Abstract: A decorative device, such as a cornice, for crowing a variety of architectural structures also having modular and interchangeable components is disclosed. In one embodiment, a cornice comprises a horizontal base unit having a face section, a top and a bottom, and one or more interchangeable decorative modules. A decorative centerpiece for the cornice is also disclosed. Additionally, the disclosure includes novel means for attaching particular components to one another. In the preferred embodiments, the components are wood.

Abstract: A decorative device, such as a cornice, for crowing a variety of architectural structures also having modular and interchangeable components is disclosed. In one embodiment, a cornice comprises a horizontal base unit having a face section, a top and a bottom, and one or more interchangeable decorative modules. A decorative centerpiece for the cornice is also disclosed. Additionally, the disclosure includes novel means for attaching particular components to one another. In the preferred embodiments, the components are wood.

Abstract: A method for making in a single step a multiple-ply panel comprising the steps of forming and sandwiching a raw mat assembly of resinated furnish between two sheets of green incised wood veneer, applying a layer of thermosetting high-moisture tolerant adhesive at interfaces between the green veneer and core mat, and applying pressure and heat to cure the consolidated panel assembly for a duration sufficient to secure good internal bond within the substrate panel.

Abstract: A floor panel is provided for use in a sub-floor application. The floor panel has an upper member and a lower member. The upper member is made from a sheet floor material and the lower member is made from a waterproof sheet material. The lower member has a series of projections extending away from the floor panel and located adjacent to an underlying surface when the panel is in use. The projections allow moisture to drain between the floor panels and the underlying surface and also permit air circulation.

Abstract: A wood slat having hidden joining marks and therefore having a desired veneer look, and method thereof is disclosed. In one embodiment, the wood slats have a long thin rectangular shape defining a face of the wood slat. The face comprises a plurality of periphery edges of first, manufactured slats; the first, manufactured slats also have a long thin rectangular shape defining a face. According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of periphery edges effectively hide the joining marks and give the wood slat the desired veneer look.

Abstract: A decorative device, such as a cornice, for crowing a variety of architectural structures also having modular and interchangeable components is disclosed. In one embodiment, a cornice comprises a horizontal base unit having a face section, a top and a bottom, and one or more interchangeable decorative modules. A decorative centerpiece for the cornice is also disclosed. Additionally, the disclosure includes novel means for attaching particular components to one another. In the preferred embodiments, the components are wood.

Abstract: An electrical outlet in-line tap with a cord securement mechanism for preventing separation of two electrically connected electrical cords while also able to provide electrical power to at least one additional electrical socket. A base member is provided with multiple electrical sockets. The tap provides an electrical power-in plug adapted to receive electrical power from a receptacle end of an electrical power supply cord. A cord securement device is provided including an eyelet in which to receive a loop of the power supply cord. The core securement mechanism also includes a hinged gate which allows passage of the power supply cord through the eyelet when the gate is up and which prevents passage of the power supply cord through the eyelet when the gate is down. Once electrical power is provided through the power-in plug, electrical devices connected to the electrical sockets on the tap receive power.

Abstract: A rotatable electrical plug and power cord for mating with a conventional electrical outlet comprises a housing first portion and a housing second portion rotatably coupled to the housing first portion. The housing first portion carries first and second electrically conductive outlet prongs extend from the housing first portion a sufficient distance to permit the prongs to engage into an electrical outlet. The housing second portion is connected to the proximal end of a power cord such that the power cord can rotate relative to the prongs. The power has a pair of electrical conductors extending between its proximal and distal ends. A flexible conductor means electrically interconnects the power cord conductors with the respective prongs and permits the housing first portion to rotate relative to the housing second portion without imparting forces on the power cord conductors.

Abstract: A cord securement device for maintaining two interconnected electrical plugs in plugged together electrical connection. The device includes first and second eyelets secured to a base member. Each eyelet defines an opening sized to receive a looped portion of each electrical cord extending from the plugged together ends. The looped portion of each cord is urged through one eyelet to engage a hook member secured to the base member. The hook members transfer the strain of connection of the electrical cords from the plugs to the cord securement device. A method is also disclosed which maintains the electrical plugs in plugged together relationship by transferring the strain of connection from the plugs of the electrical cords to the device.

Abstract: A premold insert for securely mounting a light source within the female connector of an extension cord. The premold insert is positioned over the hot blade receiving terminal, the neutral blade receiving terminal, and the ground receiving terminal of the female receptacle. The light source is positioned within said insert such that when the insert is mounted to the terminals, the light source is secure and will not be damaged when the light-permeable plug is molded. By securing the premold insert, and hence the light source in this manner, the light source is more resilient to stress and strains. The insert acts as a shock absorber which limits the damaging effects of mechanical stresses on the light source.

Abstract: A low profile electrical plug includes a support plate formed from a rigid, nonconductive material such as a printed circuit board. Prongs extend perpendicularly from a face of the support plate and are oriented for insertion into a conventional electrical outlet. The prongs are adapted to snap into reciprocal apertures in the support plate during assembly. Paths of electrically conductive material are disposed on a face of the support plate and extend between the prongs and terminals formed in the edge of the support plate. A power cord has electrical conductors electrically connected to different ones of the prongs to provide an electrical connection to a remote device. For this purpose, each power cord conductor includes a connector adapted slide over one of the terminals and electrically contact a respective conductive path. The integral assembly of the power cord, support plate and prongs is molded in a nonconductive housing.

Abstract: A wall mountable electrical socket for securement in an opening formed in a plasterboard wall. The socket includes a wall plate having a central opening with a rearwardly extending cylindrical member, and a plug housing insertable through the opening. Guide slots in the cylindrical member guide the housing to a position of locking engagement. During insertion, the housing cams tine members of the cylindrical member into piercing engagement with the wall.