Abstract:
An electrical junction box is disclosed in one aspect of the present invention as including a housing; two or more wiring ports formed in the housing to accommodate electrical wiring routed into the housing; and tabs resiliently connected to the housing and substantially covering the wiring ports. The orientation of the tabs is varied to accommodate wiring entering the wiring ports from different directions. Due to their resilient characteristics, the tabs deflect upon routing wire through the wiring ports and allow the tabs to clamp down on the wires.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/643,017, filed Jan. 11, 2005, and entitled CONNECTION BOX WITH ALTERNATING WIRE PORTS. 

   BACKGROUND 
   1. The Field of the Invention 
   This invention relates to electrical devices and, more particularly, to novel systems and methods for orienting wiring ports within a junction box. 
   2. The Background Art 
   Manually installing screws or other fasteners is often time-consuming. Additionally, in certain installations, an installer must employ his or her hands to hold several components as well as rotate a tool transferring rotation to a screw or other type of fastener. Maintaining all of the components in proper alignment is often difficult and requires skill. In any case, the complexity slows the installation process, requiring a series of steps. Completing a portion of a task is difficult when one lacks “enough hands to hold everything.” 
   Power tools may simplify the installation process by providing the motion (e.g. rotation) necessary to advance or install a fastener. The power tool must, however, be held and positioned in a manner similar to a manual tool. Thus, the use of power tools may not significantly reduce demands on the installer. 
   An electrical junction box assembly is one example of a time-consuming fastener installation. Once an electrical fixture has been wired, the fixture is typically secured inside a junction box. Securement of the electrical fixture to the junction box often involves the installation of multiple screws. These screws are generally over an inch long and are relatively finely threaded. The length of the screws may be selected to accommodate a wider variety of junction box placements and wall paneling thicknesses. To complete a conventional electrical junction box assembly, a face plate is secured to the fixture by another screw. 
   In addition to the time involved installing screws, the installer must also struggle with the problem of routing wires into the junction box. That is, the placement and configuration of wiring ports in some junction boxes may not allow an installer to direct wire into a junction box neatly, efficiently, or according to the installer&#39;s preferences. Similar problems may be encountered in the installation of connections boxes used for a wide variety of devices and systems, including without limitation telephone, stereo, computer network, information systems, cable television system, and security systems fixtures. 
   The installation of the junction box screws requires an installer to concurrently hold a fixture, maintain screw alignment, and provide rotation to the screw. Often it is difficult to initiate engagement between the screw and the receiving aperture. Such difficulty typically arises because the receiving aperture may be obscured by the wall paneling or recessed into the wall. Once the screw is in engagement with the receiving aperture, the time-consuming and often laborious task of advancing the finely threaded screw remains. 
   Face plate screws and other securement devices may be unsightly as well as time-consuming and laborious to install. Screws used to secure face plates to junction boxes and fixtures are typically painted and are, therefore, exposed to chipping, tarnishing, wear, and oxidation. In certain applications, it may be desirable to use a snap-on face plate to provide fast securement without the use of screws to provide securement. 
   Attempts have been made to provide quick assembling junction boxes and fixture assemblies. Quick assembling devices typically involve at least some rotation of the fixture screws and, therefore, require the use of tools for installation. Often these devices are limited in how well they are able to engage the threads of the fixture screws. Thus, such devices may not provide a reliable and solid securement between the fixture and junction box. 
   What is needed is an anchor that provides a strong and reliable securement between a fixture and associated junction box. Such an anchor would also provide for quick and simple installation. Further needed is a screwless face plate that requires no additional components to accomplish a reliable securement. 
   Yet further needed is a junction box that allows an electrician to pull wire into the box from multiple directions, depending on the preference of the electrician. Such apparatus, systems, and methods would greatly reduce the time, skill level, and effort required to assemble and complete junction box installation (e.g. electrical fixture installation or the like). 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Consistent with the foregoing, and in accordance with the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, an electrical junction box is disclosed in one aspect of the invention as including a housing; two or more wiring ports in the housing to accommodate electrical wiring routed into the housing; and tabs resiliently connected to the housing and substantially covering the wiring ports. The orientation of the tabs is varied to accommodate wiring entering the wiring ports from different directions. 
