Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Agent's Ref No. 1782P01CA
ELECTRICAL OUTLET BOX WITH AN L-SHAPED
GROUND STRAP CONNECTED THERETO
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical outlet box.
In particular, the
invention relates to an outlet box with an L-shaped ground strap connected
thereto.
Description of the Related Art
[0002] It is known to provide an outlet box assembly comprising a
non-metallic
outlet box and an L-shaped ground strap connected thereto. However, some of
such
existing, known devices may be relatively complex and expensive to
manufacture. Still
other known devices may be relatively time consuming to assemble. The ground
straps of
yet further known devices may not always electrically connect together with
the rest of
the assembly, including with other grounds straps of the assembly, in the case
of
assemblies having multiple ground straps. This may lead to reliability and
safety concerns
when using such devices.
[0003] There is accordingly a need to provide an improved outlet
box assembly that
overcomes the above disadvantages. There is also a need for an outlet box
assembly that
provides an alternative in the market place.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0004] The present invention provides an outlet box assembly
disclosed herein that
overcomes the above and other disadvantages. It is an object of the present
invention to
provide an improved outlet box assembly.
1
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There is accordingly provided an outlet box assembly for retaining and
grounding an
electrical termination device. The assembly includes an outlet box having a
closed end
wall and a side wall extending outwards from the end wall. The assembly
includes an L-
shaped ground strap operatively connectable to the termination device. The
ground strap
has a first leg abutting the end wall. The ground strap has a second leg
abutting the side
wall. The second leg of the ground strap includes a distal end spaced-apart
from the first
leg of the ground strap. The ground strap has a pair of spaced-apart prong
members
extending outwards from the distal end of the second leg of the ground strap.
The prong
members connect to the box for connecting ground strap to the box thereby.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0005] The
invention will be more readily understood from the following description
of preferred embodiments thereof given, by way of example only, with reference
to the
accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a front perspective view of an outlet box assembly according to a
first
embodiment, the assembly comprising an outlet box and an L-shaped ground strap
connected thereto;
Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the outlet box assembly shown in Figure
1;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the ground strap shown in Figure 1, the
ground strap
having a first leg, a second leg, and an anchoring member for connecting to
the outlet
box, the anchoring member extending downwards from a distal end of the second
leg;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the outlet box shown in Figure 1, the outlet
box being in
fragment, the ground strap being removed, and a pair of coupling members of
the outlet
box being shown in detail;
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Figure 5 is an elevation view of the coupling members shown in Figure 4,
together with
portions of the outlet box and the ground strap shown in cross-section, the
ground strap
being shown connected to the coupling members;
Figure 6 is a front perspective view of the outlet box assembly shown in
Figure 1, with
fasteners further connecting the ground strap to the outlet box;
Figure 7 is a front perspective view of an outlet box assembly according to a
second
embodiment, the assembly having an outlet box, a pair of L-shaped ground
straps similar
to the strap shown in Figure 3, and a connecting strap connecting the ground
straps
together;
Figure 8 is a rear perspective view of the outlet box assembly shown in Figure
7;
Figure 9 is a perspective view of the connecting strap shown in Figure 7;
Figure 10 is a front perspective view of the outlet box shown in Figure 7
together the
connecting strap connected thereto;
Figure 11 is a fragmentary, front perspective view of the outlet box shown in
Figure 7,
with the ground straps and the connecting strap removed, showing details of
coupling
members and hook-shaped members of the outlet box;
Figure 12 is an elevation view of the hook-shaped members shown in Figure 11,
the
hook-shaped members being shown in a retracted position in solid lines and
being shown
in an extended position in ghost lines;
Figure 13 is an elevation view of the coupling members shown in Figure 11,
together
with portions of the outlet box and one of the ground straps in cross-section,
the ground
strap being shown connected to the coupling members;
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Figure 14 is a front perspective view of the outlet box assembly shown in
Figure 7, with
fasteners further connecting both the ground straps and connecting strap to
the outlet box;
Figure 15 is a front perspective view of an outlet box assembly according to a
third
embodiment, with an outlet box, three L-shaped ground straps similar to the
strap shown
in Figure 3, and a connecting strap connecting the ground straps together;
Figure 16 is a rear perspective view of the outlet box assembly shown in
Figure 15;
Figure 17 is a front perspective view of an outlet box assembly according to a
fourth
embodiment, the assembly having an outlet box and having an L-shaped ground
strap
similar to the strap shown in Figure 3, the outlet box having a plurality of
inwardly
extending access tabs and having a plurality of ridges disposed adjacent to
the tabs;
Figure 18 is a rear perspective view of the outlet box assembly shown in
Figure 17;
Figure 19 is a front perspective view of the outlet assembly shown in Figure
17, with
fasteners further connecting the ground strap to the outlet box;
