Abstract:
An in-floor electrical floor-box assembly includes a rectangular metallic housing and a non-metallic riser with integral flange assembly having a rectangular flange that mates with the rectangular housing and an integral cylindrical riser for providing access to the electrical components through a round cover and finish flange. A low-voltage divider assembly separates cables carrying different voltages within the riser to reduce interference between the cables and any one of a variety of sub-plates having different configurations for accommodating a variety of multi-service or single service electrical functionality can be incorporated with the box.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/212,699, filed Mar. 14, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/923,598, filed Sep. 29, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,704,090, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/073,175, filed Feb. 29, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,825,335. The entire contents of each of these documents are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    This invention relates generally to a floor box for housing electrical power and/or low voltage (data, multi-media, AN &amp; communications) devices. More particularly, the device relates to a floor box for accommodating electrical power and data distribution devices within a floor. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The invention relates in general to electrical in-floor power and communications distribution systems for commercial buildings and the like, and in particular to a metallic floor box with a non-metallic riser that accommodates varying floor material depths and multiple services. 
         [0004]    Conventional electrical floor boxes are problematic when used in connection with poured floors, such as concrete floors. One particular type of problem arises because the overall height of the floor box is typically fixed and, thus, if the final height of the poured floor is less than the height of the floor box, the floor box will protrude from the floor. Alternatively, if the planned height of the floor is greater than the overall height of the box, it is necessary to artificially elevate the floor box within the floor when it is installed, for example, using a sub-floor material, and somehow level the sub-floor and/or the box before pouring the floor. Subsequently, if the top of the floor box had not been leveled precisely, the top of the box will not be flush with the top of the poured floor, that is, it would either protrude above the floor or it would be recessed within the floor. 
         [0005]    Additionally, various building codes limit the amount and type of electrical wiring and connections that a floor box can contain within a particular volume and other codes require boxes that accommodate multiple services, such as power and data, maintain physical separation between the various services within the box. Therefore, in order to satisfy these requirements, it is necessary to determine the interior volume of the floor-box before the components housed within it can be wired and activated and, further, to maintain separation between various services within the box. 
         [0006]    Addressing some of the problems mentioned above, it is known to provide floor-boxes which are set in poured concrete floors and the tops of which are sawed-off to accommodate the depth of the poured floor. One such floor-box is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,466,886 (the &#39;886 Patent), assigned to the same assignee as the present invention, Hubbell Incorporated. In addition to disclosing a variable height floor-box, the &#39;886 Patent further discloses an electrical outlet box assembly for separating and insulating high voltage power wires from low voltage communication wires. The electrical outlet box assembly includes a non-metallic one-piece tubular housing adapted to be embedded into a poured concrete floor having an electrical shielding assembly coupled within the housing. 
         [0007]    One disadvantage to the device disclosed in the &#39;886 Patent, however, is that it comprises a one-piece non-metallic tubular structure for the housing, which is not ideal for certain applications. For example, certain jurisdictions require the use of metal conduit and outlet boxes. That is, according to code in some jurisdictions, non-metallic boxes may be prohibited and termination of metal conduit into a non-metallic box may be cost prohibitive or disallowed by local authorities. In particular, it is often required to utilize EMT (Electrical Metallic Tubing) conduit to carry the wiring and/or cabling to and from the box. Moreover, due to the shape of the locking nut, even if it were permissible to terminate metallic conduit to a non-metallic box, it would be extremely cumbersome to do so, if it were possible at all. 
         [0008]    Accordingly, the device disclosed and claimed in accordance with the present invention addresses the above and other disadvantages encountered with related-art floor-boxes. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    Illustrative, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention overcome the aforementioned and other disadvantages associated with related art floor-boxes for housing multi-service electrical components. Also, the present invention is not required to overcome the disadvantages described above and an illustrative non-limiting embodiment of the present invention may not overcome any of the problems described above. 
         [0010]    First reason increased volume to rectangular housing for improved wire clearances and bend radius within housing. Second reason is EMT conduit with locknut can only be achieved on rectangular housing or planar surface. This product provides the benefits of a rectangular shape in the floor and then transitions to a round finished surface fitting. The round surface fitting is preferred because it blends with building lines easier and is more aesthetically pleasing. The transition from square housing to round cover is believed to be unique to this product. 
