With Closure For Face Plate Opening Patents (Class 174/67)
  • Patent number: 7619163
    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 retracted position through the flexible membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: TayMac Corporation
    Inventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Richard L. Cleghorn, Andre Baca, Kenneth C. Booth
  • Patent number: 7617988
    Abstract: A wall plate for a wall thermostat blocks intrusion air from the thermostat. The wall plate has a wire passage aligned with the wall penetration through which the thermostat wires emerge. The wall plate member directs any intrusion air that flows out the penetration away from the cavity of said thermostat. An insulating layer, e.g., a closed-cell foam sheet, in the wall plate insulates the thermostat from direct thermal contact with the wall. The closed-cell material closes around the thermostat wires. Bosses or feet on the thermostat back plate create a standoff between the wall plate and the thermostat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: International Controls and Measurement Corp.
    Inventors: Benjamin V. Morrow, Ronald B. Kadah
  • Patent number: 7616977
    Abstract: A method and apparatus which automates the radio cover assembly of the Scion tC automobile. The apparatus mounts to the radio cover frame and contains a motor, a linkage system, and a microcontroller. The radio cover can automatically move from an opened to closed position and visa-versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Inventor: Scott David Nortman
  • Patent number: 7614889
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a utility receptacle apparatus for use with a work surface. The utility receptacle apparatus has a mounting member that has a frame which has a central opening and a peripheral portion that extends about the central opening. At least one fastening device is attached to the mounting member for attaching the mounting member to a work surface. The utility receptacle apparatus also has a base positioned within the central opening of the frame and attached to the frame. The base has a body portion and a utility receptacle member that is attached to the body portion. The utility receptacle member has a raised face that is above the top surface of the peripheral portion of the frame. At least one utility receptacle is connected to the raised face of the utility receptacle member. The utility receptacle apparatus further includes a hinge device that has first section attached to the base and a second section that pivots with respect to the first section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Premier Manufacturing Group, Inc.
    Inventors: David Black, Harry Proscino
  • Publication number: 20090266574
    Abstract: Safety guard apparatus for an electrical outlet having one or more electrical receptacles for restricting access to the receptacles by a young child. The apparatus includes a base plate having one or more openings for registry with the electrical receptacles. The base plate is mounted to the electrical outlet in a similar fashion to a conventional wall plate. One or more cover plates are slidably engaged to the base plate along a path that is generally perpendicular to the base plate into and out of the wall to which the electrical outlet is mounted. In a fully extended position, the one or more cover plates are pivotal to cover the one or more openings to restrict access to the electrical receptacles. A lock system prevents the one or more cover plates from being opened by young child.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventors: NICOLE ATKINSON, Philip Walker
  • Patent number: 7608781
    Abstract: A temporary protective cover which can be removably attached to a plaster ring which can be removably mounted onto an electrical box having an open front end includes a plate sized and shaped to be removably mounted onto the plaster ring, a pair of wings formed onto the plate for removably securing the cover onto the plaster ring and a pair of posts formed onto the plate for removably securing the cover onto the plaster ring. Each wing is shaped to include a flexible leg and a pair of feet one at each end of the wing. The posts are shaped and sized to be press fit into bores on the plaster ring. In use, the wings and the posts both serve to removably secure the cover to the plaster ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventor: Carlo Compagnone, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090255703
    Abstract: An electrical box assembly includes a cover assembly, a gasket and an electrical box coupled together by mounting screws. The cover includes a base with a plurality of screw holes for receiving the mounting screws. A support member having an axial passage extends from the bottom face of the cover around each of the screw holes. The gasket includes a cylindrical shaped sleeve that passes through the support member and has an axial length to extend from the screw hole in the cover. The mounting screws are inserted through the axial passage of the sleeve and the screw holes in the cover to axially compress the sleeve to form a watertight seal between the screw shaft and the support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas J. Vigorito, Thomas W. Bracci
  • Patent number: 7598452
