Patent attributes
An adjustable mounting bar and electrical box assembly for hanging a light fixture, fan, or other electrical device from a ceiling. All hardware required for mounting the electrical device is included with the assembly. The adjustable mounting bar includes sliding tubular members with end flanges for spanning between adjacent overhead joists. An electrical box is connected to the tubular members by a clamp and outer clamping fasteners, which can be loosened to adjust the length of the adjustable mounting bar. The end flanges include penetrable tabs that can be driven into the overhead joists to temporarily secure the adjustable mounting bar to the joists and thereby free the installer's hands. The outer face of the end flanges include a series of rows of slots arranged horizontally thereon and forming a plurality of bend lines. The end flanges also include alignment stops that, for a predetermined thickness of ceiling covering, can be positioned flush against the overhead joists to quickly position the adjustable mounting bar for a ceiling covering of the predetermined thickness. To accommodate ceiling coverings thicker than the predetermined thickness, the end flanges can be bent outwards at the proper bend line to position the lower end of the electrical box flush with the ceiling surface. Load bearing bar fasteners threadably engaged in temporary storage receptacles in the sliding tubular members are removed therefrom and fastened through the end flanges to securely fasten the mounting bar to the joists. Load bearing device fasteners threadably engaged in temporary storage receptacles in the electrical box are removed therefrom and driven into receptacles in the clamp to secure the electrical device to the mounting bar.
