Conduit And Housing Patents (Class 174/481)
  • Patent number: 7279643
    Abstract: The invention is a toneable conduit that can transmit a signal and be readily detected by toning equipment. The conduit can be coupled with other conduit to provide extended lengths of conduit. The toneable conduit includes an elongate polymeric tube having a wall with an interior surface, an exterior surface, and a predetermined wall thickness. A channel preferably extends longitudinally within the wall of the elongate polymeric tube; a stabilizing rib extends longitudinally along the interior surface of the wall of the elongate polymeric tube and is located radially inward from the channel. A continuous wire is coincident with the channel in the elongate polymeric tube and preferably coated with a composition that prevents it from adhering to the polymer melt that forms the elongate polymeric tube. The present invention includes methods of making the toneable conduit and methods of coupling a first toneable conduit with a second toneable conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Commscope Solutions Properties, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Norman Morrow, Robert Miller Ward, Jr., Zeb Leonard Kale, Michael Ray Bailey, Christopher Gemme, George Bollinger, Scott Lumley
  • Patent number: 7276659
    Abstract: An enclosure includes an enclosure body section having a first side which is at least partially open. The enclosure body section includes a second side adjacent to the first side, the second side having a cut-out extending to and open along the at partially open area of the first side and defining a cable entry section of the enclosure. A closure member is mountable to the enclosure body section to at least partially cover the cable entry section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Hoffman Enclosures, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Thrift, Todd J. Mickley
  • Patent number: 7271350
    Abstract: A surface mounted support assembly that is alignable with an electrical box installed at any position. A first bracket is adapted to be secured to the support and has a plurality of openings adapted to receive wiring from an electrical box secured to the support. A cover is connected to and disposed over the first bracket the first bracket. A cover ring is connected to the cover and adapted to receive an electrical fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Steven J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7267305
    Abstract: A tripod head (5, 5?) is provided for a support for a supply device for patients, with an elongated supply part (10, 10?) with feeds (11, 12) of supply lines and a carrying device (13, 13?, 14, 14?, 16, 19) attached to the supply part for carrying appliances. The carrying device is adjustable in position on the supply part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Trumpf Kreuzer Medizin Systeme GmbH + Co.KG
    Inventors: Friedhelm Kreuzer, Heinrich Röder
  • Patent number: 7262370
    Abstract: A cable support assembly for routing electrical, communication, or data cables throughout a building. The cable support assembly includes cable trays and brackets for securing the cable trays to an overhead structure. Tray couplers are provided for coupling tray sections together. The brackets include a base portion and an integral downward-depending band. The brackets are first secured to the overhead structure to establish a desired path for the cables. A cable tray is then slid end-wise through the secured brackets and is cradled by the downward-depending bands. Adjacent cable trays are joined with couplers to create a cable support assembly in which the cable tray provides support for any electrical, communication, or data cables installed therein. The base portion of the brackets includes a cuttable portion that can be cut to split the base portion and thereby enable the brackets to be used for supporting cables in a retrofit situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7262371
    Abstract: Raceway modules of predetermined length are joined by couplers designed to allow optional gaps between the T-shaped raceway base plate portions. Upper and lower L-shaped raceway covers are separately snapped out the base, allowing electrical and data/communication devices to be provided in staggered relationship, and anywhere along the raceway. The lower L-shaped raceway cover configuration allows outlet devices to be provided in the lower side of the raceway. The T-shaped base plate has prepunched knock-out openings and mounting holes provided in a predetermined pattern, and prepunched lines of weakening, that simplify the installation process. The couplers come in several lengths and configurations, to bridge crossing raceway or other obstructions, and to provide continuity in the gaps between the raceway modules. Prewired cover components are fitted with spaced outlet devices for installation in areas of a room that require such service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: The Wiremold Company
    Inventors: Mark Makwinski, Richard R. Picard, Jeffery Hemingway, Shawn Stempinski
  • Patent number: 7259337
