Unitary With Face Plate Patents (Class 174/55)
  • Patent number: 11316329
    Abstract: The invention discloses a smaller Universal Wall Plate (5) to fit and cover a device-hole (10) in a bigger outer wall plate (6). A device-hole exposes the front-end of an electrical device (such as a switch), installed behind the wall plate, for access by the user. The outer wall plate (6) is used for covering and mounting electrical switches, outlets and other devices on walls or other flat surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Inventor: Angad Singh
  • Patent number: 11004635
    Abstract: The present application relates to an electric circuit breaker device and has an object to reduce in size while maintaining a required strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: DAICEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Sakai, Tomohide Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 10923895
    Abstract: A mud ring assembly for supporting an electrical device including a base member configured to be coupled to a junction box having a first corner and a second corner. The base member has a perimeter configured to extend around the first corner and not reach the second corner so that the base member is not positioned above the second corner. The mud ring assembly also includes a movable member configured to support the electrical device. The movable member is pivotably connected to the base member and pivotable relative to the base member between a closed position in which a back of the electrical device is enclosed in the junction box and an open position permitting access to the back of the electrical device. The movable member is couplable at a second portion of the junction box to selectively secure the movable member in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Krzysztof Korcz, Steven Johnson
  • Patent number: 10673170
    Abstract: A lid arrangement including a lid and a surrounding panel. The lid includes a top wall facing outwards and one or more wall of a side wall and/or an end wall. The lid is transitable from a closed position to an open position via an intermediate position, the lid in the open position allowing access to the one or more wall of the side wall and/or the end wall. One of the lid and the surrounding panel includes a pivot axis and the other includes a slot configured to receive the pivot axis. The slot is configured for translational displacement of the pivot axis within the slot, allowing the lid to transit from the closed position to the intermediate position, and for pivotal displacement of the pivot axis within the slot, allowing the lid to transit from the intermediate position to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventor: Artur Hopfen
  • Patent number: 10591682
    Abstract: Improved connector assemblies for use in communication systems and related methods for using the same are provided. The present disclosure provides advantageous connector assemblies (e.g., fiber optic cassettes) having a detachable front bezel that allows the connector assemblies to be assembled, terminated and/or mounted with respect to a panel member from the rear of the panel member, thereby providing user-friendly access for the splicing and management/storage of media cables (e.g., optical fiber cables). The present disclosure provides for a connector assembly having one or more locking members. Each locking member is configured to releasably secure the connector assembly to a bezel member mounted to a panel member. Exemplary panel member can include any suitable number or combination of connector assemblies releasably mounted with respect thereto, via a respective bezel member releasably mounted to the panel member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Ortronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Ryan J. Grandidge
  • Patent number: 10574045
    Abstract: A mud ring assembly for supporting an electrical device including a base member configured to be coupled to a junction box having a first corner and a second corner. The base member has a perimeter configured to extend around the first corner and not reach the second corner so that the base member is not positioned above the second corner. The mud ring assembly also includes a movable member configured to support the electrical device. The movable member is pivotably connected to the base member and pivotable relative to the base member between a closed position in which a back of the electrical device is enclosed in the junction box and an open position permitting access to the back of the electrical device. The movable member is couplable at a second portion of the junction box to selectively secure the movable member in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Krzysztof Korcz, Steven Johnson
  • Patent number: 10573991
    Abstract: A cover member which is to be mated with a connector member and has a cover housing to be attached to an attached member. The cover housing has a plurality of attaching parts for attachment to the attached member. The attaching parts are formed so that the directions of mating with the connector member are different directions with respect to the attached member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: J.S.T. MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Matsumoto, Shinya Masada, Saki Katsumoto
  • Patent number: 10097677
    Abstract: An explosion proof assembly that includes a first portion with a window; an outer touchscreen adhesively sealed around a perimeter of the first portion rear face; and a second portion releasably coupled to the first portion. The second portion has a second portion inner surface defined by a second portion inner edge that transitions into a first dissipation wall. The first portion has a second dissipation wall. The assembly includes a mobile device operable via a mobile device touchscreen. Upon assembly, the outer touchscreen is transmissive to the mobile device touchscreen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Xciel, Inc.
