ADJUSTABLE PLASTER RING WITH ATTACHED CLIP

• US 20090021895A1
• Filed: 07/21/2008
• Published: 01/22/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 07/29/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Protectconnect Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Protectconnect Incorporated
• Inventors: Grudt, Dennis L., Karns, John, Purves, Steve
• Application Number:
  US12/176,980
• Publication Number:
  US 20090021895A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 361/641
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/502 composed of different pieces H01R13/514 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 9/24 Terminal blocks
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 1/00 Methods or apparatus specially adapted for installing, maintaining, repairing or dismantling electric cables or lines
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 3/083 Inlets
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 3/12 for flush mounting
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 3/14 Fastening of cover or lid to box
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 3/16 structurally associated with support for line-connecting terminals within the box
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 3/18 providing line outlets
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/0008 assembled by screws
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/0204 Mounting supporting structures on the outside of casings
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49002 Electrical device making
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49174 Assembling terminal to elongated conductor
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/532 Conductor

Abstract

A power distribution system has an electrical box configured to attach a power cable, a plaster ring releasably mounted to the box and one or more electrical devices installed into the ring. A pre-wired ground extends from a first end physically and electrically connected to a ground terminal on the electrical device. The plaster ring is movable between a closed position proximate the box and an open position distal the box. The pre-wired ground is configured as a lanyard so as to support the plaster ring as a wiring platform in the open position for connecting wires between the power cable and the electrical device or devices.

Claims

1. An adjustable plaster ring for use in an electrical distribution system, comprising:

a base ring configured to be mounted to a front face of an electrical box, the base ring comprising;

a central opening configured to slidably receive an insert such that the position of the insert can be varied with respect to the base ring;

a plurality of peripheral portions, the peripheral portions being configured to substantially cover corresponding peripheral portions of an opening in the front face of the electrical box; and

a bracket for adjustably connecting the insert to the base ring, the bracket and the base ring being formed from a monolithic piece, and the bracket leaving a gap in one of the peripheral portions; and

a separate piece coupled to the base ring at the gap in the peripheral portion left by the bracket, the separate piece substantially closing the gap.

2. The adjustable plaster ring of claim 1, wherein the base ring comprises a plurality of keyhole slots for mounting the base ring to the electrical box.

3. The adjustable plaster ring of claim 1, wherein the base ring comprises a raised flange that extends from a generally planar surface of the base ring and that defines the central opening.

4. The adjustable plaster ring of claim 3, wherein the separate piece is angled to fit in a corner defined by the intersection of the raised flange and the generally planar surface.

5. The adjustable plaster ring of claim 3, wherein the bracket extends rearward of the base ring from the raised flange.

6. The adjustable plaster ring of claim 1, wherein the separate piece cooperates with the plurality of peripheral portions of the base ring to entirely cover the corresponding peripheral portions of the opening in the front face of the electrical box.

7. The adjustable plaster ring of claim 1, wherein the insert comprises a mounting portion with a first hole, wherein the bracket comprises a second hole, and wherein a screw is inserted through the first and second holes to adjustably connect the insert to the base ring.

8. The adjustable plaster ring of claim 7, wherein the insert comprises an insert ring, wherein the mounting portion of the insert ring is located at the interior of the insert ring, and wherein the bracket extends to a position such that the second hole axially coincides with the first hole.

9. The adjustable plaster ring of claim 1, wherein the insert is adjustably connected to the base ring by a threaded fastener.

10. The adjustable plaster ring of claim 1, wherein the central opening is generally rectangular.

11. The adjustable plaster ring of claim 1, wherein the electrical device is a wiring module comprising:

a non-electrically conductive housing sized to fit within the electrical box;

one or more cable connectors having one or more electrical contacts configured to electrically couple with one or more power cables routed to the electrical box;

one or more module connectors having one or more electrical contacts, the one or more module connectors being configured to electrically couple to an electrical outlet module that is installable at least partially within the electrical box; and

one or more internal conductors electrically coupling the one or more electrical contacts of the one or more cable connectors with the corresponding one or more electrical contacts of the one or more module connectors so as to electrically couple the electrical outlet module to the one or more power cables when the electrical wiring module and the electrical outlet module are installed within the box.