    Abstract: A rain tight multi-position conduit junction box kit with improved electrical grounding and sealing including a conduit junction box with a hollow junction box body having a top, a bottom, opposing side walls, a rear wall and an open front, and six apertures in the flat areas around each aperture and adapted for receiving four aperture cover plates and two fittings with an extra fitting which may be substituted for one of the cover plates in each of the top, bottom, rear wall and opposing side walls. The box has aperture cover plates for some of the apertures not used in a particular installation and conduit fittings for the remaining apertures used for the engagement of conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7256346
    Abstract: The rail profile (1,2) is provided for vertical inclusion in a support structure (9) with a function as a presentation device. A current rail (3) with a power supply is provided within the profile rail (1,2), with current conductors (35,36) partially embedded in an insulation profile. A passage running through the profile rail (1,2) from the front access thereto, runs all the way along the profile rail (1,2) and permits access for an adapter (4) to the current conductors (35,36) in freely selectable positions for the supply of a user (79), for example a lamp. In the assembled state, in principle, only the passage is visible from the front side (90) of the support structure (9). In a further embodiment of the profile rail (2), support arms (8) are included in the passage which serve for the direct hanging of objects, or for the retention of supports (7). Support structures (9) can, for example, be sales stands, rear, middle or dividing walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Visplay International, AG
    Inventor: Herbert Walter
  • Patent number: 7257466
    Abstract: A control device operates to selectively provision power. The control device can be implemented as part of an electrical apparatus, such as a computer, television, VCR, hairdryer or other device which operates on AC power. The control device can be also implemented as part of a common power outlet or breaker system typically found in businesses and households.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventor: Barrett Kreiner
  • Patent number: 7250571
    Abstract: An electrical box assembly for nail-free mounting to a stud. The assembly includes an electrical enclosure and a bracket affixed to the enclosure, the bracket defining a stud receiving cavity and a clamping leg. The clamping leg extends into the stud-receiving cavity. The leg is being movable between a first stud-receiving position and a second stud-securing position whereupon insertion of the stud into the cavity moves the clamping leg from the stud-receiving position to the stud-securing position thereby securing the enclosure to the stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Joey Magno
  • Publication number: 20070144777
    Abstract: A line guard is configured so as to have a very large air gap with a small overall physical size of the device. Opposed interleaved sets of plural insulating leaves are formed along a discontinuity extending along the length of the line guard so as to greatly extend the length of the air gap. This air gap structure allows the overall size of the line guard to be small thus providing advantages of reduced weight, ease of handling, and ease of storage. A two piece coupler apparatus is provided for joining adjacent line guards in a way that is both flexible and provides sufficient dielectric to operate at high voltages in a small package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Publication date: June 28, 2007
    Inventors: Masari Nishiguchi, Takuo Chikahira
  • Patent number: 7234889
    Abstract: An accessory for connecting a portion of a first conduit to a portion of at least one second conduit or to another accessory, which accessory includes a base element and an end element including complementary engagement elements co-operating with one another to allow relative displacement between the end element and the base element between a position in which the end element is deployed relative to the base element, and a position in which the end element is retracted onto the base element. The accessory includes resilient return elements distinct from the complementary engagement elements and suitable for acting between the base element and the end element in order to return the end element into the deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignees: Legrand France, Legrand SNC
    Inventor: Bruno Gautier
  • Patent number: 7235739
    Abstract: A junction box extension method and apparatus for creating additional space proximate an existing junction box without having to remove the existing junction box. The junction box extension has an open box with a lip on one side and a rim on the other, a flange for holding the box proximate the existing junction box where the lip of the open box protrudes beyond the wall, and a cover to provide a finished appearance as the junction box extension engages the junction box to provide additional useable space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventors: Lloyd Herbert King, Jr., Michael Belgeri, James C. Keeven, William Hiner
  • Patent number: 7227080
