With Closure For Face Plate Opening Patents (Class 174/67)
  • Patent number: 9035181
    Abstract: In one example, a modified electrical device includes a body and at least one connector on the body to make power and control connections with an active cover plate. A system includes an active cover plate comprising low voltage circuitry and a first interface and a modified electrical device. The modified electrical device includes high voltage circuitry and a second interface to connect to the first interface to supply low voltage to the active cover plate. A method for controlling a flow of power through a modified electrical device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventors: Jeremy Smith, Sean Watkins, Martin Johnson
  • Patent number: 9035180
    Abstract: In one example, an active cover plate includes a faceplate, a load and a spring clip extending rearward from the faceplate to interface with a receptacle body, wherein the spring clip includes a flexible conductive portion connected to the face plate by a first end and a non-conductive portion connected to an opposite end of the flexible conductive portion, wherein the spring clips extract electrical power from the receptacle body to energize the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventors: Jeremy Smith, Phil Dietz, Sean Watkins, Jan Finlinson, Martin Johnson, Jeremy Willden
  • Patent number: 9035179
    Abstract: A locking portion (13) is provided to lock an open/close cover (15) to a fuse unit (5) or a cover main body (9) assembled to the fuse unit (5) in a state where the open/close cover (15) is closed. The open/close cover (15) is openably and closably connected to the cover main body (9), and includes first and second side walls (17, 19) respectively on both end sides in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to an opening/closing direction and extending in the opening/closing direction. The locking portion (13) includes a locking protrusion (21) provided in the first side wall (17) deformable in the orthogonal direction, and a mating locking protrusion (23) provided in the fuse unit (5) or the cover main body (9) and facing the first side wall (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yusuke Matsumoto, Miyuki Fukunaga
  • Publication number: 20150129298
    Abstract: A “no profile” electrical box, integrated flange/protective assembly and interchangeable cover that obscures standard electrical outlets such that a wall surface appears nearly continuous, uninterrupted by the outlet or cover when in use or not in use. The profile of the combined unit equals only the thickness of the material from which it is constructed; no hinges, screws or fasteners of any kind are visible and no part of the assembly requires detachment or storage when the outlet is in use, as the hinged cover is undetectably stored in the electrical box, or may be used to cover the electrical cords when engaged in the outlet. Exemplary embodiments of the cover obscure the electrical outlet. Together, the electrical box and flange assembly allow the electrical outlet to be flush mounted or recessed interchangeably, even after installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: Thomas M. Batchelor
  • Patent number: 9024186
    Abstract: A flush mount wall plate assembly, having an exterior plate and an interior plate. The interior plate is secured onto a junction box. The exterior plate is secured onto the interior plate, and a cover plate is secured onto the exterior plate. Drywall is positioned between the exterior plate and the interior plate. Joint compound is applied onto the exterior plate. When installed, the cover plate is approximately flush with adjacent drywall and top and bottom ramped edges, and first and second lateral ramped edges of the exterior plate when the interior plate is secured onto the junction box, the exterior plate is secured onto the interior plate, and the cover plate is secured onto the exterior plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventors: Brian Gonzalez, Jose-Raul Santiago
  • Patent number: 9017110
    Abstract: The cable junction includes at least two electrical cables extending side by side, each including its own independent shield and a front end section where its independent shield is stripped off, a common shield surrounding the front end sections and the independent shields of the cables, and a clamping device for clamping the common shield on the independent shields. The clamping device includes internal clamping means for clamping the common shield on flanks of the independent shield sheaths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Delphi International Operations Luxembourg S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Erwan Guillanton, Gilles Schmitt
  • Patent number: 9018526
    Abstract: An electrical device cover configured for mounting over an electrical device comprises a frame including a frame channel and an frame opening. The frame opening is defined by at least four sides and is large enough to receive at least one electrical device. A sliding tab comprising a screw channel is provided, the sliding tab is slidably coupled with the frame channel and is slidable to a closed position in which the screw channel at least partially surrounds a box mounting screw of the at least one electrical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Edgar W. Maltby, Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Richard L. Cleghorn, Andre Baca, Kenneth C. Booth
