Abstract:
Electrical wall outlets for switches, sockets and the like are provided with depth adjustability and the capability of providing a flush mounting to a wall or similar structure. The present invention comprises a relatively standard electric box together with a mesh for plaster which is supported by a frame which is slidably insertable into the box to a selectable depth. The invention is usable with or without supporting stud work.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application contains subject matter which is related to the subject matter of the following applications, each of which is assigned to the same assignee as this application. Each of the below listed applications is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety: 
         [0002]    Provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/634,726 filed on Mar. 5, 2012. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0003]    The present invention is generally directed to enclosures for electrical outlets and switches. More particularly, the present invention is directed to electrical boxes which are flush mountable to any drywall structure. Even more particularly, the present invention is directed to electrical outlet enclosures which are adjustable, particularly as to depth. However, the present invention is not limited to installation of electrical devices nor to installations using drywall. Furthermore, while the present application is directed at installation within walls or ceilings, floor mounting is also possible. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    Conventional installation of electrical outlets and switches (electrical devices) are not flush with the finished wall/ceiling surface. Usually the electrical device and it&#39;s cover is mounted on top of the finished wall/ceiling leaving it raised and standing out. Additionally, standard enclosures are hard to control as to depth once the box is attached to a stud or otherwise affixed to a wall. 
         [0005]    The present invention allows an installer to place an electrical device within a wall/ceiling and adjust it to be flush with the future finish (for example, wall tile). Furthermore the present invention eliminates the problem of electrical boxes not needing to be 100% square to the wall/ceiling since a plaster ring is used which is itself alignable with the wall/ceiling surface. The present invention also allows for later adjustment. If, for example, another layer of plaster is used to skim out the wall/ceiling, the trim assembly can be moved out to align with the added layer of plaster. Another advantage is that, when installed in a tiled kitchen backsplash, cleaning is easier since one can wipe over the tile and outlet in one continuous move. It is also possible to completely blend the electrical device into the wall surface with wall paper or faux finishing techniques leaving no shadows or raised covers. 
         [0006]    From the above, it is therefore seen that there exists a need in the art to overcome the deficiencies and limitations described herein and above. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention comprises an enclosure for use with a wall supported by studding and having an opening in the wall. The enclosure comprises a container having means for attachment to the studding. The container has an open side which is alignable with the opening in the wall. The invention also comprises a mesh for receiving plaster. The mesh is supported by a frame which fits into the open side of the container and is attachable thereto. 
         [0008]    In one preferred embodiment of the present invention the enclosure also includes a mounting frame which is slidably insertable into the frame which supports the mesh. 
         [0009]    In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the enclosure is not affixed to studding but rather is insertable into a wall structure and is held in place therein by expandable tabs which lock the enclosure into place without the use of studs. 
         [0010]    Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an electrical outlet or switch which is mounted flush with respect to a wall or ceiling. 
         [0011]    It is another object of the present invention to provide improved installation methods for electrical switches and outlets. 
         [0012]    It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an electrical enclosure which is capable of being fabricated using a variety of materials such as metal and plastic. 
         [0013]    It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a flush mountable enclosure which is still nonetheless employable with existing, standard (electrical) components. 
         [0014]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide an enclosure for electrical switches and outlets which is controllable as to depth, even after the enclosure itself has already been affixed to studding. 
         [0015]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an enclosure for electrical switches and outlets which allows easy replacement of the electrical device it is designed to enclose. 
         [0016]    Lastly, but not limited hereto, it is an even further object of the present invention to provide an electrical enclosure having an improved appearance and which is easier to clean. 
         [0017]    Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present invention. Other embodiments and aspects of the invention are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed invention. Again, while the objects of the present invention are described in terms of switches and outlets, other objects may be enclosed by the present invention, including, but not limited to thermostats, smoke detectors, fire detectors and/or various decorative items. 
