Outlet box system for central vacuum systems

Abstract

An outlet box system ( 1 ) for a central vacuum system ( 3 ). The outlet box system ( 1 ) includes a casing assembly ( 5 ) for operatively mounting onto a given support structure ( 7 ), the casing assembly ( 5 ) having a substantially closed body ( 9 ) provided with first and second ports ( 11,13 ), the first port ( 11 ) being sealingly connectable via piping ( 15 ) to the central vacuum system ( 3 ), and the second port ( 13 ) being configured for allowing a vacuum hose ( 17 ) of the central vacuum system ( 3 ) to extend therethrough and out from the casing assembly ( 5 ). The outlet box system ( 1 ) also includes a door assembly ( 19 ) operatively mountable onto the casing assembly ( 5 ) in a substantially sealed manner, the door assembly ( 19 ) being configured for allowing a user to selectively have access to an inside portion ( 21 ) of the casing assembly ( 5 ). The outlet box system ( 1 ) also includes a gap-adjustment assembly ( 23 ) for adjusting a distance ( 25 ) between the door and casing assemblies ( 5,19 ), in accordance with a wall thickness of a finished surface ( 27 ) of the support structure ( 7 ).

1 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) for a central vacuum system ( 3 ), the outlet box system ( 1 ) comprising:
 a casing assembly ( 5 ) for operatively mounting onto a given support structure ( 7 ), the casing assembly ( 5 ) having a substantially closed body ( 9 ) provided with first and second ports ( 11 , 13 ), the first port ( 11 ) being sealingly connectable via piping ( 15 ) to the central vacuum system ( 3 ), and the second port ( 13 ) being configured for allowing a vacuum hose ( 17 ) of the central vacuum system ( 3 ) to extend therethrough and out from the casing assembly ( 5 );   a door assembly ( 19 ) operatively mountable onto the casing assembly ( 5 ) in a substantially sealed manner, the door assembly ( 19 ) being configured for allowing a user to selectively have access to an inside portion ( 21 ) of the casing assembly ( 5 ); and   a gap-adjustment assembly ( 23 ) for adjusting a distance ( 25 ) between the door and casing assemblies ( 5 , 19 ), in accordance with a wall thickness of a finished surface ( 27 ) of the support structure ( 7 ).   
     
     
         2 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to  claim 1 , wherein the gap-adjustment assembly ( 23 ) comprises a male component ( 23   a ) adjustably insertable into a corresponding female component ( 23   b ). 
     
     
         3 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to  claim 2 , wherein the male component ( 23   a ) is provided on the door assembly ( 19 ), and wherein the female component ( 23   b ) is provided on the casing assembly ( 5 ). 
     
     
         4 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to  claim 2 , wherein the male component ( 23   a ) is provided on the casing assembly ( 5 ), and wherein the female component ( 23   b ) is provided on the door assembly ( 19 ). 
     
     
         5 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 1 - 4 , wherein the first port ( 11 ) of the casing assembly ( 5 ) is positioned, shaped and sized for receiving a corresponding tube fitting ( 29 ). 
     
     
         6 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to  claim 5 , wherein the tube fitting ( 29 ) is sealingly connectable via piping ( 15 ) to the central vacuum system ( 3 ). 
     
     
         7 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to  claim 5  or  6 , wherein the tube fitting ( 29 ) is insertable into a socket ( 31 ) of the first port ( 11 ) of the casing assembly ( 5 ). 
     
     
         8 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 1 - 7 , wherein the second port ( 13 ) of the casing assembly ( 5 ) is positioned, shaped and sized for receiving thereabout a door framing ( 33 ) of the door assembly ( 19 ), so that the door assembly ( 19 ) be sealingly connectable to the inside portion ( 21 ) of the casing assembly ( 5 ). 
     
     
         9 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 1 - 8 , wherein the casing assembly ( 5 ) comprises a groove ( 35 ) extending about the second port ( 13 ), the groove ( 35 ) being positioned, shaped and sized for receiving a corresponding collar ( 37 ) of the door assembly ( 19 ). 
     