    Inventor: Xavier Balourdet
  • Patent number: 10050424
    Abstract: A connection arrangement for a floor power distribution system is provided herein. The connection arrangement includes a hub arrangement having a hub housing and an electrical connector. The hub housing is configured to abut a floor. The connection arrangement also includes a door module having a lower portion configured to abut the floor, a raised portion configured to engage the hub housing of the hub arrangement, and a door that is movable between a closed position to prevent access to the electrical connector and an open position to allow access to the electrical connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: David K. Jones, Jamie Payne, Cody Jay Holstege, Mark Andrew Schneider
  • Patent number: 9991636
    Abstract: An electrical box, switch and plug-in device, that facilitates the prompt and safe installation and maintenance of the components within an electrical box. The box includes a wiring connector, molded or affixed to an internal wall of the electrical box, for receiving external incoming power, and connects with a movable male electrical wiring connector, that can be plugged into the back of an installed electrical switch or electrical plug-in device. The mail electrical wiring connector, mounted upon its wiring, can be shifted within the box, to align it for plug-in with the identified electrical devices. The wiring connector incorporates a series of slots, such that when the various electrical wiring is connected therewith, the bare wires are concealed and secured therein, to assure safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Inventor: Welda William Derousse
  • Patent number: 9595819
    Abstract: A Hinged Mud Ring Cover and Method of Use for providing a hinged intermediate mounting surface on which a device may be installed prior to being wired. The Hinged Mud Ring Cover generally includes a box mounting plate with an access aperture operationally coupled to an electrical box, the access aperture facilitating access to an interior of the electrical box when the box mounting plate portion is coupled to the electrical box, and a device mounting plate portion hinged to the box mounting plate portion for mounting the device allowing the use of both hands for wiring the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Aerionics, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven R Bonino
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140268693
    Abstract: A power housing assembly includes a housing having a side thereof that is at least partially open. A faceplate, coupled to the open side at a first hinge position, can articulate about the first hinge position between a first position and a second position. The faceplate includes a substantially L-shaped portion that resides (i) in the housing when the faceplate is in its first position, and (ii) outside of the housing when the faceplate is in its second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Marina Electrical Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Dively, Alston G. Brooks, Kelly W. Treiber
  • Patent number: 8817477
    Abstract: The assembly comprises: a car radio with a housing and a removable half front plate; a mounting sheath; means for securing the housing in the sheath; and means for unlocking the housing, said means comprising a tool suitable for being inserted in at least two orifices formed in the front face of the housing. These two orifices are formed in a central zone of the housing that is hidden by the front plate when it is mounted on the housing, and that is visible when the front plate is separated from the housing. The assembly has essentially no peripheral cover fitted thereto. The U-shaped tool makes it easy to extract the car radio using one hand in a single movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Parrot
    Inventors: Bertrand Vignau-Lous, Hocine Belkhoudja
  • Patent number: 8802980
    Abstract: A mounting plate for a control device is adapted to be coupled to an electrical wallbox and is made of a non-conductive material. The mounting plate comprises at least one faceplate screw opening for receiving a faceplate screw such that a faceplate may be coupled to the mounting plate during installation. The mounting plate further comprises a ground wire. The ground wire is adapted to be coupled to earth ground and is also positioned to overlap a portion of the faceplate screw opening. During the installation of the faceplate, as the faceplate screw is inserted into the faceplate screw opening of the yoke, the faceplate screw contacts the ground wire as well as the faceplate. In the event that the faceplate is made of metal, the faceplate will be coupled to the ground wire, and thus, safely grounded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: William Taylor Shivell, James P. Steiner
  • 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: 8575484
    Abstract: An adjustable-depth ring assembly for mounting an electrical device in an electrical box that is accessible through a wall opening in a wall member disposed forward of the electrical box. In one embodiment, the assembly includes an extension ring, an abutment device, an electrical device, and a finish cover plate forming a pre-assembled unit. The unit is free of any connection with the box cover plate and the electrical box prior to field installation of the unit to connect the unit to the box cover plate and the electrical box. In another embodiment, the assembly includes an abutment device on the extension ring movable from a non-abutting position to an abutting position projecting outward beyond a perimeter of the extension ring for abutting a front surface of a wall member when the extension ring is moved to an installed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Martin L. Witherbee
