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 3à inches, corresponding to the requirements of junction box mounting.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) and a method (M) for mechanically shimming an electrical socket comprising: a generally planar member (10) having a front surface (11) and a rear surface (12); a pair of shims (13) being formed on the rear surface (12); and a pair of primary orifices (14) being formed through the generally planar member (10) for accommodating an electrical plug.

Abstract: An electrical component protective cover for an appliance has an upper portion and a lower panel portion. The upper portion forms a cavity within a housing having a plurality of walls, which form a perimeter around the electrical component. At least one vent in at least one sidewall of the housing vents air and enables moisture to escape from the interior of the housing. A strip of barrier material is positioned between an edge of the perimeter of the housing and the appliance, the barrier material being a narrow piece of a resilient caulk material to impede liquid or moisture from entering the interior of the housing. The protective cover attaches to the electrical component using attachment receptacles such as female tab recesses. The lower portion has an aperture intermediate the upper portion and the lower portion to provide electrical component access through the cover without removing the cover.

Abstract: A device and method for spanning a gap between adjacent surfaces is provided. The device includes a pin or pin plate rotatably connected to a cover plate, preferably using a ball and socket joint. The pin or pin plate, connected to the cover plate, can be inserted into the gap and the cover plate can be rotated to engage the adjacent surfaces, thereby covering the gap.

Abstract: A mask for use during painting shields those components of the contents of a wall box which will be exposed through a decorative plate used to cover the wall box after the wall is painted. The mask is a substantially flat thin sheet with an adhesive substance applied to its face along its outer perimeter for adhering the sheet to the wall. The substance may be continuous or may be spotted about the perimeter. A pad of identical masks can be temporarily held in stacked laminar relationship by the adhesive substance. The mask may also have a raised portion of perimeter, depth and location suitable for shielding any of the contents of the box which protrude from the box beyond the plane of wall surface. The raised portions may be tapered to facilitate nesting of identical masks in a pad temporarily held in stacked laminar relationship by the adhesive substance.

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.

Abstract: A safety cover assembly for an electrical outlet comprises an outlet cover plate and a protective enclosure. The outlet cover plate includes a major face, an outlet receptacle opening within a central portion of the major face and a plurality of flexible retention arms extending forward of the major face. The protective enclosure is attached to the outlet cover plate. A plug receiving portion of the protective enclosure covers the central portion of the outlet cover plate. The protective enclosure includes a plurality of retention arm engagement structures. Each one of the flexible retention arms is disengagebly engaged with a respective one of the retention arm engagement structures for securing the protective enclosure in relative position with respect to the outlet cover plate. The protective enclosure includes an electrical cord recess within an edge wall of the protective enclosure.

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.

Abstract: There is disclosed structure which overcomes the difficulties encountered with respect to mounting wiring devices such as a receptacle and/or a switch to a box and then 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. These deficiencies are overcome by an alignment plate having a single centrally located opening sized to receive one of more wiring devices and a set of alignment pins for each wiring device. Each set of alignment pins on the alignment plate is located on a vertical axis which defines the center for a wiring device and each wiring device has openings for frictionally receiving and holding captive a set of alignment pins.

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.

Abstract: A lid (20) and a cover main body (10) are formed with sliding contacts (17, 23) that slide in sliding contact with each other immediately before the lid (20) reaches a lid-closing position for damping biasing forces given from coil springs (30) to the lid (20). Frictional resistance is created by the sliding contact of the sliding contacts (17, 23) and the biasing forces given from the torsion coil springs (30) to the lid (20) are damped by this frictional resistance. In this way, an impact given when the lid (20) reaches the cover main body (10) at the lid-closing position is alleviated.

Abstract: An electric connection box includes a box body and a lower cover. The box body includes a body portion on which a terminal end of a wire harness is adapted to be mounted, and a harness lead-out portion for receiving the wire harness. The lower cover includes a cover body attached to the body portion, and a lead-out cover attached to the harness lead-out portion. The cover body and the lead-out cover are separate from each other. The lead-out cover includes a harness receiving portion for receiving a second wire harness.

Abstract: An adapter plate to provide a stable supporting transition between the curvature of an exposed log in a log-construction building and electrical components to be installed into the log includes a substantially flat front side, a curved back side, and a center opening. The back side is provided with a smooth curvature complimentary to the curvature of the exposed log surface for snug installation thereto and tracking engagement therewith. The center opening is sized to slidably receive an electrical box into which the component is to be installed. The front side is configured to support the electrical box and for snug installation of the cover plate. The adapter plate is configurable for use with one or more electrical boxes ganged together. The adapter plate conceals the entire electrical box and the space between the component and the log.

