Abstract: A convertible electrical device cover including a base and an adapter coupled as an assembly and configured to accommodate an electrical device. When the convertible electrical device cover is placed in an operative position over the electrical device the adapter may be located between the electrical device and a rear of the base. A method for installing a convertible electrical device cover is also disclosed including placing the convertible electrical device cover in an operative position over an electrical device so that an adapter may be located between the electrical device and a rear of a base.

Abstract: A convertible electrical device cover including a base plate and an adapter plate that are both configured to accommodate an electrical device. When the convertible electrical device cover is placed in an operative position over the electrical device the adapter plate may be located between the electrical device and a rear side of the base plate. A method for installing a convertible electrical device cover is also disclosed including placing the convertible electrical device cover in an operative position over an electrical device so that an adapter plate may be located between the electrical device and a rear side of a base plate.

Abstract: A simplified installation design for an in-use cover for an electrical outlet includes conical mounting screw holes in the outlet box and movement-restricting guides to ensure the mounting screw aligns with the mounting screw holes. Angled side mounting screw holes allow the outlet box to be installed with screws from within the box rather than the conventional nails outside the box. In particular embodiments of the invention, prongs, screws, clamps, heat stakes or other attachment components extend from the back of the insert to allow for pre-installment attachment of the electrical device directly to the insert. This also simplifies installation of the recessed in-use covers. Adaptors may optionally be included to allow the device to be adapted for use with a variety of sizes and shapes of electrical devices. An alternate embodiment of the invention includes a recessed in-use outlet formed of an electrical box, a receptacle, a cover plate and a cover to allow for simple installation with fewer parts.

Abstract: A convertible electrical device cover including a base plate and an adapter plate configured to accommodate an electrical device. When the convertible electrical device cover is placed in an operative position over the electrical device the adapter plate may be located between the electrical device and a rear side of the base plate. A method for installing a convertible electrical device cover is also disclosed including placing the convertible electrical device cover in an operative position over an electrical device so that an adapter plate is located between the electrical device and a rear side of a base plate.

Abstract: An electrical cover plate includes a base having a planar member. A first set of removable tabs is connected to the base so that removal of the first set of removable tabs forms a first set aperture, and a second set of removable tabs is connected to the base so that removal of the second set of removable tabs forms a second set aperture. The first set aperture and the second set aperture may each be bounded by an aperture periphery line so that the aperture periphery lines intersect. Also, the first tab set and the second tab set may have at least one tab in common, and each tab set may be bounded by a tab set periphery line so that the tab set periphery lines intersect. The tabs may be connected to the base by grooved connectors, connecting tabs, or other connections that removably connect the tabs to the base.

Abstract: A convertible electrical device cover including a base plate and an adapter plate that are both configured to accommodate an electrical device. When the convertible electrical device cover is placed in an operative position over the electrical device the adapter plate may be located between the electrical device and a rear side of the base plate. A method for installing a convertible electrical device cover is also disclosed including placing the convertible electrical device cover in an operative position over an electrical device so that an adapter plate may be located between the electrical device and a rear side of a base plate.

Abstract: A base for an electrical outlet. The electrical outlet includes a mounting screw aperture disposed along a longitudinal axis for receiving a mounting screw having a mounting screw head to mount the electrical outlet to a box. The mounting screw head has a mounting screw head diameter. The electrical outlet also has at least one socket face for receiving an electrical plug. The base includes a substantially planar backing member, the backing member including at least one aperture for receiving the at least one socket face. The base also includes a keyhole slot disposed in the backing member and having first and second keyhole slot apertures. The first keyhole slot aperture is larger than the mounting screw head diameter. The second keyhole slot aperture is smaller than the mounting screw head diameter and is disposed in the backing member at a location on the longitudinal axis and aligned with the mounting screw aperture when the base is mounted to the electrical outlet using the mounting screw.

Abstract: A base for an electrical outlet cover, an electrical outlet, and manufacturing method, the base including a backing member containing various mounting apertures designed to permit the passage of fastening devices, other apertures to allow access to portions of the electrical outlet, and sidewalls adapted to support and strengthen the base and to provide a place of attachment for hinges to which a cover may be attached. At least a portion of the backing member adjacent to a mounting aperture is flexible, whereby upon the application of pressure the mounting aperture can expand to receive a screw head therethrough and upon the release or discontinuation of such pressure the mounting aperture can return to its relaxed state, thus allowing the base to be installed over an existing electrical outlet without the need to remove any mounting screws. An alternate embodiment includes a base mounting aperture backed by a retaining device.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an outlet cover for mounting to an electrical box through the use of box screws, device mounting screws, or both. The cover, which may be made from die-casting techniques, includes a base having a raised body portion and a plurality of corners. Each of the corners may have slots, keyholes or a combination of either which are sized to receive a box screw for securing the cover to the outlet box. The raised body portion has a sidewall and a planar section. The sidewall spaces the planar section away from the four corners so as to recess the corners with respect to said planar section. A plurality of knockouts may also be used which permit the cover to be configurable to accommodate electrical devices such as toggle switches, GFCI outlets, duplex outlets, and circular outlets. The knockouts may face inwardly.