MX2012012715A - Mounting member for an electrical box assembly. - Google Patents

Abstract

An electrical assembly includes a wiring device and an insert clip or attachment member that can be preassembled to provide quick connection to an electrical box, mud ring or other support structure having an aperture with a dimension to receive the clip member. The clip member couples to the mounting screws of the wiring device and is snapped into an aperture or recess in a mud ring. The clip has outwardly projecting tabs engaging the mud ring and inwardly extending tabs engaging the mounting screws. The tabs allow the mounting screws to be pressed into the clip in a sliding manner and allow the clip to snap into the aperture in the mud ring. In another embodiment, the attachment member has a substantially C-shape having an open side that can slide onto a pair of projections on an inner edge of a mud ring for supporting the electrical device.

Description

ASSEMBLY MEMBER FOR A CONNECTION BOX ASSEMBLY ELECTRICAL Cross reference to related requests This request is a continuation in part of the Serial No. 13 / 286,657 filed on November 1, 2011, which is incorporated herein in its entirety for reference.

Field of the Invention The present invention is directed to a mounting member for coupling the electrical device to an electrical connection box. The invention is further directed to a mounting member that provides a quick connection for an electrical device to a separation ring, mounting frame or other support surface in an electrical connection box.

Background of the Invention Electrical junction boxes often require the use of a separation ring or extension to place the electrical wiring device in the desired location with respect to the wall surface. The separation ring may have threaded screw holes to receive the mounting screws of the wiring device.

Alternately, the separation ring may have openings that allow the screws to pass through to allow the screws to be screwed into the screw holes in the electrical connection box.

Various clips have been proposed that can be inserted into an opening in a structure and have a passage for receiving a screw or other fastener. Many of these clips are made of spring steel.

For example, U.S. Patent Publication 2009/0087279 to McGinn et al., Discloses a snap fastener for connecting the screws of an electrical device to the cover plate of an electrical junction box. The spring clip can be connected directly to the inside face of the cover plate so that the screw can slide through the opening in the spring clip.

U.S. Patent No. 5,057,649 to Ring discloses an electrical wiring box with a tab and flange for mounting the electrical device. A spring clip is mounted on the outer surface of the flange to receive the screws in the electrical device. The spring clip has internally extending ends to attach the threads on the screws.

U.S. Patent No. 4,936,396 to Lockwood discloses an electrical junction box having columns that extend internally with an opening for receiving the screws of an electrical device. A spring snap snaps into the opening. The spring clip includes extremities with externally extending tabs for retaining the spring clip in the opening and tabs that extend internally to engage the threads of the screw.

U.S. Patent No. 7, 568, 870 to Paquet discloses a thrust nut that is received in the opening of a plate. The thrust nut includes an axial passage with limbs that extend i ternally to receive the threads of a screw. The externally extending limbs project outwards to engage the inner surface of the plate and to engage the thrust nut on the plate.

U.S. Patent No. 7, 468, 486 to Yan refers to an adjustable separation ring system. The device includes a frame connected to the electrical connection box and a mobile extension member. The extension member has tabs with threaded holes so that an electrical receptacle can be connected directly to the tabs.

Although these devices are generally suitable for the intended purpose, there is a continuing need in the industry for improved devices for connecting an electrical wiring device to an electrical wiring box.

Compendium of the Invention The present invention is directed to an electrical assembly that can be assembled quickly and easily at the work site with minimal effort. The invention is particularly directed to an electrical wiring device having mounting screws and a connecting member so that the wiring device can be quickly coupled to an electrical connection box, separation ring or mounting surface.

Accordingly, a feature of the invention is to provide an electrical wiring device that can be press fit onto an opening in a separation ring or other support surface before or after the separation ring engages the electrical wiring box . A spring clip or mounting member is included to attach the wiring device to the separation ring. The mounting rings on the wiring device can be aligned with the screw holes in the electrical connection box for easy screw-in of the screws in the threaded holes to securely connect the wiring device to the electrical connection box.

Another feature of the invention is to provide a separation ring or other support member having a clip member coupled thereto to allow an electrical wiring device to be quickly connected to the separation ring. The snap member and separation ring can be produced as a pre-assembled unit. The wiring device and the separation ring can form a pre-assembled unit which can then be coupled to the electrical connection box.

A further aspect of the invention is to provide a clip or mounting member formed as a one-piece unit for coupling a wiring device to a separation ring.

Another feature of the invention is to provide a clip and connection member for coupling a wiring device to a mounting surface, separation ring or electrical connection box that can be produced economically and is easy to install. The clasp and connection member are manufactured from a flexible and elastic metal to provide a snap-fit connection to the mounting screws of the electrical device and to the separation ring or other support member.