Figure 20A is a front perspective view of an L-shaped ground strap for an
outlet box
assembly according to a fifth embodiment, the strap having a pair of spaced-
apart prong
members extending from a distal end of its second leg;
Figure 20B is a cross-sectional view of the strap of Figure 20A together with
a box
shown in fragment, the box having a ledge and the prong members of the strap
extending
around the ledge;
Figure 21 is a front perspective view of an L-shaped ground strap for an
outlet box
assembly according to a sixth embodiment, the strap being similar to the strap
shown in
Figure 20A;
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Figure 22 is a front perspective view of an L-shaped ground strap for an
outlet box
assembly according to a seventh embodiment, the strap being similar to the
strap shown
in Figure 20A;
Figure 23 is a front perspective view of an L-shaped ground strap for an
outlet box
assembly according to an eighth embodiment, the strap having prongs that
extend
adjacent to a distal end of the second leg of the strap;
Figure 24 is a front perspective view of an L-shaped ground strap for an
outlet box
assembly according to a ninth embodiment, the strap being similar to the strap
shown in
Figure 23;
Figure 25 is a perspective view of a further L-shaped ground strap for an
outlet box
assembly according to a tenth embodiment of the assembly, the ground strap
having a
first leg, a second leg, and an anchoring member disposed adjacent to the
first leg and the
second leg;
Figure 26 is a front perspective view of an outlet box for the outlet box
assembly
according to the tenth embodiment, the outlet box having an aperture
configured to
receive the anchoring member of the ground strap shown in Figure 25;
Figure 27 is a rear perspective view of the outlet box shown in Figure 26;
Figure 28 is a front perspective view of the outlet box assembly shown in
Figures 26 and
27, with the ground strap connected to the outlet box;
Figure 29 is a fragmentary, front perspective view of the outlet box assembly
shown in
Figure 28, showing greater detail of the anchoring member of the ground strap
extending
into the aperture of the outlet box;
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Figure 30 is a front perspective view of an outlet box assembly according to
an eleventh
embodiment, having a connecting strap and a pair of L-shaped ground straps
similar to
the strap shown in Figure 25;
Figure 31 is a front perspective view of an outlet box assembly according to
an twelfth
embodiment, having a connecting strap and three L-shaped ground straps similar
to the
strap shown in Figure 25;
Figure 32 is a front perspective view of an outlet box assembly according to a
thirteenth
embodiment, the assembly being similar to the shown in Figure 30;
Figure 33 is a front perspective view of an L-shaped ground strap for an
outlet box
assembly according to a fourteenth embodiment, the strap being similar to the
strap
shown in Figure 25;
Figure 34 is a perspective view of a yet further L-shaped ground strap for an
outlet box
assembly according to a fifteenth embodiment of the assembly, the ground strap
having a
first leg, a second leg, an anchoring member disposed adjacent to the first
leg and the
second leg, and a further anchoring member extending from a distal end of the
first leg;
Figure 35 is a front perspective view of an outlet box for the outlet box
assembly
according to the fifteenth embodiment, the outlet box having a pair of
apertures
configured to receive the anchoring members of the ground strap shown in
Figure 34;
Figure 36 is a rear perspective view of the outlet box shown in Figure 35;
Figure 37 is a front perspective view of an outlet box assembly according to a
sixteenth
embodiment, the assembly including a ground strap similar to the strap shown
in Figure
34; and
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Figure 38 is a front perspective view of an outlet box assembly according to a
seventeenth embodiment, the assembly being similar to that shown in Figure 37
and
including a ground strap similar to the strap shown in Figure 34.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0006] Referring to the drawings and first to Figure 1, there is shown an
outlet box
assembly 40. The assembly is configured for retaining and grounding an
electrical
termination device (not shown), such as a switch or an electrical outlet.
[0007] The assembly 40 includes a non-metallic outlet box 42, which in this
example
is made of plastic. The box has a closed end wall 44 with a peripheral edge 45
shown in
Figure 2. Referring back to Figure 1, the box 42 has a plurality of side
walls, in this
example comprising a first pair of space-apart side walls 46 and 48 which face
each
other, and a second pair of spaced-apart side walls 50 and 52 which face each
other. The
side walls extend outwards from the end wall 44. The box 42 has an open end 54
opposite
the closed end wall 44. The box has an interior 56 surrounded by the side
walls and the
end wall.
[0008] The box 42 has a pair of spaced-apart brackets 58 and 60 extending
outwards
from and in parallel with wall 52. Fasteners may pass through apertures 62 of
the
brackets and connect to a wall stud or the like. Brackets 58 and 60 are
conventional and
will therefore not be described in further detail.
[0009] Side walls 46 and 48 have elongate protrusions, in this example,
ears 66 and
64, respectively. Ear 64 extends inwardly from wall 48, in this example, and
has a distal
end 68 aligned with the open end 54 of the box. Ear 66 extends inwardly from
wall 48 in
a like manner. As best shown in Figure 4, ear 64 has an aperture, in this
example a slot
70, extending inwards from distal end 68 in this example. The ear also has a
passageway
72 extending inwards from its distal end and configured to receive a
conventional
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fastener (not shown), such as a screw. An outer bore 73, having a diameter
greater than
that of the passageway, is in communication with the passageway and is also
disposed
adjacent to the open end 54 of the box 42.
