Patents by Inventor Michael J. Shotey

Michael J. Shotey 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: 6770815
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventors: Michael J. Shotey, Marcus J. Shotey, Edgar W. Maltby
  • Patent number: 6761582
    Abstract: An easily-installed cover plate for hiding the face of sockets by covering an electrical outlet, including the face of the sockets. The cover plate is mounted over the receptacle and has apertures for plug blades. In the preferred embodiment, the cover plate is rectangularly shaped to cover a duplex receptacle, having apertures to receive plug blades and a center hole for receiving a screw which secures the cover plate over the duplex receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventors: Michael J. Shotey, Edgar W. Maltby
  • Publication number: 20040094323
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Michael J. Shotey, Marcus J. Shotey, Edgar W. Maltby
  • Patent number: 6723922
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: TayMac Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Shotey, Marcus J. Shotey, Edgar W. Maltby
  • Patent number: 6700063
    Abstract: A weatherproof cover plate which may be installed horizontally and vertically is disclosed. In a weatherproof flat cover plate, an apron is provided to offer a water shield along at least two sides of the cover plate base. Additionally, a continuous ridge on the base is disclosed in association with a gasket and a biased hinge to provide additional protection against the weather. A novel locking clip is also disclosed. In a weatherproof bubble cover plate, a biased hinge is provided to bias the lid closed upon the base. Additionally, one or more cord catches in the base and removable knockouts in the lid are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: TayMac Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Shotey, Marcus J. Shotey, Edgar W. Maltby
  • Patent number: 6642453
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: TayMac Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Shotey, Marcus J. Shotey, Edgar W. Maltby
  • Publication number: 20030178218
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Applicant: TayMac Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Shotey, Marcus J. Shotey, Edgar Maltby
  • Patent number: 6583358
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventors: Michael J. Shotey, Marcus J. Shotey, Edgar W. Maltby
  • Patent number: 6563051
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: TayMac Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Shotey, Marcus J. Shotey, Edgar W. Maltby
  • Publication number: 20030066674
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventors: Michael J. Shotey, Marcus J. Shotey, Edgar W. Maltby
  • Patent number: 6511343
    Abstract: An easily-installed cover plate for hiding the face of sockets by covering an electrical outlet, including the face of the sockets. The cover plate is mounted over the receptacle and has apertures for plug blades. In the preferred embodiment, the cover plate is rectangularly shaped to cover a duplex receptacle, having apertures to receive plug blades and a center hole for receiving a screw which secures the cover plate over the duplex receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: TayMac Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Shotey, Edgar W. Maltby
  • Patent number: 6476321
    Abstract: A weatherproof cover plate which may be installed horizontally and vertically is disclosed. In a weatherproof flat cover plate, an apron is provided to offer a water shield along at least two sides of the cover plate base. Additionally, a continuous ridge on the base is disclosed in association with a gasket and a biased hinge to provide additional protection against the weather. A novel locking clip is also disclosed. In a weatherproof bubble cover plate, a biased hinge is provided to bias the lid closed upon the base. Additionally, one or more cord catches in the base and removable knockouts in the lid are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventors: Michael J. Shotey, Marcus J. Shotey, Edgar W. Maltby
  • Patent number: 6441307
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: TayMac Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Shotey, Marcus J. Shotey, Edgar W. Maltby
  • Publication number: 20020112873
    Abstract: A weatherproof cover plate which may be installed horizontally and vertically is disclosed. In a weatherproof flat cover plate, an apron is provided to offer a water shield along at least two sides of the cover plate base. Additionally, a continuous ridge on the base is disclosed in association with a gasket and a biased hinge to provide additional protection against the weather. A novel locking clip is also disclosed. In a weatherproof bubble cover plate, a biased hinge is provided to bias the lid closed upon the base. Additionally, one or more cord catches in the base and removable knockouts in the lid are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Michael J. Shotey, Marcus J. Shotey, Edgar W. Maltby
  • Publication number: 20020100602
    Abstract: A base for an electrical outlet cover, an electrical outlet, and manufacturing method are disclosed, the base comprising 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 is also disclosed, having a base mounting aperture backed by a retaining device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventors: Michael J. Shotey, Marcus J. Shotey, Edgar W. Maltby
  • Patent number: 6420654
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventors: Michael J. Shotey, Marcus J. Shotey, Edgar W. Maltby
  • Publication number: 20020004740
    Abstract: A marketing data collection system for collecting marketing data pertaining to a merchandiser at a target location having at least one display and transferring the marketing data to a data center. The system comprises a target location identifier code located at the target location, and a portable storage device including a code reader for reading and storing the target location identifier code and a data output device for transferring the target location identifier code to the data center. The system may include a token into which the target location identifier code is embodied. The token may comprise a magnetic strip, a magnetic bar code, an optical bar code, and the like. The portable storage device may include a clock for recording and storing a time at which the target location identifier code is inputted into the portable storage device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Inventors: Michael J. Shotey, Marcus J. Shotey
  • Patent number: 5527993
    Abstract: Weatherproof electrical enclosure apparatus includes an electrical outlet and a cover pivotally secured to the outlet for sealingly engaging outlet elements to prevent moisture and foreign material from contacting electrical elements of the outlet. Secondary sealing elements are included to insure that moisture and foreign elements are prevented from entering into and contacting the electrical elements. The cover is pivotally secured with a releasable hinge to the outlet, and the cover includes an aperture or opening through which a cord extends. Secondary seal elements help to insure that the opening in the cover is sealed about the electrical cords. A primary embodiment includes a boot disposed around the outlet itself, and cords connected to the outlet contact the boot and are sealed by the boot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Inventors: Michael J. Shotey, Michael P. McConnaughy
  • Patent number: 5273454
    Abstract: A flexible water resistant cylindrical sheath encircles an in-line electrical connector to protect it against liquid and particulate contaminants which might create an electrical hazard. Opposed ends of the sheath are closed about respective electrical conductors extending from the in-line connector to enclose the in-line connector. A shroud having flapped ends and of abrasion resistant material envelopes the sheath to protect the sheath and enclosed electrical connector against abrasion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Inventor: Michael J. Shotey
  • Patent number: D342235
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Inventor: Michael J. Shotey