Movable About Axis Patents (Class 439/142)
  • Patent number: 8324500
    Abstract: An electrical outlet safety cap is easily removed from an electrical outlet by adults but not by children. The safety cap includes a disk, prong or prongs, and at least one keyhole. The prongs extend outwardly from the rear surface of the disk. When in place, the prongs are secured tightly in the contact holes to prevent removal by children. The rear surface of the disk has one or more keyholes. To remove the safety cap, the prong of a second safety cap is slid into the keyhole of a first safety cap that is in use. The second safety cap is pulled outward, away from the electrical outlet, removing the prongs of the first safety cap from the contact holes to free the first safety cap from the electrical outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Rhoost LLC.
    Inventors: Vianka Perez Belyea, Tavinder Phull
  • Patent number: 8317537
    Abstract: A utility receptacle apparatus for use with an article of furniture having a work surface and an opening in the work surface. The utility receptacle apparatus has a grommet member having a top side, a bottom side, a peripheral portion and an opening. The bottom side comprises a structure that is sized to fit into an opening in the work surface. The peripheral portion is sized so as to contact the work surface when the structure is disposed within the opening in the work surface. The utility receptacle apparatus further includes a device charging system attached to the grommet member. The device charging system has a charging pad for receiving and charging a chargeable electronic device. The device charging system also has electrical conductors for connection to an electrical power source. The utility receptacle apparatus further includes a receptacle base member which has portions thereof that are configured to be attached to the underside of a work surface of the article of furniture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Premier Manufacturing Group, Inc.
    Inventors: David Black, Robert A. Love
  • Publication number: 20120295457
    Abstract: An electrical socket comprising an electrical receptacle, a cover for the receptacle, a hinge coupling the cover to the receptacle so that the cover can pivot toward and away from an opening in the receptacle to allow insertion of an electrical plug into the receptacle. A paired combination is provided comprising a magnet and a magnet attractive region on ones of the cover and receptacle causing the cover to be attracted to the receptacle when the cover gets to a predetermined distance from the receptacle thereby causing the cover to be closed on the receptacle by magnetic attraction when the plug is not inserted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: Gregory J. Holland
  • Publication number: 20120244730
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a housing and a cover. The housing can include a surface to receive a terminal block to transmit power to an electrical component. A shroud to be inserted within the electrical component can extend away from the housing surface. The cover can have an end for hingedly attaching to the housing. Another cover end can be configured to releasably lock to the housing. The housing and the cover can have notches. The cover is pivotable relative to the housing between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the cover and the housing together form an enclosure for the terminal block, and the notches of the housing and the cover cooperatively define passageways configured to receive external wires to connect to the terminal block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Don Grimm, Edward John Kliewer, Kwok Keung Lee, Sam David Blackwell
  • Patent number: 8251719
    Abstract: A flash drive includes a frame and a main body. A receiving portion defining a receiving space therein is formed on an end of the frame. Two arms extend from opposite ends of the receiving portion. A universal serial bus (USB) connector is formed on an end of the main body. The main body is slidably and pivotably installed between the arms. The main body is operable to slide toward the receiving portion to insert the USB connector into the receiving space. And when the USB connector is received in the receiving space, the main body is operable to slide away from the receiving portion, to move the USB connector out from the receiving space, and the main body is then pivotable relative to the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jian-Chun Pan, Hai-Qing Zhou, Yi-Xin Tu
  • Patent number: 8241049
    Abstract: An adapter apparatus includes a main body, two conductive head portions, and two covers. The main body includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The conductive head portions are electrically connected to each other, and pivotably mounted to the first and second ends, respectively, to pivot between first positions where the covers cover the corresponding head portions, and second positions where the covers are latched to the main body to expose the corresponding head portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zheng-Heng Sun
  • Publication number: 20120146660
    Abstract: A connector arrangement includes a single-piece plug nose body defining a cavity in which a storage device is held. A cover for the cavity is attached to the plug nose body by a living hinge. Example storage devices include an EEPROM on a printed circuit board. The storage device is electrically isolated from primary contacts of the connector arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: ADC TELECOMMUNICATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Loren J. Mattson
  • Patent number: 8162693
    Abstract: A connector assembly including a connector body with a locking cam defined on an external surface. In a method of use the locking cam cooperates with a perimeter of a knock-out hole into which the connector is to be inserted. During insertion of the connector body the locking cam engages the knock-out hole and deforms a retainer ring so as to permit further insertion. Once the connector body is fully seated, the locking cam cooperates with a locking tang on the retainer ring to hold the connector assembly together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Bridgeport Fittings, Inc.
