Systems and methods for mounting electrical device to junction box

A system for mounting an electrical device to an electrical junction box may include a mounting plate configured to be coupled to a junction box, and a coupler plate configured to be coupled to the mounting plate and an electrical device. The mounting plate may include at least one a curved slot, and the coupler plate may include at least one pin. The mounting plate and the coupler plate may be configured to be coupled to one another via insertion of the at least one pin into the at least one curved slot, and rotating the coupler plate and the mounting plate relative to one another, so that the at least one pin follows the at least one curved slot and deflects and passes a locking clip of the mounting plate, such that the mounting plate and the coupler plate are coupled to one another.

BACKGROUND

Electrical devices are often mounted to barriers so that the device can be operated in a convenient location. For example, electrical appliances such as lights and fans are often mounted to the ceiling of rooms so that the benefits of the appliance can be obtained without interfering with floor or wall space of the room. When mounting electrical devices to a barrier such as a ceiling, it may be difficult or cumbersome to both connect any electrical wires to the device and mount the device to the barrier. For example, it may be necessary to drill holes in drywall to obtain access to the wires and mount the device to the barrier. In addition, it may be difficult to hold the device away from the barrier to provide access to the electrical wires from the wall, connect the wires while holding the device, and thereafter mount the device to the barrier. Furthermore, it may be difficult to mount the device to the barrier in the desired orientation, particularly in view of the need to hold the device while connecting the electrical wires. As a result, installation of the electrical device may not be entirely satisfactory.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for mounting electrical devices to electrical junction boxes. As discussed above, electrical devices are often mounted to, or adjacent, barriers, so that the electrical device can be operated in a convenient location. For example, electrical appliances, such as lights and fans, are often mounted to, or adjacent, the ceiling of a room, so that the benefits of the appliance can be obtained without interfering with floor- or wall-space of the room. When mounting electrical devices to a barrier such as a ceiling, it may be difficult or cumbersome to both connect any electrical wires to the device, and mount the device to the barrier. For example, it may be necessary to drill holes in drywall, or make access holes in suspended ceiling tiles, to obtain access to electrical wires for providing electrical power to the electrical device, and to mount the device to, or adjacent, the barrier. In addition, it may be difficult to support the device below the ceiling before it is mounted, so that the electrical wires may be coupled to the device. In addition, due in part to the cumbersome nature of connecting the electrical wires and mounting the device, it may be difficult to mount the device in a desired orientation relative to the room, for example, so that the device is aligned in the desired manner relative to one or more walls of the room.

The systems and methods disclosed herein may facilitate the electrical connection and mounting of an electrical device to, or adjacent, a barrier such as a ceiling. In some examples, a system for mounting an electrical device to an electrical junction box may include a mounting plate configured to be coupled to a junction box, and a coupler plate configured to be coupled to the mounting plate and an electrical device. The mounting plate may include a base having a first side and a second side. The base may include a service aperture configured to receive at least one wire, at least one fastener aperture configured to receive a fastener for coupling the base to a junction box, and at least one a curved slot for receiving a pin from the coupler plate. The at least one curved slot may define an opening width perpendicular to a tangent to a curve of the at least one curved slot and extending between opposite ends of the at least one curved slot. The opening width of the at least one curved slot may have an enlarged portion, and the mounting plate may further include a locking clip associated with the first side of the base. The coupler plate may include a coupler base having a first side and a second side. The coupler base may include a service aperture configured to receive at least one wire, and at least one pin extending from the first side of the coupler base. The at least one pin may be configured to extend at least partially through the at least one curved slot of the mounting plate. The base of the mounting plate and the coupler base of the coupler plate may be configured to be coupled to one another via insertion of the at least one pin into the at least one curved slot and rotating the coupler base and the base of the mounting plate relative to one another, so that the at least one pin follows the at least one curved slot and deflects and passes the locking clip, such that the second side of the base of the mounting plate and the first side of the coupler base face one another.

