Mud ring
By designing a pivotable and adjustable mud ring, the combination of base members, covers, inserts and actuators is used to solve the problem of inconvenient installation of electrical devices, and the flexible installation and adjustment of electrical devices are realized to ensure the conductivity The body is effectively obscured.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411154974.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2019-07-16
- Filing Date
- 2020-07-16
- Publication Date
- 2024-12-13
AI Technical Summary
The support members of existing electrical devices are difficult to achieve pivotability and adjustability, resulting in inconvenient installation of electrical devices and inability to flexibly adjust the position.
A mud ring including a base member, cover, insert and actuator is designed to achieve relative movement of the cover and insert through threaded fasteners, in combination with selective fixation of the latch, allowing the base member to be along The junction box circumference extends and is fixed in an L-shaped or C-shaped contour, the cover is pivotally movable between the closed and open positions, and the insert is translated in a direction orthogonal to the plane of the cover to adjust the position of the electrical device.
It realizes flexible installation and adjustment of electrical devices, can adapt to different installation needs, improves installation convenience and flexibility, and ensures that the exposed parts of the electrical conductor are effectively shielded.
Smart Images
Figure CN119133950A_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention application with application date of July 16, 2020, application number 202080065132.6, and name “Pivotable and adjustable support for electrical devices”. Technical Field
[0002] The present disclosure relates to supports for electrical devices and, more particularly, to pivotable and adjustable mud rings. Background Art
[0003] Electrical devices (e.g., electrical outlets, switches, etc.) are typically mounted in a wall or ceiling. The outlet or junction box is typically secured to a stud or support beam in the wall or ceiling. The electrical device is then secured in the box in electrical communication with one or more electrical conductors so that the electrical device extends or protrudes from the wall or ceiling. In this manner, any exposed portions of the electrical conductors and their connections to the electrical device are shielded within the box. Support members, such as plaster rings, extension rings, and extenders, commonly referred to as mud rings, are typically attached to the box prior to installing sheet rock, wallboard, or other covering surface material. Summary of the invention
[0004] In an independent aspect, a mud ring for supporting an electrical device relative to a junction box includes a base member, a cover, and an insert. The base member is configured to be coupled to the junction box. The cover is coupled to the base member for movement between a first position and a second position, and the cover includes an opening. The insert is positioned in the opening and supported for movement relative to the cover. The insert is configured to be coupled to the electrical device.
[0005] In some aspects, the mud ring further includes a latch for selectively securing the cover against movement relative to the base member.
[0006] In some aspects, the latch is movable between a latched position and an unlatched position, and when the latch is in the latched position, the latch engages the fastener to secure the cover against movement relative to the base member.
[0007] In some aspects, the base member is configured to extend along a portion of a perimeter of the junction box, a first portion of the base member is secured to one corner of the junction box, and a second portion of the base member is positioned adjacent an opposite corner of the junction box.
[0008] In some aspects, the base member has a generally L-shaped profile.
[0009] In some aspects, the base member has a generally C-shaped profile.
[0010] In some aspects, the base member is securable to the junction box in a first configuration and a second configuration.
[0011] In some aspects, the base member has a profile that extends around a fastener mounting portion of the junction box.
[0012] In some aspects, the mud ring further includes an actuator coupled between the insert and the cover for driving the insert to move relative to the cover.
[0013] In some aspects, the actuator includes a threaded fastener supported for free rotation relative to one of the insert and the cover, rotation of the threaded fastener causing the insert to translate relative to the cover in a direction orthogonal to a plane of the cover.
[0014] In another independent aspect, a mud ring for supporting an electrical device relative to an electrical box includes a base member, a cover, and an insert. The base member is configured to be coupled to the electrical box. The cover is coupled to the base member for pivotal movement about a pivot axis between a closed position and an open position. The cover allows access to an interior portion of the electrical box in the open position, and the cover includes an opening. The insert is positioned in the opening and is supported for movement relative to the cover in a direction oriented perpendicular to the pivot axis. The insert is configured to be coupled to the electrical device.
[0015] In some aspects, the mud ring further includes a latch for selectively securing the cover against movement relative to the base member.
[0016] In some aspects, the latch is movable between a latched position and an unlatched position, and when the latch is in the latched position, the latch engages the fastener to secure the cover against movement relative to the base member.