Abstract: A weatherproof outlet plate cover assembly provides a weatherproof a universal lid that is diagonally hinged at a corner of the cover plate for unobstructed lateral and downward routing of electrical cables in either a horizontal of vertical location. The universal lid carries a sealing gasket that is spring biased against a projecting rim that circumscribes a center panel provided with a center opening(s) for use with either duplex or GFCI receptacles. The hinge design allows the use of one product in each formal for two applications—vertical plus horizontal mounting.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recessed floor box assembly including a cover and floor box housing designed to be adaptable to the cover. The cover is designed to be removable and repositionable for covering the open face of the box housing in either the closed or open positions. The cover can be selectively positioned to open or close an access opening into the box housing while still retaining a covering on the box housing.

Abstract: A thin switch plate assembly for covering and mounting switches includes of a face plate attached to a base plate by a snap-fit connection to provide a screwless appearance.

Abstract: An easily-installed cover plate for hiding the face of sockets by covering an electrical outlet, including the face of the sockets. The cover plate is mounted over the receptacle and has apertures for plug blades. In the a particular embodiment, the cover plate is rectangularly shaped to cover a duplex receptacle, having apertures to receive plug blades, a center hole for receiving a screw which secures the cover plate over the duplex receptacle and a thickness at the apertures for receiving plug blades of not more than 0.075 inches.

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.

Abstract: A wall plate for engagement with an identical wall plate including an opening for the passage of wires or conduit therethrough. The plate is capable of being separated at its center to allow for the passage of oversized connectors and fittings and includes extender sections to increase the size of the opening. The invention includes a first plate section and identical second plate section that are mateable for easy separation and attachment. Both first and second plate sections include cantilever tab-like elements that extend from the ends of each plate section to join the plates.

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 3à inches, corresponding to the requirements of junction box mounting.

Abstract: A temporary and disposable cover for an electrical box. The cover includes a faceplate, side walls, and flexible tabs projecting inwardly from the side walls. When placed upon an electrical box with a permanent cover, the indents seat behind the sidewalls of the permanent cover and hold the temporary cover thereon. While seated upon the electrical box, the temporary cover protects the permanent cover and the forward portion of the electrical box from spatter, overruns, or any other misdirected applications of stucco mud to the surface surrounding the electrical box. After the stucco has cured, the temporary cover is disposed of. The temporary cover is capable of being manufacture at a low cost per unit, thereby permitting it to be disposed of after the stucco has been cured.

Abstract: A water resistant floor box cover assembly including a flange including an opening therethrough adapted to permit access to electrical connectors and a cover securable to the flange. The cover is 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 also includes an inner wall and an outer wall extending about the opening. The inner and the outer walls define a channel disposed therebetween. The outer wall including a slot formed therein providing a path out of the channel. The slot permits water in the channel to exit therefrom away from the opening.

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.

Abstract: A novel cover plate assembly includes of two decorative face plates and a base plate for mounting electrical devices. The two face plates fabricated from steel plate are screwless and provide noble decorative appearances after the surfaces properly treated. The inner face plate is snapped into the base plate through a snap fit connection. The outer face plate is attached to inner face plate through a snap fit connection. The base plate can be molded of any flame retardant materials.

Abstract: A cover for a socket of an electrical outlet is provided for selectively blocking access to the electrical outlet unless a two separate motions are performed. The two motions include disengaging a locking mechanism and shifting the door to an open position. The two motions are selected to the difficult for a typical infant or young child to perform in order to substantially prevent an infant or a young child from gaining access to the socket positioned behind the cover for electrical outlet.

Abstract: An electrical outlet safety cover is provided that includes a sliding cover plate and spring-loaded catches to limit children's access to electrical outlets but to offer quick and easy access to users. The base plate on the safety cover replaces a conventional electrical outlet plate. It includes apertures for electrical outlets and for an attaching screw, and a top panel with two catches and a slot for an opposing catch. The vertical sides of the base plate fit into matching grooves on the vertical sides of a cover plate, which also includes a catch and slots for the catches on the base plate. When the catches are released, the cover plate can thus slide down the base plate, revealing the electrical outlets for use. To prevent access to the outlets, the cover plate can be slid up the base plate until all three catches securely lock.

Abstract: A power cord that has two safety prongs. A replacement outlet cover is also provided that has corresponding side slots to receive the safety prongs. When the power cord is inserted into the outlet, the safety prongs engage the side slots, which then hold the power cord in place. Once the safety prongs are engaged, the two buttons on the side of the cord head must be compressed to remove the power cord. This type of action is beyond the motor skills of small children, thus making the power cord totally safe for use around children. Moreover, removing the power cords is a simple task for adults, which makes them more likely to be used than more-complicated covers and locks. The power cords can be sold as a kit with a replacement outlet box cover for a low price.