    Abstract: A while-in-use electrical device cover that includes elliptical and more than five-sided cover shapes is disclosed. Specific implementations feature a while-in-use electrical device cover that includes a base having an aperture configured to receive the face of an electrical device, a lid configured to close over the base through a hinge while an electrical connector is inserted into the electrical device, and a cord port extending through a surface of the cover. The base and lid are substantially elliptical. The base, lid, and hinge may be manufactured from plastics or other conventional material for a while-in-use electrical device cover using conventional fabrication methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: TayMac Corporation
    Inventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Michael J. Shotey, Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Kenneth C. Booth
  • Patent number: 7598453
    Abstract: A plurality of approaches for forming a horizontal and vertical electrical device cover including 1) providing hinge members on opposing sides of the cover that allow the cover to pivot along adjacent-sided axes for horizontal and vertical mounting; 2) providing a removable or selectively movable pin and corresponding cover and base hinge members wherein the pin may be placed along either the horizontal or vertical axis for selective horizontal or vertical mounting; 3) providing a pivoting hinge arm that is pivotable between adjacent sides of the unit for selective horizontal or vertical mounting; 4) providing selectively attachable hinge members that may be attached by the installer at the time of installation to choose between horizontal or vertical mounting configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: TayMac Corporation
    Inventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Andre Baca, Kenneth C. Booth, Jeffrey P. Baldwin
  • Patent number: 7598454
    Abstract: An electrical device cover assembly is described. A base includes a perimeter edge, a cord port, at least two substantially perpendicular base walls joined by an angled wall, and an electrical outlet opening. A lid is moveable between open and closed positions. The lid includes two substantially perpendicular base walls joined by an angled lid wall, and a cord port notch. The base includes a hinge member adjacent the angled base wall that extends from the base toward the lid. The lid includes a hinge member adjacent the angled lid wall that extends from the lid toward the base, and a hinge shield that extends over both the lid hinge member and the base hinge member. The lid has a flexible element coupled to a lid ring, and is expandable so that the flexible element extends beyond the lid ring to enclose an electrical connector coupled with the electrical outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: TayMac Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Kenneth C. Booth
  • Publication number: 20090242230
    Abstract: An electrical connector canopy including a pair of spaced-apart, end walls. A top wall extends between and connects together the end walls. A front wall extends downwardly from and connects to the top wall. The front wall is provided with a number of vertical slots that extend upwardly from the bottom thereof. A resilient sheet is affixed to the front wall. The sheet is provided with a number of elongated openings, each of which extends upwardly along the centerline of a respective one of the slots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventor: Robert J. Hebert
  • Patent number: 7595449
    Abstract: An electrical outlet safety cover plate assembly for an electrical outlet receptacle having at least one socket, with apertures corresponding to those in the electrical outlet receptacle for receiving the male prongs of an electrical plug. The safety cover plate, and most of the assembly being made of non-conductive material. The safety cover plate includes a single shutter per outlet plug that is slidably mounted on the back surface of the safety cover plate and has apertures that correspond to the apertures in the safety cover plate. The shutter includes a member extending outward from the shutter in a direction opposite the biasing force acting upon the shutter. The protruding member extends out thru an access opening in the safety cover plate for manual positioning of the shutter. A biasing element acts upon the shutter to normally bias the shutter in the non-aligned position, thus effectively covering to the apertures of the electrical outlet receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Inventor: Mitchell Casimir Dyderski
  • Patent number: 7589279
    Abstract: A kit and corresponding methods for mechanically shimming an electrical socket as well as a pair of electrical sockets, involving a generally planar member having a front surface and a rear surface; a pair of shims formed on the rear surface; and a pair of primary orifices formed through the generally planar member for accommodating an electrical plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Socket Saver Corporation
    Inventors: Jessica Haynes, Barry R. Connelly
  • Patent number: 7586040
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a decorative wall plate assembly configured to cover at least one electrical device disposed in a wall box. The assembly includes a base plate member comprising a center portion including at least one aperture configured to accommodate the at least one electrical device, a first end portion of the base plate member including at least one first plate connection device, and a second end portion of the base plate member including at least one second plate connection device. The center portion is disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion. A first cover cap includes at least one first cover cap connection device configured to mate with the at least one first plate connection device. The first cover cap is configured to cover the first end portion. A second cover cap includes at least one second cover cap connection device configured to mate with the at least one second plate connection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: Kapil Rao Ganta Papa Rao Bala, Theodore P. Junko
