Plug Receptacle Or Wall Switch Type Patents (Class 174/53)
  • Patent number: 9819169
    Abstract: An electrical junction box with a waterproof property where a box body and a lower cover are fitted to each other is provided. An electrical junction box includes a box body having a peripheral wall formed in a frame shape and a lower cover with which a lower opening portion of the box body is covered. A lower end portion of the peripheral wall is provided with a double wall portion in which an inner wall and an outer wall extending in a peripheral direction are arranged with a clearance therebetween. An insertion wall portion provided on a tip end portion of a peripheral wall of the lower cover is inserted between the inner wall and the outer wall. In such an electrical junction box, a flange portion that projects toward the outer wall is provided on a projecting end portion of the insertion wall portion of the lower cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Shiraki
  • Patent number: 9812814
    Abstract: An electrical plug is provided including a plug housing having a hollow interior surrounded by an outer wall, a first plurality of electrical connectors positioned within the hollow interior that are adapted to mate with a second plurality of electrical connectors positioned on a plug housing, a first aperture extending through the outer wall, a locking member extending from within the hollow interior through the first aperture in the outer wall, wherein the locking member includes a retainer that abuts a surface of the outer wall, wherein the locking member includes one a more holes positioned outside of an outer surface of the outer wall, a locking element secured through the one or more holes on the locking member, and wherein the locking member prevents the plug receptacle from being fully engaged with the plug housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Appleton Grp LLC
    Inventors: Tushar Borkar, Abhinav S. Sachan, Christopher R. Ruhland
  • Patent number: 9793659
    Abstract: A bracket and associated components provides a means to securely install one or more connectors within a dropped ceiling. The bracket can be mounted to a drop wire or threaded rod within a ceiling space, thereby suspending the bracket and associated connectors within the ceiling space. One or more connectors coupled to a cable can be directly installed on the bracket via port windows cut into the bracket. Alternatively, a surface mount box containing connectors can be mounted on the bracket to yield a protected, strain-resistant connector installation within the ceiling space. The bracket and associated components can be made of plenum-rated materials, making the mounting solution suitable for installations within plenum spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: LEVITON MANUFACTURING CO., INC.
    Inventors: John L. Seger, Bryan Hudgens, Mark E. Dearing, Ronald E. Shackelford, Brian Hansen
  • Patent number: 9788468
    Abstract: A housing assembly for electronic devices has a base housing and a first secondary housing. The base housing has a first upper wall, a first lower wall, a first wall, a second wall, and a first device receiving space. The first secondary housing is detachably mounted to an outer side of the second wall, and has a second upper wall, a second lower wall, a connecting wall, and a second device receiving space defined by the second wall together with the second upper wall, the second lower wall and the connecting wall of the first secondary housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Weixiang Ding, Jian Zhou, Hongwen Yang
  • Patent number: 9780511
    Abstract: A wall mountable connector for securing a thermostat to a wall may include a plurality of wiring terminals as well as structure enabling an installer or other person to easily electrically connect (e.g. jumper) two or more of the wiring terminals in order to accommodate different equipment installations. For example, in some cases there may be a desire to electrically connect (e.g. jumper) or disconnect certain wiring terminals that correspond to transformer input terminals, which in some equipment installations are intended to be independently powered while in others they are not. In some cases, the wall mountable connector may include a slider with a cam that selectively lifts a conductor to disconnect two or more wiring terminals. The wall mountable connector may also include structure that helps prevent electrically connecting field wires to particular wiring terminals in error, depending on the position of the slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Ladislav Janovec, David J. Emmons, Eric Barton, Steven L. Wolff
  • Patent number: 9774149
    Abstract: An apparatus for electrically connecting a power source to an electrical device is disclosed. The apparatus has a first component and a second component. The first component has a first face having a ferromagnetic plate, a first set of contacts electrically connectable to a power source, two power switches and a magnetically actuated sensor controlling the switches. The second component has a second face complementary to the first face having a magnet and a second set of electrically conductive contacts electrically connectable to the electrical device. Connecting the first and second faces, results in the first and second pair of contacts electrically coupling and establishes an electrical path between the power source and the device, and connects the components by magnetic attractive force which actuates the power switches and initiates power to the device. The apparatus further has a safety circuit for preventing electric shock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Inventors: Arash Janfada, William Topping
  • Patent number: 9774158
    Abstract: A wall mountable connector for securing a thermostat to a wall is disclosed. The wall mountable connector may include built in jumper functionality. In some cases, the wall mountable connector may include a plurality of wiring terminals as well as structure enabling an installer or other person to easily electrically connect (e.g. jumper) one or more of the wiring terminals in order to accommodate different equipment installations. For example, in some cases there may be a desire to electrically connect (e.g. jumper) or disconnect certain wiring terminals that correspond to transformer input terminals, which in some equipment installations are intended to be independently powered while in others they are not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Barton, David J. Emmons, Ladislav Janovec
