Improvements-in-Electric-Light-and-Power Fittings, especially adapted to Boxes used in connection with Armoured Conduit Systems of Wiring.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 4th Jan., 1897
Complete Specification Left, 4th Oct., 1897-Accepted, 18th Dec., 1897
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements-in-Electric-Light-and-Power Fittings, especially
adapted to Boxes used in connection with Armoured Conduit
Systems of Wiring.
I, FREDERICK BATHURST, of No 14 Greencroft Gardens, South Hampstead, in the
County of Middlesex, Electrical Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention to be as follows:-
My invention relates to certain improvements in electric light and power fittings
especially adapted to boxes used in connection with armoured conduit systems of
wiring, and is based upon the boxes and method of and means for attaching fittings
thereto described in the specification and shown by the drawings of my specification
No 4996 A.D. 1896. The objects sought to be attained by my invention are, firstly,
to adapt each and every kind of fitting to an ordinary junction or joint box with one
or more outlets, secondly, to secure hermeticity, and perfect insulation, and thirdly,
to adapt the fittings to any known system of wiring without structural alteration.
In attaining these objects I am enabled to "standardize" fittings and thus simplify
the arrangement, erection and manipulation of electrical installations. In practice
intend to adapt an armoured conduit system with standard boxes or cases, so that
any kind of fitting may readily be adapted and coupled up to any system of wiring
or running electrical conductors.
In order that my invention may be the better understood I have appended the
accompanying sheet of drawings in which Figure 1 is a plan view, and Figure 2 an
elevation in section, of an ordinary tumbler switch, adapted to a box. Figures 3 and 4
are sectional views showing two methods of employing the nipple for attaching the
fittings to the box. Figure 5 is a plan view, and Figure 6 an elevation, partly in
section of a ceiling rose, adapted to a box. Figure 7 is a plan, and Figure 8 a
sectional elevation of a two or four way jointing base adapted to a box. Figure 9 is
an elevation partly in section of a wall socket and plug, adapted to a box. Figure 10
is a sectional elevation of a porcelain or other insulating base which may carry a
cut out, or any other fitting, also adapted to a box. Figure 11 is a plan, and Figure 12
an elevation in section of a cut out or fuse distribution board, with an anxiliary
insulated supporting bracket. Figures 13 and 14 are sectional views of the nipple
attachment in which modifications are introduced for purposes of varying the connec-
tions. Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts throughout the
several views.
In carrying my invention into effect, I employ a joint box A of circular or other
shape as described in my specification of prior date, viz No 4996 of 1896. An
insulating lining B is fitted inside it, and one or more outlets a are adapted to fit the
armoured conduit. An inwardly projecting nipple N is provided with a screw thread
arranged to engage with a screwed hole in the insulating base D of the fitting. This
is clearly shown by Figure 3, but I may in some cases modify the arrangement by
using a projecting insulating nipple N projecting from the base 1) and screwing
into A as shown by Figure 4. This however is not preferable. In Figures 1 and 2,
the ordinary tumbler switch is shown adapted to the box A and attached.
-

page_text: thereto by the nipple N screwing into the base D. In such cases of adaptation,
the ordinary cover of the switch is dispensed with, the box A and its cover C
enclosing and insulating it perfectly. In the adaptation of the ceiling rose.
Figures 5 and 6, one fitting is shown attached to the cover C or resting thereupon,
the other or base part D being attached to A by the nipple N. Figures 7 and 8
show the adaptation of a two, three or four way junction or jointing, fitting to a
box A by means of a nipple N, the base D having an insulating wall or partition P
which is arranged to be close to, or abutting against the cover when the whole is in
place and coupled up. Figure 9 shows an ordinary wall socket and plug adapted to
a box A by a nipple N, the cover of the socket being dispensed with, and a hole in
the cover C, which may or may not be insulated admits of the adjustment of the
plug R. Figure 10 shows the adaptation of a china or other insulating base D with a
wall or partition P which may be slit to carry a fuse or any other fitting, the
attachment to the box A being by means of a nipple N as hereinbefore described.
