Abstract: A hinge construction for the effectuation or hingedly articulated connection between a lid and an aperture which is located on a plate member. More particularly, there is provided a hinge structure which facilitates a spring-biased floating sealing connection between the lid and a surface about the aperture on the plate member, which may be a component of a mechanically interlocked switch box cover, adapted to impart a uniform sealing pressure to a gasket interposed between structure mounting the lid on the hinge and the surface about the aperture. The hinge arm portion depending from a disc-like member which rotatably mounts the cup-shaped lid, is provided with a hinge pin-receiving through hole of an essentially oblong cross-sectional configuration along its length, and in which the major axis of the oblong hole extends generally perpendicular to the plane of the lower surface of the disc member which has a sealing gasket for contacting the surface about the aperture in the plate member.

Abstract: A case protecting the buttons of and supporting a remote control transmitter, the transmitter including an opening to receive a key chain ring, the case further including a container and a rigid clear plastic cover-panel that is slidable by one's thumb. The cover-panel is fitted within two side grooves tapered only at rear ends in the container and also includes a catch that prevents the cover-panel from sliding completely off the container in a forward direction. The container includes an indentation notch on one side end wall that allows the catch to pass therethrough when sliding the cover-panel completely off the container in the rearward direction. There is also provided a second opening in the container that permits the transmitter's key chain ring opening to pass therethrough. The case protects the buttons of the transmitter. The transmitter can be one that activates personal or auto alarms, opens and closes garage doors or gates, unlocks an automobile trunk, or controls household electronics.

Abstract: A container arranged for the storage of various components for emergency use relative to natural disasters is provided, wherein the container structure is of a generally pyramidal configuration having removable storage housings positioned therewithin. The storage container includes a lid member that is arranged for latching relative to the storage container permitting limited access thereto.

Abstract: An electrical enclosure having a base, a cover, and hinge pivotally connecting the base and cover. The cover has a pair of ears, each provided with a key hole for receiving hinge pins mounted on the base. The pivot pins are provided with keys that align with notch portions of the key holes when the cover is disposed at an obtuse angle, preferably about 180.degree. with respect to the base. After assembly, the base is connected to a support which limits the range of pivotal movement of the cover to an angle less than 180.degree. so that the keys and notch portions can no longer be aligned.

Abstract: An escutcheon assembly for covering an opening in a wall through which a sanitary fitting extends. The assembly includes an inner plate which is removably secured to the fitting on the outside surface of the wall. A cover plate is releasably coupled over the inner plate.

Abstract: Panel members for plugging the ventilation ports of animal-carrying vehicles. Locking tabs on the panel-periphery are sufficiently resiliently flexible as to be easily pushed across the edge of the truck's ventilation port, making installation easy for winterizing the truck by covering the truck's wall ports; and the resilient flexibility of the tabs permits an easy summerizing of the truck by being easily knocked out to re-open the wall ports. The resilient flexibility of the tabs permits repetitive use.

Abstract: This invention relates to cover panels for enclosures, such as those found on the sides or roofs of buildings, which house air conditioning equipment. More particularly, this invention relates to a cover panel for an air conditioning enclosure which both accommodates the penetration of piping through it and allows for access to the interior of the enclosure, subsequent to the hookup of the piping to air conditioning system components housed within the enclosure, without the need to break a piping connection.

Abstract: An electrical socket cover is disclosed in a system which includes a pair of connector elements which may be electrically engaged, and a cover for protection of a first connector element when the first and second connector elements are disengaged. The first connector element is mounted on a vertical wall of an enclosure, while the second connector element which comprises an electronic module is movable longitudinally within the enclosure between a first, engaged position and a second, disengaged position.

Abstract: An electrical outlet box having a ring portion which is fitted within the outlet box and a cover which has a downwardly depending circular portion which mates with the ring. The downwardly depending circular portion has outwardly extending tabs which fit into grooves in the inner wall of the ring. Each tab has a groove which interlocks and mates with a protrusion extending from a wall of the groove included in the ring. The interlocking provided which enables the cover to be secured to the outlet box as well as enabling the cover to be easily removable from the outlet box. Thus, an outlet box is provided which enables one to remove and replace the cover easily, and also provides for interchangeable covers.