[0017] In some aspects, the base member is configured to extend along a portion of a perimeter of the electrical box, the first portion of the base member is secured to one corner of the electrical box, and the second portion of the base member is positioned adjacent an opposite corner of the electrical box.
[0018] In some aspects, the base member is configured to be coupled to the electrical box via a plurality of fasteners, wherein the plurality of fasteners can engage the base member in a variety of configurations.
[0019] In some aspects, the base member has a profile that extends around a fastener mounting portion of the electrical box.
[0020] In some aspects, the base member has a generally L-shaped profile.
[0021] In some aspects, the base member has a generally C-shaped profile.
[0022] In some aspects, the mud ring further includes an actuator coupled between the insert and the cover for driving the insert to move relative to the cover.
[0023] In some aspects, the actuator includes a threaded fastener supported for free rotation relative to one of the insert and the cover, rotation of the threaded fastener causing the insert to translate relative to the cover in a direction orthogonal to a plane of the cover.
[0024] Those skilled in the art will appreciate and understand the above-described and other features and advantages of the present disclosure from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a support member supporting an electrical device relative to a junction box with a latch in a secured position.
[0026] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a support structure, electrical device and junction box with the latch in an unsecured position.
[0027] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An enlarged perspective view of the latch.
[0028] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a support structure, an electrical device and a junction box with the cover in the open position.
[0029] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a support member with the cover in a closed position.
[0030] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A perspective view of a support member with the cover in an open position.
[0031] Figure 7 It is supported on pillars Figure 1 A perspective view of a support structure, electrical device and junction box with the latch in a fixed position.
[0032] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 An enlarged perspective view of the latch.
[0033] Fig. 9 It is supported on pillars Figure 7 A perspective view of a support structure, electrical device and junction box with the latch in an unsecured position.
[0034] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 An enlarged perspective view of the latch.
[0035] Fig.11 yes Figure 7A perspective view of a support member, an electrical device and a junction box with the cover in the open position.
[0036] Fig.12 It is supported on a bracket located between a pair of columns. Figure 1 A perspective view of a support structure, electrical device and junction box with the latch in a fixed position.
[0037] Fig.13 is a perspective view of a support member according to another embodiment, with a cover in a closed position.
[0038] Fig.14 yes Fig.13 A perspective view of a support member with the cover in an open position.
[0039] Fig.15 is a perspective view of a junction box and a support member according to another embodiment, with a cover in a closed position.
[0040] Fig.16 yes Fig.15 A perspective view of a support member and a junction box with the cover in an open position.
[0041] Fig.17 yes Fig.15 A perspective view of a support member and a junction box, wherein the junction box has been rotated relative to the support member and the cover is in a closed position.
[0042] Fig.18 yes Fig.15 A perspective view of a support member and a junction box, wherein the junction box has been rotated relative to the support member and the cover is in an open position.
[0043] Fig.19 yes Fig.15 A perspective view of a support member with the cover in a closed position.
[0044] Fig. 20 yes Fig.15 A perspective view of a support member with the cover in an open position.
[0045] Fig.21 is a perspective view of a junction box and a support member according to another embodiment, with a cover in a closed position.
[0046] Fig. 22 yes Fig.21 A perspective view of a support member and a junction box with the cover in an open position.
[0047] Fig.23 yes Fig.21A perspective view of a support member and a junction box, wherein the junction box has been rotated relative to the support member and the cover is in a closed position.
[0048] Fig.24 yes Fig.21 A perspective view of a support member and a junction box, wherein the junction box has been rotated relative to the support member and the cover is in an open position.
[0049] Fig.25 yes Fig.21 A perspective view of a support member with the cover in a closed position.
[0050] Fig.26 yes Fig.21 A perspective view of a support member with the cover in an open position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0051] Before describing any embodiment in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in application to the component configurations and construction details given in the following description or shown in the following figures. The present disclosure can have other embodiments and can be implemented or executed in various ways. In addition, it should be understood that the words and terms used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered as limiting. "Including" and "comprising" and their variations as used herein are meant to cover the items listed thereafter and their equivalents as well as additional items. "Consisting of..." and its variations as used herein are meant to cover only the items listed thereafter and their equivalents. Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "mounting", "connecting", "supporting" and "connecting" and their variations are widely used and cover direct and indirect mounting, connection, support and connection.