In some examples, the enlarged portion of the at least one curved slot may be configured to receive an enlarged portion of the pin therethrough. For example, the at least one pin may include a pin base extending from the first side of the coupler base to a remote pin end, wherein the remote pin end includes the enlarged portion. The enlarged portion of the pin may be configured to fit through the enlarged portion of the at least one curved slot, and the at least one pin and the at least one curved slot may be configured such that when the enlarged portion of the at least one pin is received by the enlarged portion of the at least one curved slot, the enlarged portion of the at least one pin is on the first side of the base of the mounting plate, and the pin base is configured to follow a narrow portion of the at least one curved slot during the rotating.

In some examples, the locking clip may be associated with the first side of the base proximate a narrow portion of the at least one curved slot. The locking clip may include a clip face configured to deflect away from the at least one curved slot in a direction substantially parallel to the first side of the base, for example, as the enlarged portion of the at least one pin passes the locking clip.

In some examples of the coupler plate, the coupler plate may include a flange extending from the first side of the coupler base. The flange may include a continuous wall substantially surrounding the service aperture of the coupler plate. For example, the flange may include a collar, and the collar may be substantially cylindrical. The collar of the coupler plate and the service aperture of the mounting plate may be configured, such that the collar protrudes through the service aperture of the mounting plate when the coupler plate is coupled to the mounting plate. This may facilitate alignment of the coupler plate to the mounting plate. In some examples, the flange may include a receiver aperture configured to receive a hanger, for example, configured to hang the coupler plate from the mounting plate during assembly of the system.

In some examples, the base of the mounting plate is substantially circular. In some examples, the service aperture of the mounting plate is substantially circular and substantially centered in the base. In some examples, the at least one fastener aperture is located between the service aperture of the mounting plate and the at least one curved slot. The at least one curved slot may approximate an arc of a circle. For example, the arc may have a center substantially co-existent with the center of the base of the mounting plate, for example, when the base is substantially circular.

In some examples, the enlarged portion of the opening width may be located at a first opposite end of the at least one curved slot, and the locking clip may be located between the enlarged portion of the opening width and a second opposite end of the at least one curved slot. In some examples, the first side of the base may include a raised portion adjacent the at least one curved slot between the locking clip and a second opposite end of the at least one curved slot.

In some examples, the locking clip may include a boss coupling the clip face to the first side of the base. The clip face may extend away from the boss and terminate at an end remote from the boss. In some examples, the clip face may be configured, such that the remote end of the clip face is biased toward the at least one curved slot and deflects in the direction substantially parallel to the first side of the base and away from the at least one curved slot, for example, when the enlarged portion of the pin passes the clip face.

In some examples, the mounting plate may further include a friction clip associated with the second side of the base, and the friction clip may extend away from the second side of the base. For example, the friction clip may extend obliquely away from the second side of the base and may include a remote end spaced from the second side of the base. The remote end of the friction clip may be configured to deflect toward the second side of the base. The friction clip may be configured to press against the coupler base when the coupler plate is engaged with the mounting plate. This may serve to pull the enlarged portion of the pin against the first side of the base of the mounting plate and prevent the coupler plate from loosely moving relative to the mounting plate.

In some examples, the second side of the base of the mounting plate may include a plurality of alignment indicia configured to facilitate alignment of the mounting plate relative to another structure, such as, for example, a wall of the room or space in which the electrical device is being installed. In some examples, at least one of the first or second sides of the base of the mounting plate may include mounting indicia configured to indicate that the second side of the base is configured to face away from the junction box when coupled to the junction box.

In some examples, the coupler base may include an adaptor configured to be coupled to an electrical device. For example, the adaptor may be configured to be coupled to a light panel.

This disclosure is also generally directed to a method for mounting an electrical device to a junction box. The method may include coupling a mounting plate to the junction box, and coupling at least one electrical wire from the junction box to at least one electrical wire of the electrical device. The method may also include moving a coupler plate coupled to the electrical device toward the mounting plate, and passing at least one pin of the coupler plate at least partially through a slot in the mounting plate, such that a side of the mounting plate and a side of the coupler plate are facing one another. The method may also include rotating the coupler plate relative to the mounting plate, such that the coupler plate and the mounting plate are engaged with one another via engagement between the at least one pin of the coupler plate and the mounting plate.

