Abstract:
An electrical box including at least four sides extending from a bottom to an open top and a front surface, a first outer tab extending from one of the at least four sides and proximate the front surface, a second outer tab extending from one of the at least four sides opposite the first outer tab and proximate the front surface, a first aperture adjacent the first outer tab, a second aperture adjacent the second outer tab, a first locking tab mounted within the first aperture, a second locking tab mounted within the second aperture, and wherein the first and second locking tabs slide towards the front surface for securing a mounting wall between the first outer tab and the first locking tab and between the second outer tab and the second locking tab.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/553,016 entitled “RETROFIT OUTLET ELECTRICAL BOX” to Shotey et al. which was filed on Sep. 2, 2009, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. This application also claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/248,284 entitled “PROVISIONS FOR SECUREMENT OF AN ELECTRICAL BOX” to Shotey et al. which was filed on Oct. 2, 2009, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     Aspects of this document relate generally to electrical boxes and particularly “old” electrical boxes. 
     2. Background Art 
     Electrical boxes are manufactured in a variety of shapes and sizes. Electrical boxes may include one, two, three, or more gangs, each arranged to receive an electrical device. Such conventional electrical boxes typically consist of a generally box-shaped structure that is mounted to a wall stud or other interior wall structure via one or more nails, screws, or other fastening devices. An electrical box is typically a one-piece structure and contains an opening for an electrical device or connector which is typically installed within the box after the box is mounted within a wall. Once the structure is completed and drywall or plaster has been installed, it is much more difficult to install a traditional electrical box. For instance, a very large hole must be cut in the drywall so that the installer can use a hammer to mount the electrical box to the structure. An alternative is the use of an “old” electrical box that mounts to the drywall. Specifically, the “old” style electrical box uses opposing tabs located on each side of the drywall that are clamped together to secure the electrical box to the wall. 
     SUMMARY 
     Aspects of this document relate to electrical boxes. In one aspect, an electrical box includes at least four sides extending from a bottom to an open top and a front surface, a first outer tab extending from one of the at least four sides and proximate the front surface, a second outer tab extending from one of the at least four sides opposite the first outer tab and proximate the front surface, a first aperture adjacent the first outer tab, a second aperture adjacent the second outer tab, a first locking tab mounted within the first aperture, a second locking tab mounted within the second aperture, and wherein the first and second locking tabs slide towards the front surface for securing a mounting wall between the first outer tab and the first locking tab and between the second outer tab and the second locking tab. 
     Particular implementations may comprise one or more of the following features. The first and second apertures may further include a track and wherein the first and second locking tabs communicate with the track. The track may further include a plurality of teeth. The first and second locking tabs may each include a plurality of teeth communicating with the plurality of track teeth. The first and second locking tabs may each further include an opening in a bottom portion. An installer may manipulate the locking tabs from within the open top. 
     The installer may manipulate the locking tabs from within the locking tab opening. The first and second locking tabs may further include a locking wall spaced from each respective locking tab, and wherein the locking wall contacts the mounting wall. The first locking tab may be spring biased towards the first outer tab and the second locking tab may be spring biased towards the second outer tab. The first locking tab may extend above the first outer tab and the second locking tab may extend above the second outer tab. 
     The electrical box may further include a third outer tab located on a common side with the first outer tab and a fourth outer tab located on a common side with the second outer tab. The plurality of track teeth may be located on an outer surface of the track. The first and second locking tabs may be removable from the first and second apertures. The first and second apertures may receive electrical wire therein. The track may be integral with the electrical box. 
     In another aspect, a method of installing an electrical box includes the steps of providing an electrical box including at least four sides extending from a bottom to an open top and a front surface, a first outer tab extending from one of the at least four sides and proximate the front surface, a second outer tab extending from one of the at least four sides and proximate the front surface, a first aperture adjacent the first outer tab, a second aperture adjacent the second outer tab, a first locking tab, and a second locking tab, locating the first locking tab partially within the first aperture, locating the second locking tab partially within the second aperture, inserting the electrical box within a mounting wall until the first and second outer tabs contact the mounting wall, and moving the first and second locking tabs into contact with the mounting wall. 