Abstract: A protective cover for electric sockets consists of a base plate having openings to fit the individual electric receptacles and an opening to receive the mounting screw to secure the base plate in place of the usual socket cover plate. A box-shaped cover is hingedly connected on one side of the base plate and is opened to permit installation and removal of electric plugs in said receptacles. The box-shaped cover has slots extending along the side and top thereof through which the cords may extend from the plugs secured in said electric receptacles. The base plate and box-shaped cover have matching fasteners to secure the cover against being easily opened by a child. The hinged connection of the cover to the base plate may be separate hinge members pivotally secured together or may be a one-piece flexible hinge of the type known as a "living" hinge.

Abstract: A hold-open hinge mechanism for a molded plastic rainproof cover for a circuit breaker is disclosed. The hinge mechanism comprises an integrally molded pivot pin on the cover member and a hinge member on the cover base which pivotally engages the pivot pin. When the cover member is opened to a given angle, projections on the cover member engage the surface upon which the cover is mounted to releasably retain the cover member in the open position.

Abstract: A protective safety enclosure for an electrical outlet assembly includes a basic three-dimensional hollow enclosure adapted to fit over an outlet assembly and provides an aperture in its front panel corresponding to each socket within said electrical outlet assembly to permit the passage of a plug and line cord so that a plug may be removably engaged with a socket in said assembly, and having a first removable covering shield to prevent access to an unused socket and second removable covering shield to enclose a plug engaged in a socket in said assembly and grip its line cord to prevent its inadvertent removal.

Abstract: A plug and socket type electrical connector is provided with a cover assembly for protecting connector structure from the elements and structure for facilitating the selective electrical engagement and disengagement of the connector elements, preferably by providing cooperating locking elements on the cover assembly and the electrical plug as well as a rotary lever assembly which is operable to effect plug disengagement.

Abstract: Electrical receptacle safety covering means and method, to protect persons too young to appreciate the hazards of electricity from access to the outlets of electrical receptacles by requiring skills of an older child or adult to uncover such a receptacle. Spring-biased security is provided in which an action separate from closing a cover over an electrical receptacle is required to latch the cover, and unlatching it can not be accomplished by pulling on the cover in its opening direction but necessitates overcoming a latching spring-bias in a separate preliminary unlatching step. A combination of a receptacle plate (more or less flush with the receptacle) and a cover for the front thereof has at least one spring and a cooperating slide adapted to move relative thereto between a latched position free of spring bias and an unlatched position subject to spring bias.

Abstract: A wiring-device mounting structure wherein outer decorative and inner laying plates are coupled to each other through relatively short, hooked engaging projections on inner surface of the decorative plate which are engaged with mounds on the laying plate which are raised to be close at raised top face to the inner surface of the decorative plate when coupled and to provide at side wall a locking face for hooked ends of the projections, whereby the raised mounds positioned in coupling zone between the both plates can minimize coupling distance between them and also the length of the engaging projections, so as to maintain the projections to be highly durable.

Abstract: A safety improvement in cover plates for electrical outlets. A cover plate for electrical outlets having sets of a spring-loaded sliding traverse plates which shift to open and close electrical wall outlets used in residential, commercial, and industrial locations. The sliding spring-loaded traverse plates being positioned between sets of tracks which are laterally parallel to outlet holes located in the cover plate, and each traverse plate having a hole which may be manually positioned to be in line with outlet holes located in the cover plate. When holes in the traverse plates and the cover plates are in line, the prongs of male terminals may be inserted into the female recepticle. When the male terminal is removed from the female recepticle, the traverse plates automatically spring into a closed positions thereby shielding the said female recepticle, which thereby prevents a child from being electricuted by sticking a small metal object into female electrical outlets.

Abstract: A coach lamp or other exterior lamp or ornament is mounted on the exterior surface of a building having horizontal aluminum siding by means of a pedestal having a faceplate portion and a continuous peripheral skirt which is deeper than the steps in the siding. The pedestal is secured to a conventional electrical outlet box and the faceplate portion provides a flush mounting surface for the base of the lamp or ornament.

