With Closure For Face Plate Opening Patents (Class 220/242)
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Patent number: 7728226Abstract: A water-resistant cover assembly for an electrical outlet box includes a gasket sized to substantially cover the open side of the electrical outlet box, an adapter plate and a cover adapted to engage the mounting screw of the electrical fixture for mounting the cover to the outlet box. The adapter plate has an opening sized and shaped to receive a portion of the electrical fixture therein, and further includes a projection extending from a back face thereof. The projection pierces through the gasket to be frictionally held thereto and has a size adapted to be received in the aperture of the electrical fixture for aligning the adapter plate and the gasket thereto. The cover has an opening for providing access to the electrical fixture and is adapted to sandwich the adapter plate and the gasket against the electrical fixture when mounted to the outlet box.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2007Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.Inventors: Mark R. Drane, Joey Magno, Jr.
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Patent number: 7709735Abstract: An electrical box assembly includes a cover assembly, a gasket and an electrical box coupled together by mounting screws. The cover includes a base with a plurality of screw holes for receiving the mounting screws. A support member having an axial passage extends from the bottom face of the cover around each of the screw holes. The gasket includes a cylindrical shaped sleeve that passes through the support member and has an axial length to extend from the screw hole in the cover. The mounting screws are inserted through the axial passage of the sleeve and the screw holes in the cover to axially compress the sleeve to form a watertight seal between the screw shaft and the support member.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2008Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Hubbell IncorporatedInventors: Thomas J. Vigorito, Thomas W. Bracci
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Patent number: 7687712Abstract: A method and system of decoration that includes selecting a particular wall covering pattern, selecting a particular fixture, and continuing the wall covering pattern substantially over the surface of the fixture. The fixture can be an electrical fixture such as a receptacle and/or receptacle cover or switch and/or switch cover or any other type of plate or receptacle. The final arrangement is such that the pattern on the fixture or receptacle almost perfectly matches the wall pattern causing the fixture to become almost invisible.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2006Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Inventor: Sue Price
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Patent number: 7683257Abstract: Implementations of an electrical cover plate assemblies feature a frame with a finished surface and at least one adapter plate recess in the finished surface. The adapter plate recess includes an electrical device aperture. An adapter plate couples with the frame at the adapter plate recess and is sized to fill the adapter plate recess substantially from its extents at least approximately to an edge of the electrical device aperture.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2006Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: TayMac CorporationInventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Richard Cleghorn, Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Edgar W. Maltby, Lincoln Jolley
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Patent number: 7674977Abstract: An insulated wall outlet plate assembly. The assembly provides the dual functions of both preventing drafts through the outlet and for preventing against unwanted or accidental access to the outlet. The wall outlet plate assembly includes a wall plate for covering an electrical outlet, a flap assembly secured to the plate having moveable flaps which may be secured in place to close the openings in the outlet plate and a layer of insulation material secured to the backside of the outlet plate for providing insulation against drafts through the outlet. The flaps include an underlying ridge which secures the flaps in place relative to the openings of the outlet plate.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2007Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Airtite Systems LLCInventor: Joseph Constantino
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Patent number: 7654405Abstract: Method and system of a detachable nose faceplate. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including orientating a faceplate having an aperture therein, orientating a detachable nose in one of a plurality of possible orientations, aligning the detachable nose with the faceplate, and attaching the detachable nose to the faceplate.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2006Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: Direct ConnectInventors: Charles J. Provenzano, Michael Leung
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Patent number: 7645946Abstract: Two symmetrical pieces form an escutcheon that seals the gap between a pipe or conduit and the surface through which it penetrates and supports the pipe or conduit. The device is surface mounted with threaded mechanical fasteners which can be adjusted to vary the compression of the sealing gaskets. The escutcheon can be installed without requiring any manipulation of the pipe or conduit. The escutcheon can be removed and reinstalled repeatedly without any degradation in function.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2006Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Inventor: Jeffrey M. Smith
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Publication number: 20100000757Abstract: A weatherproof outlet includes a base plate for coupling to an electrical box and a hinged cover. The base plate has at least one opening for accessing an electrical wiring device such as an electrical receptacle mounted in the electrical box. The top surface of the base plate includes an inner rim and an outer rim having a dimension to shed water away from the access opening and the wiring device. A weatherproof gasket is attached to the top surface of the base plate within the confines of the inner wall and overlying the access opening. The gasket includes a plurality of slits for receiving the prongs of a plug and to form a waterproof seal around the prongs when inserted into the slots of an electrical receptacle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2008Publication date: January 7, 2010Inventors: Mahran Husain, Robert W. Jorgensen