     
         10 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to  claim 9 , wherein the collar ( 37 ) of the door assembly ( 19 ) is press-fittingly insertable into the groove ( 35 ) of the casing assembly ( 5 ). 
     
     
         11 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to  claim 9  or  10 , wherein the collar ( 37 ) has a substantially rectangular profile. 
     
     
         12 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 9 - 11 , wherein an outer surface ( 37   a ) of the collar ( 37 ) is provided with tightening flanges ( 39 ). 
     
     
         13 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 9 - 11 , wherein an inner surface ( 37   b ) the collar ( 37 ) is provided with tightening flanges ( 39 ). 
     
     
         14 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 9 - 13 , wherein the tightening flanges ( 39 ) are tapered so as to provide an increased tightening force between the door assembly ( 19 ) and the casing assembly ( 5 ) when the collar ( 37 ) of the door assembly ( 19 ) is removably inserted into the groove ( 35 ) of the casing assembly ( 5 ). 
     
     
         15 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 9 - 14 , wherein the outlet box system ( 1 ) comprises a sealing joint ( 41 ) operatively insertable between the collar ( 37 ) of the door assembly ( 19 ) and the groove ( 35 ) of the casing assembly ( 5 ). 
     
     
         16 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to  claim 15 , wherein the sealing joint ( 41 ) is provided about a rim ( 37   c ) of the collar of the door assembly ( 19 ). 
     
     
         17 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to  claim 15  or  16 , wherein the sealing joint ( 41 ) is removably insertable into the groove ( 35 ) of the casing assembly ( 5 ). 
     
     
         18 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 1 - 17 , wherein the outlet box system ( 1 ) comprises a hub portion ( 43 ) extending about the second port ( 13 ) of the casing assembly ( 5 ) and projecting outwardly from a front side of said casing assembly ( 5 ). 
     
     
         19 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to  claim 18 , wherein the hub portion ( 43 ) has a substantially rectangular profile. 
     
     
         20 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to  claim 18  or  19 , wherein the hub portion ( 43 ) comprises at least one securing orifice ( 45 ) for receiving a corresponding fastener ( 47 ) intended to securely mount the door assembly ( 19 ) onto the casing assembly ( 5 ). 
     
     
         21 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to  claim 20 , wherein the at least one securing orifice ( 45 ) is also used for receiving a corresponding fastener ( 47 ) intended to securely mount a temporary cover plate ( 49 ) onto the casing assembly ( 5 ) prior to the door assembly ( 19 ) being mounted onto the casing assembly ( 5 ). 
     
     
         22 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according  claim 21 , wherein the corresponding fastener ( 47 ) used to securely mount the temporary cover plate ( 49 ) onto the casing assembly ( 5 ) and the corresponding fastener ( 47 ) used to securely mount the door assembly ( 19 ) onto the casing assembly ( 5 ) are the same fastener ( 47 ) provided with the outlet box system ( 1 ). 
     
     
         23 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to  claim 21  or  22 , wherein the temporary cover plate ( 49 ) is made of a color different from that of the casing assembly ( 5 ). 
     
     
         24 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 21 - 23 , wherein the temporary cover plate ( 49 ) is provided with visual information ( 51 ). 
     
     
         25 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 21 - 24 , wherein the temporary cover plate ( 49 ) is provided with a projection ( 53 ) for facilitating removal of the temporary cover plate ( 49 ) from the casing assembly ( 5 ). 
     
     
         26 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 21 - 25 , wherein the temporary cover plate ( 49 ) is substantially rectangular, and is provided with four through-holes ( 55 ). 
     
     
         27 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 21 - 26 , wherein the hub portion ( 43 ) comprises four securing orifices ( 45 ), each securing orifice ( 45 ) being configured for receiving a corresponding fastener ( 47 ) intended to securely mount the door assembly ( 19 ) or the temporary cover plate ( 49 ) onto the casing assembly ( 5 ), and each securing orifice ( 45 ) being provided about a corresponding corner of the hub portion ( 43 ). 
     
