Face Plate Type Patents (Class 220/241)
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7588161
    Abstract: A fluid bin assembly includes a bin having a floor with a side wall upstanding from the floor. The floor and the side wall bound a chamber. An opening extends through the floor and communicates with the chamber. One or more retention plates are removably mounted to the floor of the bin so as to at least partially cover the opening extending through the floor. The retention plates at least partially bound one or more portholes that openly communicate with the chamber of the bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: HyClone Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory P. Elgan, Brett L. Allred, Gary Graetz, Jeremy K. Larsen, Jim A. Austin
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20090223958
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cover for a conduit body device for accommodating wire therethrough including: a substantially flat elongated portion with at least two butterfly-shaped clips located at opposite ends of the elongated portion, wherein the butterfly-shaped clips are designed to engage the interior of the conduit body device. In one aspect, the present invention may include at least one ledge on the cover. The invention also provides a conduit body device and cover system for accommodating wire therethrough the device including.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Roger Pyron
  • 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: 7581968
    Abstract: A receptacle connector is adapted to mate with a plug connector having at least one latch. The receptacle connector includes a connector body, a plurality of terminals received in the connector body and at least one dust-proof cover. The connector body defines at least one perforation therethrough. The perforation has a first port from which the latch of the plug connector is received in the perforation, and a second port communicating with the first port. The dust-proof cover is mounted on a rear portion of the connector body to seal the second port of the perforation to prevent dust outside the perforation from entering along the perforation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ni Gao, Wei-Hong Liao
  • 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 3ΒΌ 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: 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.
  • 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 7531743
    Abstract: An electrical box assembly includes an adjustable electrical box cover. The cover includes a base having a central opening and a collar encircling the central opening. A sleeve slides through the collar and is adjusted by a plurality of adjustment screws. In one embodiment, the adjustment screws are positioned within the sleeve and the collar. The sleeve and collar have inwardly extending tabs to receive the adjustment screws allow adjustment of the sleeve with respect to the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven J. Johnson, Krzysztof W. Korcz
  • 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: 7527224
    Abstract: Disclosed is a radio bin spacer that allows for a standard sized radio to be mounting in an instrument panel mounting area sized for the larger style radio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Wayne Nagy, Ralph John Provitz
  • 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
  • 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: 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
  • 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: 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
  • Patent number: 7479599
    Abstract: A cord outlet structure of an electric instrument cabinet, includes: an opening window for a cord outlet; and a cover for the opening window, wherein: the cover being formed continuous with one of the sides of the edges of the opening window through a resin hinge; the opening window is formed such that it becomes smaller in width as it parts away from the resin hinge, thereby inclining the two side edges of the opening window; the cover is formed such that it becomes smaller in width as it parts away from the resin hinge, thereby inclining both side edges of the cover; and the cover and opening window are formed such that the edges of the opening window and the side edges of the cover fitted into the opening window extend parallel to each other in their mutual adjacent positions or in their mutual contact positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeo Iwai, Katsuhiko Makino
  • Patent number: 7470858
    Abstract: To assist in searching, the following abstract includes a receptacle system used to keep a receptacle cap secure through use of an enhanced retaining strap with its associated wall plate when the receptacle cap is unscrewed. The enhanced retaining strap is a separate individual component and is separably coupled to the rest of the receptacle system so that if it is pulled with sufficient force, the strap will break free from the rest of the receptacle system before associated members such as gaskets are damaged or loosened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick S. McNutt, Phillip Phung, Frank Chin-Hwan Kim
  • Patent number: 7462778
    Abstract: A weatherproof cover plate that may be installed horizontally and vertically is disclosed. In a weatherproof flat cover plate, an apron is provided to offer a water shield along at least two sides of the cover plate base. Additionally, a continuous ridge on the base is disclosed in association with a gasket and a biased hinge to provide additional protection against the weather. A novel locking clip is also disclosed. 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: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: TayMac Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Shotey, Marcus J. Shotey, Edgar W. Maltby
  • Patent number: 7462777
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a dual hinge recess weatherproof outdoor electrical box assembly for shielding and protecting electrical components from moisture. The electrical box assembly includes an electrical box having a plurality of hinge sockets, an adapter plate that is recessed in the electrical box, and a cover having a plurality of hinge pins for operable engagement with the hinge sockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Cong Thanh Dinh
  • Patent number: 7459632
    Abstract: A cover assembly adapted to be mounted over an in-floor fitting, including a frame having a passage defined therethrough, a lid pivotally secured to the frame and positioned over the passage, an egress door movably secured to the lid, and a sealing membrane bonded to an underside of said lid and said egress door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: The Wiremold Company