         [0011]    According to one aspect of the device, a rectangular metallic floor box is attached to a cylindrical non-metallic riser having an integral flange which attaches to the top of the floor box. The rectangular shape of the box provides for increased wiring clearance and bend radius within the box. Further, EMT conduit with a locknut can easily interface with the planar surface of the rectangular box. The riser transitions from a rectangular flange which attaches to the rectangular box to a cylindrical riser which is completed with a round surface fitting at the floor surface. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, a round surface fitting is desired because it blends with building lines easier and is more aesthetically pleasing than other shapes. It is the transition from rectangular floor box housing to round cover that is believed to be one unique feature of a floor box consistent with the present invention. 
         [0012]    Either electrical power devices, electrical data devices, or both, are connected within the floor box to cabling that enters the box via conduit connected to holes in one or more sides of the box. After the floor box is positioned within the floor at the desired location a cap is placed over the top of the riser and concrete is poured over the box and over the flange to the minimum depth of pour of the riser. The cap on top of the riser prevents concrete from spilling into the riser and into the electrical box. After the concrete settles and cures, the riser is cut flush with the hardened concrete floor and the desired sub-plate is installed to the finish flange, which houses the desired power and/or data distribution devices within the box. A selected cover plate is then installed over the sub-plate providing a convenient threshold between the floor, e.g., carpet, hardwood, etc., and the electrical outlet. The cover doors also provide protection to the installed devices when not in use. The cover doors may be secured independently of one another, allowing the user to access some or all of the services located beneath. 
         [0013]    Another feature of the Hubbell device is an integral partition located on the riser below the flange. The integral partition eliminates the need for any additional parts for separating the data communications and power cabling within the floor box. Also, the riser with the integral partition can be used with both metallic and non-metallic floor boxes and can also be used with different depth boxes. 
         [0014]    One aspect of the present invention is to provide a floor-box device with flexibility to create personal solutions for the most demanding multi-service applications for flush in-floor boxes. More particularly, a wide variety of application sub-plates can be installed on the floor-box to provide the desired flexibility. The truly unique feature of the product is that the application sub-plates, finish flanges and cover plates can be installed on either the Hubbell SystemOne metal floor box (described herein), the non-metallic floor box and or fire rated poke through. Thus simplifying the overall installation, procurement and specification of the devices. 
         [0015]    According to one embodiment of the invention, an electrical floor box assembly is provided which includes a metallic box having a bottom portion, a plurality of sides and a top portion, and a non-metallic flange assembly secured to the top portion of the rectangular metallic box and having a flat flange portion with substantially the same dimension as the top portion of the box, and a cylindrical riser with an opening at a top thereof providing access into the box. 
         [0016]    As used herein “substantially”, “generally”, and other words of degree, are used as a relative modifier intended to indicate permissible variation from the characteristic so modified. It is not intended to be limited to the absolute value or characteristic, which it modifies but rather approaching or approximating such a physical or functional characteristic. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    The aspects of the present invention will become more readily apparent by describing in detail illustrative, non-limiting embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a floor-box assembly in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a riser with integral flange assembly used in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  are, respectively, perspective views of a cast iron housing with the riser with integral flange assembly of  FIG. 2 , and a stamped steel housing with the riser with integral flange assembly of  FIG. 2 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  are, respectively, perspective views of a cast iron housing and a stamped steel housing in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIGS. 5A-5C  are perspective views of three exemplary embodiments of a low-voltage divider used in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is an exploded view of a floor-box assembly with a tubular low-voltage divider in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is an exploded view of a floor-box assembly with a planar low-voltage divider in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0025]    Exemplary, non-limiting, embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below. While specific configurations and dimensions are discussed to provide a clear understanding, it should be understood that the disclosed dimensions and configurations are provided for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other dimensions and configurations may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
         [0026]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In particular, the embodiment of  FIG. 1  includes a rectangular metallic floor box  10  with a non-metallic riser with integral flange assembly  15  secured to a top thereof. Further, riser with integral flange assembly  15  comprises an integral riser  16  and is secured to the metallic floor box  10  using fasteners  11 . According to the embodiment disclosed in  FIG. 1  fasteners  11  are screws, however, one of ordinary skill would understand that other types of fastening devices can also be used, such as an adhesive, clamp(s), rivet(s) or other such appropriate mechanisms. Attached to the upper portion of the riser  16  is a cover assembly  20 . According to this embodiment, cover assembly  20  comprises a carpet flange  21 , but could alternatively include a tile flange (not shown), and cover plate with two hinged doors  22  which provide access to electrical components, e.g., power and/or communications outlets, within box  10  and protect such devices from water, debris, etc. when not in use. Further, when in use, cabling for such electrical components is provided into the box through holes  12   a  and  12   b  in the sides of the box. For example, large hole  12   a  provides access into the box for data cabling or power cabling and smaller hole  12   b  provides access for power cabling or data cabling. 