The clasp and connecting member of the invention is preferably an integrally formed one-piece member made of spring steel. In one embodiment, the spring clasp is manufactured from pre-hardened stainless steel. The clip member has a body with an axial passage for the mounting screw and a coupling member for coupling the clip member to a mounting surface, separation ring or electrical connection box.

In one embodiment, the body of the clasp member has a generally U-shaped shape with an upper end and a lower end formed with a first portion and a second portion connected together by a curved lower portion. The lower portion has an open area to define an axial passage to allow the mounting screw of an electrical wiring device to pass therethrough. The tabs are provided for attaching the mounting screw and for attaching the mounting surface. The tabs are sufficiently elastic to provide a snap-fit connection.

Another feature of the invention is to provide a clasp member having a U-shaped body portion with at least one tongue extending internally to engage with a mounting screw of an electrical wiring device. The body portion also has an externally extending tongue for coupling an opening in a separation ring.

In another embodiment, a connection member has a substantially C-shaped shape with a hole for receiving the screw of the electrical device. One end of the connecting member is connected to the separation ring.

These and other aspects of the invention are basically obtained by providing an electrical wiring device comprising an electrical wiring device having at least one mounting screw for coupling the wiring device to an electrical wiring box and a connecting member in one piece to connect the wiring device to the electrical connection box. The connection member has a top face with an axial passage that receives at least one mounting screw, and a pair of limbs with an internally extending tongue adapted to mate with an opening in an electrical junction box or separation ring. The electrical connection box or separation ring has an inner edge with an open slot for receiving the ends of the connecting member.

The features are further obtained by providing an electrical assembly comprising an electrical connection box having an open end and at least one coupling tongue having a screw hole and a mounting member adapted to be coupled to the open end of the box of electrical connections. The mounting member has a mounting surface with an opening aligned with the screw hole. A connection member is adapted to be received in the opening for coupling the electrical device to the electrical connection box and / or separation ring. The connecting member has an axial passage with tabs that extend internally to receive the mounting screw.

The various features of the invention are further obtained by providing an integrally formed integral connection connection member comprising an upper wall with a first end portion and a second end portion extending from the upper wall. A tab extending internally in the axial passage for holding a screw and for coupling a pair of projections on the inner edge of the electrical connection box or separation ring. An axial passage extending through an opening in the upper wall and between the end portions.

The features of the invention are further obtained by providing a method for assembling an electrical assembly, the method comprising the steps of providing an electrical wiring device having a mounting screw, coupling a connection member to the mounting screw, and coupling the connection member in an opening in a collar of a separation ring for an electrical connection box.

Features of the invention are also provided by providing a separation ring and a connecting member adapted to be coupled to the separation ring. The connecting member has an upper portion with a screw hole forming an axial passage and a pair of limbs extending from the upper portion, where each end has an internally extending tab. The connecting member has a transverse passage between the tabs to coincide with a pair of spaced projections extending internally from the inner edge towards the opening in the separation ring.

The various objects and features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention which, together with the accompanying drawings, describe various embodiments of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings The following is a brief description of the drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the electrical assembly in a first embodiment of the invention showing the electric connection box, the separation ring, the clasp member and the electrical wiring device; Figure 2 is an exploded view of the electrical assembly of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a top view of the separation ring and the brooch member of Figure 1; Figure 4 is an exploded partial cross-sectional view of the electrical assembly of Figure 1 showing the snap fastener coupled to the separation ring, Figure 4A is a partial cross-sectional view of the electrical assembly showing the separation ring, the snap member and the mounting screw of the electrical device; Figure 5 is a top perspective view of the clasp member in a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 is a bottom perspective view of the clasp member of Figure 1; Figure 7 is a side view of the clasp member of Figure 5; Figure 8 is an end view of the clasp member of Figure 5; Figure 9 is a top view of the clasp member of Figure 5; Figure 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the spring clip coupled to the wiring device before engaging the separation ring; Figure 11 is a perspective view of the separation ring and the spring clip member in a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 12 is an enlarged perspective view of the snap member and mounting screw of Figure 10; Figure 13 is a top view of the separation ring clasp member of Figure 10; Figure 14 is an exploded partial cross-sectional view of the electrical junction box, separation ring and broach member taken along line 14-14 of Figure 13; Figure 14A is a partial cross-sectional view of the separation ring and the mounting member of Figure 13 showing the mounting screw of the electrical device; Figure 15 is a top perspective view of the clip member of Figure 10; Figure 16 is a bottom perspective view of the clip member of Figure 11; Figure 17 is a side view of the clasp member of Figure 11; Figure 18 is an end view of the clasp member of Figure 11; Figure 19 is a top view of the snap member of Figure 11; Figure 20 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the separation ring and the connection member; Figure 21 is an elongated view of the connection member coupled to the separation ring of Figure 20; Figure 22 is an exploded view of the separation ring and the connection member of Figure 20; Figure 23 is an elongated sectional view showing the connection member and the separation ring; Figure 24 is a partial perspective view showing the mounting screw connected to the connection member; Figure 25 is a perspective view of the connection member of Figure 20; Figure 26 is a top view of the connection member of Figure 25; Figure 27 is a side view of the connection member of Figure 25; Figure 28 is an end view of the connection member of Figure 25; Figure 29 is a bottom view of the connection member of Figure 25; Figure 30 is an exploded view in partial cross section of the separation ring and the electrical connection box assembly; Y Figure 31 is a partial cross-sectional view of the electrical device connected to the separation ring and the electrical connection box.