         [0018]    The recitation herein of desirable objects which are met by various embodiments of the present invention is not meant to imply or suggest that any or all of these objects are present as essential features, either individually or collectively, in the most general embodiment of the present invention or in any of its more specific embodiments. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of practice, together with the further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  is a front view of a completed installation within a wall or ceiling; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view illustrating an outlet box and trim assembly in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a side view of a single box and trim assembly in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is a side view illustrating adjustability for plastering; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is a side view similar to  FIG. 4  but more particularly illustrating adjustability for installations in which tile is employed; 
           [0025]      FIG. 6A  is a front view illustrating a preferred structure for the container employed in accordance with the present invention (typically an electrical box which is employed as a stand-in for a conventional electrical box and also referred to herein, for convenience, as an “electrical box.”); 
           [0026]      FIG. 6B  is a side view of the container shown in  FIG. 6A ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 6C  is a top view of the container shown in  FIG. 6A ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 7A  is a front view of a mesh for receiving plaster (also referred to herein as a plaster ring) in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 7B  is a side view of the plaster receiving mesh seen in  FIG. 7A ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 7C  is a top view of the plaster receiving mesh seen in  FIG. 7A ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 8A  is a front view of a mounting frame (also referred to herein as an adjustable mounting cage) in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 8B  is a side view of the mounting frame seen in  FIG. 8A ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 8C  is a top view of the mounting frame seen in  FIG. 8A ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 9A  is a front view of a cover employable in conjunction with the present invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 9B  is a side view of the cover shown in  FIG. 9A ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 9C  is a top view of the cover shown in  FIG. 9A ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 10  is an isometric view of an embodiment of the present invention which does not involve the use of studding and more particularly illustrates an electrical box and trim assembly disposed within a wall portion distal from studding; 
           [0038]      FIG. 11  is an isometric view of an electrical box in accordance with the present invention usable with or without studding and more particularly dimensioned for use with pair of switches or sockets; 
           [0039]      FIG. 12  is an isometric view of an electrical box in accordance with the present invention in which the “box” is a round electrical box with trim and disposed within a wall, such as might be the case when the enclosed device is a thermostat or the like; 
           [0040]      FIG. 13  is an isometric view of an electrical box in accordance with the present invention in which the electrical box is provided with back mounting (such as for use with concrete anchors); 
           [0041]      FIG. 14  is an isometric view of an electrical box and trim in accordance with the present invention for installation in sheetrock without studs; 
           [0042]      FIG. 15  front view of a completed installation within a wall, ceiling or even a floor; 
           [0043]      FIG. 16  is an exploded view in accordance with the present invention illustrating the use of modified set screws for depth adjustment; 
           [0044]      FIG. 17  is an exploded side view of assembly in accordance with the present invention which uses modified set screws for adjustment; 
           [0045]      FIG. 18  is a side view illustrating the relevant portion of an assembly in accordance with the present invention which more particularly shows adjustability with modified set screws; and 
           [0046]      FIG. 19  is a view similar to  FIG. 18  but more particularly illustrating the adjustability of the present invention using modified set screws in an environment which includes tiles. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0047]    In its most typical embodiment, the present invention is directed to an electrical box for the installation of electrical sockets and switches. As used herein, and as generally understood in the electrical hardware arts, an electrical box is typically a plastic or metal rectangular container intended to be affixed to a wall stud or otherwise mounted. Electrical wires feed into the box and connect to the electrical device which the box is designed to contain. However, it is noted that the present invention is suitable for use in walls, ceilings, and even floors. Additionally, it is noted that the present invention is capable of containing a wide variety of both electrical devices and nonelectrical devices. It is also noted that it is not necessary that the present invention be used in situations where electrical power is said to the device but rather is provided via batteries. 
         [0048]    The present invention allows an installer to place an electrical device within a wall/ceiling/floor and adjust it to be flush with the future finish, even if that finish is ceramic tile (or other tiles for that matter). Furthermore, the present invention eliminates the problem of electrical boxes not needing to be 100% square to the wall/ceiling/floor since a plaster ring is employed which aligns itself with the mounting surface. The present invention also allows for later adjustment. If, for example, another layer of plaster is used to skim out the surface, the trim assembly is moved out to align with the added layer of plaster. Another advantage of the present invention is that, when installed in conjunction with a tiled kitchen backsplash, cleaning is easier since one can wipe over the tile and outlet in one consecutive stroke. It is also possible to completely blend the electrical device into the wall surface with wall paper or faux finishing techniques leaving no shadows or raised covers. 