    Abstract: A self-trimming in-wall receptacle and method therefor, comprising a receptacle having a storage area, a trim and a coupling mechanism that allows a person to insert the receptacle into an opening in a wall. The receptacle is self-trimming and easy to couple to a wall, eliminating the need for complicated installation. The self-trimming in-wall receptacle can substantially flush-mount wall-mounted electrical objects such as smoke detectors, air conditioning control units, alarm keypads, doorbell chime boxes and the like, as well as store other objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventors: Kim Kregle, Kevin E. Kregle
  • Patent number: 7227085
    Abstract: A conduit body assembly that can easily be reconfigured at a job site into any of several specific conduit body configurations, depending on the particular requirements at the site. The assembly includes a conduit body and one or more hubs that may be secured to the conduit body to form various conduit bodies such as LB, C, T, LL, or LR. The conduit body includes a bottom, side walls, end walls, and a top cover. The bottom, side walls, and end walls each include one or more threaded apertures and a threaded blank installed in each aperture. The hubs each include a threaded inner end. One or more blanks may be removed from the apertures on the conduit body and replaced by a hub at each such aperture to form various conduit bodies such as LB, C, T, LL, or LR. The conduit body assembly of the present invention makes it very simple for an installer to configure a conduit body to fit a particular need at the job site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7223918
    Abstract: The invention relates to a single-part cable clamp with a base (1) which is fixed to a carrier part, a bearing surface formed on said base (1) for a cable or bundle of cables which are to be fixed and a cable cover (6) which is joined to the base (1) by means of a flexible strip (5), said cable cover encompassing the cable or bundle of cables and being able to be engaged with the base (1), said base (1) being U-shaped. The insides of the U-shaped limbs (3) of the base are provided with transversally extending ribs (4) as known per se. A clamp cover (6) is joined to the upper edge of one U-shaped limb (3) by means of a flexible strip (5). Said cover can be inserted between the U-shaped limbs (3) and an adjustable fixed control element (9), preferably in the form of a screw head is formed thereon and can be placed in two positions. In one position thereof, the fixed control element (9) engages with the ribs (4) of the U-shaped limbs (3). In another position, said control element is disengaged therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: A. Raymond & CIE
    Inventor: Stéphane Gelibert
  • Patent number: 7223925
    Abstract: A cover fitting for connecting more than one raceway includes an L-shaped top having first and second curved grooves extending along the inner surface of the top and a plurality of hooks extending outwardly from the inner surface for engaging a portion of each raceway base. The cover fitting further includes first and second opposing sides extending from the inner surface of the top. The cover fitting can be used with a fitting base received in first and second grooves for situations requiring a specific bend radius, or in applications without a fitting base, where there are no bend radius requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Stephen Ewer, David McBain, Gary W. Bateson
  • Patent number: 7214875
    Abstract: A two-piece electrical box including a box member having a channel formed in one sidewall. An insert can be locked into the channel to form an electrical enclosure. The insert includes an internal mounting arrangement for mounting the electrical box in either new work or old work applications. The combined box member and insert with the internal mounting arrangement provides an electrical box having a significantly larger internal volume than prior art one-piece molded electrical boxes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7211727
    Abstract: The present invention overcomes the deficiencies with respect to the prior art devices by providing a plurality of straps joined together with frangible members which can be separated to form a gang of one or more straps which are coupled together for mounting wiring modules to wall boxes. The number of straps in a gang of straps used to couple the wiring modules to the wall boxes is determined by the number of wall boxes that are being used. Each strap of the present invention has a single opening defined by two side members where each side member has projections interposed with recesses for capturing and holding a wiring module. The modular strap accurately positions, aligns and locates all of the wiring modules relative to each other and positions them to a flat plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventors: James Pearse, legal representative, Paul Kadar, James N. Pearse, deceased
  • Patent number: 7208680
    Abstract: A bracket assembly for supporting an electrical enclosure. The bracket assembly includes a bracket extending from an electrical enclosure and a flange extending from the bracket. The flange is designed to support one or more biasing structures which engage the support structure, such as a stud, to secure the bracket assembly thereto. The bracket assembly may further include gripping teeth to provide further securement thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts, International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark R. Drane
  • Patent number: 7205488
