Patents by Inventor Mark R. Drane

Mark R. Drane has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8153895
    Abstract: The present invention provides a weatherproof while-in-use electrical box cover. The box cover includes a base having a back wall including an opening therein for accessing an electrical outlet and permetrical base side walls extending thereabout defining an open front face. The box cover further includes a hood having a front wall for covering the open front face of the base and permetrical hood side walls extending therefrom. The hood is matable with the base and including a cooperative mating assembly on respective side walls for defining a pivot location for pivotally attaching the hood to the base. A hinge pin is insertably connected to the cooperative mating assemblies for hingedly attaching the hood to the base and the hinge pin is configured to non-releaseably engage with the cooperative mating assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark R. Drane
  • Publication number: 20120048590
    Abstract: A while-in-use electrical box cover with an improved hinge mount is provided that prevents damage to the box cover when the hood is overstressed in the open position. A hood attaches to the base of the box cover by way of a hood hinge mount and a base hinge mount. A hinge pin, or some variance thereof, is used to couple the hood hinge mount and base hinge mount. Hinge mounts are located in multiple positions allowing for horizontal or vertical mounting options of the hood. The hinge mounts are flexible to prevent the hood from being overstressed and damaging the hood or hinge pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventor: Mark R. Drane
  • Patent number: 8110743
    Abstract: An electrical box cover including a housing and a hood pivotally attached to the housing and moveable between an open and closed position. The housing includes a base wall adapted to be attached to an electrical box. The base wall is surrounded by an outwardly extending side wall. The side wall includes a first opening defined by an edge. A guard having an opening formed therein is insertable over the first opening and securable to the side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark R. Drane
  • Patent number: 8097805
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a “while-in-use” electrical box device including an electrical box housing and pivotable cover which function as an integral unit and rotate on a fixed frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Drane, Cong T. Dinh, Joey D. Magno, Jr., Robert Kevin Jolly
  • Patent number: 8052008
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention includes a cover assembly for a floor box supporting at least one receptacle mounted therein. The assembly comprises at least one cover plate, at least one lid and a lock. The cover plate for at least partially covering the floor box includes at least one lock receiving channel. The at least one lid is pivotally secured to the cover plate for movement between a closed position covering the receptacle and an open position permitting access to the receptacle. The lock retains the lid in the closed position. Also, the lock is disposed at least partially within the channel and moveable between a locking position for retaining the lid in the closed position and at least one release position wherein the lid is not retained by the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Drane, Robert K. Jolly
  • Patent number: 7999419
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a “while-in-use” electrical device cover that shuts the power off to the device when the cover is open. The power is re-activated when the cover is closed using a cam device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Drane, Joey D. Magno, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7946540
    Abstract: A coupling bracket having a back wall, first and second side walls extending from the back wall to a pair of edges, an open side opposite the back wall, a pair of opposing open ends and a passage extending between the opposing open ends. Each side wall has an open slot extending from the edge to a closed end or base. The bases of the open slots are correspondingly located and aligned and adapted to receive a rod extending through and substantially perpendicular to the side walls. The passage is adapted to receive an elongate rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Drane, Robert K. Jolly, Omid Karimnia
  • Publication number: 20110073718
    Abstract: A cable hanger is disclosed. The cable hanger may include a first latch configured to suspend the cable hanger from a strut and a second latch configured to suspend the cable hanger from the strut. The cable hanger may also include a cable saddle to hold one or more cables. When the cable hanger is suspended by the first latch and not the second latch, a gap may be formed between the cable saddle and the strut such that the cable saddle is configured to receive the one or more cables through the gap. When the cable hanger is suspended by the second latch, the gap may be closed between the cable saddle and the strut to secure the one or more cables.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Charles E. Whipple, Mark R. Drane, Andrew Cole, Joey Magno
  • Publication number: 20110005799
    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: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Mark R. Drane
  • Patent number: 7851703
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sealing member for establishing a water resistant seal between two elements which includes a resilient gasket having opposed gasket surfaces for engagement between the two elements; and a water resistant coating applied to the gasket. The water resistant coating providing releasable adhesive sealing contact with at least one of the elements. The present invention is also directed to a method of making a gasket seal for an electrical box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark R. Drane
  • Patent number: 7847199
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention provides a poke-through assembly for installation in a hole in a floor structure. The floor structure defines a floor in a first working environment and a ceiling in a second working environment. The poke-through assembly includes at least one intumescent member, a base plate and an intumescent enclosure. The intumescent member is disposed at least partially between the floor of the first working environment and the ceiling of the second working environment. The base plate supports and is disposed below the intumescent member for limiting the expansion of the intumescent member toward or into the second working environment. The intumescent cover supports the intumescent member and circumferentially surrounds at least a portion of the intumescent member, wherein expansion of the intumescent member is impeded by the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Drane, Robert K. Jolly
