Connection box assembly method

• US 20060079125A1
• Filed: 11/23/2005
• Published: 04/13/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 03/06/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Cheetah USA Corp
• Original Assignee: Cheetah USA Corp
• Inventors: Kidman, Brent L.
• Application Number:
  US11/286,033
• Publication Number:
  US 20060079125A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 439/535
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/506 assembled by snap action of the parts
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/73 Means for mounting coupling parts to apparatus or structures, e.g. to a wall
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 25/006 the coupling part being secured to apparatus or structure, e.g. duplex wall receptacle
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 3/086 Assembled boxes
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 3/14 Fastening of cover or lid to box
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 3/18 providing line outlets
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49117 Conductor or circuit manufacturing
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49147 Assembling terminal to base
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49174 Assembling terminal to elongated conductor
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49208 by assembling plural parts

Abstract

A method for assembling an electrical connection box. The method may include the steps of selecting a connection box having at least one receiver, selecting an assembly comprising an electrical fixture and at least one anchor, and securing the assembly to the connection box by inserting the at least one anchor within the first receiver. The at least one receiver may include a first engagement mechanism designed to engage a second engagement mechanism included as part of the at least one anchor.

Claims

1. a method comprising:

selecting an assembly comprising an electrical fixture and at least one anchor;

connecting at least one conductor to the electrical fixture; and

securing the assembly to a connection box exclusively by directly manipulating the electrical fixture.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising selecting the connection box to have at least one receiver configured to substantially instantaneously engage the at least one anchor when inserted therewithin to a selected depth.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein securing further comprises directly manipulating the electrical fixture to insert the at least one anchor within the at least one receiver to the selected depth.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein selecting further comprises selecting the assembly to have the at least one anchor formed of a polymer.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein selecting an assembly further comprises selecting the electrical fixture to have a screw extending to engage the at least one anchor.

6. A method comprising:

selecting an assembly comprising an electrical fixture and at least one anchor;

selecting a connection box having at least one receiver configured to substantially instantaneously engage the at least one anchor when inserted therewithin to a selected depth; and

securing the assembly to the connection box exclusively by directly manipulating the electrical fixture to insert the at least one anchor within the at least one receiver to at least the selected depth.

7. A method comprising:

selecting a connection box comprising a first receiver having a first engagement mechanism;

selecting a first assembly comprising a first electrical fixture and a first anchor substantially rigidly secured to the first electrical fixture to extend therefrom, the first anchor having a second engagement mechanism; and

securing the first assembly to the connection box by inserting the first anchor within the first receiver to a position at which the first engagement mechanism instantly engages the second engagement mechanism.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein securing comprises engaging a barb.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein securing further comprises engaging a series of teeth.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising connecting the first anchor to the first electrical fixture with a fastener.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the fastener is a screw.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein selecting the first assembly further comprises selecting the first anchor formed of a polymer.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein selecting the connection box further comprises selecting the connection box to contain at least one wire.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising securing the at least one wire to the electrical fixture.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein selecting the first assembly further comprises selecting the first electrical fixture from the group consisting of a power switch and a power receptacle.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein selecting the connection box further comprises selecting the connection box to have a second receiver.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein:

selecting the first assembly further comprises selecting the first assembly to have a second anchor substantially rigidly secured to the first electrical fixture to extend therefrom; and

securing the assembly to the connection box further comprises simultaneous inserting the first and second anchors within the first and second receivers, respectively.

18. The method of claim 7, wherein selecting the connection box further comprises selecting the connection box to have third and fourth receivers.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising selecting a second assembly comprising a second electrical fixture, a third anchor, and a fourth anchor, the third and forth anchors each being substantially rigidly secured to the second electrical fixture to extend therefrom.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising securing the second assembly to the connection box by inserting the third and fourth anchors within the third and fourth receivers, respectively.