    Inventors: Delbert L. Auray, Kenneth M. Kiely
  • Patent number: 8157574
    Abstract: A power strip has a stationary base, at least one rotating base, at least one pintle and a power cable. The at least one rotating base is mounted rotatably on the stationary base. Each of the at least one rotating base has a top surface facing along a Z-axis and at least one socket mounted on the top surface and selectively covered by the stationary base by rotating each of the at least one rotating base to align with the stationary base. The at least one pintle faces along the Z-axis and rotatably connects the at least one rotating base to the stationary base. The power cable is mounted on the stationary base. The socket may be covered to prevent malfunction and shorting problems due to dust accumulation on the socket and prevent penetration by objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Rite-Tech Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Feng-Shen Hsiao
  • Patent number: 8152542
    Abstract: An electrical connector enclosure which includes a framework having at least one wall, and which at least partly defines an internal cavity; and a moveable panel mounted on the framework, the panel being moveable between an open position and a closed position relative to the internal cavity, and wherein the at least one wall and the moveable panel cooperate to define a conductor aperture when the moveable panel is located in the closed position relative to the internal cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Pantrol, Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Kucera, Paul N. Poshusta, Jonathan E. Gessele
  • Patent number: 8149424
    Abstract: A disclosed image processing device includes: a media connecting portion including a first surface and a second surface forming a space for housing a protrusion type storage medium whose body protrudes from the media connecting portion and an insertion type storage medium whose body is inserted into the media connecting portion; a protrusion type slot portion for protrusion type storage media formed on the first surface; and an insertion type slot portion for insertion type storage media formed on the second surface. An insertion direction in the protrusion type slot portion is substantially orthogonal to an insertion direction in the insertion type slot portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuichi Yomogida, Yoichi Utaka
  • Publication number: 20120034795
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes: a plurality of jacks, for which an order of priority in plug insertion is set, including a first jack of low priority and a second jack of high priority; and a wrong insertion prevention member, provided on the periphery of jacks, configured to close at least a part of the first jack when no plug is connected to the second jack, and configured to disclose the first jack when a plug is inserted in the second jack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Kenji Nitobe, Akira Sugiyama
  • Publication number: 20120028485
    Abstract: An electronic device includes an enclosure, a connector, a connector cover, and a resisting member. The enclosure defines at least one opening. The connector is disposed in the enclosure and corresponding to the at least one opening of the enclosure. The connector cover covers the opening to protect the connector and includes pivot shaft. The pivot shaft is rotatably connected to the enclosure. The resisting member elastically resists the pivot shaft and the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., AMBIT MICROSYSTEMS (SHANGHAI) LTD.