  • Patent number: 9000298
    Abstract: An interchangeable cover system is provided for use with an electrical power or data unit, such as at or near a work surface. The cover system includes an aesthetic cover and a clip member. The aesthetic cover has an aesthetic surface and an attachment surface, which is opposite the aesthetic surface. The clip member is positioned at the attachment surface of the aesthetic cover, and is used to releasably secure the aesthetic cover to a housing of the electrical power unit. In one embodiment, the clip member includes a pair of resilient projections with hook-like portions for releasably engaging an opening formed in the housing of the power unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventors: Norman R. Byrne, Daniel P. Byrne, Randell E. Pate
  • Patent number: 8993886
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hard-framed housing that provides a cover for electronic hardware components. According to one example, the housing may include a front cover portion that includes at least two spring loaded friction inducing side arms extending from a faceplate portion of the front cover portion at approximately a 90 degree angle. The housing may also include a rear cover portion that includes at least two receiving plates which provide a planar surface for the at least two spring loaded friction inducing side arms to rest when the front cover portion is engaged with the rear cover portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: AMX LLC
    Inventor: Phong Le
  • Patent number: 8964368
    Abstract: Systems and methods for mounting of plug-in electronic dongles are provided. In one embodiment, an electronics mounting adapter device comprises: a base member that includes a cavity and at least one cable stabilizing element configured to secure a cable connector of a cable within the cavity, wherein the cable is routed though an opening in the base member into the cavity; a cover coupled to the base member by at least one fastener; one or more mounting provisions for securing the base member to a mounting surface; and at least one clamping element configured to clamp a dongle within the cavity, wherein the dongle is coupled to the cable connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: David Looney, Joseph Nutaro
  • Patent number: 8963001
    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: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Kenneth C. Booth, Miguel Chapa, Bradley Fulghum
  • Patent number: 8946550
    Abstract: An electrical device cover configured for mounting over an electrical device comprises a frame including a frame channel and an frame opening. The frame opening is defined by at least four sides and is large enough to receive at least one electrical device. A sliding tab comprising a screw channel is provided, the sliding tab is slidably coupled with the frame channel and is slideable to a closed position in which the screw channel at least partially surrounds a box mounting screw of the at least one electrical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Edgar W. Maltby, Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Richard L. Cleghorn, Andre Baca, Kenneth C. Booth
  • Patent number: 8933332
    Abstract: An arrangement structure for a charging port cover includes a charging port (15) having a normal charging inlet (21) in a charging port opening portion (17), a lid (7) that covers the charging port opening portion (17) and is openable and closable on a vehicle body, and a charging port cover (35) attached to the lid (7) in an opened state to cover open sections between the charging port opening portion (17) and the lid (7). The charging port cover (35) is attached to the lid (7) via a lid-side striker (29) serving as an engaging member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Yamamaru, Daisuke Takashima
  • Patent number: 8921695
    Abstract: An electrical floor box cover includes a frame having a lower surface disposable on a flooring surface and a beveled upper surface. The frame defines an access opening to permit access to an electrical box. A lid is securable to the frame and movable between a fully open position in which the access opening is substantially uncovered and a closed position. A lid lifting device is disposed between the lid and the frame, the lid lifting device urging the lid away from the closed position. A latch is disposed on the frame and includes an actuating member movable by a user between a latched and unlatched position without the use of a tool. When the actuating member is moved to the unlatched position, the lid lifting device lifts at least a portion of the lid above the frame to an initial open position wherein the lid substantially covers the access opening. Movement of the lid by the user from the initial open position to the fully open position is unassisted by the lid lifting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark R. Drane
  • Patent number: 8912442
