Covers Or Face Plates Patents (Class 174/66)
  • Publication number: 20120132456
    Abstract: A method for assembling an electrical connection box. The method may include the steps of selecting a connection box having at least one receiver, selecting an assembly comprising an electrical fixture and at least one anchor, and securing the assembly to the connection box by inserting the at least one anchor within the first receiver. The at least one receiver may include a first engagement mechanism designed to engage a second engagement mechanism included as part of the at least one anchor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventor: Brent L. Kidman
  • Publication number: 20120125653
    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: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventor: Gordon R. Davidson
  • Patent number: 8158885
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to a wall plate, such as for light switches and electrical outlets, that may be painted to coordinate with the color of a room's walls, trim, or décor. The wall plate includes a transparent cover plate and an optional backing. A reverse side of the transparent cover plate has a prepared surface that is intentionally adapted to be painted by being textured, deglossed, roughened, etched, treated, sand-blasted, or the like. In use, the optional backing can cover and protect the painted surface. The transparent cover plate can be made of molded thermoplastic resin and the backing can be a plate or sheet of suitable material. Both will typically contain openings to provide access to switches, outlets, plugs, jacks, mounting posts, etc., as well as any holes requires by fasteners such as screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Susan Eastin
  • Patent number: 8153895
    Abstract: The present invention provides a weatherproof while-in-use electrical box cover. The box cover includes a base having a back wall including an opening therein for accessing an electrical outlet and permetrical base side walls extending thereabout defining an open front face. The box cover further includes a hood having a front wall for covering the open front face of the base and permetrical hood side walls extending therefrom. The hood is matable with the base and including a cooperative mating assembly on respective side walls for defining a pivot location for pivotally attaching the hood to the base. A hinge pin is insertably connected to the cooperative mating assemblies for hingedly attaching the hood to the base and the hinge pin is configured to non-releaseably engage with the cooperative mating assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark R. Drane
  • Patent number: 8148637
    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 includes 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 includes 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: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: SlapPlates LLC
    Inventor: Gordon R. Davidson
  • Publication number: 20120073853
    Abstract: An access cover for a hand well or hand hole comprises a top member having an upper surface, a lower surface and a perimeter, the lower surface being configured to inhibit radial outward migration of wires positioned in the hand well, wherein the top member is constructed from an electrical insulating material. A method of using the access cover is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: TIERCON CORP.
    Inventors: Scott Penson Hickey, Siegfried Niedermair
  • Patent number: 8143518
    Abstract: An electrical box is disclosed, wherein the electrical box includes a lid hingedly attached to a back wall of the electrical box. The lid is adapted to be selectively moved between an open and a closed position, wherein the lid covers at least a portion of an opening into the interior of the electrical box when in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Allied Moulded Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas L. Elberson
  • Patent number: 8143520
    Abstract: A light switch cover assembly easily mounted over existing wall type light switches. The cover assembly includes a mounting bracket having an opening provided therethrough which is shapely designed and sizably configured for snug attachment of a bracket plate therein. The bracket plate includes an opening to allow the protruding rocker portion of a light switch to pass therethrough. The bracket plate further includes a plurality of apertures defined therethrough for receipt of mounting screws. A face plate is adapted for removable attachment to the mounting bracket in a snap-fit manner. The face plate includes an opening shapely designed and sizably configured to snugly accommodate a rocker plate therein. The face plate further includes an oblong opening providing a thermometer support enclosure within which a thermometer is swivelably secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventor: Paul Cutler
  • Publication number: 20120069507
    Abstract: A timing device is disclosed which is for controlling electronic devices and which is mounted in a wall switch box. This timing device comprises at least one controller, at least one transceiver in communication with the controller, at least one interface; and at least one cover plate. This device can also include at least one key coupled to the cover plate for interacting with the interface when said cover plate is inserted onto said at least one interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: LEVITON MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Michael OSTROVSKY, Alfred LOMBARDI, Selin TANSI GLICKMAN, Cheryl SAMARTANO
  • Publication number: 20120068612
    Abstract: A cover for an electrical receptacle including a faceplate. The cover also includes a first transmission tab configured to be electrically connected to a first power line of the electrical receptacle and a second transmission tab configured to be electrically connected to a second power line of the electrical receptacle. Additionally, the cover includes a device (such as a light source, circuit, port, or sensor) in communication with the first transmission tab and the second transmission tab.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventor: Cordell Eldred Ebeling
  • Publication number: 20120061118
    Abstract: A keypad bezel for attaching to a housing of a handheld computer comprises a main body including plurality of screw holes and tabs for connecting the main body to the computer housing and a plurality of leverage points in the main body useful for removing the keypad bezel from the housing. To remove the keypad bezel, the screws are removed from the screw holes and a removal tool is positioned so that it mates with recesses the keypad bezel and force is applied to the removal tool in a direction way from the housing. The force removes the tabs out of corresponding slots in the housing allowing the bezel to be removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: PSION INC.
