Power distribution post for use in timber frame structures
OwnerBradley Jay Lavery, Joseph Hyrum Thompsoninventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A kit for a timber frame structure that provides electrical power for lights, fans, and other electrical devices. Pre-wired timber frame components for the kit may comprise support posts, each having a pre-drilled center bore and one or more recessed electrical boxes with weatherproof outdoor covers. Installed in the center bore of each post may be electrical wiring extending to the electrical boxes. The electrical boxes may house switches and outlets that connect to the electrical wiring.
Claims20
An apparatus for providing electrical power for a wooden outdoor structure, said wooden outdoor structure having a horizontal support beam, said apparatus comprising:
- a timber post extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end;
- a bore formed in the interior of the timber post;
- a first cutout formed in a sidewall of the timber post, said first cutout in communication with said bore;
- a first electrical box installed in the cutout;
- electrical wiring installed in the bore of the post and extending to the first electrical box;
- and
- a joint member formed in the timber post, wherein said joint member is operable to secure the timber post to the horizontal support beam.
A kit for building an outdoor timber frame structure, said kit comprising:
- a plurality of timber posts;
- a plurality of timber beams;
- wherein the timber beams and the timber posts are configured and adapted to interlock together to form a timber frame;
- wherein at least one of the timber posts is pre-wired with an electrical circuit and an electrical connector for connecting the circuit to main power.
A method of pre-wiring a timber post for use in a kit to build an outdoor timber frame structure, said method comprising:
- selecting a timber post;
- cutting the timber post to length;
- forming a first cutout in the timber post;
- drilling a bore in the timber post;
- installing an electrical box in the first cutout in the timber post;
- installing electrical wiring into the post, said electrical wiring having an electrical connector for connecting to main power;
- installing an outlet in said electrical box and connect it to the electrical wiring;
- and
- providing the timber post as part of a pre-manufactured kit for an outdoor timber frame structure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.