   In certain embodiments, the wiring ports are similarly oriented on the housing and may be located substantially adjacent to one another. In this way, the access location in such a configuration is substantially the same for each port, but directionally different. The tabs covering each of the ports may be oriented such that wire may enter some ports from one direction, while wire may enter other ports from another direction. For example, in certain embodiments, some tabs may be oriented to accommodate wiring entering the junction box from a direction substantially normal perpendicular) to the top surface of the junction box. Other tabs may be oriented to accommodate wiring entering the junction box from a direction substantially normal (perpendicular) to a rear surface of the junction box. Upon passing through the ports, the tabs may deflect to accommodate the wires. Furthermore, the resilient nature of the tabs allows the tabs to clamp down on the wires. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The foregoing and other objects and features of the invention will become more fully apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of a junction box assembly in accordance with the invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of one embodiment of an anchor for use with the junction box assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an anchor for use with the junction box assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of an anchor for use with the junction box assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a junction box illustrating one embodiment of receivers and corresponding engagement mechanisms; 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a multi-gang junction box having a slide to provide rearward support to the junction box; 
       FIG. 7  is a partial perspective view of the junction box of  FIG. 6  secured to a structural member located between front and back panels and supporting a spacer; 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a spacer having a scored or weakened line and foot; 
       FIG. 9  is a cutaway perspective view of a junction box, slide, and spacer providing a unidirectional ratchet controlling the extension of the spacer from the junction box; 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a junction box having wiring ports to accommodate wires entering the junction box from multiple directions; 
       FIG. 11  is a partial, side, cross-sectional view of a wiring port opening in a first direction; and 
       FIG. 12  is a partial, side, cross-sectional view of a wiring port opening in a second direction. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   It will be readily understood that the junction box assemblies of the invention, as generally described and illustrated in the Figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, this description is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, but is merely representative of certain embodiments of devices and systems in accordance with the invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art will, of course, appreciate that various modifications to the details herein may be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the invention. Thus, the following information is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain embodiments consistent with the invention. 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , in discussing the Figures, it may be advantageous to establish a reliable coordinate system to aid in the description of several of the embodiments in accordance with the invention. Coordinate axes  11  may be defined by longitudinal  11   a , lateral  11   b , and transverse directions  11   c  substantially orthogonal to one another. 
   A junction box assembly  10  in accordance with the invention may provide an apparatus for securing a fixture  12  to a junction box  14 . In a factory manufacturing process, an anchor  16  may be secured to the fixture  12 . The junction box  14  to which the fixture  12  is to be secured may have a receiver  18  associated therewith for admitting and retaining the anchor  16 . Thus, the anchor  16  and receiver  18  may be intermediaries in the securement of the fixture  12  to the junction box  14 . A face plate  20  may be provided to cover and hide the wiring and access apertures therebehind. 
   A fixture  12  may be any suitable piece for which securement is desired. For example, a fixture  12  may be a power receptacle, power switch, light fixture, telephone jack, network jack, cable connector, stereo system connector, information system connector, or any other unit  12  for which permanent or removable securement to a junction box  14  may be desired. In a similar manner, the junction box  14  may be any box to which a fixture  12  may be secured. A junction box  14  may be constructed of any suitable material. Suitable materials may include without limitation metals, polymers, composites, and the like. Additionally, a junction box  14 , in accordance with the invention, may be of any suitable size. For example, a junction box  14  may be a single gang, double gang, triple gang, quadruple gang, quintuple gang, or the like. Some concepts presented herein are illustrated as a single gang box, however, the principles and concepts typically apply equally well to multiple-gang junction boxes. 
   Embodiments in accordance with the invention may be particularly well suited to assemblies that may be assembled in the field (i.e. not in a factory). Such field assemblies need not be limited to junction box assemblies  10 . Embodiments in accordance with the invention may provide convenience and ease of assembly in the field where less than perfect conditions are often encountered. 
   An anchor  16  in accordance with the invention may be constructed, formed, machined, extruded, molded, cast, or otherwise made from any suitable material. Suitable materials may include without limitation metals, polymers, composites, or the like. For example, in certain embodiments, an anchor  16  may be formed of a polymer in a molding process. An anchor  16  may be secured to a fixture  12  in any suitable manner. In certain embodiments, an anchor  16  may be secured to a fixture  12  by a fastener  22  such as a bolt, rivet, screw, engagement prong, engagement hook, or the like. In other embodiments, an anchor  16  may be glued or otherwise bonded to a fixture  12 . Additionally, an anchor  16  may be formed as an integral part of the fixture  12 . 