[0010] Referring to Figure 1, the box 42 has a plurality of coupling
members,
including a first pair of coupling members 74 and 76 adjacent to ear 64 and a
second pair
of coupling members 78 and 80 adjacent to ear 66. The coupling members are
spaced-
apart and are right-angled trapezoids in this example. The coupling members
connect to
and extend from the end wall 44. Each of the pairs of coupling members is
substantially
the same and therefore only coupling members 78 and 80, as best shown in
Figures 4 and
5, will be described in detail. Referring to Figure 5, the coupling members 78
and 80 have
proximal ends 82 and 83 abutting the end wall 44 of the box and distal ends 84
and 85
spaced-apart from their proximal ends. The coupling members 78 and 80 each
have
inwardly sloped edges 86 and 88, respectively, which face each other. The
coupling
members at their proximal ends are spaced-apart by a distance di and the
coupling
members are spaced-apart by a distance d2 at their distal ends 84 and 85, with
distance d1
being smaller than distance d2. A space 90 is formed between the edges 86 and
88 of the
coupling members 78 and 80. Referring to Figure 1, the coupling members 78 and
80 are
also connected to and are supported by the side wall 46 via flanges, as shown
by flange
91 for member 78.
[00111 Box 42 has an elevated portion 92 that is centrally disposed upon
and which
extends outwards from the end wall 44. Portion 92 is aligned with the coupling
members
74, 76, 78 and 80 in this example. A pair of threaded apertures, as shown by
aperture 93
in Figure 4, extends through portion 92 of end wall 44.
100121 Referring back to Figure 1, the box 42 has a plurality of resilient
access tabs,
as shown by access tab 94, interposed on either side of the ears 64 and 66, in
this
example. The access tabs are resilient and are configured to bend inwards
towards the
interior 56 of the box so as to selectively enable a grounding or electrical
wire, such as
wire 183 for box 42.3 shown in Figure 17, to pass therethrough and into the
box. The
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access tabs are substantially identical and therefore only tab 94 will be
described in detail.
Referring back to Figure 1, access tab 94 has a proximal end 96 connected to
and integral
with side wall 46. The access tab extends from its proximal end towards the
interior 56 of
the box and terminates at a distal end 98 which is spaced-apart from the
proximal end 96.
The distal end of the access tab 94 is inwardly spaced-apart from the
peripheral edge 45
of the end wall 44, extending within interior 56 of the box, as shown with
reference to
Figures 1 and 2.
[0013] Referring to Figure 1, the assembly 40 includes an L-shaped ground
strap 100
connectable to the outlet box 42 and operatively connectable to the
termination device
(not shown). As best shown in Figure 3, the ground strap has a first leg 102
configured to
abut the end wall 44 of the box shown in Figure 1. The ground strap 100 has a
second leg
104 perpendicular to leg 102 and configured to abut the side wall 48 and, in
particular,
ear 64 of the box 42 shown in Figure 1. The second leg is integral with the
first leg in this
example. As seen in Figure 3, the first leg 102 has a distal end 106 spaced-
apart from the
second leg. The first leg also has a pair of apertures 108 and 109 spaced-
apart from the
second leg 104 and shaped to receive fasteners, such as screw 118 shown in
Figure 6.
[0014] Referring back to Figure 3, the second leg 104 has a distal end 110
spaced-
apart from the first leg 102. An aperture 111 extends through distal end 110.
A circular
protrusion 113 extends downwards from the distal end towards the first leg
102. This
protrusion is best shown in Figure 25 as protrusion 113.9 for strap 100.9,
which shows
another embodiment of the strap. Protrusion 113 is configured to snugly fit
within and
abut outer bore 73 shown in Figure 4, and provides some means for connecting
the strap
to the box. Referring back to Figure 1, the distal end 110 of the second leg
104 abuts the
distal end 68 of ear 64.
[0015] As seen in Figure 3, the ground strap 100 has an anchoring member
112
connected to and extending downwards from the distal end 110 of the second leg
104.
The anchoring member in this example has an elongate portion 114 and an
enlarged end
portion 116. The anchoring member 112 is configured to fit within the slot 70
of the box
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42 shown in Figure 1. The second leg 104 of the ground strap 100 is connected
and
anchored to the box 42 thereby. However, anchoring member 112 is not strictly
required
for connecting and anchoring the ground strap 100 to the box 42.
[0016] As seen in Figures 3 and 5, leg 102 of the ground strap 100 has a
width w.
Referring to Figure 5, the sloped edges 86 and 88 of the coupling members 78
and 80,
respectively, are spaced-apart by a distance d1 at their proximal ends 82 and
83. Distance
d1 is equal to less than the width w of the ground strap. The sloped edges are
spaced-apart
by a distance d2 at the distal ends 84 and 85 of the coupling members 78 and
80,
respectively. Distance d2 is equal to greater than the width w of the ground
strap 100.
Referring to Figure 1, the first leg 102 of the ground strap is disposed
between the
coupling members 74, 76, 78, and 80 at locations adjacent to the proximal ends
82 and 83
of the coupling members. The coupling members, as best shown by coupling
members 78
and 80 in Figure 5, are thus, advantageously, configured to press-fit with and
abut the
first leg 102 of the ground strap 100 for connecting the ground strap to the
box 42
thereby. The coupling members may be referred to as a means for connecting the
ground
strap to the outlet box. The anchoring member 112 and slot 70 seen in Figure 1
are also
means for connecting the ground strap to the outlet box.
[0017] Referring to Figure 6, screws 118 are further disposable through the
apertures
108 and 109 of the first leg 102 of the strap 100 shown in Figure 1 and
through apertures
93 of the box 42, as shown in Figure 4, for further connecting the strap 100
to the box.