Detailed description of the invention The present invention is directed to an electrical assembly for mounting an electrical wiring device such as a duplex receptacle to an electrical connection box, separation ring or other support member. The invention is particularly directed to a mounting device for connecting an electrical wiring device to a mounting surface, an electrical connection box or a separation ring connected to the electrical connection box. The mounting device in the modes shown and described is a spring clip member or connecting member. The assembly according to the invention allows a quick and efficient assembly of the electrical wiring device.

With reference to the drawings, the electrical assembly 10 in a first embodiment of the invention includes an electrical connection box 12, an extension plate or mounting frame, commonly referred to as a separation ring 14, a mounting clip member 16 which forms an insert and an electrical wiring device 18. The separation ring 14 defines a mounting member having a support surface for receiving and supporting the electrical wiring device 18 and for coupling to the electrical connection box. The separation ring 14 forms an extension or collar to separate the wiring device from the upper edge of the electrical connection box. In the embodiment shown, the wiring device 18 is a duplex receptacle. Alternatively, the wiring device may be a switch, an accidental ground circuit breaker, or other electrical component.

The electrical connection box 12 in the embodiment shown has a square configuration with an open top end, side walls 20 and bottom wall 22. The upper edge of the side walls includes a mounting tab 24 with a threaded hole for receiving a coupling screw 26. The side walls 20 may include one or more removable disks 28 or removable disks for feeding the electrical wiring to the electrical connection box as is known in the art. The box 20 of electrical connections in the embodiment shown is a box with two electrical distributions having a square configuration. The invention is suitable for use with a box of an electrical distribution or multiple electrical distributions. The electrical connection box may have a round shape, rectangular shape or other shape as is known in the art. The electrical connection box as shown is a conventional electrical connection box as is known in the art.

The separation ring 14 has a shape and dimension corresponding to the electrical connection box 12. In the embodiment shown, the separation ring 14 is a unit of two electrical distributions. Alternatively, the separation ring may be a unit of a single electrical distribution or multiple electrical distributions corresponding to the size of the electrical connection box. In the embodiment, the separation ring is used to exemplify the features of the invention for mounting a wiring device. The assembly of the invention is suitable for use with other mounting surfaces or extensions of electrical boxes and collars that are adapted to mount and support an electrical wiring device.

The separation ring in the embodiment shown includes a lower plate 30 having slots 32 in each of the respective corners to receive the screw 26 for coupling the separation ring in the electrical connection box. A side wall 34 extends perpendicular from the lower plate 30 at a distance corresponding to the thickness of the wall surface. The electrical connection box 12 is generally mounted on a wall stud or other support surface having a wall substrate connected to the wall stud. The separation ring 14 extends through an open cut in the wall surface so that the end of the side wall is substantially flush with the outer surface of the wall surface. The side wall defines a collar that extends from the electrical connection box to place the electrical wiring device in a desired position with respect to the wall.

The side wall 34 of the separation ring 14 is continuous and forms a central opening 36 for receiving the wiring device 18. The side wall 34 includes a mounting flange 38 which extends internally at opposite ends to support the wiring device 18. A spline 40 is formed in mounting flanges 38 to receive a divider plate 42. The divider plate 42 forms two separate compartments within the electrical connection box to isolate the wiring and wiring devices from each other. The mounting tabs 38 also include mounting holes 44 for receiving the mounting clip 16. The holes 44 are aligned in the opposite mounting flanges that correspond to the mounting screws 46 of the wiring device. The holes 44 have a shape and dimension corresponding to the outer dimension of the mounting clip member 16.

