Patent Publication Number: US-9905976-B1

Title: Mounting strap having a connector to connect an electric fixture to a junction box

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates generally to an electrical fixture, and more specifically to apparatuses and methods for quickly connecting the electrical fixture to an electrical power connection. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electrical fixture or luminary systems are generally known in the industry. General examples of such a system are indoor or outdoor lighting fixtures, of which there are several different styles. For example, some lighting fixtures may include single or multiple light bulbs as well as motion sensors which are configured to illuminate the lights when motion is detected in a predetermined area. An electrical junction box is oftentimes used to provide these fixtures with electrical power. These junction boxes generally are attached to a side of a building, and include hot (or live), neutral, and ground wires. When a junction box is used, the installer of the lighting fixture must properly couple this wiring from the junction box to the electrical fixture. 
     In certain configurations, it may be burdensome for the installer to connect the electrical wiring from the junction box to the lighting fixture. For example, the installer may have to hold the lighting fixture with one hand and connect the wiring from the fixture with their other hand. Because of this, there may be a limited amount of space for the installer work with when coupling the wiring. The electrical wiring may also be a predetermined length, again requiring the installer to work in limited space. Upon connecting the wiring from the junction box to the lighting fixture, the installer still must secure the lighting fixture to the junction box. 
     SUMMARY 
     Generally speaking, pursuant to these various embodiments, a cover plate, mounting strap or other suitable structure is designed to be readily connected to hot and neutral lines from a junction box and be secured to the junction box. Because a cover plate or mounting strap is relatively small and light, this is readily accomplished by the user. Then, an electrical fixture includes a mounting aspect that readily and easily mounts to the cover plate or mounting strap, which mounting also effects the electrical connection of the hot and neutral between the fixture and the junction box via the cover plate. Ground may be separately carried through a press fit with the cover plate or junction box or through a support structure such as a screw that secures the fixture to the cover plate. So configured, an installer need not hold the fixture while connecting the various electrical wires. Instead, the electrical connection is readily effected during physically mounting the fixture. This improves ease of use for the installer. These and other benefits may be recognized through study of the following drawings and description. 
     In one example, an electrical fixture apparatus having a mounting surface and a support mounts to a cover plate configured to mount to a junction box. The support then secures the electrical fixture to the cover plate when mounted. In one approach, the mounting surface of the electrical fixture includes a fixture electrical connector that electrically connects with an electrical connector on the cover plate. The electrical connector on the cover plate electrically connects to the hot and neutral lines from the junction box. In this approach, the electrical fixture includes an electrical fixture ground connection separate from the hot and neutral line connector to electrically connect to electrical ground from the junction box. In some configurations, the ground connection is carried to the electrical fixture from the cover plate through the electrical fixture support. 
     Thus, various approaches to such an electrical fixture may provide reduced installation times as well as ease of installation. This ease of installation may additionally reduce user effort required to couple the electrical fixture to the junction box. Further, by carrying the ground connection through the electrical fixture support to the junction box, the installer is able to combine the steps of securing the electrical fixture to ground and grounding the electrical fixture. In one example, the cover plate further includes a grounded cover plate portion separate from the electrical connector that is configured to electrically connect to electrical ground at the junction box and to electrically connect the electrical fixture ground connection to the electrical ground. In some examples, the grounded cover plate portion electrically connects the electrical fixture ground connection to electrical ground through a mechanical connection between the grounded cover plate portion and a portion of the electrical fixture housing upon mounting the electrical fixture to the junction box. In other examples, the grounded cover plate portion electrically connects the electrical fixture ground connection to electrical ground through a mechanical support of the cover plate which includes the grounded cover plate portion, where the mechanical support secures the electrical fixture through connection to the fixture support. In some examples, the electrical fixture support includes a screw configured to engage a portion of the junction box when mounted to the junction box to electrically connect the electrical fixture ground to electrical ground. 
