Plug Receptacle Or Wall Switch Type Patents (Class 174/53)
  • Patent number: 8876548
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a power outlet unit. The power outlet unit includes an inlet, a first group of outlets spaced apart at intervals of one rack unit, a first circuit breaker electrically connected to the inlet and the first group of outlets, a second group of outlets spaced apart at intervals of one rack unit, and a second circuit breaker electrically connected to the inlet and the second group of outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Brendan F. Doorhy, Alva B. Eaton, Matthew C. Isoda, Charles T. Newcomb, Elsa V. Madrigal, Shahriar Allen, Rhonda L. Johnson, Donald J. Beran
  • Patent number: 8838308
    Abstract: A two wheeled vehicle includes a main body, a first wheel that is coupled to the main body, and a second wheel that is coupled to the main body. The vehicle also includes a motor that is supported by the main body and that drives at least one of the first and second wheels in rotation relative to the main body. Moreover, the vehicle includes a controller assembly including a controller and a controller housing. The controller is operable to control the motor to thereby control driving rotation of the at least one of the first and second wheels. The controller is housed within the controller housing, and the controller housing is coupled to the main body. The controller and the motor are in severable but operable communication when the controller housing is coupled to the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: BOXX Corp.
    Inventor: Eric Vaughn Meyers
  • Patent number: 8835764
    Abstract: Systems and other embodiments associated with a universal faceplate assembly are described. According to one embodiment, a faceplate includes a substantially planar plate base configured to mount on a wiring enclosure. At least one opening in the plate base is configured receive a receptacle. The opening is configured to receive receptacles of a first receptacle type or a second receptacle type. The faceplate also includes a faceplate notch in a front surface of the plate base configured to receive a receptacle tab. The receptacle tab is disposed on receptacles of the first receptacle type or the second receptacle type. The receptacle tab is configured to allow a fastener to pass through the faceplate notch and the receptacle tab to attach the receptacle to the faceplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Paul David Seff, Alston Gareth Brooks, Steven Christopher Saad
  • Patent number: 8832469
    Abstract: Apparatus and systems provide processing capabilities and power-line networking capabilities. An in-wall computing device has a power connector for receiving an Alternating Current (AC) signal from a power source and a housing that is sized for installation into an electrical wall box. The device may have internal data injection circuitry for injecting data into the AC signal or may have internal data receiving circuitry for extracting data from the AC signal. A system includes at least two in-wall computing devices, each having a power connector for receiving an AC signal from a power source. A first device has a user input interface and internal data injection circuitry for transmitting user input data to a second device over the AC signal. The second device has internal data receiving circuitry for extracting the user input data and controlling peripherals attached to peripheral ports of the device according to the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: American Megatrends, Inc.
    Inventor: Clas Gerhard Sivertsen
  • Publication number: 20140247577
    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: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Electro Expo Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter Moule
  • Patent number: 8802979
    Abstract: A tamper-resistant self-contained receptacle (TRSCR) provides two sets of contacts for connecting two separate cables in a daisy-chain configuration. A TRSCR is configured for insertion into a single bore hole and is compatible with both metal-clad (MC) and non-metal sheath (NMS) cable. A base providing two sets of contacts, each having hot, neutral and ground contacts, can couple to two doors so that each set is covered. A ground contact can include an extended clip for connection to the metal clad of an MC cable. A door can be configured to receive an MC cable or a NMS cable; or a universal door can be provided. Thus, a TRSCR is configured to provide a separate entry and a separate strain relief for each connected cable. A TRSCR can be coupled to a floor ring when installed in flooring, or an adapter collar when installed in a stone surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: David J. Ziobro
  • Patent number: 8802983
    Abstract: A signal interface includes a support structure having a pivotally supported cover and side wings. A latching mechanism is provided to secure the cover to the side wings in both stowed and deployed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Christopher Clifton, Dean Jones, Philip Mitchell, David Myers, James Pruett
  • Patent number: 8803007
    Abstract: The Cassu-guard is electrical safety apparatus that is created to prevent electrical shortage, shock & movement of broken wires and eliminate the use of electrical tape in insulating socket outlets and light switches when installing these devices in metallic boxes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: Carl Anthony Salmon