The mounting clip member 16 is adapted to be received within the mounting holes 44 in the mounting flange 38 of the separation ring for coupling the wiring device to the separation ring 14. In one embodiment shown in Figures 5-9, the mounting clip 16 has a main body portion 46 having a substantially U-shaped shape. The body 48 has a lower end 50 and an upper end 52. The lower end 50 has an open portion 54 that forms an axial passage 56 extending through the longitudinal dimension of the clasp 16. The snap member 16 is preferably an integrally formed member formed from a spring steel. such as pre-tempered stainless steel. A steel spring template is stamped and bent to the desired shape. The material is preferably flexible enough to press fit into the mounting holes 44 and to allow the mounting screws to slide within the clip member.

The body 48 has a first portion 58 that forms a first end and a second portion 60 that forms a second end. The first portion 58 and the second portion 60 are substantially parallel to each other and connected together at a lower end by a connecting member 62 to form the U-shape. The connecting member 62 allows the extremities to bend internally when inserted. in the opening 44 in the separation ring. The upper end of each of the first portion and the second portion has an externally extending flange 64. The flanges 64 have a dimension and shape that supports the clasp member 16 in the mounting flange of the separation ring.

The first portion 58 and the second portion 60 each have a biased cut 68 at the upper end, and a tab 72 extending externally. As shown in Figure 5, the tabs 72 that extend externally project outwardly and at an angle inclined with respect to the plane of the first portion 58 and the second portion 60 and extend toward the respective upper flange 64 and 66. The externally extending tongues 72 have an upper edge 76 which is spaced from the lower face of the respective upper flange 64 and 66 to define a clearance for engagement with the opening in the mounting flange.

The lower open portion 54 and the skewed cuts 68 in the first and second portions define a transverse member 80 as shown in Figure 7. A tab 84 extending downwardly extends from each of the respective transverse members 80.

The tabs 84 that extend downwardly have a first end 88 that extends substantially parallel to the first and second respective portions, and a second end 90 that extends internally. The second end 90 projects internally and downward toward the lower end of the main body 48. The distal end 92 of the second limb has a recessed and concave portion 94. As shown in Figure 9, the second legs 90 extend internally to the axial passage 56 so that the recessed and concave portions 94 oppose each other. The spacing between the concave recesses 94 corresponds to the diameter of the mounting screws 46 for clamping the screw 46.

During use, the mounting screws 46 pass through the opening in the wiring device 18 in a standard mounting manner. The screws 46 are typically connected to the wiring device by the use of a retainer member. The mounting clip member 46 can be connected to the opening 44 in the separation ring as shown in Figures 2-4. The mounting screw 46 is pushed through the axial passage 56 and engages the tabs 84 that extend internally as shown in Figure 4A. The mounting clip is preferably made of a spring steel so that the tabs 84 are sufficiently elastic to allow the threads of the mounting screw 46 to slide or advance over the tabs 84 extending internally to the position shown in FIG. Figure 4. The recessed portion 94 of the tabs 84 engages the screw. The downward angle of the second end 90 allows the screw to slide between the ends in a downward direction and prevent the screw from exiting in an upward direction. The mounting screw can be separated from the mounting member by rotating the screw in a counterclockwise direction. The screw can be rotated in a clockwise direction to thread the screw through the axial passage to place the wiring device 18 against the upper end of the clasp member 16 and the mounting surface of the separation ring.

In a preferred embodiment, the mounting clip member 16 is first inserted into the respective hole 44 in the separation ring 14 to connect to the separation ring. As shown in Figure 4, the externally extending tabs 72 are positioned to engage the surface of the mounting flange 38 to capture the mounting flange between the upper edges of the tabs 72 and the upper flange 64. In one embodiment, the mounting screws 46 may have a length to extend into the electrical connection box and screw into a threaded hole 96 in a mounting tab 98 that extends internally from the side walls 20 of the electrical connection box 12 .

The mounting clip members 16 are preferably press fit into the holes 44 in the separation ring as shown in Figures 3 and 4. The wiring device 16 and the respective screws are then pushed or twisted through the axial passage of the mounting member for coupling the wiring device to the separation ring. The tabs 84 are flexible or resilient enough to allow the installer to push the screws through the mounting clip members 16 to couple the wiring device to the separation ring.