     In some applications, the mounting surface of the electrical fixture and the cover plate each include at least one flanged portion spaced apart from the mounting surface and the cover plate, respectively, which are configured to slidably mate with each other. In these embodiments, a portion of the fixture electrical connector may be disposed on the flanged portion of the mounting surface, and the electrical connector of the cover plate is disposed on the flanged portion of the cover plate. Thus, when the two flanged portions slidably mate with one another, the fixture electrical connector is electrically connected to the available electrical connections of the junction box. 
     In other applications, the flanged portions of the mounting surface and the cover plate are configured to rotatably mate with each other. As in previous embodiments, a portion of the fixture electrical connector may be disposed on the flanged portion of the mounting surface, and the electrical connector of the cover plate is disposed on the flanged portion of the cover plate. Thus, when the two flanged portions rotatably mate with one another, the fixture electrical connector is electrically connected to the electrical connections of the junction box. 
     In another aspect, both the mounting surface and the cover plate can include push-on connectors configured to mate with each other during mounting of the fixture. 
     In another aspect, related methods of mounting an electrical fixture to a cover plate junction are provided. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above needs are at least partially met through provision of the electrical fixture connection described in the following detailed description, particularly when studied in conjunction with the drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  comprises a perspective view of an example lighting fixture as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  comprises a perspective view of a prior art electrical connection between a lighting fixture and a junction box; 
         FIG. 3  comprises a front elevation view of an example cover plate as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  comprises a perspective view of the example cover plate of  FIG. 3  as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 5  comprises a top plan view the example cover plate of  FIGS. 3-4  as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  comprises a rear elevation view of the example cover plate of  FIG. 3  as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 7  comprises a front elevation view of an electrical fixture mounting surface configured to mount on the example cover plate of  FIG. 3  as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 8  comprises a top plan view of the electrical fixture mounting surface of  FIG. 7  as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 9  comprises a front elevation view of an alternative example electrical fixture mounting surface as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 10  comprises a perspective view of the alternative electrical fixture mounting surface of  FIG. 9  as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 11  comprises a perspective view of an alternative example cover plate configured to mate with the electrical fixture mounting surface of  FIG. 9  as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 12  comprises a front elevation view of the alternative cover plate of  FIG. 11  as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 13  comprises a cross-sectional view of the alternative cover plate of  FIG. 11  as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 14  comprises a perspective view of a third alternative example cover plate and electrical fixture mounting surface as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 15  comprises a front elevation view of an alternative example mounting mechanism to connect to a junction box as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 16  comprises a front elevation view an alternative example mounting mechanism to connect to a junction box as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 17  comprises a rear perspective view the alternative example mounting mechanism of  FIG. 16  to connect to a junction box as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 18  comprises a rear perspective view the alternative example mounting mechanism of  FIG. 16  to connect to a junction box as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 19  comprises a front perspective view the alternative example mounting mechanism of  FIG. 16  to connect to a junction box as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 20  comprises a front perspective view the alternative example mounting mechanism of  FIG. 16  to connect to a junction box as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 21  comprises a flow chart of an example method of mounting an electrical fixture to a cover plate on a junction box as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
    
     Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments. It will further be appreciated that certain actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. It will also be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions by persons skilled in the technical field as set forth above except where different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an example electrical fixture  100  is provided. The electrical fixture  100  can include, for example, an electrical fixture housing  109 , a lighting element  105 , and a motion sensor  107 . As seen in  FIG. 2 , three wires extend from the junction box  120 , which represent hot  123 , neutral or common  125 , and ground  127  wires. As previously mentioned, in existing systems, the individual installing the light fixture  100  was oftentimes tasked with connecting the wires extending from the junction box to the light fixture using any of a number of generally known connectors. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 3-6 , an example of a cover plate  130  is provided in further detail. In this example, the cover plate  130  includes a surface  131 , electrical connectors  133 ,  135  configured to electrically connect to hot and neutral wires,  123 ,  125 , respectively, from the junction box  120 . In various approaches, the cover plate  130  may instead include wires electrically connected to the electrical connectors  133 ,  135  that can in turn be connected to corresponding wires from the junction box  120 . In some examples, the cover plate  130  further includes a grounded cover plate portion  137  separate from the electrical connectors  133 ,  135  configured to electrically connect to the electrical ground of the junction box  120 . For example, this portion  137  may include a wire or other connector able to electrically connect to the electrical ground wire  127  at the junction box  120 . It is understood that in this example, any commonly known method of electrically connecting a wire is provided for, including, but not limited to, clamping, soldering, clipping, the use of screw terminals, insulation displacement connections, control block style pushing arrangements, or any other method or apparatus. Similarly, the electrical ground connection can be carried by the physical connection between the cover plate and the junction box  120  where the junction box  120  is a grounded electrical conductor and the cover plate carries an electrically conductive structure that mates to the junction box  120  when mounted. 