   Each form of attachment between the anchor  16  and the fixture  12  may have particular advantages. In certain applications, such as the installation of power receptacles  12 , switches  12 , computer network outlets  12 , cable television outlets  12 , and the like an installer may need to remove a fixture  12  to gain access to something (e.g. wiring) tucked therebehind. In such a situation, screws  22  may provide an ideal attachment between the anchor  16  and the fixture  12 . The screws  22  may be removed, thus freeing the fixture  12 . The anchors  16  may maintain engagement with the junction box  14 . After the revisions are complete, the fixture  12  may once again be secured to the anchors  16  by the insertion of the screws  22  previously removed. 
   In selected applications, multiple points of securement between a fixture  12  and a junction box  14  may exist. In such situations, an anchor  16  in accordance with the invention may be applied to all or a subset of the securement locations. For example, power receptacles  12  and switches  12  are typically secured to junction boxes  14  by two screws spaced from each other in a longitudinal direction  11   a . An anchor  16   a ,  16   b  may be applied to fasteners  22   a ,  22   b  respectively. Similarly, a junction box  14  may have multiple receivers  18   a ,  18   b  to engage both anchors  16   a ,  16   b , respectively. 
   The method of engagement between a receiver  18  and an anchor  16  may be selected to provide a fast, clean securement. By so doing, the fixture  12  may be secured to the junction box  14  in a minimum amount of time. For example, installers (e.g. electricians, network technicians, cable television installers, and the like) spend a large portion of their installation time screwing fixtures  12  to junction boxes  14 . In certain embodiments in accordance with the invention, a fastener  22  (e.g. screw  22 ) may be introduced to secure an anchor  16  to the appropriate locations on a fixture  12  by a manufacturing machine. Thus, the installation of the fastener  22  may be performed in ideal conditions with proper alignment and fast tool speeds. In the field, when an installer installs the fixture  12 , the time-consuming screw installation no longer needs to be performed. An anchor  16  may simply be inserted into a receiver  18 . 
   The embodiments of the fixture  12 , junction box  14 , anchors  16   a ,  16   b , receivers  18   a ,  18   b , and face plate  20 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1  may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations that fall within the scope of the invention. Thus, the description hereinabove is not intended to limit the scope of the possible embodiments, but is merely representative of certain embodiments of devices and systems in accordance with the invention. The information is intended only by way of example. 
   Referring to  FIG. 2 , an anchor  16  in accordance with the invention may have an engagement mechanism  24  configured to provide a mechanical grip with a receiver  18 . If an anchor  16  is to be secured to a fixture  12  by a bolt  22  or screw  22 , an aperture  26  may be formed therein. The aperture  26  may extend completely or only partially through the anchor  16  in a transverse direction  11   c.    
   A length  28  of the engagement mechanism  24  may be selected to provide a desired number of engagement locations  30 . In selected embodiments, each engagement location  30  is a tooth  30 . Additionally, the engagement length  28  and the number of engagement locations  30  may be selected to permit insertion of the anchor  16  a desired distance into the receiver  18 . Thus, providing a desired alignment of the fixture  12  with respect to the junction box  14 . 
   In selected embodiments, an anchor  16  in accordance with the invention may include a spacer  32 . The length  34  of the spacer  32  may be selected to provide additional control over the spacing of the fixture  12  in relation to the junction box  14 . Furthermore, in certain embodiments, one end  36  of the anchor  16  may be formed to promote easy insertion into the receiver  18 . For example, an end  36  may be pointed, rounded, tapered, or the like. 
   An anchor  16  in accordance with the invention may have any suitable cross-section. For example, the cross-section may be rectangular, circular, triangular, oval, an unconventional shape, or the like. The cross-sectional shape of an anchor  16  may be selected to resist rotation about a transverse axis  11   c  once installed inside a receiver  18 . For example, an anchor  16  having a generally circular cross-section may have a key-way formed therein to correspond to a key formed or located in the receiver  18 . 
   The shape and configuration of a receiver  18  may be selected to match and complement the particular shape of a selected anchor  16 . For example, if an anchor  16  having a rectangular cross section is desired, the receiver  18  may be formed to have a generally rectangular shape. Thus, the receiver  18  may admit the anchor  16  and hold the anchor  16  securely without motion (e.g rotation about a transverse axis  11   c ) therebetween. 
   Referring to  FIG. 3 , in certain embodiments, an anchor  16  may have multiple sliding surfaces  38  to promote ease of insertion and proper alignment. A recessed groove  40  may be formed in one or more surfaces  38  of the anchor  16  to provide a location for disposition of an engagement mechanism  24 . Such an engagement mechanism  24  may be recessed to reduce the risk of interfering with proper insertion of the anchor  16  into the receiver  18 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 4 , in another embodiment, an anchor  16  may have a generally circular cross-section. In such an embodiment, the anchor may include a single flat  42  or may include a plurality of flats  42  that provide a location for disposition of an engagement mechanism  24 . The flats  42  may also provide a location for a corresponding receiver  18  to engage the anchor  16  to resist rotation about a transverse axis  11   c.    