  • Patent number: 7582830
    Abstract: A wall plate for securing an electrical outlet to a wall or other planar surface having channels that pass through recessed bores on an exterior surface and conduits for guiding the application of inserts for securing the electrical outlet to the wall or other planar surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Inventor: Joseph Claffy
  • Publication number: 20090211779
    Abstract: An electrical box cover includes a housing having a base wall adapted to be attached to an electrical box. The base wall is surrounded by an outwardly extending side wall. A hood is pivotally attached to the housing and moveable between an open and closed position. A latch is selectively attachable to the side wall at one of a first and second position. The latch, when attached to said side wall, is engagable with the hood to retain the hood in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Mark R. Drane
  • Publication number: 20090211778
    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: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Mark R. Drane
  • Patent number: 7579549
    Abstract: A cover for an electrical box having a face plate, an elongate slot in the face plate, a lid support structure and a lid. The lid fits on the front of the face plate and over the opening and is pivotably movable between an open position, which allows access to the box interior, and a closed position, which prevents access to the box interior. When in the open position, the lid is slidably receivable by the slot and is stored in the lid support structure that extends from the back of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert K. Jolly
  • Patent number: 7579548
    Abstract: An adapter for mounting electrical outlet faceplates designed for mounting on rectangular junction boxes in hollow walls onto solid walls with cylindrical cavities and sleeves. Junction box mounting is popular in North America, whereas cavity mounting is popular in Europe and the Middle East. Such an adapter provides universal mounting for specialized faceplates which are designed and intended for junction box mounting. The adapter features clamps for gripping the inner surface of a wall cavity or sleeve and a rectangular plate for mounting an faceplate designed for junction box mounting. The rectangular plate has mounting points with a nominal center-to-center distance of 3¼ inches, corresponding to the requirements of junction box mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Mosaid Technologies Incorporated
    Inventors: Yehuda Binder, Ami Hazani
  • Patent number: 7576285
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a modular wall plate system accommodating N-wiring devices within a wall box. N is an integer greater than or equal to one (1). The system includes a left-end cap configured to be mounted to an exterior portion of a left most wiring device of the N-wiring devices disposed in the wall box, the left-end cap including a left-end cap finish surface. A right-end cap is configured to be mounted to an exterior portion of a right most wiring device of the N-wiring devices disposed in the wall box, the right-end cap including a right-end cap finish surface. N-1 alignment couplers are disposed between each of the N-wiring devices. The N-1 alignment couplers are configured to align adjacent ones of the N-wiring devices at least in two-dimensions. Each of the N-1 alignment couplers includes a coupler finish surface. N-wall plates are configured to cover each of the N-wiring devices. Each of the N-wall plates includes a wall plate finish surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald R. Savicki, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7572978
    Abstract: An electrical outlet box assembly system that allows contractors to more efficiently mark the location of an electrical box when installing drywall over the electrical box so that the proper area of drywall can be later cut out over the location of the electrical box. The system includes a first panel that is placed over an electrical box after the electrical box has been attached to a stud but before the drywall has been set in place. The first panel includes a hole in which a guide bar can be installed. After the drywall has been put in place, the guide bar will pass through the drywall, allowing an individual to mount a second plate over the guide bar. The second plate has a small centrally-located hole through which the guide bar can pass through. A wing nut can be attached to the guide bar to fasten the second panel in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Inventor: Otis S. Keith, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090194312
