Abstract:
A rapid mount cable entry device for routing low voltage cables through walls including an assembly of a low voltage frame, a flexible slotted insert, and a retainer ring that holds the assembly securely together. The low voltage frame includes a plate with an opening therein defining an inner periphery at the opening and mounting fasteners with attached clamp arms for securing the frame to a wall. The slotted insert includes a flexible panel with a hole therein and a plurality of open slots extending radially from the hole. The slots enable the cable entry device to accommodate passage of low voltage cables there through. The slots define flaps that close around the cables after they are inserted therein, thus closing the area around the periphery of the inserted cables. The cable entry device can be quickly secured to a wall as wall preparation time is minimal.

Description:
This application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/068,343, filed on May 9, 2011 entitled “Rapid Mount Electrical Cable Entry Device with Flexible Slotted Insert”, and is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/066,893, filed on Apr. 27, 2011 entitled “Electrical Cable Entry Device with Flexible Slotted Insert”, and is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/319,648, filed on Jan. 9, 2009 now U.S. Pat. No. 8,063,302 entitled “Electrical Mounting Device with Front Plate and Retractable Clamp Arms for Rapid Mounting using Hole Saw”, of which the entire contents of said applications are incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to the installation of low voltage wiring in buildings and specifically to a rapid mount electrical cable entry device with flexible slotted insert for routing low voltage electrical or communications cables through interior walls. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A wide variety of low voltage components such as telephone cables, coax cables for television and interne service, wiring for home entertainment systems and surround sound, and cables for connecting computers to peripherals such as printers and facsimile machines, are prevalent in today&#39;s homes and offices. Frequently it is necessary to route these low voltage wires and cables through interior walls in order to connect low voltage components in separate rooms. 
     One disadvantage with prior art cable entry devices or cable ports is the substantial amount of time required for installation as a square hole must be cut in the wall in order to accommodate the cable port. A further disadvantage with prior art cable entry devices is that they typically include a cable shield that projects outward from the wall. There are many situations in which a homeowner would desire a cable entry installation in which a cable shield or nose portion does not extend outwards, such as when it is desired to place a low voltage device, appliance, or furniture in close proximity to the cable entry device. In such a situation, it would be desirable to install a cable entry device that does not project outward from the wall but at the same time obscures the cable entryway from view. 
     What is needed therefore is a cable entry device that can be rapidly mounted to a wall or similar surface for the purpose of providing a port for routing low voltage cables there through. The cable entry device should include a low profile so that it does not extend substantially from the wall after being attached thereto. In order to provide these advantages a rapid-mount cable entry device having a low profile was described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/068,343, filed on May 9, 2011, the entire contents of which has been incorporated herein by reference. Although the cable entry device of the parent application provided several advantages over the prior art, including rapid mounting capability and a low profile, the current invention improves the aforementioned cable entry device by providing means to make the mounting screws of the low voltage frame accessible while the flexible insert is secured to the low voltage frame and also providing means to more securely hold the flexible insert within the opening in the frame body. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention is a rapid mount electrical cable entry device with a flexible slotted insert for routing low voltage cables through walls. The cable entry device includes a rigid low voltage frame with a plate having an opening therein, a rearward extending sidewall surrounding the opening, and a flexible insert within the opening. The flexible insert includes apertures therein to provide access to mounting fasteners on the inner periphery of the plate opening. All that is required for preparing the wall for installation of the cable entry device is a simple circular hole, which can be rapidly made in the sheet rock by a simple hole saw. Mounting fasteners with attached clamp arms are provided on the low voltage frame to secure the low voltage frame to a wall. The mounting fasteners are rotated inward with respect to the opening in the low voltage frame, passed through the hole in the wall, and are rotated to draw the clamp arms toward the plate. The insert provides a flexible panel extending across the opening of the plate. The flexible panel includes a hole therein and a plurality of open slots extending radially from the hole. The open slots enable the cable entry device to accommodate passage of low voltage cables there through for the purpose of providing a portal for routing the cables through a wall. The open slots define flaps that close around the cables after they are inserted therein, thus closing the area around the periphery of the inserted cables. 
     OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES 
     Several advantages are achieved with the cable entry device of the present invention, including:
         (1) The cable entry device provides a portal for routing low voltage wires and cables through walls.   (2) The cable entry device can be secured to a wall in less than a minute as wall preparation can be accomplished by using a standard size hole-saw to create an opening in the drywall.   (3) The cable entry device can accommodate ¼-inch to 1.5-inch wall thicknesses.   (4) The cable entry device includes mounting fasteners that are accessible with the low voltage frame and flexible insert assembled as a unit.   (5) The cable entry device includes a retainer ring to hold the flexible insert securely to the low voltage frame.   (6) With the mounting fasteners tightened, the mounting clamps hold the cable entry device securely against drywall.   (7) The cable entry device is easily leveled, even after it is installed, by simply rotating as needed and then tightening the mounting fasteners.   (8) The slotted design provides flaps that prevent cables from slipping backwards out of the wall.   (9) The slotted entry panel is flexible to protect low voltage cables against abrasion.   (10) The cable entry device can be used to provide an aesthetically pleasing cable entry port on any wall.       

