Connection box assembly method

• US 8,109,785 B2
• Filed: 03/18/2010
• Issued: 02/07/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 03/06/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Cheetah USA Corp
• Original Assignee: Cheetah USA Corp
• Inventors: Kidman, Brent L.
• Primary Examiner(s): DINH, PHUONG K
• Application Number:
  US12/727,091
• Publication Number:
  US 20100270053A1
• Time in Patent Office: 691 Days
• Field of Search: 439/535, 439/539, 439/538, 174/54
• 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 device is configured to be secured to a connection box. The device includes a fixture and a face plate. The fixture includes a main body and at least one flange extending from the main body. The at least one flange defines a fixture securement aperture configured to receive a fastener for securing the fixture to the connection box. It also defines at least one face plate engagement aperture configured to receive a prong extending from the face plate in a manner that secures the face plate to the fixture. The face plate is configured to at least partially cover the fixture. The face plate includes a body having a front face and an opposite rear face. The at least one prong extends outwardly from the rear face of the body. The at least one prong is configured to be inserted into the aperture in the flange of the fixture to secure the face plate to the fixture.

Claims

1. A connection box configured to support a fixture having an anchor with a predetermined geometry, the connection box comprising:

at least one receiver defining a passageway for receiving the anchor and that extends between an open first end and an open second end, the passageway having a cross sectional shape that corresponds with the predetermined geometry of the anchor such that the anchor is inserted into the passageway for securing the fixture to the connection box; and

at least one engagement mechanism provided within the passageway and configured to engage the anchor,

wherein the cross sectional shape of the passageway prevents the anchor from rotating after the anchor has been inserted into the passageway.

2. The connection box of claim 1 wherein the open first end of the at least one receiver is a front entrance and wherein the open second end is a back exit that is open to an interior of the connection box.

3. The connection box of claim 1 wherein the open first end of the at least one receiver is a front entrance and wherein the open second end is a back exit that is open to an exterior of the connection box.

4. The connection box of claim 1 wherein the at least one receiver comprises a first receiver provided at a top portion of the connection box and a second receiver provided at a bottom portion of the connection box, the first receiver and the second receiver being integrally formed with the connection box.

5. The connection box of claim 1 wherein the at least one engagement mechanism provides unidirectional motion for the anchor such that the engagement mechanism is configured to allow insertion of the anchor into the at least one receiver and resist removal of the anchor from the at least one receiver.

6. The connection box of claim 5 wherein the engagement mechanism comprises at least one barb configured to engage a corresponding structure on the anchor.

7. The connection box of claim 1 wherein the cross sectional shape of the passageway is non-circular and matches the predetermined geometry of the anchor.

8. The connection box of claim 7 wherein the cross sectional shape of the passageway is rectangular.

9. The connection box of claim 1 wherein the at least one receiver is integrally molded with the connection box as a one-piece member.

10. The connection box of claim 1 wherein the at least one receiver is formed by stamping.