  • Patent number: 9748715
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a modular socket panel which includes a bottom layer adapted to be fixed to an embedded case in a wall and adapted to be electrically connected to a power supply provided by the embedded case, and a surface layer adapted to be directly or indirectly connected to the bottom layer in a non-fastening manner. The surface layer provides a power socket, which is electrically connected to the bottom layer. The modular socket panel disclosed in the present invention enables a user to mount a middle layer and the surface layer onto the bottom layer or remove the middle layer and surface layer from the bottom layer without any tool, and also enables the user to mount different middle layers in the modular socket panel when needed to implement different functions, for example adding more intelligent functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Sipomac Technology Company Limited
    Inventors: Sai Man Wang, Sek Un Fong
  • Patent number: 9742175
    Abstract: A safety cover system for a household electrical switch or outlet is provided. A wall plate is provided having an aperture for an electrical device such as an outlet or switch. The wall plate has a rim with upper and lower locking lips. A cover plate is provided that is pivotally connected to the wall plate by hinges for covering the wall plate. There is provided upper, lower and side release mechanisms. Each release mechanism includes a release button with a portion of the release button exposed to an exterior of the cover plate through an aperture in the cover plate. The release also includes a latch connected with the button having an arm overlapping the wall plate rim lip to prevent the cover plate from being pivoted open from the wall plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventors: George D. Melistas, Kaliopi E. Melistas
  • Patent number: 9743497
    Abstract: A wireless load control system is provided including one or more wireless switch components and one or more load controller components optionally in one-to-one, many-to-many, many-to-one, and one-to-many wireless communication with each other. A wirelessly-controlled load controller assembly includes an enclosure adapted to fit within a junction box, the enclosure comprising a projecting fitting adapted to fit through an aperture of the junction box to maintain the enclosure in fixed relation to the junction box. A control circuit in the enclosure is provided with an antenna that extends through an antenna port that is disposed within the fitting so that when the load controller is mounted in a junction box, the antenna extends through the aperture of the junction box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Levven Automation Inc.
    Inventors: James Keirstead, Jim Qualie, Yi Dong
  • Patent number: 9642269
    Abstract: A replaceable panel structure and a panel replaceable moisture sensor, socket, and switch having the replaceable panel structure. The replaceable panel structure includes a base, and a panel body mounted on the base by using several snap structures. The snap structure comprising a slide slot and an engagement portion disposed on the base or the panel body, and a slide fastener disposed on the panel body or the base, the slide fastener is suitable to be inserted in the slide slot and slide back and forth in the slide slot to be engaged with or separated from the engagement portion, and the slide fasteners of the snap structures have consistent sliding directions in the slide slot. The replaceable panel structure replaces the panel and the base in a sliding manner, and has advantages of a simple structure, convenient removal, and stable engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Wenzhou MTLC Electric Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Lidong Ni, Wei Gao
  • Patent number: 9595818
    Abstract: A housing construction kit that includes at least one plug device and/or one fuse. The kit contains a housing base body with numerous installation openings and numerous installation plates. A first coding means is formed on each opening and a second coding means is formed on each plate. Every first coding means of an opening has a unique first coding and every second coding means of a plate has a unique second coding. Every second coding means of a plate is designed to be complementary to at most one first coding means of an opening and every second coding means of a plate is designed to be complementary to a first coding means of another opening as every second coding means of a plate, which is designed to be suitable for assembly of at least one plug device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Bals Elektrotechnik GmbH & Co KG
    Inventors: Andreas Ramm, Mareike Bankstahl
  • Patent number: 9559502
    Abstract: An electrical box assembly includes an electrical box having a removable partition plate that can be positioned between the ends of the electrical box or at the end of the electrical box when two or more of the electrical boxes are ganged together. The electrical box can include a mounting bracket having a body portion attached to a wall of the box for supporting the box during use. A support member is coupled to the mounting bracket and is extendable to a length to contact the opposing wall. The mounting and the support member are independently adjustable with respect to the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Krzysztof W. Korcz, Mahran H. Ayrton
  • Patent number: 9559505
    Abstract: A faceplate assembly for a wall-mounted electrical device may include a faceplate, an adapter plate, and/or an insert element. The faceplate assembly may be configured to accept a wall-mounted electrical device. The adapter plate may be configured to be attached to a wall-mounted electrical device. The adapter plate may include an opening that permits a front surface of a portion of the wall-mounted electrical device to protrude through the adapter plate. The faceplate may be configured to be removably attached to the adapter plate. The faceplate may include an opening that permits the front surface of the portion of the wall-mounted electrical device to protrude through the faceplate. The insert element may be configured to be removably attached to the adapter plate. The insert element may be configured to occupy a peripheral gap between an inner edge of the adapter plate and the outer surface of the wall-mounted electrical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: LUTRON ELECTRONICS CO., INC.