    Abstract: One example embodiment includes a cover plate for an electrical receptacle. The cover plate includes a first conducting strip. The first conducting strip protrudes rearward from the cover plate and is configured to contact a first terminal of a receptacle, where the first terminal connects the receptacle to a power source. The cover plate also includes a first insulating means, where the first insulating means prevents the first conducting strip from contacting other conducting materials. The cover plate further includes a second conducting strip. The second conducting strip protrudes rearward from the cover plate and is configured to contact a second terminal of the receptacle, where the second terminal completes the connection of the receptacle to the power source. The cover plate additionally includes a second insulating means, where the second insulating means prevents the second conducting strip from contacting other conducting materials. The cover plate also includes a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: SnapPower
    Inventor: Jeremy Smith
  • Patent number: 8901422
    Abstract: A guide lug 3, lateral side temporarily fixing claws 4a, and slit side temporarily fixing claws 4b are hooked on a flat-cable insertion opening opened in a sheet metal casing to thereby temporarily fix a lid 1 with the lid half-opened. When the lid 1 in a half-opened state is adapted as a guide, a flat cable is inserted into a slit 5 from the inside of the casing and pulled out to the outside of the casing. The pulled out flat cable is pinched between a flange 8 of the lid 1 and the peripheral face of the flat-cable insertion opening to be screwed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Yamauchi, Tomoya Fujita
  • Patent number: 8853535
    Abstract: An electrical device cover with a rotatable lid. An implementation of a weatherproof electrical device cover may include a base unit having a face, an electrical device aperture, and a box mounting screw aperture therethrough. A lid may be rotatably coupled to the base unit and rotate over the base unit in a plane substantially parallel with the base unit. The lid may cover the electrical device aperture of the base unit when the lid is closed over the base unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Richard L. Cleghorn, Jeffrey P. Baldwin
  • Patent number: 8853534
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Emcom Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Chu-Li Wang
  • Publication number: 20140262418
    Abstract: A weatherproof cover assembly for an electrical device such as an electrical outlet has a base and hinged cover that encloses the base when a cord or plug is connected to the electrical outlet. The base has a cord access opening to allow the cord to pass between the base and the cover when the cover is closed. An outer guard partially encloses the access opening in the base to inhibit water, dirt and insects from entering the internal cavity of the base. The outer guard has an open portion with a center axis that is misaligned with the axis of the access opening to form a diverging path through the open portion of the guard and the access opening in the base. The open portion in the guard has a closure member that can move between a closed position when not in use and an open position to allow a cord to pass through the guard to the access opening in the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: HUBBELL INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Krzysztof W. KORCZ, Mahran H. AYRTON
  • Publication number: 20140262420
    Abstract: A cover assembly for a floor box includes a base with a central opening and a cover pivotally connected to the base by a hinge member. The hinge member has a hinge body with a first end pivotally connected to the base for pivoting with respect to the base and second end pivotally connected to the cover for pivoting with respect to the cover. A tab extends from the second end of the hinge body to contact a bottom surface of the cover to limit pivoting movement of the cover with respect to the hinge body. A slide surface is provided on the base that contacts an end of the cover during pivoting movement of the cover to prevent wear on a gasket with the opening of the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas L. SCANZILLO, Michael J. MARCHETTI, Christopher A. CARBONE, Ryan G. PAPAGEORGE
  • Publication number: 20140262419
    Abstract: A cover plate assembly is provided with a cover plate with a substrate adapted to be mounted upon a substrate of a subplate mounted to an electrical device for enclosing the electrical device. A rim extends from a periphery of the cover plate substrate. The fastener is engaged with the cover plate to engage the detent in a periphery of the subplate for fastening the cover plate to the subplate. The fastener is a separate component than the cover plate and the subplate. The fastener is concealed beneath the cover plate. In another embodiment, the cover plate is metallic and the fastener is formed integrally with the cover plate. In another embodiment, a first fastener fastens the subplate to the electrical device. A second fastener is engaged with the cover plate and the first fastener for fastening the cover plate to the first fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: LIBERTY HARDWARE MFG. CORP.