In one embodiment, the separation ring 14 or another member for supporting the wiring device 18 is pre-assembled with the pin member 16. The snap member 16 snaps into the opening 44 in the separation ring 14 and the separation ring engages the electrical connection box 12. The electrical connection box 12 and the connected separation ring 14 are mounted to the wall stud and the electrical wiring is supplied to the box in a standard manner. The electrician is then able to make the electrical connection with the wiring device and quickly attach the wiring device to the mounting surface of the separation ring by pressing and sliding the mounting screws through the clip member into the separation ring. . The mounting screws, if necessary, can be rotated to tighten the screws in the snap member and smoothly pass the wiring device into the separation ring. The tongues 84 of the clasp member are positioned at an internal and downward angle with respect to the clasp member and the electrical connection box. The edges of the tabs 84 are similarly angled to hold the threads of the mounting screw to securely couple the wiring device to the separation ring and the electrical connection box. In an alternative embodiment, the snap member is preassembled with the wiring device which is then pressurized in the hole 44 of the separation ring to couple the wiring device to the separation ring as shown in Figure 11 .

With reference to Figures 11-19, a second embodiment of the invention is shown. In this embodiment, the electrical connection box and the separation ring are substantially the same as in the first embodiment, and thus, are identified by the same reference numbers. For simplicity, the electrical wiring device is not shown in these figures although it will be understood that the wiring device is connected to the separation ring and the electrical wiring box in a manner similar to the previous mode.

In this embodiment, the assembly includes a clasp member 100 that receives the mounting screw 46 and is clamped in the holes 44 in the separation ring 14. In Figure 11, mounting screws 46 are shown without the wiring device.

The clasp member 100 as shown in Figures 15-19 is formed as a unitary one-piece member. The spring clip is typically formed of a spring steel material that is stamped and shaped into the desired shape. As shown in Figure 15, the clasp member 100 has a substantially U-shaped body 102. The body 102 has an open lower end that forms an axial passageway 104. The body 102 has a first portion 106 and a second portion 108 coupled together at a lower end by a connection portion 110. The first portion 106 and the second portion 108 are capable of flexing toward each other as they are bent over the connection portion 110. The first portion 106 is formed by two parallel limbs 112. The second portion 108 is formed by parallel limbs 114. The upper end 116 of the first portion 106 includes an externally extending flange 118 and the upper end 120 of the second portion 108 includes a flange 122.

Each of the limbs has a first tab 124 at the upper end of the body and is spaced from the flanges 118 and 122. The first tabs 124 include a first end portion 126 that extends internally to the axial passage 104 at a small angle. with respect to the plane of the extremity. A second end portion 128 extends externally from the distal end of the first end portion 126 away from the axial passage. The second end portion 128 is bent along a diagonal fold line 130. As shown in Figure 17, the diagonal fold line 130 extends substantially from the base of the first end portion at an upper edge of the distal end of the first end portion and a lower edge. The second end portion 128 is externally threaded as shown in Figure 19 so that the diagonal fold line 130 defines the inner portion of the first tabs 124. The first end portion 126 is bent slightly so that the line 130 diagonal fold extends at an angle inclined with respect to the axis of the clasp member.

A second tab 132 is formed in each of the limbs 112 and 114 and is separated under the first tabs toward the lower end of the body. The second tongues 132 are bent to have a shape substantially the same as the first tongues 124. The second tongues 132 have a first end portion 134 extending internally towards the axial passage and a second end portion 136 bent externally with respect to the end portion. first limb portion along a diagonal fold line 138. As shown in Figure 14, the first end portion 126 and 134 is twisted slightly away from the plane of the ends 112 and 114 of the body 102 so that the lower edge 140 of the first fold line 130 and the bottom edge 142 of the second diagonal fold line projects internally towards the axial passageway 104.

The clasp member 100 engages the separation ring in a manner similar to the previous embodiment. The tongues 124 are substantially elastic to press fit in the opening 44 of the separation ring and engage the separation ring as shown in Figures 14 and 14A. The mounting screw can be passed through the axial passage 104 so that the thread of the screw slides or passes over the inner and lower edges of the elastic tongues 124 and 132. As shown in Figure 12, the threads of the mounting screw engage the lower edges 140 and 142 of the tabs 124 and 132 to allow the screws to slide past the tabs through the axial passage while coupling the threads so that the screws can be removed only by unscrewing the screws of the clip member. As shown in Figure 19, tabs 124 and 132 extend internally to engage the screw.

The clasp member can be inserted into the opening in the mounting flange of the separation ring as shown in Figures 11 and 14. The snap member snaps into the opening so that the upper edge of the second end 128 engages the inner surface of the mounting flange of the separation ring to couple the clasp member to the separation ring as shown in Figure 14. As in the previous embodiment, the clasp member can be connected to the mounting screws of the device of wiring as a pre-assembled unit and then snapped into the opening in the separation ring.

