With Closure For Face Plate Opening Patents (Class 220/242)
  • Patent number: 11590852
    Abstract: A charging inlet for an electric vehicle (EV) includes a body defining an opening having a conductive terminal arranged therein. A sealing cover is pivotally attached to the body and is moveable between an open position exposing the opening and conductive terminal, and a closed position sealing the opening and the conductive terminal with respect to an external environment. A sealing element of the cover defines a sealing plug including an angled sealing rib defined about an outer periphery thereof. The sealing plug and sealing rib are configured to engage with the opening of inlet body for sealing the opening with the cover in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Inventors: Matthew Bryan Hitchcock, Aaron James de Chazal
  • Patent number: 11466897
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a heater cover assembly for baseboard heater units and components thereof. The components include convertible end caps having cutouts and cover plates that can be used with baseboard heating units. The cutouts accommodate pipes or other obstructions that would otherwise prevent or hinder installation of the end cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Inventor: Gary Fratianne
  • Patent number: 11196275
    Abstract: A cover plate charging station for electronic devices having a rear frame configured to be attached to a wall. The rear frame includes an opening configured to receive an electronic receptacle. A front frame is pivotally connected to the rear frame by a hinge assembly on bottom portions of the rear frame and the front frame. The front frame is configured to pivot downwardly and form a shelf capable of supporting at least one electronic device while connected to the electronic receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Inventor: Aaron Lee Bernard
  • Patent number: 10842032
    Abstract: A combination of a plug and a cover. The plug has a plug housing and a plug longitudinal edge which extends along a plug longitudinal direction and on which at least one insertion receptacle is arranged which borders a receiving opening. The cover has a cover longitudinal edge in the cover longitudinal direction and on which at least one insertion element for insertion into the receiving opening is arranged. The insertion element has a shaft and at least one holding projection which proceeds from the shaft. The insertion receptacle has two wall regions which delimit the receiving opening on two opposite sides. In a non-assembled state of the plug and the cover, in at least one perpendicular cross-sectional plane, an opening width between the two wall regions is smaller than a width of the insertion element in a cross-sectional plane which is perpendicular in relation to the element plug-in direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: CPT Group GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Reichert
  • Patent number: 10840631
    Abstract: An electronic device and a connection mechanism thereof are provided. The connection mechanism includes a first assembly and a second assembly. The first assembly has a first body, a first pivot portion and a limiting portion. The first body is connected to the first pivot portion and the limiting portion. The limiting portion has an accommodation slot and a notch. The second assembly has a second body, a second pivot portion and a blocker. The second body is connected to the second pivot portion and the blocker. The first assembly and the second assembly are pivotally connected with each other by the first pivot portion and the second pivot portion. The first assembly and the second assembly are engagable with each other by the blocker and the notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: ABILITY ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tzu-Peng Wu, Hung-Chia Chang, Wei-Hsiang Huang
  • Patent number: 10637222
    Abstract: An electrical outlet cover assembly having a base and a lid is disclosed. The base comprises a first base hinge aperture, and the lid comprises a first lid hinge aperture. The lid is hingedly coupled to the base by at least a first pin. The first pin is rotatably coupled to one of the first lid hinge aperture and the first base hinge aperture, and rotationally fixed with respect to the other of the first lid hinge aperture and the first base hinge aperture. The lid is biased from an open position to a closed position by a rotational bias from a bias element that is mechanically engaged with an end of the first pin and with an anchor rotationally fixed with respect to one of the lid and the base. The first pin may include teeth and is rotationally fixed with respect to complementary teeth of a hinge aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Baldwin
  • Patent number: 10374396
    Abstract: Apparatus for the touch-safe contacting of a busbar system having multiple busbars, wherein the arrangement has a touch protection housing made of electrically insulating material comprising receptacles for busbars, wherein the touch protection housing has a base having the receptacles and also a cover, which closes the receptacles and is optionally detachable from the base, having an installation side, wherein the arrangement furthermore has a multipole busbar adapter for the electrical contacting of the busbars, which is installed with an adapter housing on the installation side and for this purpose passes through the cover with at least one retaining foot engaging behind the busbars and also with at least one contact element in each case for every busbar to be electrically contacted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Rittal GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Schell, Andreas Bastian, Ann-Sylvia Jungbauer