    Inventor: PEI LIU
  • Patent number: 8092238
    Abstract: A universal serial bus (USB) interface includes a positive differential signal pin including first and second sections, a button mounted to the USB interface, and an elastic piece. The button includes a driving rod with a distal end resisting against the second section, a receiving room is defined below the second section to receive the elastic piece, so the second section is clamped between the elastic piece and the driving rod and is electrically connected to the first section. When the button is pressed, the driving rod of the button causes the second section to deform the elastic piece, so the second section moves away from the first section. When the button is released, the elastic piece is restored to return the first section to the second section, so the first and second sections are electrically connected again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zheng-Heng Sun
  • Publication number: 20110312197
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a portable connector device includes a cap member and a main body rotating relative to the member. The main body includes a connector. The portable connector device further includes a connecting structure for connecting the cap member and the main body. The connecting structure connects the cap member and the main body, allowing a limited angle of rotation, to close or open the cap member to the connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicants: FIH (HONG KONG) LIMITED, SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: WEN-PING LI
  • Patent number: 8079856
    Abstract: A power connector includes a socket, an insulating member, a handle, a plug, and a blocking plate mounted between the handle and the insulating member to limit movement of the insulating member. The insulating member is received in the socket and includes a first through hole extending therethrough and an opening communicating with the first through hole. The handle includes a second through hole for receiving a part of the insulating member and with a diameter thereof being less than an outer diameter of the part of the insulating member so that the insulating member can rotate with the handle. The plug includes an end portion and an inserting portion received in the first through hole. Rotation of the handle with the insulating member relative to the socket either allows or disallows an electrical connection to be established between the socket and the inserting portion via the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kai-Chun Xiong
  • Patent number: 8063303
    Abstract: An electrical outlet safety cover for an electrical outlet that is attached to the outlet in place of traditional outlet covers. The outlet cover includes a slide that unlocks another slide containing holes that match prong holes on an outlet. Once the slide with the holes is moved into place, access to the outlet is granted and any electrical device can be plugged into the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: McBain Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Theodore McBain
  • Patent number: 8029302
    Abstract: An ornamental strap with charging and data transmitting function is disclosed, The ornamental strap comprises: a data cable; a base; a data connector rotatably connected to the base; and a USB connector; wherein a positioning groove is provided between the data connector and the base; the data cable has one end connected to the data connector, and the other end bent and turned back to connect with the USB connector after passing through the positioning groove. Therefore, the data cable forms a loop at one end of the base such that it can be carried about and will not be lost easily, and further it can be used as an ornament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventor: Xingyi Duan
  • Publication number: 20110237099
    Abstract: A swivel-type portable flash device includes a C-shaped swivel cover that rotates (swivels) relative to a housing between an open position in which a plug connector is exposed for insertion in a host system, and a closed position in which the plug connector is covered and protected by the swivel cover. The swivel cover is permanently rotatably connected to the housing by way of ring-shaped protrusions that are movably engaged inside corresponding recessed ring-shaped grooves formed in upper/lower walls of the housing, whereby the swivel cover is manually rotatable relative to the housing between the opened and closed positions. The swivel cover also includes locking structures (e.g., locking notches) disposed on the ring-shaped protrusions, and the housing includes second locking structures disposed in the recessed ring-shaped grooves, where the first locking structures operably engage the second locking structures to prevent rotation of the swivel cover when the plug connector is in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: Super Talent Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim Chin-Nan Ni, Abraham C. Ma
  • Patent number: 8021173
    Abstract: A socket cover includes a body and a base. The base includes a passage with a middle portion and two terminals. The width of the middle portion of the passage is smaller than the width of the two terminals of the passage. The body includes a pin, extruded in a direction parallel with an axis and pivotable about the axis relatively to the base. The pin of the body passes through and slides in the passage. When the pin is abutted against one of the terminals of the passage, the pin lodges in the terminal of the passage, so as to fix the body on the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Gigabyte Technology
    Inventor: Hsiu-Te Lin
  • Patent number: 8007297