         [0049]      FIG. 1  illustrates the view of the present invention provided in a completed installation. In particular, electrical device  18 , here illustrated as a three-prong electrical outlet, is seen surrounded by cover  16 . Also visible in  FIG. 1 , there is seen the edge of adjustable mounting cage  20 . Mounting cage  20  is also visible in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 2  provides an exploded view of a typical embodiment of the present invention. In particular, there is shown electrical box  26  along with mounting bracket  30  which is used to attach box  26  to framing studs (not shown). Mounting bracket  30  includes holes  44  used to attach box  26  to framing studs. This attachment may be accomplished by any convenient means including nails and screws. Mounting by means of adhesives is also consistent with the structure and utilization of the present invention although it is to be noted that such mounting is unconventional. Also seen in  FIG. 2  is rotozip spacer  29  which is disposed between box  26  and bracket  30 . In preferred installations, as they occur conventionally in the field, the front edge of box  26  is not perfectly flush with the outer surface of wallboard  50 ; however, its front edge is generally positioned so that it falls between the front and back surfaces of wallboard  50 , close to its front edge. Electrical box  26  also preferably includes wedges  28  which are intended to fit flush against the wall board through which box  26  extends. Electrical box  26  also includes threaded openings  34  which are used for mounting electrical device  18 . In particular, it is to be noted that electrical box  26  is intended to extend through a wall board to a degree sufficient to assure that, in the final installation, the front edge of electrical box  26  is disposed so as to be flush with the visible surface of the wall board. A wall board structure  50  is illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0051]    One of the principal features of the present invention is the presence of perforated plaster ring  22 . Plaster ring  22  includes flat mesh portion  23  which is intended to lie flat against the mounting surface. The mesh portion is attached to frame portion  21  having various openings and threaded portions for attachment to electrical box  26 . For detail see  FIGS. 7A-7C , discussed below. In particular, plaster ring  22  includes an aperture such as opening  38  for mounting electrical device  18 . Frame or support portion  21  of plaster ring  22  also includes aperture  40  through which a screw is disposable for attachment to electrical box  26 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , electrical box  26  is provided with threaded openings  36  for receiving a screw or other fastening device disposed through opening  40 . In this manner plaster ring  22  is affixable to electrical box  26 . For reasons of potential overcrowding in  FIG. 2 , not all of the openings provided in plaster ring structure  22  are labeled. However, symmetry and logic provide clarity as to the functions associated with the openings shown. It is to be particularly noted that, in the present invention, plaster ring  22  is designed to be mated with electrical box  26  so that frame portion  21  of ring  22  extends into electrical box  26 . Additionally, as is clear from  FIG. 2 , while the perforated plaster ring shown is referred to herein as a “ring,” it is not required that its shape be circular. In fact, mesh portion  21  of perforated plaster ring  22  may be provided in any desirable shape as long as it includes perforations and is designed to lie flat against the surface in which box  26  is mounted. It is also to be noted that frame portion  21  of plaster ring  22  also includes threaded apertures  42  which function to provide adjustability for mounting cage  20 . 
         [0052]    The present invention also preferably includes adjustable mounting cage  20  which is insertable into frame portion  21  of perforated plaster ring  22 . It is this cage which provides the greatest degree of depth control and adjustability. It is noted that, like perforated plaster ring  22 , mounting cage  20  also includes apertures  38  through which a fastener may be disposed for attachment of electrical device  18 . Clearly, apertures  38  in mounting cage  20  and plaster ring  22  are lined with threaded opening  34  in box  26 . 
         [0053]    It is also to be particularly noted that mounting cage  20  also includes screws  24  that are used for depth adjustment. These screws aligned with apertures  42  in plaster ring  22 . Apertures  42  in ring  22  provide a friction fit for screws  24 . Screws  24  and threaded aperture  42  are designed so that the friction fit ensures that turning of screws  24  serves to move mounting cage  20  in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, screws  24  are provided with hexagonal openings for ease of adjustment. It is this aspect of the present invention which provides the desired degree of adjustability. 
         [0054]    Lastly with respect to  FIG. 2 , electrical device  18  is disposed through openings in mounting cage  20  and plaster ring  22  so as to reside mostly in side of box  26 . Cover  16  is placed with respect to device  18  so as to create a final finished view such as that shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0055]    Attention is now directed to  FIG. 3  which illustrates the same components as shown in  FIG. 2 , and again in an exploded view, but now more particularly illustrating a view from the side which more particularly indicates the placement of the various components relative to wallboard  50 . While reference numeral  50  is referred to herein as a wallboard, is noted that, in general, it may comprise any wall, floor or ceiling surface. Once box  26  is disposed through an opening in wallboard  50  and electrical conductors are provided to it via access openings  32 , the other components are inserted starting with plaster ring  22  which is affixed to electrical box  26  via screw  48 . With respect to the installation of electrical box  26 , it is typically mounted with mounting bracket  30  to the framing (studs) within the wall/ceiling/floor using stud screw holes  44 . Subsequently, mounting cage  20  is affixed to plaster ring  22  using screws  24  which are used for adjustable depth positioning. Electrical device  18  is thereafter at some time inserted at least partially through ring  22  and cage  20  and is attached to box  26  via screws  46 . Is noted that wedges  28  serve to better position box  26  rigidly with respect to wallboard  50 . The installation is typically finished with the placement of cover  16 . It is also to be particularly noted that, in the process described above, plastering operations intended to mesh with screen portion  23  of ring  22  may be begun at any time after installation of ring  22 . 
