With Closure Patents (Class 220/3.8)
  • Patent number: 7850031
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignees: ADC GmbH, Harting Electric GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Frank Mossner, Ferenc Nad, Ulrich Hetzer
  • Patent number: 7834267
    Abstract: A reversible one-piece protective cable chute for routing low voltage cables through walls. The protective cable chute includes a one piece cable shield including a cover plate with a cable shield extending therefrom. The protective cable chute includes two-way mounting apertures therein for mounting directly to a conventional electrical box or conventional low voltage frame. The mounting apertures include a pattern and spacing to match the bores of the electrical box or low voltage frame. An opening and passageway in the protective cable chute are capable of receiving low voltage cables for the purpose of routing them through the wall and into an adjacent room. The cable chute is capable of being mounted to an electrical box or low voltage frame in any of four orientations selectable by the installer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7820911
    Abstract: A reversible protective cable chute assembly for routing low voltage cables through walls. The protective cable chute includes a cover plate with an integral cable shield and a removable panel. The cover plate and panel each include an aperture therein for securing the cable chute assembly to an electrical box or low voltage frame. An alignment device is provided on the removable panel to enable rapid alignment of the panel with either side of the cable chute. An opening and passageway is provided in the cable shield portion of the cover plate for receiving low voltage cables for the purpose of routing them through the wall and into an adjacent room. The removable panel provides a convenient means for adding or removing cables after the initial installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7800889
    Abstract: An outdoor apparatus that incorporates a heat sink and has a box-shaped casing, having a plurality of aligned ventilation holes formed on an upper plate and a lower plate so as to oppose the heat sink, and wherein inter-hole portions that are portions of the upper plate between adjacent ventilation holes are recessed downward with respect to other portions of the upper plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masanori Kato, Motokazu Sonohara, Tadashi Yato
  • Patent number: 7762415
    Abstract: For providing a waterproof box, which can prevent penetration of liquid like water through a gap between a box main body and a cover member mounted on the box main body, the waterproof box includes the box main body having an opening formed by surrounding with a plurality of side-walls, a lid mounted on the box main body for covering the opening, a grommet, and a seal member formed into a ring shape to be mounted on the lid for waterproofing between the box main body and the lid. A cutout side-wall has a cutout. The grommet to be mounted on the box main body fills the cutout. The seal member has a contact portion to abut on an edge of the cutout side-wall. A thickness of the contact portion is formed thicker than that of the other portion of the seal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshio Matsui
  • Patent number: 7718890
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for an electrical box repair cover have been described. The repair cover has two or more attachment points which extend beyond the electrical box which it covers. The repair cover may be secured to the electrical box by various techniques including straps, clamps, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventor: Scott L. Lemke
  • Publication number: 20100077681
    Abstract: A utility floorbox for use with ice covered floors which is constructed with a housing or frame having a cover and a sealing member therebetween so that access can be obtained to the interior of the floorbox for accessing the utilities therein. The floorbox is water tight, so that it does not interfere with utility applications, such as electrical applications. A cover is provided with the floorbox and is designed to withstand heavy loads which may be imposed on the floor by utility trucks, or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Michael McCleskey
  • Publication number: 20100072198
    Abstract: A floor-mounting container and lid includes a rigid lower container portion having sidewalls defining a rim extending around as upper opening into the container, a flange extending substantially perpendicularly from around so as to rest the flange on an edge of the floor surrounding the container when mounted in a hole in the floor, and a lid having a 180 degree hinge and at least one trap-door in the lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Henry Roemer, Gordon Almond, Conrad Marini, Marco Paesano
  • Publication number: 20100051615
    Abstract: A floor box assembly includes a floor box, a mounting plate, a below-floor insulation kit, and an intumescent stem. When the floor box is installed on a floor deck having flutes and valleys, the mounting plate straddles one or more valleys and supports the floor box. The below-floor insulation kit closes off the flutes adjacent to the valley straddled by the mounting plate, and the intumescent stem penetrates the floor deck at the bottom of the valley. When installed, the floor box assembly is held together by attachment fasteners extending from the mounting plate through the floor deck and the below-floor insulation kit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: The Wiremold Company
    Inventors: Timothy S. Bowman, Michael Guerrette, Nathan Hoffman, Craig Jones