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrical floor box cover assembly with a convertible top plate. The inventive convertible top plate can be installed in two orientations, resulting in either a flush or recessed finished assembly. The cover assembly is affixed to a floor mounted electrical box, and includes a floor box cover having a center opening, with the inventive convertible cover plate affixed thereto. In a first orientation of the cover plate, a cover plate protrusion is inserted into the center opening of the floor box cover, providing a flush surface in the cover assembly. In a second orientation, a flat surface of the cover plate is facing up, so that the center opening of the floor box cover forms a recess in the cover assembly. Also provided is a port in the floor box cover, through which cables or wires can be threaded from the electrical fixture to the exterior of the floor box cover assembly while the cover is in an attached position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert K. Jolly, Joey D. Magno, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090188693
    Abstract: A childproof electrical outlet faceplate with hinged cover doors includes a rectangular frame for covering an electrical outlet with a pair of sockets. The frame has an opening in its center through which a screw is extended to attach the faceplate to the outlet. The faceplate is similar in size to a standard faceplate and is installed in place of it and includes two hinged cover doors fitting over the respective sockets. These cover doors are opened and closed by means of a spring activated locking bar. The faceplate also has a disguised flip door located at the right side bottom of the faceplate. When the flip door is open it gives access to a dummy spring button which, when pushed, does not open the cover doors. Rather, there is another upward spring button which, when pushed by someone's finger, moves a vertically moving slide that catches and releases hooks for the hinged cover doors from a locking bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventor: Evester Noble Simmons
  • Patent number: 7566035
    Abstract: A self-adjusting base member preferably of a mounting bracket assembly is utilized in conjunction with exterior siding that covers sheathing of an exterior wall. The base member of the assembly has a mounting flange secured to the sheathing and a wall arrangement that projects outward with respect to the sheathing and from the mounting flange. Preferably, the wall arrangement supports a raised central panel used for mounting of fixtures. Spaced radially outward from the wall arrangement is at least one flexible drip ledge of the base member. The drip ledge is generally self-adjusting with respect to the thickness of the adjacent siding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventor: David James Bonshor
  • Patent number: 7566034
    Abstract: An bi-directional mounting bracket assembly is utilized in conjunction with exterior siding that covers sheathing of an exterior wall. A base member of the assembly has a mounting flange secured to the sheathing and a wall arrangement that projects outward with respect to the sheathing and from the mounting flange. Preferably, the wall arrangement supports a raised central panel used for mounting of fixtures. The wall arrangement preferably has four walls extending laterally between the mounting flange and the central panel. Spaced radially outward from the two adjacent walls are respective first and second drip ledges, and spaced radially outward from the other two adjacent walls are respective first and second baffle sets. When the assembly is mounted to the sheathing, a selective one of the two drip ledges is disposed substantially horizontally and beneath the wall arrangement for shedding of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventor: David James Bonshor
  • Patent number: 7563979
    Abstract: A protective cable chute for routing low voltage cables through walls. The protective cable chute includes a protective cable shield and a standard decora cover plate. The protective cable shield includes two ears with apertures therein for mounting directly to a convention single gang electrical box or conventional low voltage frame. Threaded bores are provided in the ears of the protective cable shield for receipt of fasteners for mounting a standard decora plate thereto. An opening and passageway in the protective cable shield are capable of receiving low voltage cables for the purpose of routing them through the wall and into an adjacent room. An alternative embodiment of the protective cable chute is provided for use with a two-gang electrical box or conventional two-gang low voltage frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7563980
    Abstract: An outlet cover with barrier wall, the cover for an outlet box mounted in a building wall including an outer wall with an outer opening; a surrounding wall integrally joined to and extending substantially normal to the outer wall; an L-shaped barrier wall integrally joined to and extending substantially normal to the outer wall, the barrier wall forming an inner opening opposite the outer opening to meet the outlet box, a portion of the barrier wall extending toward the plane of the inner opening, the barrier wall further forming a cover conduit port; an attaching flange integrally joined to the surrounding wall for being placed against the building wall, the attaching flange being a continuous flange about the surrounding wall; a display enclosure forming an interior and an enclosure conduit port; and a conduit having a conduit passage in communication between the cover conduit port and the enclosure conduit port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Inventor: Joseph W. Wimberly
  • Patent number: 7554035
