Face Plate Type Patents (Class 220/241)
  • Patent number: 7396997
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a weatherproof electrical outlet box assembly for shielding and protecting electrical components from moisture including a faceplate for attaching to an outlet box, the faceplate being substantially planar, and perimetrically bounded by a substantially rectangular side edge, the faceplate having at least one aperture for receiving an electrical component and; the faceplate including a first hinge socket and a second hinge socket extending respectively from the side edge in substantially orthogonal orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Cong Thanh Dinh
  • Patent number: 7394019
    Abstract: A compact self contained receptacle comprising a cylindrical housing flush-mounted to a wall or sill. The housing has a square central aperture for receiving a square receptacle inserted therein. Non-metallic sheath wire (NMS) is connected to the receptacle in pigtail manner with no exposed contacts. The sheath wire passes exteriorly through a hole in the rear of the housing. In addition, detent tabs are provided in the housing for engagement with cooperating ears on the receptacle to provide a snap-in configuration. The compact self contained receptacle provides 120 VAC electric service in a highly compact yet code-certified configuration. The assembly is much better suited for new construction installation and because it can be easily installed into any solid material wall or window sill and maintain its aesthetically pleasing look. Also, the assembly is very convenient for retrofit construction into existing walls or sills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Inventor: Rick Gesue
  • Patent number: 7390964
    Abstract: A wall plate (10) is provided that accommodates communication cable and is formed by a support plate (11) and a cable support extension (12) mounted to the inner surface (20) support plate. The cable support extension is open-ended, with one opening in communication with the access opening (26) of the support plate (11) and the other opening projecting inside the wall structure (50). This allows the communication cable (56) to be fed from within the wall structure, through the wall plate, and beyond, with the cable support extension functioning as an interior sight barrier without obstructing the placement of a flat screen television set or other wall mounted objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Data:) Comm Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Gorin, James Loye Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 7390965
    Abstract: A box cover for an electrical box comprises a faceplate having a height and width that corresponds to a height and width of the electrical box, a sidewall extending from a rear surface of the faceplate, and a securement assembly that is adapted to interconnect with the electrical box and secure the cover thereto. When the cover is secured to the electrical box, the sidewall contacts the box wall along substantially the entire length of the box wall thereby creating an interior cavity. An electrical fixture may be electrically connected to one or more electrical conductors within the electrical box, and placed in the electrical box. The cover may then be secured to the electrical box, thereby providing a protective cover for the electrical fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Daniel Hartwig
  • Patent number: 7390966
    Abstract: A simple, two piece slide-on electrical device cover assembly can be adapted for either horizontal or vertical mounting on the same base. Removable rail members that are coupled to the cover through thinned or partially broken or grooved sections enable the rail members to be snapped off under reasonable force. A manufacturer can package and ship a product in a generic configuration and allow an installer to select whether a horizontal or vertical configuration is desired, and quickly adapt and assembly the product for either configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: TayMac Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Shotey, Marcus J. Shotey, Lincoln Jolley, Jeffrey P. Baldwin, George Lynn Hagen, Richard L. Cleghorn, Kenneth C. Booth
  • Patent number: 7381895
    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: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: TayMac Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Shotey, Marcus J. Shotey, Edgar W. Maltby
  • Patent number: 7381894
    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: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: TayMac Corporation
    Inventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Richard L. Cleghorn, Kenneth C. Booth
  • Patent number: 7375279
    Abstract: A waterproof cover for an audio system includes a frame having an opening and two arcuate faces respectively formed on two opposed sides of the frame, a gasket and a shield with the gasket securely attached to a side face thereof and being pivotally connected to the frame in such a way that a pivotal trajectory of the shield is eccentric to the arcuate face thereby allowing the shield together with the gasket to engage with the arcuate faces of the frame in a watertight manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Kuan-Wei Chen
  • Publication number: 20080110886
    Abstract: Detailed are embodiments of a detachable nose faceplate system that has a faceplate with a removable nose portion that may be orientated in multiple configurations to yield at least one passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: DIRECT CONNECT
