Abstract:
A receptacle box installer includes an L-shaped element with a first arm and a second arm, a block attached to an inside surface of the first arm of the L-shaped element, and a gap between a side of the block closest to the second arm of the L-shaped element and the second arm of the L-shaped element. A user then inserts the second arm of the L-shaped element into a receptacle box until the gap is filled with an outside wall of the receptacle box. A surface of the block opposite the connection with the first arm of the L-shaped element is contacted with a front surface of a framing member. The receptacle box is then contacted with the framing member. A user then attaches the receptacle box to the framing member using standard attachment means. Once the receptacle box is installed on the framing member, the receptacle box installer is removed from the receptacle box.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    a. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The invention relates generally to types of devices for installation of receptacle boxes, and, more particularly, to devices and methods for accurately and consistently installing receptacle boxes in desired positions. 
         [0003]    b. Description of Related Art 
         [0004]    Receptacle or electrical boxes are commonly used in construction, remodeling and renovation of many types of building structures. Receptacle boxes maybe installed on beams, double studs, corners or other framing members. Receptacle boxes can be positioned at predetermined vertical and horizontal positions and then secured to framing members. Drywall or other wall coverings can then be installed surrounding the receptacle boxes. 
         [0005]    To function properly, a receptacle box is preferably installed to fit flush with the wall coverings after installation of the wall coverings. To achieve this, the receptacle box should extend outward from a front edge of a framing member a distance equal to the thickness of a wall covering. 
         [0006]    Systems exist for facilitating the measurement and installation of receptacle boxes. The most basic system utilizes a series of notches or lines on an outer surface of a receptacle box at common wall covering thicknesses. Other systems use more complicated means of temporarily securing a receptacle box to a framing member prior to final attachment. However, many existing systems and methods require complicated mechanisms or modified receptacle boxes that add substantially to labor or cost. Existing systems do not allow for use of a simple tool with capabilities for measuring checking correct installation of a receptacle box before installation of a wall covering. Existing systems only allow for use of predetermined set measurements. 
         [0007]    Needs exist for improved devices for installation of receptacle boxes that are easy to use, inexpensive, operate with standard electrical boxes, and allow for rapid confirmation of correct installation. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The invention solves the problems and/or overcomes the drawbacks and disadvantages of the prior art by having a simple, easy to use configuration that allows immediate confirmation of correct installation. 
         [0009]    In particular, the invention accomplishes this by providing a receptacle box installer. The receptacle box installer preferably includes an L-shaped element with a first arm and a second arm, a block extending from an inside surface of the first arm of the L-shaped element, and a recess between a side of the block closest to the second arm of the L-shaped element and the second arm of the L-shaped element adapted to receive a front edge of a side wall of a receptacle box. 
         [0010]    To operate the receptacle box installer, a user may provide a receptacle box for attaching to an existing framing member. The user then may insert the second arm of the L-shaped element into the receptacle box until the recess is preferably filled with a wall of the receptacle box. A surface of the block facing away from an outside surface of the first arm of the L-shaped element maybe contacted with a front surface of a framing member. The receptacle box can then be contacted with the framing member. A user preferably attaches the receptacle box to the framing member using standard attachment means. Once the receptacle box is installed on the framing member, the receptacle box installer maybe removed from the receptacle box. 
         [0011]    In a preferred embodiment, the receptacle box installation device preferably has an extension connected to a side surface of the block opposite the second arm of the L-shaped element and extending away from the second arm of the L-shaped element. The installation can be checked with the extension. The surface of the block facing away from an outside surface of the first arm of the L-shaped element may be rotated to face away from the front surface of the framing member. An outside surface of the first arm of the L-shaped element maybe contacted with the front surface of the framing member and abutted to the receptacle box. An offset of the receptacle box may be compared with a height of the block for ensuring proper installation. Installation is proper if the extension preferably slides over an edge of the receptacle box with close tolerance. 
         [0012]    In another preferred embodiment, the first arm of the L-shaped element extends away from the second arm of the L-shaped element beyond a side surface of the block The installation can be checked with the extended first arm of the L-shaped element. The second arm of the L-shaped element can be rotated such that a top side of the second arm of the L-shaped element becomes a bottom side of the second arm of the L-shaped element. A side of the block opposite the connection to the first arm of the L-shaped element can be contacted with the front surface of the framing member and abutted to the receptacle box. An offset of the receptacle box can be compared with a height of the block for ensuring proper installation. Installation is proper if the first arm of the L-shaped element beyond the side surface of the block preferably slides over an edge of the receptacle box with close tolerance. 