  • Patent number: 10361502
    Abstract: A socket with two socket portions having a different number of electrical contacts provides ease of handling and securing. A blocking mechanism for blocking the opening of one cover if the other cover is in an opened position can be provided. A socket can be provided that enables this blocking function to be activated and deactivated by a simple reconfiguration of the socket. A socket with 7P and 4P socket portions has a certain number of shared electrical contacts in the 7P and 4P socket portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Erich Jaeger GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Lehnert
  • Patent number: 10205311
    Abstract: An electrical floor box is configured to be electrically connected to an electrical cable that includes a cable terminal. The electrical floor box includes a surface plate oriented parallel to a floor surface. The surface plate includes an aperture. The electrical floor box also includes an electrical connector positioned in the aperture of the surface plate. The electrical connector includes a connector terminal that is configured to engage the cable terminal to provide an electrical connection therebetween. The electrical floor box further includes a sealing member positioned between the electrical connector and one of the aperture and the electrical cable to inhibit moisture interaction with the cable terminal and the connector terminal while the electrical cable is coupled to the electrical connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Nelson Bonilla, Thomas L. Scanzillo, Scott Barry Wurms
  • Patent number: 10188478
    Abstract: A housing (1) for devices with at least one module, which is to be protected against penetration of liquids, has at least one cover (2) that is arranged on the top side of the housing (1). A simple and cost-effective production and maintenance is provided by the outer edge areas (4) of the cover (2) having at least one collar (5, 7, 9, 11), which protrudes downwards when cover (2) is closed and has a preferably circumferential drip edge (12). The housing (1) is provided in the edge area of an opening (13) to be closed by the cover (2) with at least one mounting groove (15), which, when the cover (2) is closed, is arranged below the at least one collar (7, 11), such that a liquid dripping from the drip edge (12) falls into the mounting groove (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: DRÄGERWERK AG & CO. KGAA
    Inventor: Michael Gey
  • Patent number: 9871316
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, an electronic device includes: a housing including a first face facing a first direction, a second face on an opposite side of the first face, and a third face adjacent to the first and second faces; a connector protruding from the third face; and a first cover connected to the housing, including a fourth face, and being pivotable between a first position where the fourth face faces the first direction and a second position where the fourth face faces the first face. The first cover includes a first stopper that, when the first cover pivots from the first position to the second position, contacts the connector and is elastically deformable in a direction that is a pivoting axial direction of the first cover and is a separating direction from the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: TOSHIBA MEMORY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Hayakawa, Shiro Harashima
  • Patent number: 9560784
    Abstract: A cover assembly for an outdoor electrical device includes a base having a rear wall with an adapter plate which surrounds the face of the device. A lid which is hinged to the base includes a front panel having an arched or curved contour. Projecting from the underside of the front panel is a grid of ribs having coplanar proximal edges. The distal face of a gasket seats against the proximal edges and the grid is open in a space behind a breakaway portion of the gasket. In the event the electrical device comprises a toggle switch, the breakaway portion is removed, leaving an opening such that the toggle switch lever can extend into the opening and, if necessary, into the open space, without distorting the proximal face of the gasket which seals against the rear wall when the lid is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Superflex, Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael Elbaz
  • Patent number: 9537295
    Abstract: An electrical box includes a housing having a mounting plate and a housing body; and a cover rotatably mounted to the housing to cover a central opening in the mounting plate when the cover is in a closed configuration and to allow access to the central opening when the cover is in an open configuration. The housing body includes at least one chamber for receiving an electrical device mounted therein and for receiving a cable for connecting to the electrical device. The housing body is coupled to the mounting plate by a plurality of rib members to form a gap between the housing body and the mounting plate. The cover includes fluid directing elements that project downwardly from the cover and which are received within the gap between the housing body and the mounting plate when the cover is in the closed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International LLC
    Inventor: Cong Thanh Dinh
  • Patent number: 9496696