    Inventors: Charles J. Provenzano, Michael Leung
  • Patent number: 7368662
    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: July 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: TayMac Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Shotey, Marcus J. Shotey, Kenneth C. Booth, John Kinnard, Edgar W. Maltby
  • Patent number: 7348486
    Abstract: A convertible electrical device cover including a base and an adapter coupled as an assembly and configured to accommodate an electrical device. When the convertible electrical device cover is placed in an operative position over the electrical device the adapter may be located between the electrical device and a rear of the base. A method for installing a convertible electrical device cover is also disclosed including placing the convertible electrical device cover in an operative position over an electrical device so that an adapter may be located between the electrical device and a rear of a base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Inventors: Michael J. Shotey, Marcus J. Shotey, Edgar Maltby
  • Patent number: 7348487
    Abstract: An outlet box assembly for termination of electrical and communication wires which generally includes a box having a floor and a sidewall extending upwardly from the floor, a cover attached to the box and a divider attached to the cover between the box floor and the cover. The box defines an interior therein and the cover at least partially encloses the interior. The divider divides the box interior into first and second wiring compartments adapted to respectively contain electrical and communication wires therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark R. Drane
  • Patent number: 7348484
    Abstract: The present invention provides method, apparatus, and system to assist in partially or fully reestablishing the fire rating of a barrier that has been compromised by the installation of an electrical box(es) in the barrier. The electrical box includes a faceplate having a fire retardant material, such as an intumescent material, coupled to the faceplate and/or coupled between the box and the faceplate. The fire retardant material enhances the fire resistance of the compromised area of the barrier. In one embodiment, the fire retardant material can be in the form of a gasket that can be used cooperatively with the faceplate and the electrical box. In another embodiment, the fire retardant material can be established on one or more surfaces of the faceplate by molding, spraying, dipping, coating or any other methods of application of the material to a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: The RectorSeal Corporation
    Inventors: Eva Ackerman, Randy Gene Clark
  • Patent number: 7345238
    Abstract: An electrical cover plate includes a base having a planar member. A first set of removable tabs is connected to the base so that removal of the first set of removable tabs forms a first set aperture, and a second set of removable tabs is connected to the base so that removal of the second set of removable tabs forms a second set aperture. The first set aperture and the second set aperture may each be bounded by an aperture periphery line so that the aperture periphery lines intersect. Also, the first tab set and the second tab set may have at least one tab in common, and each tab set may be bounded by a tab set periphery line so that the tab set periphery lines intersect. The tabs may be connected to the base by grooved connectors, connecting tabs, or other connections that removably connect the tabs to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventors: Michael J. Shotey, Marcus J. Shotey, Edgar W. Maltby
  • Patent number: 7342174
    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: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Serconet, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yehuda Binder, Ami Hazani
  • Patent number: 7323639
    Abstract: A convertible electrical device cover including a base plate and an adapter plate that are both configured to accommodate an electrical device. When the convertible electrical device cover is placed in an operative position over the electrical device the adapter plate may be located between the electrical device and a rear side of the base plate. A method for installing a convertible electrical device cover is also disclosed including placing the convertible electrical device cover in an operative position over an electrical device so that an adapter plate may be located between the electrical device and a rear side of a base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: TayMac Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Shotey, Marcus J. Shotey, Edgar Maltby
  • Patent number: 7319193
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a cover assembly for an in-floor fitting that includes a trim flange, an access door mounting member, first and second access doors, and a plurality of seal members. A first seal member seals against moisture infiltration between the access doors when the access doors are at their closed positions. A second seal member is interposed between the mounting member and the trim flange to seal against water infiltration between these components. A third seal member is interposed between the trim flange and a floor surface to seal against water infiltration between the trim flange and the floor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Wiremold, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick J. Halterman
  • Patent number: 7312397