     
         28 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 21 - 27 , wherein each securing orifice ( 45 ) is a threaded securing orifice ( 45 ) for receiving a corresponding threaded fastener ( 47 ) therein. 
     
     
         29 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 18 - 28 , wherein the hub portion ( 43 ) projects outwardly from a corresponding mounting flange ( 57 ) of the casing assembly ( 5 ). 
     
     
         30 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 1 - 29 , wherein the casing assembly ( 5 ) comprises a mounting flange ( 57 ) for mounting the casing assembly ( 5 ) onto a mounting component ( 59 ) of the support structure ( 7 ). 
     
     
         31 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to  claim 30 , wherein the mounting flange ( 57 ) extends about the second port ( 13 ) of the casing assembly ( 5 ). 
     
     
         32 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to  claim 30  or  31 , wherein the mounting flange ( 57 ) has a substantially rectangular profile. 
     
     
         33 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 30 - 32 , wherein the mounting flange ( 57 ) is provided with at least one mounting hole ( 61 ) for receiving a corresponding fastener ( 63 ) intended to securely mount the casing assembly ( 5 ) onto the mounting component ( 59 ) of the support structure ( 7 ). 
     
     
         34 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 30 - 33 , wherein the mounting flange ( 57 ) comprises a central line indicator ( 65 ). 
     
     
         35 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 30 - 34 , wherein the outlet box system ( 1 ) comprises reinforcement ribs ( 67 ) extending between the mounting flange ( 57 ) and an outer portion ( 69 ) of the body ( 9 ) of the casing assembly ( 5 ). 
     
     
         36 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 1 - 35 , wherein the door assembly ( 19 ) comprises an access door ( 71 ) selectively operable with respect to a door framing ( 33 ) of the door assembly ( 19 ) between an opened configuration for allowing a user to have access to the inside portion ( 21 ) of the casing assembly ( 5 ), and a closed configuration where the access door ( 71 ) is shut against the door framing ( 33 ), so to create a substantially sealed condition inside the casing assembly ( 5 ) when the door assembly ( 19 ) is operatively mounted onto the casing assembly ( 5 ). 
     
     
         37 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to  claim 36 , wherein the access door ( 71 ) is a hinged access door ( 71 ) being pivotably moveable with respect to the door framing ( 33 ) via at least one pivot support ( 73 ). 
     
     
         38 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to  claim 36  or  37 , wherein the access door ( 71 ) is substantially rectangular. 
     
     
         39 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 36 - 38 , wherein the door framing ( 33 ) comprises a corresponding recessed portion ( 75 ) for receiving therein the access door ( 71 ) when operated into the closed configuration. 
     
     
         40 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 36 - 39 , wherein the door framing ( 33 ) comprises at least one clasping component ( 77 ) for removably clasping a corresponding component of the access door ( 71 ), and selectively maintaining the access door ( 71 ) in the closed configuration. 
     
     
         41 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 36 - 40 , wherein the door framing ( 33 ) comprises an access port ( 79 ) being substantially complementary to the second port ( 13 ) of the casing assembly ( 5 ). 
     
     
         42 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 36 - 41 , wherein the second port ( 13 ) of the casing assembly ( 5 ) and the access port ( 79 ) of the door assembly ( 19 ) are substantially rectangular. 
     
     
         43 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 36 - 42 , wherein the outlet box system ( 1 ) comprises a sealing joint ( 81 ) operatively insertable between an inside portion ( 83 ) of the access door ( 71 ) and an inlet rim ( 85 ) of the door framing  33 . 
     
     
         44 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to  claim 43 , wherein the inlet rim ( 85 ) of the door framing ( 33 ) is rounded. 
     
     
         45 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 36 - 44 , wherein the inside portion ( 83 ) of the access door ( 71 ) is provided with reinforcement components ( 87 ). 
     