     These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reading the following description along with reference to the drawings. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an electrical cable entry device according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of a low voltage bracket that forms a portion of the cable entry device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of the low voltage frame of  FIG. 2 , with the clamp arms rotated to a retracted position. 
         FIG. 4  is a rear view of the low voltage frame. 
         FIG. 5  is a sectional view of the low voltage frame taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 6  is a sectional view of the low voltage frame taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 6A  is a detail view of a portion of the circular peripheral wall and L-shaped post on the rear side of the low voltage frame of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of a flexible slotted insert that forms a portion of the cable entry device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  is a rear perspective view of the flexible slotted insert. 
         FIG. 9  is a front elevation view of the flexible slotted insert. 
         FIG. 10  is an end view of the flexible insert. 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of the flexible insert. 
         FIG. 12  is a conceptual view depicting the insertion of the flexible insert into the low voltage frame to form the cable entry device of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the cable entry device in alignment with a hole in a wall to be mounted thereto. 
         FIG. 14  is an exploded perspective view of a second and preferred embodiment of the cable entry device with the low voltage frame, flexible insert, and retainer ring in alignment to be joined into the cable entry device. 
         FIG. 15  is a front elevation view of the retainer ring that forms a portion of the cable entry device in  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 16  is an end view of the retainer ring as viewed from the bottom of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 17  is a side view of the retainer ring as viewed from the right side of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 18  is a sectional view of the retainer ring as taken along line  18 - 18  of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 19  is a rear elevation view of the retainer ring. 
         FIG. 20  is a back perspective view of the retainer ring. 
         FIG. 21  is a front perspective view of the retainer ring. 
         FIG. 22  is a rear elevation view of a flexible insert that forms a portion of the cable entry device in  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 23  is a front perspective view of the flexible insert of  FIG. 21 . 
         FIG. 24  is a rear perspective view of the second and preferred embodiment of the cable entry device assembly. 
         FIG. 25  is a front perspective view of the cable entry device assembly of  FIG. 23 . 
     
    
    
     INDEX TO REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS 
     
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                  20 
                 electrical cable entry device, first embodiment 
               