  • Patent number: 8503183
    Abstract: An input/output module for a building automation system includes a mounting plate, a circuit board, and a cover. The mounting plate has at least two fastener receptacles (24-30) positioned to align with fastener receptacles of a standard electrical junction box (90). The mounting plate further includes at least two openings, each opening sized to receive one or more wires therethrough. The circuit board supports an interface circuit configured to communicate on a building network. The circuit board also includes device input terminals and device output terminals. The interface circuit is configured to provide an interface between the building network and devices connected to the input and output terminals. The circuit board is configured to be mounted to the mounting plate. The cover is sized to fit over the mounting plate and circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve R. Hamilton, Michael B. Strozewski, Jian Fang Wang, Yuan Zhang
  • Patent number: 8440918
    Abstract: An assembly includes at least one electronic component, a bus bar electrically connected to the electronic component and having a connection portion, a case receiving both the electronic component and the bus bar and having first and second openings, and a drop prevention member having a drop prevention wall. The connection portion of the bus bar is to be connected with a terminal of an external connector by engaging a first engaging member to be placed inside the case through the first opening and a second engaging member provided in the external connector. In the assembly, there is defined, by the drop prevention wall, the connection portion of the bus bar, and part of the external connector, a confinement space for confining the first engaging member and thereby preventing it from dropping outside the confinement space during establishment of the engagement between the first and second engaging members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kazurou Matsumoto, Akira Nakasaka
  • Publication number: 20120312576
    Abstract: A mounting plate for a control device is adapted to be coupled to an electrical wallbox and is made of a non-conductive material. The mounting plate comprises at least one faceplate screw opening for receiving a faceplate screw such that a faceplate may be coupled to the mounting plate during installation. The mounting plate further comprises a ground wire. The ground wire is adapted to be coupled to earth ground and is also positioned to overlap a portion of the faceplate screw opening. During the installation of the faceplate, as the faceplate screw is inserted into the faceplate screw opening of the yoke, the faceplate screw contacts the ground wire as well as the faceplate. In the event that the faceplate is made of metal, the faceplate will be coupled to the ground wire, and thus, safely grounded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: William Taylor Shivell, James P. Steiner
  • Patent number: 8124888
    Abstract: A system to enclose communication wiring of electronic devices includes a box; a power cover plate; a cover frame; a cover plate; and a low voltage connector plate attached to the power cover plate, wherein the power cover plate, the cover frame, and the cover plate attach to the box, wherein the low voltage connector plate and the power cover plate are substantially aligned in a line, wherein the cover frame and the cover plate are substantially aligned, and wherein the box simultaneously houses telephone electrical connection components, power electrical connection components, and data electrical connection components. The cover plate may be substantially flush with a wall upon installation. The box may comprise an enclosed section connectively hinged to the box. The system is preferably made of metal, plastic, or combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Wire Wrangler, LLC
    Inventors: Cyrus Etemad-Moghadam, Majid Jelveh, Anthony Dean Haines
  • Publication number: 20110266021
    Abstract: An electrical receptacle box device that is installed by the practitioner in a desired floor location to allow proximal electrical access for corded electrical devices. The device includes lid and door aspects to disguise and cover the box when installed flush with the floor. The device further includes a void space for excess cord storage, thus improving safety, and a means of mounting the receptacles within the box either vertically or horizontally per the preference of the practitioner. The lid of the device also includes apertures and cut-outs to allow cords to pass through the door when shut, disguising the unsightly appearance of a traditional electrical receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventors: Roy Bouse, Lucas Bouse
  • Publication number: 20090321104