    Inventors: Yanmin MAO, Jin LIU
  • Patent number: 8124873
    Abstract: A cable routing assembly for providing a portal for routing low voltage cables through a wall. The cable routing assembly includes a protective cable frame, a low voltage mounting bracket, and a cover plate. The low voltage mounting bracket includes two adjustable flags for attachment to a wall. The protective cable frame includes two arms with apertures therein to enable mounting directly to the low voltage mounting bracket. Bores in the arms of the protective cable frame enable receipt of fasteners for mounting the cover plate thereto. An opening in the protective cable frame is capable of receiving low voltage cables for routing through the wall and into an adjacent room. The surface of the cable frame opening includes a rounded surface to provide a gentle bend radius to any cables routed through the cable frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 8119911
    Abstract: An electrical connection enclosure cover plate for use during drywall installation, texturing and painting processes, may include a single and unitary body having a rectangular and planar outer wall adapted to be affixed to an existing electrical box. The outer wall has a plurality of pins extending outwardly from an anterior face thereof. The pins are statically situated at opposed corners of the anterior face, and suitably sized and shaped to penetrate through an existing dry wall. The body has a plurality of primary panels directly connected to a posterior face of the outer wall. The primary panels may be adapted to frictionally engage the existing electrical box. The body may be adapted to be detachably coupled to the existing electrical box such that the outer wall may be adapted to cover and shield a front opening of the existing electrical box from undesirable debris and fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: William Waller
  • Patent number: 8119912
    Abstract: A cover assembly for a floor-mounted enclosure or in-floor box includes a lid that remains flush with the floor and covers the in-floor box while permitting egress of electrical cables connected to receptacles housed in the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: The Wiremold Company
    Inventors: Steven C. Thibault, Joseph A. Milheiro, Peter Currier, Jean-Luc Godard
  • Patent number: 8115100
    Abstract: A temporary electrical or data outlet decommissioning arrangement includes: a generally rectangularly shaped receiving baseplate; a cover plate having a plurality of receiving baseplate engagement tabs thereon, wherein the baseplate has two side walls and two transverse end walls defining a cover plate receiving opening, the side walls each have a common plurality of tab-receiving slots therein, and wherein the cover plate has two side walls and two transverse end walls, wherein the cover plate has a pair of engagement tabs extending off of one side wall, and has a single locking tab on the side opposite the pair of engagement tabs, and the single locking tab has an adjacent recessed support wall to provide a recess in the side wall of the cover plate to permit a tool access for removal of the cover plate from the baseplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventor: Albert E. Peckham
  • Publication number: 20120031640
    Abstract: A cover plate assembly and an electrical box are provided for mounting one or more electrical wiring devices. The cover plate assembly can be modified to provide a single gang, double gang or triple gang assembly for mounting the wiring devices. The cover plate assembly includes a collar forming a mud ring having at least one removable portion which can be removed to form an open side of the collar. An adapter is attached to the cover plate assembly at the open side of the collar to enlarge the dimensions of the collar to receiving a plurality of electrical wiring devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: HUBBELL INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Krzysztof W. Korcz, Mahran H. Ayrton
  • Patent number: 8110742
    Abstract: A temporary protective cover for an electrical box having an open front end. In some embodiments of the invention, the cover is constructed for attachment directly to a circular type electrical box and includes a circular plate of plastic having a pair of flexible wings for use in securing the cover to the electrical box and a pair of punch-outs for use in securing the cover to the electrical box. In some other embodiments of the invention the cover is constructed for attachment to a circular plaster ring which can be attached to a commercial type circular electrical box and include a pair of flexible wings for use in securing the cover to the plaster ring and a pair of punch-outs for use in securing the cover to the plaster ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventor: Carlo Compagnone, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8110743