         [0027]    Floor box  10 , according to this embodiment, is made of cast iron, but could be made of other metallic material, as will be described in further detail in accordance with further embodiments. The flange and riser  16  are made of non-metallic material, such as plastic, and can comprise a single integral component where the flange and riser  16  are formed together, for example in a molding operation, or they can be formed separately and attached using one or more fastening devices, such as screws, clips, etc. 
         [0028]      FIG. 2  is a close-up view of an exemplary embodiment of the riser with integral flange assembly  15 , including an integral rectangular ledge portion  17  and cylindrical riser  16 . In  FIG. 2 , riser with integral flange assembly  15  is shown inverted from how it would be oriented when attached to a floor box, such as metallic floor box  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . Riser  16  further comprises an upper portion  16   a  and a lower portion  16   b.  The riser and integral flange assembly is shown in inverted fashion in  FIG. 2  to provide a clear view of the lower portion  16   b  of the riser. Lower portion  16   b  would be located within box  10  and obscured from view when the riser and integral flange assembly  15  is attached to the box and upper portion  16   a  would be outside box  10 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . The cylindrical shape of the riser allows a round finish flange and cover to be installed at the finished floor level, which is desirable because coordinating the orientation of the cover with building walls and architectural features is not typically a concern with the round shape. 
         [0029]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , upper portion  16   a  of flange assembly  15  includes gradation marks  16   c  formed integral with the outer surface of the cylindrical riser. As will be described in more detail below, gradation marks  16   c  indicate the depth of concrete pour (inches [mm]) around the box  10  and riser  16 . The gradation marks on the inside wall of  16  indicate the volume displaced by the box  10  and riser  16  and are either permanently formed in the inside wall or are provided via a label under circumstances where the volume may vary. For example, a label may be used because the total volumes differ between a stamped steel box and a cast iron box. As described in more detail below, the upper portion  16   a  of riser  16  also includes channels  16   d  for receiving attachment devices (not shown), such as clips, for securing a flooring flange (not shown) to the top of the riser. 
         [0030]    Lower portion  16   b  of riser  16  includes cutouts  16   e  which enable power and/or data cabling to enter the inside of the riser. For example, cabling (not shown) enters box  10  through holes  12   a  and/or  12   b  in the side of box  10  ( FIG. 1 ) and then enters the inside of cylindrical riser  16  through holes  16   e.  Additionally, integral divider or partition portions  16   g  protrude from the outer surface of the lower portion  16   b  of the riser. Protrusions, integral divider or partition  16   g  align with corresponding protrusions within the interior of the metallic housing and provide isolation around the exterior of the riser between the two sides of the interior of the housing when the riser with integral flange assembly is attached to the housing. Also, according to a further embodiment of the invention, the integral dividers (e.g., protrusions) on the outside of the lower portion  16   b  of the riser are asymmetrical on the riser; that is, they are not located  180  degrees from each other on the surface of the riser. Accordingly, the orientation of the riser with integral flange can only be assembled to the metallic housing one way, thus providing ease of assembly for the installer so orientation of riser to the metallic box is always the same. 
         [0031]      FIG. 3A  is a further illustration of the floor box  10  and riser with integral flange assembly  15  shown in  FIG. 1 . In particular,  FIG. 3A  shows the rectangular ledge portion  17  of riser with integral flange assembly  15  attached to box  10 . Cylindrical upper portion  16   a  of the riser is exposed above the box and cylindrical lower portion  16   b  of the riser is obscured from view as it is inside box  10 . One of the holes  16   e  in the sides of the lower portion  16   b  of the riser is visible through the inside of upper portion  16   a.  Additionally, an exemplary shape of channels  16   d  in the sides of the upper portion  16   a  of the riser can also be seen, slots  16   f  on opposing inside surfaces of the riser are also illustrated in  FIG. 3A . Slots  16   f  are provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment to accommodate a planar divider or partition, described later, which is optionally inserted into the slots  16   f  to divide the inside volume of the upper and lower portions of the riser into two separate spaces. Accordingly, cabling entering into the box  10  through holes  12   a,    12   b,  can be isolated from each other within the riser to eliminate undesirable interference, or crosstalk, between conductors, such as between power and data cables. 
