flange 2100 are both bent relative to the remainder of the cable management portion 2030. In the illustrated embodiment, the management fingers 2095 and the backing flange 2100 are both bent so that they extend away from the ceiling mounted electrical box 2600.

[0111] Conduit or cable 2625 may be placed in the open pass-through window 2090 and secured to the electrical box 2600. Additionally, in the second configuration, the conduit or cable 2625 extends through the knockout openings 2110, 2115 on the support bracket 2000 and the knockouts 2610 on the ceiling mounted electrical box 2600 that are aligned with one another. Then, the gate 2075 is bent relative to the first arm 2055 until the retaining notch 2080 at the free end of the gate 2075 is adjacent the retaining finger 2085 at the free end of the second arm 2060, thus placing the pass-through window 2090 in a closed position. The retaining finger 2085 is bent into engagement with the retaining notch 2080, thus locking the pass-through window 2090 in the closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining finger 2085 is bent into a loop. In alternative embodiments, the retaining finger may be bent into any desired shape.

[0112] With the pass-through window 2090 locked in the closed position, the management fingers 2095 are bent relative to the remainder of the cable management portion 2030 toward the conduit or cable 2625 until the management fingers 2095 engage each conduit or cable 2625 that is secured to the electrical box 2600. In a similar fashion, the backing flange 2100 is bent relative to the remainder of the cable management portion 2030 until the backing flange 2100 engages at least one conduit or cable 2625. The conduit or cable 2625 is thus trapped between the management fingers 2095 and the backing flange 2100, thereby securing the conduit or cable 2525 as required by the National Electrical Code. As the management fingers 2095 are bent toward the conduit or cable 2625, some of the management fingers 2095 may not engage with the conduit or cable 2625 but, instead, be located in the spaces therebetween. The management fingers 2095 located in the spaces prevent certain movement of the conduit or cable 2625, thus providing additional security. The conduit or cable may 2625 be further secured by brackets 2630 that surround the conduits or cables 2625 andare secured to the mounting apertures 2120 on the mounting portion 2040 of the support bracket 2000.

[0113] As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, the foregoing steps maybe performed in any order without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the gate 2075 may be bent relative to the first arm 2055 to place the pass-through window 2090 in an open position before the support bracket 2000 is bent along the first primary bending line 2045 or the second primary bending line 2050.

[0114] The support bracket described herein allows cables or conduits to be secured within 12 inches of the electrical box from which they extend without the use of separate components or additional tools. In other embodiments, the support bracket may be configured to allow cables or conduits to be secured at any desired distance from the electrical box. Additionally, the support bracket can be manufactured as a stamping from sheet metal, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and time.

[0115] To the extent that the term “includes” or “including” is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as that term is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “or” is employed (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean “A or B or both.” When the applicants intend to indicate “only A or B but not both” then the term “only A or B but not both” will be employed. Thus, use of the term “or” herein is the inclusive, and not the exclusive use. See Bryan A. Gamer, A Dictionary of Modem Legal Usage 624 (2d. Ed. 1995). Also, to the extent that the terms “in” or “into” are used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to additionally mean “on” or “onto.” Furthermore, to the extent the term “connect” is used in the specification or claims, it is intended to mean not only “directly connected to,” but also “indirectly connected to” such as connected through another component or components.

[0116] While the present disclosure has been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in anywaylimit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive concept. Features from the first embodiment of the support bracket 1000 may be utilized with features from the second embodiment of the support bracket 2000 and vice-versa. For example, the second embodiment of the support bracket 2000 may be provided with a gate bending line. As another example, the first embodiment of the support bracket 1000 may include a first primary bending line that is defined by a plurality of elongated apertures. Therefore, the disclosure, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, the representative apparatus and method, and illustrative examples shown and described.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A support bracket for use with an electrical box, the support bracket comprising: a cable management portion at a first end, the cable management portion comprising: a first arm, a second arm, and a gate extending from the first arm toward the second arm, wherein the first arm, the second arm, and the gate define a pass-through window for receiving conduits or cables extending from the electrical box, the gate being movable relative to the first arm to transition the pass-through window between an open position and a closed position. an attachment portion at a second end, the attachment portion including a locator tab configured for insertion into a notch on the electrical box; and amounting portion provided between the cable management portion and the attachment portion, the mounting portion being configured to receive at least one bracket that surrounds the conduits or cables.

2. The support bracket of claim 1, wherein the support bracket has a first configuration for when the electrical box is wall mounted and a second configuration for when the electrical box is ceiling mounted, and wherein only the cable management portion extends at a nonparallel angle relative to the mounting portion in the first configuration, and wherein the cable management portion and the attachment portion each extend at anonparallel angle relative to the mounting portion in the second configuration.