Abstract: A childproof protective device adapted to be secured on an electrical wall outlet. The device includes a plate having openings therethrough which are in register with the plug receptacles of the outlet when the device is mounted thereon. The plates carries a pair of slidable doors or panels which can be releasably locked in position to prevent a child from gaining access to the plug receptacles.

Abstract: A safety electrical receptacle cover plate for dual socket wall receptacles has rotatable shutters adapted for receiving the prongs of a plug, but is normally biased by non-conducting resilient members to close registery with the slots of the socket members. The shutters are received in recesses formed in the rear of the plate, have central portions disposed through openings extending through the plate, and have stepped outer portions journalled in the recesses. A pair of oppositely disposed arms are formed on the outer portions and carry members about which resilient bands are disposed for urging the shutters out of the positions of registery. The periphery of the cover plate has a lip about which a resiliently compressible material is disposed so that when the plate is secured to a receptacle the plate is adjustably located relative to the wall to permit the shutters to abut the face of the sockets thereby ensuring proper electrical contact of the plug prongs with the sockets.

Abstract: In a weatherproof cover for an electrical receptacle, a plurality of lids are rotatably mounted in a generally rectangular base plate having three surrounding walls. A butterfly shaped biasing member is disposed between the lids and the base plate and applies a force to the lids to hold them in close proximity to the base plate in order to form a weatherproof seal. The lids cover receptacle access apertures which extend through the base plate and a stiffening plate disposed behind the base plate.

Abstract: A weatherproof and/or dust proof fitting including a cover attached to a housing and adapted to pivot from an open position to a closed position where a sealing means in the cover or housing seals an opening in the housing, the arrangement being such that the cover is biased to its closed position so that a latching means formed in association with the cover or the housing automatically closes to lock the cover over the opening in the housing.

Abstract: A protective cover arrangement for a computer or a similar machine which has a panel provided with an opening through which access may be had to switches or similar control or actuating devices, this opening being surrounded at least along a part of its periphery by an inwardly extending flange, includes a cover and a clip member on which the cover is mounted for pivoting and which is clampingly mounted on the flange. The clip member includes two arms which clampingly confine the flange between themselves. One of the arms is provided on a clip component, while the other arm is a portion of a hinge component that is mounted on the clip component for adjustment of its position relative thereto, by two screws passing through orifices at least some of which are elongated to provide for the adjustment. Another hinge component is connected to the cover and is pivotably mounted on the first-mentioned hinge component by a pivot pin.

Abstract: A weatherproof outlet cover is composed of a metal cover plate having an aperture, a generally U-shaped bracket secured to the plate adjacent the aperture and an aperture cover for covering the aperture. The aperture cover includes a main body which is shaped to cover the plate aperture and an extension which fits between the bracket legs. Hinge posts projecting from the sides of the extension hingedly connect the aperture cover to the bracket legs so that the cover can swing toward and away from the plate. The aperture cover extension also defines a pocket which is open at the underside of the aperture cover and in which a coiled wire spring is positioned on the hinge axis.

Abstract: A combination cover plate and safety guard plate to be interfaced with a conventional electrical wall receptacle to prevent a child of tender years from gaining unauthorized access to the receptacle and sustaining serious injury from an electric shock as a consequence of an accidental contact with a current carrying wire. The cover plate is adapted to receive one or more of the electrical receptacles, so that the power can be supplied therefrom to an electrical appliance, or the like. The cover plate and safety guard plate are pivotably interconnected with one another at first ends thereof. Each of the second ends of the cover plate and safety guard plate includes respective spring-biased retaining means by which the cover and safety guard plates can be releaseably connected together. Accordingly, the safety guard plate may be rotated towards the cover plate and secured in a position across the face thereof, whereby to cover the receptacles and prevent unauthorized access thereto.

Abstract: A weatherproof cover assembly includes a housing and a pivotally attached cover in a configuration in which no gasket is required between the cover and the housing. The housing includes a base having an aperture therethrough, an outer wall and an inner wall. The cover includes a flange which is located between the inner and outer walls when the cover is closed. The cover, the inner and outer walls, and the flange together inhibit entry of liquids into the assembly. A hinge construction for pivotal attachment of the cover to the housing includes a cylindrical opening in the cover and a pivot insert attached to the housing. A cylindrical torsion spring, having end loops on a diameter thereof, is retained in the hinge by slotted posts in the cylindrical opening and on the pivot insert. The cover pivots about sleeve portions of the pivot insert.