    Abstract: A device includes a housing, an interface port protection cover, at least one slots, and at least one connecting members which includes a connecting portion and a sliding portion. Each connecting member defines a guide slot along a longitudinal direction of the sliding portion. The connecting portion is connected to the cover, and the sliding portion extends through the corresponding slot. The housing defines one guide protrusion and one limiting protrusion protruding from a bottom thereof corresponding to each slot. The guide protrusion and the limiting protrusion are slidably received in the guide slot, and one end of the guide slot resists against the limiting protrusion. When a user mistakenly attempts to rotate the cover by moving a first end of the cover which is adjacent to the sliding portion, the end of the guide slot resists against the limiting protrusion and the protection cover cannot move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Da-Yi Peng
  • Publication number: 20110207351
    Abstract: A power strip has a stationary base, at least one rotating base, at least one pintle and a power cable. The at least one rotating base is mounted rotatably on the stationary base. Each of the at least one rotating base has a top surface facing along a Z-axis and at least one socket mounted on the top surface and selectively covered by the stationary base by rotating each of the at least one rotating base to align with the stationary base. The at least one pintle faces along the Z-axis and rotatably connects the at least one rotating base to the stationary base. The power cable is mounted on the stationary base. The socket may be covered to prevent malfunction and shorting problems due to dust accumulation on the socket and prevent penetration by objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventor: FENG-SHEN HSIAO
  • Patent number: 8003885
    Abstract: A box for connecting a ribbon output conductor of a solar panel with a feed cable has a base mountable on the solar panel and formed with a first hole for the ribbon output conductor and a second hole for the feed cable, a removable cover fittable with the base and forming when fitted with the base a substantially closed compartment, and two holders at the first hole oriented at a predetermined angle to each other and adapted to hold a conductive part of the feed cable in either of two positions offset by the predetermined angle relative to the first hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Lumberg Connect GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Richter, Dennis Gazke, Lothar Fuhrmeister
  • Patent number: 7988453
    Abstract: A vehicle charge inlet structure includes a first socket; a second socket; an electric power storage charged with power supplied from a first charge facility through the first charge connector or from a second charge facility through the second charge connector; a panel opening formed in a panel member defining a vehicle surface of the vehicle; and a box-shaped accommodating member positioned correspondingly to a position of the panel opening, wherein the accommodating member comprises a first wall portion and a second wall portion, and the first wall portion extends in parallel with the vehicle surface and is provided with the first socket while the second wall portion extends diagonally toward the vehicle surface from an end of the first wall portion and is provided with the second socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Weng Leong Loo, Yutaka Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 7967617
    Abstract: An electrical connector including a first connector portion and a second connector portion, and interface electronics for providing an interface between terminals associated with the first and second connector portions and a vehicle bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Stoneridge Control Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl Vonnegut, Neal Pugh, Aleksey Rybalnik, Todd Meaney, Per I. Karlsson, Oscar Lopez
  • Patent number: 7960650
    Abstract: A box for connecting an output conductor from a solar panel with a feed cable has a base mountable on the solar panel and formed with a first hole for the panel-output conductor and a second hole for the feed cable, a removable cover fittable with the base in a closed position and forming in the closed position with the base a substantially closed compartment, and at least one component mounted on the cover in the compartment. The component is something that affects transmission of electricity from the solar panel into an electrical network connected to the feed cable or that affects the microclimate inside the connection box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Lumberg Connect GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Richter, Stefan Joergens, Lothar Fuhrmeister
  • Patent number: 7950935
    Abstract: An electronic device with a covering lid for covering an insert hole includes a housing and the covering lid. The housing includes a first surface and a second surface which are connected to each other, and the first surface includes an insert hole. The covering lid includes a covering plate and a flexible handle, and the covering plate is disposed on the first surface and covers the insert hole. A first end of the flexible handle is connected to the second surface of the housing, and a second end of the flexible handle is connected to the covering plate. A bending portion is disposed between the first end and the second end to provide spring force to the covering plate to make the covering plate move along a direction away from the insert hole automatically when the covering plate is unfolded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: ASUSTek Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Meng-Zhang Lin, Cheng-Chung Chu
  • Patent number: 7939754
    Abstract: A box for connecting an output conductor of a solar panel with a feed cable has a base mountable on the solar panel and having a generally planar floor from whose outer periphery a side wall projects perpendicularly. A cover engageable with the side wall forms with the floor and side wall a substantially closed compartment. At least one holder in the compartment on the floor grips and positions an end of the feed cable such that it extends in a predetermined first direction. The side wall is formed with a cutout through which the feed cable passes. The cutout and holder are relatively spaced and oriented such that the cable extends in a predetermined second direction that forms an acute angle with the first direction between the holder and the cutout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Lumberg Connect GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Richter, Stefan Joergens, Ralf Schuler, Andreas Ross
