With Closure For Face Plate Opening Patents (Class 220/242)
  • Patent number: 7247793
    Abstract: A wall plate adapter for coupling home network control signals to AC power wiring, where the wall plate adapter includes built-in signaling circuitry. The wall plate adapter includes a plate with a receptacle face with slots that are aligned with slots of an underlying AC receptacle. When prongs of a plug are inserted into the slots of the wall plate adapter, they touch contacts that are located in the slots of the receptacle face. The contacts are, in turn, coupled to the signaling circuitry, which may be located in an enlarged region of the wall plate. The signaling circuitry is only coupled to the AC power when a plug is inserted. The plug may be coupled to a transformer and a network device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Richard H. Hinkson, John J. Ryan, George N. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7214878
    Abstract: A wall plate assembly includes a front faceplate having two lateral openings. A rear faceplate is connected to the front faceplate such that the rear faceplate is recessed from the front faceplate and access to the rear faceplate is provided through one of the lateral openings. The rear faceplate has a low voltage port. A clamp is connected to a rear surface of the front or rear faceplates for securing the front faceplate to a wall structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Cong Thanh Dinh
  • Patent number: 7205475
    Abstract: A cover assembly for covering a hinge (31) of a portable device includes a base (10) and a cover (20). The base (10) includes a fixing portion (11) protruding therefrom, a pair of slide protrusions (114) is formed on the fixing portion (11), and a latching slot (19) is defined in the base (10) adjacent the fixing portion (11). The cover (20) includes a pair of sliding slots (211) corresponding to the slide protrusions (114), and a hook (231) is formed on the cover (20) for engaging the latching slot (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiao-Gang Jiang, Hung-Chun Lu, Wen-Kang Lo, Chien-Li Tsai, Jiang Zhao
  • Patent number: 7193154
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Socket Saver Corporation
    Inventors: Barry R. Connelly, Jessica Haynes
  • Patent number: 7183487
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a faceplate having a backing plate and a stainless steel cover plate. The backing plate includes at least one opening to receive a module and at least one pocket. The pocket includes a mounting snap. The cover plate includes at least one opening to receive the module and at least one pocket opening. The pocket opening includes a tab that extends from the cover plate. When faceplate is assembled, the mounting snap engages the tab to secure the cover plate to the backing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Jason C. O'Young, Mark J. Donnell, Jeremy S. Parrish
  • Patent number: 7151221
    Abstract: A weather resistant electrical enclosure or box cover according to the present disclosure provides a generally rectangular box composed of three pair of parallel sides enclosing a protected space. The mounting assembly includes a mounting surface with a mounting frame, the mounting surface is contiguous with a generally parallel upper and lower surfaces. A cover assembly includes a cover surface contiguous with left and right side surfaces, the side surfaces engage mounting flanges of the first key surface to enable the cover assembly to open and close to complete the enclosure. The mounting frame includes a sealing channel along each of two surface sides, each of the sealing channels including two parallel baffles that engage a mating baffle on each of the left and right side surfaces. The lower surface includes two or more cord control arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Orbit Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Backofen, Redwald Villanueva
  • Patent number: 7148421
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinyu Nagashima, Akihito Maegawa, Mitsuru Tanigawa, Hiroyuki Kashiki
  • Patent number: 7129412
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventor: Kevin R. Pierce
  • Patent number: 7129413
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventors: C. Gireesh Rao, David L. Scheer, Ashok Sathyanarayana Alilughatta
  • Patent number: 7119278
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Taymac Corporation
    Inventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Edgar W. Maltby
  • Patent number: 7105743
    Abstract: An outlet box is disclosed. The outlet box has a base including a rear surface of the outlet box, and a cover including a front surface of the outlet box. The cover is configured to engagingly fit over the base. An intermediate portion extends from one or both of the base and cover and extends generally between the rear surface and the front surface. The cover, the base, and the intermediate portion cooperatively define an interior of the outlet box when the cover and the base are engagingly fitted together. The intermediate portion includes a pair of opposed inwardly inclined portions and a pair of set-off portions extending from the inner more ends of the inwardly inclined portions, and at least one of the inclined portions includes an aperture therein. A connector is disposed within the base, and the connector has an opening for receiving a plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventor: Jack E. Caveney
  • Patent number: 7105745
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Drane, Cong Thanh Dinh
  • Patent number: 7098403
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Mark Jolley
  • Patent number: 7078624
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Darren Stewart
  • Patent number: 7071414
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventor: Kyung T. Kim
  • Patent number: 7049516
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: David K. Haag, William M. Crooks
  • Patent number: 7038130
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventor: Gary Sing Choy Yip, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7038129
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventor: James Fox
  • Patent number: 7026550
