Floor Patents (Class 174/482)
  • Patent number: 11682888
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sensor floor tile that utilizes a RF frequency transmissive disk that transmits sensor data from sensors located in a plenum of a raised floor system. An antenna is located adjacent to the disk so that sensor signals can be transmitted from the sensor located in the plenum under the floor tile to a wireless receiver located in an elevated location in a data center room, a computer room, a clean room, an office space, etc. A network connection can also be provided by the antenna when the antenna is connected to a router in the plenum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Raymond & Lae Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald M. Raymond
  • Patent number: 11259429
    Abstract: A floor cover assembly for a floor box assembly that includes a lid and a base ring. The base ring can have a slotted portion that is sized to accommodate at least partial slideable displacement of the lid, and which includes an opening that extends through the base ring. The lid or the base ring can include a plurality of locking tabs, and the other of the lid and the base ring can include a plurality of lock grooves. The locking tabs can each comprise an overhang that are sized to be received in an open end of a mating lock groove. The lock grooves can be shaped to accommodate displacement of the plurality of locking tabs within the mating lock groove, such as in connection with a slide-and-lock attachment. The lid can also be manufactured to include a lid cover having a three-dimensional image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: ABB SCHWEIZ AG
    Inventors: Jonah Kadoko, Charles C. Britton, Michael D. Martin
  • Patent number: 11189976
    Abstract: A receptacle assembly includes one or more receptacle housing members, each having an inner portion which extends outwardly beyond the housing member defining an asymmetrical opening therebetween to secure a male connector. The inner portion includes openings to secure electrical prong members from the male connector. Electrical connectors extend from the inner portion to electrical power lines from a dockside power pedestal or post. A mounting assembly portion of the retrofit receptacle assembly secures the receptacle to the dockside power pedestal or post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Smartplay Systems LLC
    Inventor: Teofilo W. Hurtado
  • Patent number: 11088521
    Abstract: A reversible leveling ring for an electrical floor box. Multiple bolt-hole patterns to enable the leveling ring to accommodate more than a single style of floor box cover. The leveling ring includes a ring body having an inner periphery and a plurality of arms extending from the inner periphery. A first set of arms includes bores extending from a first side of the ring and a second set of arms includes bores extending from a second side of the ring. The bores in the first set of arms match a circular bolt-hole pattern that is of a different diameter than the bolt-hole pattern in the second set of arms thereby enabling an installer to flip the leveling ring in order to accommodate cover plates having two bolt-hole patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: ARLINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 11063415
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sensor floor tile that utilizes a RF frequency transmissive disk that transmits sensor data from sensors located in a plenum of a raised floor system. An antenna is located adjacent to the disk so that sensor signals can be transmitted from the sensor located in the plenum under the floor tile to a wireless receiver located in an elevated location in a data center room, a computer room, a clean room, an office space, etc. A network connection can also be provided by the antenna when the antenna is connected to a router in the plenum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: RAYMOND & LAE ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventor: Donald M. Raymond
  • Patent number: 10886679
    Abstract: A retrofit receptacle assembly includes one or more receptacle housing members, each having an inner portion which extends outwardly beyond the housing member defining an asymmetrical opening therebetween to secure a male connector. The inner portion includes openings to secure electrical prong members from the male connector. Electrical connectors extend from the inner portion to electrical power lines from a dockside power pedestal. A mounting assembly portion of the retrofit receptacle assembly secures the receptacle to the dockside power pedestal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Smartplug Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Teofilo W. Hurtado
  • Patent number: 10819094
    Abstract: A protector made of a hollow plate material is externally fitted to an electric wire arranged at a position at which a load is exerted. A protector-equipped electric wire is provided with an electric wire arranged at a position at which a load is exerted, and a protector externally fitted to the electric wire. The protector is made of a folded hollow plate material, the hollow plate material including a plurality of plate-shaped portions, and interposed portions that are arranged extending in one direction between the plurality of plate-shaped portions and form hollow spaces between the plurality of plate-shaped portions, the protector including a plurality of wall portions that covers the electric wire. The plurality of wall portions including at least one load bearing wall portion that is arranged so that the direction in which the interposed portions extend corresponds to a direction in which the load is exerted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignees: AUTONETWORKS TECHNOLOGIES, LTD., SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD., SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Housei Mizuno, Yasuyuki Yamamoto, Shinya Sadohara, Kousei Nogami, Makoto Iwata
  • Patent number: 10699131