    Inventors: Earl David Forrest, James Leroy Daniels
  • 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: 8835763
    Abstract: A paint shield for protecting and covering an electrical junction box typically mounted in a wall of a structure is disclosed. Junction boxes used for outlets and switches typically include an inner surface defined by side walls meeting top and bottom walls at corners of the box. The paint shield engages the junction box only at the corners so allow easy insertion and removal of the paint shield. The paint shield can also be configured to enclose a light switch or outlet protruding from the junction box and beyond the plane of the wall surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: Garry Paul Hammond
  • Patent number: 8829344
    Abstract: A mural electrical apparatus has a metal mounting bracket, a sub-plate, a plate fixed to the sub-plate by a local link, this plate bearing or constituting a conductive portion. This apparatus further has an elastic conductive member provided at least with an orifice, a flexible arm, and a flexible arm, this member being secured to the sub-plate by the local link, crossing the orifice, and the flexible arms protruding in opposite directions to elastically respectively press against the conductive portion and against the bracket, the conductive portion thus, being brought to the same electric potential as the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignees: Legrand France, Legrand SNC
    Inventors: Anthony Lochet, Jean-Luc Chaumeny
  • Patent number: 8816201
    Abstract: An electrical device cover includes a base with a wall structure having at least 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 rail 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 has at least one hinge member that is parallel to the base of the hinge component and a lid with at least one hinge tab in which the at least one hinge member seats such that the lid is pivotally coupled to the hinge component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Iven Dieterle
  • Patent number: 8816200
    Abstract: A base for an electrical outlet having a front surface and a back surface, at least one opening extending there through, the at least one opening having a size large enough to receive a socket face, at least one mounting screw aperture opening extending through the base, the mounting screw aperture having a first portion sized large enough to receive a mounting screw head, and at least a second portion extending into the first portion and through the base, the second portion sized large enough to allow a mounting screw shaft to extend through the base but small enough to disallow the mounting screw head from passing through the base, at least one keyhole cover removably secured within the first portion, and wherein the base is configured with the second portion of the mounting screw aperture accessible after the base is installed on the electrical outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Richard L. Cleghorn, Marcus Shotey, Sam Dumpe, Jason Thomas, Ryan Liebengood
  • Patent number: 8802985
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the apparatus and/or methods are described for routing power to a wall-mounted appliance, particularly for routing electrical wiring and audio/video cabling up through a wall to power and communicate with a wall-mounted presentation device. The apparatus and systems include input and output enclosures with wiring therebetween and mechanisms for mounting the input and output enclosures adjacent to pre-cut wall openings. There exists at least one electrical input connector, disposed within the input enclosure, configured to electrically couple with a power source, and at least one electrical output connector, disposed within the output enclosure, configured to electrically couple with a wall-mounted appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Dish Network L.L.C.
    Inventor: David M. Lettkeman
  • Patent number: 8804374
    Abstract: An electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield that increases the airflow through the EMI shield while preventing line-of-sight openings through the EMI shield. Two plates are coupled together. Each of the respective plates has a raised component with an aperture therethrough to provide a path through the plate. The raised component is preferably scoop-shaped with the aperture at one end and an opposite end tapering into the respective plate. At least a portion of one of the raised components overlaps at least a portion of the other of the raised components when the plates are coupled together to form a path through the plates, while the plates are coupled together. Line-of-sight openings through the plates, to an electronic device protected by the EMI shield, are at least partially prevented by the raised components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Don A. Gilliland, David B. Johnson, Timothy L. McMillan
  • Patent number: 8785775
    Abstract: The present invention provides a waterproof box which can improve water performance and work efficiency, and can reduce space. When washing water hits in the lower surface (33h) of first waterproof portion (33) of an upper cover (15), spay is generated. At this time, an outer surface (30b), which is formed in a tapered shape, of first waterproof portion (30) abuts on an inner surface (33g), which is formed in a tapered shape, of the first waterproof portion (33). Further, the outer surface (30b) engages with the inner surface (33g). As a result, the inlet of a minute path (27) is closed. Even if water leaks, force of the water is reduced because the water enters in a groove (33b or 35a). The water in which force of the water is reduced falls down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Kunihiko Takeuchi, Hiroaki Yamada
  • Patent number: 8779289