         [0032]      FIG. 3B  is a further embodiment of the floor box and riser with integral flange in accordance with the invention. More particularly, box  30  in accordance with this embodiment is made of steel, or other sheeted metallic material, such as aluminum. The embodiment shown in  FIG. 3B  also includes a flange assembly  15 . Flange assembly  15  is identical to flange assembly  15  in  FIGS. 1, 2 and 3A  and, thus, will not be discussed further in accordance with the present embodiment. Box  30  includes knockouts  32   a,  e.g., concentric knockouts that are 1¼ in., 1 in., and ¾ in. and knockouts  32   b,  e.g., concentric knockouts that are 1 in., and ¾ in., for accommodating data and power cabling, respectively. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, knockouts  32   a  and  32   b  are provided by perforating areas of material in one or more sides of box  30 . Accordingly, the material bounded by the perforations can be easily removed when necessary to provide access to the interior of the box. 
         [0033]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  are perspective views of floor boxes consistent with boxes  10  and  30  described above in accordance with  FIGS. 1, 3A and 3B . In particular,  FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of a cast iron box similar to box  10  and  FIG. 4B  is a perspective view of a stamped metallic, e.g., steel, box similar to box  30 . As shown in  FIG. 4A  box  10  comprises a cast iron enclosure with an integral bottom surface  19  and four integral sides  20   a - 20   d . Opposing sides  20   a  and  20   c  are further provided with threaded holes  12   a  and  12   b  and divider or partition protrusions  20   e.  Protrusions  20   e  align with corresponding protrusions  16   g  in the lower portion of the riser, as described above in reference to  FIG. 2 . Also, as described previously, holes  12   a  provide access to the interior of box  10  for cables, such as power cables, and threaded holes  12   b  provide access for cables, such as data cables. As described in more detail below, threaded holes  12   a  and  12   b  in sides  20   a  and  20   c  of box  10  directly oppose their respective counterpart in order to accommodate electrical isolation between the power and data cables. Threaded holes  12   a  and  12   b  can be the same or different sizes and shapes, depending on the size and/or number of cables required to pass through the holes. Further, in accordance with the present embodiment, the inner surface of holes  12   a  and  12   b  are threaded to enable threaded conduit or metallic conduit to be screwed into the holes for attaching the power and/or data cabling. 
         [0034]    At each of the four the corners of box  10  are provided screw holes  18  and anchor rings  21 . Screw holes  18  are threaded holes for receiving screws  11 , as described above in accordance with  FIG. 1 . Anchor rings  21  are integral with the enclosure of box  10  and are provided for securing the box enclosure to a subfloor, such as a concrete floor, pad, gravel or dirt using screws, bolts, or some other appropriate fastening device. These screws are also used to level the box prior to the concrete pour. 
         [0035]      FIG. 4B  is a perspective view of a sheet metal box similar to the steel box  30  shown in  FIG. 3B . This sheet metal box may also be provided with a corrosion resistant finish, such as epoxy paint for use in on-grade applications. As shown, box  30  comprises a steel enclosure with a bottom surface  31 , four sides  35   a - 35   d  and a top surface  33 . Sides  35   a  and  35   c  each include knockouts  32   a  and  32   b  as described above in regard to  FIG. 3B  and protrusions (divider or partition)  35   e  on the respective inside surfaces of the sides. Protrusions  35   e  and notches  35   f  align with corresponding protrusions  16   g  in the lower portion of the riser, as described above in reference to  FIG. 2 . Each of the surfaces of the enclosure is made of stamped steel and the enclosure surfaces are welded together and/or attached using rivets or some other appropriate fastening device. According to the embodiment shown, bottom surface  31  is rectangular and has a dimension larger than the dimension created by the four sides  32   a - 32   d.  Also, top surface  33  has a large rectangular opening provided in its center such that a ledge is provided around the circumference of the enclosure. In the ledge portion of the top surface  33  are provided four holes  34  located at each corner for receiving screws or some other appropriate fastening device for attaching a riser with integral flange assembly, such as riser with integral flange assembly  15  ( FIG. 2 ), thereto. In accordance with a further aspect of this embodiment an optional fusion-bonded epoxy corrosion resistant paint finish is applied to the stamped steel floor box to allow for slab-on-grade use similar to the cast iron box but without the weight of cast iron. 