    Inventor: Alexander Wade Gage
  • Patent number: 9531118
    Abstract: An electrical power coupling includes a pair of power coupling parts, each having a base and a coupling portion that is movable relative to said base. Each coupling portion has first and second electrical contacts that are spaced laterally outboard, by respective first and second distances, from centers of the coupling portions. Magnetic elements attract the respective coupling portions to one another when the coupling portions are positioned closely to one another. Each coupling portion moves relative to its respective base to align the coupling portions with one another and establish electrical connections between the first electrical contacts and between the second electrical contacts. Optionally, at least two electrical contacts are arcuate or circular in shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Inventors: Norman R. Byrne, Roger D. Burdi, Marc A. Mitchell, Nickolas J. Morrow
  • Patent number: 9518381
    Abstract: Plumbing outlet boxes, such as for connecting washing machines, ice makers, and other plumbed appliances to plumbing systems, are provided that can be attached to each other in an assembly via a bracket. The plumbing outlet boxes may include one or more connectors. The assembly may further include a bracket having a plurality of engaging portions for engaging the connectors of the plumbing outlet boxes. The bracket may engage the plumbing outlet boxes to each other and/or to a stud within a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: IPS Corporation
    Inventors: James H. Whitehead, Jeffrey A. Humber
  • Patent number: 9502817
    Abstract: A connection device of a portable terminal is provided. The connection device includes one or more coupling slots provided on a lateral side of the portable terminal, one or more metal pads mounted on a bottom of the one or more coupling slots, and a plug including one or more magnets corresponding to the one or more pads. The one or more magnets are arranged to protrude toward a predetermined side of the plug, and inserted into the one or more coupling slots by an attractive force produced between the one or more metal pads and the one or more magnets, thereby coupling the plug to the lateral side of the portable terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Han-Sik Kim
  • Patent number: 9496694
    Abstract: An electrical connector for easy insertion of one or more electrical cables through a hole or knock-out of an electrical box. The electrical connector includes a substantially tubular connector body including sidewalls, a leading end, and a trailing end. A recess in at least one of the sidewalls facilitates orientation of the connector to avoid burrs in the knockout aperture of the electrical box. The connector body includes base flange at the trailing end, an inner bore, and a dividing wall. Two flexible gripper arms are formed at notched areas of the base flange on opposing sides of the sidewalls. An inner tooth and an outer tooth are included on each gripper arm. Each gripper arm includes a top wall and an outward extending wing. The connector enables connection of two cables to a single knockout with the dividing wall preventing contact between the cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: ARLINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 9490617
    Abstract: An electrical connector for easy insertion of one or more electrical cables through a hole or knock-out of an electrical junction box. The electrical connector includes a substantially tubular connector body including sidewalls, a leading end, and a trailing end. The connector body includes base flange at the trailing end, an inner bore, and a dividing wall. For connection of two cables, the dividing wall keeps the separate cables from touching. Two flexible gripper arms are formed at notched areas of the base flange on opposing sides of the sidewalls. An inner tooth and an outer tooth are included on each gripper arm. Each gripper arm includes a top wall and an outward extending wing. The outward extending wing in combination with the base flange form seats on opposing sides of the connector body for accommodating the wall of an electrical box when the connector is pushed into a knockout hole in an electrical box or panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: ARLINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 9478920
    Abstract: A pivotal electrical receptacle allowing pivotal movement of plugs includes an outlet that has opposing ends. The outlet comprises a plurality of electrical sockets. A pair of couplers is configured to couple the outlet to an electrical box. Each of a pair of pivots is pivotally coupled to a respective opposing end of the outlet and a respective coupler. Each of a plurality of biasers is operationally coupled to the respective opposing end of the outlet and the respective coupler. The pivots are positioned such that the outlet is pivotable from a default positioned substantially parallel to a plane defined by the substrate in which the electrical box is mounted. The biasers are configured such that pivoting of the outlet induces a force compelling the outlet to return to the default position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventor: Scott Pregeant
  • Patent number: 9461402