In some examples of the method, the at least one pin may include an enlarged portion at a remote end of the at least one pin, and the at least one slot may include an enlarged portion. Passing the at least one pin of the coupler plate at least partially through the slot in the mounting plate may include passing the enlarged portion of the at least one pin through the enlarged portion of the at least one slot. In some examples, the mounting plate may include at least one locking clip associated with the at least one slot, and rotating the coupler plate relative to the mounting plate may cause the enlarged portion of the at least one pin to pass the locking clip. In some examples, the locking clip may prevent the enlarged portion of the pin from unintentionally becoming dis-engaged from the at least one slot.

In some examples of the method, the method may further include coupling a hanger to the mounting plate and the coupler plate to support the coupler plate from the mounting plate via the hanger before coupling the at least one electrical wire from the junction box to the at least one electrical wire of the electrical device. In such examples, the method may also include de-coupling the hanger from the mounting plate and the coupler plate after coupling the at least one electrical wire from the junction box to the at least one electrical wire of the electrical device.

Some examples of the method may also include adjusting the relative orientation of the electrical device relative to the mounting plate by rotating the electrical device relative to the mounting plate. This may be facilitated by the length of the at least one slot providing clearance for the at least one pin to move relative to the at least one slot without becoming disengaged from the at least one slot, for example, by the enlarged portion of the at least one pin passing the locking clip and entering a narrow portion of the at least one slot. This example adjusting step may provide the ability to achieve a desired alignment of the electrical device relative to another item in the room or space in which the electrical device is being mounted, such as, for example, other electrical devices and/or a wall of the room or space.

FIG. 1is a schematic, perspective, exploded, section view of an example system10for mounting an electrical device12to an electrical junction box14. In the example shown, the electrical junction box14is fixed to, or adjacent, a barrier16. The barrier16may be any type of barrier, such as, for example, a ceiling, wall, or floor. The ceiling may be a suspended ceiling or a ceiling formed by drywall attached to supports such as joists. The junction box14may be attached directly to the barrier16or may be attached via one or more intermediate supports, such as, for example, studs or joists. In some examples, the junction box14may be configured to support the weight of the electrical device12. The junction box14may be formed from plastic or metal, a combination thereof, or any other suitable known materials. The electrical device12may be any electrical appliance, such as, for example, a light fixture for an incandescent or fluorescent light, a light panel such as an LED light panel as shown inFIG. 1, or a fan such as a ceiling fan or ventilator fan. Other types of electrical devices are contemplated.

As shown inFIG. 1, the example system10includes a mounting plate18configured to be coupled to the junction box14and a coupler plate20configured to be coupled to the mounting plate18and the electrical device12. In some examples, the system10may also include an adaptor21configured to couple the coupler plate20and the electrical device12to one another. In some examples, the coupler plate20may be coupled directly to the electrical device12, for example, such that the coupler plate20is an integrated part of the electrical device12.

In the example shown, the junction box14provides access to electrical supply wires22configured to supply electrical power to the electrical device12. In particular, the example junction box14includes a cup-shaped housing24having a supply aperture26configured to provide an entry point for the supply wires22to extend from behind the barrier16, through the supply aperture26, and into the housing24. In the example shown, the supply wires22include an electrical connector28coupled to the remote end of the supply wires22. The example electrical device12includes electrical device wires30for receiving electrical power for the electrical device12and having a corresponding electrical connector32configured to be coupled to the electrical connector28of the supply wires22shown extending from the junction box14in the unassembled state shown inFIG. 1. Following complete assembly of the system10, the supply wires22, device wires30, and the corresponding connectors28and32will be contained within the housing24, which will be substantially or fully closed via the mounting plate18, for example, as shown inFIG. 2B.

In the example shown inFIGS. 1 and 2A, the mounting plate18includes a base34having a first side36and a second side38. The first side36is configured to face the housing24when assembled to the housing24, and the second side38is configured to face the coupler plate20when the coupler plate20is assembled to the mounting plate18. The example base34includes a service aperture40configured to receive the supply wires22therethrough, and one or more fastener apertures42configured to receive one or more fasteners44for coupling the base34to the junction box14. The example shown includes two fasteners44, but fewer or more fasteners44are contemplated, and fewer or more fastener apertures42are contemplated. The example fasteners44shown are threaded fasteners configured to be threadedly received by the junction box14. Other types of fasteners are contemplated.