    Abstract: A weather resistant flip lid cover for an electrical box or connector preferably includes first and second seals. A hinge pivotally couples the flip lid cover to the electrical box or connector. The first and second seals are preferably concentric. When the flip lid cover is in a closed position the first and second seals engage first and second sealing surfaces on the electrical box or connector to form a seal that complies with the requirements of NEMA Type 4, Type 12, and/or IP66. The first seal is preferably a V-ring. The biasing force of the flip lid cover is preferably sufficient to form a weather resistant seal. The seals may form an inner air chamber therebetween so that when the flip lid cover is moved to the closed position a pressure in the inner compartment is increased and presses a lip of the V-ring against the first sealing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Marian Bulancea
  • Patent number: 9128675
    Abstract: A mobile computer includes: an operation casing 2 including a right side face 2g, a top surface 2a, and a back surface 2d; a lid component 4 configured to cover a battery insertion/detachment opening 6a formed in the right side face 2g; and an engaged component 5 formed on the top surface 2a. The lid component 4 includes: a securing portion 4e secured to a part of the operation casing 2; a lid portion 4a configured to cover the battery insertion/detachment opening 6a; an engaging portion 4d having an engagement hole 4f that engages with the engaged component 5; a first bent portion 4c configured to connect between the securing portion 4e and the lid portion 4a; and a second bent portion 4b configured to connect between the lid portion 4a and the engaging portion 4d, so as to be integrated into the lid component 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Iwamoto, Yuji Sumino
  • Patent number: 9035182
    Abstract: A cover assembly for a floor box includes a base with a central opening and a cover pivotally connected to the base by a hinge member. The hinge member has a hinge body with a first end pivotally connected to the base for pivoting with respect to the base and second end pivotally connected to the cover for pivoting with respect to the cover. A tab extends from the second end of the hinge body to contact a bottom surface of the cover to limit pivoting movement of the cover with respect to the hinge body. A slide surface is provided on the base that contacts an end of the cover during pivoting movement of the cover to prevent wear on a gasket with the opening of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: HUBBELL INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Thomas L. Scanzillo, Michael J. Marchetti, Christopher A. Carbone, Ryan G. Papageorge
  • Patent number: 9018526
    Abstract: An electrical device cover configured for mounting over an electrical device comprises a frame including a frame channel and an frame opening. The frame opening is defined by at least four sides and is large enough to receive at least one electrical device. A sliding tab comprising a screw channel is provided, the sliding tab is slidably coupled with the frame channel and is slidable to a closed position in which the screw channel at least partially surrounds a box mounting screw of the at least one electrical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Edgar W. Maltby, Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Richard L. Cleghorn, Andre Baca, Kenneth C. Booth
  • Patent number: 8963001
    Abstract: An electrical device cover assembly configured for mounting over an electrical device is described. The electrical device cover assembly comprises a base comprising an opening large enough to receive an electrical device. A lid comprising a lid face, a lid ring, and an expansion section between the lid face and the lid ring, the lid coupled to the base and comprising an inside surface and an expansion section, the expansion section expandable from a first depth to a second depth at least twice as deep as the first depth is provided. An expansion arm moveable between a first collapsed position when the expansion section is at its first depth and an second expanded position when the expansion section is at its second depth, wherein in the second position the expansion arm is in contact with and supports the lid at its second depth is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Kenneth C. Booth, Miguel Chapa, Bradley Fulghum
  • Publication number: 20150041467
    Abstract: A cover assembly has a plurality of covers that are movable between an open and closed position to cover access openings in a base. The assembly includes a locking assembly for locking one or more of the covers in the closed position. The locking assembly includes a locking tab on the base that has two locking apertures. One locking aperture receives a lock to overlie a front face of each of the covers to prevent the covers from opening. A second locking aperture is oriented to mate with an aperture in a locking tab on one of the covers to lock the cover in a closed position while allowing the other cover to open independently of the other. In another embodiment, one cover has a flange that overlies at least a portion of the other cover so that locking one of covers prevents both covers from being opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Jason E. THOMAS, Jonathan FALLS, Jeff HLADE
  • Patent number: 8950618
    Abstract: A flange plate closure for accessing a containment vessel has a metal base plate, having an interior and an exterior surface, at least one vertical metal tube having an open end, a metal flange ring at said open end defining an upper planar surface, and a lining made of non-corrosive material. The lining is disposed in overlying relation to the interior surface of the base plate, the interior of the tube and the upper planar surface of the flange ring. The lining is rigid, and is mechanically affixed to the metal components. The lining is made of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Inventors: Alex V. Degutis, William R. Borowski, David A. Oestermeyer, Steven J. Vannocken, Joshua J. Chesser, Brian D. Putnam