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Patent number: 7642459Abstract: In a cover unit for a fuel tank, a cover section is attached to the fuel tank to cover an opening of the fuel tank; an electronic-circuit containing section contains an electronic circuit; and an electric conductor is attached to penetrate the cover section and is adapted to electrically connect the electronic circuit with an electrical equipment within the fuel tank. Moreover, a vapor passage is formed between the cover section and the electronic-circuit containing section, and is adapted to discharge fuel exuded from a gap between the cover section and the electric conductor, to outside of the fuel tank in a vapor state.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2005Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventor: Haruaki Motoda
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Patent number: 7633009Abstract: A safety outlet cover that includes a cover with a front face including plug blade apertures. The safety cover may include a cover with a front face where the front face is configured to cover the face of an electrical device except for a plurality of plug blade apertures therethrough. The cover also may include a mounting plate, a frame and a spring element formed as a single piece where the mounting plate includes a receptacle face aperture. When the cover and mounting plate are coupled at a rest position, the cover is configured to cover a plug blade socket in a receptacle face. In a particular implementation, a spring element of the mounting plate is formed as a single piece with the frame and within the frame.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2007Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: TayMac CorporationInventor: Jeffrey P. Baldwin
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Patent number: 7626121Abstract: An electrical device cover with a lid coupled to a base unit by a pin and clip hinge. Implementations of a pin and clip hinge may comprise a clip with a rotation stop that tightens against the pin when the lid is opened too far on the base in a way that would ordinarily overextend the hinge.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2007Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: TayMac CorporationInventor: Richard Cleghorn
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Patent number: 7622675Abstract: A paint shield for covering an electrical device has a generally planar plate with an attachment element connected thereto. The attachment element releasably engages one or more of a standard wall switch, a decor type switch or a socket. At least one overspray wall on the rear face of the plate is spaced from the perimeter of the plate and extends from the plate to provide protection from paint or other surface treatments. The overspray wall may also serve as an attachment element. Blisters at or near the edges of the plate define receptacle for receiving a mounting screw head.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2007Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: IDEAL Industries, Inc.Inventor: Robert W. Sutter
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Patent number: 7622676Abstract: A face plate assembly for an electrical outlet box having an open side and an electrical fixture contained therein generally includes a face plate member and an adapter plate. The adapter plate is defined by an outer periphery and has an opening therein sized and shaped to receive a portion of the electrical fixture therein. The adaptor plate further includes a projection extending from a back face thereof, which has a size adapted to be received in an aperture of the electrical fixture for aligning the adapter plate thereto. The face plate member has an opening having an inner periphery edge surface smaller than the outer periphery of the adapter plate so that the face plate member is adapted to sandwich the adapter plate against the electrical fixture when mounted to the outlet box, wherein the adapter plate is not attached to the face plate member or the electrical fixture.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2007Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.Inventors: Mark R. Drane, Cong Thanh Dinh
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Publication number: 20090283292Abstract: A junction box cover assembly for mounting a fixture on a wall or ceiling. The assembly includes an adapter plate for being mounted on a junction box. A patch for supporting the cover assembly on the wall or ceiling in a mounted condition is provided. The patch is adapted to rest flush against the wall or ceiling and to be covered by and embedded in a joint compound. A hub having a body is insertable through openings of the patch and the adapter plate. The assembly includes elements for securing the hub to the adapter plate and elements for securing the hub to the patch. An insert is attachable to the hub for mounting a fixture or providing a blank-up cover.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2008Publication date: November 19, 2009Inventor: Harold Lehr
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Patent number: 7608781Abstract: A temporary protective cover which can be removably attached to a plaster ring which can be removably mounted onto an electrical box having an open front end includes a plate sized and shaped to be removably mounted onto the plaster ring, a pair of wings formed onto the plate for removably securing the cover onto the plaster ring and a pair of posts formed onto the plate for removably securing the cover onto the plaster ring. Each wing is shaped to include a flexible leg and a pair of feet one at each end of the wing. The posts are shaped and sized to be press fit into bores on the plaster ring. In use, the wings and the posts both serve to removably secure the cover to the plaster ring.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2006Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Inventor: Carlo Compagnone, Jr.