  • Patent number: 7799993
    Abstract: A water-resistant cover for an electrical outlet box generally includes a base and a lid hingedly coupled to the base. The base has a ridge surrounding a substantial periphery of the base, wherein the ridge includes a top wall, an outer side wall extending downwardly from the top wall and an inner side wall extending downwardly from the top wall. The inner side wall defines a recessed portion of the base and an opening in the recessed portion. The lid is received in the recessed portion in a closed position to cover the opening, wherein the ridge prevents water from entering the opening whether the cover is oriented horizontally or vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Drane, Joey Magno, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100206603
    Abstract: An electrical box cover includes a frame securable to an electrical box. The frame defines an opening to permit access to the electrical box. A lid is pivotally mounted to the frame and movable between an open and closed position. A lid biasing device is disposed between the lid and the frame, the lid biasing device urging the lid away from the closed position. A latch is disposed on the frame and movable between a latched and unlatched position. The latch, when in the latched position, engages the lid and retaining the lid in the closed position. When the latch is in the unlatched position, the lid biasing device lifts at least a portion of the lid at least partially above the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Mark R. Drane
  • 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: 20100181091
    Abstract: The present invention provides a weatherproof while-in-use electrical box cover. The box cover includes a base having a back wall including an opening therein for accessing an electrical outlet and permetrical base side walls extending thereabout defining an open front face. The box cover further includes a hood having a front wall for covering the open front face of the base and permetrical hood side walls extending therefrom. The hood is matable with the base and including a cooperative mating assembly on respective side walls for defining a pivot location for pivotally attaching the hood to the base. A hinge pin is insertably connected to the cooperative mating assemblies for hingedly attaching the hood to the base and the hinge pin is configured to non-releaseably engage with the cooperative mating assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: MARK R. DRANE
  • Publication number: 20100147547
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a “while-in-use” electrical box device including an electrical box housing and pivotable cover which function as an integral unit and rotate on a fixed frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Drane, Cong T. Dinh, Joey D. Magno, JR., Robert Kevin Jolly
  • Patent number: 7728226
    Abstract: A water-resistant cover assembly for an electrical outlet box includes a gasket sized to substantially cover the open side of the electrical outlet box, an adapter plate and a cover adapted to engage the mounting screw of the electrical fixture for mounting the cover to the outlet box. The adapter plate has an opening sized and shaped to receive a portion of the electrical fixture therein, and further includes a projection extending from a back face thereof. The projection pierces through the gasket to be frictionally held thereto and has a size adapted to be received in the aperture of the electrical fixture for aligning the adapter plate and the gasket thereto. The cover has an opening for providing access to the electrical fixture and is adapted to sandwich the adapter plate and the gasket against the electrical fixture when mounted to the outlet box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Drane, Joey Magno, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100116544
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention provides a poke-through assembly for installation in a hole in a floor structure. The floor structure defines a floor in a first working environment and a ceiling in a second working environment. The poke-through assembly includes at least one intumescent member, a base plate and an intumescent enclosure. The intumescent member is disposed at least partially between the floor of the first working environment and the ceiling of the second working environment. The base plate supports and is disposed below the intumescent member for limiting the expansion of the intumescent member toward or into the second working environment. The intumescent cover supports the intumescent member and circumferentially surrounds at least a portion of the intumescent member, wherein expansion of the intumescent member is impeded by the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Mark R. Drane, Robert K. Jolly
  • Patent number: 7674990
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention provides a poke-through assembly for installation in a hole in a floor structure. The floor structure defines a floor in a first working environment and a ceiling in a second working environment. The poke-through assembly includes at least one intumescent member, a base plate and an intumescent enclosure. The intumescent member is disposed at least partially between the floor of the first working environment and the ceiling of the second working environment. The base plate supports and is disposed below the intumescent member for limiting the expansion of the intumescent member toward or into the second working environment. Another aspect of the present invention provides a poke-through assembly including an upper frame, at least one intumescent member and an intumescent cover. The intumescent member is disposed below the upper frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Drane, Robert K. Jolly
  • Publication number: 20100051313
    Abstract: A while-in use weatherproof cover for an electrical box that includes a faceplate, a base plate and a perimetrical side wall. The base plate has an opening adapted to receive an electrical device and one or more apertures for securing the cover to the device and/or electrical box. The perimeter side wall is flexible and extends from the face plate to the base plate so that the faceplate, the base plate and the side wall define an interior. The faceplate has an opening fitted with a door that is operated by compressing the side wall. The door is movable between an open position, which allows access to the interior, and a closed position, which restricts access to the interior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Cong Thanh Dinh, Joey Magno, JR., Mark R. Drane, Robert Kevin Jolly