    Abstract: A panel cover structure for a computer casing, which is used to be pivoted on a front of the computer casing, is composed of a base panel, and at least one piece of decoration panel which is assembled on a front of the base panel, such that a noise transmitting from an interior of the computer casing to the front can be greatly reduced and a perfect protection effect can be provided, after the panel cover is closed. In addition, the aforementioned decoration panel can be made by splicing a single piece or multiple pieces of panel body, so as to generate a decoration effect of plural kinds of variations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Lian Li Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Deng-Hsi Chen
  • Patent number: 7304237
    Abstract: A simple, two piece slide-on electrical device cover assembly can be adapted for either horizontal or vertical mounting on the same base. Removable rail members that are coupled to the cover through thinned or partially broken or grooved sections enable the rail members to be snapped off under reasonable force. A manufacturer can package and ship a product in a generic configuration and allow an installer to select whether a horizontal or vertical configuration is desired, and quickly adapt and assembly the product for either configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: TayMac Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Shotey, Marcus J. Shotey, Lincoln Jolley, Jeffrey P. Baldwin, George Lynn Hagen, Richard L. Cleghorn, Kenneth C. Booth
  • Patent number: 7304238
    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: July 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: TayMac Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Shotey, Marcus J. Shotey, Kenneth C. Booth, John Kinnard, Edgar W. Maltby
  • Patent number: 7301099
    Abstract: An electrical box assembly includes an adjustable electrical box cover. The cover includes a base plate 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 between the sleeve and the collar. In another embodiment, the sleeve and collar have inwardly extending tabs to receive the adjustment screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Krzysztof W. Korcz
  • Patent number: 7301100
    Abstract: A floor box cover assembly including a flange having an opening therethrough to permit access to an outlet box, and a cover securable to the flange and movable between a closed position wherein the opening is covered and an open position wherein the opening is uncovered to permit access to the outlet box. The flange includes an inner wall extending about the opening. The cover is pivotably secured to the flange by a hinge. The hinge includes a resilient member and a retainer, the retainer holds the cover on the flange and permits rotation of the cover between an open and closed position. The hinge permits deflection of the resilient member such that the cover is translatable relative to the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Drane, Cong Thanh Dinh
  • Patent number: 7294782
    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, includes 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: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Leslie Lindenstraus, Steve Zacharevitz, Dennis A. Oddsen
  • Patent number: 7285723
    Abstract: The instant invention discloses a receptacle where the surface of the face along its width is flat in one plane and along its length has a constant radius. The shape of the face of the receptacle allows for the proper seating of an inserted plug. The receptacle is adapter to be located in a wall plate having a vertical axis of positive first differential and zero second differential, comprised of a combination of splines drawn between points of varying distance from a datum plane and zero second differential when the rate of height increase of individual splines is constant. The receptacle can be placed next to a switch, the front face of which follows the shape of the wall plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Leslie Lindenstraus, Steve Zacharevitz, Dennis A. Oddsen
  • Patent number: 7282642
    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, 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. 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: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Gerd Schmieta, Michael Meyer, Dennis A. Oddsen, Anthony Tufano, Leslie Lindenstraus, James J. Sherman, Tim Langfit
  • Patent number: 7282643
    Abstract: A convertible electrical device cover including a base plate and an adapter plate configured to accommodate an electrical device. When the convertible electrical device cover is placed in an operative position over the electrical device the adapter plate may be located between the electrical device and a rear side of the base plate. A method for installing a convertible electrical device cover is also disclosed including placing the convertible electrical device cover in an operative position over an electrical device so that an adapter plate is located between the electrical device and a rear side of a base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Taymac Corporation
    Inventors: Edgar W. Maltby, Marcus J. Shotey, Michael J. Shotey
  • Patent number: 7279636
