Device for installing electric outlet boxes

• US 4,793,069 A
• Filed: 06/15/1987
• Issued: 12/27/1988
• Est. Priority Date: 06/15/1987
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Kenneth H. Mcdowell
• Original Assignee: Kenneth H. Mcdowell
• Inventors: McDowell, Kenneth H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Haroian, Harry N.
• Application Number:
  US07/061,816
• Time in Patent Office: 561 Days
• Field of Search: 33/DIG. 10, 33/528
• US Class Current: 33/528
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 3/00 Measuring instruments characterised by the use of mechanical techniques
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 1/00 Methods or apparatus specially adapted for installing, maintaining, repairing or dismantling electric cables or lines
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 2200/30 Tools for installing cables comprising a spirit level
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 3/00 Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles installations of bus-bars H02G5/00; overhead installations H02G7/00; installations in or on the ground H02G9/00
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 33/10 Outlet box

Abstract

A tool which provides the installer of electric outlet boxes with means for outlining on a wall or similar support the contours of a one-gang box and a two-gang box including means for pre-determining height and a leveling means for placing the contours of the box on a level with the lines of a room.

Claims

1. A device for preparing a wall or similar support to receive an electrical outlet box which comprises:

(1) a flat elongate sheet having one or more cutouts for outlining the contours of said box;

(2) a rule extending along at least one edge of said device;

(3) a level within an elongate protuberance which extends horizontally and outwardly from the face of said device;

(4) an extensible tape measure secured to the face of said device; and

(5) a peg affixed to said face and having a threaded orifice for receiving a threaded screw to which a line may be attached for measuring distances to floor level.

2. The device according to claim 1 wherein said support is a wall.

3. The device according to claim 1 wherein said level is of the torpedo type.

4. The device according to claim 1 constructed of a relatively rigid material.

5. The device according to claim 4 wherein said material is metal.

6. The device according to claim 4 wherein said material is plastic.

7. The device according to claim 1 which is rectangular in appearance and includes a cutout for a two-gang outlet.

8. The device according to claim 7 wherein said rule is imprinted horizontally onto the face of said device along a top edge and a second rule is imprinted vertically onto said face along a side edge.