Abstract: A wire guard for filling an opening in an electrical box, to protect contents contained therein, includes a plate having a circumferential wall projecting outward from the plate at a defined angle. The wall extends for a length of a perimeter of the plate, contacting an interior surface of the electrical box when the plate fills the opening. At least one bracket of the wire guard surrounds a tab formed in the electrical box. Further, an aperture in the bracket aligns with a bore hole in the tab. A mechanical fastener, e.g. a screw, may be inserted into the aperture to engage with the bore hole of the tab, thereby fastening the wire guard to the electrical box. A screw driver or other tool, inserted into an aperture in the plate, may be used to extract the wire guard from the electrical box after use.

Abstract: A screw less faceplate assembly includes of a single monolithic subplate component and a single monolithic faceplate component that is removably attachable to the subplate component. Both the subplate component and the faceplate component have complimentary, respective, reversible co-engagement means only located adjacent outer perimeter surfaces thereof. The subplate component is metallized or otherwise reinforced such that upon installation against an existing, potentially non-flat or uneven wall surface, the proper position and spacing of multiple electrical devices engaged with the subplate component are maintained. Embodiments of the invention include a subplate component and a faceplate component, and, upon assembly, a screw less faceplate assembly.

Abstract: An easily-installed cover plate for hiding the face of sockets by covering an electrical outlet, including the face of the sockets. The cover plate is mounted over the receptacle and has apertures for plug blades. In the preferred embodiment, the cover plate is rectangularly shaped to cover a duplex receptacle, having apertures to receive plug blades and a center hole for receiving a screw which secures the cover plate over the duplex receptacle.

Abstract: A cover arrangement for electrical switches and outlets includes a switch cover member and an outlet cover member. The switch cover member includes a planar masking wall and a mounting cavity configured to receive and frictionally engage a handle associated with a conventional electrical switch. An outlet cover member includes a masking wall in combination with a series of mounting walls that are configured to frictionally engage outwardly facing surfaces of an electrical outlet. The switch cover member and the outlet cover member may be packaged together.

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.

Abstract: A cover plate for an electrical outlet or electrical switch unit includes an attachment element having one surface attached to an inside surface of the cover plate and another surface configured to be removably secured to a surface of the outlet or switch unit. Advantageously, this attachment method of the cover plate onto the outlet or switch unit conceals unsightly screws. In one embodiment, the attachment element comprises magnets to connect the cover plate to the outlet or switch unit. In another embodiment, mating VELCRO™ portions are used to connect the cover plate to the outlet or switch unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cover plate for use in connection with an electrical box. The cover plate includes a plate element that attaches to and at least partially covers a side of the electrical box. The plate element includes at least one electrical box orifice to permit access to an electrical appurtenance associated with the electrical box. The cover plate also includes one or more attachable elements removably attachable to a portion of the plate element via an attachment structure. The attachable elements are configured to retain, display and/or interact with an item.

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.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus including an outer wall section of the electronic apparatus and an inner wall section that is provided inside the outer wall section and includes a battery accommodating section that can accommodate at least one battery, wherein the outer wall section and the inner wall section are thin plate members integrally formed so as to be flexibly deformed under an external force, and a specified gap is formed between the outer wall section and the inner wall section.

Abstract: A cover assembly controls access to the interior of an electrical enclosure. The electrical enclosure includes a housing having a panel and a plurality of walls extending from the panel to define an opening. The cover assembly includes a door-in-door assembly with first and second hinged doors and a concealed mounting mechanism. The concealed mounting mechanism secures the door-in-door assembly to the housing without requiring a separate securing mechanism. The first hinged door pivots open to access the housing without requiring the first door to be entirely removed. The second hinged door is smaller and thus provides convenient access through a cut-out portion of the larger first door. Access may be further controlled via a locking mechanism for locking the second door in a closed position within the first door.

Abstract: A protective plate installation structure includes a base welded to a protection member, a clip for engaging the base, and a protective plate for protecting the protection member. The base has a first engaging portion, and a receiving portion. The clip has a second engaging portion at one end for engaging the first engaging portion when the clip is moved along an axis of the base, and an umbrella portion formed at the other end thereof. The protective plate has an installation opening so that when the clip is attached to the base through the installation opening, the protective plate is held between the umbrella portion and the receiving portion.

Abstract: An electrical fitting for installation of electrical systems in poured concrete, includes a relatively flat body of material having an opening for receiving an electrical conduit, a number of equally spaced legs projecting from a side of the body where the legs are adapted to face a form wall opposing another form wall onto which an electrical box is mounted flush, and a tip disposed on a top of each leg. The tip of each leg is adapted to grip the form wall and provides a sturdy and solid base that holds an electrical box and a conduit in position during the pouring of concrete. The length of each spaced leg is sufficient to allow concrete to flow between the body and the form wall.