  • Patent number: 8946550
    Abstract: An electrical device cover configured for mounting over an electrical device comprises a frame including a frame channel and an frame opening. The frame opening is defined by at least four sides and is large enough to receive at least one electrical device. A sliding tab comprising a screw channel is provided, the sliding tab is slidably coupled with the frame channel and is slideable to a closed position in which the screw channel at least partially surrounds a box mounting screw of the at least one electrical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Edgar W. Maltby, Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Richard L. Cleghorn, Andre Baca, Kenneth C. Booth
  • Patent number: 8893910
    Abstract: A “no profile” electrical box, integrated flange/protective assembly and interchangeable cover that obscures standard electrical outlets such that a wall surface appears nearly continuous, uninterrupted by the outlet or cover when in use or not in use. The profile of the combined unit equals only the thickness of the material from which it is constructed; no hinges, screws or fasteners of any kind are visible and no part of the assembly requires detachment or storage when the outlet is in use, as the hinged cover is undetectably stored in the electrical box, or may be used to cover the electrical cords when engaged in the outlet. Exemplary embodiments of the cover obscure the electrical outlet. Together, the electrical box and flange assembly allow the electrical outlet to be flush mounted or recessed interchangeably, even after installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas M. Batchelor
  • Patent number: 8881928
    Abstract: Provided is a casing cover able to conform to the dimensional tolerance in a difference between levels of the casing. The casing cover has an upper level cover which covers two openings in the upper level of the casing and a lower level cover which covers an opening in a lower level of the casing. Furthermore, among the upper level cover and the lower level cover: one is formed with an insertion opening passing therethrough in the direction of the height of the difference in levels; and the other is provided with a guide fitting formed to a length in the direction of the height of the difference in levels, which is longer than the maximum allowable dimension of the height of the difference between levels plus a value, and inserted into the insertion opening. In addition, for purposes of preventing the guide fitting, which connects the upper level cover and the lower level cover, from slipping out of the insertion opening, a connection fitting is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yusuke Sakamoto, Kenjiro Shiba
  • Patent number: 8844750
    Abstract: A hingeless door system for a pressure vessel; especially, aeronautic and astronautic crafts. The door system has the following major components: a contour in a pressure vessel wall, a doorway opening, a seal, an upper track, a lower track and a door. The door translocates laterally along the tracks from an open position to a closed position and moves radially along the tracks to a sealed position against the contour which closes the door opening. The problem solved by the invention is to reduce weight, operational volume and complexity and increase durability of a door system for a pressure vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Arthur Richard Daniel Thompson
  • Patent number: 8835764
    Abstract: Systems and other embodiments associated with a universal faceplate assembly are described. According to one embodiment, a faceplate includes a substantially planar plate base configured to mount on a wiring enclosure. At least one opening in the plate base is configured receive a receptacle. The opening is configured to receive receptacles of a first receptacle type or a second receptacle type. The faceplate also includes a faceplate notch in a front surface of the plate base configured to receive a receptacle tab. The receptacle tab is disposed on receptacles of the first receptacle type or the second receptacle type. The receptacle tab is configured to allow a fastener to pass through the faceplate notch and the receptacle tab to attach the receptacle to the faceplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Paul David Seff, Alston Gareth Brooks, Steven Christopher Saad
  • Publication number: 20140217097
    Abstract: The wall-mount remote controller includes a base fixable to a wall W and a cover releasably attached to the base, having a box shape with an open rear, and covering a front surface of the base. The cover includes a bottom surface having an insertion opening therethrough. In a lower front of the base, a spring hook is disposed. The spring hook includes a support extending frontward from the front surface of the base and a hook section extending downward from an end of the support and then extending rearward. A hook protrusion is disposed on a lower surface of an extending rear portion of the hook section. The hook protrusion is engageable with the insertion opening of the cover. The hook protrusion is disengageable from the insertion opening by upward bending of the hook section caused by pressing of the hook protrusion by the tool inserted through the insertion opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazuo Maeda
  • Patent number: 8785775