The clasp member 16 of the invention allows pre-assembly with the separation ring 14 or the wiring device 18. The wiring device can be attached to the separation ring by sliding the mounting screws through the clip member 16 and then turn the screws to tighten the wiring device against the separation ring 14. The clasp member 16 and the separation ring 14 are provided as a preassembled unit that allows the electrician to quickly couple the electrical wiring device 18 to the separation ring 14 by pressing the mounting screws through the clasp member. The preassembled unit of the wiring device 18 and the snap member 16 can be snapped into the openings in the mounting flange of the separation ring 14 quickly and easily. The openings in the mounting flange of the separation ring 14 are aligned with the mounting holes in the electrical connection box. If it's necessary, the mounting screws of the wiring device can then be easily screwed into the threaded hole in the electrical connection box to couple the wiring device directly into the electrical connection box.

With reference to Figures 20-31, a third embodiment of the invention includes a mounting member in the form of a separation ring 150 and a connection member 152 for coupling the electrical device 224 to the separation ring 150. The electrical device can be an electrical receptacle or other electrical device as in the previous embodiments. The separation ring 150 is connected to an electrical connection box in a manner shown in Figure 1 and the previous modalities. The electrical connection box and the electrical device are not shown in Figures 20-24 for convenience, but it will be understood that they are used in conjunction with the separation ring 150 and the connection member 152 to support the electrical device 224.

The separation ring 150 serves as a mounting member for mounting the electrical device to the electrical connection box. The separation ring 150 has a base 154 that forms an externally extending flange with an outer dimension to coincide with the open upper end of the electrical connection box as in the embodiment of Figure 1. The base 154 includes grooves 156 for receiving screws for connecting the separation ring 150 to the electrical connection box as is known in the art.

The separation ring 150 has a collar 160 that extends perpendicular in an upward direction from the base 154. The collar 160 forms a continuous wall enclosing the central opening 162 of the separation ring. The collar 160 typically has a height corresponding to the thickness of the wall surface to support the electrical device flush with the wall surface. A pair of mounting tabs 164 extends internally from the upper edge 164 of the collar 160 towards the central opening 162. The mounting tabs 164 are oriented on opposite sides of the collar and have a dimension to support the electrical device.

A longitudinal inner edge 168 of the mounting flange 164 forms an inner edge of the central opening of the separation ring. As shown in Figure 22, the longitudinal edge 168 substantially extends the width of the separation ring. A central notch 170 shown as a slot is provided to receive a divider plate for dividing the electrical connection box into two compartments as the prior embodiment of Figure 1. A plurality of recesses 172 is formed in the mounting flange 164 to receive the member. 152 connection. In the embodiment shown in Figure 22, two recesses 172 are provided in each mounting flange 164 and align with the recess in the opposing mounting flange to support the electrical device.

Each recess 172 includes a central opening 174 that opens to the central opening 162 of the separation ring and forms a slot extending from the inner edge 168 of the separation ring 150. The central opening 174 forms an axial passage for receiving a mounting screw 200 of the electrical device 16 as shown in Figures 30 and 31. A pair of projections 176 extends internally with respect to the central opening 162 of the separation ring when formed a slot recess 178 between the respective projections 176 and the side edge 180 of the recess 172. The projections 176 have a distal end 182 with an inclined edge 184, an inner side edge 186 and an outer side edge 188. The outer edge 188 includes a coupling member in the form of a retainer 190. The coupling member or retainer 190 in the embodiment shown has an inclined surface 192 and an end surface 194 which form a projection for coupling the connecting member 152 to the separation ring.

With reference to Figures 25-29, the connecting member 152 is a one-piece member preferably formed of spring steel. The connecting member 152 has an upper face 196 with an opening 198 forming an axial passage 220 for the mounting screw 200. The opening 198 includes integrally formed tabs 202 that extend internally from opposite side edges of the opening. The tabs 202 are formed in an inclination that extends in a generally downward direction. The tabs 202 have an inner edge 204 with a recess 206 semicircular to match the threads of the screw 200. The tabs 202 are formed by cutting and / or perforating the upper face 196 and flexing the tabs internally along the axial passage 200. In the modality shown, two opposite tongues 202 are provided, although it will be understood that any number of tongues can be formed to couple the mounting screws of the electrical device.