     In particular implementations, the method may include the step of pushing the first locking tab through the first aperture and the second locking tab through the second aperture after inserting the electrical box within the mounting wall. The method may include the step of engaging the first and second locking tabs with a track in the first and second apertures. The step of moving the first and second locking tabs may further include the step of an installer inserting a finger into an opening in the locking tab to manipulate the locking tab. The method may include the step of engaging the first and second locking tabs with a plurality of teeth in the first and second apertures. 
     Aspects and applications of the disclosure presented here are described below in the drawings and detailed description. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. The inventors are fully aware that they can be their own lexicographers if desired. The inventors expressly elect, as their own lexicographers, to use only the plain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specification and claims unless they clearly state otherwise and then further, expressly set forth the “special” definition of that term and explain how it differs from the plain and ordinary meaning Absent such clear statements of intent to apply a “special” definition, it is the inventors&#39; intent and desire that the simple, plain and ordinary meaning to the terms be applied to the interpretation of the specification and claims. 
     The inventors are also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar. Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be further characterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun, term, or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptive terms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts of English grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms, or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases be given their plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in the applicable arts as set forth above. 
     The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent to those artisans of ordinary skill in the art from the DESCRIPTION and DRAWINGS, and from the CLAIMS. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the present disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, where like designations denote like elements, and: 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an electrical box with locking tabs; 
         FIG. 2  is a right side view of an electrical box prior to installation within a mounting wall; 
         FIG. 3  is a right side view of an electrical box partially installed within a mounting wall prior to securing the locking tabs; and, 
         FIG. 4  is a right side view of an electrical box installed within the mounting wall. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     This disclosure, its aspects and implementations, are not limited to the specific components or assembly procedures disclosed herein. Many additional components and assembly procedures known in the art consistent with the intended operation and assembly procedures for an electrical box will become apparent for use with implementations of an electrical box from this disclosure. Accordingly, for example, although particular components are disclosed, such components and other implementing components may comprise any shape, size, style, type, model, version, measurement, concentration, material, quantity, and/or the like as is known in the art for such implementing components, consistent with the intended operation of an electrical box. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an electrical box  10  having a top wall  12 , a right wall  14 , a lower wall  16 , a left wall  18 , and a bottom wall  20  together defining a cavity  22 . Cavity  22  extends forward towards the open top and terminates at a front surface  24  of electrical box  10 . The electrical box includes a first outer tab  26 , a second outer tab  28 , a third outer tab  30 , and a fourth outer tab  32 . Each of the outer tabs  26 - 32  includes a front surface  34  and a rear surface  36 . A pair of device mounting holes  38  may be located in top wall  12  and lower wall  16  and may be threaded to secure an electrical device within the electrical box. 
     Electrical box  10  may also include a first aperture  40  and a second aperture  42  each arranged to receive electrical wiring therein. First aperture  40  is preferably formed in top wall  12 , while second aperture  42  is located in lower wall  16  and both apertures extend just less than the depth D of the electrical box. Apertures  40  and  42  each include a track  44  that may be integral with the electrical box and on both sides of each aperture. Track  44  may include an upper rail  46  and a lower rail  48 , with a slot  50  between the rails. A plurality of teeth  52  may extend outward from upper rail  46  and are arrange to mate with the locking tab as discussed in greater detail below. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , electrical box  10  also includes a first locking tab  54  slidably located in first aperture  40  and a second locking tab  56  slidably located in second aperture  42 . Each locking tab includes a body  58  with a tail portion  60  and a locking wall  62  spaced forward of body  58  by a connector  64 . Body  58  and tail portion  60  at least partially define an opening  66  in a bottom portion of each locking tab. Further, tail portion  60  includes a plurality of teeth  68  arranged to communicate with plurality of track teeth  52 . Finally, locking tabs  54  and  56  each include alignment guides  70  communicating with track  44  and particularly within slot  50  when the locking tabs extend above the respective outer tabs. 