    Abstract: A safety cap for an electrical outlet having an adhesive section can be attached to a standard outlet cover. Alternately, an outlet cover including two slidable plates including a spring or spring groove can be used to prevent access to the outlet by a child. An elongated member on one plate is used to contact a spring on the other plate. Alternately, the elongated member can fit into a spring groove to bias the plates apart into the closed position. Locking pins can be used to lock the plates onto an aperture at the base of a plug's power prong. Additionally, a recess around each electrical outlet can mate with a respective lip of a plug to provide an interlocking interface between the plug and outlet cover to prevent a child from being able to insert a metal object between the plug and the faceplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventor: Theodore McBain
  • Patent number: 7009111
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventor: William J. Rintz
  • Patent number: 7005580
    Abstract: A dual electrical outlet cover, which covers a dual electrical outlet having a face for safeguarding against risk of children inserting objects into power receptacles. The outlet cover has a rear surface positionable on top of the face of the dual electrical outlet. Two centrally located rectangular openings extend through the outlet cover. A pair of spring-loaded cover plates fitted into guided tracks move upwardly and downwardly to cover the rectangular openings. A pair of slotted openings along the side edges of the outlet cover have pins extend outwardly therefrom. The spring-loaded cover plates slide open by pressing the spring-loaded retaining pins inwardly to unlatch the spring-loaded cover plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventor: Erwin Craig
  • Patent number: 7005576
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Joy MM Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward F. Niederriter, Robert P. Aaron, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6982381
    Abstract: A weather resistant electrical enclosure or box cover according to the present disclosure provides a generally rectangular box composed of three pair of parallel sides enclosing a protected space. The mounting assembly includes a mounting surface with a mounting frame, the mounting surface is contiguous with a generally parallel upper and lower surfaces. A cover assembly includes a cover surface contiguous with left and right side surfaces, the side surfaces engage mounting flanges of the first key surface to enable the cover assembly to open and close to complete the enclosure. The mounting frame includes a sealing channel along each of two surface sides, each of the sealing channels including two parallel baffles that engage a mating baffle on each of the left and right side surfaces. The lower surface includes two or more cord control arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Orbit Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Backofen, Redwald Villanueva
  • Patent number: 6977342
    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, 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Inventors: Edgar W. Maltby, Marcus J. Shotey
  • Patent number: 6977341
    Abstract: A device for utility outlet control is provided that includes means for selectively blocking access to a utility outlet by way of disengaging or engaging the outlet blocking means. The outlet is blocked from access when the outlet is not being used. A user may gain access to the outlet upon appropriate payment or by an authorized access key. Typical utility outlets controllable by the present invention include, but are not limited to electric utility outlets, telephone utility outlets, and Internet access utility outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Inventor: Ronald Glen Gustaveson, II
  • Patent number: 6956169
    Abstract: A simplified installation design for an in-use cover for an electrical outlet includes conical mounting screw holes in the outlet box and movement-restricting guides to ensure the mounting screw aligns with the mounting screw holes. Angled side mounting screw holes allow the outlet box to be installed with screws from within the box rather than the conventional nails outside the box. In particular embodiments of the invention, prongs, screws, clamps, heat stakes or other attachment components extend from the back of the insert to allow for pre-installment attachment of the electrical device directly to the insert. This also simplifies installation of the recessed in-use covers. Adaptors may optionally be included to allow the device to be adapted for use with a variety of sizes and shapes of electrical devices. An alternate embodiment of the invention includes a recessed in-use outlet formed of an electrical box, a receptacle, a cover plate and a cover to allow for simple installation with fewer parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Taymac Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Shotey, Marcus Shotey, Edgar Maltby, John Kinnard
  • Patent number: 6946602
    Abstract: A housing assembly, structured to enclose a plurality of electrical components and flexible cables, each the electrical component coupled at least one other electrical component or to an input device by the cables, includes a plurality of mounting plate members and a plurality of vertical walls. The plurality of mounting plate members includes at least a bottom mounting plate member and at least one movable mounting plate member. Each mounting plate structured to support one or more electrical components. The plurality of vertical walls include a front wall coupled to, and extending generally perpendicular to, the base plate member, a first side wall coupled to, and extending generally perpendicular to, the base plate member, a second side wall coupled to, and extending generally perpendicular to, the base plate member, a back wall coupled to, and extending generally perpendicular to, the base plate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Irving Albert Gibbs, Steven Dale Walker, Thomas Arthur Farr, Marcus Eugene Case, Tap Van Pham, Rafael Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 6943296
    Abstract: A USB wall plate is disclosed. The USB wall plate includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and four side edges connected to the first and second surfaces. The wall plate defines a first opening and a second opening. The first opening extends from the first surface to the second surface and is adapted to receive a USB connector. The second opening extends from the first surface to the second surface and is adapted to receive an indicating light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corp.