A combined cut out and distribution box is shown by Figure 11 and 12, in which by
the construction, greater advantages are gained in respect of insulation, The
bracket M is screwed fixed or secured upon the nipple N by an insulating nut cr
equivalent O so that a double insulation to earth or the outer armouring is gained
for the terminals, which may be set on porcelain or like insulating material. Another
method is shown by Figure 14, in which an insulated bush s attached to the base D
receives the nipple N, and allows of electrical connection being established between
the grounded box A and any part of the fittings inside it.
:
This method of securing out let joint fittings with an insulated box is applicable to
all present systems of wiring, such as concentric conductors with a grounded outer
conductor, two wire, three wire (with or without a grounded neutral) or even five
wire systems. I may, without departing from the essential features of my said
invention amplify the adaptation of fittings to boxes for the purpose of standardiza-
tion, to include those of especial construction, or any known type of any class or kind
of fitting used in installations of electric light and power.
Dated this 21st day of December 1806
FREDK. WALKER
73 St Stephen's Road Upton Park. E. Agent for the Applicant.
Improvements in Electric Light and Power Fittings, especially
adapted to Boxes used in connection with Armoured Conduit
Systems of Wiring.
I. FREDERICK BATHURST, formerly of No 14 Greencroft Gardens, South Hampstead
in the County of Middlesex, now of No 4 Limes Villas, West Hill Road, S.W.
Electrical Engineer. do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in
and by the following statement:—
My invention relates to certain improvements in electric light and power fittings
especially adapted to boxes used in connection with armoured conduit systems of
wiring, and is based upon the construction of the boxes, and method of, and means
for attaching fittings thereto, described in the specification and shown by the
drawings of my patent No 4996 of A.D 1896. The objects sought to be attained
by my invention are, firstly to adapt each and every kind of fitting to an ordinary
junction or joint box with one or more outlets, secondly to secure hermeticity and
perfect insulation, and thirdly to adapt the fittings to any known system of wiring

page_text: without structural alteration. In attaining these objects, I am enabled to
"standardize" fittings and thus simplify the arrangements, erection, and
manipulation of electrical installations.
I practice I intend to use an armoured conduit system, with standard boxes or
cases, so that any kind of fitting may be readily adapted to any system of wiring
or running electrical conductors.
to a box.
In order that my invention may be the better understood, reference may be had
to the drawings accompanying my provisional specification. in which Figure 1 is a
plan view, and Figure 2 a sectional elevation of an ordinary tumbler switch, adapted
Figures 3 and 4 are sectional views showing two methods of employing
the nipple for attaching the fittings to the box. Figure 5 is a plan view and Figure 6
an elevation, partly in section, of a ceiling rose fitting adapted to a box. Figure 7
is a plan, and Figure 8 a sectional elevation of the two or four way jointing base
or fitting adapted to a box. Figure 9 is an elevation, partly in section, of a wall
socket and plug, adapted to a box. Figure 10 is a sectional elevation of a porcelain
or other insulating base which may carry a cut out or any other fitting, also adapted
to a box. Figure 11 is a plan, and Figure 12 a sectional elevation of a cut
out or fuse distribution board, with an auxiliary insulated supporting bracket,
Figures 13 and 14 are sectional views of the nipple attachment in which
modifications are introduced for the purpose of varying the connections. I have also
appended to my complete specification a sheet of drawings in which a cut-out or fuse
distribution board is shown in plan by Figure 15, and a sectional elevation upon
the lines XY by Figure 16. Figure 17 shows part of a conducting bar slit prior to
bending, and Figure 18 is a section of the same upon the lines x. y. as turned up.
Figure 19 is a plan view of the separate clip, with terminal attached, prior to
bending. These last views are drawn to a larger scale. Similar letters of reference
indicate corresponding parts throughout, the several views.
In carrying my invention into effect I employ a joint box A of circular or other
shape as described in my specification of prior date, viz; No 4996 of A.D 1896.