   In certain embodiments, opposing engagement hooks  23  may be shaped to promote insertion into a corresponding aperture in a fixture  12 . The engagement hooks  23  may be formed to engage an aperture of any suitable shape (e.g. circular, oval, triangular, or the like). The illustrated engagement hooks  23  have been formed in a shape to fit a square aperture. A square aperture may provide a mechanism to resist rotation of the anchor  16  about a transverse axis  11   c  with respect to a corresponding fixture  12 . Engagement hooks  23  in accordance with the invention may flex to allow an anchor  16  to be separated from the fixture  12  to which the anchor  16  is attached. Once separated, the anchor  16  and fixture  12  may be reattached by reinserting the engagement hooks  23  of the anchor  16  through the corresponding aperture in the fixture  12 . 
   The embodiments of anchors  16 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 2-4  may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations that fall within the scope of the invention. Thus, the description hereinabove is not intended to limit the scope of the possible embodiments, but is merely representative of certain embodiments of devices and systems in accordance with the invention. 
   Referring to  FIG. 5 , in selected embodiments, a receiver  18  in accordance with the invention may include an engagement mechanism  50 . This engagement mechanism  50  may be configured to engage the engagement mechanism  24  of an anchor  16 . In selected embodiments, an engagement mechanism  50  may comprise hooks  52  or barbs  52  These barbs  52  may extend from the receiver  18  with a shape selected to engage the teeth  30  of the anchor  16 . The engagement of the hooks  52  and teeth  30  may be selected to provide unidirectional motion so that an anchor  16  may be easily inserted yet resist removal in a transverse direction  11   c . The number of teeth  30  and the distance therebetween may be selected to provide a virtual continuum of possible locking positions between the anchor  16  and the receiver  18 . This assures a snug fit in a transverse direction  11   c . Tooth pitch may be selected to be less than the deflection a “held” part can accommodate, and thus provide virtually no slack in the fit transversely. 
   A receiver  18  may be provided in a junction box  14  in any suitable manner. In selected embodiments, the receiver  18  may be formed as an integral part of the junction box  14 . This forming may be part of a molding process. That is, the receiver  18  may be molded as part of the junction box  14  in its original forming process. In other embodiments, a receiver  18  may be formed (e.g. molded, extruded, cast, machined, stamped, or the like) and then joined to the junction box  14 . Such a joining may be accomplished by bolting, screwing, welding, gluing, bonding, or the like. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 6 through 8 , in certain applications, a junction box  14  may have an open face  60  A proximal end  62  of a junction box  14  may be formed to engage a structural member  64  (e.g. wall stud, floor joist). For example, the proximal end  62  may have an extension  66  to support a fastener  68 . The fastener  68  (e.g. nail, screw) may in turn engage the structural member  64  and thus secure the junction box  14 . The junction box  14  may have a distal end  70  spaced in the lateral direction  11   b  away from the proximal end  62  and the structural member  64 . 
   In selected applications, a front panel  72  may secure to the structural member  64 . In one embodiment, the face panel  72  may have an aperture  74  formed therein to expose the open face  60  of the junction box  14 . A back panel  76  may secure to the structural member  64  opposite the face panel  72 . The face and back panels  72 ,  76  may vary in form from application to application. For example, in selected applications the face and back panels  72 ,  76  may be drywall, wood paneling, concrete, some combination of drywall, wood, and concrete, or the like. 
   Typically, when a fixture  12  is installed, the face panel  72  is already in place and all that is visible of the junction box  14  is the open face  60 . An attempt to insert an anchor  16  into a junction box  14  so arranged may cause the box  14  to deflect inwardly  78 . The face panel  72  may prevent a user from gaining access to the junction box  14  and stopping the inward deflection  78 . Inward deflection  78  is usually permitted by less than perfect engagement between the junction box  14  and the structural member  64 . The inward deflection  78  is most noticeable on long, multi-gang junction boxes  14 . In certain situations, the inward deflection  78  may preclude an installer from properly installing a fixture  12 . 