    Inventors: Ronald Perrella, Barrett Kreiner
  • Patent number: 6927341
    Abstract: A universal paint shield for releasable attachment to an electrical wall outlet or switch assembly for preventing paint from contacting any exposed surfaces thereof as the wall is painted. The paint shield has a molded plastic body formed as a unit having a front panel and top, bottom and side walls projecting rearward of the front panel and having substantially continuous outer edge portions. At least two opposing edge portions biasingly engage against the corresponding outer edge surfaces of the cover plate to entirely cover all surfaces of the cover plate and assembly. Top, bottom and side walls resiliently cooperate with edge portions which have concaved or arcuately inwardly contoured longitudinal edges to require that the edge sections, slightly smaller than the cover plate, be force fitted over the corresponding outer edge surfaces of the cover plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Richie L. Crane
  • Patent number: 6927336
    Abstract: An interworking interface module for telecommunication switching systems has multiple interworking terminal I/O ports, tracking terminal I/O ports, and system terminal I/O ports, and an indicator lamp are mounted on the external panels of a mounting frame. Multiple connection modules are attached onto the inner surface of a mounting frame used for setting up interconnection between the above terminal I/O ports. Each connection module comprises a switching means, such that a terminal separated from the system connection is automatically switched to connect to a terminal resistor to damp any line oscillation due to open connection. Using the connection modules to interconnect the above terminals of the invention, the present invention is able to reduce the necessary interconnecting components and simplify the procedures for assembling a transit exchange platform, while the original service quality with respect to a line connection is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Hsun-Chien Huang
  • Patent number: 6921861
    Abstract: A two-way cover for protecting electrical devices in either horizontally or vertically oriented exterior electrical junction boxes. The two-way cover includes an assembly having a base member, middle member, and outer member. An arrangement is included for securing the base member to an electrical box. The outer member is rotatably attached to the assembly to form a first rotational cover unit. The middle member is also rotatably attached to the assembly such that the outer member and the middle member form a second rotational cover unit. The first rotational cover unit is capable of rotation in a first direction with respect to the assembly and the second rotational cover unit is capable of rotation in a second direction with respect to the assembly. When the assembly is secured to a vertically oriented junction box, the first rotational cover unit may be opened and closed to provide access to the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 6919510
    Abstract: A waterproof cover for an audio system includes a frame with a top side, a front side and an opening. A slot is defined in the top side of the frame and has two opposite walls. Two apertures are respectively defined through the opposite walls of the slot. Two chambers are defined respectively two ends of the slot and communicate with the slot by the apertures. Two inclined channels are defined in the front side of the fame and communicate with the slot. Two pin assemblies are provided respectively in the chambers and extend out from the apertures. A shield is pivotally mounted on the frame by the pin assemblies and has an inner side and a recessed lip formed in the inner side of the shield in the inclined channels. A gasket is mounted inside the recessed lip of the shield. Accordingly, water cannot penetrate into the waterproof cover, and the audio system remains unaffected by rain, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventor: Ting-Pang Chen
  • Patent number: 6916989
    Abstract: The protective electrical outlet device of the present invention is directed to an electrical cover plate, a cover that slides in slots in the cover plate, and a slide plate with male engagement fingers that lock or hold the cover securely in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Inventor: Harry Broussard, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6901779
    Abstract: A key storage and concealment device that effectively stores and conceals any type of key in an inconspicuous or unobtrusive fashion, wherein quick and convenient access thereto is permitted by only those informed of the device's presence, thus appeasing any trepidation of discovery by an unauthorized person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventors: Brad Magee, Dietrich Hoecht
  • Patent number: 6894223
    Abstract: A weatherproof cover plate that may be installed horizontally and vertically is disclosed. In a weatherproof flat cover plate, an apron is provided to offer a water shield along at least two sides of the cover plate base. Additionally, a continuous ridge on the base is disclosed in association with a gasket and a biased hinge to provide additional protection against the weather. A novel locking clip is also disclosed. In a weatherproof bubble cover plate, a biased hinge is provided to bias the lid closed upon the base. Additionally, one or more cord catches in the base and knock-outs in the lid are disclosed. Other embodiments include bubble cover plates having gaps between the lid and the base to allow a cord to pass therethrough when the lid is close.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: TayMac Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Shotey, Marcus J. Shotey, Edgar W. Maltby
  • Patent number: 6891104