  • Patent number: 7939758
    Abstract: Implementations of an electrical device cover may include a base unit having an electrical device aperture therein configured to accommodate a face of a first electrical device. A portion of the base unit may be configured to cover a portion of the face of the first electrical device of a first electrical device type when the electrical device cover is installed over the first electrical device and may be configured to expose a face of a second electrical device of a second electrical device type different from the first electrical device type when the electrical device cover is installed over the second electrical device. The electrical device cover may further comprise an attachment configured to attach to the base unit and to the electrical device. The attachment may be capable of seating between two faces of the electrical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: TayMac Corporation
    Inventor: Marcus J. Shotey
  • Publication number: 20110084661
    Abstract: A portable electric device charging connector arrangement comprising a socket, a power supply connected to the socket, the socket including a female USB connector; an adapter comprising a housing and a male USB plug extending from the housing; a mounting arranged to support the housing; the mounting including a socket engaging portion arranged so that the socket engaging portion engages the socket when the USB plug is engaged in the USB socket; the housing further comprising a device connector extending upwardly in use so that a portable electric device may be charged when engaged to the device connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventor: Hock Thiam Saw
  • Patent number: 7901224
    Abstract: A utility receptacle apparatus for use with a work surface. The utility receptacle apparatus has a grommet member that has a frame structure. The frame structure has an opening therein and an upper peripheral portion that extends about the opening. The upper peripheral portion has a top side and bottom side wherein the bottom side has a surface for contacting a work surface of an article of furniture. The frame structure includes a front wall, a rear wall and a pair of sidewalls that extend downward from and are attached to the bottom side of the peripheral portion. A lid member is located within the opening of the frame structure and is movably attached to the sidewalls of the frame structure. The utility receptacle apparatus includes a receptacle base member that has a top plate section which has a top side and a bottom side. The top plate section has a pair of oppositely positioned raised sections and a recessed section that is located between the raised sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Premier Manufacturing Group, Inc.
    Inventors: David Black, Glenn Golden, Michael Brandstatter
  • Patent number: 7896665
    Abstract: An electrical panel assembly comprised of individual electrical panel modules. The electrical panel modules comprise a first receptacle comprising transmitting electrical contacts to interface with a first connector comprising receiving electrical contacts and a first rotation ring for facilitating contact between the transmitting electrical contacts and the receiving electrical contacts, where the first rotation ring rotates between an open position permitting connection or disconnection of the first connector from the receptacle and a closed position preventing connection or disconnection of the first connector from the first receptacle. The first electrical panel module interacts with a second electrical panel module in a manner that the absence of the first connector in the first receptacle prevents the second electrical panel module from accepting a second connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Joseph Edward Parrish
  • Patent number: 7897869
    Abstract: An apparatus for assembling over a standard electrical wall outlet for providing a handy and neatly stored retractable extension cord disposed in such apparatus. Such apparatus further includes a regular outlet disposed on a cover portion of the apparatus. Such apparatus mounts closely adjacent such standard wall outlet. The retractable extension cord assembly has a twist lock receptacle that can be used with compatible electrical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventor: Timothy L. St. Clair
  • Patent number: 7896667
    Abstract: A latching element includes a main section having a first end and a second end opposite thereto, a connecting portion formed on the edge of the first end, a locking portion formed on the second end; and a shaft spaced from the main section. The present disclosure also discloses a method of manufacturing the latching element and a portable electronic device having the latching element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventor: Zheng-Dong Qing
  • Patent number: 7883347
    Abstract: There is disclosed a power connection apparatus which can secure connection between a power socket and a power plug and which can simplify the connecting operation properties thereof. A handle rotatably attached to the power plug having terminals includes engaging claw disengageably engaged with engagement portion of the power socket having an electrode portion, an abutment portion which abuts on the power socket, and a grip portion. The rotation of the grip portion in such a direction as to come away from the power socket is limited by the angle of the rotation of the handle in a direction in which the grip portion comes close to the power socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Oketani, Masahiko Nagatake, Satoshi Ishikawa, Kenji Maru