In the example shown, the mounting plate18is configured to be coupled directly to the junction box14without any intermediate structural components coupled to the mounting plate18or the junction box14. The use of intermediate structural components is contemplated. In addition, the presence of gaskets, seals, and/or sealants is contemplated, but such gaskets, seals, and sealants are not considered to provide an intermediate structural component.

The example coupler plate20includes a coupler base46having a first side48and a second side50. When assembled to the mounting plate18, the first side48of the coupler base46faces the second side38of the base34of the mounting plate18, and the second side50of the coupler base46faces the electrical device12. In the example shown, the coupler base46includes a service aperture52configured to receive the device wires30therethrough. The coupler base46also includes a flange54extending from the first side48of the coupler base46adjacent the service aperture52. In the example shown, the flange54includes a continuous wall substantially surrounding the service aperture52. For example, the continuous wall may take the form of a collar, which may be substantially cylindrical, that substantially surrounds the service aperture52, for example, as shown inFIG. 1.

In some examples, the flange54may be a substantially cylindrical collar configured to fit within the service aperture40of the base34of the mounting plate18. In such configurations, the flange54may be configured to assist with aligning the mounting plate18and coupler plate20with one another to ease assembly of the coupler plate20to the mounting plate18. For example, the service aperture40of the base34of the mounting plate18may have a size and/or shape (e.g., a circular shape) corresponding to the cross-sectional size and/or shape of the flange54(e.g., circular when the flange54is cylindrical). As explained in more detail below, the cylindrical flange54may be configured to pass through and rotate within the service aperture40.

As shown inFIGS. 1, 3A, and 3B, the example base34of the mounting plate18may include one or more curved slots56, and the coupler base46of the coupler plate20may include one or more pins58. For example, the example curved slots56are configured to receive a respective pin58of the coupler plate20. As shown inFIGS. 5A-5C, the curved slots56defines an opening width W perpendicular to a tangent T to a curve of the slot56and extending between opposite ends60and62thereof. In the example shown, the opening width W of the curved slot56includes a relatively enlarged portion64and a relatively narrow portion65extending between the opposite ends60and62of the curved slot56. The curved slots56may approximate an arc of a circle. For example, the arc may have a center substantially co-existent with the center of the base34of the mounting plate18, for example, when the base34is substantially circular.

FIG. 4is a schematic, partial, perspective, section view showing an example coupler plate20and electrical device12. In the example shown, the pins58of the coupler base46of the coupler plate20extend from the first side48of the coupler base46and are configured to extend partially though one of the curved slots56of the base34of the mounting plate18when the coupler plate20is assembled to the mounting plate18. In some examples, the pins58include a pin base66extending from the first side48of the coupler base46to a remote pin end68. As shown inFIG. 4, the pin end68has an enlarged portion70that has a cross-section that is larger than the cross-section of the pin base66, thereby providing a mushroom-shaped pin.

In some examples, such as shown inFIG. 4, the coupler base46also defines a coupler recess72, for example, a circular recess, configured to receive the base34of the mounting plate18. As shown, for example, inFIGS. 1 and 3B, the base34of the mounting plate18and the coupler base46of the coupler plate20are configured to be coupled to one another via insertion of one or more pins58into one or more of the curved slots56and twisting of the base34and the coupler base46relative to one another, so that respective ones of the one or more pins58follow the curved slots56. For example, as shown, the respective enlarged portions64of the curved slots56are configured to receive the respective enlarged portions70of the pins58therethrough, such that the enlarged portions70of the pins70are configured to fit through the enlarged portions64of the curved slots56. In the example shown, the pins58and the curved slots56are configured such that when the enlarged portion70of the pin58is received by the enlarged portion64of the curved slot56, the enlarged portion70of the pin58is on the first side36of the base34of the mounting plate18, and the pin base66is configured to follow a narrow portion65of the curved slot56as the mounting plate18and the coupler plate20are rotated or twisted with respect to one another. The enlarged portion70of the pin58, being on the first side36of the base34of the mounting plate18, and the coupler base46being on the second side38of the base34of the mounting plate18, serves to hold the coupler plate20and the mounting plate18together, such that the first side of the coupler plate20is adjacent and faces the second side38of the base34of the mounting plate18, for example, as shown inFIG. 1.