  • Patent number: 8791362
    Abstract: An electrical panel including a housing configured to house one or more electrical components that are accessible from outside the housing. A shutter door assembly is coupled to the housing. The shutter door assembly comprises a compartment door and a barrier panel slidably coupled to the compartment door. The barrier panel is configured to be placed in a closed position that obstructs access to the one or more electrical components through the compartment door and an open position that provides access to the one or more electrical components through the compartment door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Anuraj Kumar
  • Patent number: 8785773
    Abstract: The programmable electrical outlet and keyed lock box for connection therewith is designed to program the output of electricity through an electrical outlet while simultaneously securing a male prong of an electronic appliance inside of the keyed lock box. The programmable electrical outlet includes a display and a plurality of buttons to program the electrical outlet, and an electrical cord with GFCI circuitry integrated into the male plug. The keyed lock box is specifically designed to contain and lock inside the programmable electrical outlet and the male plug of the electronic appliance. The keyed lock box includes a window to enable viewing of the display of the programmable electrical outlet. The keyed lock box also includes a snooze button extension that aligns with a snooze button located on the programmable electrical outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: David Lanni
  • Patent number: 8779288
    Abstract: A cover base for an electrical device is disclosed. The cover base includes a base portion with a front surface and a back surface, the base portion also having a first opening extending through the base portion from the front surface to the back surface, the first opening having a size larger than an electrical device face; and an adapter having a second opening sized and configured to receive the electrical device face therein, wherein the adapter is configured to fit within the first opening in the base portion to removably couple to the base portion. Numerous electrical device cover bases including keyholes formed in either the base or the adapter, or both, depending on the arrangement are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Marcus J. Shotey, Samuel Dumpe, Jason Thomas, Ryan K. Liebengood
  • Patent number: 8772649
    Abstract: An electrical box and frame assembly for mounting an electrical component such as a duplex receptacle in a shallow wall cavity. The electrical box assembly includes a box member, a receptacle frame adapted to receive an electrical component, and a trim plate. Rotatable flags on the box member provide ease of installation to a wall in old or new work situations. The box member includes sidewalls of a narrow depth to enable mounting within a shallow wall cavity. The receptacle frame nests substantially within the cavity of the box member and the trim plate secures over the receptacle frame and is mounted to the box member. An outer sidewall on the receptacle frame includes bosses thereon for securing a duplex receptacle in a sideways orientation with respect to the box member and wall cavity thereby enabling the electrical box and frame assembly to be mounted in a shallow wall cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 8760173
    Abstract: A signal test apparatus for a serial attached Small Computer System Interface (SAS) device includes an SAS female connector to be connected to the SAS device, an SAS male connector to be connected to a server, first and second pairs of subminiature version A (SMA) connectors, and first and second groups of switches. When the first pair of SMA connectors is connected to an oscillograph to test a pair of output signals from the SAS device, the second group of switches are turned on and the first group of switches are turned off to communicate the SAS device with the server. When the second pair of SMA connector is connected to the oscillograph to test another pair of output signals from the SAS device, the first group of switches are turned on and the second group of switches are turned off to communicate the SAS device with the server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hui Li, Fa-Sheng Huang
  • Patent number: 8759674
    Abstract: An electrical box assembly includes an electrical box, a movable partition plate, and a cover having an opening for receiving and supporting an electrical wiring device such as a switch or duplex receptacle. The electrical box has a rear wall with a centrally located emboss having a plurality of screw holes for receiving a ground screw and ground wire. The partition plate has a recess for mating with the emboss and a top end for coupling with the cover member. The partition plate and cover member are adapted for coupling to the electrical box in different orientations so that the partition plate divides the electrical box into substantially equal size compartments for receiving high voltage and low voltage requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Krzysztof W. Korcz, Steve J. Johnson, Mahran H. Ayrton
  • Patent number: 8748744