  • Patent number: 7880086
    Abstract: A convertible electrical device cover including a base and an adapter coupled as an assembly and configured to accommodate an electrical device. When the convertible electrical device cover is placed in an operative position over the electrical device the adapter may be located between the electrical device and a rear of the base. In particular implementations, a portion of the adapter may be located behind the yoke of the electrical device. The adapter may be movably coupled to the base. A method for installing a convertible electrical device cover is also disclosed including placing the convertible electrical device cover in an operative position over an electrical device so that an adapter may be located between the electrical device and a rear of a base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: TayMac Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Shotey, Marcus J. Shotey, Edgar W. Maltby, Kenneth C. Booth
  • Publication number: 20110013372
    Abstract: A portable terminal includes a main body unit having an opening at a side thereof, a port cover rotatably formed on the side of the main body unit to open or close the opening, and a port assembly formed within the main body unit configured to be projected out of the opening when the port cover opens the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Lai O. Kang
  • Patent number: 7862352
    Abstract: An electrical panel assembly comprised of individual electrical panel modules. The electrical panel modules comprise a first receptacle comprising transmitting electrical contacts to interface with a first connector comprising receiving electrical contacts and a first rotation ring for facilitating contact between the transmitting electrical contacts and the receiving electrical contacts, where the first rotation ring rotates between an open position permitting connection or disconnection of the first connector from the receptacle and a closed position preventing connection or disconnection of the first connector from the first receptacle. The first electrical panel module interacts with a second electrical panel module in a manner that the absence of the first connector in the first receptacle prevents the second electrical panel module from accepting a second connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Joseph Edward Parrish
  • Patent number: 7850371
    Abstract: A cable interface housing cover is disclosed. The cable interface housing cover is connected to a cable interface portion of a cable interface housing. The cable interface housing cover includes a U-shaped portion and a hinged portion connected to a rotating axis. The hinged portion is configured to rotate about the rotating axis upon being handled by the end user to expose the cable interface housing to allow a cable to be inserted into the cable interface housing once the housing cover is lifted via a lifting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Alcatel-Lucent USA Inc.
    Inventors: Mike C Riley, Anthony P Noto, Clifford T Jones
  • Publication number: 20100255697
    Abstract: USB stick (1) of the type which mainly consists of a housing (2) with a memory and a USB plug (3) protruding from an edge of the housing (2) and a cap (4) which can be provided over the USB plug (3) with an open side so as to protect the latter, characterised in that the USB stick (1) is provided with means which connect the housing (2) and the cap (4), in the open as well as in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: PROVISTA BESLOTEN VENNOOTSCHAP MET BEPERKTE AANSPRAKE LIJKHEID
    Inventor: Xavier Cabes
  • Publication number: 20100248512
    Abstract: A USB device including a housing and a protective cap that are slidably and/or pivotably connected together such that the protective cap is able to slide and/or pivot between an open position, in which a plug connector extending from the front of the housing is exposed for operable coupling to a host system, and a closed position, in which the protective cap is disposed over the front end portion of the housing to protect the plug connector. A pivoting/sliding mechanism is provided on the housing and cap that secures the protective cap to the housing at all times, including during transitional movements of the protective cap between the opened and closed positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: Super Talent Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Siew S. Hiew, Nan Nan, Abraham C. Ma
  • Publication number: 20100240239
    Abstract: An electronic device with a hidden I/O interface module is disclosed. The electronic device includes a container and a surface with an opening, container and the opening communicate with each other. The container includes a first position and a second position. The electronic device also includes an I/O connection unit, a pivot module and a cover. The I/O connection unit is disposed at the container, electrically connected to the electronic device and includes a connecting surface. The pivot module is connected to the I/O connection unit. The cover is connected to the pivot module. When the cover is shut, it covers the container and makes the I/O connection unit located at the first position. When the cover is open, it drives the pivot module to drive the I/O connection unit to move to the second position to make the connecting surface of the I/O connection unit aligned with the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Kuan-Ting Chen, Chao-Ming Chu, Yi-Ting Chen
  • Patent number: 7798828
    Abstract: A cover assembly for a portable electronic device includes a body member defining a jack and a cover member defining a through hole at one end. The cover member pivots relative to the body member to cover or expose the jack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Ling-Mei Kuo
  • Patent number: 7794246