   In certain embodiments, a junction box  14  in accordance with the invention may be formed with a standoff, foot, support, or spacer  80  to resist inward deflection  78 . The spacer  80  may extend from the junction box  14  to contact the back panel  76 , thus resisting inward deflection  78  in that direction. In selected embodiments, the junction box  14  and spacer  80  may be formed as separate pieces. For example, a junction box  14  may have a slide  82  secured to, or integrally formed with, the distal end  70  of the junction box  14 . The slide  82  may receive the spacer  80  and maintain the spacer  80  directed toward the back panel  76 . The slide  82  may permit an installer of the junction box  14  to install the spacer  80  onsite. Thus, the spacer  80  may only be applied to junction boxes  14  that may need it. 
   If desired, a face panel alignment stop  84  may act as a register for the spacer  80  with respect to the slide  82 . That is, alignment stops  84  may be included on junction boxes  14  to register the open face  60  of the junction box  14  with respect to the face panel  72 . It may be a simple matter to position the slide  82  so that the alignment stop  84  will register the spacer  80  and thus maintain the junction box  14  fixed in the transverse direction  11   c  away from the back panel  76 . Additionally, the slide  82  may be formed to resist the removal of the spacer  80 . In one embodiment, the slide  82  has sufficient frictional engagement with the spacer  80  to prevent inadvertent removal. 
   A spacer  80  in accordance with the invention may be formed of any suitable material. In selected embodiments, a spacer  80  may be formed of a polymer or a reinforced polymer. Additionally, a spacer  80  may have any suitable configuration. For example, in one embodiment, the spacer  80  may have an extension  86  and a distinct foot portion  88 . The extension  86  may provide the spacing while the foot  88  may resist penetration of the spacer  80  into the back panel  76 . 
   Spacers  80  in accordance with the invention may have extensions  86  of various lengths. In one embodiment, an extension  86  may have scores  90  or weakened lines  90  at various lengths associated with distances commonly found between the face and back panels  72 ,  76 . For example, the distances between the face and back panels  72 ,  76  are often characteristic of the dimensions of the structural member  64 . Thus, an extension  86  may have a first length  92  for fitting a two-by-six stud  64  and a score  90  at a second length  94  for fitting a two-by-four stud  64 . The extension  86  may be used as is for a two-by-six wall and may be broken on the score  90  for use with a two-by-four wall. 
   Referring to  FIG. 9 , in selected embodiments, it may be desirable to position a slide  82  within the interior cavity  100  of a junction box  14 . Additionally, it may be desirable to have a spacer  80  that may be positioned with respect to the junction box  14 , and consequently the back panel  76 , without breaking the spacer  80  to adjust its length. When combined, a spacer  80  that may be positioned within a junction box  14  and adjusted without breaking may support adjustment, deployment, etc. of a spacer  80  even after paneling  72 ,  76  has been applied, severely limiting access to the exterior of the junction box  14 . 
   For example, in one embodiment, a slide  82  may include a pair of guides  102  and one or more engagement mechanisms  104  (e.g. barbs) positioned on the interior surface  106  of the distal end  70  of the junction box  14 . The guides  102  may limit the movement of a spacer  80  within a slide  82  in two dimensions (e.g. the longitudinal and lateral directions  11   a ,  11   b ) while permitting translation of the spacer  80  in a third dimension (e.g. the transverse direction  11   c ). A spacer  80  used in such an embodiment may include one or more engagement mechanisms  108 . An engagement mechanism  104  of the slide  82  may engage an engagement mechanism  108  of the spacer  80  to control translation of the spacer  80  within the slide  82  along a third dimension. 
   In selected embodiments, one or more engagement mechanisms  104  of the slide  82  may interact with one or more engagement mechanisms  108  of the spacer  80  to provide a uni-directional ratchet. For example, in one embodiment, a barb  104  may selectively engage either of two engagement apertures  108   a ,  108   b  formed in the spacer  80 . The barb  104  may include a ramp  110  and an engagement edge  112 . By applying a force to the spacer  80 , it may be advanced in a first direction  114  with respect to the barb  104  until the barb  104  enters a first engagement aperture  108   a . Retraction of the spacer  80  in a second direction  116 , opposite the first direction  114 , then encounters resistance when the engagement edge  112  abuts the first engagement aperture  108   a.    
   The ramp  110  need not engage the first engagement aperture  108   a  with the same strength as the engagement edge  112 , thereby permitting continued advancement of the spacer  80  with respect to the barb  104  in the first direction  114 . If desired, the spacer  80  may advance in the first direction  114  until the barb  104  engages a second engagement aperture  108   b . Once the barb  104  enters the second engagement aperture  108   b , translation of the spacer  80  in the second direction  116  with respect to the slide  82  may again be resisted. 