    Abstract: The present invention provides a waterproof box which can improve water performance and work efficiency, and can reduce space. When washing water hits in the lower surface (33h) of first waterproof portion (33) of an upper cover (15), spay is generated. At this time, an outer surface (30b), which is formed in a tapered shape, of first waterproof portion (30) abuts on an inner surface (33g), which is formed in a tapered shape, of the first waterproof portion (33). Further, the outer surface (30b) engages with the inner surface (33g). As a result, the inlet of a minute path (27) is closed. Even if water leaks, force of the water is reduced because the water enters in a groove (33b or 35a). The water in which force of the water is reduced falls down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Kunihiko Takeuchi, Hiroaki Yamada
  • Patent number: 8779288
    Abstract: A cover base for an electrical device is disclosed. The cover base includes a base portion with a front surface and a back surface, the base portion also having a first opening extending through the base portion from the front surface to the back surface, the first opening having a size larger than an electrical device face; and an adapter having a second opening sized and configured to receive the electrical device face therein, wherein the adapter is configured to fit within the first opening in the base portion to removably couple to the base portion. Numerous electrical device cover bases including keyholes formed in either the base or the adapter, or both, depending on the arrangement are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Marcus J. Shotey, Samuel Dumpe, Jason Thomas, Ryan K. Liebengood
  • Patent number: 8770424
    Abstract: A wall plate is disclosed for use with a switch that is mounted in a wall receptacle in a wall. A plate that is made from a transparent material has embedded therein a composition of powdered photoluminescent material. The plate includes a front surface, a back surface, and at least one aperture for accepting the switch therethrough and for mounting the plate. The back surface of the plate includes a recessed area for receiving a gasket configured to fit at least partially within the recessed area of the plate. The gasket further includes the apertures therethrough, coaligned with the apertures of the plate. Preferably the gasket is a white, closed-cell foam material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Inventors: David I-Hung Shaw, Jane Kuo Shaw
  • Publication number: 20140131356
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device including a hinged cover, which is pivotable about an axis of rotation out of a closed final position into an open final position, and a flexible element, which acts on the hinged cover with a force along a spring line of action. The flexible element is axially loaded in at least one final position of the cover and is loaded with transverse forces in bending or extension in at least one further position. In the open position of the cover, the spring line of action approaches the axis of rotation of the cover or lies substantially on the axis of rotation of the hinged cover such that the cover can be fixed in the open final position, or in the open position of the cover, the spring line of action coincides with the axis of rotation of the cover such that the cover can be fixed in the open final position. The invention also relates to a power socket, which is covered by a spring-loaded hinged cover and includes a device according to the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Hackadorian Design & Calculation GmbH
    Inventor: Gary Hachadorian
  • Patent number: 8717771
    Abstract: An electronic device including a case, a covering plate, at least one first fixing unit, at least one second fixing unit, a circuit board disposed in the case, and a plurality of screwing members is provided. The case covered by the covering plate has a first datum surface and a second datum surface, where a distance between the covering plate and the first datum surface is greater than a distance between the covering plate and the second datum surface. The first and the second fixing units are disposed on the first and the second datum surfaces respectively. The first fixing unit includes a first screwing boss and at least one first rib adjacent thereto. The second fixing unit includes a second screwing boss and at least one second rib adjacent thereto. The screwing members pass through the covering plate and are screwed to the corresponding first and second screwing bosses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventor: Hsiao-Chang Chen
  • Patent number: 8653364
    Abstract: When a wall mounted telephone is removed from its mounting plate, the telephone wall plate and jack remains and this is unsightly. The frame of the present invention allows the telephone plate to remain, but be obscured. The frame assembly includes a removable, transparent cover that releasably attaches to a base member and a photograph, a drawing, other graphic decorative material or written indicia is sandwiched therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Brian Joseph Roban
  • Patent number: 8629348
    Abstract: A fire resistant assembly which may be used to ensure the fire resistance of a fire barrier such as a wall, comprising a first layer having a lumen therein, a second layer adjacent the first layer, and a box having a cavity defined by a wall, an opening in the wall, and a flange proximate the opening, wherein the box is disposed between the first layer and the second layer and wherein the opening is disposed on the lumen of the first layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: E.Z. Barrier, Inc.