[0018] Figures 7 to 14 show an outlet box assembly 40.1 according to a
second
embodiment. Like parts have like numbers and functions as the embodiment shown
in
Figures 1 to 6 with the addition of ".1". The assembly 40.1 is similar to
assembly 40
shown in Figures 1 to 6 with the following exceptions.
[0019] The assembly 40.1 is configured to receive and ground two electrical
termination devices such as switches or electrical outlets (not shown). The
assembly 40.1
includes a pair of spaced-apart L-shaped ground straps 100.1 and 120. Ground
strap 120
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has a first leg 122 abutting end wall 44.1 of the box 42.1 and a second leg
124 abutting
side wall 46.1 of the box. Ground strap 120 is substantially the same in parts
and
functions as strap 100.1. Box 42.1 includes a further pair of ears 126 and 127
and a
further pair of coupling members 128 and 130. Ear 126 and coupling members 128
and
130 are substantially the same as ear 64.1 and coupling members 74.1 and 76.1.
Only
coupling members 74.1 and 76.1 will therefore be described in detail.
[0020] Referring to Figures 11 and 13, the coupling members 74.1 and 76.1
have a
pair of sloped, elongate protrusions 132 and 134, respectively, extending from
the
proximal ends 82.1 and 83.1 of the coupling members towards the distal ends
84.1 and
85.1 of the coupling members. The protrusions also extend towards each other
into space
90.1. The elongate protrusions 132 and 134 are deformable. The first leg 102.1
of the
ground strap 100.1 is configured to break through the elongate protrusions,
when the leg
is pushed towards the distal ends 82.1 and 83.1 of the coupling members 74.1
and 76.1,
respectively. The protrusions 132 and 134 are deformed thereby for
frictionally and
mechanically connecting the ground strap 100.1 to the box 42.1.
[0021] The coupling members 74.1 and 76.1 have a pair of alignment members
138
and 140, respectively, which are triangular in shape, as best shown in Figure
11, and
which extend into space 90.1 and along the flanges, such as flange 91.1. The
alignment
members are interposed between the protrusions 132 and 134, respectively, and
ear 64.1.
Referring to Figure 13, the alignment members 138 and 140 act to align the
first leg
102.1 of the strap, in this example, within the coupling members 74.1 and
76.1. The
alignment members are thus spaced to allow the first leg of the strap to
freely pass
therebetween. Elongate protrusions 132 and 134 have portions, as shown by
portion 136
in Figure 133, which extend inwardly towards each other and relative to the
alignment
members 138 and 140. Portions 136 of the elongate protrusions are configured
to abut the
strap.
[0022] As seen in Figure 11, the box 42.1 has a further elevated portion
142
extending from wall 44.1. Portion 142 is spaced-apart from and substantially
identical to
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elevated portion 92.1. Elevated portion 92.1 aligns with coupling members 74.1
and 76.1,
and elevated portion 142 aligns with coupling members 128 and 130.
[0023] The box 42.1 has a first pair of spaced-apart hook-shaped members
144 and
146 centrally disposed upon and extending outwards from elevated portion 92.1
of the
box 42.1 and end wall 44.1. The box also has a second pair of spaced-apart
hook-shaped
members 148 and 150 extending from elevated portion 142. As shown in Figure 7,
the
hook-shaped members 144 and 146, and 148 and 150, are configured to receive
and
retain respective first legs 102.1 and 122, of the ground straps 100.1 and
120. In
particular, the hook-shaped members, as shown by members 144 and 146, are
configured
to connect with the distal ends of the first legs of the ground straps, as
shown by distal
end 106.1 of leg 102.1. Each of the pairs of hook-shaped members are
substantially the
same in parts and functions and therefore only members 144 and 146 will be
described in
detail. Referring to Figure 12, hook-shaped members 144 and 146 have elongate
portions
147 and 149 that are resilient and bendable outwards for receiving the first
leg of the
ground strap. A gap 152 is formed between the hook-shaped members. The hook-
shaped
members 144 and 146 have inwardly facing spaced-apart catches 154 and 156,
respectively, which extend towards gap 152. The catches are triangular in
cross-section in
this example, with sloped top surfaces, as shown by surface 157 for catch 154
in Figure
12. The space within the gap 152 between the catches and portion 92.1 is equal
to or
greater in cross-section than the width of the strap for readily receiving the
strap
therewithin.
[0024] As shown in Figure 12, the hook-shaped members 144 and 146 have a
retracted position, shown by numeral 158, in which the catches are spaced-
apart at a
distance d3 less than that of the width of the ground strap and an extended
position,
shown in ghost lines and numeral 160, in which the catches 154 and 156 are
spaced-apart
by a distance d4 equal to or greater than the width of the ground strap.
Referring to Figure
7, the distal end 106.1 of the strap 100.1 thus connects to the box 42.1 by
pushing the
strap past the sloped top surfaces 157 of the catches 154 and 156, causing the
catches to
bend outwards until the hook-shaped members are in the extended position 160.
The strap
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then is able to move between and past the catches. The hook-shaped members 144
and
146 return to the retracted position 158 and retain the strap in place.