    Abstract: A lock mechanism for a rotatable cover adapted for use with a case is disclosed. The rotatable cover includes a fastener and a first positioning portion. The lock mechanism includes a first fixing element and a first elastic member. The first fixing element has a locking hole for engagingly receiving the fastener. The first fixing element includes a first board, a second board positioned opposite to the first board, a connecting portion and a protrusion portion. A slot is formed between the first board and the second board. The connecting portion is disposed above the first board and the second board and connected to the protrusion portion. The protrusion portion includes a pivot shaft and a second positioning portion. The pivot shaft is inserted into a pivot portion of the case. The first elastic member is located between the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventor: Po-Wen Chen
  • Patent number: 7554036
    Abstract: A wall plate for electrical wiring, and more specifically, to a flush mounted plate including an inward extended opening for the passage of cables and the like. The plate is capable of being separated, then reconnected and securely interlocked at its mating end to allow for oversized connectors and fittings to be passed therethrough. The wall plate includes a first plate section and a second plate section having cantilever tab-like elements that extend from the ends of each plate section to join the complete plate. Both first and second plate sections further include indentations disposed between the tab-like elements, the indentations coming together to form an access opening when the first and second plates are joined. The first plate section also includes an inward extending cable support passage having an internal sloped wall that projects from the first plate section cutout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas J. DeCosta
  • Patent number: 7553062
    Abstract: A light device includes a body having a light source and electrical contacts that plug into a first electrical outlet of a duplex receptacle and receive power therefrom. An outlet cover mounted for pivotal motion with respect to the body about at a pivot axis, which is substantially proximate to a region between the first outlet and a second outlet of the receptacle. The outlet cover pivots away from the body and towards the duplex receptacle to inhibit access to the second electrical outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: David Spartano, Kurt Matthew Richars, John D. Crawford, Scott W. Osiecki, Mark A. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 7554037
    Abstract: A telescoping in-use cover plate that includes at least two inter-fitting members that enable the cover to be retracted to the wall when not in use and expanded to increase the depth of the outlet cover and allow a plug to be plugged into the outlet when the cover is closed. Specific implementations allow for vertical and horizontal mounting and installation, knockouts and/or adapter plates for conversion to alternate electrical configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: TayMac Corporation
    Inventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Edgar W. Maltby, Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Lincoln Jolley, Kenneth C. Booth
  • Patent number: 7544893
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wiring duct assembly including a duct base, a cover, and an end cap. The end cap is attached to the open end of the duct base with a friction fit to prevent any objects from accidentally entering the inside of the wiring duct. The cover attaches to the duct base forming an enclosure for holding the wiring therein. The end cap is designed to fit on the inside of the duct base so that the end cap does not interfere and add to the overall size of the wiring duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Wallgren, Richard Laporte
  • Patent number: 7541540
    Abstract: A telescoping in-use cover assembly or box adapter that includes at least two inter-fitting members that enable the cover to be retracted to the wall when not in use and expanded to increase the depth of the outlet cover and allow a plug to be plugged into the outlet when the cover is disclosed. Specific implementations allow for vertical and horizontal mounting and installation, knockouts and/or adapter plates for conversion to alternate electrical configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: TayMac Corporation
    Inventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Edgar W. Maltby
  • Patent number: 7541539
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting a device in a wall box is provided. The apparatus includes a base plate formed by a front portion and a plurality of side portions extending to the rear to define a substantially open rear portion, and a latching mechanism coupled to the base plate. The front portion is connected to the device. The base plate is configured to be at least partially inserted into the wall box. The latching mechanism includes a frictional engagement member configured to frictionally engage with the wall box upon insertion into the wall box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: AMX LLC
    Inventor: Phong Le
  • Patent number: 7541541