3. The support bracket of claim 1, wherein a first primary bending line separates the cable management portion and the mounting portion, andwherein a second primary bending line separates the attachment portion and the mounting portion, the first primary bending line and the second primary bending line being configured to facilitate bending of the support bracket to place it in a first configuration for when the electrical box is wall mounted and a second configuration for when the electrical box is ceiling mounted.

4. The support bracket of claim 3, wherein at least one of the first bending line and the second bending line is defined by a plurality of apertures.

5. The support bracket of claim 3, wherein the support bracket approximates an L-shape in the first configuration.

6. The support bracket of claim 3, wherein the support bracket approximates a C-shape in the second configuration.

7. The support bracket of claim 3 , wherein the attachment portion includes at least one knockout opening, and wherein the conduits or cables extend through the at least one knockout opening when the support bracket is in the second configuration.

8. The support bracket of claim 1 , wherein the cable management portion further comprises a retaining notch at a free end of the gate and a retaining finger at a free end of the second arm, the retaining finger being engageable with the retaining notch to lock the pass-through window in the closed position.

9. The support bracket of claim 1 , wherein the cable management portion further comprises at least one first arm bending line on the first arm, at least one second arm bending line on the second arm, and a backing flange, wherein the first arm and the second arm are configured to bend along the first arm bending line and the second arm bending line to bring the gate into engagement with the conduits or cables, and wherein the backing flange is configured to be bent into engagement with the conduits or cables.

10. The support bracket of claim 1 , wherein the cable management portion further comprises management fingers along one side of the pass-through window and a backing flange along another side of the pass-through window opposite the management fingers, the management fingers and the backing flange being configured to be bent into engagement with the conduits or cables.

11. A method of securing cables or conduits extending from an electrical box, the method comprising the steps of: providing a support bracket comprising a cable management portion, an attachment portion, and a mounting portion between the cable management portion and the attachment portion, the cable management portion having a first arm, a second arm, and a gate extending from the first arm toward the second arm; bending at least one of the cable management portion and the attachment portion relative to the mounting portion so that the at least one of the cable management portion and the attachment portion extends at a nonparallel angle relative to the mounting portion; attaching the support bracket to the electrical box; moving the gate relative to the first arm to place the pass-through window in an open position; and placing the conduits or cables in the pass-through window; and moving the gate relative to the first arm to place the window in a closed condition.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the cable management portion further has a first arm bending line on the first arm, a second arm bending line on the second arm, and a backing flange, the method further comprising the steps of bending the first arm and the second arm along the first arm bending line and the second arm bending line to bring the gate into engagement with the conduits or cables, and bending the backing flange to bring it into engagement with the conduits or cables.

13. The method of claim 11 , wherein the cable management portion further has management fingers along one side of the pass-through window and a backing flange along another side of the pass-through window opposite the management fingers, the method further comprising the steps of bending the management fingers into engagement with the conduits or cables, and bending the backing flange into engagement with the conduits or cables.

14. The method of claim 11 , wherein the support bracket further comprises a first primary bending line that separates the cable management portion and the mounting portion and a second primary bending line that separates the attachment portion and the mounting portion, wherein at least one of the first primary bending line and the second primary bending line is defined by a plurality of apertures, and wherein the bending at least one of the cable management portion and the attachment portion relative to the mounting portion includes bending the support bracket along at least one of the first primary bending line and the second primary bending line.

15. The method of claim 11 , wherein the cable management portion further has a retaining notch at a free end of the gate and a retaining finger at a free end of the second arm, the method further comprising the step of engaging the retaining finger with the retaining notch to lock the pass-through window in the closed position.

16. A support bracket for use with an electrical box, the support bracket comprising: a cable management portion at a first end, the cable management portion having a pass-through window for receiving conduits or cables extending from the electrical box; an attachment portion at a second end, the attachment portion including a locator tab configured for insertion into a notch on the electrical box; andamounting portion provided between the cable management portion and the attachment portion, the mounting portion being configured to receive at least one bracket that surrounds the conduits or cables; wherein the support bracket has a first configuration for when the electrical box is wall mounted and a second configuration for when the electrical box is ceiling mounted, and wherein only the cable management portion extends at a nonparallel angle relative to the mounting portion in the first configuration, and wherein the cable management portion and the attachment portion each extend at a nonparallel angle relative to the mounting portion in the second configuration.

17. The support bracket of claim 16, wherein a first primary bending line separates the cable management portion and the mounting portion, and wherein a second primary bending line separates the attachment portion and the mounting portion, the first primary bending line and the second primary bending line being configured to facilitate bending of the support bracket to place it in a first configuration for when the electrical box is wall mounted and a second configuration for when the electrical box is ceiling mounted.

18. The support bracket of claim 17, wherein at least one of the first primary bending line and the second primary bending line is defined by a plurality of apertures.

19. The support bracket of claim 16, wherein the support bracket approximates an L-shape in the first configuration.

20. The support bracket of claim 16, wherein the support bracket approximates a C-shape in the second configuration.