In such examples, in order to mount the coupler plate20to the mounting plate18, the coupler plate20is aligned with the mounting plate18, such that the flange54is aligned with the service aperture40of the base34of the mounting plate18, and the coupler plate20is oriented relative to mounting plate18, such that the enlarged portions70of the pins58are aligned with the enlarged portions64of the curved slots56. The first side48of the coupler plate20is moved toward the second side38of the mounting base18until the enlarged portions70of the pins58pass through the enlarged portions64of the curved slots56. The coupler plate20is then rotated or twisted relative to the mounting plate18, such that the pins58follow the curved slots56from one opposite end60toward the other opposite end62, at least until the pins58reach the narrow portions65of the curved slots56, so that the enlarged portions70of the pins58serve to hold the coupler plate20and the mounting plate18together.

As shown inFIGS. 5A and 5B, some examples of the mounting plate18may include one or more locking clips76associated with the first side36of the base34, for example, proximate the narrow portions65of the opening width W of the curved slots56. In the example shown, the locking clips76include a clip face78extending away from the first side36of the base34and configured to deflect away from the curved slot56in a direction substantially parallel to the first side36of the base34and toward the service aperture40of the base34of the mounting plate18. In some examples, the locking clip76is located between the enlarged portion64and the opposite end62of the curved slot56.

In the example shown inFIGS. 5A-5C, the locking clips76include a clip base80coupled to the base34of the mounting plate18by two clip fasteners82. The clip fasteners82may be any type of fastener, such as, for example, screws, bolts, and/or rivets. Welding and/or adhesively securing the clip base80to the base34of the mounting plate18is also contemplated. In some examples, the clip face78may be formed by a clip tongue84extending from the clip base80, for example, as shown inFIGS. 5A and 5B.

In the example shown, when the enlarged portions70of the pins58are received by the respective enlarged portions64of the curved slots56, the enlarged portions70of the pins58are on the first side36of the base34of the mounting plate18, and the pin bases66are configured to follow the narrow portions65of the curved slots56as the mounting plate18and the coupler plate20are rotated or twisted with respect to one another. As the coupler plate20is twisted relative to the mounting plate18, the each of the enlarged portions70of the pin56engages the respective clip face78of the locking clip76and deflects it toward the center of the base34of the mounting plate18, until the enlarged portion70passes the apex79(seeFIG. 5B) of the clip face78, after which the clip face78rebounds and returns to its pre-deflected position. Once past the apex79, the enlarged portion70of the pin58is prevented from returning to the enlarged portion64of the curved slot56, unless the enlarged portion70of the pin58is forced past the apex79. In this example manner, the locking clips76are configured to prevent the pins58from becoming unintentionally separated from the curved slots56after the coupler plate20is assembled to the mounting plate18.

In some examples, for example as shown inFIGS. 5A-5C, the narrow portion65of each of the curved slots56is configured to provide adjustment of the relative orientation of the coupler plate20to the mounting plate18following assembly of the coupler plate20to the mounting plate18. For example, the narrow portions65of the curved slots56have sufficient length for the pins58to permit rotation of the coupler plate20relative to the mounting plate18. For example, the narrow portions65of the curved slots56may each have a length sufficient for the coupler plate20to move an amount ranging from about 1 to about 30 degrees relative to the mounting plate18. For example, the narrow portions65of the curved slots56may each have a length sufficient for the coupler plate20to move an amount ranging from about 5 to about 20 degrees, from about 5 to about 15 degrees, or from about 5 to about 10 degrees, relative to the mounting plate18. This example configuration may provide for adjustment of the orientation of the coupler plate20and the electrical device12coupled thereto following assembly of the mounting plate18to the junction box14and the assembly of the coupler plate20to the mounting plate18. This may facilitate ease of alignment of the electrical device12relating to the barrier16and other structures in a space (e.g., a room) in which the electrical device12is mounted via the system10.

The example mounting plate18shownFIGS. 5A-5Calso includes raised portions86adjacent the curved slots56on the first side36of the base34, for example, extending from the locking clips76to the opposite ends62of the curved slots56, which substantially coincides with the narrow portions65of the curved slots56. As shown inFIG. 5C, for example, the raised portions86may include ramps88on each side of the curved slots56that provide a transition between the base34and apexes of the raised portions86. The example ramps88and raised portions86are configured such that as the enlarged portions70of the pins58travel along the curved slots56, the enlarged portions70are guided up the ramps88and along the raised portions86.