    Abstract: An electrical box cover including a housing and a hood pivotally attached to the housing and moveable between an open and closed position. The housing includes a base wall adapted to be attached to an electrical box. The base wall is surrounded by an outwardly extending side wall. The side wall includes a first opening defined by an edge. A guard having an opening formed therein is insertable over the first opening and securable to the side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark R. Drane
  • Patent number: 8106295
    Abstract: An electrical device cover having a base with a wall structure includes of at least a two pairs of opposing walls located perpendicular to each other and an opening in a back side large enough to receive an electrical device. An exterior surface of at least a first wall has at least one rails running perpendicular to a plane in which the back side of the base resides and the base of a detachable hinge component is slidably coupled to the at least one rail. The detachable hinge component further includes at least one hinge member that is parallel to the base of the hinge component and a lid includes at least one hinge tab in which the at least one hinge member seats such the lid is pivotally coupled to the hinge component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: TayMac Corporation
    Inventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Iven Dieterle
  • Patent number: 8104639
    Abstract: An electrical device cover comprises a base with an opening in a back wall of the base sized to receive an electrical device and a lid coupled to the base at a first base end through a hinge, the lid pivotable between and open position and at least one closed position. The base comprises a track and a notch in a side of the track extending away from the first base end. A first end of the lid in a closed position is adjustable generally parallel to the back wall of the base toward and away from a second base end. A lid pin extends from the lid towards the track when the lid is in a closed position. In each closed position the lid pin seats in the at least one notch of the track when the first lid end is selectively adjusted toward the second base end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: TayMac Corporation
    Inventors: Richard L. Cleghorn, Jeffrey P. Baldwin
  • Patent number: 8101860
    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: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: TayMac Corporation
    Inventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Edgar W. Maltby, Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Richard L. Cleghorn, Andre Baca, Kenneth C. Booth
  • Patent number: 8101861
    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: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: TayMac Corporation
    Inventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Richard Cleghorn, Kenneth C. Booth
  • Patent number: 8097805
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a “while-in-use” electrical box device including an electrical box housing and pivotable cover which function as an integral unit and rotate on a fixed frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Drane, Cong T. Dinh, Joey D. Magno, Jr., Robert Kevin Jolly
  • Patent number: 8093497
    Abstract: A self retained cover assembly for holding an electrical device in an electrical outlet. The cover includes a retaining body with a front face for covering the outlet and a rear face with two retainer prongs having moveable barbs for holding the cover to the outlet. The cover retains an electrical cord or an electronic device with electrically conductive prongs to the outlet. A tab is provided to move the barbs so the cover may be removed from the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Socket-Lockits, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick M. White
  • Patent number: 8088999
    Abstract: An electrical outlet plate with a hinged cover to not only cover the outlet openings, but provide a means of safely securing any plug and cord that should be connected to it is herein disclosed. The base cover plate is similar in appearance to a conventional duplex outlet cover plate used in homes, offices, and businesses. The hinged outlet cover is approximately two (2) inches deep with a lockable latch along a side surface and two (2) slots in the face for routing electrical cords, thereby captivating a plug portion inside. Thus, when secured in place, it is impossible to remove the plug and cord without first removing the cover plate. Due to the spring action of the latch, an adult can easily remove the hinging cover by pressing to release; however, it is virtually impossible for a child or toddler to do so.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Inventor: Leon F. Payou
  • Patent number: 8089757
