Apparatus for Producing Different Sized Boxes

Abstract

The present invention provides a base electrical box, and an end portion. The end portion is added to the base electrical box to substantially complete the electrical box. The electrical box also includes at least one intermediate portion that is added to complete the electrical box. The at least one intermediate portion is placed between the base electric box and the end portion.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An electrical box comprising:
 a first side with a cut out therein; and   a second side further comprising:
 a first ridge on the exterior portion of the second side; 
 a second ridge on the exterior portion of the second side; the first ridge substantially parallel to the second ridge, the first ridge and second ridge spaced apart from one another at a distance substantially equal to two sides of the cut out in the first side wall; and 
 a punch plate in the second side located between the first ridge on the exterior portion of the second side and the second ridge on the exterior portion of the second side: and 
   an element that fits the cut out in the first side of the electrical box.   
     
     
         2 . The electrical box of  claim 1  wherein the first side has at least one locking tab positioned near one edge of the cut out. 
     
     
         3 . The electrical box of  claim 2  wherein the second side has at least one slit for receiving the at least one locking tab. 
     
     
         4 . The electrical box of  claim 1  wherein the first side has a plurality of locking tabs positioned near an edge of the cut out near a back of the electrical box. 
     
     
         5 . The electrical box of  claim 4  wherein the second side has a plurality of slits positioned for receiving the plurality of locking tabs. 
     
     
         6 . The electrical box of  claim 1  further comprising plurality of punch plates on one or more sides of the electrical box. 
     
     
         7 . The electrical box of  claim 1  wherein the element that fits the cut out in the first side of the electrical box is the second side of another, substantially identical electrical box. 
     
     
         8 . The electrical box of  claim 1  wherein the element that fits the cut out in the first side of the electrical box is a box mount bracket further comprising:
 a mounting tube assembly having:
 a first end associated with the first side wall; and 
 a second main tubular member that extends out from the first side wall having a second end that includes a slotted flange. 
 
 
     
     
         9 . The electrical box of  claim 1  wherein the element that fits the cut out in the first side of the electrical box is a slide bracket. 
     
     
         10 . The electrical box of  claim 1  wherein electrical box includes an opening for receiving wire and the electrical box further comprising:
 a first angled strain relief tab: and 
 a second angled strain relief tab, the first angled strain relief tab and the second strain relief tab positioned near the opening for receiving wire, and having free ends located near each other. 
 
     
     
         11 . An electrical box comprising:
 a first side with a cut out therein; and   a second side further comprising:
 a first ridge on the exterior portion of the second side; and 
 a second ridge on the exterior portion of the second side; the first ridge substantially parallel to the second ridge, the first ridge and second ridge spaced apart from one another at a distance substantially equal to two sides of the cut out. 
   
     
     
         12 . The electrical box of  claim 11  wherein the first side has at least one locking tab positioned near one edge of the cut out. 
     
     
         13 . The electrical box of  claim 12  wherein the second side has at least one slit for receiving the at least one locking tab. 
     
     
         14 . The electrical box of  claim 11  wherein the first side has a plurality of locking tabs positioned near an edge of the cut out near a back of the electrical box. 
     
     
         15 . The electrical box of  claim 14  wherein the second side has a plurality of slits positioned for receiving the plurality of locking tabs. 
     
     
         16 . The electrical box of  claim 11  further comprising at least one punch plate on one or more sides of the electrical box. 
     
     
         17 . The electrical box of  claim 11  wherein electrical box includes an opening for receiving wire and the electrical box further comprising:
 a first angled strain relief tab: and 
 a second angled strain relief tab, the first angled strain relief tab and the second strain relief tab positioned near the opening for receiving wire, and having free ends located near each other. 
 
     
     
         18 . An electrical box comprising:
 a base electrical box; and   an end portion which is added to the base electrical box to substantially complete the electrical box.   
     
     
         19 . The electrical box of  claim 18  further comprising:
 at least one intermediate portion between the base electric box and the end portion which is added to the electrical box. 
 
     
     
         20 . The electrical box of  claim 18  having wherein the base electrical box has a size to accommodate a single gang electrical component. 
     
     
         21 . The electrical box of  claim 19  having a size to accommodate a plurality of single gang electrical components. 
     
     
         22 . The electrical box of  claim 19  wherein at least one of the intermediate portions are substantially identical to the base electrical box.