The connecting member 152 includes a pair of limbs 208 that extend in a downward direction from opposite edges of the upper face 196 as shown in Figure 28. In the embodiment shown, the limbs 208 extend substantially perpendicular to the plane of the upper face 196. As shown in Figure 25, each limb 208 has an opening 210 with a dimension that complements the retainer 190 in the projection 176. The limbs 208 have an inner distal end 212 with an internally extending tab 214. The tabs 214 extend at a pitch away from the upper face 196 and are oriented substantially parallel to the tabs 202. The tabs 214 have a distal end 216 with a recess 218 of semicircular shape aligned with the recesses 206 in the tabs 202 as shown in Figures 25 and 29 to match the screw 200.

The connecting member 152 is connected to the separation ring 150 by sliding over the projections 176 as shown in Figure 23. The projections 176 slide through the transverse opening 222 of the connecting member 152 so that the connecting member is supported by the projections. The detents 190 on the outer edge of the projections 176 slide along the inner surface of the ends 208 and fit into the openings 210 at the respective end to connect the connecting member 152 to the projections 176 and the ring separation. The projections 176 capture and support the connection members 152 so that the upper face 196 is aligned with the flange 168 and the separation ring 150. The central opening 174 forming the recess for the connecting member 152 opens to the inner edge of the separation ring to allow the connecting member 152 to slide on the projections 176 without the tabs 202 interfering with the projections 176 or the ring from separation. The central opening 174 also allows the mounting screw 200 of the electrical device to be connected to the connecting member 152 before coupling the connecting member 152 to the separation ring 150.

During use, the connecting member 152 can be snapped onto the separation ring 150 as shown in Figure 20. The mounting screw 200 of the electrical device can be pushed through the axial passage 220 of the connecting member 152. The tabs 202 and 214 are angled in a downward direction so that the mounting screw 200 can be pushed through the axial passage so that the threads of the screw slide over the edges of the recess 206 of the tabs 202 and the recess 218 of the tabs 214. The screw can then be rotated to tighten the electrical device against the connection member 152 and the separation ring 150. The tabs 202 and 214 of the connecting member are angled away from the upper face 196 of the separation ring 152 of the electrical device so that the rotation of the screws 200 attracts the tabs 202 and 214 towards the upper face 196 of the ring. separation so that the threads of the screw securely hold the connection member 152 and secure the electrical device to the connection member 152 and the separation ring 150.

The connection members 152 can also be connected to the screws 200 of the electrical device 224 before being connected to the separation ring 150. The connecting members 152 can slide on the screws 200 or the screws 200 can be threaded into the axial passage 220 of the connecting member 152. The connecting member 152 can then be snapped into the respective recess 172 at the upper edge 168 of the flange 164 of the separation ring 150 to secure the connecting members 152 and the electrical device to the separation ring. The screws 200 can then be tightened to securely connect the electrical device 224 to the separation ring.

With reference to Figures 30 and 31, the connection member 152 is preferably aligned with mounting holes 96 in the electrical connection box 12. The separation ring 150 is connected to the electrical connection box 12 with the flanges 164 and the openings 176 axially aligned with the holes 96 of threaded assemblies. The screws 200 of the electrical device 224 are pressed or screwed through the axial passage 220 of the connecting member 152. In this embodiment, the mounting screws 200 have a length to extend through the connecting member and the threaded holes 96 in the electrical connection box 12. This arrangement ensures that the electrical device 224 is connected directly and securely to the electrical connection box 12 by the mounting screws 200.

Although several embodiments have been selected to illustrate the invention, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (26)

1. An electrical connection box assembly comprising: an electrical connection box having an open top end; a mounting member coupled to the open upper end of the electrical connection box, the mounting member has an inner edge defining a central opening for receiving an electrical device of an upper face to support the electrical device, the upper face having a groove open on the inside edge; Y a connection member slidably received in the open slot, the connection member includes a first coupling tab for engaging the mounting member and an upper portion with an axial passage for receiving a mounting screw for the electrical device.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the inside edge of the mounting member includes a pair of projections projecting into the central opening and defining the slot therebetween.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the mounting member comprises a base to be coupled to the electrical connection box; a side wall extending upwardly from the base and surrounding the central opening; Y an internally extending top tab defining the top face for supporting the electrical device.

4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the top flange includes a first projection and a second projection extending internally with respect to the central opening, the projections are separated to define the slot therebetween.

5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the projections are formed integrally with the upper flange and have a first open slot extending radially in the upper flange and a second open slot extending radially in the upper flange to receive the flange member. Connection.

6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the connection member further comprises a first lateral limb portion extending from a first end of the upper portion; a second lateral limb portion extending from a second end of the upper portion; a first tab extending internally from a lower end of the first lateral end portion to engage a lower side of the first projection; Y a second tab extending internally from a lower end of the second lateral end portion to engage the second projection of the upper wall.