    Abstract: A connection device of a portable terminal is provided. The connection device includes one or more coupling slots provided on a lateral side of the portable terminal, one or more metal pads mounted on a bottom of the one or more coupling slots, and a plug including one or more magnets corresponding to the one or more pads. The one or more magnets are arranged to protrude toward a predetermined side of the plug, and inserted into the one or more coupling slots by an attractive force produced between the one or more metal pads and the one or more magnets, thereby coupling the plug to the lateral side of the portable terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Han-Sik Kim
  • Patent number: 9455560
    Abstract: Disclosed is a wall mount enclosure and sealing assembly for electrical devices, the enclosure comprises a housing defining an interior that is accessible from an opening in a front side and configured to support electronic equipment therein. A closure door is operatively mounted to the enclosure in a closed position to prevent outside access through the opening in the front side, the closure door including an inwardly facing portion generally facing towards the front side around all or at least a portion of a periphery of the door, the inwardly facing portion extending laterally outward of the periphery of the opening. A gasket engages at least part of the inwardly facing portion of the closure door with a seal portion or first portion pressed by the inwardly facing portion of the closure door when the closure door is in the closed position to form a seal between the front side and the inwardly facing portion of the closure door to seal the interior of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: PEPPERL+FUCHS, INC.
    Inventors: Steve Jopek, Matthew W. Pavlik, David William Burns, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9437978
    Abstract: A system for providing electrical energy and related components is provided. More specifically, a universal module that is adapted to fit within a junction box commonly found in building construction is provided. The wire cable associated with a dwelling, for example, is interconnected to the module, which provides a plurality of locations for receipt of corresponding electrical connectors of an outlet or switch. The modules quickly and safely receive an electrical component, which reduces time and associated costs related to electrical system installation, repair, or modification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Inventor: Wesley G. Green
  • Patent number: 9411370
    Abstract: The invention concerns a human-machine dialog system (1) comprising: a support (3) having a plurality of identical docking stations (30), each docking station (30) being associated with a universal human-machine dialog device (4), each universal human-machine dialog device (4) comprising at least a display member (41) and a sensor member (40), a plurality of modular members (2), each modular member (2) being arranged to be positioned in a docking station (30) in a removable and interchangeable manner and comprising a human-machine dialog interface (20) arranged to cooperate with said display member (41) and/or said sensor member (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES SAS
    Inventors: Dominique Benni, Francis Chauvet, Alain Guillot
  • Patent number: 9365273
    Abstract: An outboard motor for a marine vessel application, and related methods of making and operating same, are disclosed herein. In at least one embodiment, the outboard motor includes a horizontal-crankshaft engine in an upper portion of the outboard motor, positioned substantially positioned above a trimming axis of the outboard motor. In at least another embodiment, first, second and third transmission devices are employed to transmit rotational power from the engine to one or more propellers at a lower portion of the outboard motor. In at least a further embodiment, the outboard motor is made to include a rigid interior assembly formed by the engine, multiple transmission devices, and a further structural component. In further embodiments, the outboard motor includes numerous cooling, exhaust, and/or oil system components, as well as other transmission features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Seven Marine, LLC
    Inventors: Eric A. Davis, Richard A. Davis
  • Patent number: 9368948
    Abstract: A method and apparatus that allows full view of all connections while electrical switches are installed and operating. After the initial or first switch is installed, the remaining switches are installed and connected modularly. At any time, before, during, or after a complete installation, any of the switches can be changed to control a different device, without connecting or disconnecting any wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Inventor: Alexander Ruggiero
  • Patent number: 9350149
    Abstract: A universal electrical box which includes a body having at least one opening for receiving an electrical device. The device can also include at least one mounting bracket coupled to the body, and at least one frame configured to be coupled to the at least one body. In addition there is at least one duplex electrical mounting plate configured to couple to the at least one frame. In this case, the duplex electrical mounting plate is configured to revive a duplex electrical device. In addition, there is at least one sealing gasket configured to be coupled to the body between the at least one frame and the body. This design allows for a universal configuration which allows for multiple different types of electrical devices to be coupled to the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Cosmo Castaldo
  • Patent number: 9281139