         [0036]      FIGS. 5A-5C  are perspective views of three respective exemplary dividers or partitions which can be used in accordance with the floor box of the present invention. That is, dividers or partitions  5 A- 5 C can each be optionally used in conjunction with the previous embodiments described above for the floor boxes and flange assembly. 
         [0037]    Divider assembly  40 , shown in  FIG. 5A , is a divider for isolating, for example, power cables and data cables within a floor box and flange assembly in accordance with the present invention. For example, divider assembly  40  is a unitary piece of non-conductive material with a generally cylindrical shape having a cylindrical tube through its center. According to this particular example, data cables are maintained outside tube  41  and power cables are placed up through tube  41 . In this manner tube  41  separates power and data cables within flange assembly  15 , as seen more clearly in  FIG. 6 . More particularly, as described in further detail below, cable ramps  42  of divider assembly  40  align with holes  12   a  of box  10  when the divider assembly is placed within the box. Data cables, such as CAT-6 cables, placed through holes  12   a  are then enabled to use the cable ramps  42 , which maintain proper bend radius and enter the space within flange assembly  15  between the inside surface of the upper portion of the riser and the outside surface of tube  41 . Power cables entering the box using holes  12   b,  on the other hand, do not use the cable ramps  42  and instead are snaked up through the center section  44  of tube  41 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 5B  illustrates a further exemplary embodiment of a divider assembly. In particular, the divider assembly  50  shown in  FIG. 5B  includes a rectangular tube  51  located near the outer edge of platform section  55  of the divider assembly  50 . A divider assembly with a rectangular wiring separating tube is desirable under certain circumstances, such as when the mating sub-plate that attaches to the upper portion of the riser so requires. Platform section  55  according to this embodiment is circular and includes two cable ramps  52  attached to the underside of the platform and a rectangular tube  51  arising from the top side of the platform. Cable ramps  52  , which maintain proper bend radius of low voltage cables are located on one side of platform  55 , e.g., shown on the right side of platform  55  in  FIG. 5B , and tube  51  is located on the other side, e.g., on the left side of platform  55 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 5C  illustrates a further type of divider assembly in accordance with the present invention. More particularly, planar divider or partition  60  is flat and separates the inner volume of the flange assembly  15  and floor box,  10  or  30 , into separate regions. For example, planar divider or partition  60  is inserted into slots  16   f  of flange assembly  15 , as shown in  FIG. 3A , thus, dividing the inside of the riser portions of the flange assembly into two separate sections. Further, within box  10  or  30 , divider  60  separates the inner space of the box into two corresponding sections, e.g., in accordance with the cast iron box embodiment of  FIG. 3A , one side includes holes  12   a  and the other side includes holes  12   b . Thus, data cables provided through holes  12   a  are separated from power cables provided through holes  12   b.    
         [0040]      FIG. 6  is an exploded view illustrating an exemplary assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, including riser with integral flange assembly  15 , divider  40  and steel box  30 . An alternative cast iron box  10  is also shown in  FIG. 6  and can be used in place of box  30 , depending on electrical and structural requirements of the particular application. 
         [0041]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , the following is an exemplary procedure for installing a floor box and riser with integral flange assembly in accordance with the present invention. More particularly, the following is an exemplary installation procedure for installing a floor box within a concrete floor. 
         [0042]    Specifically, before the concrete is poured, the following steps are followed; 
         [0043]    1. Connect threaded conduit hub  71 , if required, through which power and/or data cables are run. For example, conduit hub  71  must be used on stamp steel for 1½ in. opening or data side but for cast iron floor box applications hub  71  is not required. Further, seal off unused openings in the sides of the enclosure  70  with reducing bushing or closure plugs (not shown) to seal the inner volume of the box  70  so wet concrete does not infiltrate the box. 
         [0044]    2. Run the cables (not shown) through the respective holes (e.g., holes  16   f  in  FIG. 2 ) in the lower riser portion  72  of flange assembly  73 . 
         [0045]    3. Level floor box  70  using leveling screws  77 . 