    Abstract: A safety outlet cover that includes a cover with a front face including plug blade apertures. The safety cover may include a cover with a front face where the front face is configured to cover the face of an electrical device except for a plurality of plug blade apertures therethrough. The cover also may include a mounting plate and a spring element formed as a single piece where the mounting plate includes a receptacle face aperture. When the cover and mounting plate are coupled at a rest position, the cover is configured to cover a plug blade socket in a receptacle face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: TayMac Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey P Baldwin, Lincoln Jolley
  • Patent number: 7538272
    Abstract: A weatherproof cover plate is disclosed. A continuous ridge on the base is disclosed in association with a gasket and a biased hinge to provide additional protection against the weather. Particular implementations include an opening in the gasket and the lid. In a weatherproof bubble cover plate, a biased hinge is provided to bias the lid closed upon the base. Additionally, one or more cord catches in the base and knock-outs in the lid are disclosed. Other embodiments include bubble cover plates having gaps between the lid and the base to allow a cord to pass therethrough when the lid is close.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: TayMac Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Shotey, Marcus J. Shotey, Edgar W. Maltby
  • Patent number: 7538271
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a faceplate having a backing plate and a stainless steel cover plate. The backing plate includes at least one opening to receive a module and at least one pocket. The pocket includes a mounting snap. The cover plate includes at least one opening to receive the module and at least one pocket opening. The pocket opening includes a tab that extends from the cover plate. When faceplate is assembled, the mounting snap engages the tab to secure the cover plate to the backing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Jason C O'Young, Mark J Donnell, Jeremy S Parrish
  • Patent number: 7531745
    Abstract: A blank cover assembly for covering an electrical box. The blank cover assembly includes a mounting plate and a cover plate. Wide slots are provided in the mounting plate for receipt of fasteners for securing it to the electrical box. Openings in the mounting plate are capable of receiving posts from the cover plate for securing the cover plate over the electrical box. The cover plate is simply pressed onto the mounting plate in order to secure it thereto. The blank cover assembly provides a paintable blank cover that is free of visible fasteners and that blends easily with the wall to provide a convenient device for covering empty or unused electrical boxes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7528323
    Abstract: An outlet cover includes an outlet surface and a cord container for convenient cord storage is provided. The outlet surface has at least one outlet opening, and the cord container is disposed corresponding to the outlet opening. The above cord container has a plurality of cord entry/exit holes and at least one passage connecting the plurality of cord entry/exit holes. A power supply cover box includes a body and at least a cord container is also provided. The body includes a first end having at least one outlet opening. The cord container of the power supply cover box has a plurality of cord entry/exit holes and passages connecting the plurality of cord entry/exit holes. The passages have a predetermined width, which is preferably slightly smaller than the diameter of a regular electric cord, to retain the cord within the cord container. The cord container only allows the cord to enter or exit through the cord entry/exit holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Inventors: Hsinhan Wu, Jeffrey M. Alexander
  • Patent number: 7521632
    Abstract: A door hinge assembly is provided for an enclosure including a housing having a panel member, and a plurality of sides extending outwardly from the panel member to define an interior and an opening for providing access to the interior. The door hinge assembly includes a generally planar portion covering the opening of the housing of the enclosure, at least one side flange portion extending outwardly from the generally planar portion toward the housing of the enclosure and including a number of bends forming at least one first hinge element, and at least one second hinge element disposed at or about one of the sides of the housing to pivotably receive a corresponding first hinge element. The side flange portion, including the first hinge element thereof, is a single continuous piece of material. The door hinge assembly is movable between an open position and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Gaton Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20090084573
    Abstract: Protection device for protecting at least one electrical apparatus which can be fixed to a wall by means of a supporting frame including a main body provided with at least one mounting window suitable to receive said electrical apparatus, characterized in that the protection device includes: a base part, removably applied to the supporting frame, provided with at least one through opening suitable to interact with said at least one mounting window; and a protective part, connected to the base part, surrounding the through opening so as to define at least one protection chamber provided with one open side and such as to internally house at least one frontal portion of said electrical apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: BTICINO S.p.A.