    Abstract: An electronic storage device for connecting with a host system in accordance with the present invention includes a cover having a body section and a protection section bending from one end of the body section, and a main body having an electrical connector with an interface and defining a receiving space. The body section forms a positioning section of polygonal shape at the other end of the cover. The main body includes at least one cooperating portion disposed in the receiving space and having a flat cooperating surface. The body section of the cover covers the main body with the protection section covering the interface of the electrical connector to protect the interface. The positioning section is received in the receiving space of the main body and the main body is capable of rotating relative to the cover with the at least one cooperating portion rotating along the polygonal edge of the positioning section and being compressed by the positioning section to produce deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: A-Data Technology (Suzhou) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wei-Jen Cheng
  • Patent number: 7789680
    Abstract: A USB device including a housing and a protective cap that are slidably and/or pivotably connected together such that the protective cap is able to slide and/or pivot between an open position, in which a plug connector extending from the front of the housing is exposed for operable coupling to a host system, and a closed position, in which the protective cap is disposed over the front end portion of the housing to protect the plug connector. A pivoting/sliding mechanism is provided on the housing and cap that secures the protective cap to the housing at all times, including during transitional movements of the protective cap between the opened and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Super Talent Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Siew S. Hiew, Nan Nan, Abraham C. Ma
  • Publication number: 20100221937
    Abstract: A wireless communication terminal includes a terminal body having an arrangement portion, a connector unit hinge-connected to the terminal body and able to be accommodated in and taken out of the arrangement portion, a cover unit to move on the terminal body to cover and uncover the arrangement portion, and a guide unit to hold the cover unit in an open position, and to guide the cover unit into a closed position in conjunction with a movement of the connector unit. The cover unit includes an embedded intenna, and the connector unit includes a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector to provide a wireless communication function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: PANTECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dong-Chol CHOI, Duck-Hyun KIM, Ki-Won LEE, Bong-Kyu LEE
  • Patent number: 7771216
    Abstract: The present invention is an accessory jack for use in an interior panel of an automobile, having a rotating assembly, including two or more sides. An accessory jack is operably associated with the rotating assembly and a pivot point. In a first embodiment, the pivot point is located in the center of the rotating assembly equidistant from the two or more sides, along a substantially vertical axis. In a second embodiment, the pivot point is located where one of the two or more sides connects to another of the two or more sides, along a substantially vertical axis. The rotating assembly rotates about the pivot point, exposing the accessory jack, making the accessory jack available for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Intier Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Lisa A. Grems, Daniel V. Beckley
  • Patent number: 7766695
    Abstract: A power inlet box suitable for outdoor or external use is configured in such a manner that an electrical socket may be electrically coupled to an interior load before the electrical socket is secured within the power inlet box. The power inlet box may be formed from weather or otherwise corrosion resistant material such as plastic and is designed such that the electrical socket faces downward toward an exposed lower end of the power inlet box. The electrical socket is supported by a mounting member that may be removably mounted to the power inlet box to secure the electrical socket within the power inlet box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Reliance Controls Corporation
    Inventors: Neil A. Czarnecki, Kurt Von Eckroth
  • Patent number: 7763799
    Abstract: A cover assembly for attaching to an electrical box includes a base plate, a body and a cover hinged to the body. The assembly is mounted to the electrical box to protect an electrical device from moisture while allowing access to the electrical device. Hinge members are provided that are inserted into a slot on a selected side of the cover and base to enable the cover assembly to be oriented in a horizontal or vertical direction with the cover being pivotally mounted along a horizontal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Steven J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7742294
    Abstract: A portable computing device, including a latch apparatus and system, may include a rotatable high wear plastic oversnapping arm, a pivot portion on the portable computing device, and an enclosure door with a geometric mating feature. The oversnapping arm may be configured to rotate 90° about the pivot portion to snap over the geometric mating feature and secure the enclosure door in a closed, latched position. As the oversnapping arm is rotated downward, its progress may be frictionally impeded by the geometric mating feature. Applying downward pressure on the oversnapping arm towards the physical interference may cause the oversnapping arm to bend over the interfering feature and snap into a closed, geometrically interlocked position. In the closed, latched position, the oversnapping arm may apply a positive pressure against the enclosure door. The positive pressure on the enclosure door increases the environmental sealing capabilities by putting additional pressure on the existing environmental seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: General Dynamics Itronix Corporation
    Inventors: William Eugene Gadau, Neal Stanley Clark