         [0013]    In another preferred embodiment, a receptacle box installation apparatus can include an element with a first arm and a second arm disposed at an angle to the first arm, a recess in the first arm proximate to the second arm for receiving a wall of a receptacle box, an angle portion defined in a distal end of the first arm The receptacle box installation apparatus maybe configured to receive the wall of the receptacle box in the recess. A portion of the first arm may be configured to contact the framing member, and the angle portion may be configured to receive the wall of the receptacle box after rotating the receptacle box installation apparatus. Preferably, the angle between the first arm and the second arm is ninety degrees. 
         [0014]    In preferred embodiments, the block may be interchangeable with blocks of various heights. Alternatively, the receptacle box installation device maybe molded as one piece. 
         [0015]    In preferred embodiments, the second arm of the L-shaped element may be sized to fit securely within the receptacle box against an inside wall closest to the framing member. 
         [0016]    The invention may also include a means of checking the vertical position of the receptacle box along the framing member. 
         [0017]    Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention maybe set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the invention as claimed. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
         [0018]    The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and together with the detailed description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a receptacle box installation device with an extension on a block constructed according to the principles of the invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is an end view of the receptacle box installation device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is another perspective view of the receptacle box installation device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the receptacle box installation device of  FIG. 1  coupled with a receptacle box. 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a receptacle box installation device with an extended L-shape on a block constructed according to the principles of the invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is an end view of the receptacle box installation device of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  is another perspective view of the receptacle box installation device of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the receptacle box installation device of  FIG. 5  coupled with a receptacle box. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0027]    The present inventions are direct to an installation device and method for installation of receptacle devices on framing members. The invention allows for proper installation of a receptacle box at a predetermined depth such that the installed receptacle box is preferably flush with a wall covering after installation of the wall covering around the receptacle box. 
         [0028]      FIGS. 1-3  are several views of a first embodiment of an installation device  11 . The installation device  11  can include a main L-shaped member  13 . A first arm  15  of the L-shaped member  13  can be wider than a second arm  17  of the L-shaped member  13 . The second arm  17  maybe sized to fit snuggly within an opening  19  of a standard receptacle box  21 . Overhangs  18  can result from the different widths of the first arm  15  and second arm  17 . The first arm  15  is preferably wide enough to not fit within the opening  19  of the receptacle box  21 . This sizing should prevent incorrect use of the installation device  11 . 
         [0029]    The second arm  17  is preferably connected to the first arm  15  at a bend  23 . The bend  23  may be an intersect between the separate first arm  15  and second arm  17  or the L-shaped member  13  may be formed of one continuous piece of material. The bend  23  is preferably a ninety degree angle, but may be other angles for specialized applications. The bend  23  is also preferably rounded, but may be squared or formed in another shape if necessary. 
         [0030]    The first arm  15  is preferably connected to a block  25 . The block  25  may be attached to an inner surface  27  of the first arm  15  at an outer surface  28  of the block  25 . A gap  29  can be located between an inner side  31  of the block  25  and an inner surface  33  of the second arm  17 . 
         [0031]    A side surface  34  of an extension  35  may be connected to an outer side  37  of the block  25 . An inner surface  39  of the extension  35  preferably lines up with an inner surface  41  of the block  25 . The distance between an outer surface  43  of the extension and an outer surface  45  of the first arm  15  preferably corresponds to the thickness of a wall covering. 
         [0032]      FIG. 4  shows the installation device  11  connected to the receptacle box  21 . The receptacle box  21  preferably has a first side wall  53 , a second side wall  55 , a top wall  57  and a bottom wall  59 . In  FIG. 4 , the installation device  11  is mounted on the first side wall  53 . However, a mirror image installation maybe performed by reversing the process. The installation device  11  maybe connected to a variety of surfaces in a variety of positions. The receptacle box  21  may also include standard installation hardware  61 , such as nails, screws, etc. 