  • Patent number: 7658517
    Abstract: A recessed light fixture having a rotation ring allowing rotation of a lamp mounted over the fixture frame aperture, the rotation ring easily rotatable on the frame and held in place by a ring clamp. The recessed light fixture rotation ring has a mechanical brake for locking the ring in place after positioning of the lamp. The ring also has a slip disc positioned between the surface of the frame and the ring to allow easy rotation. The housing of the fixture has junction boxes mounted on side walls which are hinged to the sidewalls of the housing and which swivel into the interior of the housing for ready access after installation through the aperture of the frame. The lamp of the fixture movable about a horizontal adjustment and vertical adjustment axis while also maintaining position with respect to the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group, LLC
    Inventors: Ken Czech, Richard Meyer, Thomas Gamache, James Neeld
  • Publication number: 20090308863
    Abstract: A housing (1), especially an explosion-proof housing, comprises at least one lower housing part (3) which is provided with a housing wall and has a housing opening (5) that can be closed by an articulated cover (4), wherein the articulated cover (4) is mounted by means of an articulation device (6) to be pivotable between an opened and a closed position (7, 8). In order to improve such a housing to allow both a closely adjacent arrangement of housings and the complete utilization of the housing interior, the articulation device (6) comprises a lower articulation part (9) arranged in the housing wall (2), and an upper articulation part (11) arranged on a lower side (10) of the articulated cover (4) which faces the housing opening (5) in a closed position (8), which are pivotably interconnected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: COOPER CROUSE-HINDS GMBH
    Inventors: Reiner Naumann, Gerhard Schwarz, Gert Hofmann
  • Publication number: 20090302034
    Abstract: An enclosure which has a lead-through for passing a rod-like element through a wall of the enclosure, and a grommet for sealing a rod-like element to a wall of an enclosure, the grommet having a passage for passing the rod-like element therealong through the grommet and the passage having its walls adapted to fit around the rod-like element. The grommet includes a first recess adapted to match at least a rim of a cutout in the enclosure; a second recess, adapted to receive a clamping element which is adapted to secure and seal the rod-like element to the grommet by applying a radial compression to the rod-like element; one split face, which establishes an openable route between the exterior of the grommet and the passage, the split face being provided with sealing elements for an axially directed and radially directed alignment and sealing of the split face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Keijo Mäkelä, Timo Tuomisto, Reijo Mattila
  • Patent number: 7619878
    Abstract: An improved radio frequency transparent utility meter cover for an automatic meter reading (AMR) system. The cover is manufactured from a strong and chemically inert polyolefin or polypropylene copolymer and includes a non-corroding lock to secure the cover to the meter box frame. The underside of the cover includes a plurality of ribs that lend strength and rigidity to the cover while increasing mounting points for meter unit interface devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Nicor, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Cook
  • Patent number: 7607553
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lower portion of an electric and electronic enclosure, comprising a bottom and fastening arrangements for fastening a cover to the lower portion with a bayonet-like fastening, the fastening arrangements comprising a bore and a shoulder-like stopper for receiving a mounting bracket of a spindle-like element. So as to be able to fasten the cover to the lower portion with either bayonet snap lock means or conventional screws, the bore of the lower portion comprises threads for receiving the screw. The invention also relates to an electric and electronic enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Fibox Oy AB
    Inventor: Kenneth Weber
  • Patent number: 7608781
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventor: Carlo Compagnone, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7595976
    Abstract: An outdoor apparatus includes a box-shaped main casing body that has an opening formed at a front face and that houses at least one electronic circuit board in an interior thereof; and a box-shaped front panel that covers the front opening of the main casing body; an upper plate of the main casing body having an upward protrusion that protrudes upward and has a plate-like rearward protrusion that protrudes rearward from the upward protrusion; and the front panel having a bent portion that is bent substantially perpendicularly from an upper plate that opposes the upward protrusion of the main casing body and contacts a tip of the rearward protrusion of the main casing body. The reliability of the waterproof function against the entry of rainwater is thereby improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masanori Kato, Motokazu Sonohara, Tadashi Yato
  • Publication number: 20090230128
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel draw and return system including a plate, a first fuel tube secured to the plate, and a second fuel tube secured to the plate, wherein the first and second fuel tubes are secured to one another and to the plate to define a triangular shaped connection configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Watson
  • Patent number: 7574773