Abstract: A method of applying a switch guard device to a wall switch to prevent unintentional actuation of the wall switch. The wall switch has an actuating lever extending through an aperture in a switch plate with the switch plate normally being attached to the wall switch on opposite sides of the actuating lever by screw threaded fasteners. The switch guard device is formed from a flexible body portion, initially relatively flat, having a pair of spaced apart apertures for receiving the threaded fasteners. The spaced apart apertures are spaced a sufficient distance that when the threaded fasteners are received by the spaced apertures attaching the body portion to the switch plate, the body portion flexes into an arcuate configuration covering the actuating lever sufficiently to prevent accidental movement of the lever but to allow intentional movement of the lever.

Abstract: A wiring device with a pivotable and rotatable cover wherein the cover has a seal which is movable relative to the cover. The seal includes a resilient ring or disk carried by a stiff supporting disk loosely retained in the cover. When the cover is closed and rotated to tighten the cover on the device, the seal frictionally engages the mouth of the device and the cover rotates relative to the seal, avoiding damage to the seal.

Abstract: An electrical box cover for an outside electrical receptacle and box includes a generally flat, circular cover plate having a beveled rim and a flat, circular gasket. The cover plate and gasket have five corresponding linearly-aligned holes, including a center hole and two pairs of diametrically-opposed holes. The circular shape of the cover plate and gasket and the spacing of the holes enables the box cover to be used with several different types of outside electrical boxes, including cylindrical, single gang and double gang type electrical boxes. The cover plate additionally has two access openings for receiving a standard duplex electrical receptacle and two spring-activated snap lid doors for covering the openings and protecting the receptacle from outside elements.

Abstract: A device adapted for use with an electrical outlet mounted in a suitable support and having the dual function when the outlet is not in use of preventing drafts of air from flowing through the outlet and blocking accidental access to the outlet. The device uses a relatively flat member having a rear surface adapted to be secured to said support and an exposed front surface. The member has an aperture adapted to overlie and expose the outlet, said aperture having a peripheral wall extending between said rear and front surfaces. The wall has an opening which extends in depth from the rear surface to a position intermediate the front and rear surfaces and which has a uniform width. The member has an outer periphery, a portion of said periphery being disposed adjacent said opening. A cover adapted for removable sealing engagement with said aperture is disposed adjacent said front surface, said cover engaging said peripheral wall when sealing said aperture.

Abstract: A face plate for an electrical outlet which provides a safety covering for the socket receptacles. The face plate includes a base member which has an outer shell that can be positioned over the electrical outlet. A recessed compartment is located within the outer shell. A bottom wall of the recessed compartment has a pair of socket openings which can be aligned with a duplex socket receptacle of the electrical outlet. A removable insert member is snap-fit into the recessed compartment, and in conjunction with the outer shell forms a flush surface. The insert member includes a pair of covers which can be selectively opened in order to uncover each one of the socket openings. Cooperating portions on the base member and the insert member securely retain the insert member in the recessed compartment. Both the base member and the insert member are symmetrically formed so as to be reversably positionable with respect to each other.

Abstract: A cover for electrical receptacles having a passageway therethrough for receiving such a receptacle, and having a pivotally mounted closure member spring urged toward overlying closed position relative to the passageway; a flexible flange extending around the passageway for sealingly engaging the cover when the latter is in closed position.

Abstract: A gasket for sealing around a wall opening to prevent passage of air, the opening having an electrical box therein with an electrical device mounted in the gasket comprising a thin sheet of flexible, air impervious material slightly larger than the wall opening and slightly smaller than the cover plate for the device and having at least one opening therein for receiving a portion of the device which protrudes from the box and through a corresponding opening in the cover plate, the sheet having pressure sensitive adhesive on one side for sealing engagement with the wall surface surrounding the opening therein and with the surface of the device facing the cover plate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lift cover assembly which effectively shields and seals an electrical installation box having an electrical wiring device mounted therein against the entry of rain or other liquid sprays whether the lift cover is in a raised or in a closed position. With the lift cover in the raised position, the assembly also functions to shield the interface between intercoupled wiring devices. The assembly employs a unique, elastomeric member of overall substantially annular shape which is compressible and extendable upon the closing and opening, respectively, of the lift cover to accomplish these functions without sacrificing the narrow profile of the assembly.

