Electrical box assembly for mounting and supporting a security camera or fixture

[0001] This invention relates to the installation of electrical components and specifically to an electrical box for mounting a security cameras or electrical fixtures on a wall, ceiling, or similar surface.

[0002] Security cameras and electrical fixtures are commonly installed on the interiors and exteriors of buildings. Security cameras are frequently installed to provide monitoring of property against intrusion, vandalism, or theft. Electrical fixtures, such as lighting fixtures, are also frequently installed. Electrical fixtures typically run on house current and therefore all electrical connections to the fixtures must be contained within a closed electrical box that is in compliance with all local electrical codes. Although most security cameras are powered by 24 volts, many jurisdictions now require that the electrical connections also be contained within a closed electrical box that meets the electrical code.

[0003] As security cameras and light fixtures are typically installed on ceilings or walls, it is desirable to recess the electrical connections within the walls of the building in order to occlude the view of the box that holds the electrical connections as much as possible. Conventional electrical boxes are typically not adaptable to accepting either a security camera or an electrical fixture, therefore requiring the installer to purchase an electrical box that is specifically adapted to either the security camera or to the electrical fixture.

[0004] What is needed therefore is an electrical box that can be used for installing either an electrical fixture or a security camera on a wall or ceiling. The electrical box should be capable of being easily adapted for the rapid installation of either an electrical fixture or a security camera on a wall or ceiling. Providing one electrical box that is capable of serving two functions reduces stocking requirements and reduces the amount of equipment that must be hauled to the job site by the installer. The mounting of the electrical box should require only the use of a standard hole-saw for preparation of the ceiling or wall.

[0005] The invention is an electrical box assembly for mounting a security camera or an electrical fixture on a wall or ceiling. The electrical box assembly includes an electrical box with a sidewall and back wall defining an enclosure therein. A flange extends laterally from the bottom end of the sidewall. A plurality of rotatable flags, adjustable from the front of the electrical box assembly, are tightened to secure the assembly to the wallboard in a ceiling or wall. Wall preparation for installation of the electrical box assembly requires only a round hole in the wallboard, which can be easily provided by a hole-saw. Recessed areas in the sidewalls of the electrical box enable retracting of the flags to enable easy insertion of the sidewalls within the hole in the wallboard. An adapter plate enables the mounting of a security camera to the electrical box assembly.

[0006] Several advantages are achieved with the electrical box assembly of the present invention, including:

• • [0007] (1) The electrical box assembly provides a mounting platform for both security cameras and electrical fixtures.
  • [0008] (2) The electrical box assembly provides a rapid means of installing security cameras and electrical fixtures on either walls or ceilings.
  • [0009] (3) Wall preparation time is greatly reduced as a standard hole-saw and a single hole are all that are required for installation of the electrical box.
  • [0010] (4) The electrical box assembly is capable of supporting up to a 50 pound load with the connection of a support wire to the electrical box.
  • [0011] (5) The electrical box assembly provides a secure enclosure for holding wiring connections, including 110 volt AC or 24 volt DC current.
  • [0012] (6) An adapter plate enables rapid mounting of a security camera to the electrical box assembly.

[0013] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reading the following description along with reference to the drawings.

[0029]

20	electrical box assembly
22	electrical box
24	sidewall
26	back wall
28	electrical enclosure
29	sidewall end
30	mounting arrangement
32	mounting fastener
34	rotatable flag
38	flange
40	mounting boss
42	oversize bore in mounting boss
44	proximal end of flag
46	distal end of flag
48	bore in flag
50	foot
52	tab
54	flat face
56	recessed area
58	extended configuration
60	tie-off bar
62	knockout area
64	aperture in tie-off bar
66	open channel
68	rim
70	second channel
72	bore
74	retracted configuration
76	directional arrow
78	directional arrow
80	security camera
81	mounting bar
82	bar fastener
83	fastening arrangement
84	post
86	bore in post
88	opening of electrical box
89	base of mounting bar
90	prong on mounting bar
92	tab on mounting bar
94	aperture
95	strut
96	adapter plate
97	inside surface of prong
98	central aperture
100	flange on adapter plate
102	wiring aperture
104	ground strap
106	central bar
108	first end
109	second end
110	tab on ground strap
111	aperture
112	first aperture
114	second aperture
116	groove in electrical box
117	screw
118	aperture in adapter plate
120	directional arrow
122	ceiling
124	support wire
D1	diameter of sidewall of electrical box
Θ1	angle of rotation of flag to extend or retract
Θ2	angle of rotation for securing adapter plate

[0030] Referring to FIG. 1 there is shown a preferred embodiment of an electrical box assembly 20 according to the present invention, with portions of the assembly exploded away for clarification. The electrical box assembly 20 includes a one-piece electrical box 22 with a sidewall 24 and a back wall 26 defining an electrical enclosure 28 therein. Sidewall 24 includes an end 29. A mounting arrangement 30, shown exploded away from the electrical box 22, includes mounting fasteners 32 and rotatable flags 34. The sidewall 24 of the electrical box 22 includes a sidewall end 29 and a flange 38 extending laterally from the sidewall end 29.