    Inventor: Fabrizio Fabrizi
  • Publication number: 20090084572
    Abstract: A weatherproof power inlet box and mating plug wherein the inlet box and mating plug are asymmetrical, positively latched and include more robust elements and a visual indicator of the status of the interconncct. Also included is a thermostat that trips to prevent overheating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventor: Kenneth Smith
  • Patent number: 7511219
    Abstract: An expandable while-in-use cover includes: a cap having a pair of cap side walls, a first cap end wall, a second cap end wall and a top wall, which define a cap opening and a cap interior; a base having a pair of base side walls, a first base end wall, a second base end wall and a back wall, which define a base opening and a base exterior, wherein the base side walls and base end walls correspond to the cap side walls and cap end walls and wherein the cover is adapted to slidably and/or telescopically receive the base; a first and second prong on the interior of each of the cap side walls near the first and second cap end walls; a first and second slotted track on the exterior of each of the base side walls near the base end walls, wherein the first slotted track of each base side wall is adapted to receive the first prong of each cap side wall and the second slotted track of each base side wall is adapted to receive the second prong of each cap side wall; and an aperture in the back wall for accessing an ele
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Cong Thanh Dinh, Claude James Bauer
  • Patent number: 7511218
    Abstract: A flexible insert or guard has an elongated plastic body having a length to cover an opening of an electrical box and having two prongs or posts extending outwardly from the body for insertion into spaced apart mounting holes of the electrical box. The elongated plastic body flares outwardly at its ends in a region of the prongs and narrows along a center section to provide a gap between the insert and side walls of said electrical box wide enough to allow the insert to be removed after drywall is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventor: Mark Kearney
  • Patent number: 7495171
    Abstract: The wall plate structure (10) includes a wall plate (16) that has a rectangular opening (50) therein. A flat, flexible screen (18) is mounted to the back surface (46) of the wall plate and closes the opening (50). Openings (66, 67 and 68) are formed in the screen for the passage therethrough of communication cable (74). The wall plate structure is substantially flat to facilitate the mounting of communication equipment in flat abutment with the wall surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Data:) Comm Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Gorin, James Loye Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 7495170
    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 and bias against the extension sleeve when the fastener is in the locked position and which disengage and cease biasing the extension sleeve when the fastener is in the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Cong Thanh Dinh, Andrew Christopher Cole, James Munro Sanders
  • Publication number: 20090032279
    Abstract: A user-manipulated door mechanism is mounted on the faceplate of an electronic module for allowing user access to an electrical socket disposed inboard of a faceplate aperture. An inwardly extending rectangular shoulder formed along one edge of the door is rotatably mounted about an axis inboard of the faceplate, and is resiliently engaged by the free end of a cantilevered spring blade inboard of the faceplate. The spring blade engages a first face of the shoulder that is substantially parallel to the door when the door is in a closed position covering the socket, and a second face of the shoulder that is substantially perpendicular to the door when the door is in an open position uncovering the socket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Yuhong Gong, Xin Wang, Qin Zhang
  • Publication number: 20090025955
    Abstract: An electrical fixture faceplate that has illumination functionality is disclosed. The faceplate may be associated with various electrical fixtures such as a receptacle or switch. The faceplate may be illuminated by a lighting device associated or incorporated with the faceplate. The lighting device may further comprise an LED, neon, chemiluminescent material or combinations thereof to provide illumination of the faceplate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Theodore McBain
  • Patent number: 7482537
    Abstract: Implementations of an electrical device cover may include a base unit having an electrical device aperture therein configured to accommodate a face of a first electrical device and at least one box mounting screw aperture therein. A portion of the base unit may be configured to cover a portion of the face of the first electrical device of a first electrical device type when the electrical device cover is installed over the first electrical device and may be configured to expose a face of a second electrical device of a second electrical device type different from the first electrical device type when the electrical device cover is installed over the second electrical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Inventors: Michael J. Shotey, Marcus J. Shotey
  • Publication number: 20090020308
    Abstract: An electrical fixture faceplate that has illumination functionality is disclosed. The faceplate may be associated with various electrical fixtures such as a receptacle or switch. The faceplate may be illuminated by a lighting device associated or incorporated with the faceplate. The lighting device may further comprise an LED, neon, chemiluminescent material or combinations thereof to provide illumination of the faceplate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventor: Theodore McBain