    Abstract: A system to enclose communication wiring of electronic devices includes a box; a power cover plate; a cover frame; a cover plate; and a low voltage connector plate attached to the power cover plate, wherein the power cover plate, the cover frame, and the cover plate attach to the box, wherein the low voltage connector plate and the power cover plate are substantially aligned in a line, wherein the cover frame and the cover plate are substantially aligned, and wherein the box simultaneously houses telephone electrical connection components, power electrical connection components, and data electrical connection components. The cover plate may be substantially flush with a wall upon installation. The box may comprise an enclosed section connectively hinged to the box. The system is preferably made of metal, plastic, or combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: Wire Wrangler, LLC
    Inventors: Cyrus Etemad-Moghadam, Majid Jelveh, Anthony Dean Haines
  • Patent number: 7612653
    Abstract: A network outlet fixture providing wall-mounted LAN jacks. The fixture may include an in-wall power supply and be configured for mounting within a conventional multi-gang wall box. The power supply may be directly connected to an adjacent wall outlet, which serves as a power source, in the same or an adjacent wall box. The fixture may include both network switching and fiber-to-copper media converter functionality. The fixture may be configured to disconnect the power source upon removal of a face plate of the fixture. Further, the fixture may be configured to allow mounting of the jack-supporting structure in any one of several different positions relative to a remainder of the outlet fixture. This allows for presentation of the LAN jacks in a certain preferred orientation while permitting the remainder of the outlet fixture to be mounted in several different orientations relative to a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Richard D. Miller, Steven Charles Mongold, Keith James McKechnie
  • Publication number: 20090044964
    Abstract: Utility outlets that function as a security system in a premises is disclosed. Utility outlets that function as a security system reduces the number of devices that need to be installed in a premises, thereby by reducing overall costs in installing a security system. Additionally, using utility outlets as a security system allows the security system to encompass the movement of electrical devices or the operation of electrical devices as security breach conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: Optimal Innovations Inc.
    Inventor: Roland Schoettle
  • Patent number: 7468487
    Abstract: A securable wallplate system couples a wallplate with a wall without need for additional attachment hardware. The wallplate system includes arm members pivotally coupled with a wallplate. For each arm member, the wallplate can include a guide member that allows the arm member to pivotally rotate from a retracted angular orientation during installation of the wallplate system to an extended angular orientation during final engagement with an interior side of the wall. In final position, the arm members engage with the interior side of the room wall while the wallplate engages with an exterior side of the room wall and covers an opening in the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: James M. Murphy
  • 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: 7129412
    Abstract: An adapter plate to provide a stable supporting transition between the curvature of an exposed log in a log-construction building and electrical components to be installed into the log includes a substantially flat front side, a curved back side, and a center opening. The back side is provided with a smooth curvature complimentary to the curvature of the exposed log surface for snug installation thereto and tracking engagement therewith. The center opening is sized to slidably receive an electrical box into which the component is to be installed. The front side is configured to support the electrical box and for snug installation of the cover plate. The adapter plate is configurable for use with one or more electrical boxes ganged together. The adapter plate conceals the entire electrical box and the space between the component and the log.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventor: Kevin R. Pierce
  • Patent number: 6956169
    Abstract: A simplified installation design for an in-use cover for an electrical outlet includes conical mounting screw holes in the outlet box and movement-restricting guides to ensure the mounting screw aligns with the mounting screw holes. Angled side mounting screw holes allow the outlet box to be installed with screws from within the box rather than the conventional nails outside the box. In particular embodiments of the invention, prongs, screws, clamps, heat stakes or other attachment components extend from the back of the insert to allow for pre-installment attachment of the electrical device directly to the insert. This also simplifies installation of the recessed in-use covers. Adaptors may optionally be included to allow the device to be adapted for use with a variety of sizes and shapes of electrical devices. An alternate embodiment of the invention includes a recessed in-use outlet formed of an electrical box, a receptacle, a cover plate and a cover to allow for simple installation with fewer parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Taymac Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Shotey, Marcus Shotey, Edgar Maltby, John Kinnard
  • Patent number: 6927336