    Abstract: The instant invention overcomes the difficulties encountered with respect to mounting electrical wiring devices to a common box and then positioning the devices relative to each other prior to attaching a wall plate. Some of the difficulties encountered are positioning the wiring devices to be in alignment with each other, locating the wiring devices to be parallel to each other, adjusting the spacing between the different devices to be equal and uniform and fixing all of the devices to be flat against the wall. In the prior art, the wiring devices are first loosely attached to a box and then moved back and forth, and up and down to fit within cut outs in a wall plate which is then attached to the wiring devices with screws. A time consuming and tedious job. This invention overcomes these deficiencies by providing wiring devices that have locating openings for engaging alignment pins located on a plate that is subsequently attached to a box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis A. Oddsen, Leslie Lindenstraus, Anthony Tufano, Steve Zacharevitz
  • Patent number: 7279637
    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: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Jason C O'Young, Mark J Donnell, Jeremy S Parrish
  • Patent number: 7276662
    Abstract: A cover assembly for a floor box including an access door for covering at least a portion of the floor box. The access door includes an opening for passage of at least one cord therethrough. The cover assembly further includes a cord door positioned to cover the opening in the access door. The cord door is removeably securable to the access door in at least two mounting orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark R. Drane
  • Patent number: 7276663
    Abstract: A reusable shield for wall fixture control devices while painting the wall. It has an self-adjustable-depth feature that permits the shield to cover different types and sizes of fixture control devices that project from the wall, and can be sized to cover several such devices which have a common cover plate. The shield is shown to be made of two major parts, made either separately or flexibly joined, one of which is removably secured to the wall and the other of which is adjusted to accommodate the amount of fixture control device projection from the wall while preventing paint from entering the interior of the shield. The adjustable part is able to accommodate a side variety of control devices and is not shaped to be specific to any one device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Inventors: Ryan Loron Johnson, Daniel Louis Hachey
  • Patent number: 7273983
    Abstract: A light switch assembly to replace an existing light switch, which generally includes a mounting bracket attached to an electrical box. The assembly slides into the mounting bracket and is locked into place with the mounting bracket. A decorative light switch cover and custom artwork within the frame snaps and locks onto the outer perimeter of the mounting bracket to complete the assembly. The assembly provides for a battery back-up system for power failure situations to illuminate the white, light emitting diodes in the event of a loss of power. The assembly senses the loss of power and unlocks the switch assembly from attachment to the mounting bracket. Unsnapping the decorative cover exposes the switch assembly so it can be removed from the mounting bracket. The switch assembly then becomes a mobile, hand-held emergency flashlight. The battery back-up system also allows for communication with first responders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventor: William J. Rintz
  • Patent number: 7271339
    Abstract: A wall plate assembly includes a front faceplate having two lateral openings. A rear faceplate is connected to the front faceplate such that the rear faceplate is recessed from the front faceplate and access to the rear faceplate is provided through one of the lateral openings. The rear faceplate has a low voltage port. A clamp is connected to a rear surface of the front or rear faceplates for securing the front faceplate to a wall structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Cong Thanh Dinh
  • Patent number: 7271338
    Abstract: An electrical control device, such as an exemplary electrical receptacle, has a front face that is a blended, aspheric surface. The vertical edges of the device have an arcuate profile from top to bottom, preferably elliptical, and the horizontal edges of the device have an arcuate profile from side to side that may be elliptical or circular. The vertical profile of the front face along a centerline of the device is substantially flat, thus an electrical plug seated in the receptacle will be limited to a rocking dimension within UL guidelines for safety. A faceplate component for use in assembly with the electrical control device has an arcuate shape in the vertical dimension that substantially matches the vertical edge profile of the electrical control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Rohmer
  • Patent number: 7265290
    Abstract: A structure for assembling a cover to an electronic device is provided. The electronic device has a receiving space to be covered by the cover. The cover is formed with a coupling portion on one side thereof. At least one guiding unit is formed on one side of the receiving space of the electronic device, and is provided with a first positioning portion at one end thereof. At least one sliding unit is formed on another side of the cover, and can be coupled to the guiding unit and slide in relation to the guiding unit. The sliding unit is provided with a second positioning portion at an end thereof relatively far from the coupling portion, wherein the second positioning portion can be coupled to the first positioning portion, so as to limit vertical movement of the cover in relation to the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventors: Yung-Chin Hsu, Lin-Wei Chang
  • Patent number: 7265292