         [0046]    4. Secure floor box  70 , for example, with leveling screws  77 , to keep the box from moving during concrete pour. 
         [0047]    5. Secure concrete cover  78  to the opening at the top of the upper portion  74  of the riser, thus sealing the flange assembly  73  and box  70 . If necessary, cover any visible openings, for example, with duct tape or some other suitable removable sealing means. 
         [0048]    6. Pour the concrete to form the floor in which the floor box  70  and flange assembly will reside. The upper portion  74  of the riser should protrude above the finished concrete floor. Subsequently, after the concrete has cured, the following steps should be followed in accordance with this exemplary embodiment; 
         [0049]    7. Remove the concrete cover  78  from the top of the upper portion  74  of the riser. 
         [0050]    8.To serve a finished floor thickness of ⅜ in., cut the upper portion  74  of the riser flush with the rough concrete floor. For a finished floor thickness in excess of ⅜ in. cut the riser at a height above the rough concrete floor corresponding to the finished floor thickness. Record the height of the riser that is cut away, this amount will need to be cut from the low voltage divider assembly  75 . 
         [0051]    9.Remove any debris from within box  70 . 
         [0052]    10.Cut off the same amount cut from the upper portion  74  of the riser in step  8  from the tube portion  76  of the divider assembly  75 . 
         [0053]    11. Snake the power cable(s) from within the box  70  up through the inside of tube  76  of divider  75  and align cable ramps  79  with the conduit openings  80  in box  70  intended for data cabling. Secure the low voltage divider  75  within the flange assembly  73 . 
         [0054]    12.Snake data/communication cable(s) up over ramps  79  and keep cable(s) outside of the tube  76  of low voltage divider  75 . 
         [0055]    13. In situations where a planar divider or partition is used, such as described in connection with  FIG. 5C , refer to  FIG. 7 . In this embodiment, planar low voltage divider or partition  85  is inserted into vertical slots  86  on the inner surface of the upper and lower portions  74 ,  72  of the flange assembly  73 . 
         [0056]    14.Install barbed clips  88  into channels  89  at the top of the upper riser portion  74  of flange assembly  73 . 
         [0057]    The following procedure is for carpet and tile applications, i.e., where carpet or tile covers the floor in which the floor box is installed. 
         [0058]    15.If carpet installation, trim the carpet opening approximately ¼-inch bigger than floor box opening, e.g., the outer diameter of the upper riser portion  74 . 
         [0059]    16.Place gasket  90  or, alternatively, apply a bead of clear silicon type RTV sealant, around the top of the upper riser portion  74  of flange assembly  73  and, if carpet installation, on the underside of carpet flange  91  to seal the inside of the flange assembly and box from water and other contaminants. 
         [0060]    17. If carpet installation, secure the carpet flange  91  onto metal clips  88  using screws or some other suitable fastener. If tile installation, secure tile flange  96  onto metal clips  88 . 
         [0061]    18.Install sub-plate  92  onto carpet flange  91 , for example using an optional gasket (not shown) to block entry of scrub water, by aligning notch  93  in sub-plate  92  with bump (not shown) on carpet flange  91  or tile flange  96 . 
         [0062]    19.Connect power and data conductors to the appropriate connectors on sub-plate  92 . 
         [0063]    20. Install floor box cover assembly  94 , with integral gasket and bi-fold doors ( 22  in  FIG. 1 ) which further include an integral gasket around outside edge of the doors  22 , onto sub-plate  92  by aligning notch  95  in cover assembly  94  with the bump (not shown) in the carpet flange  91  or tile flange  96 . Fasten cover  94 , sub-plate  92  and carpet flange  91 , or tile flange  96 , together with screws or some other suitable fastener. 
         [0064]    While various aspects of the present invention have been particularly shown and described with reference to the exemplary, non-limiting, embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional aspects and embodiments may be contemplated without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, a skilled artisan would understand that sub-plate  92  described in reference to  FIG. 6  is not limited to any particular configuration of data and power connections. Any sub-plate configuration can be used in accordance with the invention disclosed, including a sub-plate with one or more power connections and/or one or more data connections. 
         [0065]    It would be understood that a device or method incorporating any of the additional or alternative details mentioned above would fall within the scope of the present invention as determined based upon the claims below and any equivalents thereof. 
         [0066]    Other aspects, objects and advantages of the present invention can be obtained from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims.