Ceiling fan outlet box

Abstract

An improved electrical ceiling box including a top portion bounded by a peripheral side portion, with a pair of diametrically opposed ear lugs rigidly secured to the side portion. Each ear lug has a pair of ears integrally formed therewith extending inwardly into the interior cavity of the box. A first ear fits within a recess formed in the bottom edge of the box, while a second ear extends through a slot formed in the side portion of the box. The second ear has a mounting hole formed therein adapted for threaded engagement with a self-tapping screw, while the first ear has a receiving hole formed therethrough for supporting the distal end of the screw. In a preferred embodiment, the box has a substantially hexagonal configuration. In an alternative embodiment, the box has a circular configuration and is shallower, thereby eliminating the need for a pair of slots for receiving the first ears. Preferably, the ear lugs are formed from a heavier gauge material than the remainder of the box for improved strength and resistance to breakage from fatigue.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThis invention relates generally to electrical ceiling boxes and, more particularly, to an electrical box for mounting and supporting a ceiling fan, having improved mounting lugs for engaging the screws used to secure a ceiling fan.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONCeiling fans have become increasingly popular in both commercial and residential settings as a means for improving air circulation and, in many instances, reducing overall electrical consumption. Ceiling fan mounting assemblies come in a variety of configurations, but the vast majority are designed to be secured to a conventional electrical outlet box installed in a ceiling, i.e., a ceiling box. Conventional ceiling boxes have a pair of inwardly extending ears (flanges) integrally formed with the side portion, with each ear having a threaded hole for engaging a mounting screw used to support a ceiling fan. For ceiling fans, conventional ceiling boxes do not provide sufficient strength to serve as support st...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

A still further object is to provide a ceiling box which is structurally superior and allows installation of a ceiling fan in a conventional manner.

Problems solved by technology

For ceiling fans, conventional ceiling boxes do not provide sufficient strength to serve as support structures, thus requiring additional mounting means for proper support.

In the Jorgensen box, however, the ears are unthreaded through holes, aligned with threaded mounting holes formed in the top portion of the box.

Also, it is frequently difficult to thread the screws into the mounting holes since the holes, being recessed within the box, are hard to see, especially when a ceiling fan mounting plate blocks the installer's view.

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