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a weatherproof electrical outlet box assembly for shielding and protecting electrical components from moisture comprising a faceplate for attaching to an outlet box, the faceplate being substantially planar, and perimetrically bounded by a substantially rectangular side edge, the faceplate having at least one aperture for receiving an electrical component and; the faceplate including a first hinge socket and a second hinge socket extending respectively from the side edge in substantially orthogonal orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Cong Thanh Dinh
  • Patent number: 6867370
    Abstract: A temporary protective cover for an electrical box having an open front end includes in one embodiment a plate shaped to enclose the open front end and a pair of wings formed onto the plate for securing the cover onto the electrical box. A line of weakness extends across the rear surface of the plate from the right side edge to the left side edge. A plurality of pins are formed onto the rear surface of the plate and serve to limit longitudinal and lateral movement of the cover when mounted onto the electrical box. The pair of wings are spaced adequately in from the left and right side edges of the plate and extend rearwardly from the rear surface of the plate at an angle away from one another. Each wing is shaped to include a flexible leg and an enlarged foot, the foot including a tapered guiding surface and a substantially flat engagement surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Inventor: Carlo Compagnone, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6855887
    Abstract: An electrical outlet safety cover for covering the electrical connectors or connections on the sides of an electrical outlet. 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 closure strap having a connector for attaching the closure strap to one of the panels is attached to the first or second panel, so that the electrical connectors on the sides of the electrical outlet are covered by the first panel and the second panel while these panels are retained over the electrical connectors by the cooperation of the connecting section and the closure strap when the closure strap is attached to the second panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventor: James Fox
  • Patent number: 6806426
    Abstract: A two-way cover for protecting electrical devices in either horizontally or vertically oriented exterior electrical junction boxes. The two-way cover includes an assembly comprised of a base member, middle member, and outer member. An arrangement is included for securing the base member to an electrical box. The outer member is rotatably attached to the assembly to form a first rotational cover unit. The middle member is also rotatably attached to the assembly such that the outer member and the middle member form a second rotational cover unit. The first rotational cover unit is capable of rotation in a first direction with respect to the assembly and the second rotational cover unit is capable of rotation in a second direction with respect to the assembly. When the assembly is secured to a vertically oriented junction box, the first rotational cover unit may be opened and closed to provide access to the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 6803522
    Abstract: Each of the embodiments of the invention has a rim, a deck and a raised portion on the deck to accommodate switch levers and television cable connectors. The rim fits closely around the perimeter of a cover plate and switch or outlet being shielded. The deck is generally parallel to the surface of the cover. Adhesive is applied to areas of the under surface of the deck which overlie the relatively smooth end areas of the cover plate. The shield has flexibility allowing for deflection under finger pressure to bring the adhesives into contact with the cover plate to securely attach the shield to the cover plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Mark Skakun
  • Patent number: 6796814
    Abstract: A power supply interface comprising electrical receptacles and intended for use outdoors or some other environment in which the receptacles can be exposed to water. Universal receptacle covers are used to cover exposed socket ends of the receptacles that have different geometric configurations. The universal receptacle cover comprises an adapter having an aperture with a geometric configuration that allows socket ends of different geometric configurations to project through the aperture. This avoids the need for receptacle covers with different configurations to accommodate the different socket ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Handschke
  • Patent number: 6794575
    Abstract: A safety cap for an electrical outlet having an adhesive section can be attached to a standard outlet cover. The adhesive section connects the electrical outlet safety cover to the electrical outlet. The safety cap includes prongs made of a non-electrically conductive material shaped to fit into the electrical outlet. The bendable section rotates the prongs from a position outside the electrical outlet to a position inside the electrical outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventors: Theodore McBain, Melvin R. Osborn
  • Patent number: 6756543
    Abstract: A plug-cord retainer outlet for use with a conventional wall outlet including at least one plug socket and a faceplate has a container portion and a cover portion. The container portion has an interior cavity formed therein for storing excess extension cord from a plug inserted into the at least one plug socket. The container portion also has a rear wall and a front wall. The rear wall has an opening formed therein to effectuate engagement with the wall outlet. The cover portion is intended for mating engagement with the container portion. The unit has at least one cord outlet notch formed there to allow a portion of the cord to extend therefrom. The unit also includes a latch mechanism to secure the container portion to the cover portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Inventor: John M. Kaloustian