    Abstract: An electrical box extender assembly includes an electrical box having four side walls, and a back wall defining a cavity therein. A first of the four side walls of the box includes a first projection extending substantially transversely of the cavity. A substantially tubular extender having a first side wall including a first flange extending transversely thereon, and a tubular base extending transversely thereof. The first flange and tubular base are spaced from one another and a first fastener extends through the first projection, first flange and tubular base to couple the tubular extender to the electrical box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Douglas P. O'Connor, Nathaniel L. Herring
  • Patent number: 8736290
    Abstract: A signal detection apparatus for a serial attached SCSI (SAS) device includes an SAS female connector to be connected to a SAS device, an SAS male connector to be connected to a system, and first to fourth pairs of subminiature version A (SMA) connectors. When the first pair of SMA connectors is connected to an oscillograph to detect a pair of output signals from the SAS device, the second and third pairs of SMA connectors connect the SAS device with the system. When the second pair of SMA connector is connected to the oscillograph to detect another pair of output signals from the SAS device, the first and fourth pairs of SMA connectors connect the SAS device with the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fa-Sheng Huang
  • Patent number: 8736106
    Abstract: A mechanical outlet system is connected to an incoming power source through power entry cables. The cables connect to cable connectors which, in turn, connect to junction blocks. The junction blocks receive outlet receptacle blocks. The receptacle blocks can be of varying types of sockets, without requiring electrical modifications to the junction blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventors: Norman R. Byrne, Randell E. Pate, Timothy J. Warwick
  • Patent number: 8729388
    Abstract: An electrical assembly includes a wiring device and an insert clip or attachment member that can be preassembled to provide quick connection to an electrical box, mud ring or other support structure having an aperture with a dimension to receive the clip member. The clip member couples to the mounting screws of the wiring device and is snapped into an aperture or recess in a mud ring. The clip has outwardly projecting tabs engaging the mud ring and inwardly extending tabs engaging the mounting screws. The tabs allow the mounting screws to be pressed into the clip in a sliding manner and allow the clip to snap into the aperture in the mud ring. In another embodiment, the attachment member has a substantially C-shape having an open side that can slide onto a pair of projections on an inner edge of a mud ring for supporting the electrical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Krzysztof W. Korcz, Mahran H. Ayrton, Richard J. Wagner
  • Patent number: 8723055
    Abstract: An electric plug system includes a stabilizing base, a vertical support element extending from the base, a horizontal electrical socket block having a plurality of female electrical sockets that is coupled to the top of the vertical support element, and an electrical wire extending from the horizontal electrical socket block, down the vertical element, and along or through the base and there-beyond and terminating in a male electrical plug adapted to plug into a standard wall or floor electrical outlet. The vertical support element can be a telescoping tube with a height control knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventors: Gwen Beldock, Donald T. Beldock
  • Patent number: 8710367
    Abstract: A gangable electrical box includes an adjustment assembly for adjusting the position and angle of an electrical device mounted in the box. The adjustment assembly includes independently adjustable leveling members coupled to opposite end walls of the box. A side member is slidably coupled to a side wall and extends between the end walls. The side wall engages the leveling members and is adjustable with the adjustment of the leveling members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Hubell Incorporated
    Inventors: Krzysztof W. Korcz, Mahran H. Ayrton
  • Patent number: 8710368
    Abstract: An adjustable box extender allows an electrical device to be aligned with a dry wall face. The adjustable box extender includes a fixed ring attached to an electrical box and an adjustable ring adjustably attached to the fixed ring. The adjustable ring includes rectangular top and bottom open back pockets. Rectangular blocks reside inside each pocket. Adjusting screws are held by the adjustable ring with screw heads exposed on the face of the adjustable ring, neither advancing nor retreating with respect to the adjustable ring, and free to rotate with respect to the adjustable ring. The screws engage threads in the blocks and advance and retreat the block out of and into the pockets when the screws are turned, thereby extending the adjustable ring away from the fixed ring to adjust for dry wall thickness. Electrical device screws sandwich the adjustable ring between the electrical device and the fixed ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventors: Bruce G. Phillips, Guy Hansen
  • Publication number: 20140111922