    Inventor: Happy Moselle
  • Patent number: 8592682
    Abstract: An electrical device cover assembly configured for mounting over an electrical device is described. The electrical device cover assembly comprises a base comprising an opening large enough to receive an electrical device. A lid comprising a lid face, a lid ring, and an expansion section between the lid face and the lid ring, the lid coupled to the base and comprising an inside surface and an expansion section, the expansion section expandable from a first depth to a second depth at least twice as deep as the first depth is provided. An expansion arm moveable between a first collapsed position when the expansion section is at its first depth and an second expanded position when the expansion section is at its second depth, wherein in the second position the expansion arm is in contact with and supports the lid at its second depth is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Kenneth C. Booth, Miguel Chapa, Bradley Fulghum
  • Patent number: 8586864
    Abstract: An electrical outlet cover assembly includes a base with a base wall and a plurality of side walls, a lid hinged to the base, and at least one port extending through at least one base wall. A cord catch plate is removably placed in the at least one port, the cord catch plate having a reentrant opening therethrough off a side of the plate. Ports may be included on multiple walls, and multiple cord catch plates, or a blocking plate may be placed in other ports. A flexible flap or two may extend inward of a channel in the cord catch plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Jason P. Baldwin
  • Patent number: 8569620
    Abstract: An expandable while-in-use electrical outlet cover assembly comprising a lid operatively coupled to a base, the lid comprising flexible clips each comprising a first end, a mid-position and a second end. The collapsible lid may be held in an expanded position by the first end of the flexible clips and collapsed to a collapsed position by applying force to the lid such that a box-like cap slides with respect to a support ring such that the cap seats at the mid-portion of the flexible clip. Particularly useful for rigid lids, like metal lids, the collapsible cover protects the outlet beneath the cover while an electrical cord is plugged in, but still collapses to a smaller profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Baldwin
  • Patent number: 8569621
    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 refracted position through the flexible membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Ryan K. Liebengood
  • Patent number: 8490815
    Abstract: Reversible nose faceplate. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems including a faceplate and a nose member. The nose member includes: an extension portion; a nose portion; a first abutting surface; a second abutting surface; a first set of ears coupled to the extension portion adjacent the nose portion; and a second set of ears coupled to the extension portion opposite the first set of ears. The nose member is configured to couple to the faceplate in multiple configurations, including: a first configuration in which the nose portion protrudes through a nose aperture of the faceplate in the direction of the front side of the faceplate, the first abutting surface abuts the back side of the faceplate, and the faceplate is affixed to the first set of ears; and a second configured in which the nose portion protrudes in the direction of the back side of the faceplate, the second abutting surface abuts the back side of the faceplate, and the faceplate is affixed to the second set of ears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: DirectConnect
    Inventors: Charles J. Provenzano, Michael Leung
  • Patent number: 8471145
    Abstract: A terminal box has a box body that has a shape of a box having an opening on one surface, has a body-side hinge structure on an end thereof, and accommodates therein an output-cable connecting unit, and a cover that has a cover-side hinge structure forming a hinge structure with the body-side hinge structure, that is pivotally supported by the hinge structure an end thereof so as to pivotally open or close the opening of the box body. The hinge structure has an attitude holding structure that holds an attitude of the cover at a position where the cover is at a predetermined angle with respect to the box body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Issei Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8471146
    Abstract: A cover for use with a panelboard enclosure. The cover includes a cover element for mounting onto a panelboard enclosure. The cover element includes an insert for insertion into a cover opening. A plate section is attached to the insert along peripheral edges of the plate section by a thin wall section to form a cover suitable for use with a main lug panelboard configuration. The thin wall section is sized relative to the plate section to enable separation of the plate section from the insert by a user to then form a cover suitable for use with a main breaker panelboard configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Kristopher Scott Robinson, Jeffrey Kenton Hudgins, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8445781
    Abstract: The electrical receptacle cover having safety bracket for use with fragrance dispenser is an improved electrical receptacle cover that can secure an object plugged into an electrical outlet via a removable safety bracket. The removable safety bracket attaches at distal ends to lock slots located on the surface of the cover, and from which the safety bracket extends outwardly in order to encircle at least a portion of a perimeter of an object plugged into a respective outlet. The electrical receptacle cover and safety bracket prevent unintended unplugging of the object with respect to the electrical outlet thereby minimizing danger posed to small and curious children.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Nova D. Chasser
  • Patent number: 8445780
