Patent ID: 8536452

Claim:
An adjustable variable ring for electrical junction boxes comprising: a generally planar base frame having a guide tab and a cutout opening; a sliding junction box having at least two tab openings, the sliding junction box configured to slide through the base frame in the cutout opening, the junction box having a sliding direction perpendicular to the generally planar base frame; and a ratchet mechanism engaging the base frame perpendicular to the base frame and engaging the sliding junction box parallel to the sliding direction of the sliding junction box, the ratchet mechanism including: a ratchet plate secured to the base frame by an inner surface of the ratchet plate, the ratchet plate having a plurality of steps; a ratchet spring engaging the sliding junction box the ratchet spring having a first end and a second end, with an angled end tab at the first end, an angled mid tab between the first end and the second end and protruding from the junction box through the tab opening for engaging one or more of the plurality of steps; and wherein the sliding junction box is configured to slide through the base frame by disengaging the mid tab from the one or more of the steps by pressing on the end tab, and locks in the base frame by engaging the mid tab with the one or more of the plurality of steps.