    Abstract: A cover assembly for a first electrical switch and a second electrical switch. The cover assembly includes an alignment plate configured to be removably coupled to the first electrical switch. The alignment plate includes a first alignment feature that receives a portion of the first electrical switch to align the alignment plate with the first electrical switch, and a second alignment feature that receives a portion of the second electrical switch to align the alignment plate with the second electrical switch and to align the second electrical switch with the first electrical switch. The assembly further includes a faceplate that is removably coupled to the alignment plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff de Peralta, Ben Rodgers, Dan Talajkowski
  • Patent number: 9265163
    Abstract: Electrical socket apparatus comprises a frame-shaped square front plate and a circular socket box which, in use, is set in a similarly shaped opening formed in the wall or other surface. The front plate includes fixing elements” positioned to engage complementary fixing elements present on or in an inwardly extending lip around the periphery of the open end of the socket box. The front plate is dimensioned to cover, in use, the entire periphery of the open end of the socket box. In use, the front plate is trapped between a switch and the wall surface within which the socket box is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Electro Expo Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter Moule
  • Patent number: 9263868
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an integral box comprises a base with walls, with plate(s) extending from a side wall(s). Opening(s) in the side wall(s) and/or the base allow wiring to pass into the box. This box is formed as a single, unitary component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: SIGMA ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ashok Alilughatta Sathyanarayana, Santosh Ganpat Shinde
  • Patent number: 9237665
    Abstract: A electrical box including a top wall, a side wall connected to the top wall, a cavity formed by the top wall and the side wall, at least one mounting flange on the side wall having a mounting hole therein, at least one mounting fastener in communication with the at least one mounting flange, and wherein the mounting fastener is slidably engaged with the at least one mounting flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Inventors: Jeffrey Baldwin, John Klein, Ryan Liebengood
  • Patent number: 9178344
    Abstract: An electrical fitting that comprises an integral cover plate and an electrical component, such as an outlet or a switch, the combined electrical component/cover plate being secured via screws through the cover plate into a wall box. Wires are secured to power wires coming from the wall box via quick-connectors or wirenuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Inventor: J Moss
  • Patent number: 9172199
    Abstract: An electrical fixture includes an electrical fixture housing having a mounting surface, an electrical connector disposed on the mounting surface, and an electrical fixture support. A corresponding cover plate includes an electrical connector configured to electrically connect to hot and neutral lines from a junction box and the corresponding electrical connector disposed on the mounting surface of the electrical fixture. An electrical fixture ground connection separate from the fixture electrical connector electrically connects to an electrical ground from the junction box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: HeathCo, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Gale Birdwell, Eric Colin Bretschneider, James J. Fitzgibbon, Bradley T. Moore, Scott Blaise Tylicki
  • Patent number: 9160153
    Abstract: An electrical box includes a back wall and a front wall, configured to be essentially parallel to a mounting surface when the base is installed to the mounting surface, and a pair of interchangeable top and bottom walls. Each interchangeable top and bottom wall is connected to the back wall and the front wall. The electrical box includes a side wall connected to each of the other walls and an open end opposite the side wall that is configured to receive an electrical device therein. A standoff extends laterally from the back wall. The standoff is configured to provide a mounting structure and to position the electrical box away from the mounting surface. The electrical box is configured to receive a top-mounted hood to cover the open end when the base is installed with the open end positioned to face either of the right side or the left side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Joey D. Magno, Jr., Mark R. Drane, Robert Kevin Jolly
  • Patent number: 9083126
    Abstract: An electrical receptacle provide outlets and a cavity for receiving an insert. The insert connects to the electrical main through the receptacle and can provide additional functionality through the insert including emergency lighting, night lighting, gas detectors and charging connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: CALM TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventor: Donald Lowell Misener
  • Patent number: 9035177