    Abstract: Mechanisms to prevent access to electronic components in an electronic device when the electronic device is receiving power. On example may provide an electronic device including a receptacle, the receptacle including a button. The button may be configured to be depressed by a user, and otherwise to be in a normal state. When the button is depressed, it may act through a locking mechanism to unlock, open, or eject a door covering one or more sockets or electronic components. When the door is closed, the locking mechanism may either prevent the door from being opened, or may maintain the door in a closed state, unless the button is depressed. When a power plug is inserted in the receptacle, the power plug may prevent access to the button. Accordingly, when the power plug is inserted, the button may not be accessible to be depressed, and the door may remain closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Euan Abraham, George Marc Simmel, Joshua Funamura, Danny McBroom
  • Patent number: 8704091
    Abstract: An electrical outlet cover assembly comprises an electrical outlet mounting box having a front edge that does not extend beyond a front surface of a wall. An extendable base is coupled with the electrical outlet mounting box and is slideable between collapsed and extended positions. When collapsed, a leading edge of the extendable base does not extend beyond the front surface of the wall. One or more guides resist decoupling of the extendable base and the electrical outlet mounting box. A lid is pivotably coupled with the extendable base, and one of the lid and the extendable base has a cord port along their respective edges. The lid has a front surface and is positionable between open and closed positions. The lid's front surface is substantially flush with the front surface of the wall when the base is collapsed and the lid is closed with respect to the extendable cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Richard L. Cleghorn, Kenneth C. Booth
  • Publication number: 20140102746
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing a modular surface mountable electric power distribution system, comprising a plurality of interconnectable power distribution devices. Each power distribution device in the plurality of power distribution devices includes a hollow rigid enclosure for containing at least electric power conductors and connectors; electric power conductors for transferring power received from an external power source; at least one male connector; and at least one female connector. At least one male connector of a first power distribution device is connectable to a female connector of a second power distribution device. A hollow rigid enclosure of a first power distribution device is connectable to the hollow rigid enclosure of a second power distribution device. The hollow rigid enclosure of each device is mountable on a substantially flat surface and at least one male connector is connectable to said external power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Sandra B. WRIGHTSON, Francis H. WRIGHTSON
  • Patent number: 8697991
    Abstract: A wall plate configured to at least partially cover and/or connect to a standardized electrical box and/or components stored therein. In one implementation, the wall plate may include a substantially planar body having a front and a back. In particular, the body may be configured to at least partially cover an electrical box and/or component. In addition, the wall plate may include at least one pin extending from the back of the body in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the body. The at least one pin may be positioned on the body to correspond with the location of a connector on a standardized electrical box or component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Gordon R. Davidson
  • Patent number: 8674219
    Abstract: An electrical assembly includes a wiring device and an insert clip member that can be preassembled to provide quick connection to an electrical box, mud ring or other support structure having an aperture with a dimension to receive the clip member. The clip member can couple to the mounting screws of the working device and can be snapped into an aperture in a mud ring to align the screws with the threaded holes in the electrical box. The clip has a U-shape with outwardly projecting tabs that engage the aperture in the mud ring and inwardly extending tabs that engage the mounting screws of the wiring device. The tabs allow the mounting screws to be pressed into the clip in a sliding or ratcheting manner and allow the clip to snap into the aperture in the mud ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Krzysztof W. Korcz, Mahran H. Ayrton, Richard J. Wagner
  • Patent number: 8671292
    Abstract: Apparatus and systems provide processing capabilities while utilizing power received via an Ethernet. A computing device has an Ethernet connector for receiving power and data, internal power supply circuitry for extracting power from the Ethernet connector, and a Central Processing Unit (CPU) for receiving the power. A housing may encompass the components of the computing device and be configured for installation in an electrical wall box. The housing may include a display or connectors for peripherals. A system includes at least two computing devices. Each device has an Ethernet connector for receiving power and communicating with other devices and are installed within a housing within an electrical wall box. One device has a display for receiving user input instructions for transmittal to another device, while another device has a peripheral connector for controlling a peripheral according to the instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: American Megatrends, Inc.