    Abstract: A method for installing a user-upgradeable load control network includes mounting backplates to electrical junction boxes throughout a building, where at least some backplates include a cavity to interchangeably accept device control assemblies, electrical contacts, and a translatable cover to shield the electrical contacts from the cavity when translated to a closed position and to expose the electrical contacts to inserted device control assemblies. The method may further include connecting the electrical contacts to electrical loads throughout the building. The method may further include installing device control assemblies into the backplates by inserting the one or more device control assemblies and translating the respective covers to the open positions. Further, an installed device control assembly is upgradeable by translating the cover to the closed position, removing the installed device control assembly, inserting device control assembly, and translating the cover to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Deako, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek Richardson, Patrick Prendergast, Chris Keeser, Allen Stedman
  • Patent number: 10553985
    Abstract: A tabletop enclosure having a fully automatic self-actuated drop-down recessing flip-top cover. After the lid has automatically, spring open it begins to autonomously recess by sliding downwardly in a smooth controlled manner into the flip-top enclosure until it is substantially recessed. According to an embodiment, the enclosure includes modular rail guides designed to receive an interchangeable combination of single, dual, or triple, sized modules, each module having easy to use alignment module rails to ease module installation. Interchangeable modules are inserted from the top of the housing frame so that the tabletop enclosure can be configured for various connectivity scenarios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Crestron Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Sorrentino, Albert Pedoeem, David Paolazzi
  • Patent number: 10006578
    Abstract: A threaded connection for double-walled pipes, including an outer pipe, an inner pipe including an outward projection having a threaded conical end, a component connector having a threaded conical end threaded with the outward projection threaded conical end to provide a first threaded connection. The connector having an annular groove and a sealing ring. The threaded connection additionally including an intermediate piece with an inner threaded surface threaded with an outward projection outer threaded surface to provide a second threaded connection configured to turn in an opposite direction with respect to the first threaded connection. The intermediate piece also having a pressing surface that presses the sealing ring against the connector, and a sliding joint engaged with an outer pipe outward projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignees: AIRBUS OPERATIONS S.L., AIRBUS MILITARY
    Inventors: Martin Espinosa Sanchez, Antonio Verdugo Del Coto
  • Patent number: 9970634
    Abstract: A remodel recessed luminaire includes a housing can that defines a first slope and a junction box that defines a second slope. Further, the housing can includes a channel to retain a thermoprotector therein, the channel being defined by an indentation formed in a top wall of the housing can. The junction box includes a top cover that is coupled to a main body of the junction box and the top wall of the housing can such that the top cover encloses a wire management cavity that is formed by the channel that is communication with a second cavity defined by the main body. Furthermore, the junction box includes a coupling feature to attach an electrical component to the junction box. The first slope and the second slope operate in unison to fit the remodel recessed luminaire through small ceiling apertures and/or ceiling apertures in thick ceilings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Grzegorz Wronski, Zhihong Lin, Steven Pyshos, Oliver Ernst
  • Patent number: 9812851
    Abstract: A raceway system for electrical conductors in a wall includes an elongated raceway for passing electrical conductors therethrough. The elongated raceway has an upper portion configured to mechanically cooperate with a mounting junction box and a lower portion configured to mechanically cooperate with an outlet junction box. At least one clip is configured to receive the elongated raceway and secure the elongated raceway to a stud within the wall. The clip may be configured to flexibly receive the elongated raceway. An outlet junction box may be coupled to the lower portion of the elongated raceway, the outlet junction box configured for attachment to an inside surface of the wall to provide therethrough access to the electrical conductors. A mounting junction box may be coupled to the upper portion of the elongated raceway, the mounting junction box configured for attachment to an upper support member within the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Inventor: Alber Hot
  • Patent number: 9758233
    Abstract: A support system for a crown area of an aircraft and a corresponding method is disclosed. The support system includes a crown integration panel (CIP). The CIP is configured to provide a mounting surface for a plurality of aircraft equipment and to provide an electrical ground for at least one of the aircraft equipment of the plurality of aircraft equipment. The system further includes a first attachment and a second attachment attached to the CIP. The first attachment and the second attachment are configured to attach to an airframe of the aircraft. The system further includes a crown raceway support (CRS) having a first end and a second end, where the first end is attached to a first end of the CIP and the second end is configured to attach to an outboard rail of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Timothy Todd King, Douglas R. Ackerman, Gil-Antonio Lora, Kenneth G. Davis, Mark J. Nadvornick, Brett N. Altmyer, Jason W. Mullins, Christopher J. Steele, Matthew R. Thomas, Cynthia T. Parrish, James R. McCune