  • Patent number: 6756542
    Abstract: A front-cover assembly having a front-cover forming the front face of the information apparatus, lid members provided on the front-cover so as to be turned and moved between the closed position and the opened position, and caps provided on the upper and the lower face of the front-cover to hide the flanges of the lid members. The lid member is constituted by an elongated lid body and flanges provided on each end of the lid body. The flange has a turning center through-hole at the center, and a raised part as well as an outline part on the periphery part. On the upper face of the front-cover are formed a shaft part and concave parts. When the lid member is turned to the opened position, the raised part engages the concave part and is click locked, and the outline part appears on the front face of the front-cover filling the gap between the front-cover and the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Masaki Ishikawa, Tsutomu Konno, Hiroyuki Fujita
  • Patent number: 6722621
    Abstract: An assembly that receives an electrical fixture and secures the electrical fixture to a support. The assembly has an electrical box for attaching to the support. A cover is connected to the electrical box to prevent access to the electrical box. A portion of the cover is removable to provide access to the electrical box. A first opening in the electrical box receives a first fastener for securing the electrical box to the support. A second opening in the electrical box receives a second fastener for securing the electrical fixture to the electrical box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Steven J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6723922
    Abstract: An electrical cover plate includes a base having a planar member. A first set of removable tabs is connected to the base so that removal of the first set of removable tabs forms a first set aperture, and a second set of removable tabs is connected to the base so that removal of the second set of removable tabs forms a second set aperture. The first set aperture and the second set aperture may each be bounded by an aperture periphery line so that the aperture periphery lines intersect. Also, the first tab set and the second tab set may have at least one tab in common, and each tab set may be bounded by a tab set periphery line so that the tab set periphery lines intersect. The tabs may be connected to the base by grooved connectors, connecting tabs, or other connections that removably connect the tabs to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: TayMac Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Shotey, Marcus J. Shotey, Edgar W. Maltby
  • Patent number: 6703562
    Abstract: The present invention (10) discloses a paint shield (12) that covers the exposed surfaces of a standard electrical wall outlet (16) and is includes of a planar plate (12) conforming substantially to the foot print of a receptacle cover plate (22) constructed of plastic, metal or other materials and having two pair of prongs (14) that temporarily attach the shield (12)to an electrical outlet (16), concealing the outlet (16) from paint that may enter the holes (18) during the process of painting a room. A handle (26) may also be provided and located on the opposite side of the plate (12) from the prongs (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: Jason Christopher Pacheco
  • Patent number: 6693240
    Abstract: A lever mounting portion is formed on a junction box to be accommodated inside an instrument panel. A hood release lever is fixed to the lever mounting portion of the junction box by merely sliding the hood release lever on the lever mounting portion and accommodated in the instrument panel. An opening is formed on a passenger compartment side outer surface of the instrument panel at a position where the junction box is accommodated. A decorative plate for closing the opening is removably provided. The opening that is exposed by removing the decorative plate therefrom is used to accomplish maintenance of the junction box and operate the hood release lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takayuki Hieda
  • Patent number: 6683248
    Abstract: For an electrical box having an open front, mounting an electrical device, and having a plaster ring, which fastens to the electrical box, around the open front, and which has a projecting portion defining a generally rectangular aperture providing access to the electrical device, through the open front, after the electrical box, the electrical device, and the plaster ring have been installed behind a wall panel, such as a drywall panel, a protective cover is mountable removably to the plaster ring so as at least substantially to cover the generally rectangular aperture of the plaster ring, whereby to protect the electrical device against foreign matter, damage, or both while an aperture accommodating the projecting portion of the plaster ring is cut into the wall panel or while the wall panel is being decorated near the aperture accommodating the projecting portion of the plaster ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventors: Paul A. Vrame, Peter A. Vrame
  • Patent number: 6680438
    Abstract: An electrical outlet cover and an electrical switch plate cover which enable the color of an electrical outlet or an electrical switch plate to be changed without replacing the electrical outlet or electrical switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventors: Robert W. Campbell, Kipeland J. Campbell