         [0033]    To operate the installation device  11 , the first side wall  53  of the receptacle box  21  is preferably placed against a side wall  63  of a framing member  65  at an appropriate vertical height. The receptacle box  21  is preferably a standard receptacle box  21 , but other receptacle boxes maybe used. The second arm  17  of the installation device  11  can be placed within the opening  19  of the receptacle box  21  in close proximity to the first side wall  53 . The inner surface  41  of the first arm  15  of the L-shaped member  13  can be abutted with a front surface  67  of the framing member  65 . The receptacle box  21  is preferably maneuvered, while the installation device  11  is abutted to the framing member  65 , such that the first side wall  53  fills the gap  29 . When the receptacle box  21  is in the proper position, the installation hardware  61  maybe used to attach the receptacle box  21  to the framing member  65 . 
         [0034]    After attachment of the receptacle box  21  to the framing member  65 , the installation device  11  maybe removed from the opening  19  of the receptacle box  21 . Installation of the receptacle box  21  is completed properly without needing measurements or other specialized devices. 
         [0035]    The present invention allows a user to check the accuracy of the installation before placing a wall covering over the receptacle box  21  and framing member  65 . To check the installation, the installation device  11  may be rotated one hundred eighty degrees around a vertical axis. The outer surface  45  of the first arm  15  can be abutted to the front surface  67  of the framing member  65 . An end  69  of the first arm  15  can be slid along the front surface  67  of the framing member  65  until contact is made with the first side wall  53  of the installed receptacle box  21 . If installation was proper, the inner surface  43  of the extension  35  should pass over a front edge  71  of the receptacle box  21  with close tolerance. 
         [0036]    If installation was proper, then no further action is needed regarding the receptacle box  21  before installation of a wall covering. If installation was not proper, the receptacle box  21  can be removed and the installation process repeated until installation is proper. The embodiments of the present invention prevent the need to remove an installed wall covering to reinstall a receptacle box  21 . 
         [0037]    The installation device  11  may be made in any size to fit available receptacle boxes  21 . A preferred embodiment may include the following approximate dimensions: 4 cm length of first arm  15 , 5 cm length of second arm  17 , 9.5 cm width of first arm  15 , 8.5 cm width of second arm  17 , 9.5 cm width of extension  35 , 0.5 cm depth of second arm  17 , 3 cm length of block  25 , 1.5 cm length of extension  35 , 0.5 cm width of extension  35 , and 0.5 cm width of gap  29 . Other sizes and dimensions are possible. 
         [0038]      FIGS. 5-7  show another embodiment of an installation device  111 . The installation device  111  preferably includes a main L-shaped member  113 . A first arm  115  of the L-shaped member  113  is preferably wider than a second arm  117  of the L-shaped member  113 . The second arm  117  can be sized to fit snuggly within an opening  19  of a standard receptacle box  21 . Overhangs  118  can be the result of different widths of the first arm  115  and second arm  117 . The first arm  115  is preferably wide enough to not fit within the opening  19  of the receptacle box  21 . This sizing preferably prevents incorrect use of the installation device  111 . 
         [0039]    The second arm  117  is preferably connected to the first arm  115  at a bend  123 . The bend  123  maybe an intersect between the separate first arm  115  and second arm  117  or the L-shaped member  113  maybe formed of one continuous piece of material with a bend  123 . The bend  123  is preferably a ninety degree angle, but may be other angles for specialized applications. The bend  123  is also preferably rounded, but may be squared or formed in another shape if necessary. 
         [0040]    The first arm  115  is preferably connected to a block  125 . The block  125  can be attached to an inner surface  127  of the first arm  115  at an outer surface  128  of the block  125 . A gap  129  can be located between an inner side  131  of the block  125  and an inner surface  133  of the second arm  117 . 
         [0041]    The first arm  115  preferably extends beyond an outside surface  137  of the block  125 , forming a lip  135 . The depth of the block  125  from the outer surface  128  to an inner surface  143  preferably corresponds to the thickness of a wall covering. 
         [0042]      FIG. 8  shows the installation device  111  connected to the receptacle box  21 . The receptacle box  21  preferably has a first side wall  53 , a second side wall  55 , a top wall  57  and a bottom wall  59 . In  FIG. 8 , the installation device  111  is mounted on the first side wall  53 . However, a mirror image installation maybe performed by reversing the process. The installation device  111  maybe installed on any surface and in any orientation. The receptacle box  21  also preferably includes standard installation hardware  61 , such as nails, screws, etc. 