    Inventor: Clas Gerhard Sivertsen
  • Patent number: 8658895
    Abstract: A pre-wired TV bridge kit including a kit, package, or assembly of components for mounting a TV to a wall while eliminating disruption to the visible wall surface. The kit includes a first pre-wired electrical box with a pre-wired receptacle and attached electrical cable, a second pre-wired electrical box connected to the opposite end of the electrical cable, and a cord grip and flexible cord secured to the second electrical cable. Both electrical boxes include rotatable flags to enable installation to existing walls. The pre-wired TV bridge kit simplifies the task of providing an electrical outlet on a portion of the wall that is remote from an existing outlet. After mounting the pre-wired TV bridge kit to a wall, the flexible cord is simply plugged into an existing outlet in order to feed power through the flexible cord to power the first and second pre-wired electrical boxes and the TV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 8658893
    Abstract: An electrical device including a device body having a rear section configured to fit into an electrical box and at least one device mounting tab having an aperture for a fastener, a front section secured directly to the rear section, and an interchangeable face removably secured to the front section. The interchangeable face may include a frame surrounding a movable element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Nathaniel A. Falendysz, Thomas A. Miserendino, John Klein, Samuel Dumpe
  • Patent number: 8658894
    Abstract: A temporary cover for covering a central opening in an electrical box cover plate is disclosed. The cover has a front wall, a side wall forming a rim around the periphery of the front wall, a connecting mechanism on the rim for releasably connecting the temporary cover to the box cover plate in a position in which the front wall of the temporary cover is spaced forward from the central opening in the box cover plate, and a release mechanism on the front wall for removing the temporary cover from the box cover plate. The rim of the temporary cover is configured to function as a guide for guiding a cutting tool to cut an opening in the wall member prior to installing an electrical device in the electrical box. A cover assembly including such a temporary cover is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Martin L. Witherbee
  • Patent number: 8650743
    Abstract: An adjustably mountable electrical device with one or more yokes coupled to the electrical device, at least one electrically conductive strap, and an electrical device face, wherein a distance between the electrical device face and at least one of the yoke, the strap and an electrical box mounting screw aperture is adjustable after the electrical device is mounted to the electrical box. The system may comprise mounting flanges that may have threaded hubs or the system may further comprise an electric device having front and back shells moveable on a track in response to depression of a button allowing for movement of the back shell so that the electric device may be mounted having its face coplanar with a front wall surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Richard L. Cleghorn, Nathaniel A. Falendysz, Marcus J. Shotey, Iven Dieterle, Thomas A. Miserendino
  • Publication number: 20140041894
    Abstract: The invention relates to an extension wire socket assembled structure, and more particularly to a safety see-saw switch with an embedded electrical connection device for the extension wire socket having safety see-saw switch disposed from inside out. The present invention is a two-in-one molded structure. An end of a positive output terminal of the safety see-saw switch first rivets the output electrode plate of a socket and another end of the positive output terminal of the safety see-saw switch couples with a dual metal plate within a housing and then a U-shaped body at a front end of an input electrode plate rivets a power cord and a tail end thereof as a positive input terminal is arranged within the housing so that a contact on the positive input terminal connects to a contact of the dual metal plate, forming the embedded electrical connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventor: Ming-Shan Wang
  • Patent number: 8648256
    Abstract: The following detailed description is directed to intumescent swell devices. According to various embodiments, the swell devices disclosed herein can be used alone or in combination with one another to provide heat and/or fire protection for electrical systems, devices, and/or assemblies. According to exemplary embodiments, intumescent electrical devices, intumescent firewall insert boxes, intumescent flanges, and/or intumescent electrical boxes are disclosed herein for use individually and/or in combination with one another. Additionally, the disclosed intumescent electrical components disclosed herein can be used in combination with intumescent electrical device cover plates, intumescent screws, and intumescent gaskets, if desired. Methods for building electrical assemblies and for retrofitting electrical assemblies to provide fire protection also are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Intumescent Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Elmer Algin Rose
  • Publication number: 20140027143
    Abstract: An electrical box insert device is disclosed that provides users with an easy way to terminate power to pot lights and electrical devices. The electrical box insert device comprises a housing sized to be inserted into an existing electrical box. A sheathed electrical cable is inserted through an opening of the housing and secured to a conductive bus bar continuatively connecting cables and/or terminating power to an electrical box. Typically, a user manually strips the outer sheath of the cables and the conductor sheath, exposing the conductors. The exposed conductors can then be secured to the conductive bus bar continuatively connecting cables. Furthermore, an electrical outlet can be secured via a sheathed electrical cable to the conductive bus bar continuatively connecting cables.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventors: Michael Hunter, Mathew Hunter