    Abstract: Weatherproof, while-in-use electrical receptacle cover assemblies include a base with a cover hingedly coupled to the base and one or more adapter plates. The cover hinge is preferably formed by a pair of camming recesses, a pair of mating pins, and a pair of leaf springs. The leaf springs urge the pins into engagement with the camming recesses. The camming recesses guide the pins in a direction perpendicular to the action of the springs. The cover is provided with at least one catch on an edge opposite the hinged coupling to the base and the base is provided with at least one pawl which engages the catch when the cover is closed. The action of the springs and the camming recesses urge the catch into engagement with the pawl which locks the cover closed against unintentional opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: Peter Greenfield
  • Patent number: 7259337
    Abstract: A rain tight multi-position conduit junction box kit with improved electrical grounding and sealing including a conduit junction box with a hollow junction box body having a top, a bottom, opposing side walls, a rear wall and an open front, and six apertures in the flat areas around each aperture and adapted for receiving four aperture cover plates and two fittings with an extra fitting which may be substituted for one of the cover plates in each of the top, bottom, rear wall and opposing side walls. The box has aperture cover plates for some of the apertures not used in a particular installation and conduit fittings for the remaining apertures used for the engagement of conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7259329
    Abstract: A pre-textured, pre-primed cover for an opening a wall/ceiling which has been finished with a particular known, texture pattern. The cover is molded from a plastic material wherein the surface of the cover has a particular, known texture pattern formed integrally therein. The particular pattern is selected from a group of texture patterns which are well known in the trade. After the cover is molded, a primer is sprayed thereon so that the textured surface will readily accept and retain paint such as that used to paint the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventors: Dallas J. Balma, Jr., Christopher S. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7247792
    Abstract: There is disclosed a wall plate with a single opening for receiving one or a gang of wiring devices within the single opening. The wall plate has along its vertical axis, 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. 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 proper seating of an inserted plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Anthony Tufano, Dennis A. Oddsen, Leslie Lindenstraus, Steve Zacharevitz, Paul Endres
  • Patent number: 7247794
    Abstract: A drip-proof switch cover for covering an electrical box having a wall switch with an actuator protruding through the cover, wherein a collecting reservoir is disposed at the lower end of the cover to collect liquid drippings from the hand of a user during actuation of the switch actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventors: Timothy M. Johnson, Frank Annerino
  • Patent number: 7247793
    Abstract: A wall plate adapter for coupling home network control signals to AC power wiring, where the wall plate adapter includes built-in signaling circuitry. The wall plate adapter includes a plate with a receptacle face with slots that are aligned with slots of an underlying AC receptacle. When prongs of a plug are inserted into the slots of the wall plate adapter, they touch contacts that are located in the slots of the receptacle face. The contacts are, in turn, coupled to the signaling circuitry, which may be located in an enlarged region of the wall plate. The signaling circuitry is only coupled to the AC power when a plug is inserted. The plug may be coupled to a transformer and a network device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Richard H. Hinkson, John J. Ryan, George N. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7244891
    Abstract: There is disclosed a wall plate for a winning 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 a long its vertical axis, 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. 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: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Gerd Schmieta, Michael Meyer, Dennis A. Oddsen, Anthony Tufano, Leslie Lindenstraus, James J. Sherman, Tim Langfit
  • Patent number: 7241952
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a weatherproof electrical outlet box assembly for shielding and protecting electrical components from moisture including a faceplate for attaching to an outlet box, the faceplate being substantially planar, and perimetrically bounded by a substantially rectangular side edge, the faceplate having at least one aperture for receiving an electrical component and; the faceplate including a first hinge socket and a second hinge socket extending respectively from the side edge in substantially orthogonal orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Cong Thanh Dinh
  • Patent number: 7235740
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a weatherproof electrical outlet box assembly for shielding and protecting electrical components from moisture comprising a faceplate for attaching to an outlet box, the faceplate being substantially planar, and perimetrically bounded by a substantially rectangular side edge, the faceplate having at least one aperture for receiving an electrical component and; the faceplate including a first hinge socket and a second hinge socket extending respectively from the side edge in substantially orthogonal orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Cong Thanh Dinh