         [0043]    To operate the installation device  111 , the first side wall  53  of the receptacle box  21  maybe placed against a side wall  63  of a framing member  65  at an appropriate vertical height. The receptacle box  21  is preferably a standard receptacle box  21 , but other receptacle boxes maybe used. The second arm  117  of the installation device  111  can be placed within the opening  19  of the receptacle box  21  in close proximity to the first side wall  53 . The inner surface  143  of the first arm  115  of the L-shaped member  113  maybe abutted with a front surface  67  of the framing member  65 . The receptacle box  21  is preferably maneuvered, while the installation device  11  is abutted to the framing member  65 , such that the first side wall  53  fills the gap  129 . When the receptacle box  21  is in the proper position, the installation hardware  61  maybe used to attach the receptacle box  21  to the framing member  65 . The receptacle box  21  is preferably held in place by a user&#39;s hand, but may also be held in place with a temporary securing means such as temporary adhesives or other methods. 
         [0044]    After attachment of the receptacle box  21  to the framing member  65 , the installation device  111  may be removed from the opening  19  of the receptacle box  21 . Installation of the receptacle box  21  is preferably completed without measurements or other specialized devices. 
         [0045]    The embodiments of the present invention allow a user to check the accuracy of the installation before placing a wall covering over the receptacle box  21  and framing member  65 . To check the installation, the installation device  111  can be rotated one hundred eighty degrees around a vertical axis. An outer surface  145  of the first arm  115  can be abutted to the front surface  67  of the framing member  65 . The outside surface  137  of the block  125  can be slid along the front surface  67  of the framing member  65  until contact is made with the first side wall  53  of the installed receptacle box  21 . If installation was proper, the overhang  135  should pass over a front edge  71  of the receptacle box  21  with close tolerance. 
         [0046]    If installation was proper, then no further action regarding the receptacle box  21  is needed before installation of a wall covering. If installation was not proper, the receptacle box  21  may be removed and the installation process repeated until installation is proper. The present invention preferably prevents the need to remove an installed wall covering to reinstall a receptacle box  21 . 
         [0047]    The installation device  111  maybe made in any size to fit available receptacle boxes  21 . A preferred embodiment may include the following approximate dimensions: 5.5 cm length of first arm  115 , 5 cm length of second arm  117 , 9.5 cm width of first arm  115 , 8.5 cm width of second arm  117 , 9.5 cm width of block  125 , 0.5 cm depth of first arm  115 , 0.5 cm depth of second arm  117 , 3 cm length of block  125 , 2 cm length of overhang  135 , 1 cm width of overhang  135 , and 0.5 cm width of gap  129 . Other sizes and dimensions are possible. 
         [0048]    The installation device may be made from plastic, metal or any other suitable material. The installation device maybe molded from one piece of material. Different installation devices with blocks of different thicknesses maybe created for installing receptacle boxes with different thickness wall coverings. The different sized installation devices maybe sold individually or in sets. 
         [0049]    Alternatively, the individual pieces maybe fabricated separately and combined to create the installation device. In additional embodiments, the blocks can be removable. Blocks of different sizes maybe used to create installation devices for installing receptacle boxes at various depths. If a thicker wall covering is used, then a thicker block preferably replaces the thinner block connected to the first arm. One L-shaped member may be used with a series of different sized blocks. 
         [0050]    The installation device may also include a means for accurately measuring vertical height of the receptacle box above a floor or other horizontal surface. A measurement means may include a tape measure, laser distance measuring device, or any other suitable device. 
         [0051]    The L-shaped member of the present invention can allow use of the installation device on beams, double studs or corners. 
         [0052]    Furthermore, installation devices may be created and used with a wide variety of receptacle boxes other than standard receptacle boxes. For example, the installation devices may be sized and shaped to fit three way electrical boxes, circular receptacle boxes, or any other shapes and sizes. 
         [0053]    The present invention may be in the form of other and various embodiments and configurations to accomplish the functions of properly installing a receptacle box and checking for installation accuracy. 
         [0054]    Although the foregoing description is directed to the preferred embodiments of the invention, it is noted that other variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Moreover, features described in connection with one embodiment of the invention maybe used in conjunction with other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated above.