               
                  22 
                 low voltage frame 
               
               
                  24 
                 flexible insert 
               
               
                  25 
                 plate 
               
               
                  26 
                 opening 
               
               
                  28 
                 inner periphery of low voltage frame 
               
               
                  30 
                 mounting boss 
               
               
                  31 
                 face of mounting boss 
               
               
                  32 
                 oversize aperture 
               
               
                  33 
                 front surface of plate 
               
               
                  34 
                 mounting fastener 
               
               
                  35 
                 end of mounting fastener 
               
               
                  36 
                 clamp arm 
               
               
                  38 
                 fastener head 
               
               
                  40 
                 retracted position of clamp arm 
               
               
                  41 
                 mounting arrangement 
               
               
                  42 
                 component boss 
               
               
                  44 
                 aperture 
               
               
                  46 
                 rear surface of plate 
               
               
                  47 
                 plate portion 
               
               
                  48 
                 sidewall 
               
               
                  49 
                 plate edge 
               
               
                  50 
                 L-shaped post 
               
               
                  52 
                 frame body 
               
               
                  54 
                 extended position of clamp arm 
               
               
                  55 
                 base portion of clamp arm 
               
               
                  56 
                 stem portion of clamp arm 
               
               
                  57 
                 first edge 
               
               
                  58 
                 tab 
               
               
                  59 
                 bore through base portion of clamp arm 
               
               
                  60 
                 directional arrow 
               
               
                  61 
                 second edge 
               
               
                  62 
                 flexible panel 
               
               
                  63 
                 end of panel 
               
               
                  64 
                 side of panel 
               
               
                  65 
                 front surface of panel 
               
               
                  66 
                 rear surface of panel 
               
               
                  67 
                 fastening arrangement 
               
               
                  68 
                 arcuate-shaped sidewall connector 
               
               
                  69 
                 plate connector 
               
               
                  70 
                 hole in panel 
               
               
                  71 
                 open slot 
               
               
                  72 
                 flap 
               
               
                  73 
                 terminal end of sidewall connector 
               
               
                  74 
                 rim 
               
               
                  75 
                 sidewall seat 
               
               
                  76 
                 base portion of plate connector 
               
               
                  77 
                 tab 
               
               
                  80 
                 wall 
               
               
                  82 
                 hole in wall 
               
               
                  84 
                 drywall 
               
               
                 100 
                 electrical cable entry device, preferred embodiment 
               
               
                 102 
                 retainer ring 
               
               
                 104 
                 flexible insert 
               
               
                 106 
                 retainer body 
               
               
                 108 
                 front side 
               
               
                 110 
                 rear side 
               
               
                 111 
                 opening 
               
               
                 112 
                 straight side 
               
               
                 114 
                 arcuate end 
               
               
                 116 
                 flange 
               
               
                 118 
                 front engagement surface 
               
               
                 120 
                 outer periphery 
               
               
                 128 
                 aperture in flexible panel 
               
               
                 Θ1 
                 total angle of rotation of the clamp from retracted to extended 
               