Abstract: This invention relates to a weatherproof cover. It relates more particularly to a spring-loaded hinged cover of that particular type.

Abstract: The weatherproof box cover has a pair of lids which are biased towards each other so as to be self-closing. Each lid has a gear-like portion which meshes on the other so as to synchronize movement of the lids to each other. In addition, each lid has a recess along the outer edge in which a resilient sealing strip seats. When closed over a cord of an electrical appliance, the sealing strips conform to the shape of the cord while the lids are brought into seal-tight relationship. In this way, a water spray and the like is prevented from entering into the cover from any direction.

Abstract: A switch guard assembly for preventing accidental actuation of a switch, the assembly including a switch plate and a box-shaped member mounted on the switch plate and having a front wall formed with a surface disposed substantially parallel to the switch plate, and the front wall being closed against access by the fingers of an operator's hand through the front wall to a switch actuator extending out of the switch plate, the box-shaped member having at least one fully open side for affording access to the switch actuator by the fingers of an operator's hand.

Abstract: A weatherproof cover for attachment to the open face of a vertically mounted electrical receptacle outlet box, the cover including a plate having an open faced hood extending outwardly across the top and down the opposite sides of the plate and a transparent, plastic closure having a front wall, side walls and a bottom wall pivotally mounted to the leading edge of the top hood wall and spring means at the pivotal mounting of said closure to the leading edge of the top hood wall for biasing said closure into closed position over the open face of said hood so that, when closed, said closure forms a weather cover over the electrical receptacle and, when open, said closure forms a weathershield of said receptacle.

Abstract: A weatherproof junction box cover assembly, comprising a structural member for mounting relationship with a junction box and a cover hingedly mounted on the structural member with cooperative inter-acting hood means at the top and sides of the cover assembly. A shiftable bias means is provided to normally bias the cover toward a closing position, the bias means being shiftable between an over-center station in relation to the pivot means whereby the cover will stay open when moved to the fully open position and a direct-closing-bias station whereby the cover will be constantly biased toward the closing position. The same cover assembly may therefore be used as a stay-open device or as a self-closing device, merely by shifting the anchor point of the bias means.

Abstract: A system for sealing and repairing leaks in ruptured containers whereby an applicator including an open-celled sponge body is inserted into the rupture and the two interacting components of a binary fluid foam composition are mixed and injected into the sponge body, thereby expanding and forming a foam composite with the latter against the rupture to effectively seal and repair same upon curing of the foam in situ.

Abstract: A wall plate, for electrical switches, electrical outlets and the like, includes a frame and an insert received by the frame. The frame is held against the wall by the insert, which is secured to the electrical switch or electrical outlet by at least one fastening element which fits through an aperture defined in the insert. The insert includes at least one flange which serves as an abutment or stop to prevent damage to the insert as the fastening element is tightened and the insert is pulled toward the switch or outlet.

Abstract: A mounting device for a cover plate for a wall outlet box has an intermediate plate having openings at the positions corresponding to the mounting position of a convenience or a switch, and a cover plate has openings at the same positions as the position of the convenience or the like. Any desired patterns can be formed on the front surface of the cover plate. Several threaded rods are mounted on the back surface of the cover plate, the intermediate plate being provided with holes at the places corresponding to the rods, the intermediate plate being attached by screws to the mounting plate of the convenience or the like and the rods on the cover plate extend into the holes in the intermediate plate. Thus, beautiful patterns are exposed on the surface of said cover plate and the cover plate can be attached without screw heads being seen on the surface of the plate.

Abstract: A hatch for an electrical cord for mobile homes, campers, trailers and similar vehicles in which a hollow body is recessed into the vehicle wall and has a front member with a primary opening therein communicating with the hollow interior of the body, and a cover pivoted to the front member for closing the opening. A second opening of substantially the same size as the cord is provided, preferably in the cover, for the cord when it is in its extended and operating position, thus permitting the main cover to be closed while the cord is in its extended position. A second cover movably secured to the first cover closes the second opening when the cord is in its retracted position.