    Inventor: Tim Bowman
  • Publication number: 20080289845
    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: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: AMX LLC
    Inventor: Phong Le
  • Patent number: 7456359
    Abstract: An outlet cover system for efficiently covering an electrical outlet. The outlet cover system generally includes a cover including a front portion, wherein the front portion includes an inner surface and an outer surface opposite the inner surface and at least one post including an inner end and an outer end opposite the inner end, wherein the post extends from the inner surface of the front portion. The post is nonconductive and removably positionable within a ground contact of an outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventor: Roger M. Tidd
  • Patent number: 7456360
    Abstract: There is disclosed a wall plate for a wiring device. The wall plate has a single opening for receiving one or a gang of two or more wiring devices within the single opening. The wall plate has along its vertical axis, a surface of positive first differential and zero second differential, including a combination of splines drawn between points of varying distance from a datum plane. The surface has zero second differential when the rate of height increase of individual splines is constant. The wall plate, when composed of non-conducting material, has a conductive coating on its front surface, on its back surface or on both its front and back surfaces. When the wiring device is a switch, the surface of the switch face follows that of the wall plate. When the wiring device is a receptacle, the surface along the receptacle face is flat in one plane to allow for the proper seating of an inserted plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Gerd Schmieta, Michael Meyer, Dennis A. Oddsen, Anthony Tufano, Leslie Lindenstraus, James J. Sherman, Tim Langfit
  • Patent number: 7456358
    Abstract: An adapter having a front face with a flange portion and a centrally located opening. The opening has an inner dimension sized to accept at least a front face of a wiring device and the flange has an outer dimension sized to fit at least within an opening of a front face of a wall plate. The flange portion has a vertical surface contour along a vertical direction of the flange and a horizontal surface contour along a horizontal direction of the flange such that, when the adapter is installed, the contours of the flange result in a smooth transition from the wiring device to the wall plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley R. Swiencicki, Paul Kadar, Denise Chan-Richter, Leslie Lindenstraus
  • Patent number: 7449634
    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: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: TayMac Corporation
    Inventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Richard Cleghorn, Jeffrey P. Baldwin
  • Patent number: 7446266
    Abstract: A reconfigurable conduit body assembly including a hollow conduit body having opposing end walls, opposing side walls, a rear wall and an open front. The conduit body includes raised areas with openings therein adapted for the optional addition of either a hub with an integral gasket portion or a blank with an integral gasket portion in one or more of the end walls, side walls, or rear wall. A second opening is provided in at least one of the side walls and is also adapted for the addition of a hub or blank. The conduit body includes a faceplate with an integral gasket portion for closing the open front. Blanks are provided for closing any of the apertures that are not used in a particular configuration, and hubs provided for any of the openings that will be configured to engage conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7442874
    Abstract: A temporary protective cover for an electrical box having an open front end includes a plate sized and shaped to be removably mounted onto the open front end of the electrical box and a pair of wings formed onto the plate for securing the cover onto the electrical box. A line of weakness extends across the rear surface of the plate from the right side edge to the left side edge. A plurality of pins are formed onto the rear surface of the plate and serve to limit longitudinal and lateral movement of the cover when mounted onto the electrical box. The pair of wings are spaced adequately in from the left and right side edges of the plate and extend rearwardly from the rear surface of the plate at an angle away from one another. Each wing is shaped to include a flexible leg and an enlarged foot, the foot including a tapered guiding surface and a substantially flat engagement surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Inventor: Carlo Compagnone, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7439444
    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 pin and corresponding cover and base hinge members wherein the removable 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; and 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: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: TayMac Corporation
    Inventors: Edgar W. Maltby, John Kinnard, Kenneth C. Booth
  • Patent number: 7435903
    Abstract: The instant invention discloses a receptacle having a shape along the width of its face that is flat in one plane and along its length that has a constant radius. The shape of the face of the receptacle allows for the proper seating of an inserted plug. The shape of a wall plate around the receptacle along a section which runs along its vertical axis defines a surface of positive first differential and zero second differential, comprised of a combination of splines drawn between points of varying distance from a datum plane. The surface has zero second differential when the rate of height increase of individual splines is constant. When ganged with a switch, the front surface of the switch follows the shape of the cover plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Tufano, Dennis A. Oddsen, Leslie Lindenstraus, Steve Zacharevitz, Paul Endres
  • Patent number: 7432444
