Abstract: A retractable electric wall outlet assembly for providing selective access to receptacles includes a cover plate with an electrical box pivotally coupled for movement therethrough. The electrical box includes electrical receptacles and is pivotally movable between a retracted configuration in which the receptacles are not accessible and an extended configuration in which the receptacles are accessible. An electric box front surface is generally flush with a cover plate front surface at the retracted configuration while the electric box is forwardly extended at the extended configuration. A latch assembly including a latch member and slot structure is mounted to a rear surface of the electric box and cover plate for selectively holding or releasing the electric box to move between configurations. The latch member is biased to be selectively held or released from cooperating deep and shallow slots regulates movement between configurations.

Abstract: A retractable electric wall outlet assembly includes a housing with an electrical box capable of retraction or extension relative to the housing. A cam member coupled to a housing back plate includes rails which alternately define deep and shallow slots. A push-button plunger is coupled to the electrical box and extends into the housing. A ratchet is positioned for movement in the cam member, the ratchet and plunger having teeth configured to engage one another upon depression of the plunger. Depression of the plunger causes its teeth to engage and move corresponding ratchet teeth along respective rails from deep slots into adjacent shallow slots where they are retained, thus positioning the electrical box in a retracted configuration. A consecutive plunger depression causes the plunger teeth to engage and move respective ratchet teeth into adjacent deep slots where they are biased to move the electrical box to an extended configuration.

Abstract: A retractable electric wall outlet assembly includes a housing with an electrical box capable of retraction or extension relative to the housing. A cam member coupled to a housing back plate includes rails which alternately define deep and shallow slots. A push-button plunger is coupled to the electrical box and extends into the housing. A ratchet is positioned for movement in the cam member, the ratchet and plunger having teeth configured to engage one another upon depression of the plunger. Depression of the plunger causes its teeth to engage and move corresponding ratchet teeth along respective rails from deep slots into adjacent shallow slots where they are retained, thus positioning the electrical box in a retracted configuration. A consecutive plunger depression causes the plunger teeth to engage and move respective ratchet teeth into adjacent deep slots where they are biased to move the electrical box to an extended configuration.