    Abstract: A waterproof structure for a housing of a portable electronic apparatus comprises a cover and an elastic pad. The cover comprises a pivot portion, and the cover is connected to the housing via the pivot portion such that the cover is capable of rotating in relation to the housing. The elastic pad comprises at least one protrusion structure, and the at least one protrusion structure is capable of inserting into a waterproof groove on the housing corresponding to the protrusion structure. When the cover is rotated to close the housing, the cover is capable of compressing the elastic pad to form a seal between the at least one protrusion structure and the waterproof groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Kuan-Yu Chen, Hsing-Wang Chang, Feng-Hsiung Wu
  • Publication number: 20110303433
    Abstract: A balanced coverplate for an electrical or communication junction box including an upper portion and a substantially aligned lower portion for storage of items on holding means such as hooks, pegs or magnets. The upper portion of the coverplate may conveniently supplant a standard wall outlet/receptacle cover plate or switch cover plate. The lower portion is primarily intended for storage of items and extends from the lower edge of the upper portion. A main portion plate of the lower portion is intended to guard the wall from contact with the items being stored. The upper and lower portions are substantially aligned with the fasteners captured by the junction box, so torque about each fastener is substantially minimized, thus ensuring the longevity of the fasteners and their respective apertures of the junction box while protecting the wall surface below the outlet and/or switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Phillip Wagner
  • Patent number: 8076577
    Abstract: This invention pertains to an adjustable cover for an electrical outlet box. The cover is configured having a generally planar mounting plate with a collar surrounding an opening through this mounting plate. An extension sleeve moves within this opening and adjacent the collar. At least one fastener is located adjacent the opening and is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The fastener operates a locking device that engages wedges against the extension sleeve when the fastener is in the locked position and disengages wedges against the extension sleeve when the fastener is in the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Joey D. Mango, Jr., Andrew C. Cole, James Michael Baker
  • Publication number: 20110298969
    Abstract: A cover structure of an electronic apparatus is provided. The cover structure comprises a cover and a plate spring. The cover has a pivot having a cam at one end, wherein two ends of the penetrate portions of a case on the electronic apparatus respectively. The plate spring is located inside the case and contacts the cam. When the cover is forced to rotate, the cam drives the cover to rotate and open/close automatically by the elastic force of the plate spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: ABILITY ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: YU-FANG LIN, HSIEN-MING LEE, TZU-PENG WU
  • Patent number: 8067703
    Abstract: A protective cable frame for providing a portal for routing low voltage cables through a wall. The protective cable frame includes a substantially rectangular frame portion with an inner periphery having a rounded surface, two ends, and arms extending from each end. The arms include an outer bore and an inner slot therein. The inner slots enable insertion of fasteners for direct mounting of the cable frame to a low voltage bracket or an electrical box and permit squaring of the cable frame with respect to the wall. The outer bores in the arms of the protective cable frame enable receipt of fasteners for mounting a cover plate thereto. The protective cable frame is capable of receiving low voltage cables for routing them through a wall to an adjacent room. The rounded surface on the inner periphery provides a gentle bend radius to cables routed there through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 8067691
    Abstract: A cover is provided for acute angled insulator pair arrangement, such as a V-switch. The insulator pair arrangement includes a first insulator and a second insulator, the insulators extending relative to each other at an acute angle from first ends thereof. The cover includes a first cover member and a second cover member. The second cover member is configured to mate with the first cover member to define an enclosure that encloses the first ends of the insulators and a region therebetween. The enclosure extends to a position proximate an end skirt of each of the insulators closest to the first ends thereof without extending over the end skirts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Luis O. Puigcerver, Laura J. Hiller, David E. Bowling, Stephen M. Parker, Sherif I. Kamel, Charles H. Hillary
  • Patent number: 8063303