[0052] Figure 1-4 A support or mud ring 10 is shown for supporting an electrical device, such as an electrical receptacle or outlet 12, relative to a junction box 14. The mud ring 10 includes a first portion or base member 18, a second portion or cover 22, and a third portion or support or insert 24 coupled to the cover 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the base member 18 is secured to the junction box 14 (e.g., by at least one fastener 30), and the electrical device 12 is secured to the insert 24 (e.g., by fasteners 34).
[0053] like Figure 4 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the base member 18 is secured to the junction box 14 by fasteners 30. In some embodiments, at least one fastener 30a is tightened to clamp the base member 18 against the junction box 14, while another fastener 30b is only partially screwed into the box 14 and simply aligns or positions the base member 18 relative to the box 14. In addition, as shown in FIG. Figure 4As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the base member 18 extends around a portion of the perimeter of the box 14. A fastener 30a secures one corner 42 of the base member 18 to the box, and another fastener 30b extends through the base member 18 and is positioned adjacent a corner 46 of the box 14 opposite the corner 42. The base member 18 has an L-shaped profile, and the base member 18 does not directly engage a majority of the perimeter of the box 14.
[0054] like Figure 2-4 As shown, the base member 18 supports the cover 22 for pivotal movement. In the illustrated embodiment, the base member 18 and the cover 22 are coupled to each other by one or more hinge connections 50, thereby allowing the cover 22 to be moved in the closed position ( Figure 3 ) and open position ( Figure 4 The cover 22 is positioned adjacent to the base member 18 in the closed position and away from the base member 18 in the open position to allow access to the interior portion of the junction box 14 and / or the rear portion of the electrical device 12. Figure 4 As shown, the cover 22 includes a clearance hole 54 that aligns with the fastener 30 when the cover 22 is in the closed position.
[0055] like Figure 1-3 As shown, the latch 62 can be in the latched position ( Figure 1 ) and unlocked position ( Figure 2 and 3 ) between the cover 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch 62 is an arm supported for pivotal movement on the cover 22 and includes a slot 66. When the cover 22 is positioned in the closed position, the latch 62 can be moved to a latched position in which the latch 62 passes between the head of the fastener 30b and the cover 22 and the slot 66 receives the shaft of the fastener 30b. The latch 62 thereby secures the cover 22 to prevent movement relative to the base member 18. To allow pivotal movement of the cover 22, the latch 62 is moved to the unlocked position.
[0056] Reference now Figure 5 and 6 , the cover 22 includes an opening 68, and the insert 24 is supported in the opening 68 for movement in a direction orthogonal to the plane of the cover 22. The insert 24 includes a side wall 70 extending around the opening 74, and the electrical device 12 ( Figure 1 ) is supported in the opening 74. In the illustrated embodiment, the insert 24 is coupled to the cover 22 by a pair of actuators 82 (e.g., threaded fasteners). In other embodiments, the mud ring 10 may include fewer or more actuators 82. The actuators 82 extend through a first flange 86 coupled to the insert 24 and a second flange 90 coupled to the cover 22.
[0057] Each actuator 82 is able to freely rotate relative to the first flange 86, but is fixed to prevent movement relative to the first flange 86 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the actuator 82. In other words, the actuator 82 can freely rotate relative to the first flange 86 without moving axially through the first flange 86. In addition, each actuator 82 can threadably engage the second flange 90. As a result, rotation of the actuator 82 causes the insert 24 to translate relative to the cover 22 through the opening 68 along an axis orthogonal to the planar portion of the cover 22. In other words, rotating the actuator 82 in a first direction causes the insert 24 to protrude further from the cover 22, while rotating the actuator 82 in a second direction causes the insert 24 to retreat further through the cover 22 and into the box 14. As a result, the electrical device 12 can be adjusted to a desired position (e.g., flush with a wall surface).
[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, the insert 24 includes a divider 94 ( Figure 6 ), which is generally positioned between the actuator 82 and the opening 74 of the insert 24. The spacer 94 can provide a mechanical stop to prevent the insert 24 from moving more than a predetermined distance in the first direction relative to the cover 22. Similarly, in the illustrated embodiment, a portion 98 ( Figure 5 ) may provide a mechanical stop to prevent the insert 24 from moving more than a predetermined distance in the second direction.