     In some examples, the cover plate  130  mounts onto the junction box  120  through any number of connections, for example screwing, gluing, stapling, nailing, or any other method employed by users having skill in the relevant art. In some embodiments, the cover plate  130  serves as a water-tight seal with the junction box  120 , thus may reduce or eliminate water from entering into the junction box  120 . 
     In some examples, the cover plate  130  further includes at least one flanged portion  132 . This flanged portion  132  is spaced apart from the surface  131  and away from the junction box  120  to allow for mounting of the electrical fixture  100  as discussed in further detail below. 
     It is understood that the cover plate  130  discussed herein may be made of a metal, plastic, or other similar materials utilized by those having skill in the art. If the cover plate  130  is made of a metal or similar electrically conductive material, it is possible that the grounded cover plate portion  137  may include the entire cover plate. In such a scenario, the cover plate electrical connectors  133 ,  135  must be electrically insulated from the grounded cover plate portion  137  so as to avoid a short circuit at the junction box  120 . In the event the cover plate  130  is made of a non-electrically conductive material, a separate grounded strap portion  137  must be provided. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , an example of a mounting surface  110  of the electrical fixture  100  is provided in further detail. The mounting surface  110  includes electrical connectors  113 ,  115  disposed thereon that electrically connect to hot and neutral wires (not shown) contained within the electrical fixture  100  to provide power. It is understood that the internal connection of the hot and neutral within the electrical fixture is well known by individuals having skill in the relevant art, thus such connecting methods and apparatuses will not be discussed in further detail. 
     In some examples, the mounting surface  110  further includes an electrical fixture support  116  configured to secure the electrical fixture  100  to the junction box  120  when mounted. As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the electrical fixture support  116  may simply be a hole through which a screw or bolt (not shown) passes to secure or connect to a corresponding portion of the cover plate  130  as described below. The electrical fixture support  116  may be a portion of the electrical fixture grounded portion  117  to allow for electrical ground to be connected thereto. 
     The electrical fixture grounded portion  117  is separate from the fixture electrical connectors  113 ,  115 , and electrically connects to ground contained within the electrical fixture  100 . It is understood that connecting the electrical fixture ground portion  117  to the electrical fixture ground is well known by individuals having skill in the relevant art, thus connecting methods and apparatuses will not be discussed in further detail. 
     Generally speaking, when mounting the electrical fixture  100  to the cover plate  130  and thus the junction box  120 , the electrical fixture electrical connectors  113 ,  115  mate with the electrical connectors  133 ,  135  contained on the cover plate  130 , thus creating an electrical connection for hot and neutral wires between the electrical fixture  100  and the junction box  120 . Furthermore, the electrical fixture grounded portion  117  electrically connects to an electrical ground from the junction box  120 . 
     In one approach, the electrical fixture mounting surface  110  includes at least one flanged portion  112  spaced apart from the mounting surface  110 . In this approach, the flanged portion  112  allows the electrical fixture  100  to at least temporarily be mounted to the junction box  120  in a manner described below. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3-8 , one approach to mounting the electrical fixture  100  to the junction box  120  is herein described. In this approach, once the cover plate  130  is mounted and electrically wired to the junction box  120  in any of the above-described manners, the flanged portion  112  of the electrical fixture mounting surface  110  slidably mates with at least a portion of the corresponding flanged portion  132  of the cover plate  130 . In this approach, the electrical fixture  100  is thereby at least temporarily mounted to the junction box  120 . 