    Abstract: A hinge construction is for connecting two components. The hinge construction includes a first securing part which can be fixed on a first of the two components, a second securing part which can be fixed on the second component, and a hinge part. The hinge construction further includes a first coupling device for the rotatable coupling of the first securing part to the hinge part, and a second coupling device for the pivotable coupling of the hinge part to the second securing part. The second coupling device, in order to set a distance between the two components, includes two corresponding, curved coupling surfaces, which run parallel to the pivot axis and of which a first is provided on the hinge part and the second is provided on the second securing part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joerg-Uwe Dahl, Ludvik Godesa
  • Publication number: 20090200298
    Abstract: A box includes a first cover, a second cover, and an interior component housed in an internal space formed when the first cover and second cover are fit to each other. The first cover and the second cover have engaging mechanisms which engage the one end of the first cover to the one end of the second cover, and have retaining mechanisms which retain the other end of the first cover to the other end of the second cover. The first cover and the second cover are fit to each other in a normal state in a case that the engaging mechanisms are engaged with each other in a state where the retaining mechanisms are normally retained to each other. A projection is provided on at least one of the one end of the first cover and the one end of the second cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Makoto NAKAYAMA, Shinichi HAMAGUCHI
  • Patent number: 7572977
    Abstract: A modular electrical wiring component comprises a wiring module having a wiring portion for coupling to a source of electrical power and a user-accessible portion configured to accept and provide electrical power to a functional module that provides a selected electrical distribution function, wherein the wiring module is configured to accept the functional module without access to the wiring portion. The modular electrical wiring component also comprises an adjustable plaster ring configured to couple to the wiring module and to an electrical junction box, wherein the adjustable plaster ring provides a variable distance between the electrical junction box and the wiring module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: ProtectConnect
    Inventor: Michael P. Gorman
  • Patent number: 7557296
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for an electrical box repair cover have been described. A cover may be secured to an electrical box by various techniques including straps, clamps, etc. Additionally the cover may secure electrical devices to the electrical box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Inventor: Scott L. Lemke
  • Publication number: 20090084782
    Abstract: An apparatus and method according to which a seal is provided between an enclosure and an enclosure cover. The enclosure cover includes an enclosure engagement surface for coupling to enclosure. The apparatus includes a gasket positioned in a gasket channel located on the enclosure engagement surface to provide a seal between the enclosure and the enclosure cover. The enclosure engagement surface also includes a flame path surface adjacent the gasket channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Clifford Randy Helmer
  • Patent number: 7511219
    Abstract: An expandable while-in-use cover includes: a cap having a pair of cap side walls, a first cap end wall, a second cap end wall and a top wall, which define a cap opening and a cap interior; a base having a pair of base side walls, a first base end wall, a second base end wall and a back wall, which define a base opening and a base exterior, wherein the base side walls and base end walls correspond to the cap side walls and cap end walls and wherein the cover is adapted to slidably and/or telescopically receive the base; a first and second prong on the interior of each of the cap side walls near the first and second cap end walls; a first and second slotted track on the exterior of each of the base side walls near the base end walls, wherein the first slotted track of each base side wall is adapted to receive the first prong of each cap side wall and the second slotted track of each base side wall is adapted to receive the second prong of each cap side wall; and an aperture in the back wall for accessing an ele
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Cong Thanh Dinh, Claude James Bauer
  • Patent number: 7476806
    Abstract: A electrical box assembly is provided that includes an electrical outlet box and an adapter plate configured to accommodate electrical components in a single or double gang formation. An engaging mechanism permits the adapter plate to snap into the electrical outlet box without the use of screws or other fasteners. Thus, the adapter plate can be removed and rotated to change the orientation of the adapter plate and any electrical components attached thereto from a vertical to a horizontal orientation, and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Cong Thanh Dinh
  • Patent number: 7458479
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Inventor: Kimberly A. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7442874
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Inventor: Carlo Compagnone, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7432439