    Abstract: A device and method for configuring a recessed electrical box for the mounting of electrical components at a shallow depth with respect to the mounting surface. The device and method includes a spacer for adjusting the depth at which an electrical component is mounted within a recessed electrical box. The spacer includes a frame member with side members and end members that define an opening therein. A front face on the spacer is adapted to accept the mounting of two electrical components thereto. A rear face on the spacer is adapted to fit flush against the peripheral wall of a recessed electrical box assembly. Two arms extending from each end member of the spacer include apertures therein for acceptance of fasteners for mounting the electrical components. The spacer enables an installer to mount an electrical component at a shallow depth within a recessed electrical box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: ARLINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 9018525
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing electrical wiring devices having off-center installation capabilities are described. An electrical wiring device has at least one elongated mounting hole for accepting a mounting fastener in more than one location. For example, an electrical wiring device such as a single-gang, double 15A outlet device may have an installation ear at each of the upper and lower ends of the device, wherein each of the installation ears contains an elongate hole for accepting a fastener such as a screw in more than one position. Additionally, each installation ear includes include markings adjacent to the elongate holes to mark installation positions such as left, center and right that facilitate off-center installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Marcus J. Shotey
  • Patent number: 9018526
    Abstract: An electrical device cover configured for mounting over an electrical device comprises a frame including a frame channel and an frame opening. The frame opening is defined by at least four sides and is large enough to receive at least one electrical device. A sliding tab comprising a screw channel is provided, the sliding tab is slidably coupled with the frame channel and is slidable to a closed position in which the screw channel at least partially surrounds a box mounting screw of the at least one electrical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Edgar W. Maltby, Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Richard L. Cleghorn, Andre Baca, Kenneth C. Booth
  • Patent number: 8993885
    Abstract: A hardware retainer detachably mounted on faceplate and selectively locked to a fixed body behind the faceplate includes a tray, at least two brackets and a faceplate box. The brackets are detachably mounted on the tray. The faceplate box is detachably mounted on the faceplate and is formed with a plurality of wire passages. The tray is detachably mounted on the faceplate box allowing for objects of varying dimensions to be installed on the faceplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Nueteq Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Hui-Chih Chang
  • Patent number: 8981217
    Abstract: A method and structure of a system of electrical boxes having at least two screw boss channels and at least two screw protrusions wherein the screw boss channels are complimentary shaped to the screw protrusions for selectively nesting like-ganged electrical boxes while preventing nesting of dislike-ganged electrical boxes for more space-efficient storage of electrical boxes while increasing inventory control and accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Richard L. Cleghorn, Iven Dieterle, Marcus J. Shotey
  • Patent number: 8975518
    Abstract: A two-gang pre-wired TV bridge kit including a kit, package, or assembly of components for mounting a TV to a wall with minimal disruption to the wall surface. The kit includes a fully assembled two-gang pre-wired electrical box with a pre-wired receptacle, a pre-wired junction box including a flexible cord connected thereto by a cord grip fitting, a trim plate and a cover plate. The cord grip fitting enables a secure connection between the pre-wired electrical box and the flexible cable that is permanently secured to the electrical box. The trim plate includes deep sidewalls for creating a recessed area for positioning the junction box behind the wall surface and rotatable flags for securing the junction box to wallboard. A cover plate secures to the trim plate within the recessed area. The flexible cord is plugged into an existing electrical outlet to feed electricity to the pre-wired receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 8962997
    Abstract: An electrical box suitable for safely and efficiently housing an electrical connection. The electrical box includes a bottom and a plurality of adjacent side walls, each side wall being at least partially joined to the bottom and to each adjacent side wall to form an open box. Each side wall has a top edge wherein the top edges define an open box perimeter. At least one side wall has at least one notch, the notch comprising deformable plastic members that can be biased in an open position to define a conductor opening to receive at least one of the electrical conductors. A top can be hingedly joined to one the top edges of one side wall and can be adapted to be moveable from an open position to a closed position. The conductor opening is at least partially defined by the top when the top is in the closed position, and the flexible flanges contact the conductors when the top is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventors: Raymond Leonard Conway, Roddy M. Bullock
  • Patent number: 8946550
    Abstract: An electrical device cover configured for mounting over an electrical device comprises a frame including a frame channel and an frame opening. The frame opening is defined by at least four sides and is large enough to receive at least one electrical device. A sliding tab comprising a screw channel is provided, the sliding tab is slidably coupled with the frame channel and is slideable to a closed position in which the screw channel at least partially surrounds a box mounting screw of the at least one electrical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Edgar W. Maltby, Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Richard L. Cleghorn, Andre Baca, Kenneth C. Booth