     In some approaches, the flanged portions  112 ,  132  include at least a portion of the electrical connectors  113 ,  115 ,  133 ,  135 . Thus, during mounting of the electrical fixture, when the flanged portions  112 ,  132  of the electrical fixture mounting surface  110  and the cover plate  130  slidably mate with each-other, the electrical fixture electrical connectors  113 ,  115  and the cover plate electrical connectors  133 ,  135  come into direct contact whereby the cover plate electrical connectors  133 ,  135  mate with the electrical fixture electrical connectors  113 ,  115 . This direct contact allows the hot and neutral wires of electrical fixture  100  to be electrically connected to the corresponding hot  123  and neutral  125  wires of the junction box  120 . 
     In one approach, the electrical fixture grounded portion  117  is directly electrically connected to the ground wire  127  through any method known to individuals having skill in the relevant art. In another approach, the electrical fixture support  116  may include a conventional screw (not shown) that engages a portion of the junction box  120  when the electrical fixture is mounted to the junction box to electrically connect the screw to electrical ground. The screw thus electrically connects the electrical fixture ground connection to electrical ground. 
     In still another approach, the electrical fixture grounded portion  117  is electrically connected to the ground wire  127  by mechanically connecting with the grounded cover plate portion  137  which in turn is electrically connected to the ground wire  127  from the junction box  120 . In one example of this approach, a surface of the grounded cover plate portion  137  is electrically conductive and comes into physical contact with a corresponding electrically conductive surface of the electrical fixture grounded portion  117  to form an electrical connection. In some examples, these surfaces are both metallic, but it is appreciated that any electrically conductive material may be utilized. 
     In yet another approach, the grounded cover plate portion  137  of the cover plate  130  includes a mechanical support  136 . In this approach, the electrical fixture  100  is mechanically secured to the junction box  120  through connection of the electrical fixture support  116  to the mechanical support  136  of the grounded cover plate portion  137  of the cover plate  130 . By mechanically securing the electrical fixture  100  to the cover plate  130  in this manner, the grounded cover plate portion  137  electrically connects electrical ground to the electrical fixture. 
     For example, the mechanical support  136  can be configured to receive a screw (not shown) of the electrical fixture support  136  to secure the electrical fixture  100  to the cover plate  130 . In this approach, the mechanical support  136  is further configured to connect electrical ground to the screw. This may occur through the use of an electrically conducting mechanical support portion which electrically connects the electrical ground connection from the junction box  120  and the screw which is in turn in electrical connection with the electrical fixture support  116 . 
     It is understood that in some examples, both the mechanical connection between the grounded cover plate portion  137  and the electrical fixture grounded portion  117  as well as mechanically securing the electrical fixture  100  to the mechanical support  136  of the cover plate may be utilized to connect electrical ground from the junction box  120  to the electrical fixture  100 . 
     With regards to  FIGS. 9-13 , an alternative approach is illustrated. It is understood that elements contained in  FIGS. 9-13  that are similar to those in  FIGS. 3-8  will end in the same two-digit suffix and only differ by the leading digit. For example, in  FIG. 9 , an electrical fixture mounting surface  210  is provided. Furthermore, identical features such as the junction box  120  and hot, neutral and ground wires  123 ,  125 ,  127  will retain the same reference numerals previously utilized. 
     Turning briefly to  FIGS. 9-10 , an alternative example of a mounting surface  210  of an electrical fixture is herein provided. The mounting surface  210  includes electrical connectors  213 ,  215  disposed thereon that electrically connect to hot and neutral wires (not shown) contained within the electrical fixture  100  to provide power. As before, it is understood that connecting the hot and neutral wires to the electrical fixture is well known by individuals having skill in the relevant art; thus connecting methods and apparatuses will not be discussed in further detail. 