    Abstract: An electrical outlet safety cover for an electrical outlet that is attached to the outlet in place of traditional outlet covers. The outlet cover includes a slide that unlocks another slide containing holes that match prong holes on an outlet. Once the slide with the holes is moved into place, access to the outlet is granted and any electrical device can be plugged into the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: McBain Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Theodore McBain
  • Patent number: 8063304
    Abstract: A cable protection cover for an enclosure is disclosed. The cable protection cover includes a cover shroud, a pivot bracket for attaching to the enclosure, and a pivot pin for pivotally attaching the cover shroud to the pivot bracket. The pivot bracket and the cover shroud form a cable access aperture providing a through access to an interface of the enclosure for one or more cables. The cable protection cover forms a protective barrier with the cover shroud in a closed position preventing the one or more cables from being disconnected from the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Martell, Michael J. Wayman
  • Patent number: 8053671
    Abstract: An electrical device cover assembly configured for mounting over an electrical device is described. The electrical device cover assembly comprises a base comprising an opening large enough to receive an electrical device. A lid comprising a lid face, a lid ring, and an expansion section between the lid face and the lid ring, the lid coupled to the base and comprising an inside surface and an expansion section, the expansion section expandable from a first depth to a second depth at least twice as deep as the first depth is provided. An expansion arm moveable between a first collapsed position when the expansion section is at its first depth and an second expanded position when the expansion section is at its second depth, wherein in the second position the expansion arm is in contact with and supports the lid at its second depth is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: TayMac Corporation
    Inventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Kenneth C. Booth, Miguel Chapa, Bradley Fulghum
  • Patent number: 8044299
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a modular shutter assembly for use within various types of electrical wiring devices having differing amperage ratings. The modular shutter assembly includes a first shutter member having a first blade engagement structure. The first shutter member is configured to be disposed within an interior portion of the cover assembly and disposed between a set of receptacle openings and a set of receptacle contacts. A second shutter member includes a second blade engagement structure and is slidably disposed within the first shutter member. An interface is configured to connect a third shutter member to the modular shutter assembly and drive the third shutter into an open position only when the first shutter member and the second shutter member are simultaneously engaged by a set of plug blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Weeks
  • Publication number: 20110240361
    Abstract: A cover or housing member for an electronic device comprises a central region and a perimeter region surrounding the central region. The central region comprises an elevated pattern of radial ribs and elliptical elevations elevated above a generally planar lower surface, such that the cover has multiple vibrational modes of natural resonance in which a maximum deflection of the cover occurs in a first mode at a central point of the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Prashant Bardia, Rahul Patil, Amir Osmani, Lee A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8028452
    Abstract: An enhanced patch panel indicia system includes a cover to receive a backing as the primary indicia receiver and to receive labels as auxiliary indicia receivers. The indicia system further includes an enhanced patch panel with a front face. The cover can include clip members to allow the cover to be snap-fitted onto the front face of the patch panel with the cover in juxtaposition with the front face, and in some implementations, the backing positioned therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Erik Laursen, Patrick S. McNutt, Edward R. Burns
  • Patent number: 8029301
    Abstract: An electrical fixture having a front side and a back side and defining longitudinal, lateral, and transverse directions substantially orthogonal to one another. The electrical fixture may include a body, a flange, and at least one anchor. The body may have at least one terminal extending laterally to the exterior thereof. The flange may extend laterally and longitudinally from the body to substantially preclude transverse access to the terminal from the front side of the electrical fixture. The at least one anchor may transversely extend from the flange to provide securement with a connection box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Cheetah USA Corp.