Abstract: A safety cover for covering the electrical connectors or connections on the sides of an electrical device, such as an outlet or a switch, during construction is disclosed. The safety cover includes a first panel and a second panel that are spaced apart from one another and connected to one another by a connecting section. A strap or resilient arm is used to retain the safety cover over the electrical device.

Abstract: A novel apparatus is disclosed that provides a secure, tamperproof, and cordless installation to securely and reliably couple any electronic device directly onto any standard power outlet. The installation is easy, certification free, and does not need to reduce the number of available power outlets. The apparatus also enables reliable and effective signal coupling for power line control and communication devices including X.10, HomePlug, and other proprietary power line based physical layers. For these types of systems the apparatus may provide life line support using a battery or any other form of energy storage. The device is optimally installed directly onto a standard wall outlet by replacing the current face plug with a housing that can be affixed directly onto the duplex outlet with screws that attach to any existing threaded hole used by conventional or other mounting devices within a wall box.

Abstract: There is disclosed structure which overcomes the difficulties encountered with respect to mounting wiring devices such as a receptacle and/or a switch to a box and then 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. These deficiencies are overcome by an alignment plate having a single centrally located opening sized to receive one of more wiring devices and a set of alignment pins for each wiring device. Each set of alignment pins on the alignment plate is located on a vertical axis which defines the center for a wiring device and each wiring device has openings for frictionally receiving and holding captive a set of alignment pins.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for mounting a faceplate. The system includes a sub-plate configured to be coupled to a junction box. The sub-plate can have an interference-fit socket extending through the sub-plate. The interference-fit socket includes one or more interference fingers located adjacent to a post opening. A post extending from the faceplate can be positioned and sized such that, as the faceplate is coupled to the sub-plate, the post will be received into the post opening in the interference-fit socket and engaged by the one or more interference fingers, enabling the faceplate to be securely mounted to the sub-plate.

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.

Abstract: A removable protective cover system to prevent application of paint on cover plates having electronic outlets and switches, and doorknobs having door handles. The system includes a cover plate cover assembly, and a doorknob cover assembly that is conical in shape.

Abstract: A cover plate for use in replacing recessed lighting fixtures with pendalier or external mounted lighting fixtures and provided with matching interconnection mounting members for cooperative engagement with a variety of mounting structure assemblies heretofore utilized in recessed down lights.

Abstract: An electronic device according to the present invention comprises: 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 convex portion provided in one of the covering member and the cabinet; and a pivoting concave portion which is provided in the other of the covering member and the cabinet and supports the pivoting convex portions, wherein the covering member is pivotally supported with respect to the cabinet a pivot-supporting unit is provided in the connection cable, whereby pivoting the connection cable through the pivoting unit allows the lead-out direction of the connection cable from an opening of the cabinet to the outside to be selectively changed between a direction in which the connection cable is led downward from the lower surface of the cabinet and a direction sideways intersecting therewith.

Abstract: A switch assembly is disclosed which can serve as a custom night light and a light switch assembly with a battery back-up system that automatically unlocks in the event of a power failure. The switch assembly can be removed from an electrical box for mobile emergency use as a flashlight. The assembly can also have a mini-membrane switch, which when actuated, can emit or transmit a RF/Microwave signal to outside emergency response personal, providing location information to the response personal. The personal locator system can use battery back-up power to communicate with established emergency response frequencies.

Abstract: An assembly includes a structural member or frame that supports a load. The frame has a rectangular opening therein to a cavity within the frame that is adapted to house electrical components therein. There are a plurality of opening screw holes in the frame and spaced apart completely around and outside of the opening. The mining apparatus also includes a cover for the opening, the cover including a plate with an area larger than the opening, the plate having a first surface and an opposite second surface. The cover also includes a lip protruding from the second surface, the lip extending over and around and enclosing an area of the second surface and defining a protrusion that, when the cover is laid over the opening, fits closely within the opening.

Abstract: A front cover for a module of a modular drive system includes two intermediate circuit conductor rails arranged in stepped relationship, two supply conductor rails, and a pivotable, engageable hood. Each intermediate circuit conductor rail includes a connection bracket, which is fixed on one end, and a contact screw. The supply conductor rails are provided with a removable connection plug, and the pivotable hood is arranged in such a way that the conductor rails can be covered and the front side of the hood is flush with the cover in the engaged state. In this way, an essentially more compact structure can be achieved, which is also less prone to interference from EMC influences, and in which a supply voltage as well as the intermediate circuit conductor rails are looped.