    Abstract: An underfloor receptacle box, including a housing having at least one opening including a first opening, a lid detachably attached to the housing substantially closing the first opening; and an insert having at least one angled wall, the insert being removably connected to the housing, the insert having a continuous wireway between said at least one angled wall and said housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Pent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond H. Riner
  • Patent number: 7205487
    Abstract: An electrical assembly for use with an electrical distribution system used in a modular furniture system. The electrical assembly includes a flexible sleeving with a first sleeving end which has a first cross-section of a first geometrical shape, and a conduit with a first conduit end which has a second cross-section of a second geometrical shape, where the second geometrical shape is different than the first geometrical shape. A coupler is over-molded the first sleeving end and the first conduit end. The coupler includes a first coupler end and a second coupler end, the first coupler end has a first aperture complimentary in shape to the first cross-section, and the second coupler end includes a second aperture complimentary in shape to the second cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Pent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Brad W. Plattner
  • Patent number: 7193159
    Abstract: A raceway base has a T-shaped configuration that mounts to a flat surface so that the stem of the T defines a divider wall for isolating adjacent wire-ways with low voltage data/com cabling and high voltage power cabling. L-shaped raceway covers are separately secured to the raceway base, and allow for outlet devices to be mounted in one of these raceways in a gap between spaced L-shaped raceway covers. A U-shaped device bracket is adapted to be snapped in place one of these wire-ways, and a housing or shroud cooperates with the device bracket to define a pathway for cables crossing through openings in the dividing wall of the base, for connection to outlet devices oriented perpendicular to the flat surface. This geometry provides a generous radius of curvature for data/communication cabling carried in one wire-way, and connected to downwardly facing outlet jacks in the lower wall of the other L-shaped raceway cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: The Wiremold Company
    Inventors: Mark Makwinski, Richard R. Picard, Shawn Stempinski, Jeffery Hemingway
  • Patent number: 7189928
    Abstract: A drywall extension sleeve for an electrical box includes a rectangular sleeve with upper and lower flanges. The extension box preferably has an outer dimension that mates with a drywall ring or box. The sleeve is preferably attached to a pre-wired assembly which includes an electric cable and electrical box, drywall ring and the electrical component wired to the cable. The extension sleeve is positioned between the drywall ring or box and the electrical component. The electrical assembly is installed and drywall is then attached to the framed-in wall. An opening is provided through the drywall for the electrical component. The electrical component is then loosened and the extension sleeve and electrical component moved outwardly. Retention clips are placed in upper and lower flanges of the extension sleeve and the electrical component is tightened, drawing the extension and the component flush against the outer surface of the drywall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Denier Electric Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis J. Denier
  • Patent number: 7186913
    Abstract: A square electrical box molded in one-piece of plastic material has three ENT connectors extending outwardly from each box sidewall. The connectors on each sidewall include a middle connector and two outer connectors. All of the middle connectors are sized for receiving one-half inch standard trade size ENT conduit. Both of the outer connectors one pair of opposite sidewalls are sized for receiving three-quarter inch standard trade size ENT conduit. The other pair of opposite sidewalls have one outer connector sized to receive three-quarter inch standard trade size ENT conduit and another outer connector sized to receive one-inch standard trade size ENT conduit. The box has attachment ears extending outwardly from the box corners along diagonal lines that extend across diagonally opposite ones of the box corners. An adapter attached to a front surface of the box has attachment ears aligned with the box ears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: The Lamson & Sessions Co.
    Inventors: Eric G. Hull, Charles H. Riedy, Robert M. Gudin
  • Patent number: 7186915
    Abstract: A square electrical box molded in one-piece of plastic material has three connectors extending outwardly from each box sidewall for receiving different sizes of electrical nonmetallic tubing. The box internal corners are occupied by bosses that extend the full height of the corners and have fastener receiving holes therein. Attachment ears extend outwardly from the box, and an adapter attachable to a front surface of the box has attachment ears aligned with the box ears. Fastener receiving holes through the ears are configured to receive fasteners that are inwardly inclined toward the box central longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: The Lamson & Sessions Co.