  • Patent number: 8937247
    Abstract: A electrical device mounting box that includes a device mounting plate with a screw coupler is disclosed. The electrical device mounting box and device mounting plate may be used to mount an electrical outlet receptacle. Specific implementations of the device mounting plate allow a screw to be pushed through a screw aperture on the device mounting plate and a coupling aperture on the screw coupler without rotation of the screw. The coupling aperture may bias away from the mounting plate as the screw is pushed through the coupling aperture. The coupling aperture may also include threading that engages with screw threading. Once the screw is pushed through the screw aperture and coupling aperture, the screw may be rotated to engage the screw with the screw coupler, thus biasing the screw coupler toward the device mounting plate. The screw coupler may include either a one or two piece screw coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Samuel Dumpe
  • Patent number: 8933331
    Abstract: A reversible electrical box for securing electrical fixtures or devices on the exterior wall of a building. The electrical box has an interchangeable rear element and an extension spacer which allow the achievement of a desired reveal depending on the wall finish thickness. It can be installed on unfinished walls upon which a finishing, such as stucco, is then applied or it can be installed as a retrofit on an existing finished wall. Two principal embodiments are shown with the first embodiment serving to attach electrical devices and the second embodiment serving to attach electrical fixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 8921694
    Abstract: An electrical fitting that comprises an integral cover plate and an electrical component, such as an outlet or a switch, the combined electrical component/cover plate being secured via screws through the cover plate into a wall box. Wires are secured to power wires coming from the wall box via quick-connectors or wirenuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Inventor: J Moss
  • Patent number: 8907214
    Abstract: A method and structure of a system of electrical boxes including differing patterns of interference structures, such as ribs and/or grooves, to prevent identical boxes from being nested but permit non-identical boxes from being nested for more space-efficient storage of electrical boxes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Richard L. Cleghorn
  • Patent number: 8901419
    Abstract: A rising receptacle box assembly includes a receptacle assembly for housing receptacles and jacks. The receptacle assembly can move between a lowered position and a raised position. In the raised position, the receptacle assembly is substantially level with a work surface on which the rising receptacle box assembly is supported, so that the receptacles and jacks are easily accessible. In the lowered position, the receptacle assembly is lowered beneath the work surface so that inserted plugs and connectors are stowed away in a recess below the work surface. Raising and lowering of the receptacle assembly can be coupled to the opening and closing of a lid of the rising receptacle box assembly. The lid may include one or more cutouts so that cables associated with inserted plugs and connectors can pass through when the receptacle assembly moves to the lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: The Wiremold Company
    Inventor: Marc Galasso
  • Patent number: 8884161
    Abstract: An electrical outlet box for installing in a hole defined in a pre-existing, finished floor of a building. The outlet box comprises a box portion, a backplate, and a cover plate. The box portion comprises a first pair of opposing walls, a second pair of opposing walls, a bottom wall, and a mounting flange. Top edges of each wall of the first and second pairs of opposing walls define an open top end of the box portion. The bottom wall is affixed to bottom edges of each wall of the first and second pairs of opposing walls, thereby defining a cavity within the first and second pairs of opposing walls and the bottom wall. The cavity is adapted for receiving an electrical outlet. The mounting flange surrounds the open top end and is adapted for sitting flush against the installed floor when the outlet box is mounted in the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 8878058
    Abstract: An electrical box assembly includes an electrical box and a plurality of partition plates to divide the electrical box into separate compartments to accommodate high voltage wiring device and low voltage wiring devices. The partition plates generally have an angled portion so that compartments can access a knockout in the bottom wall of the electrical box. A plurality of device frames are positioned above the partition plates and coupled to a central support member in the electrical box and a side wall of the electrical box to support an electrical wiring device in the compartments. A cover plate having a configuration corresponding substantially to the shape of the device frame is attached to the device frame and side wall. The cover plate has an opening adapted to receive the wiring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Scott B. Wurms, Matthew J. Lawson