Devices and methods for flangeless installations
View Patent ↗A flangeless mounting system, suitable for in-wall speakers and other objects, includes a panel that replaces a substantial section of wallboard instead of being installed behind the wallboard. In preferred embodiments a rim extends outwardly from a first surface of the panel by a distance of less than ½ inch, and preferably by only ⅛ inch or even 1/16 inch. The face of the object can be quite large, up to 40 in 2 or more, and still be relatively small with respect to the panel. Panels are contemplated that have a width at least two, three or more times that of the face of the object, and along with optional wings are wider than the stud separation in the wall.
1. A device for facilitating installation of a device in a wall having a wallboard supported from behind by at least first and second supporting members, comprising:
a panel sized and dimensioned to be approximated in an end-to-end fashion with the wallboard;
an opening defined by the panel, wherein the panel has a remaining front facing surface area of at least 25 in 2 ;
a first attachment means that couples the panel to the first supporting member;
a second attachment means that couples the panel to the wallboard; and
a spackle rim disposed about the opening, and extending outwardly from a first surface of the panel by a distance of less than ¼ inch.
2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the opening has a length that is no more than half a length of the panel.
3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the front facing surface area is at least 3 times a front facing area of the opening.
4. The device of claim 1 wherein the front facing surface area is at least 5 times a front facing area of the opening.
5. The device of claim 1 wherein the opening has a front facing surface area of 20-40 in 2 .
6. The device of claim 1 wherein the opening has a front facing surface area of 40-80 in 2 .
7. The device of claim 1 wherein the rim extends outwardly from the first surface by no more than ⅛ in.
8. The device of claim 1 further comprising a bracket supported by the panel at the opening.
9. The device of claim 7 wherein the bracket is sized and dimensioned to receive a light switch.
10. The device of claim 7 wherein the bracket is sized and dimensioned to receive an electrical outlet.
11. The device of claim 7 wherein the bracket is sized and dimensioned to receive a speaker housing.
12. The device of claim 7 wherein the bracket includes the rim.
13. The device of claim 1 wherein the panel extends at least 3 inches horizontally and vertically from the opening.
14. The device of claim 1 wherein the panel extends at least 5 inches horizontally and vertically from the opening.
15. The device of claim 1 wherein the panel comprises a material different from drywall.
16. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a third attachment means that couples the panel to the second supporting member.