         [0056]    Attention is next directed to  FIG. 4 . Like  FIG. 3  this view is intended to illustrate the arrangement of the various structures with respect to the mounting surface. However, unlike  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4  is not an exploded view and is further distinguished by the fact that it is an enlarged view. In particular,  FIG. 4  illustrates electrical box  26  disposed through an opening in wallboard  50 .  FIG. 4  also illustrates perforated plastic ring  22  disposed in its intended position with screen portion  23  flush against wallboard  50  and with frame portion  21  inserted into box  26  so that frame portion  21  lies substantially below the outer surface of wallboard  50 . Additionally, it is noted that adjustable mounting cage  20  is disposed within frame portion  21  of ring structure  22  and is positionable by means of screws  24  to control its depth with respect to the outer surface of wallboard  50 . Also of note is the particular structure of screw  24  used for depth adjustment. It is also seen that snap ring  54  may be employed as a convenience to affix screws  24  to plaster ring  20 . Other screw structures may also be employed. 
         [0057]      FIG. 4  is also relevant in that it shows the relationship between the present invention and typical wall finishings. In particular, it is noted that  FIG. 4  illustrates the presence of a layer of fiberglass tape  58  which is affixed to screen portion  23  of ring  22  and is also affixed to the outer surface of wallboard  50 . Additionally, it is noted that a finishing layer of plaster  56  is applied and covers tape  58  and screen portion  23  of ring structure  22 . Accordingly, it is seen that the present invention is consistent with conventional wall finishing procedures and materials. 
         [0058]    Attention is now directed to the view seen in  FIG. 5 . This figure is provided to illustrate the fact that the present invention is also employable in those situations where the surface it is used with comprises tile or a tile portion. In particular, tile  74  is seeing disposed over fiberglass tape  28  and screen portion  23  of perforated plastic ring structure  22 . Also visible in  FIG. 5  are grout spaces  76 . It is in this particular environment where the present invention is seen to be especially useful since the depth of tiles can be vary significantly. This is because tiles are provided in numerous decorative styles. 
         [0059]      FIG. 6  provides three views of electrical box  26 . In particular, there is shown front view  FIG. 6A , side view  FIG. 6B , and top view  FIG. 6C . The primary function of this particular view is to illustrate the positioning of various ones of the holes or apertures for assembling the various components of the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 6A  illustrates openings  36  in both the top and bottom portions of box  26  which are employed for attaching plaster ring structure  22 . Also seen are threaded openings  34  which are employed for mounting electrical device  18 . 
         [0060]    Electrical box  26  may comprise any convenient material including both metals and plastics. However, in those jurisdictions in which an electrical code is imposed, it may be necessary that electrical box  26  comprises a conductive metal such as iron, steel or even aluminum. Other components of the present invention are typically not subject to these constraints. 
         [0061]      FIGS. 7  provides three views of perforated plaster ring structure  22 . In particular, there are provided a front view, a side view and a top view:  FIGS. 6A ,  6 B and  6 C, respectively. Like  FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 7  is intended to illustrate the placement of various openings in frame or support portion  21  of perforated plaster ring structure  22 . More particularly, there are shown threaded openings  42  which provide a friction fit for screws used to adjust mounting cage  20 . Apertures  38  are provided for a screw which may be used for attachment of electrical device  18 . Apertures  40  are provided for screws which are used to attach perforated plaster ring structure  22  to electrical box  26 . Because of space limitations in the diagram, not all of the apertures are labeled. However, from placement and symmetry, the function of each of the apertures shown is clear. 
         [0062]      FIG. 8  provides a front, side and top view of mounting cage  20 :  FIGS. 8A ,  8 B an  8 C, respectively. In particular there are shown screws  24  which are employable for these adjustments of depth for mounting cage  20 . Other structures are labeled in accordance with the discussions elsewhere herein. Mounting cage  20  may comprise any convenient material including metals and plastics. 
