Electricity: conductors and insulators – Covers or face plates
Reexamination Certificate
2001-01-08
2001-08-21
Reichard, Dean A. (Department: 2831)
Electricity: conductors and insulators
Covers or face plates
C174S067000, C220S241000, C220S242000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06278062
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to the field of Electrical Switches and Outlet receptacles and more particularly to an article of manufacture for a Cover plate and a Faceplate without frontal screws, for flush mounted Electrical Outlet Boxes.
2. Description of the Prior Art
With the invention of electricity and the electric light, came the outlet box mounted on a wall in buildings, installed with various types of switches and outlet receptacles with a cover. People often decorate the covers to add decor to their room by painting or applying materials such as wallpaper or a graphic cover.
Common switch and outlet receptacle covers are manufactured with corresponding apertures for specific applications, attached with frontal screws to the switch or outlet receptacle in an electrical outlet box which is installed flush to the wall. Electrical outlet boxes are installed prior to attaching the rooms exterior wall. In some cases the outlet box is not flush with the wall when installed. The exterior wall, as with wallboard, are cut prior to installing over the outlet box. In some cases the gap is too great for the switch to make contact with the wall and the cover has to fill the gap. Common cover plates for switches an d outlet receptacles are made of plastic material. There is no adjustment to compensate for the gap in the wall. While positioning the cover, when the frontal screws are tightened, the cover may crack.
Common Cover plates for switches and outlet receptacles are standard in size, and have frontal mounting screws. When applying a graphic cover, the surface area is limited for viewing and the screws distract from the design. Also frontal screws will rust corroding the switch or outlet receptacle and discolor Cover plates in humid climates, such as Hawaii.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
The primary object of the invention is to provide an improved Cover plate for flush mounted electrical outlet boxes, that is attached with screws, to the installed switch or outlet receptacle and covers exposed wiring.
Another object is to provide a unique Cover plate, shaped with corresponding apertures, to position over single, double or triple electrical outlet boxes installed with various types of switches or outlet receptacles and or combinations thereof.
Still another object is to provide a novel oversized Cover plate shaped with corresponding adjusting apertures for the switch or outlet mounting screws, which secures flush to the wall when attached, the Cover plate, switch and or outlet receptacles.
A further object is to provide a Cover plate, which is a base for a unique Faceplate without frontal mounting screws, that rust, corroding the switch or outlet receptacle in humid climates, such as Hawaii.
Yet, another object of the invention is to provide an oversized Faceplate for attaching a graphic cover or materials applied to the surface for decoration.
Still yet another object is to provide a Faceplate without frontal screws that distract from, or has to be designed around, or included in a decorative design covering.
Another object is to provide a Faceplate that is attached or removed easily from the cover plate, using hook and loop material. Faceplates may be easily changed for seasonal events or special occasions. Faceplates are easily removed for cleaning the Faceplate or re decorating the wall.
Another object is to provide Faceplate plugs which fill unused switch apertures, whether if attaching to a single or double outlet box, for a smooth surface area for applying a decorating material.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.
An article of manufacture for a Cover plate and a Faceplate for flush mounted Electrical Outlet Boxes, installed with various types of Switches and or Outlet Receptacles or combinations thereof.
The Cover plate will position over single, double or triple electrical outlet boxes attached to the switch or outlet with screws, and adjusting apertures which secure flush to the wall when the cover plate is attached.
The Faceplate being over sized has ample surface area for attaching a graphic cover or applying material for decoration without distracting frontal screws. The Faceplate is attached to the Cover plate with hook and latch material for easy installation and removal, cleaning, or exchanging Faceplates with other designs for seasonal or other occasions.
The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1713101 (1929-03-01), Starrett
patent: 3140344 (1964-07-01), Slater et al.
patent: 4293173 (1981-10-01), Tricca
patent: 4737599 (1988-04-01), Fontaine
patent: 6188022 (2001-02-01), He
Patel Dhiru R
Reichard Dean A.
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