    Abstract: A lid opening and closing mechanism includes a casing having an opening, an inner lid provided in the opening, and an outer lid operable to close the opening. The outer lid has a door operable to cover the inner lid, a hinge operable to be bended and unbended to open and close the door. The inner lid has a projection portion that protrudes from a surface of the inner lid. The hinge can move in a direction from the hinge to the door, so that the hinge is accommodated inside the casing when the door is closed, and is pulled outside the casing when the door is opened. When the hinge moves while the state of the door changes from the closed state to the opened state, the hinge goes onto the projection portion to be bended by the projection portion to a direction to outside the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Masami Fukuhara
  • Patent number: 8779302
    Abstract: A system for fitting and electrically connecting lighting elements, including at least one junction box accommodated in a wall (11), the junction box having a housing (12) provided with an open front side parallel to the wall and with a power supply (15) therein, and a lath cover (2) with a pattern of holes (3) which is coupled to the front side of the housing in order to conceal the junction box in the wall, with a cover plate (1) being provided between the housing (12) and the lath cover (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Delta Light NV
    Inventor: Paul Ameloot
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140182877
    Abstract: A while-in-use electrical box cover is provided which comprises at least one integral splash guard that covers at least one cord exit aperture for a power cord which is plugged into an electrical outlet on which the WIU electrical box cover is mounted when the WIU cover is in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Thomas & Betts International LLC
    Inventor: Robert Kevin Jolly
  • Patent number: 8757673
    Abstract: A cover is releasably secured to a fitting base. The fitting base includes a bottom and sidewalls with a top edge. The cover includes a top having a latch receiving area, a bottom opposite the top and a sliding latch. The sliding latch is positioned on the latch receiving area of the cover. The sliding latch includes a first end with a finger tab, a main body and a second end with locking feet. In the closed position, the sliding latch secures the cover to the cable fitting base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Pandult Corp.
    Inventors: David R. Davis, Scott M. Lesniak, Dennis J. Waszak, Andrew J. Chaloupka, Robert Nicoli
  • Patent number: 8755194
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing unit having an accommodating portion, and first and second openings communicating with the accommodating portion. A waterproof element is made of a resilient material, and includes a main body that is disposed on the accommodating portion and that has a top face, and a side face extending upwardly from the top face. The electronic component module includes a circuit board and an electronic component. The circuit board has a board bottom face disposed on and abutting against the top face of the main body and covering the second opening, and a board edge abutting against the side face of the main body. An electronic component is attached to the circuit board, extends through the main body of the waterproof element, is disposed inside the accommodating portion, and faces the first opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Chia-Cheng Su, Tsung-Hsien Chen, Po-Yuan Hsu, Hsing-Wang Chang
  • Patent number: 8749974
    Abstract: An electronic device enclosure includes a chassis and an operating member. The chassis includes a front plate and a top plate connected to the front plate. A clipping hole is defined in the front plate. The operating member includes a positioning portion and a securing piece. The positioning portion is received so it can be slid in the clipping hole, and the securing piece is attached to the front plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiao-Run Chen, Zhi-Ping Wu, Chih-Hang Chao
  • Patent number: 8739997
    Abstract: An apparatus providing an enclosure being recessed within a wall structure and containing a plurality of electrical outlets includes a locking access door to cover the electrical outlets. The apparatus mounts flush to wall surface. The door slides upwardly to access the electrical outlets and can be locked in a lowered position using a locking mechanism and includes at least one cord slot to allow cords to be outwardly routed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Scott A. Ploof
  • Publication number: 20140144667
    Abstract: A cover assembly for an electrical box, such as a fire-rated poke through, includes a frame defining an opening, the frame including a first frame location and a second frame location, the first frame location being substantially opposite the second frame location, a cover movable between a closed position over the opening and an open position away from the opening, the cover having a perimeter including a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being substantially opposite the distal end, and a hinge attaching the cover to the rear frame portion, the hinge having two substantially parallel pivot axes, at least one of which is movable towards and away from the other, one pivot axis located at the first frame location and the other pivot axis located at the proximal end of the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Joseph V. DeBartolo, JR., Sorin I. Mortun, Stephen R. Ewer
  • Patent number: 8723037
    Abstract: A shield for biasingly self-attaching to a duplex electrical receptacle in a wall without having to be plugged into the duplex electrical receptacle or having to enter the wall and for completely concealing the duplex electrical receptacle to completely hide and thereby protect the duplex electrical receptacle from paint when painting therearound. The shield includes a shell. The shell is generally rectangular parallelepiped shaped for biasingly self-attaching to the duplex electrical receptacle in the wall without having to be plugged into the duplex electrical receptacle or having to enter the wall and for completely concealing the duplex electrical receptacle to completely hide and thereby protect the duplex electrical receptacle from the paint when painting therearound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Raymond T. Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8723036