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Patent number: 7598452Abstract: A while-in-use electrical device cover that includes elliptical and more than five-sided cover shapes is disclosed. Specific implementations feature a while-in-use electrical device cover that includes a base having an aperture configured to receive the face of an electrical device, a lid configured to close over the base through a hinge while an electrical connector is inserted into the electrical device, and a cord port extending through a surface of the cover. The base and lid are substantially elliptical. The base, lid, and hinge may be manufactured from plastics or other conventional material for a while-in-use electrical device cover using conventional fabrication methods.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2006Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: TayMac CorporationInventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Michael J. Shotey, Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Kenneth C. Booth
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Patent number: 7589279Abstract: A kit and corresponding methods for mechanically shimming an electrical socket as well as a pair of electrical sockets, involving a generally planar member having a front surface and a rear surface; a pair of shims formed on the rear surface; and a pair of primary orifices formed through the generally planar member for accommodating an electrical plug.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2007Date of Patent: September 15, 2009Assignee: Socket Saver CorporationInventors: Jessica Haynes, Barry R. Connelly
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Patent number: 7586040Abstract: The present invention is directed to a decorative wall plate assembly configured to cover at least one electrical device disposed in a wall box. The assembly includes a base plate member comprising a center portion including at least one aperture configured to accommodate the at least one electrical device, a first end portion of the base plate member including at least one first plate connection device, and a second end portion of the base plate member including at least one second plate connection device. The center portion is disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion. A first cover cap includes at least one first cover cap connection device configured to mate with the at least one first plate connection device. The first cover cap is configured to cover the first end portion. A second cover cap includes at least one second cover cap connection device configured to mate with the at least one second plate connection device.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2005Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.Inventors: Kapil Rao Ganta Papa Rao Bala, Theodore P. Junko
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Patent number: 7572978Abstract: An electrical outlet box assembly system that allows contractors to more efficiently mark the location of an electrical box when installing drywall over the electrical box so that the proper area of drywall can be later cut out over the location of the electrical box. The system includes a first panel that is placed over an electrical box after the electrical box has been attached to a stud but before the drywall has been set in place. The first panel includes a hole in which a guide bar can be installed. After the drywall has been put in place, the guide bar will pass through the drywall, allowing an individual to mount a second plate over the guide bar. The second plate has a small centrally-located hole through which the guide bar can pass through. A wing nut can be attached to the guide bar to fasten the second panel in place.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2007Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Inventor: Otis S. Keith, Jr.