    Abstract: A terminal box of an output part of a solar cell module, including a case and an outer lid that are molded with a thermoplastic resin and an removal cable cover that is of a knockout type and is arranged in the case includes an inner lid that covers to close an electric circuit that is housed in the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takeshi Takada, Akihiro Takami
  • Publication number: 20080210452
    Abstract: An expandable while-in-use cover includes: a cap having a pair of cap side walls, a first cap end wall, a second cap end wall and a top wall, which define a cap opening and a cap interior; a base having a pair of base side walls, a first base end wall, a second base end wall and a back wall, which define a base opening and a base exterior, wherein the base side walls and base end walls correspond to the cap side walls and cap end walls and wherein the cover is adapted to slidably and/or telescopically receive the base; a first and second prong on the interior of each of the cap side walls near the first and second cap end walls; a first and second slotted track on the exterior of each of the base side walls near the base end walls, wherein the first slotted track of each base side wall is adapted to receive the first prong of each cap side wall and the second slotted track of each base side wall is adapted to receive the second prong of each cap side wall; and an aperture in the back wall for accessing an ele
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: Cong Thanh Dinh, Claude James Bauer
  • Publication number: 20080142513
    Abstract: A storage device comprises a body portion, a releasable lid and a hanging apparatus. The body portion includes a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls, the body portion further including a mounting point on an upper side of the bottom wall. The releasable lid defines a hole and is dimensioned to cover a top of the body portion opposite the bottom wall. The hanging apparatus extends from the mounting point of the body portion and through the hole of the lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Mark Geisler
  • Patent number: 7374057
    Abstract: A T-bar clip assembly that securely couples to T-bar structures that are used to construct suspended ceiling is disclosed. The T-bar assembly is configured to support one or more electrical fixtures and provide power feeds to the one or more electrical fixtures. The T-bar clip assembly comprises support brackets that secure to the T-bar structures and one or more housing structures that attach to a portion of the support brackets to form one or more corresponding junction box enclosures. The junction box enclosures provide the power feeds to the one or more electrical fixtures at locations that are substantially flush with support flanges of the T-bar structure, an outer surface of the removable ceiling tiles or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Finelite
    Inventors: Brian S. Hendrickson, Walter Blue Clark
  • Patent number: 7374058
    Abstract: An expandable while-in-use cover includes: a cap having a pair of cap side walls, a first cap end wall, a second cap end wall and a top wall, which define a cap opening and a cap interior; a base having a pair of base side walls, a first base end wall, a second base end wall and a back wall, which define a base opening and a base exterior, wherein the base side walls and base end walls correspond to the cap side walls and cap end walls and wherein the cover is adapted to slidably and/or telescopically receive the base; a first and second prong on the interior of each of the cap side walls near the first and second cap end walls; a first and second slotted track on the exterior of each of the base side walls near the base end walls, wherein the first slotted track of each base side wall is adapted to receive the first prong of each cap side wall and the second slotted track of each base side wall is adapted to receive the second prong of each cap side wall; and an aperture in the back wall for accessing an ele
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Cong Thanh Dinh, Claude James Bauer
  • Patent number: 7351909
    Abstract: An outdoor pedestal enclosure for housing telecommunications equipment is provided. The outdoor pedestal enclosure includes a base section and a cover engageable with the base section so as to define an interior space. The base section and cover are made of a multilayered plastic material including an outer layer and an inner layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Charles Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Walter T. Harwood, Glen E. Ledbury, G. Bruce Dilling, Joseph T. Charles, John Fearncombe
  • Patent number: 7312396
    Abstract: An electrical wiring component including an adjustable mount having a bracket, a junction box and a plaster ring. The junction box is adapted to receive at least one electrical cable in communications with a power source. The plaster ring is removably attached to the junction box. The bracket is adapted to attach to a wall stud, and the junction box is mounted to the bracket. A wiring module adapted to connect to a power source is attached to the plaster ring. The wiring module is configured to accept any one of a variety of functional modules so as to distribute electrical power from the power source via the functional modules. The mount is adjustable so as to provide a variable position for the wiring module within a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: ProtectConnect, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael P. Gorman
  • Publication number: 20070284370