[0031] The one-piece electrical box 22 includes mounting bosses 40 that are integral with the sidewall 24. The mounting bosses 40 include bores 42 therein which are oversize with respect to the mounting fasteners 32, thus enabling the mounting fasteners 32 to turn freely in bores 42 after they are inserted there through. Each rotatable flag 34 is substantially rectangular shaped with a proximal end 44 at which it will be attached to the mounting fastener 32, a distal end 46, a bore 48 at the proximal end 44, a foot 50 at the distal end 46, and an outward extending tab 52 laterally from the rotatable flag 34 between the proximal end 44 and distal end 46. A flat face 54 provided on the foot 50 will face the flange 38 of the electrical box 22.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 2, the sidewall 24 of the electrical box assembly 20 includes a recessed area 56 corresponding to each of the rotatable flags 34 in the mounting arrangement 30. The rotatable flags 34 may be rotated outward or inward by rotating the mounting fasteners 32 slightly more than ¼ turn. In FIG. 2, the rotatable flags 34 are depicted rotated outward to the extended configuration 58. As shown in the top perspective view of FIG. 2, the electrical box 22 includes a tie-off bar 60 and one or more knockout areas 62 in the back wall 26. The tie-off bar 60 includes an aperture 64 therein for later attachment of a support wire (not shown) for supporting the electrical box 22 when a heavy load is suspended there from. The mounting fasteners 32 extend through open channels 66 that are adjacent each recessed area 56. When the mounting fasteners 32 are rotated clockwise as viewed from the open end of the electrical box 22, the tabs 52 engage sidewall 24 and continued clockwise rotation of the mounting fasteners will draw the rotatable flags 34 toward the flange 38 of the electrical box 22. Electrical box includes rim 68 at the outer periphery of the flange 38. Second channels 70 are provided in the sidewall 24 of the electrical box 22 in alignment with bores 72 leading from posts (not shown) within the enclosure of the electrical box.

[0033] With reference to FIG. 3, the rotatable flags 34 of the electrical box assembly 20 can be rotated to a retracted configuration 74 wherein the rotatable flags 34 are rotated through angle Θ1 in the direction of arrow 76 until each flag 34 contacts the sidewall 24 of the electrical box 22 within the recessed area 56. With all three rotatable flags 34 rotated into the retracted configuration 74, all portions of the flags 34 are within the outer periphery of the sidewall 24 and the electrical box 22 will thus be configured for insertion through a circular hole in wallboard (not shown) created by a hole-saw.

[0034] FIG. 4 depicts the rotatable flags 34 rotated into their extended configuration 58 in which the wherein the rotatable flags 34 are rotated through angle Θ1 in the direction of arrow 78 until each tab 52 of flag 34 contacts the sidewall 24 of the electrical box 22. With all three rotatable flags 34 rotated into the extended configuration 58, the electrical box 22 will thus be configured for tightening of the mounting fasteners 32 in order to draw the flags 34 tightly against the wallboard (not shown) and thus clamp the electrical box 22 to the wall or ceiling. Preferably, angle Θ1 is between 120 and 125 degrees.

[0035] With reference to FIG. 5, the electrical box assembly 20 of the present invention is depicted in alignment with a security camera 80 that it will support. The mounting fasteners 32 and rotatable flags 34 are shown exploded apart from the electrical box 22 for purposes of clarity. The electrical box assembly 20 is normally supplied with the mounting fasteners 32 extending through the mounting bosses 40 and the rotatable flags 34 attached to the ends of the mounting fasteners 32. In order to support the security camera 80, electrical box assembly 20 includes a mounting bar 81 that is secured with bar fasteners 82 to a fastening arrangement 83 for securing an electrical device (not shown) to the electrical box 22. The mounting bar 81 is an elongated bar preferably constructed of metal. The fastening arrangement 83 for fastening an electrical device to the electrical box 22 includes posts 84 that are integral with the sidewall 25 of the electrical box 22. Posts 84 including bores 86 therein are arranged approximately 180 degrees across the opening 88 of the electrical box 22. As shown in FIG. 13, the mounting bar 81 includes an elongated base 89, two prongs 90 extending from the base 89, tabs 92 extending at a right angle from the prongs 90, and apertures 94 for accommodating bar fasteners 82. Two struts 95 extend from the mounting bar 81 to the inside surface 97 of the prongs 90 to stiffen and support them.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 5, the fastening arrangement 83 of the electrical box assembly 20 further includes an adapter plate 96. The adapter plate 96 includes a central aperture 98 for interacting with the prongs 90 of the mounting bar 81. As shown in FIG. 15, the adapter plate 96 includes flanges 100 extending into the central aperture 98. A wiring aperture 102 is provided on the adapter plate 96 for accommodating the passage of electrical wiring (not shown) between the security camera and the electrical box.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 5, a ground strap 104 is shown in alignment with a post 84 in the electrical box 22. The ground strap 104 is constructed of metal and is provided to enable the electrical box assembly 20 to meet code in certain jurisdictions where a ground wire must be connected within a non-metallic electrical box. As shown in FIG. 14, the ground strap 104 includes a central bar 106 with two bent over ends including a first 108 and second end 109. A tab 110 and aperture 111 are provided on the first end 108 and a first aperture 112 and second aperture 114 in the second end 109. As shown in FIG. 5, electrical box 22 includes a groove 116 therein against the sidewall end 29 at the opening 88 of the electrical box. Tab 110 of ground strap 104 clips into groove 116 in electrical box 22 to hold the ground strap 104 to the electrical box 22. Connection of ground strap 104 to electrical box 22 could also be by screw 117 as shown. A ground wire (not shown) can be connected to the second end 109 of the ground strap 104 to provide electrical continuity to any electrical fixture or device that is secured to the electrical box 22. The second aperture 114 provides a place for connecting the ground wire via screw (not shown) or similar fastener.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 6, the first step in preparing the electrical box assembly 20 for receipt of a security camera (not shown) is to secure mounting bar 81 to posts 84. A portion of mounting bar 81 is broken away on the left side of the figure to show post 84, which is connected to the electrical box 22 by bar fasteners 82, one of which is depicted on the right side of the figure.