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Patent number: 7569777Abstract: A thermostat is provided that includes a lock disposed in a sub-base, which includes a cam coupled to the lock to permit rotation of the cam between an unlocked and a locked position. The cam includes an offset portion that is configured to rotate over a vertical retaining portion of the thermostat housing, to retain the thermostat housing to the sub-base. The cam further includes an outwardly extending portion, wherein the outwardly extending portion is configured to rotate adjacent to a door that is pivotally coupled to the thermostat housing. When the cam is in the locking position, pivoting of the door is impeded by the outwardly extending portion of the cam, to resist pivotal movement of the door and thereby inhibit access to one or more input means or controls of the thermostat.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2008Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.Inventor: Christina M. Gillam
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Patent number: 7554037Abstract: A telescoping in-use cover plate that includes at least two inter-fitting members that enable the cover to be retracted to the wall when not in use and expanded to increase the depth of the outlet cover and allow a plug to be plugged into the outlet when the cover is closed. Specific implementations allow for vertical and horizontal mounting and installation, knockouts and/or adapter plates for conversion to alternate electrical configurations.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2008Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: TayMac CorporationInventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Edgar W. Maltby, Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Lincoln Jolley, Kenneth C. Booth
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Patent number: 7541541Abstract: A safety outlet cover that includes a cover with a front face including plug blade apertures. The safety cover may include a cover with a front face where the front face is configured to cover the face of an electrical device except for a plurality of plug blade apertures therethrough. The cover also may include a mounting plate and a spring element formed as a single piece where the mounting plate includes a receptacle face aperture. When the cover and mounting plate are coupled at a rest position, the cover is configured to cover a plug blade socket in a receptacle face.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2006Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Assignee: TayMac CorporationInventors: Jeffrey P Baldwin, Lincoln Jolley
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Patent number: 7538272Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: TayMac CorporationInventors: Michael J. Shotey, Marcus J. Shotey, Edgar W. Maltby
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Patent number: 7538271Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 24, 2007Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: Panduit Corp.Inventors: Jason C O'Young, Mark J Donnell, Jeremy S Parrish
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Patent number: 7524192Abstract: An electrical connector including a first connector portion and a second connector portion. First and second covers are pivotally attached to the body about a common axis for covering the first and second connector portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2007Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Assignee: Stoneridge Control Devices, Inc.Inventors: Dave Cummings, Michael O'Reilly, Neal Pugh, Mark Vincent
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Patent number: 7511218Abstract: A flexible insert or guard has an elongated plastic body having a length to cover an opening of an electrical box and having two prongs or posts extending outwardly from the body for insertion into spaced apart mounting holes of the electrical box. The elongated plastic body flares outwardly at its ends in a region of the prongs and narrows along a center section to provide a gap between the insert and side walls of said electrical box wide enough to allow the insert to be removed after drywall is installed.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2007Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Inventor: Mark Kearney
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Patent number: 7479599Abstract: A cord outlet structure of an electric instrument cabinet, includes: an opening window for a cord outlet; and a cover for the opening window, wherein: the cover being formed continuous with one of the sides of the edges of the opening window through a resin hinge; the opening window is formed such that it becomes smaller in width as it parts away from the resin hinge, thereby inclining the two side edges of the opening window; the cover is formed such that it becomes smaller in width as it parts away from the resin hinge, thereby inclining both side edges of the cover; and the cover and opening window are formed such that the edges of the opening window and the side edges of the cover fitted into the opening window extend parallel to each other in their mutual adjacent positions or in their mutual contact positions.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2006Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takeo Iwai, Katsuhiko Makino
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Patent number: 7462778Abstract: A weatherproof cover plate that may be installed horizontally and vertically is disclosed. In a weatherproof flat cover plate, an apron is provided to offer a water shield along at least two sides of the cover plate base. Additionally, a continuous ridge on the base is disclosed in association with a gasket and a biased hinge to provide additional protection against the weather. A novel locking clip is also disclosed. In a weatherproof bubble cover plate, a biased hinge is provided to bias the lid closed upon the base. Additionally, one or more cord catches in the base and knock-outs in the lid are disclosed. Other embodiments include bubble cover plates having gaps between the lid and the base to allow a cord to pass therethrough when the lid is close.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2005Date of Patent: December 9, 2008Assignee: TayMac CorporationInventors: Michael J. Shotey, Marcus J. Shotey, Edgar W. Maltby