     In some examples, the mounting surface  210  further includes an electrical fixture support  216  configured to secure the electrical fixture  100  to the junction box  120  when mounted. As seen in  FIG. 9 , the electrical fixture support  216  may simply be a hole for accepting a screw or bolt (not shown) to secure to a corresponding portion of the cover plate  230  as described below. The electrical fixture support  216  may be a portion of the electrical fixture grounded portion  217  to allow for electrical ground to be connected thereto. 
     The electrical fixture grounded portion  217  is separate from the fixture electrical connectors  213 ,  215 , and is configured to electrically connect to ground contained within the electrical fixture  100 . It is understood that connecting the electrical fixture ground portion  217  to the electrical fixture ground is well known by individuals having skill in the relevant art; thus connecting methods and apparatuses will not be discussed in further detail. 
     In one approach, the electrical fixture mounting surface  210  includes at least one flanged portion  212  spaced apart from the mounting surface  210 . In this approach, the flanged portion  212  allows the electrical fixture  100  to at least temporarily be mounted to the junction box  120  in a manner described below. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 11-13 , an example of a cover plate  230  is provided in further detail. In this example, the cover plate  230  includes a surface  231  and electrical connectors  233 ,  235  configured to electrically connect to hot  123  and neutral (not shown) wires from the junction box  120 . In some examples, the cover plate  230  further includes a grounded cover plate portion  237  separate from the electrical connectors  233 ,  235  configured to electrically connect to the electrical ground wire  127  at the junction box  120 . It is understood that in this example, any commonly known method of electrically connecting a wire is provided for, including, but not limited to, clamping, soldering, clipping, the use of screw terminals, insulation displacement connections, control block style pushing arrangements, or any other method or apparatus. 
     In some examples, the cover plate  230  mounts onto the junction box  120  through any number of connections, for example screwing, gluing, stapling, nailing, or any other method employed by users having skill in the relevant art. In some embodiments, the cover plate  230  serves as a water-tight seal with the junction box  120 , which may reduce or eliminate water from entering into the junction box  120 . 
     In some examples, the cover plate  230  further includes at least one flanged portion  232 . This flanged portion  232  is spaced apart from the surface  231  to allow for mounting of the electrical fixture  100  which is discussed in further detail below. 
     It is understood that the cover plate  230  discussed herein may be made of a metal, plastic, or other similar materials utilized by those having skill in the art. If the cover plate  230  is made of a metal or similar electrically conductive material, it is possible that the grounded cover plate portion  237  may include the entire cover plate. In such a scenario, the cover plate electrical connectors  233 ,  235  must be electrically insulated from the grounded cover plate portion  237  so as to avoid a short circuit at the junction box  120 . In the event the cover plate  230  is made of a non-electrically conductive material, a separate grounded strap portion  237  must be provided. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 9-13 , generally speaking, when mounting the electrical fixture  100  to the cover plate  230  and thus the junction box  120 , the flanged portion  212  of the mounting surface  210  is configured to be rotatably secured to at least a portion of the flanged portion  232  of the cover plate  230 . In one example, this rotatable connection can be considered a bayonet mount approach. 
     In one approach, the flanged portions  212 ,  232  include at least a portion of the electrical connectors  213 ,  215 ,  233 ,  235 . Thus, during mounting of the electrical fixture, when the flanged portions  212 ,  232  of the electrical fixture mounting surface  210  and the cover plate  230  rotatably mate with each-other, the electrical fixture electrical connectors  213 ,  215  and the cover plate electrical connectors  233 ,  235  come into direct contact whereby the cover plate electrical connectors  233 ,  235  mate with the electrical fixture electrical connectors  213 ,  215 . This direct contact allows the hot and neutral wires of electrical fixture  100  to be electrically connected to the corresponding hot  123  and neutral  125  wires of the junction box  120 . 
     It is understood that connecting the electrical fixture  100  to electrical ground in the junction box  120  occurs in the same manner as provided in the previous embodiment, and may include the electrical fixture grounded portion  217 , the electrical fixture support  217 , the grounded cover plate portion  237 , and the mechanical support  236 . Thus, for the sake of brevity, further details are not provided. 