[0059] The junction box 14 can be connected by the bracket 106 ( Figure 7-11 ) is connected to a single column 102, or can be supported on an open center support 110 ( Fig.12 ). The mud ring 10 can be directly connected to the junction box 14. In some embodiments, such as Fig.12 , the bracket 110 may be positioned between the base member 18 of the mud ring 10 and the terminal box 14 such that the fastener 30 extends through the base member 18 and the bracket 110 and engages the box 14 .
[0060] exist Figure 1-12 In the embodiment shown, the mud ring 10 is a single socket mud ring for supporting a single electrical device. Fig.13 and 14 A mud ring 410 is shown according to another embodiment. Similar reference numbers as the mud ring 10 are used to identify similar features of the mud ring 410, plus 400. The mud ring 410 is a dual socket mud ring and is capable of supporting multiple electrical devices (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the mud ring 410 includes an insert 424 capable of supporting two electrical devices. The actuator 482 is positioned adjacent to the upper and lower edges of the insert 424 and between the electrical devices.
[0061] Figure 15-20A mud ring 510 is shown according to another embodiment. Like features of the mud ring 510 are identified using like reference numerals as the mud ring 10, plus 500. Some differences between the mud ring 10 and the mud ring 510 are discussed herein.
[0062] The mud ring 510 is a single socket mud ring capable of supporting an electrical device (not shown) relative to a junction box 514. The mud ring 510 is formed so that it can be in a first orientation ( Fig.15 and 16 ) or the second orientation ( Fig.17 and 18 ) is fixed to the terminal box 514. In other words, the mud ring 510 can be fixed to the terminal box 514 in more than one configuration.
[0063] The mud ring 510 includes a base member 518 secured to the terminal box 514 by at least one fastener 530. In the illustrated embodiment, the base member 518 is secured to the terminal box 514 by fasteners 530a, 530b. The base member 518 extends around a portion of the perimeter of the box 514 and has a C-shaped or U-shaped profile. Fig.15 and 16 As shown, in a first orientation, fastener 530a secures one corner 542 of base member 518 (e.g., an upper corner adjacent hinge 550) to junction box 514. Fastener 530b is adjacent a corner 546 opposite corner 542 (e.g., a lower corner opposite hinge 550, as shown in FIG. Fig.16 518. Fig.17 and 18 As shown, when the junction box 514 is in the second position, the fastener 530a fastens the corner 543 of the base member 518 (e.g., the upper corner opposite the hinge, such as Fig.18 540b is secured to the junction box 514. The fastener 530b extends through the opening of the base member 518 adjacent to a corner 545 opposite the corner 543 (eg, the lower corner adjacent the hinge).
[0064] like Figure 15-20 As shown, the base member 518 supports the cover 522 so that in the closed position ( Fig.15 , 17 , 19) and open position ( Fig.16 , 18 , 20). The cover includes a clearance hole 554 that aligns with the fastener 30 when the cover 522 is in the closed position. The mud ring 510 includes a first latch 562 and a second latch 563, each of which is movable between a latched position and an unlocked position. In the illustrated embodiment, each latch 562, 563 is an arm supported for pivotal movement on the cover 522 and includes a slot 566 ( Fig.19). When the junction box 514 is in the first position, the first latch 562 engages the fastener 30b to secure the cover 522 to prevent movement relative to the base member 518. When the junction box 514 is in the second position, the second latch 563 engages the fastener 30b to secure the cover 522 to prevent movement relative to the base member 518.
[0065] In some embodiments, the base member 518 can be secured to a 4 inch junction box or a 4 11 / 16 inch junction box.
[0066] Figure 21-26 A mud ring 610 is shown according to another embodiment. Mud ring 610 is generally similar to mud ring 510, and like features of mud ring 610 are identified using like reference numerals as mud ring 510, plus 100. Some differences between mud ring 510 and mud ring 610 are discussed herein.