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Patent number: 7459632Abstract: A cover assembly adapted to be mounted over an in-floor fitting, including a frame having a passage defined therethrough, a lid pivotally secured to the frame and positioned over the passage, an egress door movably secured to the lid, and a sealing membrane bonded to an underside of said lid and said egress door.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2004Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: The Wiremold CompanyInventor: Tim Bowman
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Patent number: 7458479Abstract: A disclosed apparatus mounts to a wall over a standard electrical outlet and decoratively conceals electrical receptacles of the outlet with a cover that can hingedly connect to the base. The base has a number of holes that conform to the outlines of a standard electrical outlet's receptacles, which can permit electrical plugs to access the receptacles' sockets when the base is mounted to the outlet. The cover can open away from the base to expose the receptacles, through the holes in the base, and can close against the base to conceal the receptacles. Together with the base, the cover establishes a decorative theme that is visually distinct from the electrical outlet and its receptacles.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2005Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Inventor: Kimberly A. Thompson
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Patent number: 7456358Abstract: An adapter having a front face with a flange portion and a centrally located opening. The opening has an inner dimension sized to accept at least a front face of a wiring device and the flange has an outer dimension sized to fit at least within an opening of a front face of a wall plate. The flange portion has a vertical surface contour along a vertical direction of the flange and a horizontal surface contour along a horizontal direction of the flange such that, when the adapter is installed, the contours of the flange result in a smooth transition from the wiring device to the wall plate.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2005Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Stanley R. Swiencicki, Paul Kadar, Denise Chan-Richter, Leslie Lindenstraus
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Patent number: 7449634Abstract: An electrical device cover with a rotatable lid. An implementation of a weatherproof electrical device cover may include a base unit having a face, an electrical device aperture, and a box mounting screw aperture therethrough. A lid may be rotatably coupled to the base unit and rotate over the base unit in a plane substantially parallel with the base unit. The lid may cover the electrical device aperture of the base unit when the lid is closed over the base unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2007Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: TayMac CorporationInventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Richard Cleghorn, Jeffrey P. Baldwin
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Patent number: 7442874Abstract: A temporary protective cover for an electrical box having an open front end includes a plate sized and shaped to be removably mounted onto the open front end of the electrical box and a pair of wings formed onto the plate for securing the cover onto the electrical box. A line of weakness extends across the rear surface of the plate from the right side edge to the left side edge. A plurality of pins are formed onto the rear surface of the plate and serve to limit longitudinal and lateral movement of the cover when mounted onto the electrical box. The pair of wings are spaced adequately in from the left and right side edges of the plate and extend rearwardly from the rear surface of the plate at an angle away from one another. Each wing is shaped to include a flexible leg and an enlarged foot, the foot including a tapered guiding surface and a substantially flat engagement surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2004Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Inventor: Carlo Compagnone, Jr.
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Patent number: 7435903Abstract: The instant invention discloses a receptacle having a shape along the width of its face that is flat in one plane and along its length that has a constant radius. The shape of the face of the receptacle allows for the proper seating of an inserted plug. The shape of a wall plate around the receptacle along a section which runs along its vertical axis defines a surface of positive first differential and zero second differential, comprised of a combination of splines drawn between points of varying distance from a datum plane. The surface has zero second differential when the rate of height increase of individual splines is constant. When ganged with a switch, the front surface of the switch follows the shape of the cover plate.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2006Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Anthony Tufano, Dennis A. Oddsen, Leslie Lindenstraus, Steve Zacharevitz, Paul Endres
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Patent number: 7432444Abstract: A temporary protective cover for an electrical outlet box is disclosed which is attached to the outlet box after wiring is installed but before wallboard is hung over the box. The protective cover has a protruding pin mounted in a keyhole shaped hole through the cover and when wallboard is mounted over the outlet box the protruding pin indicates the location of the box so a tool can be used to cut away wallboard covering the box while preventing wires inside the box from being cut. The protruding pin is then slid along the keyhole slot to its large end and is pushed inside the outlet box. The absence of the protruding pin makes it easier to apply spackle, paint and other materials to the wallboard and to sand it. The cover provides protection against spackle, paint, dust and other debris from entering the outlet box until the cover is removed by an electrician who then install outlets and switches.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2007Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Inventor: Leo McCusker