    Abstract: A temporary protective cover for an electrical outlet box is disclosed which is attached to the outlet box after wiring is installed but before wallboard is hung over the box. The protective cover has a protruding pin mounted in a keyhole shaped hole through the cover and when wallboard is mounted over the outlet box the protruding pin indicates the location of the box so a tool can be used to cut away wallboard covering the box while preventing wires inside the box from being cut. The protruding pin is then slid along the keyhole slot to its large end and is pushed inside the outlet box. The absence of the protruding pin makes it easier to apply spackle, paint and other materials to the wallboard and to sand it. The cover provides protection against spackle, paint, dust and other debris from entering the outlet box until the cover is removed by an electrician who then install outlets and switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Inventor: Leo McCusker
  • Patent number: 7427714
    Abstract: A conduit junction box replacement cover for electrical conduit junction boxes. The replacement cover can replace a conventionally designed cover on a conduit junction box that contains corroded or otherwise damaged threaded holes rendering the installation of a conventionally designed junction box cover difficult or costly. The removable replacement cover has a flat inside surface and a rim that overlaps the outer walls of the body of the junction box. The removable replacement cover can be installed by inserting set screws through the rim to make secure contact with the body of the junction box. A flat gasket on the inside surface of the replacement cover and positioned within the rim seals the junction box from adverse environmental conditions. The rim of the replacement cover can contain several cut-outs to permit the installation of the replacement cover on conduit junction boxes that contain one or more external hubs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Inventors: Albert James Lammens, Jr., Randy Lamar Marx
  • Patent number: 7425681
    Abstract: A decorative switch assembly for outlet boxes wherein the switch actuator and the face plate are metallic and screwless. The assembly is grounded by using U-shaped sheet metals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Inventors: Shaojie Xu, Hui Xu
  • Patent number: 7414193
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a device in a wall box is provided that includes a base plate formed by a substantially flat front portion and a plurality of side portions extending to the rear to define a substantially open rear portion, and at least one magnet. The front portion is connected to a device. The base plate is configured to be substantially inserted into a magnetically engageable wall box arranged on a wall. Each magnet is connected to one of the plurality of side portions. At least one magnet is operably configured to magnetically engage an interior wall of the magnetically engageable wall box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: AMX LLC
    Inventor: Phong Le
  • Patent number: 7408111
    Abstract: Wall mount assemblies operable to be mounted to a building are described. The wall mount assemblies include a base having a front surface and a rear surface and having a wall extending about an outer periphery and inwardly from the rear surface. The base also includes at least one edge recessed rearwardly from the front surface defining a recessed portion therein. The edge of the recessed portion also defines mounting apertures and/or mounting holes spaced about the recessed portion. An annular flange extends rearwardly from the recessed portion. A cover member mounts to either one of the mounting apertures and the mounting holes for creating an aesthetic appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: TAPCO International Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Clark, Aundrea Nurenberg
  • Patent number: 7402749
    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: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Inventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Michael J. Shotey
  • Patent number: 7399921
    Abstract: A safety cap for an electrical outlet having an adhesive section can be attached to a standard outlet cover. Alternately, an outlet cover including two slidable plates including a spring or spring groove can be used to prevent access to the outlet by a child. An elongated member on one plate is used to contact a spring on the other plate. Alternately, the elongated member can fit into a spring groove to bias the plates apart into the closed position. Locking pins can be used to lock the plates onto an aperture at the base of a plug's power prong. Additionally, a recess around each electrical outlet can mate with a respective lip of a plug to provide an interlocking interface between the plug and outlet cover to prevent a child from being able to insert a metal object between the plug and the faceplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Inventor: Theodore McBain
  • Patent number: 7399920
    Abstract: A dual purpose wall plate (10) includes a flat support plate (20) that defines on one half a support plate opening (26) and a sloped cable support extension (32) for extending into the hollow wall structure and for passing low voltage communications cable (39) through the wall. The other half of the support plate (20) includes a plug opening (38) and a plug receptacle housing (40) and a high voltage plug receptacle (44) for receiving a power plug (41). The external surface of the dual purpose wall plate is substantially flat and substantially coextensive with the wall to which it is mounted, therefore forming no protrusions that would interfere with the mounting of a flat screen television or other device directly over the wall plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Data:)Comm Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Gorin, James Loye Hutchinson
  • Patent number: RE40600
    Abstract: A cover plate for covering an electrical outlet. The electrical outlet includes a receptacle having at least one socket and at least one securing aperture for receiving a securing device, wherein each of the at least one socket includes a face and a plurality of blade apertures for receiving plug blades. The cover plate includes a front surface for facing outwardly from the electrical outlet and externally relative to the cover plate and a back surface facing toward the electrical outlet. A plurality of blade apertures extend through the cover plate through the front and back surfaces. Optionally, at least one securing aperture extends through the cover plate. The front surface of the cover plate contains, or includes, a single line extending substantially in a rectangle around the blade apertures and the at least one securing aperture, the front surface otherwise being continuous, having uniform topography, and being free of any other apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: TayMac Corporation
    Inventors: Edgar W. Maltby, Michael Shotey