               
                 D1 
                 diameter of outer periphery of circular sidewall 
               
               
                 D2 
                 diameter at first edge of post 
               
               
                 T1 
                 thickness of panel 
               
               
                 W1 
                 width of slot 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 1  there is shown a first embodiment of the present invention, an electrical cable entry device  20  with a low voltage frame  22  and a flexible slotted insert  24 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 2 , the low voltage frame  22  includes a plate  25  having an opening  26  therein and an inner periphery  28  on the plate  25  surrounding the opening. Two mounting bosses  30 , integral with the plate  25 , are provided along the inner periphery  28 . The mounting bosses  30  include a face  31  and oversize apertures  32  therein. The plate  25  includes a front surface  33  and the face  31  of the mounting bosses  30  are recessed away from the front surface of the plate  25 . Substantially long mounting fasteners  34  include ends  35  that extend through the oversize apertures  32  in the mounting bosses  30  and each mounting fastener  34  includes a clamp arm  36  secured rigidly to the end  35  of the fastener  34 . Thus each mounting fastener  34  can be easily rotated within its oversize aperture  32  as desired by turning the head  38  of the respective fastener  34  with an appropriate tool such as a screwdriver (not shown). Each clamp arm  36  can therefore be rotated between an extended position and retracted position  40  as desired.  FIG. 2  depicts the clamp arms  36  in the retracted position  40 . The mounting fasteners  34 , mounting bosses  30 , and clamp arms  36  form a mounting arrangement  41  for securing the low voltage frame  22  to a wall (not shown). 
     With reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , which depict the clamp arms  36  in the retracted position  40 , the low voltage frame  22  further includes component bosses  42  along the inner periphery  28  of the opening  26  and apertures  44  for the connection of electrical fixtures (not shown). As shown in  FIG. 3 , the rear surface  46  of the plate  25  includes a circular sidewall  48  extending rearward from the plate. Two L-shaped posts  50  extend rearward from the sidewall  48  immediately adjacent to each mounting boss  30 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , with the clamp arms  36  rotated to their retracted position  40 , the clamp arms  36  are confined completely within the perimeter of the sidewall  48 . Low voltage frame  22  further includes two plate portions  47  extending inward of the circular sidewall  48 . The plate portions  47  define straight plate edges  49  that form a portion of the plate opening  26 . The mounting bosses  30  are integral with the plate  25  and also integral with the sidewall  48 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5-6A , the two L-shaped posts  50  extend from the sidewall  48 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the plate  25 , sidewall  48 , and posts  50  together form a low voltage frame body  52 . The frame body  52  is typically molded in one-piece of plastic. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the clamp arms  36  can be rotated from the retracted position  40  to an extended position  54 , or vice versa, by turning mounting fastener  34 . Each clamp arm  36  includes a base portion  55 , a stem portion  56  and an outward extending tab  58 . Base portion  55  of clamp arm  36  includes a bore  59  therein through which the mounting fastener will extend. As the clamp arm is rotated fully in the direction of arrow  60  in  FIG. 5 , the tab  58  engages the L-shaped post  50  and stops the travel of the clamp arm  36  thereby positioning the clamp arm  36  in the extended position  54 . If the clamp arm  36  is rotated fully in the direction opposite of arrow  60 , the stem  56  of the clamp arm  36  engages a first edge  57  on L-shaped post  50  thereby positioning the clamp arm  36  in the retracted position  40 . Circular sidewall  48  of low voltage frame  22  includes an outer periphery or outer diameter D 1 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the first edge  57  is at a second diameter D 2 , which is a smaller diameter than the outer periphery D 1  of the sidewall  48 , and first edge  57  positions the clamp arms  36  in the retracted position  40  thereby retracting all portions of the clamp arms  36  within the outer periphery D 1  of the sidewall  48 . The total angle of rotation Θ 1  of the clamp arm  36  from the retracted position  40  to the extended position  54  is 198°. The two clamp arms  36  are situated at 180° apart on opposite sides of the sidewall  48 . As viewed from the front side of the plate  25 , rotation of the clamp arms  36  fully counterclockwise will position the clamp arms  36  in the retracted position  40  and rotation of the clamp arms  36  fully clockwise will position the clamp arms  36  in the extended position  54 . As shown in  FIG. 6A , the L-shaped post  50  is located along the sidewall  48  immediately adjacent to the mounting boss  30  through which the mounting fastener  34  extends. A second edge  61  is provided on each L-shaped post  50  to stop the rotation of the clamp arm  36  when it is fully turned clockwise to the extended position  54  and thus properly position the clamp arm  36  behind the sheetrock. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the flexible slotted insert  24  includes a flexible panel  62  having two ends  63 , two sides  64 , a front surface  65 , and a rear surface  66  with a fastening arrangement  67  thereon for securing the flexible insert  24  to the low voltage frame (see  FIG. 2 ). The fastening arrangement  67  includes integral arcuate-shaped sidewall connectors  68  extending from the rear surface  66  of the flexible panel  62  near each end  63  of the panel and plate connectors  69  extending from the rear surface  66  of the flexible panel  62  near each side  64  of the panel. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9-11 , the flexible panel  62  includes a hole  70  in the center and eight open slots  71  extending radially outward from the hole  70  thereby defining a plurality of flaps  72  in the flexible panel  62 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , when cables are later inserted through the flexible slotted insert  24 , it is important that the flaps  72  open freely upon insertion of cables through the panel  62  and therefore the open slots  71  preferably include a width W 1  of at least 0.062 inch. It is important that the open slots  71  are open areas and not just slits in the flexible panel  62 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , the thickness T 1  of the panel  62  is preferably at least 0.062 inch. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the integral arcuate-shaped sidewall connectors  68  include terminal ends  73  and rims  74  extending from the terminal ends  73 . A sidewall seat  75  is created by the portion of the sidewall connectors  68  between the panel  62  and the rim  74 . The sidewall connectors  68  of the flexible insert  24  are adapted to engage the sidewall  48  (see  FIG. 4 ) of the low voltage frame  22  when the flexible insert  24  and low voltage frame  22  are secured together. As shown in  FIG. 10 , the plate connectors  69  include a base portion  76  extending from the panel  62  and integral tabs  77  extending orthogonally from the base portion  76 . The plate connectors  69  are adapted to engage the plate portions  47  (see  FIG. 4 ) of the low voltage frame  22  when the flexible insert  24  and low voltage frame  22  are secured together. 
     With reference to  FIG. 12  there is shown on the left side of the figure a flexible insert  24  according to the invention in alignment with a low voltage frame  22 . The frame body  52  is preferably molded in one piece of plastic. The flexible insert  24  is molded in one piece of an elastomeric material, preferably a synthetic rubber. Thus the various portions of the fastening arrangement  67 , including the sidewall connector  68  and the plate connector  69  are flexible and capable of deforming as the insert  24  is pressed within the opening  26  of the low voltage frame  22 . The flexible insert  24  is secured to the low voltage frame  22  by slightly compressing the insert  24  and sliding it in the direction of arrow  78  until fastening arrangement  67  of the insert  24  engages the low voltage frame  22 . As shown on the right side of  FIG. 12 , the flexible insert  24  secured to the low voltage frame  22  forms the electrical cable entry device  20  of the present invention. The flexible insert  24  is secured to the low voltage frame  22  by the rims  74  of sidewall connector  68  engaging the sidewall of the low voltage frame  22  and by the tabs  77  of plate connectors  69  of flexible insert  24  engaging the plate portion of the low voltage frame  22 . The electrical cable entry device  20  is typically provided as an assembly, such as shown on the right side of  FIG. 12 ; with the flexible insert  24  secured to the low voltage frame  22  by the fastening arrangement  67 . 
     The reader is referred to  FIG. 13  for an illustration of the operation of the electrical cable entry device  20 . For installation on a wall  80 , the flexible insert  24  is first removed from the low voltage frame  22  to expose the heads  38  of the mounting fasteners  34 . A round hole  82  is formed in the drywall  84  comprising the wall  80 . The plate  25  and circular sidewall  48  are sized such the hole  82  can be formed with a standard sized hole saw (not shown), such as a 3.5-inch, 4.0-inch, 4.5-inch, or similar standard size hole saw. Hole saws are attachable to conventional drills or similar tools and are readily available to electrical technicians or to the homeowner. The installer simply forms the hole  82 , rotates the clamp arms  36  fully counterclockwise, and then inserts the low voltage frame  22  until plate  25  is flush against the wall  80 . In the fully counterclockwise