Connection box stabilizer

• US 7,083,467 B2
• Filed: 01/07/2005
• Issued: 08/01/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 03/06/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Cheetah USA Corp
• Original Assignee: Quixemble, Inc.
• Inventors: Kidman, Brent L.
• Primary Examiner(s): DINH, PHUONG K
• Application Number:
  US11/031,452
• Publication Number:
  US 20050181665A1
• Time in Patent Office: 571 Days
• Field of Search: 439/538, 439/539, 439/57, 439/58, 439/571, 439/572, 439/589, 439/527, 220/3.9
• US Class Current: 439/538
• 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

Abstract

A connection box assembly includes an electrical connection box with one end shaped to receive a fastener for securing the connection box to a stud or other structural member. The other end is secured to a slide. A spacer is inserted within the slide to register the connection box with respect to any sheathing, sheetrock, or paneling material applied to a back side of the stud or other structural member. The slide engages the spacer with a uni-directional ratchet controlling the extension of the spacer from the connection box.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a connection box defining longitudinal, lateral, and transverse directions substantially orthogonal to one another;

a spacer having a first engagement mechanism and a second engagement mechanism, spaced apart; and

a slide connected to the connection box and shaped to receive the spacer therein, the slide having a third engagement mechanism selectively engaging one of the first and second engagement mechanisms to secure the spacer with respect to the connection box in one of respective first and second positions.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus, in the first position further comprises the spacer positioned within the slide, the third engagement mechanism engaging the first engagement mechanism, and the spacer extending a first distance in the transverse direction from the connection box.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising, in the second position, the spacer positioned within the slide, the third engagement mechanism engaging the second engagement mechanism, and the spacer extending a second distance, distinct from the first distance, in the transverse direction from the connection box.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the connection box is a gang connection box.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the connection box is homogeneously molded of a material selected from the group consisting of a polymer, a filled polymer, and a reinforced polymer.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the slide and connection box are homogeneously molded as a single continuous unit from a material selected from the group consisting of a polymer, a filled polymer, and a reinforced polymer.

7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the spacer is homogeneously molded of a material selected from the group consisting of a polymer, a filled polymer, and a reinforced polymer.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the slide is positioned within the interior of the connection box.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the connection box further comprises a proximal end and a distal end spaced apart from one another.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the connection box further comprises a nail support proximate the proximal end to receive a nail to anchor the apparatus to a structure.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the slide is positioned proximate the distal end of the connection box.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connection box further comprises an aperture through which the spacer extends to engage the slide.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the spacer comprises an extension portion and a foot portion, the extension portion projecting in the transverse direction from proximate the connection box to the foot portion, the foot portion extending in at least one of the lateral direction and longitudinal direction away from the extension portion.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connection box is a gang-type connection box.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the slide and connection box are homogeneously molded as a single unit from a material selected from the group consisting of a polymer, a filled polymer, and a reinforced polymer.

16. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the spacer is homogeneously molded of a material selected from the group consisting of a polymer, a filled polymer, and a reinforced polymer.

17. An apparatus comprising:

a connection box defining longitudinal, lateral, and transverse directions substantially orthogonal to one another;

a spacer; and

a slide securing to the connection box and engaging the spacer with a uni-directional ratchet controlling motion of the spacer with respect to the connection box in the transverse direction, the uni-directional ratchet providing at least two positions of engagement between the slide and the spacer.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the uni-directional ratchet provides at least three positions of engagement between the slide and the spacer.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the uni-directional ratchet supports extension of the spacer with respect to the connection box and resists retraction of the spacer with respect to the connection box.

20. An apparatus comprising:

a vertical stud, elongate to define a longitudinal direction with a transverse direction and lateral direction, all substantially, mutually orthogonal, the stud being of generally rectangular cross section having a front surface positioned opposite a back face and a first side surface positioned opposite a second side surface;

a planar member positioned parallel to, and substantially in contact with the back surface;

a connection box having a proximal end secured against the first side surface and a distal end spaced therefrom; and

a spacer extending from the connection box to maintain the distal end spaced from the planar member a selected distance; and

the connection box engaging the spacer with a uni-directional ratchet to control extension and retraction of the spacer with respect to the connection box.

21. A connection box assembly defining longitudinal, lateral, and transverse directions substantially orthogonal to one another, the assembly comprising:

a wall comprising a structural member having first and second planar members on opposite sides thereof, the structural member spacing apart, in the transverse direction, the first planar member and the second planar member, substantially parallel to one another;

a connection box having a proximal end secured to the structural member, a distal end spaced laterally therefrom, an interior cavity to receive transmission wires therein, and an open face extending from substantially the distal end to substantially the proximal end to provide access to the interior cavity;

the connection box further comprising a stop secured to the distal end thereof to register the open face in the transverse direction with respect to the first planar member; and

a spacer engaging the distal end of the connection box with a uni-directional ratchet to extend from the connection box and register the open face thereof in the transverse direction with respect to the second planar member.