     
         46 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 36 - 45 , wherein the door framing ( 33 ) is substantially rectangular, and is provided with four through-holes ( 89 ), each though-hole ( 89 ) being configured for receiving a corresponding fastener ( 47 ) intended to securely mount the door framing ( 33 ) onto the casing assembly ( 5 ). 
     
     
         47 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 1 - 46 , wherein the outlet box system ( 1 ) comprises a valve assembly module ( 91 ) removably mountable into the inside portion ( 21 ) of the casing assembly ( 5 ), and having a sealing component ( 93 ) through which the vacuum hose ( 17 ) is extendable, the valve assembly module ( 91 ) being operable between a first configuration where the vacuum hose ( 17 ) is freely displaceable through the sealing component ( 93 ) of the valve assembly module ( 91 ), and a second configuration where the sealing component ( 93 ) is urged about the vacuum hose ( 17 ), thereby substantially fixing the vacuum hose ( 17 ) with respect to the valve assembly module ( 91 ), and creating a seal between the vacuum hose ( 17 ) and a corresponding tubing component of the central vacuum system ( 3 ). 
     
     
         48 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to  claim 47 , wherein the valve assembly module ( 91 ) is operable between the first and second configurations by selectively operating the sealing component ( 93 ) between unchoking and choking modes, wherein in the unchoking mode, a peripheral gap ( 95 ) is allowed between the vacuum hose ( 17 ) and the sealing component ( 93 ), thereby allowing a suction force of the central vacuum system ( 3 ) to pass through both the vacuum hose ( 17 ) and the sealing component ( 93 ), and wherein in the chocking mode, the sealing component ( 93 ) is urged towards the vacuum hose ( 17 ) in order to close said peripheral gap ( 95 ), thereby urging the suction force of the central vacuum system ( 3 ) to pass by the vacuum hose ( 17 ). 
     
     
         49 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to  claim 47  or  48 , wherein the valve assembly module ( 91 ) is operated from the first to the second configuration by pulling out on a handle ( 97 ) of the valve assembly module ( 91 ), the handle being operatively connectable to the sealing component ( 93 ) via an actuating assembly ( 99 ). 
     
     
         50 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to  claim 49 , wherein the actuating assembly ( 99 ) comprises an actuating component ( 101 ) operatively rested against a bottom portion of the sealing component ( 103 ), and operable between lowered and raised configurations for selectively operating the sealing component ( 93 ) between the unchocking and choking modes respectively. 
     
     
         51 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to  claim 50 , wherein the actuating component ( 101 ) comprises a socket ( 105 ) for receiving therein the bottom portion ( 103 ) of the sealing component ( 93 ). 
     
     
         52 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to  claim 51 , wherein the socket ( 105 ) of the actuating component ( 101 ) comprises a groove ( 107 ) for receiving therein a distal bottom rim ( 109 ) of the sealing component ( 93 ). 
     
     
         53 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 47 - 52 , wherein the first port ( 11 ) of the casing assembly ( 5 ) is provided with an internal socket ( 111 ) for receiving therein the top portion ( 113 ) of the sealing component ( 93 ). 
     
     
         54 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 47 - 53 , wherein the internal socket ( 111 ) provided about the first port ( 11 ) of the casing assembly ( 5 ) comprises a groove ( 115 ) for receiving therein a distal top rim ( 117 ) of the sealing component ( 93 ). 
     
     
         55 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 47 - 54 , wherein the sealing component ( 93 ) is made of a flexible elastomeric material. 
     
     
         56 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 48 - 55 , wherein the sealing component ( 93 ) is positioned, shaped and sized, and provided with a plurality of peripheral grooves ( 119 ), so as to be operated between the unchoking and choking modes. 
     
     
         57 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 50 - 56 , wherein the actuating component ( 99 ) comprises an output fitting ( 121 ), and wherein the output fitting ( 121 ) is provided with at least one pin ( 123 ) engageable with a corresponding biasing path ( 125 ) of the handle ( 97 ), the pin ( 123 ) and corresponding output fitting ( 121 ) being vertically displaceable along said biasing path ( 125 ) of varying height via a pulling action of the handle ( 97 ). 
     