  • Patent number: 9705298
    Abstract: An electrical floor box assembly and cover are provided. The floor box cover includes an access door that is designed to be repositioned. The access door is repositioned by lifting, sliding, or moving back and securing into one of at least two closed (flat) positions. When the access door is secured in a closed “not in service” position, the access door is watertight with a single gasket or seal. A second gasket or seal is provided below the cover for further watertightness. When the access door is secured in a closed “in service” position, one or more apertures for cords are revealed, thereby permitting cords plugged into an outlet within the floor box assembly to protrude through the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventor: Cong Thanh Dinh
  • Patent number: 9627871
    Abstract: A floor box assembly includes a floor box, a mounting plate, a below-floor insulation kit, and an intumescent stem. When the floor box is installed on a floor deck having flutes and valleys, the mounting plate straddles one or more valleys and supports the floor box. The below-floor insulation kit closes off the flutes adjacent to the valley straddled by the mounting plate, and the intumescent stem penetrates the floor deck at the bottom of the valley. When installed, the floor box assembly is held together by attachment fasteners extending from the mounting plate through the floor deck and the below-floor insulation kit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: The Wiremold Company
    Inventors: Timothy S. Bowman, Michael Guerrette, Nathan Hoffman, Craig Jones
  • Patent number: 9488699
    Abstract: Devices for sensing current are described herein. One device includes a first magnetic sensor configured to determine a first magnetic field associated with a current conductor while the current conductor is conducting a current, a second magnetic sensor, a particular distance from the first magnetic sensor, configured to determine a second magnetic field associated with the current conductor while the current conductor is conducting the current, and a fastener configured to secure the current sensor to the current conductor such that the first and second magnetic sensors are on a plane substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the current conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Andy M. Peczalski
  • Patent number: 9438070
    Abstract: An electrical article with cord-free charging zone provides users in a work area with access to low-voltage charging for portable electronic devices, in which electrical current is conveyed upon placement of an electronic device within the charging zone. The electrical article is configured for use in a work area, and includes a housing, a low voltage charging zone with power unit, and an electrical power input. The charging zone is defined along at least a portion of an upper surface of the housing. The low voltage power unit is operable to cordlessly convey electrical power to a portable electrical or electronic device that is positioned at the low voltage charging zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Inventors: Norman R. Byrne, Robert L. Knapp, Timothy J. Warwick, Roger D. Burdi
  • Patent number: 9395770
    Abstract: An apparatus and method can include: providing an inner carriage side panel having a pivot point; coupling a latch to the inner carriage side panel, the latch having a round slot, an angled slot, a round bottom, a first extension, and a second extension; coupling an outer carriage side panel to the pivot point of the inner carriage side panel the outer carriage side panel including a latching pin extending therefrom, the latching pin positioned to sit in the round slot based on the inner carriage side panel being in a closed configuration, and the latching pin positioned to fit within the angled slot based on the inner carriage side panel transitioning to an open configuration; and attaching a carriage bottom panel to the inner carriage side panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Inventor: Yuyi Lee
  • Patent number: 9394700
    Abstract: A floor tile for a data center floor is provided that includes a first tile module having a main surface including a first side wall portion and a second side wall portion extending from opposite edges of the main surface, the first side wall portion and second side wall portion each including at least one recess for receiving cabling; and a second tile module having a main further surface adapted to form a removable lid of the first tile module. A data center floor including such a floor tile and a data center including such a data center floor are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jean-Michel Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 9220342
    Abstract: A work surface coupling system has power and data capability with an elongate housing defining an internal passageway and having first and second coupling regions for coupling to one or more work surface. The housing may be a one-piece unit or multi-piece assembly, and can support at least one power or data outlet positioned therealong. The internal passageway unobtrusively supports a plurality of electrical conductors associated with power or data outlets. Optional features include one or more removable side panels, laterally-extending support pads, an accessory mounting surface, and various work surface accessories such as shelving, privacy panels, and lighting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Inventors: Norman R. Byrne, Daniel P. Byrne, Timothy J. Warwick, Brent A. Reame, Chad Zimmerman, William F. Schacht, Randell E. Pate, Robert L. Knapp
  • Patent number: 9035182