100251 The assembly 40.1 includes a connecting strap 162. The connecting
strap is
disposed along the end wall 44.1 of the box 42.1. The connecting strap 162 is
configured
to connect together ground straps 100.1 and 120. Referring to Figure 9, the
strap 162 has
a pair of rectangular ends 164 and 166, each having an aperture, as shown by
aperture
168 for end 166. An elongate strip 170 connects ends 164 and 166 together,
with the ends
being slightly raised relative to the strip. As shown in Figure 10, ends 164
and 166 are
configured to overlay and abut with elevated portions 142 and 92.1,
respectively, of the
wall 44.1 and strip 170 is configured to overly and abut end wall 44.1 between
the raised
portions. The connecting strap 162 is shaped such that the apertures 168 align
with the
apertures 93.1 extending through end wall 44.1 of the box shown in Figure 11.
Spaced-
apart tabs, as shown by tabs 172 and 174 for end 166, and similar tabs for end
164,
extend upwards from the elevated portions 92.1 and 142 of the box. The tabs
act to hold
the ends of the strap 162. Ends 164 and 166 so configured are disposed
adjacent to the
hook-shaped members, as shown by hook-shaped members 144 and 146 for end 166
and
similar hook-shaped members on elevated portions 142 for end 164.
[0026] Referring to Figures 7 and 10, the ground straps 100.1 and 120
overlay the
ends 166 and 166 of the connecting strap 162, with the apertures 108.1 of the
ground
straps aligning with the apertures 168 and 93.1 of the connecting strap and
box,
respectively.
[0027] As shown in Figure 14, a pair of fasteners, screws 176 and 178 in
this
example, pass through the above mentioned apertures, and threadably connect
and link
together the connecting strap 162 and the ground straps 100.1 and 120.1,
respectively.
[0028] The connecting strap 162 and L-shaped ground straps 100.1 and 120
are thus
configured to intersect with screws extending through both straps at their
points of
intersection for electrically connecting the straps 100.1, 120 and 162
together. This may
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result in an outlet box assembly that is more reliable in its ground
connection compared
to outlet boxes of the known prior art. Situating the screws at the point of
intersection
between the L-shaped straps and connecting straps may also provide the
advantage of
enabling the assembly 40.1 to requiring fewer additional coupling or anchoring
members.
In short, the box 42.1 as herein described, with its screws intersecting the
connecting
straps and L-shaped straps, may be more robust and easier to assemble at less
cost
compared to prior art devices. In this embodiment the means for connecting the
straps to
the box thus further includes the hook-shaped members 144, 146, 148 and 150
and also
the screws 176 and 178 so situated.
[0029] As seen in Figure 10, box 42.1 includes a pair of inner, spaced-
apart
protrusions 171 and 173 that extend from wall 52.1, in this example, towards
interior 56.1
of the box. The protrusions are generally half-round in section, and have
sloped, top
surfaces 175 and 177. The protrusions 171 and 173 extend from bottom 44.1 of
the box to
half way up wall 52.1 in this example. A pair of apertures 179 and 181 extend
through the
top surfaces 175 and 177, respectively, and are configured to receive
fasteners, which
may pass therethrough for further connecting the box to a wall stud for
example. There
are a pair of slot-shaped recesses, as shown by slot-shaped recess 185 in
Figure 8, on the
other side of wall 52.1 in communication with apertures 179 and 181,
respectively. The
slot-shaped recesses extend from adjacent to the apertures to adjacent to
bottom 44.1 of
the box, and each recess is configured to enable a respective fastener to pass
therethrough
and into the stud.
[0030] Figures 15 and 16 show an outlet box assembly 40.2 according to a
third
embodiment. Like parts have like numbers and functions as the embodiment shown
in
Figures 7 to 14 with decimal extension ".2" replacing decimal extension ".1"
and being
added to numerals not previously having a decimal extension. Assembly 40.2 is
substantially the same as assembly 40.1 shown in Figures 7 to 14 with the
exception that
assembly 40.2 is configured to receive and ground three electrical termination
devices
(not shown). The assembly accordingly has three ground straps 100.2, 120.2,
and 180 and
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a connecting strap 162.2 configured to extend between and electrically connect
together
each of the ground straps.
[0031] Figures 17 to 19 show an outlet box assembly 40.3 according to a
fourth
embodiment. Like parts have like numbers and functions as the embodiment shown
in
Figures 1 to 6 with the addition of ".3". Assembly 40.3 is similar to assembly
40 shown
in Figures 1 to 6 with one exception being that that the box has side walls
46.3, 48.3,
50.3, and 52.3 that form a generally round, cylindrical shape. Also, assembly
40.3 does
not have coupling members or hook-shaped members configured to connect strap
100.3
to the box 42.3. Rather, as seen in Figure 19, strap 100.3 is connected to the
box 42.3
solely via screws 118.3 and anchoring member 112.3 disposed within slot 70.3.
[0032] Referring to Figure 17, the box includes a plurality of spaced-
apart, toothed
ridges, as shown by ridge 182. The ridges extend upwards from the end wall
44.3 of the
box 42.3 adjacent each of the access tabs. The ridges 182 are disposed
adjacent to the
peripheral edge 45.3, shown in Figure 18, of the end wall 44.3. Referring back
to Figure
17, the toothed ridges 182 are configured to engage with grounding or
electrical wire 183
so disposed through the access tab. This structure, with its inwardly
extending access tabs
94.3 and toothed ridges disposed adjacent to the peripheral edge 45.3, may
better promote
retention of the wire 183, thereby inhibiting dislodging of the wire's
positioning within
the box.