    Inventor: Brent L. Kidman
  • Patent number: 8026443
    Abstract: An electrical enclosure or housing, such as a power inlet box, is constructed of weather resistant material and has a knockout opening formed in a wall member and a plug that can be removably seated in the knockout opening. The opening and the plug have complimentary geometries and thicknesses which enable the plug to be mounted flush with the exterior and interior wall surfaces of the wall member when seated in the knockout opening. The opening and plug are shaped such that a seated plug is normally removed by applying a blunt force to the plug from within the interior volume of the inlet box, and cannot be removed from the exterior of the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Reliance Controls Corporation
    Inventor: Neil A. Czarnecki
  • Patent number: 8022299
    Abstract: A kind of rotatory emergency stop cover with plug-in unit includes lock cover 11 having shutter 9 that contains raised block b and return spring inside, lock base 15 having groove a, stop button 4 having torsional spring; lock cover has cam 8 and torsional spring, stop button 4 has retainer 3 and plug-in unit that is passing through stop button 4 to go into cam 8 for the connection of stop button 4 to cam 8. Shape and size of unit 1 are adjusted to woke in with that of cam 8 for only use in plug-in unit 1. Plug-in unit is operable to actuate and separate synchronously stop button 4 from cam 8 to ensure that stop button 11 won't open if plug-in unit is not inserted after locking. Support plate 13 has additional hole b, with rectangular hole c being on lock cover 7; it is convenient for user to secure with a lock without removal of unit when lock cover 11 is operated. Stop button 4 has retainer 3, retainer is used to cover hole g to prevent foreign objects from falling into after removal of plug-in unit 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Zhejiang Kedu Electric Mfg. Co. Ltd
    Inventor: Chun Kai Zheng
  • Patent number: 8017865
    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: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: TayMac Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Baldwin
  • Patent number: 8013245
    Abstract: A cover assembly for attaching to an electrical box includes housing and a cover hinged to the housing. The assembly is mounted to the electrical box to protect an electrical device from moisture while allowing access to the electrical device. The housing has an inner chamber, an outer chamber and an access opening into the outer chamber for the electrical cord that can be connected to the electrical device. The cover assembly is provided with a water barrier member between the inner chamber and the outer chamber to inhibit water and debris from entering the housing of the cover assembly through the access opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Krzysztof W. Korcz, Mahran Husain
  • Patent number: 8013246
    Abstract: A push-in emergency stop cover with a plug-in unit includes a retainer, a stop button, a lock cover, a lock base, a combination of a lock and lock spring assembled in the lock cover, a plug-in unit, a slide block, a push button and an associated spring, a slide block and associated spring, a groove provided in said lock cover, said plug-in unit having a key extending through an opening provided in said stop button and to one side of said slide block, the push button having a push rod provided with an inclined plane and a raised block having an inclined plane at the rear of the lock. When the plug-in unit is inserted in the stop button to separate the lock from a lockstitch of the lock base, the lock cover will open; the lock cover will not open when the plug-in unit is removed after the cover is locked. The stop button has a retainer to cover an opening in the stop button to prevent foreign obstacles from falling into the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Zhejiang Kedu Electric Meg. Co. Ltd
    Inventor: Chun Kai Zheng
  • Patent number: 8013244
    Abstract: A protective insert for wires in a junction box is formed by a lockable cover having a frame with an opening and a pivotable cover for covering the opening. The frame is sized to rest on an inner lip of the box, which lip normally holds a lid for the box. The lid rests on the lockable cover. The cover may be pivoted open for access to wires in the junction box and may be pivoted closed, and locked, to protect the wires from theft or vandalism. The lockable cover is held down on the lip preferably by chains fixed to the frame with stakes fixed to a free end of the chains, and by pounding the stakes into the ground at the bottom of the box. In another embodiment, there is a lock. Further, the insert is anchored to the box by J-shaped hooks. In a further embodiment, the insert is anchored by an elongated rod with curled up ends, and may be set in concrete around the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Francisco J. Chumacero
  • Publication number: 20110209891
