Dual hinge recess weatherproof electrical box assembly

• US 7,462,777 B2
• Filed: 05/08/2007
• Issued: 12/09/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 11/14/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Thomas & Betts International LLC (ABB Limited)
• Original Assignee: Thomas & Betts International Incorporated (ABB Limited)
• Inventors: Dinh, Cong Thanh
• Primary Examiner(s): PATEL, DHIRUBHAI R
• Application Number:
  US11/800,945
• Publication Number:
  US 20080110661A1
• Time in Patent Office: 581 Days
• Field of Search: 174/66, 174/67, 174/135, 174/58, 174/53, 174/60, 174/64, 220/241, 220/242, 361/641, 439/136, 439/142, 439/147
• US Class Current: 174/58
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/5213 Covers
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 3/088 Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof casings or inlets
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 3/12 for flush mounting
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 3/14 Fastening of cover or lid to box

Abstract

The present invention concerns a dual hinge recess weatherproof outdoor electrical box assembly for shielding and protecting electrical components from moisture. The electrical box assembly includes an electrical box having a plurality of hinge sockets, an adapter plate that is recessed in the electrical box, and a cover having a plurality of hinge pins for operable engagement with the hinge sockets.

Claims

1. An outdoor electrical box assembly for shielding and protecting electrical components from moisture comprising:

an electrical box comprising four side walls extending from a back wall to a face plate and defining an interior, wherein said face plate has an opening defined by four sides for accessing said interior and at least a first hinge socket and a second hinge socket, and wherein said first and second hinge sockets are located on adjacent sides of said opening;

a shoulder recessed in said interior;

an adapter plate recessed in said interior of said electrical box, wherein said adapter includes at least one tab that extends from a back surface of said adapter plate to engage said shoulder of said electrical box, wherein, upon engagement of said at least one tab with said shoulder, said adapter place is removably secured to said box;

and a cover having a plurality of hinge pins for operable engagement with said hinge sockets.

2. The outdoor electrical box assembly of claim 1, wherein said adapter plate is substantially planar, and includes a perimeter bounded by a substantially rectangular side edge.

3. The outdoor electrical box assembly of claim 2, wherein said adapter plate includes at least one aperture for receiving an electrical component.

4. The outdoor electrical box assembly of claim 1, wherein said electrical box comprises at least one knockout for receiving and attaching an electrical wire to an electrical component.

5. The outdoor electrical box assembly of claim 1, wherein a bottom portion of said electrical box includes a V-shaped slot that is adapted to receive at least one electrical wire for attachment to at least one electrical component.

6. The outdoor electrical box assembly of claim 1, wherein a said back wall of said electrical box comprises one or more knockouts that are adapted to receive electrical wires for attachment to an electrical component.

7. The outdoor electrical box assembly of claim 6, wherein said electrical box comprises a V-shaped slot that is adapted to receive said electrical wires.

8. The outdoor electrical box assembly of claim 1, wherein said cover comprises a front wall, an opposed open end and a substantially rectangular side wall defining a cover interior.

9. The outdoor electrical box assembly of claim 8, wherein said side wall includes a rim bounding said open end.

10. The outdoor electrical box assembly of claim 9, wherein said cover comprises at least one access port through said side wall adjacent said open end for providing separate passageways into said interior of said cover.

11. The outdoor electrical box assembly of claim 1, wherein said cover comprises a front wall, an opposed open end and a substantially rectangular side wall defining a cover interior, wherein said cover further comprises a first hinge pin and a second hinge pin extending respectively from said side wall adjacent said open end in substantially orthogonal orientation, said cover being pivotally affixed to said box by operative engagement of said first or second hinge socket with said first or second hinge pin of corresponding orientation and movable between an open and a closed position and wherein said first or second hinge pin and said first or second hinge socket that are not in operative engagement are not aligned.