[0033] Figures 20A and 20B show an L-shaped ground strap 100.4 for an
outlet box
assembly 40.4 according to a fifth embodiment. Like parts have like numbers
and
functions as the ground strap 100.4 and assembly 40.4 of the embodiment shown
in
Figures 7 to 14 with the decimal extension ".4" replacing decimal extension
".1" and
being added to numerals not previously having a decimal extension. Strap 100.4
and
assembly 40.4 are substantially similar to strap 100.1 and assembly 40.1 shown
in
Figures 7 to 14 with the exception that, instead of an anchoring member, the
means for
connecting the strap to the box includes a pair of spaced-apart prong members
192 and
194 connected adjacent to and extending outwards from the distal end 110.4 of
the
CA 02757124 2013-02-08
16
second leg 104.4 of the ground strap. The prong members are generally
triangular in
shape and have pointed ends extending downwards towards the closed end wall of
the
box. The prong members 192 and 194 connect to the box for connecting ground
strap to
the box thereby. This may be via placing the prong members into an aperture
adjacent to
the side wall of the box, such as side wall 48 and slot 70 shown in Figure 1.
Alternatively,
this may be by disposing the prong members 192 and 194 against and along a
side wall
adjacent to the open end of the box, such as side wall 48 shown in Figure 1.
In this
manner, the prong members may abut and engage with portions of the box
adjacent to the
open end. The prong members 192 and 194 so disposed may abut and frictionally
engage
with portions of the box adjacent to the side wall of the box, with the strap
connecting to
the box thereby. As a yet further alternative, the box may have ledges or tabs
197 seen in
Figure 20B adjacent to its open end 54.4 onto which the prong members, as
shown by
prong member 194, may be folded for connecting the strap 100.4 to the box
42.4.
[0034] Figure 21 shows an L-shaped ground strap 100.5 for an outlet box
assembly
40.5 according to a sixth embodiment. Like parts have like numbers and
functions as the
ground strap 100.4 of the embodiment shown in Figure 20A with the decimal
extension
".5" replacing decimal extension ".4" and being added to numerals not
previously having
a decimal extension. In this case, prong members 192.5 and 194.5 have pointed
ends, as
shown by end 196 for prong 192.5. Also, the prong members are angled relative
to
second leg 104.5 and may be formed, for example, by bending downwards exterior
corners of the distal end 110.5 of the second leg 104.5 of the strap.
100351 Figure 22 shows an L-shaped ground strap 100.6 for an outlet box
assembly
40.6 according to a seventh embodiment. Like parts have like numbers and
functions as
the ground strap 100.4 of the embodiment shown in Figure 20A with the decimal
extension ".6" replacing decimal extension ".4" and being added to numerals
not
previously having a decimal extension. In this case, prong members 192.6 and
194.6 are
generally rectangular in shape. Strap 100.6 has a pair of spaced-apart edges
198 and 200,
and the prong members extend downwards from the edges for extending within
apertures
of the box, in one example. Alternatively, the prong members may abut and
frictionally
CA 02757124 2013-02-08
17
engage with surrounding edges of an ear such as, for example, ear 64 shown in
Figure 1.
Figure 23 shows an L-shaped ground strap 100.7 for an outlet box assembly 40.7
according to an eighth embodiment. Like parts have like numbers and functions
as the
ground strap 100.4 of the embodiment shown in Figure 20A with the decimal
extension
".7" replacing decimal extension ".4" and being added to numerals not
previously having
a decimal extension. In this case, the prong members 192.7 and 194.7 are
elongate strips
202 and 204 cut-out from the second leg 104.7 of the ground strap 100.7. The
elongate
strips 202 and 204 are generally triangular in shape in this example. Each of
the elongate
strips has a pointed end, as shown by end 206 for strip 202, and is bent
outwards
perpendicular to the rest of the second leg 104.7. In this example, the strips
202 and 204
are cut from portions of the second leg disposed below the distal end 110.7 of
the second
leg and the strips are bent upwards. The prong members may be inserted within
apertures
of the box, or bent into ledges, for example, as described above, for securing
the strap
and, in particular, the second leg 104.7 of the ground strap 100.7 to the box.
[0036] Figure 24 shows an L-shaped ground strap 100.8 for an outlet box
assembly
40.8 according to a ninth embodiment. Like parts have like numbers and
functions as the
ground strap 100.7 of the embodiment shown in Figure 23 with the decimal
extension
".8" replacing decimal extension ".7" and being added to numerals not
previously having
a decimal extension. In this case, elongate strip 202.8 is cut-out from a
portion of the
second leg 104.8 disposed below the distal end 110.8 of the second leg and
elongate strip
204.8 is cut-out from a portion of the second leg disposed adjacent to the
distal end of the
second leg. As before, the prong members may be inserted within apertures of
the box, or
bent into ledges of the box, for example, as described above, for securing the
strap and, in
particular, the second leg 104.8 of the ground strap 100.8 to the box.