    Abstract: A cover assembly for a floor box includes a base with a central opening and a cover pivotally connected to the base by a hinge member. The hinge member has a hinge body with a first end pivotally connected to the base for pivoting with respect to the base and second end pivotally connected to the cover for pivoting with respect to the cover. A tab extends from the second end of the hinge body to contact a bottom surface of the cover to limit pivoting movement of the cover with respect to the hinge body. A slide surface is provided on the base that contacts an end of the cover during pivoting movement of the cover to prevent wear on a gasket with the opening of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: HUBBELL INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Thomas L. Scanzillo, Michael J. Marchetti, Christopher A. Carbone, Ryan G. Papageorge
  • Patent number: 9035201
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a flush floor box that can be constructed at a lower cost and is easier to install than previously utilized flush floor boxes. The flush floor box includes a base and/or a leveling ring with integral features. The integral features help to reduce the cost of producing the flush floor box. The leveling ring can include ears/tabs for use in electrically grounding a top shield of a flat floor power cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Sarah Jean Jones
  • Patent number: 8884161
    Abstract: An electrical outlet box for installing in a hole defined in a pre-existing, finished floor of a building. The outlet box comprises a box portion, a backplate, and a cover plate. The box portion comprises a first pair of opposing walls, a second pair of opposing walls, a bottom wall, and a mounting flange. Top edges of each wall of the first and second pairs of opposing walls define an open top end of the box portion. The bottom wall is affixed to bottom edges of each wall of the first and second pairs of opposing walls, thereby defining a cavity within the first and second pairs of opposing walls and the bottom wall. The cavity is adapted for receiving an electrical outlet. The mounting flange surrounds the open top end and is adapted for sitting flush against the installed floor when the outlet box is mounted in the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 8878058
    Abstract: An electrical box assembly includes an electrical box and a plurality of partition plates to divide the electrical box into separate compartments to accommodate high voltage wiring device and low voltage wiring devices. The partition plates generally have an angled portion so that compartments can access a knockout in the bottom wall of the electrical box. A plurality of device frames are positioned above the partition plates and coupled to a central support member in the electrical box and a side wall of the electrical box to support an electrical wiring device in the compartments. A cover plate having a configuration corresponding substantially to the shape of the device frame is attached to the device frame and side wall. The cover plate has an opening adapted to receive the wiring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Scott B. Wurms, Matthew J. Lawson
  • Patent number: 8723055
    Abstract: An electric plug system includes a stabilizing base, a vertical support element extending from the base, a horizontal electrical socket block having a plurality of female electrical sockets that is coupled to the top of the vertical support element, and an electrical wire extending from the horizontal electrical socket block, down the vertical element, and along or through the base and there-beyond and terminating in a male electrical plug adapted to plug into a standard wall or floor electrical outlet. The vertical support element can be a telescoping tube with a height control knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventors: Gwen Beldock, Donald T. Beldock
  • Patent number: 8446710
    Abstract: In accordance with the present disclosure, a system and method for structural power distribution in a modular data center. In particular, the present application describes a modular data center with a modular structural frame. The modular structural frame defines an enclosure, and a plurality of information handling systems may be located in the enclosure. The modular data center may also include a power distribution pathway that is at least partially disposed within the modular structural frame of the modular data center. The modular data center may also include a plurality of power distribution elements disposed within the power distribution pathway, which power the information handling systems located in the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Ty Schmitt, Mark M. Bailey, Anthony Middleton, Tyler Duncan
  • Patent number: 8388184
    Abstract: The invention provides a light emitting tufted carpet (1). The carpet (1) comprises a primary backing layer (100), an optional secondary backing layer (200), an optional adhesive layer (300), a plurality of carpet integrated LEDs (40) arranged to generate carpet light (41), and a first electric conductor (10) and a second electric conductor (20). The first electric conductor (10) and the second electric conductor (20) are arranged to provide power from a power source (50) to the LEDs (40). The primary backing layer (100) comprises a first felt layer (30?), or the optional secondary backing layer (200) comprises second felt layer (30?), or both the primary backing layer (100) and the optional secondary backing layer (200) comprise felt layers (30?,30?). One or more of the first electric conductor (10) and the second electric conductor (20) are at least partially integrated in one or more of the first felt layer (30?) and the second felt layer (30?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Maarten Marinus Johannes Wilhelmus Van Herpen
  • Patent number: 8383935