    Inventors: Eric G. Hull, Charles H. Riedy, Robert M. Gudin
  • Patent number: 7183488
    Abstract: A conduit includes an elongate member with an outer surface and an inner surface defining an inner passage for enclosing one or more electrical signal conductors therein, and an electromagnetic shield disposed coaxially with the elongate member to block electromagnetic radiation emitted by the one or more electrical signal conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Secured Systems Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Craig McCarthy, John Edwards, legal representative, G. Bradford Saunders, Stanley Dunaway, deceased
  • Patent number: 7183502
    Abstract: An extendable channel unit such as molding unit (21) has a pair of telescopically arranged relatively extendable conduits (55, 75) with a conductor (22) interconnected in conductive relation between the conduits, with an intermediate section (137) of the conductor effective to accommodate the relative extension of the conduits. The intermediate section may include a sinuous configuration (133) or expandable coils (139). The channel unit may be installed along a wall (145) or other surface for decoratively covering the installation of the conductor for connection with an operated device (153). The channel unit may be installed into an extendable ramp (163) when installed along a floor, such as within a doorway (171). Two joints (308, 310) provide freedom of rotation about the conductor axis on opposed sides of an angled joint (312) that provides freedom of rotation about an axis disposed at a 45° angle to the axis of the conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventors: David H. Johnston, Richard A. Clark
  • Patent number: 7180010
    Abstract: An adjustable electrical service entrance head device for minimizing a negative aesthetic impact of the electrical service cable or conduit assembly against the structure. The adjustable electrical service entrance head device includes a housing and a clamp member. The housing preferably has an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion defines an interior space substantially closable from an external environment. The housing is operationally coupleable to a structure. The clamp member is preferably operationally coupleable to the lower portion, and selectively receives an electrical service cable or conduit assembly. The clamp member is variably positionable referenced to the lower portion to facilitate routing the electrical service cable or conduit assembly to minimize a negative aesthetic impact of the electrical service cable or conduit assembly against the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Sean Boyle
  • Patent number: 7176377
    Abstract: An assembly that enables easy mounting of an electrical box on an unfinished at a desired offset from the wall's eventual surface. The assembly includes an electrical box and a slide member. The slide member includes a flange having a rear surface, an opening therein, and arms extending rearwardly from the rear surface. The electrical box includes sidewalls having apertures therein, a front opening, a front edge, and a cavity for receiving an electrical device. The slide member is slideable with respect to the electrical box. A mounting arrangement is included on the flange for securing the slide member to the wall. A fastening and adjustment arrangement on the arms enables the box to be secured to the slide member and also enables easy adjusting of the offset of the front edge of the box from the wall surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7176376
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for securing a box cover to a watt-hour meter socket box. In certain embodiments, the apparatus has a clamping member that fits over a wall of a meter box, and a lock housing that locks to the clamping member after a box cover has been installed, thereby securing the cover to the box in a manner such that the box cover cannot be installed unless the clamping member has been installed correctly. In various other embodiments, the clamping member includes a clamp disposed between a clamp actuating member and a fastening shelf. In various other embodiments, the clamp includes a stopping member for indicating when the clamp actuating member is actuated into a fully secured position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: DeWalch Technoloiges, Inc.
    Inventor: John Stachowiak, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7173194
    Abstract: An under-floor box system including a floor having an opening therein and a floor box position in the opening of the floor. The full box includes a housing and at least one fastening device partially retractable within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Pent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Rupert
  • Patent number: 7170015
    Abstract: A joist has a front surface and first and second opposite side surfaces. The side surfaces extend in a rearward direction from the front surface. They also extend in a lateral direction perpendicular to the rearward direction. An electrical box has a hole configured to receive a fastener that fastens the box to the first side surface. The box further has a side wall and a rear wall together defining a cavity that is isolated by the box from the hole. The cavity is configured to extend along both side surfaces of the joist and to contain electrical connections. The side wall extends laterally beyond the hole and the rear wall is located rearwardly beyond the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: The Lamson & Sessions Co.