[0037] Figures 25 to 29 show an outlet box assembly 40.9 according to a
tenth
embodiment. Like parts have like numbers and functions as the embodiment shown
in
Figures 1 to 6 with the addition of ".9". Assembly 40.9 is similar to assembly
40 shown
in Figures 1 to 6 with one exception being that the means for connecting the
strap to the
box includes an outwardly projecting anchoring member 184 extending from the
ground
CA 02757124 2013-02-08
18
strap 100.9 adjacent to the first leg 102.9 of the ground strap and the second
leg 104.9 of
the ground strap.
100381 The anchoring member is a generally rectangular portion 186 of the
ground
strap cut-out from the second leg 104.9 of the ground strap in this example.
The
rectangular portion is bent outwards relative to the rest of the second leg
such that it
extends in parallel with the second leg in this example. The anchoring member
184
extends adjacent and perpendicular to the first leg 102.9 of the strap in this
example. The
anchoring member has serrated peripheral edges 188.
10039] Referring to Figure 26, the box 42.9 does not have coupling members
or hook-
shaped members configured to connect the strap to the box nor does the box
have an
elevated portion extending from its end wall 44.9. Rather, as seen in Figure
26 and 27,
the box has a slot-like aperture 190 in this example extending through end
wall 44.9 of
the box. The aperture is disposed adjacent to the end wall and ear 64.9 in
this example.
Aperture 190 is also a part of the means for connecting the strap to the box.
100401 Referring to Figures 28 and 29, the anchoring member 184 is
disposable
through the aperture of the box 42.9 for connecting the strap 100.9 to the
box. As shown
in Figure 28, distal end 106.9 of the first leg 102.9 of the strap 100.9 abuts
ear 66.9, in
this example, when the strap is so connected to the box. The strap may also
connect to the
box via screws as described for the embodiment of Figures 1 to 6 and as, for
example,
shown by screw 118 in Figure 6. Referring to Figures 25 and 29, the serrated
peripheral
edges 188 of the anchoring member 184 engage with portions of the box 42.9
surrounding the aperture 190 of the box and thus further facilitates
connection of the strap
to the box. Assembly 40.9 as herein described thus provides the advantage of
providing a
cost-effective means for connecting the strap to the box that may require
relatively few
manufacturing steps and costs.
[0041] Figure 30 shows an outlet box assembly 40.10 according to an
eleventh
embodiment. Like parts of the box 42.10 have like numbers and functions as the
box 42.1
CA 02757124 2013-02-08
19
shown in Figures 7 to 14 with decimal extension ".10" replacing decimal
extension ".1"
and being added to numerals not previously having a decimal extension.
Assembly 40.10
is substantially the same as assembly 40.1 shown in Figures 7 to 14 with the
exception
that it does not include the elevated portions 92.1 and 142 nor does the
assembly include
the slots 70.1 shown in Figure 7. Furthermore, box 42.10 does not include
coupling
members, such as coupling members which abut and press-fit with the straps
100.10 and
120.10, such as coupling members 74.1 and 76.1 for box 42.1 in Figure 7.
[0042] Box 42.10 has an aperture 190.10 for strap 100.10 that is
substantially similar
to aperture 190 shown in Figures 28 and 29 for box 42.9, and the box has a
substantially
similar aperture for strap 120.10. The assembly 40.10 has a pair of ground
straps 100.10
and 120.10 each of which is substantially the same as ground strap 100.9 shown
in Figure
25, with the anchor members including the additional decimal extension ".10",
as shown
by anchor member 184.10 for strap 100.10. Connecting member 162.10 is flat in
this
example and thus simpler to manufacture, with ends 164.10 and 166.10 and
elongate strip
170.10 aligning and extending along end wall 44.10.
[0043] Figure 31 shows an outlet box assembly 40.11 according to a twelfth
embodiment. Like parts of the box 42.11 have like numbers and functions as the
box
42.10 shown in Figure 30 with decimal extension ".11" replacing decimal
extension ".10"
and being added to numerals not previously having a decimal extension.
Assembly 40.11
is substantially the same as assembly 40.10 shown in Figure 30 with the
exception that it
is adapted for three electrical termination devices and thus has a connecting
member
162.11 that connects together three, spaced-apart ground straps.
[0044] Figure 32 shows an outlet box assembly 40.12 according to a
thirteenth
embodiment. Like parts of the box 42.12 have like numbers and functions as the
box
42.10 shown in Figure 30 with decimal extension ".12" replacing decimal
extension ".10"
and being added to numerals not previously having a decimal extension.
Assembly 40.12
is substantially the same as assembly 40.10 shown in Figure 30 with the
exception that
the hook-shaped members are offset with respect to each other. Hook-shaped
members
CA 02757124 2013-02-08
144.12 and 146.12 are configured such that end 166.12 of connecting strap
162.12 is
between members 144.12 and 146.12 and, likewise, hook-shaped members 148.12
and
150.12 are configured such that end 164.12 of strap 162.12 is between members
148.12
and 150.12. The hook-shaped members situate and retain the position of the
connecting
strap thereby, while also, at the same time, situating and retaining ground
straps 104.12
and 120.12 in place.
[0045] In particular, each of the ends of the connecting strap has a pair
of first edges
facing its corresponding ground strap, as shown by edges 187 and 189 for end
164.12
facing the strap 120.12. Each of the ends of the connecting strap 162.12 has a
pair of
second edges spaced-apart from and aligned with its corresponding ground
strap, as
shown by edges 193 and 195 aligning with strap 120.12. Hook-shaped members
148.12
and 150.12 abut edges 187 and 189, respectively, and also align with and are
positioned
adjacent to the pair of second edges 193 and 195 in this example, for
situating and
retaining strap 162.12 in place, as well as for further retaining strap 120.12
in place. The
other hook-shaped members are positioned in a like manner.