     
         58 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to  claim 57 , wherein the output fitting ( 121 ) comprises a curved inlet ( 127 ) for facilitating displacement of the vacuum hose ( 17 ) into the output fitting ( 121 ) and corresponding valve assembly module ( 91 ). 
     
     
         59 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to  claim 57  or  59 , wherein the handle ( 97 ) is displaceable with respect to a fixed component ( 129 ) of the valve assembly module ( 91 ), and wherein the biasing path ( 125 ) of varying height is provided within the handle ( 97 ), so that a pulling action of the handle ( 97 ) urges the actuating component ( 99 ) from a lowered to a raised configuration. 
     
     
         60 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 57 - 59 , wherein the biasing path ( 125 ) comprises a lower notch ( 131 ) configured to be removably engaged with a corresponding component ( 101 ) of the actuating component when the handle ( 97 ) is operated into a fully retracted configuration, corresponding to the first configuration of the valve assembly module ( 91 ), and wherein the biasing path ( 125 ) further comprises an upper notch ( 133 ) configured to be removably engaged with said corresponding component of the actuating component ( 101 ) when the handle ( 97 ) is operated into a fully extended configuration, corresponding to the second configuration of the valve assembly module ( 91 ). 
     
     
         61 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to  claim 59  or  60 , wherein the fixed component ( 129 ) comprises at least one through-hole ( 135 ) for receiving a corresponding fastener ( 137 ) intended to securely mount the fixed component ( 129 ) of the valve assembly module ( 91 ) onto a corresponding securing orifice ( 139 ) of a top inner portion ( 141 ) of the casing assembly. 
     
     
         62 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 59 - 61 , wherein the fixed component ( 129 ) comprises top and bottom sub-portions ( 129   a , 129   b ) being removably connectable to one another via at least one corresponding fastener ( 143 ). 
     
     
         63 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 59 - 62 , wherein the top and bottom sub-portions ( 129   a , 129   b ) of the fixed component ( 129 ) are removably connectable to one another via four corresponding fasteners ( 143 ). 
     
     
         64 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 59 - 63 , wherein the fixed component ( 129 ) is configured for defining a transversal finger-receiving recess ( 145 ) behind the handle ( 97 ) when operated into the retracted configuration. 
     
     
         65 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 49 - 64 , wherein the handle ( 97 ) is substantially U-shaped, and provides a transversal gripping portion ( 147 ). 
     
     
         66 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 49 - 65 , wherein the handle ( 97 ) comprises top and bottom sub-portions ( 97   a , 97   b ). 
     
     
         67 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 49 - 66 , wherein the top and bottom sub-portions ( 97   a , 97   b ) of the handle ( 97 ) are removably connectable to one another via a pair of corresponding fasteners ( 149 ). 
     
     
         68 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 1 - 67 , wherein the outlet box system ( 1 ) comprises a switch ( 151 ) electrically connectable via wiring ( 163 ) to the central vacuum system ( 3 ), the switch ( 151 ) being operable between ON and OFF configurations via a corresponding actuator button ( 153 ). 
     
     
         69 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to  claim 68 , wherein the switch ( 151 ) is provided about the casing assembly ( 5 ), and wherein the actuator button ( 153 ) is provided about the valve assembly module ( 91 ). 
     
     
         70 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to  claim 68  or  69 , wherein the valve assembly module ( 91 ) is configured so that the actuator button ( 153 ) automatically activates the switch ( 151 ) into the ON configuration when the handle ( 97 ) is operated into an extended configuration. 
     
     
         71 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 68 - 70 , wherein the actuator button ( 153 ) comprises a magnet ( 155 ), and wherein the switch ( 151 ) is automatically turned ON when the magnet ( 155 ) is aligned with the switch ( 151 ) within the outlet box system ( 1 ). 
     