An insulating lining B is fitted inside it, and one or more outlets a are adapted to
fit the armoured conduit. An inwardly projecting nipple N, within the box, provided
with a screw thread, is arranged to engage with a screwed hole in the insulating
base D of the fitting. This is clearly shown by Figure 3, but I may in some cases
modify the arrangement by using a projecting insulating nipple N projecting from
the base D, and screwing into A as shown by Figure 4. This, however, although an
alternative is not preferable. In Figures 1 and 2 the ordinary tumbler switch is
shown adapted to the box A and attached thereto by the nipple N screwing into the
hase D. In such cases of adaptation, the ordinary cover of the switch is dispensed
with, the box A and its cover C enclosing and insulating it perfectly. In the
adaptation of the ceiling rose Figures and 6, one fitting is shown attached to the
cover C, or resting thereupon, the other, or base part D being attached to A by
the nipple N. Figures 7 and 8 show the adaptation of a two, three or four way
junction or jointing fitting to a box A by means of a nipple N, the base D having an
insulating wall or partition P, which is arranged close to, or abutting against the
cover C when the whole is in place, and coupled up. Figure 9 shows an ordinary
wall socket and plug adapted to a box A by a nipple N, the cover of the socket being
dispensed with, and a hole in the cover C, which may or may not be insulated admits
of the adjustment of the plug R. Figure 10 shows the adaptation of a china or
other insulating base D with a wall or partition P which may be slit to carry a fuse
or other fitting, the attachment to the box A being made by the nipple N, as
herein before described. A combined cut out and distribution box is shown by
Figures 11 and 12, in which the highest insulation is attained.
is screwed, fixed or secured upon the nipple N by an insulating nut or equivalent o,
The bracket M
so that a double insulation to earth is gained for the terminals, which may be
mounted on porcelain or like insulating material. Figure 13 shows a method of
connecting the outer case A with the interior by partial insulation of the nut o.
This method of securing outlet point fittings within an insulated box is applicable

page_text: to all known systems of wiring, such as concentric conductors, with a grounded outer
conductor, two wire, three wire (with or without a grounded neutral) or even five
wire systems. Another method is shown by Figure 14, in which a bush & attached
to the base D receives the nipple N and allows of convenient electrical connection
being made between the grounded box A and any part of the fittings inside it.
In the cut-out, or fuse distribution board shown by Figures 15 and 16 upon the
sheet of drawings hereto appended, I mount the base D, of insulating material, upon
insulating blocks, I I' Figure 16, using two nipples N N¹ to each, screwed into each
end of the block with a dividing space between as shown. In the case illustrated,
four such blocks and sets of nipples are used to support D freely within the box A,
with an air space around it. Holes h¹ in the base D, carry the mains to the
terminals t t upon the plates m m¹. In this case of adaptation the box A need have
no insulating lining as hereinbefore shown and described, the insulating space, and
the partition P between the poles of opposite sign being sufficient to procure the
necessary insulation. I also construct the plates m m¹ and the spring clips of one
piece of metal, by stamping T shaped slits in a sheet of metal as shown by the
enlarged views Figures 17 and 18. When thus slit, the two parts and w. may be
turned up as shown by Figure 18, forming a spring clip for the end of a fuse, as n
Figure 15. The separate clips are similarly formed as shown by Figure 19, a
T shaped stamping carrying a terminal T and a hole for attachment K, the two
wings vw being bent up as shown by the sectional elevation Figure 18,. and
corresponding thereto.
I may, without departing from the essential features of my said invention amplify
the adaptation of fittings to boxes for the purpose of standardization, to include those
of especial construction, or any known type of any class or kind of fitting used in
installations of electric light or power.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is —
First. In electric light and power fittings adapted to joint or other boxes, the use
of a pin or stud formed upon or attached to the box, and to which the insulating
base of any fitting may be secured, substantially as herein described with reference
to Figures 1, 2 and 3 of the appended drawings.
Second. In electric light and power fittings adapted to joint or other boxes, the
use of a pin or stud attached to the base of any fitting and screwed into the box,
substantially as herein described with reference to Figure 4 of the accompanying
drawings.
Third. In electric light and power fittings adapted to joint or other boxes, the
attachment of an insulating base to the box by means of a nipple formed upon or
attached to the box and substantially as herein described and shown by the appended
drawings.
Fourth. In electric light and power fittings adapted to joint or other boxes the
use of an insulating block or blocks I fitted upon a nipple or nipples fixed to the
box, and supporting a base D held in place by a nipple or nipples passing through
it substantially as herein described and shown by Figures 15 and 16 of the appended
drawings.
Fifth. In electric light and power fittings adapted to joint or other boxes, the
method of and means for modifying any such fitting to suit the box to which it is
applied, substantially as herein described with reference to the appended drawings.
Dated this 1st day of October 1897
FREDK WALKER
73 St Stephens Road, Upton Park London. E Agent for the Applicant.