    Inventors: Mark A. Roesch, Dennis P. Revlock, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7170003
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cut-in box that is stabilized without the support of a neighboring stud. Tabs extend from some or all of the sidewalls of the box and retract to a position flush with the sidewalls while the box is inserted into an appropriate wallboard opening. Because the tabs are spaced from the front face of the box at a distance substantially equal to the thickness of the wallboard, the tabs spring back to their original position when the front face of the box reaches a position that is essentially flush with the wallboard. A threaded rod projects from the rear wall of the cut-in box and is extensible to reach the sheet of wallboard opposite to the rear face of the cut-in box. The combined action of the tabs and of the threaded rod holds the cut-in box securely in place within the wallboard opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Dan Fields
  • Patent number: 7166801
    Abstract: A two-piece electrical box assembly for recessing a duplex receptacle or similar electrical device within a wall. An inner box portion is constructed of metal and includes sidewalls and a back wall defining a cavity therein. The cavity is capable of receiving the electrical device therein. An outer box portion includes an outward extending flange and provides a protective enclosure surrounding the inner box portion and the electrical device within the inner box portion. The electrical box assembly is capable of recessing into a hole in a wall until the outward extending flange is flush with the wall. A cover on the outer box portion can be closed to provide a rainproof enclosure therein for the plug ends of electrical cords while they are connected to the electrical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7164083
    Abstract: An electrical outlet covering apparatus includes a housing that has a back wall and a peripheral wall. The back wall has a pair of openings extending therethrough that are alignable with one of a pair of female outlets. The peripheral wall includes has a bottom wall that has a slot therein. A covering includes a front wall and a perimeter wall that is attached to and extends away from the front wall. The perimeter wall has an inner surface defining a cavity for receiving the housing. The covering is removably positionable on and over the housing. The perimeter wall has a notch therein that is aligned with the slot when the covering is positioned on the housing. A male power plug may be plugged into one of the female wall outlets and a cord attached thereto extended downwardly through the slot and notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Edgar Carroll
  • Patent number: 7157648
    Abstract: A sliding module employing a semi-automatic opening/closing of the portable terminal, is disclosed. A driving force is used to open and close the sliding-type portable terminal with the resilient force of an elastic means, by converting the direction of the driving force by means of sliders formed on a sliding guide and a sliding plate, respectively. Thus, a user can conveniently manipulate the sliding-type portable terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Joseph Juseop Park
  • Patent number: 7154052
    Abstract: A device plate for mounting a communications device to a raceway defining a wireway, the device plate including a base having first and second opposing sides and defining an opening therethrough for providing access to the wireway when the device plate is attached to the raceway. The device plate being attachable to the raceway such that the first side of the base faces the wireway. The device plate includes a coupler support extending generally perpendicular from the first side of the base adjacent the opening therein such that the coupler support extends into the wireway when the base is attached to the raceway. The coupler support adapted for mounting a coupler thereto. The device plate further including means for attaching the base to the raceway and means for mounting a communications device to the second side of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: The Wiremold Company
    Inventor: Shawn Stempinski
  • Patent number: 7154051
    Abstract: An angle connection accessory is to be disposed at the junction between at least two skirting ducts extending in different directions. The angle connection accessory includes a plate having: a web; an inlet side face and an outlet side face that extend perpendicularly to at least one partition that is perpendicular to the web and that mutually isolates a first compartment and a second compartment; and an outlet face parallel to the partition via which firstly the first compartment opens directly to the outside, and secondly the second compartment also opens to the outside via a channel isolated from the first compartment and extending substantially perpendicularly to the partition between the second compartment and the outlet face. The plate includes two flaps hinged relative to each other via a hinge so as to form an angle between them, the channel extending at the join between the two flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignees: Legrand France, Legrand SNC
    Inventor: Tristan Mathieu
  • Patent number: 7151222
    Abstract: A wire shield has a first tubular section for attachment to a fixed component. A second tubular section is integrally joined to the first tubular section along a common longitudinal axis. The second tubular section has an outer diameter with an outer surface. A small key protrudes from the outer surface. A third tubular section has an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the second tubular section. An opening having spaced borders extends through the third tubular section. The third tubular section is fit around, and is able to slide upon, the second tubular section with the key positioned in the opening. A mounting device and a support for an electrical connector extending from the third tubular section are adjustable in longitudinal and angular position relative to the first and second tubular sections within limits defined by contact of the key with the borders of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Yazaki North America, Inc.
