Electrical apparatus having quick connect components

• US 7,767,905 B2
• Filed: 06/20/2008
• Issued: 08/03/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 10/31/2007
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Mark H. Meyer
• Original Assignee: Mark H. Meyer
• Inventors: Meyer, Mark H.
• Primary Examiner(s): PATEL, DHIRUBHAI R
• Application Number:
  US12/111,271
• Publication Number:
  US 20090107693A1
• Time in Patent Office: 774 Days
• Field of Search: 174/50, 174/57, 174/58, 174/60, 174/67, 174/135, 220/4.02, 439/535, 248/906, 361/640
• US Class Current: 174/60
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 3/086 Assembled boxes
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 3/123 in thin walls
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 248/906 Electrical outlet box support

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses for power distribution improve and can standardize electrical connections between electrical cables and the multitude of electrical switches, receptacles, and fixtures of known technology. The invention can include modular hardware components such as junction boxes, electrical devices, adaptors, a/b switches, etc. that simplify both installation and inspection requirements at the job site. Optional color coding can facilitate proper wiring of the components. The invention allows field wiring to be completed more quickly and accurately thereby advantageously reducing associated costs and increasing safety.

Claims

1. An electrical apparatus comprising:

a. a mounting bracket;

b. a junction box slidably connected to the mounting bracket wherein the junction box further comprises a plurality of hollow channels embedded within a rear wall of the junction box;

c. an electrical device operatively coupled to the junction box and wherein the electrical device further comprises a conductive connector;

d. a wall plate that secures the electrical device to the junction box;

wherein the junction box is a unitary open faced structure, and the plurality of hollow channels embedded within the real wall of the junction box are configured to receive an entry wire;

wherein the junction box has an aperture at a set location and is configured to expose a non-insulated portion of the entry wire so that the electrical device can receive a modular connection;

wherein the modular connection is made between the exposed non-insulated portion of entry wire and the conductive connector via a terminal connection device.

2. The electrical apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of said channels has an entry point capable of securing the entry wire.

3. The electrical apparatus of claim 2, further comprising at least one horizontal channel, wherein the entry point is through the side of the rear wall.

4. The electrical apparatus of claim 2, further comprising at least one vertical channel, wherein the entry point is through bottom of the rear wall.

5. The electrical apparatus of claim 2, wherein a portion of at least one of the channels has a void which exposes a portion of insulated wire.

6. The electrical apparatus of claim 1, wherein the conductive connector is in a fixed and standardized location.

7. The electrical apparatus of claim 6, wherein the electrical device further comprises a single pole double throw switch, a double pole single throw switch, a single pole change-over switch, a single pole cross-over switch, double throw double throw switch, or a double pole cross-over switch.

8. The electrical apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wall plate is adapted to overlay the electrical device and configured to fixedly engage the junction box.

9. The electrical apparatus of claim 8, wherein the wall plate fixedly engages the junction box without the use of screws or a sub-plate.

10. The electrical apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket comprising a front face, a first side face and a second side face.

11. The electrical apparatus claim 10, wherein the first side face and the second side face connect with the front face to form a ninety degree angle.

12. The electrical apparatus of claim 11, wherein at least the first side face comprises a means for securing the mounting bracket to a wall stud and wherein the first side face comprises on its exterior side a means for slidably mounting the junction box.

13. The electrical apparatus of claim 10, wherein the mounting bracket comprises a front detent and a rear detent configured to bound the slidable movement of the junction box.