    Abstract: An interworking interface module for telecommunication switching systems has multiple interworking terminal I/O ports, tracking terminal I/O ports, and system terminal I/O ports, and an indicator lamp are mounted on the external panels of a mounting frame. Multiple connection modules are attached onto the inner surface of a mounting frame used for setting up interconnection between the above terminal I/O ports. Each connection module comprises a switching means, such that a terminal separated from the system connection is automatically switched to connect to a terminal resistor to damp any line oscillation due to open connection. Using the connection modules to interconnect the above terminals of the invention, the present invention is able to reduce the necessary interconnecting components and simplify the procedures for assembling a transit exchange platform, while the original service quality with respect to a line connection is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Hsun-Chien Huang
  • Patent number: 6836402
    Abstract: A transparent window for a multiple socket includes a housing and a transparent plate. Wherein, the socket is provided with receptacles and an embedding region. The embedding region is for forming a transparent window by covering the transparent plate thereon, and the transparent plate is further formed with indicative or decorative texts and symbols, thereby indicating uses of individual receptacles of the multiple socket and decorating the multiple socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Inventor: Pei-Chin Huang
  • Patent number: 6800808
    Abstract: A cable fixing structure on a flat panel is to have an elliptical through hole on the flat panel of an electronic device enclosure, a protruding joint board is on the end of the connector of a cable, an upper and lower panel wedge each is near the top and lower portion of the elliptical through hole, wherein the shape and physical size of the joint board is equal to the elliptical through hole, the joint board is in parallel with the end of the connector, an upper and a lower joint wedges corresponding to the panel wedges are on the inner edge of the joint board. While installing the connector onto the panel, the joint board passes through the elliptical through hole enabling the upper and lower joint wedges to reach the upper and lower panel wedges by turning the connector. Thus, the connector of the cable is easily and rapidly fixed to the flat panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: D-Link Corporation
    Inventor: Ming-Tsai Chung
  • Patent number: 6583359
    Abstract: A protective cover for an electric meter includes a base and a face plate. The face plate attaches to the base by hinges. The face plate defines a hole sized to pass a glass cylinder that houses the meter display. In a closed position, the glass cylinder passes through the hole. In an open position, the glass cylinder is free of the face plate and the electric meter is freely accessible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Felipe A. Cabello-Colón
  • Patent number: 6573450
    Abstract: An electric wire is inserted through a through hole formed with a housing body. A first terminal fitting is provided with a first clamper which clamps a portion of the electric wire situated inside of the housing body to electrically connect therewith. A second terminal fitting is provided with a second clamper which clamps a portion of the electric wire situated outside of the housing body. A grommet made of an elastic material has a cylindrical shape such that the electric wire is passed through an inner periphery thereof and an outer periphery thereof is fitted into the through hole of the housing body. A reinforcing spacer is provided on a part of the outer periphery of the grommet so as to abut against at least one of a first edge of the through hole at an outer face of the housing body and a second edge of the through hole at an inner face of the housing body. The reinforcing spacer is made of a material having greater hardness than the elastic material forming the grommet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Saito, Daiji Hotta, Yoshihide Tsukamoto, Hiroaki Matsui
  • Patent number: 6559387
    Abstract: A universal ground clamp having a clamping strap having a series of uniformly sized and spaced apertures to facilitate the installation of the clamp onto a wide range of structures of various shaped and sized cross-sections. A metal stud, through which the clamping strap is secured, includes a terminal portion adapted to accommodate and have secured therein a ground wire. A pair of curved plates supported upon the stud are used to form a tight clamping action of the strap about the structure to be grounded, without subjecting the strap to localized stresses or tearing, but permitting the strap to tightly encircle the structure. One of the curved plates is captivated on the strap with stops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Senior Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: George J. Franks
  • Patent number: 6455776
    Abstract: A wire management grommet has a plate which is removably supported by support means in an aperture of a work top so that it can be at least partially rotated about an axis defined by the support means out of a plane of the work top and removed and replaced in an inverted operative position in which bevelled side walls of the aperture and plate respectively define substantially parallel side walls of wire receiving channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Peter Milne Furniture Makers Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter Milne