[0067] The mud ring 610 is a dual socket mud ring capable of supporting a plurality of electrical devices (not shown) in a first or second position relative to the terminal box 614. In the illustrated embodiment, the mud ring 610 includes an insert 624 capable of supporting two electrical devices. The actuator 682 is positioned adjacent to the upper and lower edges of the insert 624 and between the electrical devices.
[0068] The embodiments described above and shown in the accompanying drawings are provided by way of example only and are not intended to be limiting of the concepts and principles provided herein. Thus, it will be understood that variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects described.
Claims
1. A mud ring for supporting an electrical device relative to an electrical box, the mud ring comprising: a base member configured to be coupled to the electrical box via a fastener; a cover coupled to the base member for pivotal movement about a pivot axis between a closed position and an open position, the cover permitting access to an interior portion of the electrical box in the open position, the cover including an opening; an insert positioned in the opening and supported for movement relative to the cover in a direction oriented perpendicular to the pivot axis, the insert being configured to be coupled to an electrical device; and a latch for selectively securing the cover against movement relative to the base member, wherein the latch is rotatable between a latched position and an unlatched position, and when the latch is in the latched position, the latch engages the fastener to secure the cover against movement relative to the base member.
2. The mud ring according to claim 1, wherein: The latch includes an arm pivotally supported on the cover and a slot for receiving the fastener.
3. The mud ring according to claim 1, wherein: The base member is configured to extend along a portion of a perimeter of the electrical box, a first portion of the base member is secured to one corner of the electrical box, and a second portion of the base member is positioned adjacent an opposite corner of the electrical box.
4. The mud ring according to claim 1, wherein: The base member is configured to be coupled to the electrical box via a plurality of fasteners, wherein the plurality of fasteners are capable of engaging the base member in a variety of configurations.
5. The mud ring according to claim 1, wherein: The base member has a profile that extends around a fastener mounting portion of the electrical box.
6. The mud ring according to claim 1, wherein: The base member has a generally L-shaped profile.
7. The mud ring according to claim 1, wherein: The base member has a generally C-shaped profile.
8. The mud ring according to claim 1, further comprising an actuator coupled between the insert and the cover for driving the insert to move relative to the cover.
9. The mud ring according to claim 1, wherein: The insert is configured to receive a first electrical device and a second electrical device.
10. The mud ring according to claim 1, wherein: The cover further includes a second latch.
11. A mud ring for supporting an electrical device relative to a junction box, the mud ring comprising: a base member configured to be coupled to a junction box; a cover coupled to the base member for movement between a first position and a second position, the cover including an opening; an insert positioned in the opening of the cover and supported for movement relative to the cover, the insert having a first device portion configured to couple to a first electrical device and a second device portion configured to couple to a second electrical device; and an actuator coupled between the insert and the cover for driving the insert to move relative to the cover in a first direction and a second direction, the actuator being positioned between the first device portion and the second device portion, wherein the insert includes a first portion for providing a mechanical stop to prevent the insert from moving relative to the cover in the first direction beyond a predetermined distance; as well as The second portion is used to provide a mechanical stop to prevent the insert from moving beyond a predetermined distance in the second direction.
12. The mud ring of claim 11, further comprising a latch for selectively securing the cover to prevent movement of the cover relative to the base member.
13. The mud ring according to claim 12, wherein: The latch is movable between a latched position and an unlatched position, and when the latch is in the latched position, the latch engages a fastener extending through the base to secure the cover to prevent movement of the cover relative to the base member.
14. The mud ring according to claim 11, wherein: The base member is configured to extend along a portion of a perimeter of the junction box, a first portion of the base member is secured to one corner of the junction box, and a second portion of the base member is positioned adjacent an opposite corner of the junction box.
15. The mud ring according to claim 11, wherein: The base member has a generally L-shaped profile.
16. The mud ring according to claim 11, wherein: The base member has a generally C-shaped profile.
17. The mud ring according to claim 11, wherein: The base member is securable to the junction box in a first orientation and a second orientation.
18. The mud ring according to claim 11, wherein: The base member has a profile that extends around a fastener mounting portion of the junction box.
19. The mud ring according to claim 11, wherein: The actuator includes a threaded fastener supported for free rotation relative to one of the insert and the cover, rotation of the threaded fastener causing the insert to translate relative to the cover in a direction orthogonal to a plane of the cover.