7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the first side end portion has a first opening; Y The first projection of the mounting member has an externally extending detent received in the first opening.

8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the second side limb portion of the connecting member has a second opening; Y the second projection of the mounting member has an externally extending detent received in the second opening.

9. A mounting assembly for mounting an electrical device to an electrical connection box, the assembly assembly comprises: a mounting member having a bottom face adapted to be coupled to an open end of an electrical connection box, an upper face for supporting the electrical device and an inner edge defining a central opening for receiving the electrical device, the mounting member it has a groove extending from the inner edge and opening to the central opening, a first recess in a first side of the groove defining a first projection and a second recess in a second side of the groove forming a second projection; Y a connecting member coupled to the projections, the connecting member has a first end portion coupled to the first projection, a second end portion coupled to the second projection, an axial passage for receiving a mounting screw of the electrical device, and a transverse passage for receiving the first and second projections of the mounting member.

10. The assembly assembly of claim 9, wherein the slot has a dimension to allow a mounting screw for the electrical device to slide transversely into the slot.

11. The assembly assembly of claim 10, wherein the connection member receiving the mounting screw is adapted to slide transversely over the projections.

12. The assembly assembly of claim 9, wherein the connecting member has a top surface with a hole forming the axial passage; the first limb portion extends from a first end of the upper surface; a first tongue extending internally from the first end portion towards the axial passage; the second limb portion extends from a second end of the upper surface; a second tongue extending internally from the second end portion towards the axial passage.

13. The assembly assembly of claim 12, wherein the first end portion of the connecting member has a first opening; Y the first projection has a detent adapted to mate with the opening in the first limb portion.

14. The assembly assembly of claim 13, wherein the second end portion of the connecting member has an opening; Y the second projection has a detent adapted to mate with the opening in the second end portion.

15. The assembly assembly of claim 12, wherein the first tongue and the second tongue extend at an inclination with respect to the first end portion and the second end portion, respectively, and have a distal end for coupling the mounting screw with the axial passage.

16. The assembly assembly of claim 15, wherein the upper surface has a first engagement tongue extending at an inclination towards the first tongue of the first end portion and a second engagement tongue extending towards the second tongue of the second end portion, each of the tabs coupling extends towards the axial passage.

17. The assembly assembly of claim 14, wherein the detents in the projections have a first end with an inclined surface to allow the connection member to slide over the projections, and an end face at a second end to retain the connection member in the projections.

18. One mounting end for mounting an electrical device to an electrical connection box, the assembly comprises: a base having a lower face adapted to couple an electrical connection box, the base has a lower edge defining an opening for receiving the electrical device and an upper face for supporting the electrical device, the upper face defining a first open portion and a second open portion extending from the inner edge and aligning to receive the mounting screws of the electrical device; Y a one-piece connecting member coupled to the lower edge of the base and aligned with each of the open portions, each connecting member has an upper wall with an opening defining an axial passage for receiving a respective mounting screw, a pair of limbs extends from the top wall and through the base, at least a first coupling tab that engages the base for coupling the connecting member to the base and at least a second engaging tab to match the screw of assembly.

19. The assembly of claim 18, wherein the upper wall of the connecting member includes a hole defining the axial passage; the top wall has a pair of second coupling tongues extending towards the hole in the top wall to engage with the mounting screw.

20. The assembly of claim 19, wherein the first of at least the first of the coupling tabs extends from the first of the ends in the axial passage; Y the second of at least the first of the coupling tongues extends from the second of the ends in the axial passage to couple the connecting member to the base.

21. The assembly of claim 20, wherein the engagement tabs of the first end and the engagement tabs of the second end extend at a distance away from the top wall, and where the distal ends of the coupling tabs are separated for form the axial passage.

22. The assembly of claim 18, wherein the base comprises a lower wall defining the lower face and having a top face; a collar extending upward from the top face; Y a flange extending from an upper end of the collar and having the upper face and defining the inner edge.

23. The assembly of claim 22, wherein the flange has a groove extending from the inner edge and adapted to receive a removable divider to divide the electrical junction box into compartments.

24. The assembly of claim 18, wherein the first open portion and the second open portion define a first projection for engaging the first end and a second projection for engaging the second end, and wherein the first and second projections are separated to define the open portion.

25. The assembly of claim 24, wherein the first end of the connecting member has a first opening and the first projection has a retainer received in the first opening.

26. The assembly of claim 25, wherein the second end of the connecting member has a second opening and the second projection has a retainer received in the second opening.