  • Patent number: 6444906
    Abstract: The present invention, in certain embodiments, is an exterior-wall-mounted accessory outlet unit for a recreational vehicle, motor home, travel trailer or mobile home. The apparatus includes a housing and a mounting plate. The housing is adapted to be positioned through the exterior wall of a recreational vehicle, motor home, travel trailer or mobile home. The housing includes a mounting lip and side walls, which form an interior space, and a receiving ridge. The mounting plate is shaped to fit into the receiving ridge of the housing, such that the outwardly-facing planar surface is generally parallel to a plane defined by the exterior wall of a recreational vehicle, motor home, travel trailer or mobile home. Within the mounting plate is at least one aperture for accommodating at least one electrical power accessory outlet, at least one coaxial cable mount, at least one modular telephone connector and at least one exterior speaker outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventor: Charles Marion Lewis
  • Patent number: 6184466
    Abstract: The threaded wallplate mounting lobes of a mounting strap are eliminated and replaced by a retainer made of thin, hard brass sheet metal. The retainer has a body portion fixed to the mounting strap at each of its two ends and an apertured lobe which takes the place of the lobes of the mounting strap. By contouring the shape of the apertures in the retainers, mounting fasteners may be forced through such apertures to assemble a wallplate to a mounting strap without the usual mating of fastener and threaded mounting lobes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: John Eder, James J. Sherman
  • Patent number: 6102360
    Abstract: A faceplate has self-contained fastening devices for securing it in a wall opening, and also has rearwardly projecting flanges and legs that are received in the wall. The flanges locate the faceplate relative to the opening and the legs serve to cooperate with the swinging fastener mounted arms to limit their rotation as the fastener is rotated to bring the arms into contact with the backside of the sheetrock wall structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: The Wiremold Company
    Inventors: William Clegg, Steven C. Thibault
  • Patent number: 6066805
    Abstract: An electrical receptacle cover is securable over an electrical receptacle. The cover includes a generally planar cover plate for positioning over the receptacle. The cover plate includes an outlet opening therethrough for accessing the outlet of the electrical receptacle. The cover plate also includes an aperture therethrough for passage of a threaded fastening element. A threaded nut-like securement member is formed integrally with the planar cover plate. The securement member is frangibly removable so that it may be attached to the receptacle for accommodating the fastening element extending through the cover plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Bordwell, James McCutcheon, Darrell Dumont, Jessica Henderson
  • Patent number: 6051785
    Abstract: An electrical wiring switch and receptacle leveling and protector plate includes a substantially planar base plate having an opening of a size to receive an electrical terminating component including a wiring switch, receptacle, or connector disposed thereon, a notch of a size to hold an outlet box mounting screw disposed an extent of an inner peripheral edge bounding the opening, and a gap of a size to receive a cover plate mounting screw disposed thereon offset below and aligned with the notch. The electrical wiring switch and receptacle leveling and protector plate also includes a substantially planar piece with a notch of a size to hold an outlet box mounting screw disposed on an extent of an outer peripheral edge thereof and a gap of a size to receive a cover plate mounting screw disposed thereon and offset above and aligned with the notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Jackson Deerfiled Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Reginald A. Baldwin, Daniel T. Rego
  • Patent number: 6046405
    Abstract: A pop-up electrical outlet assembly has a flush surface mounted bezel or flange with an opening defined in it. To one side of the bezel opening is a hinged cover. Located beneath the cover is an electrical box. The electrical box is mounted to the same side of the bezel opening with a supplemental hinge. The hinge allows the electrical box to pop-up when the cover is lifted from its closed position. The receptacle is held in position with a spring catch. The electrical box is effectively isolated from any water which may be splashed up against the bezel both during use of the receptacle and when it is not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventor: Richard Obermann
  • Patent number: 6037542
    Abstract: A new type of cover plate for an electrical switch or electrical outlet. One or more lower substrates are bonded to one side of an upper substrate. A plurality of tiles is bonded to the opposite side of the upper substrate in any desired pattern. Grout is placed in the gaps between the tiles. Standard mounting holes and access slots for the light switch or electrical receptacles are provided, extending through the entire assembly. The completed assembly is then affixed to the outlet or switch, with the tiles facing outward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: Sherry McCall