     With regards to  FIG. 14 , an alternative embodiment is herein provided. It is understood that elements contained in  FIG. 14  that are similar to those in the previous embodiments will end in the same two-digit suffix and only differ by the leading digit. For example, in  FIG. 12 , an electrical fixture mounting surface  310  is provided. Furthermore, identical features such as the junction box  120  and hot, neutral and ground wires  123 ,  125 ,  127  will retain the same reference numerals previously utilized. 
     Turning to  FIG. 14 , an alternative example of an electrical fixture mounting connection  310  of an electrical fixture is herein provided. The mounting surface  310  includes an electrical fixture push-on connector  312  having electrical connectors  313 ,  315  disposed thereon that electrically connect to hot and neutral wires (not shown) contained within the electrical fixture  100  to provide power. As before, it is understood that connecting the hot and neutral wires to the electrical fixture is well known by individuals having skill in the relevant art; thus connecting methods and apparatuses will not be discussed in further detail. 
     The mounting surface  310  further includes an electrical fixture support  316  configured to secure the electrical fixture  100  to the junction box  120  when mounted. The electrical fixture support  316  may simply be a hole for accepting a screw or bolt to secure with a corresponding portion of the cover plate  330  as described below. The electrical fixture support  316  may be a portion of the electrical fixture grounded portion  317  to allow for electrical ground to be connected thereto. 
     The electrical fixture grounded portion  317  is separate from the fixture electrical connectors  313 ,  315 , and is configured to electrically connect to ground contained within the electrical fixture  100 . It is understood that connecting the electrical fixture ground portion  317  to the electrical fixture ground is well known by individuals having skill in the relevant art, thus connecting methods and apparatuses will not be discussed in further detail. 
     The electrical fixture push-on connector  312  allows the electrical fixture  100  to at least temporarily be mounted to the junction box  120  in a manner described below. 
     The cover plate  330  includes electrical connectors  333 ,  335  configured to electrically connect to hot and neutral wires (not shown) from the junction box  120 . In some examples, the cover plate  330  further includes a grounded cover plate portion  337  separate from the electrical connectors  333 ,  335  configured to electrically connect to the electrical ground wire  127  at the junction box  120 . It is understood that in this example, any commonly known method of electrically connecting a wire is provided for, including, but not limited to, clamping, soldering, clipping, the use of screw terminals, insulation displacement connections, control block style pushing arrangements, or any other method or apparatus. 
     The cover plate  330  mounts onto the junction box  120  through any number of connections, for example screwing, gluing, stapling, nailing, or any other method employed by users having skill in the relevant art. In some embodiments, the cover plate  330  serves as a water-tight seal with the junction box  120 , which may reduce or eliminate water from entering into the junction box  120 . 
     It is understood that the cover plate  330  discussed herein may be made of a metal, plastic, or other similar materials utilized by those having skill in the art. If the cover plate  330  is made of a metal or similar electrically conductive material, it is possible that the grounded cover plate portion  337  may include the entire cover plate. In such a scenario, the cover plate electrical connectors  333 ,  335  must be electrically insulated from the grounded cover plate portion  337  so as to avoid a short circuit at the junction box  120 . In the event the cover plate  330  is made of a non-electrically conductive material, a separate grounded strap portion  237  must be provided. 
     In some examples, the cover plate  330  further includes a push-on connector  332 . This push-on connector  332  allows for mounting of the electrical fixture  100 . Generally speaking, when mounting the electrical fixture  100  to the cover plate  330  and thus the junction box  120 , the push-on connectors  312 ,  332  mate with each-other to be secured. 
     In some examples, the push-on connectors  312 ,  332  include at the electrical connectors  313 ,  315 ,  333 ,  335 . Thus, during mounting of the electrical fixture, when the push-on connectors  312 ,  332  of the electrical fixture mounting surface  310  and the cover plate  330  mate with each-other, the electrical fixture electrical connectors  313 ,  315  and the cover plate electrical connectors  333 ,  335  come into direct contact whereby the cover plate electrical connectors  333 ,  335  mate with the electrical fixture electrical connectors  313 ,  315 . This direct contact allows the hot and neutral wires of electrical fixture  100  to be electrically connected to the corresponding hot  123  and neutral  125  wires of the junction box  120 . 