    Abstract: A waterproof hinge-less door assembly is provided for an outdoor electrical enclosure, such as an electrical power pedestal. The electrical power pedestal includes a housing having an exterior and an opening, and an electrical component, such as a power receptacle, housed by the housing and accessible from the exterior of the housing through the opening. The hinge-less door assembly includes a mounting element coupled to the housing at or about the opening of the housing, a door operable among an open position in which access to the at least one electrical component is provided through the opening of the housing, and a closed position in which the door assembly provides a substantially weatherproof cover for the opening of the housing and the electrical component(s) housed by the housing, and a hinge-less coupling mechanism pivotably coupling the door to the mounting element. One or more weather shields provide further weather-resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Robert C. Dively
  • Patent number: 7304236
    Abstract: An electrical box assembly for providing electrical service including line voltage and signal line hookups for a television or home entertainment center. The electrical box assembly recesses electrical components including plug ends of electrical cords within the wall to make them unobtrusive and out of the way. The box assembly includes an integral electrical box for housing two line voltage electrical components and connection points for several low voltage components. The low voltage connection points are capable of accepting standard jacks for broadband cable, direct TV, surround sound cabling, or phone systems. The electrical box assembly includes a box member, a frame member, and a flange on the frame member to enable secure mounting to a pair of studs. A separate embodiment includes the box and frame members in one piece. The electrical box assembly enables easy consolidation of electrical and signal hookups for TV or home entertainment systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7304235
    Abstract: An electrical box assembly for providing electrical service and signal line hookups to a television or home entertainment center. The electrical box assembly can be recessed within the wall to make it unobtrusive and out of the way. The box assembly includes an integral electrical box for housing line voltage connections and connection points for several low voltage openings. The low voltage connection points are capable of accepting standard jacks for broadband cable, direct TV, surround sound cabling, or phone systems. The electrical box assembly enables easy consolidation of all the various electrical and signal hookups for TV or home entertainment systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7265292
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: Peter Greenfield
  • Patent number: 7264857
    Abstract: A constructional unit has a frame and a cover. The frame and the cover are formed of materials with different coefficients of thermal expansion. A plurality of spacers is arranged between the frame and the cover and defines a gap therebetween. An adhesive is provided in the gap to attach the frame to the cover and simultaneously seal the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Pretema GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Lorenz Berchtold, Dietmar Kurzeja, Guenter Lugert, Thomas Riepl, Robert Ingenbleek
  • Patent number: 7217308
    Abstract: This invention relates to a closing device for a housing of an air filter that can be closed with a housing cover. The assembly process is to be simplified and accelerated, while the number of parts required is to be reduced at the same time. According to the invention, this is achieved in that the housing cover and the housing can be connected to one another by means of a locking frame which surrounds the housing cover and the housing in the region of the housing edge, said locking frame being positionable in closed position by means of translatory motion, in which position it presses the housing cover onto the housing edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Montaplast GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Thanheiser
  • Patent number: 7193151
    Abstract: A pedestal enclosure for electronic components is provided. The pedestal enclosure includes a base section and a cover engageable with the base section so as to define an interior space. The base section has a generally rectangular configuration and having a plurality of longitudinally extending channels formed therein such that the base section is substantially self-supporting in the ground. The cover has a generally cylindrical configuration and is engageable with a cylindrical neck on the base section so as to define an interior space. A bracket system is supported on the base section and arranged in the interior space. The bracket system includes a pair of legs. The base section comprises front and rear housing sections that can be selectively assembled together and split apart without removal of the bracket system. A lock mechanism is arranged near the top or near the bottom of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Charles Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Walter Harwood
  • Patent number: 7186915
    Abstract: A square electrical box molded in one-piece of plastic material has three connectors extending outwardly from each box sidewall for receiving different sizes of electrical nonmetallic tubing. The box internal corners are occupied by bosses that extend the full height of the corners and have fastener receiving holes therein. Attachment ears extend outwardly from the box, and an adapter attachable to a front surface of the box has attachment ears aligned with the box ears. Fastener receiving holes through the ears are configured to receive fasteners that are inwardly inclined toward the box central longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: The Lamson & Sessions Co.