   The arrangement of the various engagement mechanisms  104 ,  108  may provide a uni-directional ratchet permitting comparatively easy advancement or extension yet firmly resisting retraction of the spacer  80  with respect to the junction box  14 . Accordingly, once a junction box  14  is secured to a structural member  64 , the spacer  80  may advance until it reaches the anticipated position of the back panel  76 . When the back panel  76  is installed, retraction of the spacer  80  is resisted such that the spacing between the junction box  14  and the back panel  76  is maintained. 
   Alternatively, a spacer  80  may advance after both the front and back panels  72 ,  76  are installed. In such an arrangement, an installer may hold the junction box (e.g with pliers or the like) in a desired position while pushing the spacer  80  out the back of the junction box  14 . The spacer  80  may advance until it contacts the back panel  76 . Again, retraction of the spacer  80  may be resisted such that the spacing between the junction box  14  and the back panel  76  is maintained. 
   Engagement mechanisms  104 ,  108  may have any suitable arrangement to facilitate or support selective engagement and disengagement of the spacer  80  with respect to the slide  82 . In certain embodiments, deflection may alleviate interference between interacting engagement mechanisms  104 ,  108 , thereby easing the transition from one position of a spacer  80  with respect to a slide  82  to another. 
   In selected embodiments, the spacer  80 , the slide  82 , or both may deflect, such as by bowing outward to provide the clearance needed for the a barb  104  to pass from one engagement aperture  108   a  to another  108   b . The thickness of the spacer  80  or slide  82  may be sized to provide a desired resistance to deflection. Additionally, the materials from which the spacer  80  and slide  82  are formed may be selected to provide a desired resistance to deflection. Generally, the thicker the component  80 ,  82  or the stiffer the material, the greater the resistance to deflection and the greater the force required to advance the spacer  80  with respect to the slide  82 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 10 through 12 , in selected embodiments in accordance with the invention, a junction box  14  may include a housing  118  incorporating one or more wiring ports  120 . The wiring ports  120  provide locations where wire may be inserted into the junction box  14 . In certain embodiments, each wiring port  120  may comprise a tab  122  extending to cover a corresponding aperture  124  in the junction box  14 . If desired, the tabs  122  may be monolithically formed as part of the junction box  14 . For example, the entire junction box  14  may be molded as a single unit from a polymeric material. 
   To admit a wire, the tabs  122  may be deflected (e.g. substantially resiliently deflected) such that at least a portion of the corresponding aperture  124  is exposed. In selected embodiments, certain tabs  122   a  may be configured to deflect along a path  126 . Other tabs  122   b  may be configured to deflect along a path  128 . 
   Tabs  122   a  that deflect along a path  126  may more easily admit wire in a first direction  130 , substantially normal (perpendicular) to the top surface  136  of the junction box  14 . These tabs  122   a  may allow an electrician to route wire into the junction box  14  substantially parallel to a rear surface  132  of the junction box. On the other hand, tabs  122   b  that deflect along a path  128  may more easily admit wire in a second direction  134 , substantially normal (perpendicular) to a rear surface  132  of the junction box  14 . These tabs  122   b  may allow an electrician to route wire into the junction box  14  substantially parallel to a top surface  136  of the junction box  14 . The direction that wire is routed into the junction box  14  may depend on the location of fixture terminals inside the junction box  14 , or alternatively, simply the preference of an installing electrician. 
   In other embodiments, the ports  120  and corresponding tabs  122  may be oriented to accommodate wires routed into the box  14  from directions other than those illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . Thus, the orientation of the tabs  122  is not limited to the orientations illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . Once wire is routed through the ports  120 , the resilient tabs  122  may clamp down on the wires. This may resist or prevent wires from slipping back out of the ports  120 . This clamping effect may also allow shorter wire leads to be inserted into each box  14 . However, if wire is removed from a port  120 , a corresponding tab  122  may return to its original position substantially covering the port  120 . 
   In certain embodiments, tabs  122  having different orientations may be alternatingly distributed along the edge of a junction box  14 . For example, in the double gang junction box illustrated in  FIG. 10 , a first set of tabs  122   a  may deflect in the first direction  126 , while a second set of tabs  122   b  may deflect in the second direction  128 . Although not mandatory, in certain embodiments, the orientation of tabs  122  located on adjacent wiring ports  120  may differ by approximately one hundred eighty degrees. 
   The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.