     
         72 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 68 - 71 , wherein the actuator button ( 153 ) is urged into the ON configuration by means of an abutment shoulder ( 157 ) of the handle ( 97 ) being positioned, shaped and sized for pushing against the actuator button ( 153 ) when the handle ( 97 ) is pulled out. 
     
     
         73 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 70 - 72 , wherein the actuator button ( 153 ) is further configured to remain projecting out, and maintain the switch ( 151 ) in an ON configuration, when the handle ( 97 ) is pushed back into a retracted position within the valve assembly module ( 91 ). 
     
     
         74 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 68 - 73 , wherein the actuator button ( 153 ) comprises a resilient component ( 159 ) engageable with a corresponding complementary notch ( 161 ) provided about an inner wall of the fixed component ( 129 ), so as to maintain the switch ( 151 ) in an ON configuration, when the handle ( 97 ) is pushed back into a retracted position within the valve assembly module ( 91 ). 
     
     
         75 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to  claim 74 , wherein the actuator button ( 153 ) is configured so that a retaining force provided by the resilient component ( 159 ) engaged into the complementary notch ( 161 ) of the fixed component ( 129 ) is overridden by manually pushing the actuator button ( 153 ) back into a retracted configuration. 
     
     
         76 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 70 - 75 , wherein the switch ( 151 ) is lodged inside the groove ( 35 ) of the casing assembly ( 5 ). 
     
     
         77 . An outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 70 - 76 , wherein the switch ( 151 ) is provided with excess wiring ( 163 ) lodged inside the groove ( 35 ) of the casing assembly ( 5 ). 
     
     
         78 . A kit for assembling an outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 1 - 77 , and to be used with a central vacuum system ( 3 ), the kit comprising:
 a casing assembly ( 5 ) for operatively mounting onto a given support structure ( 7 ), the casing assembly ( 5 ) having a substantially closed body ( 9 ) provided with first and second ports ( 11 , 13 ), the first port ( 11 ) being sealingly connectable via piping ( 15 ) to the central vacuum system ( 3 ), and the second port ( 13 ) being configured for allowing a vacuum hose ( 17 ) of the central vacuum system ( 3 ) to extend therethrough and out from the casing assembly ( 5 ).   
     
     
         79 . A kit for assembling an outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 1 - 77 , and to be used with a central vacuum system ( 3 ), the kit comprising:
 a door assembly ( 19 ) operatively mountable onto the casing assembly ( 5 ) in a substantially sealed manner, the door assembly ( 19 ) being configured for allowing a user to selectively have access to the inside portion ( 21 ) of the casing assembly ( 5 ); and   a gap-adjustment assembly ( 23 ) for adjusting a distance ( 25 ) between the door and casing assemblies ( 5 , 19 ), in accordance with a wall thickness of a finished surface ( 27 ) of the support structure ( 7 ).   
     
     
         80 . A kit for assembling an outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 1 - 77 , and to be used with a central vacuum system ( 3 ), the kit comprising:
 a valve assembly module ( 91 ) removably mountable into the inside portion ( 21 ) of the casing assembly ( 5 ), and having a sealing component ( 93 ) through which the vacuum hose ( 17 ) is extendable, the valve assembly module ( 91 ) being operable between a first configuration where the vacuum hose ( 17 ) is freely displaceable through the sealing component ( 93 ) of the valve assembly module ( 91 ), and a second configuration where the sealing component ( 93 ) is urged about the vacuum hose ( 17 ), thereby substantially fixing the vacuum hose ( 17 ) with respect to the valve assembly module ( 91 ), and creating a seal between the vacuum hose ( 17 ) and a corresponding tubing component of the central vacuum system ( 3 ).   
     
     
         81 . A kit according to  claim 80 , wherein the valve assembly module ( 91 ) is configured to be operated independently from the casing assembly ( 5 ). 
     
     
         82 . A kit according to  claim 80  or  82 , wherein the valve assembly module ( 91 ) is detachable from the casing assembly ( 5 ). 
     
     
         83 . A retractable hose central vacuum system provided with at least one outlet box system ( 1 ) according to any one of  claims 1 - 77 .