    Inventors: Eric G. Hull, Charles H. Riedy, Robert M. Gudin
  • Patent number: 7186913
    Abstract: A square electrical box molded in one-piece of plastic material has three ENT connectors extending outwardly from each box sidewall. The connectors on each sidewall include a middle connector and two outer connectors. All of the middle connectors are sized for receiving one-half inch standard trade size ENT conduit. Both of the outer connectors one pair of opposite sidewalls are sized for receiving three-quarter inch standard trade size ENT conduit. The other pair of opposite sidewalls have one outer connector sized to receive three-quarter inch standard trade size ENT conduit and another outer connector sized to receive one-inch standard trade size ENT conduit. The box has attachment ears extending outwardly from the box corners along diagonal lines that extend across diagonally opposite ones of the box corners. An adapter attached to a front surface of the box has attachment ears aligned with the box ears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: The Lamson & Sessions Co.
    Inventors: Eric G. Hull, Charles H. Riedy, Robert M. Gudin
  • Patent number: 7179995
    Abstract: The invention pertains to an electrical box assembly having a support structure for use in securing electrical enclosures, housings or boxes or the like to a stud. Upon insertion of the stud into a stud-receiving cavity of the assembly, a movable tab is pivoted to press one or more prongs into engagement with the stud. Pivoting of the tab may continue until the tab is locked in place whereupon the electrical enclosure is secured to the stud in compliance with code requirements without the need for such secondary operations as driving a separate fastener into the stud; the box now being secured with sufficient rigidity to satisfy local code enforcement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Cong Thanh Dinh
  • Patent number: 7159664
    Abstract: A method of extending an insulated wire through a wellhead opening of a well that includes casing having a top. The method makes use of an annular cap sized to engage and be retained by the top of the casing, the annular cap having smooth top and radially inward surfaces and defining an aperture. The annular cap is placed onto the top of the casing and the insulated wire is passed through the aperture, wherein should the insulated wire touch the annular cap the insulated wire will remain undamaged by the smooth top and radially inward surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Sanetel Pumps, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan D. Ross
  • Patent number: 7154041
    Abstract: Moisture-resistant electronic enclosures and methods of enclosing and isolating an electronic metering device are disclosed. The electronic enclosure can be adapted for metering devices, such as in automatic meter reading and other consumption measuring application, and includes a double-wall, isolated configuration. The apparatus and method of the invention thereby protect metering or other electronic components from moisture, dust, and other environmental debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Itron, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert K. Payne, Loren D. Dietz, Mitchell B. Austin
  • 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: 7145075
    Abstract: A square electrical box molded in one-piece of plastic material has three ENT connectors extending outwardly from each box sidewall. The connectors on each sidewall include a middle connector and two outer connectors. All of the middle connectors are sized for receiving one-half inch standard trade size ENT conduit. Both of the outer connectors one one pair of opposite sidewalls are sized for receiving three-quarter inch standard trade size ENT conduit. The other pair of opposite sidewalls have one outer connector sized to receive three-quarter inch standard trade size ENT conduit and another outer connector sized to receive one-inch standard trade size ENT conduit. The box has attachment ears extending outwardly from the box corners along diagonal lines that extend across diagonally opposite ones of the box corners. An adapter attached to a front surface of the box has attachment ears aligned with the box ears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: The Lamson & Sessions Co.
    Inventors: Eric G. Hull, Charles H. Riedy, Robert M. Gudin
  • 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: 7112744
    Abstract: A wall plate for engagement with an identical wall plate including an opening for the passage of wires or conduit therethrough. The plate is capable of being separated at its center to allow for the passage of oversized connectors and fittings and includes extender sections to increase the size of the opening. The invention includes a first plate section and identical second plate section that are mateable for easy separation and attachment. Both first and second plate sections include cantilever tab-like elements that extend from the ends of each plate section to join the plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventor: Tom DeCosta
  • 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