       FIGS. 2 through 4  illustrate the installation of electrical box  10 .  FIG. 2  shows electrical box  10  near mounting wall  72 , which has a front surface  74 , a rear surface  76 , and a box receiving opening  78  cut therein. In this position, first locking tab  54  and second locking tab  56  are each located within cavity  22  as the electrical box is installed in the direction associated with arrow  80 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates the first locking tab  54  and second locking tab  56  pushed outward beyond outer tabs  26  and  28  by an installer manipulating the locking tabs from within the open top and through opening  66  in each locking tab. Specifically, the installer may force locking tab  54  in the direction associated with arrow  82  and force locking tab  56  in the direction associated with arrow  84  until each alignment guide  70  is located securely within the respective track  44 . When the alignment guides  70  are properly located within track  44 , the installer may manipulate the locking tabs from within the electrical box through openings  66  to pull the locking tabs forward. 
     As seen in  FIG. 4 , the installer has pulled locking tabs  54  and  56  forward until locking walls  62  securely contact rear surface  76  of mounting wall  72 . Further, the tension forces contact with rear surface  36  of tabs  26 - 32 , thereby securely locating mounting wall  72  between the four mounting tabs and locking walls  62  of locking tabs  54  and  56 . In addition, the communication between the plurality of track teeth  52  with the plurality of locking tab teeth  68  insure that the positions of the locking tabs remains consistent until the installer moves the respective locking tab. 
     In operation, the installer cuts an opening in the mounting wall so that the outer tabs will contact the front surface of the mounting wall and the locking wall of the locking tabs will contact the rear surface of the mounting wall. The locking tabs are either already located within their respective apertures or may be inserted partially within the apertures. The installer then forces each locking tab through each aperture to place the locking tab in position to contact the mounting wall. The installer then pulls the locking tabs forward from within the electrical box until the locking tabs and outer tabs surround the mounting wall and securely hold the electrical box in position. When the installer forces the locking tabs within the apertures, the alignment guides are preferably aligned within the slots of the track. The locking tabs are then retained in their position in part due to the help of the engagement between the plurality of track teeth and the plurality of locking tab teeth. 
     It will be understood that implementations are not limited to the specific components disclosed herein, as virtually any components consistent with the intended operation of a method and/or system implementation for an electrical box may be utilized. Accordingly, for example, it should be understood that, while the drawing figures and accompanying text show and describe a generally rectangular electrical box, an electrical box of the present disclosure may contain any number of sides. Common electrical box shapes also include round, square, and octagonal. While the aspects and implementations have been described with only two locking tabs, any suitable number of locking tabs maybe utilized, including but not limited to one or four. Further, the implementations utilized four outer tabs, however any suitable number may be incorporated. Components may comprise any shape, size, style, type, model, version, class, grade, measurement, concentration, material, weight, quantity, and/or the like consistent with the intended operation of a method and/or system implementation for an electrical box. 
     The concepts disclosed herein are not limited to the specific implementations shown herein. For example, it is specifically contemplated that the components included in a particular implementation of an electrical box may be formed of any of many different types of materials or combinations that can readily be formed into shaped objects and that are consistent with the intended operation of an electrical box. For example, the components may be formed of: rubbers (synthetic and/or natural) and/or other like materials; polymers and/or other like materials; plastics, and/or other like materials; composites and/or other like materials; metals and/or other like materials; alloys and/or other like materials; and/or any combination of the foregoing. 
     Furthermore, embodiments of the electrical box may be manufactured separately and then assembled together, or any or all of the components may be manufactured simultaneously and integrally joined with one another. Manufacture of these components separately or simultaneously may involve extrusion, pultrusion, vacuum forming, injection molding, blow molding, resin transfer molding, casting, forging, cold rolling, milling, drilling, reaming, turning, grinding, stamping, cutting, bending, welding, soldering, hardening, riveting, punching, plating, and/or the like. If any of the components are manufactured separately, they may then be coupled or removably coupled with one another in any manner, such as with adhesive, a weld, a fastener, any combination thereof, and/or the like for example, depending on, among other considerations, the particular material(s) forming the components. 
     In places where the description above refers to particular implementations of an electrical box, it should be readily apparent that a number of modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof and that these implementations may be applied to other electrical boxes. The accompanying claims are intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the true spirit and scope of the disclosure set forth in this document. The presently disclosed implementations are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the disclosure being indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning of and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.