[0039] With reference to FIG. 7, after the mounting bar 81 is secured to the electrical box assembly 20, apertures 118 are drilled in the adapter plate 96 by the installer to match the pattern of posts or similar connection devices (not shown) on the security camera to prepare the adapter plate 96 for connection to the security camera. The security camera is then secured to the adapter plate 96 with fasteners (not shown). Adapter plate 96 with attached security camera is then secured to the electrical box assembly 20 by placing the central aperture 98 over the tabs 92 and prongs 90 on the mounting bar 81 and turning the adapter plate 96 through angle Θ2 or approximately one-quarter turn in the direction as shown by directional arrow 120.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 8, after the electrical box 22 has been secured to a ceiling 122, a broken away portion of which ceiling 122 is shown, and adapter plate 96 has been secured to the electrical box assembly 20, the security camera 80 is aligned with the adapter plate 96 and secured thereto by inserting the security camera 80 over the prongs 90 and tabs 92 of the mounting bar 81 and turning approximately ¼ turn in the direction of arrow 120.

[0041] With reference to FIG. 9, the security camera 80 is shown secured to the electrical box assembly 20 which in turn is secured to the ceiling 122. Rotatable flags 34, one of which is shown, have been fully tightened against the ceiling 122 to securely hold electrical box assembly 20 and attached security camera 80 to the ceiling 122. Although the operating procedure for installing electrical box assembly 20 and security camera 80 depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9 are described with respect to a ceiling, it should be understood that electrical box assembly 20 could also be used to install a security camera 80 or similar electrical device on a wall.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 10, the back wall 26 of the electrical box 22 includes tie-off bar 60 extending there from. Tie-off bar 60 includes an aperture 64 therein. As shown in FIG. 11, after electrical box assembly 20 has been secured to the wallboard of ceiling 122, a support wire 124 can be attached to the tie-off bar 60 at aperture 64 to provide support for the security camera 80. The support wire 124 is especially useful for supporting the weight of heavy electrical fixtures that may be attached to the electrical box assembly 20.

[0043] With reference to the rear perspective view of the electrical box assembly 20 in FIG. 12, there is shown the mounting fasteners 32 and rotatable flags 34 in the extended configuration 58. Rotatable flags 34 have been rotated to the extended configuration 58 at which tab 52 of rotatable flag 34 engages the sidewall 24 of the electrical box 22. Knockout areas 62 can be removed to provide an aperture for leading electrical cable (not shown) into the electrical box 22. As each mounting fastener 32 is tightened to draw the rotatable flag 34 toward flange 38, open channel 66 acts as a guide for the rotatable flag 34 to ride along the sidewall 24 and proceed down the channel 66 until the flag 34 engages the wall or ceiling (not shown).

[0044] As shown in FIG. 3, the sidewall 24 of the electrical box 22 includes an outer diameter D1. Preferably, the shape of sidewall 24 is circular and diameter D1 of sidewall 24 is slightly less than the size of a conventional hole-saw of a standard size. For example, for use with a 4.0-inch hole-saw, diameter D1 of sidewall 24 is slightly less than 4.0 inches. With rotatable flags 34 rotated into recesses 56 of sidewall 24, thus to their retracted configuration 74 as shown in FIG. 3, sidewall 24 of electrical box 22 can be easily inserted within a 4.0″-inch hole in a wall created by a conventional 4-inch hole-saw. For other sizes of electrical boxes 22 according to the present invention, the size of the sidewall 24 would be adjusted to a size slightly less than the size of the hole-saw that it is designed to be used in conjunction with.

[0045] Most preferably, the one-piece electrical box 22 of the present invention is molded in one piece of plastic and each of the rotatable flags 34 are molded in one piece of plastic. Preferably, the plastic is polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, acrylonitrile-butadiene styrene, or polyethylene. Preferably the mounting fasteners are #6×2-inch sheet metal screws.

[0046] Although the description above contains many specific descriptions, materials, and dimensions, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.