As shown inFIG. 6, the example mounting plate18may also include friction clips90. For example, the friction clips90may be associated with the second side38of the base34of the mounting plate18. In the example shown, the friction clips90extends away from the second side38of the base34. For example, the friction clips90extend obliquely away from the second side38and may include a remote end92spaced from the second side38of the base34. In the example shown, the remote end92of the friction clip90is configured to deflect toward the second side38of the base34when the coupler base46is moved toward the second side38of the base34of the mounting plate18, thereby providing a cantilever spring biased against the first side48of the coupler base46. The friction clips90may be configured to increase the friction force opposing movement of the pins58in the curved slots56. For example, during mounting of the coupler plate20to the mounting plate18, the first side48of the coupler base46is moved toward the second side38of the base34of the mounting plate18, deflecting the remote ends92of the friction clips90toward the second side38. As a result, the friction clips90press against the coupler base46and resist movement of the coupler base46as the coupler base46is rotated relative to the base34of the mounting plate18. For example, during assembly of the coupler plate20to the mounting plate18, the enlarged portions70of the pins58pass through the enlarged portions64of the curved slots56, and as the coupler plate20is rotated or twisted relative to the mounting plate18, the enlarged portions70of the pins58slide up the ramps88and onto the raised portions86of the base34located on the first side36of the base34. This pulls the coupler base46against the friction clips90, thereby deflecting the remote ends92of the friction clips90toward the second side38of the base34, which increases the friction force resisting relative movement between the coupler base46and the base34of the mounting plate. This example configuration may serve to prevent the coupler plate46from loosely rotating relative to the base34of the mounting plate18after the coupler plate20and the mounting plate18have assembled to one another.

In some examples, as shownFIGS. 5C and 6, the friction clips90may be formed by a relatively flat strip of material, such as, for example, metal or plastic, that forms a distorted z-shape in cross-section, and which is attached to and extends from the second side38of the base34of the mounting plate18. In some examples, the friction clips90may include a short root portion94configured to fit in a corresponding slot96in the base34of the mounting plate18, for example, as shown inFIGS. 5C and 6. The root portion94and slot96are configured to locate the friction clip92, which may be coupled to the base34via welding, adhesives, and/or fasteners, such as screws, bolts, and/or rivets. In the example shown, the friction clips92are coupled to the base34via friction clip fasteners98.

As shown inFIG. 5C, some examples of the mounting plate18include indicia for assisting mounting and assembly of the system10. For example, the second side38of the base34of the mounting plate18may include one of more of alignment indicia100, side indicia102, and rotation indicia104. For example, the alignment indicia100may include one more marks configured to assist the alignment of the mounting plate18relative to other structures in the space or room, such as, for example, walls. As shown, the example alignment indicia100are radially extending straight marks provided at ninety degrees relative to one another. The example side indicia102provide an indication that the second side38of the base34should face away from the junction box14to which the mounting plate18is being mounted. As shown, the example side indicia102may indicate “ROOM SIDE” (or similar) to advise that the mounting plate18should be mounted to the junction box14with the second side38of the base34facing out into the room. The example rotation indicia104shown inFIG. 5Cprovide arrows depicting the direction of rotation of the coupler plate20relative to the mounting plate18, so that the enlarged portions70of the pins58follow the curved slots56from the enlarged portions64, past the locking clips76, and into the narrow portions65of the curved slots56. One or more of the alignment indicia100, side indicia102, and rotation indicia104may take the forms of, for example, stampings, moldings, engravings, printing, and/or stickers. Other types and forms of indicia are contemplated.

As shown, for example, inFIGS. 3B and 5A, the fastener apertures42of the mounting plate18may take the form of fastener slots positioned between the curved lots56and the service aperture40, and configured to receive the one or more fasteners44. In some examples, the base34of the mounting plate18may include outer fastener slots106aand inner fastener slots106b(seeFIG. 5A). This example configuration of the fastener slots106aand106bmay serve to enable the mounting plate18to be coupled to junction boxes having different configurations and/or different locations for receiving the fasteners44that couple the mounting plate18to the junction box14.