    Abstract: A power supply socket panel comprises a panel enclosure, at least one movable connector, a panel supporter and at least one elastic foot. The panel supporter is mounted to the movable connector, and together they are secured to a power supply socket or switch. The panel enclosure is secured to the panel supporter through the movable connector and the elastic foot is mounted between the panel supporter and the movable connector. During disassembly, the connection component is pressed with hard tools such as a small screwdriver so that the elastic foot is in a compressed state, allowing the panel enclosure to separate from the connection component. In this way, the panel enclosure can be removed. This panel is characterized by a simple structure and convenient assembly/disassembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventor: Huadao Huang
  • Patent number: 8003886
    Abstract: A light switch assembly to replace an existing light switch, which generally includes a mounting bracket attached to an electrical box. The assembly slides into the mounting bracket and is locked into place with the mounting bracket. A decorative light switch cover and custom artwork within the frame snaps and locks onto the outer perimeter of the mounting bracket to complete the assembly. The assembly provides for a battery hack-up system for power failure situations to illuminate the white, light emitting diodes in the event of a loss of power. The assembly senses the loss of power and unlocks the switch assembly from attachment to the mounting bracket. Unsnapping the decorative cover exposes the switch assembly so it can be removed from the mounting bracket. The switch assembly then becomes a mobile, hand-held emergency flashlight. The battery back-up system also allows for communication with first responders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventor: William J. Rintz
  • Patent number: 7997925
    Abstract: A multifunctional wall socket related to electrical conduction connecting device, comprising socket cover (1) with a conventional power connector (2) and a USB port (3) arranged on the socket cover. The USB port (3) is connected to the output terminals of an AC-DC conversion module (4) arranged on the socket cover (1). The AC-DC conversion module (4) comprises a rectifier filter module (41), modulation step-down module (42), current sampling and protection module (43), voltage reference module (44) and feedback control module (45). A first safety shutter (6) which can be opened or closed in arranged at the USB port (3) on the socket cover (1), or a second safety shutter (7) which can be opened or closed is arranged at the conventional power connector (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventors: Chung Man Lam, Kwan Mo Ng, Tak On Chan
  • Publication number: 20110192628
    Abstract: A cover for use with a panelboard enclosure. The cover includes a cover element for mounting onto a panelboard enclosure. The cover element includes an insert for insertion into a cover opening. A plate section is attached to the insert along peripheral edges of the plate section by a thin wall section to form a cover suitable for use with a main lug panelboard configuration. The thin wall section is sized relative to the plate section to enable separation of the plate section from the insert by a user to then form a cover suitable for use with a main breaker panelboard configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC.
    Inventors: Kristopher Scott Robinson, JR., Jeffrey Kenton Hudgins, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110186326
    Abstract: A multi-directional mounting faceplate for managing a plurality of cables is provided. The mounting faceplate includes a faceplate body and a nose cover, wherein the faceplate body has an opening disposed about the center of the faceplate body. The cross-sectional shape of the nose cover is similar to the shape of the opening. The nose cover has two side plates and a linking plate which is connected between the two side plates, such that the nose cover can be rotatably connected to the faceplate body to change the open direction of the mounting faceplate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: EMCOM TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventor: CHU-LI WANG
  • Patent number: RE43156
    Abstract: The instant invention discloses a receptacle where the surface of the face along its width is flat in one plane and along its length has a constant radius. The shape of the face of the receptacle allows for the proper seating of an inserted plug. The receptacle is adapter to be located in a wall plate having a vertical axis of positive first differential and zero second differential, comprised of a combination of splines drawn between points of varying distance from a datum plane and zero second differential when the rate of height increase of individual splines is constant. The receptacle can be placed next to a switch, the front face of which follows the shape of the wall plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Leslie Lindenstraus, Steve Zacharevitz, Dennis A. Oddsen