         [0063]      FIG. 9  provides a front, side and top view of cover  16 :  FIGS. 9A ,  9 B an  9 C, respectively. Cover  16  is intended to be the last item to be installed. In particular, this installation may be accomplished through the utilization of magnetic or clip  52 . Cover  16  may comprise any convenient material but in typical installation of the present invention is likely to be comprised of plastic. 
         [0064]      FIG. 10  illustrates a completed point in the installation of the present invention. In particular, electrical box  26  is shown disposed through an opening in wallboard  50  which is covered with finish coat of plaster  56  which has been smoothed into openings in screen portion  23  of perforated plaster ring  22  structure. Additionally, adjustable mounting cage  20  is shown in position prior to the installation of the device  18 . Not shown are electrical conductors which are disposed through wire access openings  32 . Also not shown is a stud behind the wallboard used for mounting as described above. 
         [0065]      FIG. 11  is intended to illustrate the fact that the present invention is not limited to an electrical box intended for the inclusion of just one electrical device. In particular,  FIG. 11  illustrates an electrical box which is intended for dual devices. Clearly, the extension to an even larger number of less devices is apparent from the structure shown in  FIG. 11 . The structure shown therein are labeled in the same manner as in other diagrams as discussed above. 
         [0066]      FIG. 12  illustrates the fact that electrical box  26  of the present invention may not be rectangular. In particular  FIG. 12  illustrates the utilization of round box  60 . Correspondingly, in this particular embodiment perforated plaster ring structure  22  is replaced by round plaster ring structures  62 . Other related structures shown in  FIG. 12  bear the same relation to the present invention as those structures and drawings discussed above. 
         [0067]      FIG. 13  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which apertures  66  are provided for anchoring electrical box  26  to a structure which lies behind it. For example, this embodiment may be employed to attach electrical box  26  two a concrete or cinderblock structure. 
         [0068]      FIG. 14  illustrates an alternative method of installing electrical box  26 . In this particular embodiment previously described wedges  28  are replaced by flip-up wedges  72 . In this particular embodiment, electrical box  26  is also provided with threaded aperture  76  into which threaded T-handle  68  is inserted. This handle is used to hold electrical box  26  as it is inserted through the opening in wallboard  50 . In this particular embodiment, electrical box  26  is also ultimately held in place by means of perforated plaster ring structure  22 . Nonetheless,  FIG. 14  illustrates the fact that the present invention does not require studding for its installation. With flip-up wedges  72  and T-handle  68  with threaded rod for inserting box  26  and pulling backward to meet sheetrock  50  it is thus seen that the present invention may be employed without the presence of nearby wall studs (or corresponding floor or ceiling joists). 
         [0069]      FIG. 15  illustrates a finished installation and is sufficiently shown in conjunction with  FIG. 16  to more fully illustrates the structure and installation of a finished electrical socket. Also relevant is the fact that  FIG. 16  illustrates an exploded view of the various components of the present invention mainly electrical box  26 , perforated plaster ring structure  22  and adjustable mounting cage  20 . Also of note is the inclusion of modified set screws  31  which are employed with and which operate in conjunction with screws  25 . In particular, screws  25  are intended to school into the backs of screws  31 . In this particular embodiment, the stability is provided primarily via screws  31 . 
         [0070]    While  FIG. 16  at first appears to be a duplicate of  FIG. 2 , the difference is seen in the presence of hole  43  for providing access to “modified” set screws  31 . In this particular embodiment set screws  31  are threaded into electrical box  26  in the usual openings (see reference numeral  42  in  FIG. 2 ). However, set screws  31  are especially modified so that their cap ends also include a threaded female portion. Screws disposed through openings  43  in perforated plaster ring  22  are employed to affix this ring to the electrical box. These particular screws are not intended to provide depth adjustability in this embodiment. Rather, adjustability is provided by controlling the depth of insertion of modified set screws  31  electrical box  26 . Set screws  31  are similar to standard hex head screws except that the hexagonal drive portions are replaced by a threaded female portion. Such screws are available as off-the-shelf items. 
         [0071]      FIG. 17  provides an exploded side view of an installed embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 16 . In particular,  FIG. 17  illustrates the utilization of the modified set screws discussed above. Also,  FIG. 17  illustrates the presence of screw  25  that fastens into modified set screws  31 . Additionally shown in  FIG. 17  is the presence of screws  48  which are intended to affix plaster ring structure  22  to box  26 . Lastly,  FIG. 17  illustrates the presence of screw  46  which is intended to affix electrical device  18  to electrical box  26 . Other structures illustrated in  FIG. 17  are described herein in accordance with reference numerals corresponding to those discussed above. 