position the clamp arms  36  are within the outer periphery of the sidewall  48  enabling sliding of low voltage frame  22  into the hole  82  until the plate  25  is flush against the wall  80 . The low voltage frame  22  is secured to the wall  80  by engaging heads  38  of mounting fasteners  34  and rotating them clockwise until the clamp arms  36  are firmly clamped against the back surface of wall  80 . Flexible slotted insert  24  is then simply pressed into the opening  26  where it is held therein by the fastening arrangement including arcuate-shaped sidewall connectors  68  of insert  24  engaging sidewall  48  of low voltage frame  22  and plate connectors  69  of insert  24  engaging plate portions  47  of low voltage frame  22 . Recessing the face  31  of each mounting boss  30  away from the front surface  33  of the plate  25  will insure that flexible panel  62  portion of the flexible insert  24  will fit flush against the plate  25  when the flexible panel  62  is secured to the low voltage frame  22 . It provides space for the heads  38  of mounting fasteners  34  so that they don&#39;t extend beyond the front surface  33  of plate  25  and interfere with the flush fit of panel  62  against plate  25 . 
     After the low voltage frame  22  is secured to the wall  80  and the flexible insert  24  is secured to the low voltage frame  22 , the installer simply inserts the ends of electrical cables (not shown) through the flaps  72  of the flexible insert  24 . The flaps  72  of flexible panel  62 , being constructed of an elastomeric material, will simply flex to allow insertion of cables. The flaps  72  will then return to their unbiased position and block the view into the opening  26  of the low voltage frame  22 . Additional cables can be inserted later by following the same procedure. 
     The frame body  52  (see  FIG. 5 ) of the low voltage frame  22 , which includes the plate  25 , sidewall  48 , and L-shaped posts  50 , is preferably molded in one piece of plastic. This enables production of the low voltage frame  22  of the present invention in high speed molding equipment at low unit cost. The cable entry device may be molded of various plastics including polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, acrylonitrile-butadiene styrene, and polyethylene. 
     The flexible insert  24  is preferably molded of an elastomeric material such as synthetic rubber. Most preferably, the flexible insert is formed of SANTOPRENE®, a synthetic rubber elastomeric material available from Monsanto Company Corporation of St. Louis, Mo. Most preferably, the elastomeric flexible insert  24  includes a Shore A hardness of between 60 and 80. A hardness value in this range insures that the flexible insert  24  will include the proper flexural characteristics to enable it to deform while being inserted within the opening (see  FIG. 12 ) of the low voltage frame  22  while also providing the proper stiffness to enable the sidewall connectors  68  and plate connectors  69  to engage and hold respectively the sidewall  48  and plate portions  47  of the low voltage frame  22 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 14  there is shown a second and preferred embodiment of the cable entry device  100 . Those elements of the second embodiment of the cable entry device  100  that are the same as the elements in the first embodiment will be designated with the same reference numerals. Cable entry device  100  includes the low voltage frame  22 , a retainer ring  102 , and a flexible insert  104  that are shown in alignment to be assembled into the preferred embodiment of the cable entry device  100 . The retainer ring  102  functions to retain flexible insert  104  in the opening  26  of low voltage frame  22 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 15-18 , retainer ring  102  includes a retainer body  106  having a front side  108 , a rear side  110 , and a central opening  111 . The retainer body  106  includes two straight sides  112  and arcuate ends  114 . An integral flange  116  extends from the front side  108  of the retainer body  106  along the straight sides  112 . Flanges  116  include front engagement surfaces  118 . The body retainer  106  includes an outer periphery  120  that is shaped to fit within the arcuate sidewall connectors  68  and plate connectors  69  of the flexible insert  104  after the flexible insert  104  secured to the inner periphery  28  of the low voltage frame  22  (see  FIG. 14 ). 