    Abstract: An adapter for a wellhead, the well having a casing and a submersible electric pump mounted within the casing, the casing having an upper end and an upwardly opening bore, the adapter including a base plate having forward and rearward ends, the base plate's rearward end being fitted for mounting over the casing's upper end and having a bore opening aperture therethrough, the base plate's forward end being forwardly oblongated and having a wire passage aperture therethrough; an annular case retaining flange having forward and rearward ends, the annular case retaining flange being fixedly attached to and extending downwardly from the base plate; a switch box having a ceiling, a floor, a left wall, a right wall, and a rear wall, the ceiling incorporating the base plate's forward end and the rear wall incorporating the annular case retaining flange's forward end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Jeff Wiechman
  • Patent number: 8378232
    Abstract: A convertible electrical floor box assembly for installation in a poured concrete floor that includes a non-metallic floor box and a metallic outer box. The non-metallic floor box includes a base plate, a perimetrical side wall with one or more openings for accessing the interior, an open top, a mating structure and an internal support structure for receiving a voltage divider. The metallic outer box includes a base plate, a perimetrical side wall with one or more apertures for accessing the interior, an open top and a mating structure. The non-metallic floor box is adapted for installation in a concrete floor or it can be used together with the metallic outer box as an assembly that is adapted for installation in a concrete floor by inserting the non-metallic floor box in the metallic outer box so that the openings and apertures are aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark R. Drane
  • Patent number: 8273998
    Abstract: An outlet box assembly for separating and insulating higher voltage power conductors from lower voltage data conductors. The assembly includes a housing, a housing divider and a bracket. The housing including at least one vertically extending side wall defining an interior space therein. The housing divider disposed within the housing and extending across the interior space forming a vertical barrier between a first housing compartment and a second housing compartment. The bracket capable of having secured thereto at least one of the higher voltage power conductors and at least one of the low voltage data conductors. The bracket including at least one partition separating conductor compartments therein, the at least one partition extending vertically and substantially perpendicular to the divider. A floor of each conductor compartment extends across at least a portion of both the first housing compartment and the second housing compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark R. Drane
  • Patent number: 8178795
    Abstract: A new and improved method is provided for repairing or retrofitting cable management apparatus used in raised flooring systems constructed to deliver a source of building air, or HVAC, while managing cables passing through an access port constructed in the raised flooring structure without jeopardizing the underfloor plenum air delivery systems. A raised floor grommet assembly provides a grommet locking mechanism defining an assembly retention system that lockingly engages and removeably disengages a first section and a second section of the grommet assembly, and an access port locking mechanism that lockingly engages and removeably disengages an access port constructed in the raised flooring structure. The unique grommet assembly provides an efficient and effective method and apparatus designed for retrofitting cable management systems and accommodates system upgrades, workstation relocation, and HVAC management.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Custom Plastic Distributors, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Roy
  • Patent number: 8138417
    Abstract: The underground storage of operational electronic equipment utilizes a hermetically sealable container adapted for receiving electronic equipment, such as a computer hard drive. The electronic equipment is placed in the container and electrically connected via a seal maintaining feedthrough to a facility proximate the container. The hermetically sealable container is sealed up and then buried underground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Dana N. Leach
  • Patent number: 8119910
    Abstract: A power and communication receptacle trough has a frame which has an upper, peripheral portion and a plurality of walls downwardly extending from the upper, peripheral portion. The frame defines an interior region. A receptacle attachment member is disposed within the interior region of the frame and is attached to the frame. The receptacle attachment member has a wave-like contour having a crest portion. At least one power or communication receptacle is connected to the receptacle attachment member. The receptacle attachment member has a central portion and the crest portion of the wave-like contour is at the central portion of the receptacle attachment member. Covers are movably attached to the upper, peripheral portion. Each cover corresponds to a respective half of the frame. A lighting device is attached to the receptacle attachment member to illuminate the interior region of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Premier Manufacturing Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Kimberly Golden, Dave Black, Glenn Golden, Russell Hayden, Jillian Pai, Sean Scott
  • Patent number: 8119912
    Abstract: A cover assembly for a floor-mounted enclosure or in-floor box includes a lid that remains flush with the floor and covers the in-floor box while permitting egress of electrical cables connected to receptacles housed in the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: The Wiremold Company
    Inventors: Steven C. Thibault, Joseph A. Milheiro, Peter Currier, Jean-Luc Godard
  • Patent number: 8063317
    Abstract: A recessed electrical outlet box for mounting in a floor. The outlet box includes a body made at least partially of intumescent material and configured to retain at least one receptacle and a retention structure receiving the body. The retention structure is configured to retain the body within a hole in the floor and contain the expansion of the intumescent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Wiremold, Co.