[0046] Thus, the hook-shaped members 148.12 and 150.12 abut rectangular end
164.12 of connecting strap 120.12 adjacent to opposing corners 211 and 213 of
end
164.12 and hook-shaped members 144.12 and 146.12 abut rectangular end 166.12
of
connecting strap 120.12 adjacent to opposing corners 215 and 217 of end
166.12.
[0047] Figure 33 shows an L-shaped ground strap 100.13 for an outlet box
assembly
40.13 according to a fourteenth embodiment. Like parts have like numbers and
functions
as the ground strap 100.9 and assembly 40.9 of the embodiment shown in Figures
25 to
29 with the decimal extension ".13" replacing decimal extension ".9" and being
added to
numerals not previously having a decimal extension. Strap 100.13 and assembly
40.13
are substantially similar to strap 100.9 and assembly 40.9 shown in Figures 25
to 29 with
the exception that anchoring member 184.13 has a smooth exterior edge 191
rather than
the serrated peripheral edges 188 shown in Figure 25.
CA 02757124 2013-02-08
21
100481 Figures 34 to 36 show an outlet box assembly 40.14 according to a
fifteenth
embodiment. Like parts have like numbers and functions as the ground strap
100.9 and
assembly 40.9 of the embodiment shown in Figures 25 to 29 with the decimal
extension
".14" replacing decimal extension ".9" and being added to numerals not
previously
having a decimal extension. Strap 100.14 and assembly 40.14 are substantially
similar to
strap 100.9 and assembly 40.9 shown in Figures 25 to 29 with the exception
that the
means for connecting the strap to the box includes a further anchoring member
208
extending downwards from the distal end 106.14 of the first leg 102.14 of the
strap
100.14. Anchoring member 208 is similar in shape to anchoring member 112 shown
in
Figure 3 in this example. Referring to Figures 35 and 36, box 42.14 has a
further aperture
210 extending through end wall 44.14 adjacent to ear 64.14 in this example.
Anchoring
member 208 is configured to extend through aperture 210 and abut portions of
the box
surrounding the aperture. Aperture 210 thus is also a part of the means for
connecting the
strap to the box. Anchoring member 208 enables distal end 106.14 of the strap
100.14 to
connect to box 42.14 when leg 102.14 overlays and abuts end wall 44.14,
thereby further
securing the strap to the box. As shown in Figure 35, assembly 40.14 further
includes a
gasket 209 extending about the side walls of the box 42.14 adjacent to the
open end 54.14
of the box. Any of the assemblies as herein described may also include such
gaskets.
[0049] Figure 37 shows an outlet box assembly 40.15 according to a
sixteenth
embodiment. Like parts of the box 42.15 have like numbers and functions as the
assembly 40.12 shown in Figure 32 and assembly 40.14 shown in Figure 34 to 36,
with
decimal extension ".15" replacing decimal extension ".12" and ".14",
respectively, and
being added to numerals not previously having a decimal extension. Assembly
40.15 is
substantially the same as assembly 40.14 shown in Figure 32 adapted to include
the
features of assembly 40.12 shown in Figures 34 to 26, with the exception that
the means
for connecting the straps to the box includes a pair of stops, in this example
in the form of
raised angled L-shaped bracket members 212 and 214. The bracket members extend
outwards from end wall 44.15 and are positioned to situate connecting strap
162.15.
Bracket member 212 abuts both edge 193.15 and edge 187.15 of end 164.15 of the
connecting strap. Bracket member 214 likewise situates adjacent edges of end
166.15 of
CA 02757124 2013-02-08
22
the connecting strap 162.15. Thus, bracket member 212 abuts corner 213.15 of
rectangular end 164.15 of the connecting strap and bracket member 214 abuts
corner
215.15 of rectangular end 166.15 of the connecting strap.
[0050] Figure 38 shows an assembly 40.16 substantially the same as assembly
40.15
of Figure 37, with the like parts having like numbers and functions as the
assembly
shown in Figure 37, with decimal extension ".16" replacing ".15" and being
added to
numerals not previously having decimal extensions. Figure 38 is configured for
three
electrical termination devices. Connecting strap 162.16 has a central portion
situated
between ends 164.16 and 166.16 and aligning with strap 120.16. Box 42.16
includes a
central pair of opposing bracket members 216 and 218 configured to situate and
snugly
abut with central portion 220 of connecting strap 162.16. As seen in Figure
38, portion
220 is rectangular in this example and bracket members 216 and 218 abut
opposing ones
of its corners.
[0051] It will be appreciated that yet more variations are possible within
the scope of
the invention described herein. For example, those skilled in the art will
appreciate that
the assembly 40.11 shown in Figure 31 for three electrical termination devices
may be
readily adapted to include offset hook-shaped members substantially similar to
those
shown in Figure 32 for situating its connecting strap and ground straps.
[0052] Also, it will be understood by someone skilled in the art that many
of the
details provided above are by way of example only and are not intended to
limit the scope
of the invention which is to be determined with reference to at least the
following claims.