  • Patent number: 6028267
    Abstract: Embodiments of power center systems are provided which include manually operable and rotatable carriages. The rotatable carriages include component sections where electrical and communication components may be incorporated. The components include electrical receptacles and communications/data ports. The receptacles and data ports may be connected to incoming power and communication cables. When a carriage is rotated to an open position, power cords and communication lines may be connected to appropriate ones of the receptacles and data ports. Slack sections of the cords and lines may be placed within an open area below a work surface within which the power center system is placed. A cover portion of a carriage includes slots allowing the cords and lines to remain energized with the receptacles and data ports, when the cover is in a closed position. The carriages include covers having front and rear portions, rotatable relative to each other through hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: Norman R. Byrne
  • Patent number: 5965844
    Abstract: A mounting plate and cover for a pair of spaced-apart electrical boxes. The mounting plate and cover has a pair of spaced-apart openings and a planar flange portion therebetween. At least one electrical box is fastened to one of the openings. The flange portion is secured to the front face of the wall stud with the at least one electrical box abutting the sidewall of the wall stud. The bottom edges of the openings in the mounting plate and cover are in the same horizontal plane. A method of installation is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Inventor: Jerome M. Lippa
  • Patent number: 5938061
    Abstract: A backing plate for an inlet valve for a central vacuum system is disclosed. The backing plate includes a tubular portion, which on one side is secured to vacuum conduits, and on the other side carries a vacuum opening having a rubber seal. The backing plate further includes a removable protective element or router disc to protect the rubber seal, such as for example during installation of dry wall over the backing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Canplas Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: John Ward, Jim McKee
  • Patent number: 5872333
    Abstract: In a connector fixing construction, connectors are mounted on a printed circuit board, and wall portions, covering peripheral surfaces of the connectors, respectively, are formed on a cover covering the printed circuit board. Therefore, even if a lateral external force acts on the connector when a mating connector is inserted into and removed from the connector, the connector is prevented from being moved laterally, thereby certainly preventing damage, such as a crack, to solder portions by which terminals of the connector are connected to a circuit pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Kouichi Uezono, Yasuhito Suzuki
  • Patent number: 4924349
    Abstract: A wallbox-mountable face plate assembly includes a support plate for the control device, an intermediate plate that attaches to the support plate, and a face plate that snaps onto the intermediate plate. The face plate has a particularly simple construction, requiring no mounting structure on the interior of the back surface. The intermediate plate may be painted to match, or to contrast with, the color of the wall on which the assembly is to be mounted. Alternatively, the intermediate plate could be translucent and backlighted to provide a night light or pilot light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Buehler, Elliot G. Jacoby, Rita Swartvagher
  • Patent number: 4803380
    Abstract: A cover and support plate arrangement for a wall mounted device, such as a wall switch, display, dimmer, etc., for mounting to a wall box embedded in the wall and having overall surface dimensions greater than that of the wall box. The cover plate is juxtaposed over the front surface of the support plate and is spaced therefrom to provide an air gap between the cover plate and the support plate creating a chimney through which air currents may flow. The device includes an electric circuit having a heat generating device, such as a triac, which is thermally connected to the support plate and in series electrically with a controlled load. The cover plate casts a shadow along vertical sides of the support plate such that the vertical sides of the support plate are visible only when viewed at extreme angles with respect to an imaginary line perpendicular to the plane of the support plate or the wall in which the device is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1989
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Elliot G. Jacoby, Jr., Michael J. D'Aleo, David G. Luchaco, Joel S. Spira, Richard A. Wagner, Stephen J. Yuhasz, David H. Dowler
  • Patent number: 4717358
    Abstract: Cover plate for use in a wire raceway panel. More particularly, the cover plate includes cooperating latch members on one edge of the back face and a slot on the opposite edge for removably latching the cover plate in an opening in the panel. Telephone and data connectors are provided in the cover plate to provide an interconnection between telephones and other office equipment and appropriate telephone lines and data cable and wires in the raceway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1988
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventor: George C. Chaundy