    Inventor: Timothy S. Bowman
  • Publication number: 20110232958
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle wiring structure that uses a power cable to connect a power source and an electrical load disposed, inside a vehicle, with a space therebetween in the vehicle front-to-back direction. The vehicle wiring structure is provided with a metal pipe (20) which is disposed on vehicle floor under surface (61), between a position below where the power source is installed and a position below where the electrical load is installed, and two ends of which are inserted into the vehicle, and a power cable that is inserted through the metal pipe (20) and connects the power source and the electrical load. The metal pipe (20) is provided slanting from the two ends toward a bottommost part (21), in the vertical direction, and the bottommost part (21) is heated by heat released from CAT (51).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD,
    Inventors: Hiroo Yamaguchi, Harumi Takedomi
  • Patent number: 8022315
    Abstract: An extension tube for an electrical floor box that includes a first section and a second section. Each section has a curved wall with an interior surface and an exterior surface, a top portion, a bottom portion and first and second side edges. The bottom portion is offset radially outwardly from the top portion by a ledge and the side edges have connecting mechanisms which join the two sections together to form the extension tube. The extension tube includes a top portion and a belled bottom portion which are formed so that the top portion of one extension tube can be inserted into the bottom portion of another extension tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert K. Jolly
  • Patent number: 8013242
    Abstract: A connection box provides power and/or data distribution for outdoor structures including decks, terraces and patios by including one or more connection points that are sheltered from moisture and harmful weather conditions by a lid having drip edges and a gasket. The connection box mounts flush with a surface so that it does not pose a tripping hazard, and can include a light to aid in locating the connection points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: The Wiremold Company
    Inventors: Steve Thibault, Jean-Luc Godard, Mark Makwinski, Richard P. Picard
  • Patent number: 7989710
    Abstract: An in-floor receptacle or electrical conduit box with a compartment divider removably attached to a gang-plate divider, a gang-plate divider removably attached to a gang-unit holder, at least one gang-unit holder removably attached to the inside of the box, and at least one knockout located on each side or floor of the box. The in-floor electrical conduit box enables the connection of permanent cables, wires or cords to temporary cables, wires or cords. The in-floor electrical conduit box further comprises a lid with at least one removable door whereby the removal of the door permits cable access to the box while the box is still covered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: FSR Inc.
    Inventors: David Hansen, John Macaluso
  • Patent number: 7989711
    Abstract: The present invention provides a floor box for electrical connectors, having: a body defined by a base and a perimetrical side wall, the body configured for partially recessed mounting into a floor, the body having an upper opening and a portion of the perimetrical side wall that are raised above the floor; and a cover having a cover body and a cover lid, the cover configured to enclose the upper opening and the raised portion of the perimetrical side wall to define a cable well therein, the cover closing over the upper opening and the perimetrical side wall to provide a sloped gradient to a surface of the floor, wherein the body is adapted for accommodating electrical fixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Kevin Jolly
  • Patent number: 7935898
    Abstract: The present invention provides a floor box for electrical connectors, having: a body defined by a base and a perimetrical side wall, the body having an upper opening, the body configured for recessed mounting into a floor; a cover having a cover body and a cover lid, the cover configured to cover the upper opening to define a cord well therein; and at least one cord lid on the cover, the cord lid configured to pivot into the body when a cable is inserted into the body, wherein the body is adapted for accommodating electric fixtures therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Kevin Jolly
  • Publication number: 20100282352
    Abstract: A clear plastic member is formed to provide channels to contain service cords and utilities. The center channel most generally will contain the power cord. The channels on each side of the center channel are of smaller cross section and may include data, communication, and utility applications in any combination. Central and part of the extruded member is a cavity that transverses the entire top area of the member. The application of this cavity is to encapsulate a pattern representative of the floor, wall, veiling, or desk that the device is being mounted to, or this cavity could also contain graphical details including the logo of the company, legends, and other customized details to provide complimentary graphical details with the power, communication, data, or utility services.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: H. Winston Maue, Jeff A. Kempf, Terri L. Tahnoose, Assi Grossman
  • Patent number: 7795544
