Floor box assembly

Details Floor box assembly Floor box assembly

1999-11-05

2001-07-24

Reichard, Dean A. (Department: 2831)

Electricity: conductors and insulators

Covers or face plates

With closure for face plate opening

C174S066000, C220S003800

Reexamination Certificate

active

06265662

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to cover assemblies for floor mounted electrical receptacles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A floor mounted electrical receptacle is typically contained in a structure known as a floor box. Electrical power lines are routed upward to the receptacle through an open lower end of the floor box. A cover assembly at the floor surface conceals the floor box from view and has an access door that can be opened for access to the receptacle in the floor box.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention comprises an apparatus for use with an electrical receptacle and a floor box. A first part of the apparatus defines a floor plate which is configured to fit over the floor box in an installed position. The floor plate has an inner edge surface defining an access opening for providing access to the receptacle. A second part of the apparatus defines an access door which is pivotal into and out of a closed position in which it closes the access opening.
The apparatus further includes a detent structure which is operative between the door and the floor plate to retain the door releaseably in the closed position. The detent structure includes an elongated spring which is mounted on one of those parts, and also includes a cam surface on the other part. A first end portion of the spring is anchored to the part on which it is mounted. A second end portion of the spring defines a cam follower. An intermediate portion of the spring supports the second end portion for movement pivotally about the first end portion against a bias of the spring. This occurs upon sliding movement of the cam follower across the cam surface as the door moves to the closed position.


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