In some examples, for example, as shown inFIG. 7, one or more of the fastener slots106may be used as hanger apertures configured to receive a hanger108that may be used during assembly/installation of the system10. For example, the coupler plate20may include one or more receiver apertures110configured to receive the hanger108. As shown, the hanger108may include hooks114and116at respective opposite ends118and120of the hanger108. The hook114of the hanger108may be coupled to the mounting plate18, for example, via one or more of the fastener slots106aand106b, and the hook116may be coupled to the coupler plate20, for example, via one or more of the receiver apertures110. In the example shown, the receiver apertures110are provided in the flange54of the coupler plate20.

Some examples of the system10may be assembled according to the following example method for mounting an electrical device to a junction box. The mounting plate18may be coupled to the junction box14by passing the supply wires22through the service aperture40of the base34of the mounting plate18, with the first side36of the base34facing the junction box14, and inserting one or more of the fasteners44through one or more of the fastener apertures42of the mounting plate18and tightening the fasteners44. In some examples, the mounting plate18may be coupled to the junction box14in an orientation, such that one or more of alignment indicia100appear to indicate that the mounting plate18is in the desired orientation relative to another structure in the room in which the system10is being assembled. In some examples, side indicia102may be used to identify the side of the base34that faces the room.

Once the mounting plate18has been coupled to the junction box14, the hook114of the hanger112may be engaged with the mounting plate18, for example, via one or more of the fastener slots106aand106b, so that the hanger112is supported and hangs from the mounting plate18. The coupler plate20, which may be coupled either directly (or indirectly via the adaptor21) to the electrical device12, may be positioned near the mounting plate18, so that the hook116of the hanger112may be engaged with the receiver aperture110of the coupler plate20. Once the hook116is engaged with the coupler plate20, the mounting plate18supports the coupler plate20and the electrical device12via the hanger112, so that the device wires30may be coupled to the supply wires22, for example, via the respective electrical connectors28and32. Once the device wires30and supply wires22are coupled to one another, while supporting the coupler plate20and the electrical device12, the hanger112may be disengaged from the mounting plate18and coupler plate20, and the coupler plate20may be moved toward the mounting plate18, while pushing the device wires30and supply wires22through the service aperture40of the base34of the mounting plate18, and into the housing24of the junction box14.

In some examples, the flange54of the coupler plate20may be aligned with the service aperture40of the mounting plate18and/or the pins58of the coupler plate20may be aligned with the enlarged portions64of the curved slots56of the mounting plate18, and the first side48of the coupler plate20may be pushed against the second side38of the mounting plate18, so that the flange54extends through the service aperture40and the pins58extend though the enlarged portions64of the curved slots56. In some examples, the first side48of the coupler plate20presses against the friction clips90of the second side38of the mounting plate18, thereby deflecting them toward the base34of the mounting plate18.

Thereafter, the coupler plate20may be rotated or twisted, for example, in the direction indicated by the rotation indicia104, so that the enlarged portions70of the pins58deflect the clip faces78of the locking clips76toward the center of the mounting plate18, until the enlarged portions70of the pins58pass the apexes79of the clip faces78and pass into the respective narrow portions65of the curved slots56. In some examples, as the enlarged portions70of the pins58pass into the narrow portions65of the curved slots56, the enlarged portions70ride up the ramps88and onto the raised portions86of the base34of the mounting plate18. In some examples, the raised portions86, being on the first side36of the base34, and the friction clips90, being on the second side38of the base34, provide a biasing force to reduce the likelihood (or prevent) the coupler mount20from moving loosely relative to the mounting plate18, thereby tending to prevent the coupler plate20and electrical device12coupled thereto from rotating relative to the mounting plate18, for example, unless the relative orientation of the coupler plate20and the mounting plate18is being adjusted.

Once the coupler plate20has been assembled to the mounting plate18, the relative orientation of the coupler plate20and the mounting plate18may be adjusted by rotating the coupler plate20in order to achieve the desired alignment of the coupler plate20and the electrical device12, for example, relative a structure in the room in which the system10is assembled (e.g., a wall). One or more of the above-noted procedures may be re-ordered.