     It is understood that connecting the electrical fixture  100  to electrical ground in the junction box  120  occurs in the same manner as provided in the previous embodiments, and may include the electrical fixture grounded portion  317 , the electrical fixture support  316 , the grounded cover plate portion  337 , and the mechanical support  336 . Thus, for the sake of brevity, further details are not provided. 
       FIGS. 15-20  show alternative embodiments to the cover plate  330  discussed above. In these alternative embodiments, a strap is utilized to electrically connect to the hot  123 , neutral  125 , and ground  127  wires of the junction box  120 . 
     In  FIG. 15 , the strap  430  includes a push-on connector  432  having strap electrical connectors  433 ,  435 , which are configured to electrically connect to hot and neutral wires  123 ,  125 , respectively, from the junction box  120  using conventional methods. The strap further includes a grounded strap portion  437  and a mechanical support  436 . For instance the body of the strap  430  can be metal and conduct ground from a press fit with a metal and grounded junction box  120 . Thus, when a screw from the fixture secures to the mechanical support  436  of the strap  430 , electrical ground is conducted through the screw to the fixture. 
     As described in the embodiment depicted by  FIG. 14 , the electrical fixture  100  mounts to the strap  430  in a similar manner. In other words, the push-on connector  312  of the electrical fixture  100  is configured to mate to the push-on connector  432  of the strap  430  during mounting of the electrical fixture  100  to the junction box  120 . 
     In  FIGS. 16-20 , one example strap  530  includes a longitudinal axis defined by the longitudinal strap body, a rotatable mount  531  supported by the mounting strap  530 , an electrical push-on connector  532  supported by the rotatable mount, a grounded strap portion  537  and a mechanical support  536 . As before, the mounting strap  530  is configured to mount to the junction box and a portion of a mounting surface of the electrical fixture. In this embodiment, the electrical or push-on connector  532  is rotatably secured to the strap  530 . 
     In this approach, the strap  530  includes a flanged portion  533  extending obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the mounting strap to which the push-on connector  532  secures. As seen in the example of  FIGS. 17 and 18 , the flanged portion  533  defines an aperture  534  configured to receive a portion of the rotatable mount  531 . This portion may be snap or press fit into the aperture  534 . It is understood that other known methods of rotatably securing the rotatable mount  534  to the flanged portion  533  may be used. In another approach, the electrical connector  532  may be integrally formed with the rotatable mount  531 . As described below, the rotatable mount  531  is configured to rotate about the portion of the rotatable mount engaging the aperture of the flanged portion. 
     When the strap  530  is mounted to the junction box, the rotatable mount is configured to rotate to a first position such that the electrical connector extends outwardly from the junction box and obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis to receive an electrical connector from the electrical fixture as illustrated in  FIGS. 18 and 20 . Further, the rotatable mount is configured to rotate to a second position illustrated in  FIGS. 17 and 19  such that the electrical connector is approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis. Additionally, the electrical connector may be biased inwardly from the mounting strap and into the junction box. The flanged portion  533  of the strap  530  may include a mechanical stop  538  configured to engage a detent  539  of the rotatable mount to limit its rotation in either direction. 
     In this configuration, the electrical connector from the electrical fixture may include an extension cord extending from the electrical fixture. The extension cord may have a plug to mate with or be inserted into the electrical connector  532  supported by the rotatable mount  531  to provide an electrical connection between the fixture and the junction box. Alternatively, the electrical fixture may have a push-on connector as described above which inserts into the push-on connector  532  of the strap to provide an electrical connection between the fixture and the junction box. Such a configuration allows an installer to easily couple the wires from the junction box to the strap as well as to easily couple the wires or the push-on connector of the light fixture thereto and arrange those wires out of the way of the fixture when mounting the fixture to the junction box. 
     So configured, the strap having a rotatable mount may reduce the amount of space required to electrically connect the electrical fixture to the junction box and facilitate easier handling of the electrical connections involved when mounting a fixture. 