    Abstract: An outlet box assembly for installation within a concrete floor, or any other type of poured flooring, includes a housing for accommodating a receptacle assembly with an electrical power and/or data receptacle as well as the wiring connected to the receptacle and the receptacle assembly has a self adjusting attachment ring that accommodates the tapered inner walls of the housing and the receptacle assembly accommodates either a standard electrical outlet or a multimedia outlet with connections for power and one or more of voice data and audio video data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: David M. Peck
  • Publication number: 20100193237
    Abstract: A convertible electrical floor box assembly for installation in a poured concrete floor that includes a non-metallic floor box and a metallic outer box. The non-metallic floor box includes a base plate, a perimetrical side wall with one or more openings for accessing the interior, an open top, a mating structure and an internal support structure for receiving a voltage divider. The metallic outer box includes a base plate, a perimetrical side wall with one or more apertures for accessing the interior, an open top and a mating structure. The non-metallic floor box is adapted for installation in a concrete floor or it can be used together with the metallic outer box as an assembly that is adapted for installation in a concrete floor by inserting the non-metallic floor box in the metallic outer box so that the openings and apertures are aligned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Mark R. Drane
  • Publication number: 20100163300
    Abstract: The present invention provides a floor box for electrical connectors, having: a body defined by a base and a perimetrical side wall, the body configured for partially recessed mounting into a floor, the body having an upper opening and a portion of the perimetrical side wall that are raised above the floor; and a cover having a cover body and a cover lid, the cover configured to enclose the upper opening and the raised portion of the perimetrical side wall to define a cable well therein, the cover closing over the upper opening and the perimetrical side wall to provide a sloped gradient to a surface of the floor, wherein the body is adapted for accommodating electrical fixtures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Robert Kevin Jolly
  • Patent number: 7678993
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention is an outlet box frame for installation in a hole in a floor structure. The hole having a perimeter and defining an internal wall surface in said floor structure. The frame including a walled member, at least one flange portion and a unitary retaining screw guide. The walled member being sized for insertion within the hole. The at least one flange portion extending outward from the walled member, wherein once installed at least a portion of the flange extends from the walled member past the internal wall surface. The unitary retaining screw guide supports a retaining screw. The screw guide being supported from the walled member and configured to receive the retaining screw therein. Upon installation, the retaining screw inserted in the retaining screw guide engages the hole wall without significant penetration thereof, providing at least pullout resistance of the frame from the hole. Alternatively, the outlet box frame may include the retaining screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert K. Jolly
  • Publication number: 20090194323
    Abstract: An extension tube for an electrical floor box that includes a first section and a second section. Each section has a curved wall with an interior surface and an exterior surface, a top portion, a bottom portion and first and second side edges. The bottom portion is offset radially outwardly from the top portion by a ledge and the side edges have connecting mechanisms which join the two sections together to form the extension tube. The extension tube includes a top portion and a belled bottom portion which are formed so that the top portion of one extension tube can be inserted into the bottom portion of another extension tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Robert K. Jolly
  • Patent number: 7511231
    Abstract: A lighted floor box having a transparent or translucent cover extending over a light source within the floor box. This light source illuminates the interior of the floor box while the cover permits such light to exit the box. The light source is preferably powered via the same cables that power an electrical fixture within the floor box. Furthermore, such light transmissible cover enables a user to inspect the interior of the floor box without the need to open the cover of the box in order to view its contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Drane, Robert K. Jolly
  • Publication number: 20090038842
    Abstract: An outlet box assembly for installation within a concrete floor, or any other type of poured flooring, includes a housing for accommodating a receptacle assembly with an electrical power and/or data receptacle as well as the wiring connected to the receptacle and the receptacle assembly has a self adjusting attachment ring that accommodates the tapered inner walls of the housing and the receptacle assembly accommodates either a standard electrical outlet or a multimedia outlet with connections for power and one or more of voice data and audio video data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: David M. Peck
  • Patent number: 7482536
    Abstract: An underfloor cable junction unit for installation in a raised-floor system used as cooling air supply duct for devices arranged on the raised floor and having floor panels with cooling air outlets has a top side. The top side or at least a major part of it is open to enable the passage of cooling air through the top side toward a floor panel with cooling air outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Traugott Marquardt