  • Patent number: 8633404
    Abstract: A nail plate is attached to the outer surface of a wall stud to protect a utility from penetration by nails or other fasteners driven through a wall surface. The nail plate has a substantially rectangular shape with a width corresponding to the width of the stud. The nail plate has a first and second longitudinal ends with nail tabs for attaching the nail plate to the stud. The ends of the nail plate have at least one recess and at least one protruding portion where the protruding portion can mate with a recess of an adjacent nail plate is ganged together. The nail plates can have coupling members to couple a plurality of nail plates in series in an end to end fashion. The longitudinal ends of the nail plate enable the ends to abut each other with no open portions that can allow a fastener to pass though. In one embodiment the nail tabs extend in a longitudinal direction with respect to a longitudinal dimension of the nail plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Krzysztof W. Korcz, Mahran H. Ayrton
  • Patent number: 8633384
    Abstract: An electrical box including an outer shell having at least four sides extending from a rear wall to an open top at a front surface and a box mounting tab protruding from two of the at least four sides, an inner shell having at least four sides, a front surface, and at least two device securing protrusions each having an aperture adjacent to each of the at least two sides, each device securing aperture including an opening extending toward the open top of the electrical box, the inner shell movable within the outer shell in a direction away from the rear wall, and wherein the inner shell front surface and the outer shell front surface are coplanar when the inner shell is in a rearmost position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Jeffrey P. Baldwin
  • Patent number: 8598454
    Abstract: An electrical box has four sides that define a rectangular space. The box has flanges extending outward from opposite sides, for mounting the box to a stud or other structure. One of the flanges has one or more tabs, outward protrusion(s) that fit into one or more openings in the flange on the opposite side. The fitting of the one or more tabs into the one or more openings allows two such electrical boxes to be conveniently located at the same height, on opposite sides of the stud. The tab(s) and opening(s) automatically align the boxes with each other. The result is an easier and accurate installation, with less time and effort expended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: ERICO International Corporation
    Inventor: Raymond S. Laughlin
  • Patent number: 8598453
    Abstract: A power strip hanging device and structure are provided. The hanging device includes a hanger element and a positioning seat. The hanger element has a pulling portion for being pulled by a user and a shoulder extended outward from the periphery of one end thereof. The positioning seat has an upper opening on one side and a lower opening on the opposite side communicating with the upper opening to form a receiving space therein, and is positioned firmly in an installation hole of a table, so that the hanging element can pass through the upper opening and be received in the receiving space with the shoulder resting on the rim of the upper opening. Thus, the hanging element is supported by the positioning seat, and the power strip can pass through the positioning seat and be secured under the table without occupying the space on a top of the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Rite-Tech Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Feng-Hsiu Hsiao
  • Patent number: 8586864
    Abstract: An electrical outlet cover assembly includes a base with a base wall and a plurality of side walls, a lid hinged to the base, and at least one port extending through at least one base wall. A cord catch plate is removably placed in the at least one port, the cord catch plate having a reentrant opening therethrough off a side of the plate. Ports may be included on multiple walls, and multiple cord catch plates, or a blocking plate may be placed in other ports. A flexible flap or two may extend inward of a channel in the cord catch plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Jason P. Baldwin
  • Patent number: 8581098
    Abstract: A socket box, equipped with means allowing it to be fixed to a circular opening made in the wall of a block of a building's wall upon an expansion effect of the socket box's structure, whose structure portions are displaced by using expansion screws, which, when turned, cause the socket box to be locked in opening made in block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Torniplast Artefatos Plasticos Ltda
    Inventor: Paulo Cesario Von Gal
  • Patent number: 8575483
    Abstract: Various embodiments of an electrical box are provided for installation in insulated concrete forms (“ICFs”) In at least one embodiment, the electrical box includes a container configured to receive an electrical device, and at least one anchoring member operably connected to the container In these embodiments, the anchoring member is movable between a storage position and an inserted position and the anchoring member is operable by a user without a tool Further, in these embodiments, the inserted position includes at least part of the anchoring member positioned outside the container such that the anchoring member is insertable into, for instance, a foam-based ICF Thus simple and efficient installation of electrical boxes in ICFs is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Ipex Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Sébastien Gauthier
  • Publication number: 20130284482
    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: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventor: J. Moss
  • Patent number: 8569621