     It is understood that the straps  430 ,  530  discussed herein may be constructed of a metal, plastic, or other similar electrically conductive materials utilized by those having skill in the art. If the strap  430 ,  530  is made of a metal or similar electrically conductive material, the electrical ground connection may be carried from the junction box to the mounting strap through physical engagement between the mounting strap and the junction box. In this approach, the electrical fixture is configured to connect to the electrical ground connection through an electrical fixture support, which may be a screw or similar devices, mating with the mounting strap. In such an approach, the push-on connectors  432 ,  532  must be electrically insulated from the grounded strap portions  437 ,  537  so as to avoid a short circuit at the junction box  120 . Conversely, in the event the strap  430 ,  530  is made of a non-electrically conductive material, a separate grounded strap portion  437 ,  537  must be provided. 
     Turning to  FIG. 21 , an example method of mounting an electrical fixture to a cover plate on a junction box  2100  is illustrated. It is understood that in this method  2100 , elements previously referenced operate in the manners also described herein. First, at step  2110 , a cover plate having an electrical connector configured to electrically connect to hot and neutral lines from a junction box is engaged with the junction box. 
     Next, at step  2120 , the cover plate is mated with a portion of a mounting surface of an electrical fixture. Next, at step  2130 , a cover plate electrical connector is mated with a fixture electrical connector. At step  2140 , fixture ground is connected to electrical ground through a mechanical connection with a grounded cover plate portion and/or with a fixture mechanical support. 
     In one approach, the method  2100  may further include the cover plate having a grounded cover plate portion separate from the electrical connector configured to electrically connect to electrical ground at the junction box. In this embodiment, the method further includes the grounded cover plate portion electrically connecting to electrical ground at the junction box. The grounded cover plate portion further electrically connects the electrical fixture to electrical ground through one or both of a mechanical connection between the grounded cover plate portion and at least a portion of the electrical fixture housing when the electrical fixture is mounted to the junction box or a mechanical support of the cover plate including the grounded cover plate portion. The mechanical support then mechanically secures the electrical fixture through connection to the electrical fixture support. The mechanical support&#39;s grounded cover plate portion electrically connects electrical ground to the electrical fixture support. 
     In another approach to the method  2100 , the mechanical support may further receive a screw of the electrical fixture support, which secures the electrical fixture to the cover plate. Further, the mechanical support may connect electrical ground to the screw, whereupon the screw electrically connects the electrical fixture to electrical ground. 
     In another approach, the method  2100  may further include engaging a screw with a portion of the junction box when the electrical fixture is mounted thereto to electrically connect the screw to electrical ground. The screw then electrically connects the electrical fixture ground connection to electrical ground. In another approach, the method may further include the electrical fixture ground connection directly electrically connecting to a ground wire from the junction box. 
     In another approach to the method  2100 , the mounting surface of the electrical fixture housing may further have at least one flanged portion spaced apart from the mounting surface. Additionally, the cover plate may further have at least one flanged portion spaced apart from a surface. The flanged portion of the mounting surface of the electrical fixture housing then slidably mates with at least a portion of the flanged portion of the cover plate to effect the cover plate electrical connector mating with the fixture electrical connector of the electrical fixture during mounting of the electrical fixture to the junction box. 
     In another approach to the method  2100 , the flanged portion of the mounting surface of the electrical fixture housing may rotatably mate with at least a portion of the flanged portion of the cover plate to effect the cover plate electrical connector mating with the fixture electrical connector of the electrical fixture during mounting of the electrical fixture to the junction box. 
     In yet another approach to the method  2100 , the mounting surface of the electrical fixture housing may further have a push-on connector. Similarly, the cover plate may further have a push-on connector. The push-on connector of the mounting surface of the electrical fixture housing is insertably mated with the push-on connector of the cover plate to effect the cover plate electrical connector mating with the fixture electrical connector of the electrical fixture during mounting of the electrical fixture to the junction box. 
     Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect to the above described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention, and that such modifications, alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as being within the ambit of the inventive concept.