  • Patent number: 7230183
    Abstract: The instant invention overcomes the difficulties encountered with respect to mounting electrical wiring devices to a common box and then positioning the devices relative to each other prior to attaching a wall plate. Some of the difficulties encountered are positioning the wiring devices to be in alignment with each other, locating the wiring devices to be parallel to each other, adjusting the spacing between the different devices to be equal and uniform and fixing all of the devices to be flat against the wall. In the prior art, the wiring devices are first loosely attached to a box and then moved back and forth, and up and down to fit within cut outs in a wall plate which is then attached to the wiring devices with screws. A time consuming and tedious job. This invention overcomes these deficiencies by providing wiring devices that have locating openings for engaging alignment pins located on a plate that is subsequently attached to a box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis A. Oddsen, Leslie Lindenstraus, Anthony Tufano, Steve Zacharevitz
  • Patent number: 7230184
    Abstract: A cover plate for hiding the socket faces of an electrical outlet. Particular embodiments of the cover plate are configured with multiple outlet configurations for use with more than one type of electrical outlet. The cover plate is mounted over the receptacle and has apertures for plug blades or thin, puncturable films over the apertures for the plug blades. Particular embodiments of the invention include thickness around the plug blade apertures for receiving plug blades of not more than 0.075 inches between the socket face and the front surface of the cover plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: TayMac Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Shotey, Marcus J. Shotey, George Lynn Hagen, Kenneth C. Booth
  • Patent number: 7227083
    Abstract: A housing is provided for covering an object on a building wall. The housing includes sidewalls and a front cover supported relative to the sidewalls. The sidewalls and front cover function to form an interior space generally within the sidewalls and front cover to house the object on the building wall within the interior space. The front cover is movable between an open position exposing the interior space and a closed position enclosing the interior space. A back section is generally open to permit positioning around objects of varying sizes and shapes on the building wall so as to enable such objects to be housed within the interior space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventors: William G. Ciemny, Theresa Ciemny
  • Patent number: 7227082
    Abstract: An outlet box is disclosed. The outlet box has a base including a rear surface of the outlet box, and a cover including a front surface of the outlet box. The cover is configured to engagingly fit over the base. An intermediate portion extends from one or both of the base and cover and extends generally between the rear surface and the front surface. The cover, the base, and the intermediate portion cooperatively define an interior of the outlet box when the cover and the base are engagingly fitted together. The intermediate portion includes a pair of opposed inwardly inclined portions and a pair of set-off portions extending from the inner more ends of the inwardly inclined portions, and at least one of the inclined portions includes an aperture therein. A connector is disposed within the base, and the connector has an opening for receiving a plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventor: Jack E Caveney
  • Patent number: 7214878
    Abstract: A wall plate assembly includes a front faceplate having two lateral openings. A rear faceplate is connected to the front faceplate such that the rear faceplate is recessed from the front faceplate and access to the rear faceplate is provided through one of the lateral openings. The rear faceplate has a low voltage port. A clamp is connected to a rear surface of the front or rear faceplates for securing the front faceplate to a wall structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Cong Thanh Dinh
  • Patent number: 7208681
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a cabinet containing an electronic circuit; a covering member containing wire rods connected to the electronic circuit and led to the outside through an opening of the cabinet; a pivoting shaft portion provided on the covering member; and a pivoting shaft receiving portion provided in the cabinet and that supports the pivoting shaft portion, wherein the covering member is pivotally supported with respect to the cabinet. Also included is a splicer for connecting the wire rods and the electronic circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Yano, Keiko Yabuki, Takaaki Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 7205475
    Abstract: A cover assembly for covering a hinge (31) of a portable device includes a base (10) and a cover (20). The base (10) includes a fixing portion (11) protruding therefrom, a pair of slide protrusions (114) is formed on the fixing portion (11), and a latching slot (19) is defined in the base (10) adjacent the fixing portion (11). The cover (20) includes a pair of sliding slots (211) corresponding to the slide protrusions (114), and a hook (231) is formed on the cover (20) for engaging the latching slot (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiao-Gang Jiang, Hung-Chun Lu, Wen-Kang Lo, Chien-Li Tsai, Jiang Zhao