    Inventor: James Thomas Jetton
  • Patent number: 7148421
    Abstract: A lid (20) and a cover main body (10) are formed with sliding contacts (17, 23) that slide in sliding contact with each other immediately before the lid (20) reaches a lid-closing position for damping biasing forces given from coil springs (30) to the lid (20). Frictional resistance is created by the sliding contact of the sliding contacts (17, 23) and the biasing forces given from the torsion coil springs (30) to the lid (20) are damped by this frictional resistance. In this way, an impact given when the lid (20) reaches the cover main body (10) at the lid-closing position is alleviated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinyu Nagashima, Akihito Maegawa, Mitsuru Tanigawa, Hiroyuki Kashiki
  • Patent number: 7132601
    Abstract: A moisture-resistant mount is provided for mounting enclosures, such as air conditioner disconnect enclosures, to a support structure, such as a building wall or other structure. The enclosure includes a back panel having a plurality of holes. The mount, which preferably includes a single molded piece, includes a mounting portion receiving the back panel of the enclosure and forming an interface therebetween, a plurality of weatherproofing mechanisms including a shield, a flange, receptacles and protrusions to resist moisture from entering the enclosure, and an engagement portion coupling the mount to the support structure. The shield extends from the mounting portion to shield the interface, and the receptacles and protrusions engage the holes in the back panel. The support structure includes a number of layers. An integral flange on the mount engages one of the layers, and a second, finishing layer overlies the integral flange of the mount, but not the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Paul D. Seff
  • Patent number: 7115820
    Abstract: A recessed electrical box including a flange having a rear surface formed to fit flush against siding. An inner cavity for accepting an electrical device extends well behind the flange. A removable cover is included for closing the inner cavity from the elements. The box is easily installed by forming a hole in the siding and sliding the box therein until the rear surface of the flange contacts the siding. The closeness of fit between the rear surface of the flange and the siding enables easy and rapid sealing between the box and the siding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7112748
    Abstract: A versatile device that enables at least one receptacle to be installed in a raceway system. The versatile device includes a hanging box and a faceplate adapter. The hanging box is secured to the raceway system and the faceplate adapter is positioned over the hanging box and secured to the raceway system. The hanging box has a compartment that houses at least one receptacle and a removable divider wall that is positioned within the compartment. The faceplate adapter has a main body with an aperture for providing access to the hanging box. The main body of the faceplate adapter also has a removable section that is positioned within the aperture such that removal of the removable section expands the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventor: Raymond M Hill
  • Patent number: 7109416
    Abstract: A detachable cover and base for housing open standard electrical wiring, the cover and the base having shoulders portions which readily engage and disengage. When coupled the shoulder portions form tubular projections that hold electrical conduits containing electrical wiring. A gasket is provided between the base and the cover to form a waterproof barrier. The tubular projections are perpendicular to walls of the cover and the base, and allow electrical wiring to be connected from multiple directions within a residence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventor: Norman Reed
  • Patent number: 7109420
    Abstract: A harness protector includes a first protector formed by injection-molding and a second protector formed by extrusion-molding. The second protector is fitted with the first protector. The first protector and the second protector are connected each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki Arai, Toshiyuki Tsutsumi