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Patent number: 7427714Abstract: A conduit junction box replacement cover for electrical conduit junction boxes. The replacement cover can replace a conventionally designed cover on a conduit junction box that contains corroded or otherwise damaged threaded holes rendering the installation of a conventionally designed junction box cover difficult or costly. The removable replacement cover has a flat inside surface and a rim that overlaps the outer walls of the body of the junction box. The removable replacement cover can be installed by inserting set screws through the rim to make secure contact with the body of the junction box. A flat gasket on the inside surface of the replacement cover and positioned within the rim seals the junction box from adverse environmental conditions. The rim of the replacement cover can contain several cut-outs to permit the installation of the replacement cover on conduit junction boxes that contain one or more external hubs.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2005Date of Patent: September 23, 2008Inventors: Albert James Lammens, Jr., Randy Lamar Marx
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Patent number: 7402749Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 14, 2007Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Inventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Michael J. Shotey
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Patent number: 7399921Abstract: A safety cap for an electrical outlet having an adhesive section can be attached to a standard outlet cover. Alternately, an outlet cover including two slidable plates including a spring or spring groove can be used to prevent access to the outlet by a child. An elongated member on one plate is used to contact a spring on the other plate. Alternately, the elongated member can fit into a spring groove to bias the plates apart into the closed position. Locking pins can be used to lock the plates onto an aperture at the base of a plug's power prong. Additionally, a recess around each electrical outlet can mate with a respective lip of a plug to provide an interlocking interface between the plug and outlet cover to prevent a child from being able to insert a metal object between the plug and the faceplate.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2006Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Inventor: Theodore McBain
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Patent number: 7390965Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 17, 2006Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Inventor: Daniel Hartwig
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Patent number: 7381895Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 8, 2007Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: TayMac CorporationInventors: Michael J. Shotey, Marcus J. Shotey, Edgar W. Maltby
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Patent number: 7381894Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 8, 2006Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: TayMac CorporationInventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Richard L. Cleghorn, Kenneth C. Booth
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Publication number: 20080041854Abstract: The invention relates to a housing for receiving electric lines and/or connections, comprising a first housing part and a second housing part, said housing parts being connected to one another by means of at least one hinge. Said hinge defines a rotational axis about which the first housing part and the second housing part can pivot against one another, wherein a first hinge part of said hinge is affixed in the first housing part and wherein a second hinge part is affixed in the second housing part. One of the hinge parts is an axle extending in the direction of the rotating axis. The other hinge part is a fixing part extending in peripheral direction of the axle. At least one recess is arranged in one of the hinge parts while at least one protrusion is arranged in the other hinge part so that said protrusion engages in the recess in a given rotational position and/or in different rotational positions over a given rotational angle area.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2004Publication date: February 21, 2008Applicants: ADC GmbH, HARTING Electric GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Frank Mössner, Ferenc Nad, Ulrich Hetzer
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Patent number: 7319193Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 9, 2004Date of Patent: January 15, 2008Assignee: Wiremold, Inc.Inventor: Frederick J. Halterman
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Patent number: 7301100Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 12, 2006Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.Inventors: Mark R. Drane, Cong Thanh Dinh
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Patent number: 7285723Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 25, 2004Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Leslie Lindenstraus, Steve Zacharevitz, Dennis A. Oddsen
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Patent number: 7279637Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 30, 2007Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignee: Panduit Corp.Inventors: Jason C O'Young, Mark J Donnell, Jeremy S Parrish
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Patent number: 7276662Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 14, 2006Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.Inventor: Mark R. Drane
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Patent number: 7276663Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 24, 2006Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Inventors: Ryan Loron Johnson, Daniel Louis Hachey
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Patent number: 7273983Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 6, 2006Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Inventor: William J. Rintz
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Patent number: 7265292Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 10, 2005Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Inventor: Peter Greenfield