         [0072]      FIG. 18  is a view similar to  FIG. 5  discussed above. However, in this particular view, the utilization of modified setscrew  31  and screw  25  inserted into setscrew  31  is more particularly illustrated. In particular, the adjustability of mounting cage  20  is seen to be provided by varying the depth of insertion of modified setscrew  31 . 
         [0073]      FIG. 19  is similar to both  FIGS. 18  and  FIG. 5 . In particular,  FIG. 19  illustrates the utilization of modified set screws for the depth adjustment in an environment in which wallboard  50  is provided with a tile finish. 
         [0074]    Attention is now directed to a description of installation methods for the present invention. However, it is to be particularly noted that differences in installation are relatively minor and that the present invention is consistent with standard practices in the industry. Just like with a standard electrical box the wall board is hung over box  26  and later with rotozip blade  29 , which fits thru the gaps at the bottom of wedges  28  and space between mounting bracket  30  and electrical box  26 , cut out. After that perforated plaster ring  22  is fastened with screws that go thru the holes  40  into threads  36  to electrical box  26 . This sandwiches wall board  50  between wedges  28  and screen portion  23  of perforated plaster ring  22 . Then, the adjustable mounting cage  20  is fastened with screws  24  for depth adjustment relative to perforated plaster ring  22 . Threads with friction  42  keep screws  24  for depth adjustment in the desired position. Screws  24  for depth adjustment are permanently fixed to adjustable mounting cage  20  with a snap ring  54 . As discussed above, an alternate option for depth adjustment is the use of modified set screws with internal threads and hex key  31  which is installed as shown in  FIG. 18  and  FIG. 19 . 
         [0075]    Set screw  31  is threaded in box  26  and held in the desired location by means of friction or a lock-tite mechanism. In yet another embodiment, the top of the set screw is allowed to pass thru the hole  43  in plaster ring  22  where it pushes against the bottom of adjustable mounting cage  20  giving it the desired elevation for installation. The adjustable mounting cage  20  is fastened to the modified set screw  43  with screw  25 . 
         [0076]    Fiberglass tape  58  is then placed  1 / 2  on screen portion  23  of the perforated plaster ring  22  and  1 / 2  on wall board  50  as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . Now the entire wall is skimmed with setting type compound like Durabond® or any other convenient compound used for plastering to provide a finished veneer plaster base-coat. 
         [0077]    For tiling installations, adjustable mounting cage  20  is adjusted out to where its front edge is on the same plane with the finished tile  74 . In this case, the gap between last tile  74  and adjustable mounting cage  20  is treated like grout space  76 . 
         [0078]    Electrical device  18  is attached via screws through screw holes  38  as provided and are inserted into threaded openings  34  located in electrical box  26 . The final touch is to place the cover  16  with its four magnets or clips  52  on the corresponding heads of the screws for depth adjustment. Cover  16 , the front edge of the adjustable mounting cage  20  and the face of the electrical device  18  are now be on the same plane with the finished wall plaster  56  or tile  74 . 
         [0079]    For purposes of clarification, particularly as it relates to language found in the claims below, is noted that the structure that supports mesh or screen  23  is also referred to herein as the mesh supporting frame. See reference numeral  21  in  FIG. 7 . This is in order to distinguish it from mounting frame  20  as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0080]    Also, it is noted that the materials employed for the fabrication of the different component of the present invention are primarily dictated by electrical codes as present in various state and national jurisdictions. This is particularly true of the container or a box  26 . However, in the broadest scope of the invention, the components may comprise any convenient material including metals, plastics and even glass fiber composites. The only significant requirement for a material is that it be substantially rigid. However, even this requirement is relaxed for screen  23  itself. 
         [0081]    Many other variations on the invention are possible. For example light fixtures, thermostats, medicine cabinets and other devices are now easily installable into walls/ceilings/floors using the same principals employed in this invention, thus making them flush and/or adjustable to the finished surface treatment. 
         [0082]    All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the level of skill of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. All publications and patent applications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. 
         [0083]    Although the description above contains many specifics, 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 this invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and that the scope of the present invention is accordingly to be limited by the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural, chemical, and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described preferred embodiment that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims. Moreover, it is not necessary for a device or method to address each and every problem sought to be solved by the present invention, for it to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 USC §112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.” 
         [0084]    While the invention has been described in detail herein in accordance with certain preferred embodiments thereof, many modifications and changes therein may be effected by those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.