    Abstract: A cover for electrical devices is disclosed. Particular implementations include an electrical device cover configured to mount over an electrical device includes a lid having a flexible membrane. The lid is coupled by a hinge to a base and the cover includes a cord port in an edge of a surface of the cover. The lid is configured to expand through the flexible membrane to an expanded position to accommodate an electrical connector coupled with the electrical device. The lid may also be configured to reduce in depth as the lid retracts from the expanded position to a refracted position through the flexible membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Ryan K. Liebengood
  • Patent number: 8569620
    Abstract: An expandable while-in-use electrical outlet cover assembly comprising a lid operatively coupled to a base, the lid comprising flexible clips each comprising a first end, a mid-position and a second end. The collapsible lid may be held in an expanded position by the first end of the flexible clips and collapsed to a collapsed position by applying force to the lid such that a box-like cap slides with respect to a support ring such that the cap seats at the mid-portion of the flexible clip. Particularly useful for rigid lids, like metal lids, the collapsible cover protects the outlet beneath the cover while an electrical cord is plugged in, but still collapses to a smaller profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Baldwin
  • Patent number: 8563859
    Abstract: A wall plate including a base having a perimeter and a front surface, a recessed portion in the base located behind the front surface and having at least one opening for receiving an electrical receptacle face, a panel slidable within the recessed portion, a pair of release buttons for selectively permitting slidable movement of the panel, and wherein the panel is biased in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Marcus J. Shotey
  • Patent number: 8558110
    Abstract: An electrical box including a peripheral wall defining an outer perimeter and having a first end opposite a second end along a central axis, a first opening in the first end, a second opening in the second end, a dividing wall located between the first opening and the second opening, and wherein the first opening is arranged to secure a first electrical device on a first side of a structural wall and the second opening is arranged to secure a second electrical device on a second side of the structural wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Gabor Budahazi, John Klein, Thomas A. Miserendino, Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Richard L. Cleghorn
  • Publication number: 20130240235
    Abstract: A load control switch (1) is provided with a terminal module (2) to which electric wires are connected and which is installed on an installation frame established on a wall surface of a building; and a switch module (3) which is detachably mounted to the terminal module (2) and which turns a load on or off. The load control switch (1) is also provided with an operation handle (4) detachably attached to the switch module (3). The switch module (3) may be an electronic switch or a mechanical switch; an electronic switch may additionally be provided with delay function, timer function, a motion sensor, and so on. This makes it possible for a user to freely replace one load control switch with another having different function without electrical work being required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hirotada Higashihama, Takeshi Kohrogi, Yoko Tanikaga, Kazuhiro Mmatsumoto, Masahiro Nagata, Shinsuke Ueda, Kazuhisa Yoshiki
  • Patent number: 8536452
    Abstract: An adjustable variable ring for electrical junction boxes including a base frame having a guide tab, a sliding insert having a box shaped frame, the sliding insert being configured to slide in and out of the base frame. A ratchet mechanism having a ratchet plate on the base frame including a plurality of steps, and a ratchet spring installed on an inner wall of the box shaped frame including an angled end tab and an angled mid tab protruding from the box shaped frame for engaging one or more of the plurality of steps. The sliding insert is configured to slide in and out of the base frame by disengaging the mid tab from the one or more of the steps by pressing on the end tab, and locks in the base frame by engaging the mid tab with the one or more of the steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Orbit Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Afshin Jafari
  • Patent number: 8536454
    Abstract: A housing system for covering a receptacle mounted on a board includes a base, a first flap and a second flap. Each of the first and second flaps has a proximal end, a distal end and an intermediate portion between the proximal and distal ends. Each of the first and second flaps is mounted to the first and second opposing walls of the base such that each of the first and second flaps pivotally moves about a connection point with each of the first and second opposing sidewalls at the proximal end of each of the first and second flaps, between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the intermediate portions of each of the first and second flaps are a first distance from each other and the distal ends of the first and second flaps are a second distance from each other. The second distance is greater than the first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: EMC Corporation
    Inventors: Mingchang Wang, Qingqiang Guo
  • Patent number: 8530757
    Abstract: An electrical box may include a panel that is coupled to a top side of the electrical box. The panel may include a wall on one side of the panel, the wall surrounding a well, in the first panel, into a space in the electrical box. The panel may also include a cap to be placed over the wall and the well. The cap and the well may be configured to form a first bend and a second bend on a cable that extends from outside of the electrical box to an inside space of the electrical box. The first bend may include a locally lowest point on cable portions that are outside of an area under the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Cong Thanh Dinh