This invention is in the field of mounting brackets, specifically for mounting electrical gear to studs.
Electrical light switches and outlets are encased in open-faced metallic boxes, typically 4″×4″. Outlet boxes must be mounted to studs before the walls are finished. Metal studs are commonly used in interior walls because they are lightweight. Each metal stud is a single sheet bent into the cross-sectional shape of a typesetting bracket: [. Therefore, each stud has a flat side and an open side. It is easier to mount an electrical box to the flat side of a metal stud than to the open side.
The prior art method for mounting an electrical box to the open face of a metal stud is to attach a flat surface to the open side. One common method is to add a piece of metal track. A second method is to purchase a supporting mechanism for the box.
The present invention is a Z-shaped mounting bracket adapted for attaching an electrical box to the open side of a metal stud. It has one or two mounting platforms for attachment to the outlet box, a retaining tab parallel to the mounting platforms, for attachment to the stud, and a connecting tab, perpendicular to the mounting platforms and the retaining tab, which connects the mounting platforms to the retaining tab. In its best mode, the mounting bracket is made of plastic and is structurally supported by a plurality of triangular braces.
The invention 1, a mounting bracket, is shown in isolation in
A connector 13 is attached to the rear edges of both mounting platforms. The connector is a planar component perpendicular to the first mounting platform and to the second mounting platform. It has a front face 131 and a rear face 132 (best seen in
A retaining tab 14 is connected to the rear face 132 of the connector. The retaining tab is perpendicular to the connector and parallel to the mounting platforms. At least one retaining indentation 141 perforates the retaining tab.
The profile formed by the mounting platforms, the connector, and the retaining tab (e.g.
In particular, the invention is a Z-bracket adapted to mount an outlet box to the open face of a metal stud.
The invention 1 is designed to fit the open face 211 of a metal stud. For instance, the connector 13 is sized at the same height as a standard tab 212. Thus, when the retaining tab 14 of the mounting bracket is secured to the open face 211 of a metal stud, the mounting platforms 11 and 12 of the invention are aligned with the tongues 2121 on the stud. Further, the grooves 111 on the mounting platforms are sized to accommodate the tongues 2121 for a secure connection. The mounting platforms then occupy the plane where the fourth side of the stud would be if it were a closed shape.
An outlet box 41 is shown in
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
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4723746 | Gould | Feb 1988 | A |
20110001026 | Kubsad | Jan 2011 | A1 |
Entry |
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Home Depot, “Customer Reviews for Milton Industries, Inc. FRL Modular System Mounting Bracket”, https://www.homedepot.com/p/reviews/Milton-Industries-Inc-FRL-Modular-System-Mounting-Bracket-S-1163-14/301836594/1 (accessed and archived Nov. 21, 2021). Dual mounting platforms. |
3D Content Central, “EG-0320-2—Groove Extrusion”, https://www.3dcontentcentral.com/download-model.aspx?catalogid=6237&id=1322468 (accessed and archived Nov. 21, 2021). Groove or slotted edge. |
Garvin, “2 Pcs, 4″ Square Junction Box, 1-1/2 In. Deep, w/Metal Stud Bracket, (6) ½ In. & (3) ½-¾ In. Side Knockouts, .0625 Galvanized Steel to Bring Power to Electrical Devices”, https://www.amazon.com/Junction-Bracket-Knockouts-Galvanized-Electrical/dp/B0798LQVQH (accessed and archived Nov. 21, 2021). Today's industry standard for mounting electric box to metal stud. |
Seco-Larm, “Seco-Larm—“Z” Brackets for 1200 lb Series Electromagnetic Locks—Indoor”, https://www.uhs-hardware.com/products/seco-larm-z-brackets-for-1200-lb-series-electromagnetic-locks-indoor (accessed and archived Nov. 21, 2021). The basic tri-planar “Z-bracket” structure. |
Gaofuya, “10pcs Thick nylon plastic corner brackets 90 Degree Cabinet Furniture Closet angle connecting connector Hardware Accessories”, https://imall.com/product/10pcs-Thick-nylon-plastic-corner-brackets-90-Degree-Cabinet-Furniture-Closet-angle-connecting-connector-Hardware-Accessories/Home-Improvement/aliexpress.com/1005001368761715/568-86010090/en (accessed and archived Nov. 21, 2021). Triangular support brackets. |
Number | Date | Country | |
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20220166200 A1 | May 2022 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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63148109 | Feb 2021 | US |