    Abstract: A wall mounting bracket to carry a modem adjacent to two 120 VAC outlet wall receptacles on the face of a wall, said bracket secured to the wall beneath a six outlet plug adaptor when the adaptor is plugged into the receptacles, comprising: a generally planar member having, a) a wall outlet attachment side portion which has a border portion which surrounds the six outlet plug adaptor when it is plugged into the receptacle to thereby prevent rotation with respect to the adaptor, and a flange means which extends inwardly from the border portion beneath the plug adaptor to thereby maintain the bracket adjacent to the wall, and a receptacle access opening positioned centrally within the border portion to permit electrical access to the receptacles; and, b) an adjacent modem attachment side portion which extends from the border portion, along the wall so that the modem can be carried thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Barry P. Heebner
  • Patent number: 8717771
    Abstract: An electronic device including a case, a covering plate, at least one first fixing unit, at least one second fixing unit, a circuit board disposed in the case, and a plurality of screwing members is provided. The case covered by the covering plate has a first datum surface and a second datum surface, where a distance between the covering plate and the first datum surface is greater than a distance between the covering plate and the second datum surface. The first and the second fixing units are disposed on the first and the second datum surfaces respectively. The first fixing unit includes a first screwing boss and at least one first rib adjacent thereto. The second fixing unit includes a second screwing boss and at least one second rib adjacent thereto. The screwing members pass through the covering plate and are screwed to the corresponding first and second screwing bosses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventor: Hsiao-Chang Chen
  • Publication number: 20140110144
    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: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Kenneth C. Booth, Miguel Chapa, Bradley Fulghum
  • Patent number: 8704092
    Abstract: The present invention discloses to a faceplate with a dust-proof shutter (10). In one embodiment, the faceplate includes: a faceplate body (1); a connection port (4) provided in the faceplate body and adapted for plugging and unplugging; a dust-proof shutter for covering the connection port. The dust-proof shutter can move between a closed position and an opened position so that the connection port is switched between a closed state and an opened state; and a dust-proof shutter locating unit (30, 21, 22) is able to locate the dust-proof shutter in the closed position and the opened position respectively, in response to the action of the dust-proof shutter. Particularly, the dust-proof shutter can be held in an opened position where the connection port is in an opened state, and also the dust-proof shutter is capable of being timely returned to a closed position once the connection port needs to be closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Raychem Shanghai Cable Accessories Ltd.
    Inventor: LuJun Zhang
  • Patent number: 8680394
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Krzysztof W. Korcz, Mahran H. Ayrton
  • Patent number: 8674221
    Abstract: A switch structure includes a cover plate unit having a holding case and a transparent cover movably connected to the holding case with a patterned section sandwiched between them; at least one switch coupled with the cover plate unit and having a switching key; a light emitting unit arranged in the holding case and electrically connected to the switch; and at least one press section including a push plate movably coupled with the cover plate unit and the switching key with a front side protruded from the cover plate unit, a transparent cover movably connected to the push plate, and a label located between the push plate and the transparent cover. The patterned section provides esthetic visual effect; the label indicates a position of which the lighting is controlled by the switch; and the light emitting unit works cooperatively with the switch to serve as an auxiliary light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: Hsiu-Ling Yang
  • Patent number: 8668347
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Cordell Eldred Ebeling
  • 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: 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: 8653364
    Abstract: When a wall mounted telephone is removed from its mounting plate, the telephone wall plate and jack remains and this is unsightly. The frame of the present invention allows the telephone plate to remain, but be obscured. The frame assembly includes a removable, transparent cover that releasably attaches to a base member and a photograph, a drawing, other graphic decorative material or written indicia is sandwiched therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Brian Joseph Roban
  • Patent number: 8635763
    Abstract: A method for assembling a portable computing device is disclosed. A number of operational components can be inserted into an extruded seamless housing through either a top or bottom opening in the housing. In some embodiments the housing can be radio frequency transparent so that the operational components disposed within the housing can send and receive wireless signals. The operational components can be aligned by internal rails disposed within the housing for positioning and supporting the operational components in an assembled position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Paul Zadesky, Stephen Brian Lynch