     With reference to  FIGS. 22-23 , the preferred embodiment of the flexible insert  104  according to the present invention which forms a portion of the electrical cable entry device  100 , is substantially similar to the flexible insert  24  shown in  FIGS. 7-8  including a flexible panel  62  with a rear surface  66  and an arcuate-shaped sidewall connector  68  and a plate connector  69  extending from the rear surface  66 . It also includes the central hole  70  in the panel  62  and the plurality of open slots  71  extending radially from the hole  70  and defining a plurality of flaps  72  on the flexible panel  62 . The preferred embodiment of the flexible insert  104  differs from the first embodiment of the insert in that it includes two apertures  128  in the flexible panel  62 . As will be described henceforth with reference to a specific embodiment of the cable entry device  100 , the apertures  128  in the panel  62  will provide access to the mounting fasteners of the cable entry device assembly. 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , the preferred embodiment of the cable entry device  100  is an assembly of the low voltage frame  22 , the flexible insert  104  and the retainer ring  102 . The cable entry device  100  is assembled by first joining the flexible insert  104  to the low voltage frame  22  in the same manner as described hereinabove for the first embodiment. As the flexible insert  104  is formed in one piece of synthetic rubber, the arcuate-shaped sidewall connectors  68  and the plate connectors  69  easily deform and fit within the opening  26  in the low voltage frame  22  whereupon the sidewall connectors  68  of flexible insert  104  engage the sidewall  48  of low voltage frame  22  and the plate connectors  69  of flexible insert  104  engage the plate portion  47  of low voltage frame  22 . After the flexible insert  104  is joined to low voltage frame  22 , the retainer ring  102  is slid within the opening  26  from the rear side of the low voltage frame  22  and advanced until front engagement surfaces  118  of retainer ring  102  are flush against plate portions  47  of low voltage frame  22 . The outer periphery  102  of retainer ring  102  is shaped to fit within the arcuate sidewall connectors  68  and plate connectors  69  after they are secured to the inner periphery  28  of the low voltage frame  22 . The diameter across the arcuate ends  114  of retainer ring  102  is slightly less than the inner diameter across the arcuate sidewall connectors  68  thereby creating a snug frictional fit of the retainer ring  102  to the flexible insert  104  and low voltage frame  22 . The distance between the flanges  116  of retainer ring  102  is slightly less than the distance between the plate connectors  69  of flexible insert  104  thereby also contributing to the snug frictional fit of the retainer ring  102  to the flexible insert  104  and low voltage frame  22 . With the retainer ring  102  joined to the flexible insert  104  and low voltage frame  22 , the cable entry device  100  assembly is securely held together. Preferably the diameter across the arcuate ends  114  of retainer ring  102  is between 0.002-inch and 0.004-inch less than the inner diameter across the arcuate sidewall connectors  68  thereby enabling the snug frictional fit of the retainer ring  102  to the flexible insert  104  and low voltage frame  22 . Preferably the distance between the flanges  116  of retainer ring  102  is between 0.002-inch and 0.004-inch less than the distance between the plate connectors  69  of flexible insert  104  thereby enabling the snug frictional fit of the retainer ring  102  to the flexible insert  104  and low voltage frame  22 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 24-25 , the preferred embodiment of the cable entry device assembly  100  may be secured to the wall in the same manner as described hereinabove for the first embodiment. A standard size hole-saw (not shown) is used to cut a circular hole in the drywall, paneling, or similar wall structure. Clamp arms  36  are rotated inward to confine them within the sidewall  48  of the low voltage frame  22 . With regards to attachment to a wall formed of drywall, the cable entry device  100  is then inserted into the hole in the wall, whereupon the clamp arms  36  are positioned behind the drywall (not shown). Mounting fasteners  34  are then tightened thereby drawing clamp arms  36  into engagement with the rear surface of the drywall. As shown in  FIG. 25 , the apertures  128  in flexible panel  62  enable easy access to the heads  38  of mounting fasteners  34 , thereby ensuring that cable entry device  100  may be secured to the wall thus obviating the need to remove flexible insert  104 . Thus the second and preferred embodiment of the cable entry device  100  according to the present invention provides a useful device for quickly installing a cable entry port on a wall. One advantage of the cable entry device  100  includes the easy accessibility of mounting fasteners with the cable entry device assembly. Another advantage is the secure engagement of the flexible insert  104  and retainer ring  102  with the low voltage frame  22  to form the cable entry device assembly  100  and thereby securely hold the assembly together. 
     The retainer ring  102  of the present invention is preferably molded in one piece of plastic. This enables production of the retainer ring of the present invention in high speed molding equipment at low unit cost. The retainer ring may be molded of various plastics including polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, acrylonitrile-butadiene styrene, and polyethylene. 
     Although the description above contains many specific descriptions, materials, and dimensions, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.