    Abstract: The apparatus includes a mount plate secured to a wall or ceiling panel and leading to an electrical device, a frame secured thereto, a plurality of magnetic or mechanical push-touch latches secured to the frame and adapted for inward/outward movement, and a cover magnetically or mechanically, such as a pin and socket attachment assembly, connected to the latches and movable with the latches, such as to be substantially flush with the frame in the inward position and extend outwardly from the frame in the outward position such as to permit removal for access to the electrical device. Various finishing materials may be applied over any exposed portions of the apparatus, such as the mount plate, portions of the frame, and cover to match the surrounding wall panel so that the invention is substantially unnoticeable along the wall panel. The cover may also include an opening for a daily use embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Larry W. Robins
  • Patent number: 8404973
    Abstract: A cable entry device for routing both power cables and low voltage cables through an electrical box. The cable entry device includes an elongated base with a front side, a rear side, two ends and a plurality of apertures in each end. The front side of the elongated base includes a base extension extending there from and a cable shield extending from the base extension. The cable shield includes a top and a bottom surface that are each at an angle of approximately 45 degrees with respect to the base. The top surface is closed and the bottom surface includes a circular opening that is sized to accommodate a conventional electrical fitting therein. A raised peripheral wall extends from the rear side of the elongated base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 8399765
    Abstract: A safety outlet cover assembly that includes at least one button opening on a side of the cover base and at least one button opening on an opposite side of the cover base through which buttons are coupled to the base. The safety cover assembly may also include a cover configured to slide along a track on the cover base such that the cover is slidably coupled to the cover base and covers a socket face of the receptacle. The buttons may be squeeze tabs and the cover may be a split cover or include a spring element that automatically returns the cover to a closed position from an open position when an electrical plug is removed from the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Marcus J. Shotey
  • Patent number: 8376171
    Abstract: Detachable nose faceplate. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems including: a faceplate that defines a front side, a back side and a nose aperture, the faceplate configured to removably attach to a surface; a nose portion that defines a top side, a bottom side, a nose edge and a lip that outlines a portion of the bottom side; and a passage defined between the faceplate and the nose edge. The nose portion is both: configured to couple to the faceplate in a first configuration in which the nose portion protrudes through the nose aperture in the direction of the front side of the faceplate and the lip abuts the back side of the faceplate; and configured to couple to the faceplate in a second configuration in which the nose portion protrudes in the direction of the back side of the faceplate and the lip abuts the back side of the faceplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Electronic Custom Distributors, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles J. Provenzano, Michael Leung
  • Patent number: 8357853
    Abstract: A rapid mount electrical cable entry device including a rigid low voltage frame and a flexible slotted insert for routing low voltage cables through walls. The low voltage frame includes a plate with an opening therein defining an inner periphery on the plate at the opening. The low voltage frame includes mounting fasteners with attached clamp arms for securing the frame to a wall. The slotted insert includes a flexible panel with a hole therein and a plurality of open slots extending radially from the hole. The slots enable the cable entry device to accommodate passage of low voltage cables there. The slots define flaps that close around the cables after they are inserted therein, thus closing the area around the periphery of the inserted cables. Wall preparation requires only a hole saw, which minimizes installation time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 8354588
    Abstract: A covering for a plug and socket connection mounted in a housing is provided with a cover that covers the plug and socket connection in closed position and which is pivotable from the closed position into an open position in which it releases the plug and socket connection. The cover is mounted pivotable at a guide component. The guide component is mounted displaceable in a receptacle of the housing. In its open position, the cover is aligned with the guide component and can be inserted together with it into the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: MC Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Rolf Sticker, Stefanie Palka
  • Patent number: 8350154
    Abstract: A wall plate comprising a housing defining a wall plate perimeter, a pair of mounting members integral to the housing, at least one mounting flange having an aperture and being removably secured to the pair of mounting members, and a mounting screw for securing an electrical device to the at least one mounting flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael J. Shotey
  • Patent number: 8344251
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a plate assembly for an electrical outlet. In some embodiments, the plate assembly includes a strapping plate that is attachable to the electrical outlet, and a cover plate sub-assembly that is selectively attachable to the strapping plate. In some embodiments, the cover plate sub-assembly includes a body portion that lies in a first plane, and a first retention member that is fixed to the body portion, and that lies in a second plane parallel to the first plane. The first retention member selectively engages the strapping plate to releasably secure the cover plate sub-assembly thereto. Embodiments of an electrical outlet assembly that implement the plate assembly are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: 360 Electrical, LLC
    Inventor: Brandon Eshelman
  • Patent number: 8338706
    Abstract: An assembly includes a mud ring and a detachable cover. The mud ring includes a planar surface including slots for mounting the mud ring to a utility box. The mud ring also includes a raised portion comprising side walls and end walls, the raised portion being elevated with respect to the planar surface. The detachable cover is connected to the raised portion by at least one hinged mechanism, the hinged mechanism being configured to be broken away from the mud ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Joey D. Magno, Jr.