Geometrical instruments – Gauge – Wall panel outline marker for utility
Reexamination Certificate
1998-08-31
2001-11-20
Hirshfeld, Andrew H. (Department: 2859)
Geometrical instruments
Gauge
Wall panel outline marker for utility
C033S566000, C033SDIG001
Reexamination Certificate
active
06317995
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a combination shield and template for covering an electrical junction box during the application of wallpaper to a wall. More specifically, the present invention relates to a combination shield and template which covers the electrical junction box, prevents the introduction of glue or other materials into the box or close to the electrical wires, shields the electrical components from being coated with glue and provides a template for cutting the wallpaper around the periphery of the junction box after the wallpaper has been glued to the wall.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
When a room has electrical fixtures such as electrical outlets, switches and phone jacks, it is dangerous and unsightly if the electrical components of these fixtures becomes coated with wallpaper glue during a wallpapering operation. Typically, in order to avoid this situation, the worker installing the wallpaper detaches all cover plates and uses masking tape or the like to temporarily cover any exposed electrical components. However, this procedure presents at least two specific problems.
First, as the wallpaper is applied to the wall, glue or the adhesive material may be permitted to enter the electrical junction box and, consequently, come into contact with electrical wiring disposed therein. Because most adhesives are water-based, this presents a shock hazard to the worker installing the wallpaper.
Further, after the wallpaper is applied to the wall and over the junction box, the worker installing the wallpaper does not have a definite idea as to the location of the outer periphery of the junction box. Knowing where the outer periphery of the junction box is important because an ideal cut of the wallpaper would be along the outer periphery of the junction box or just inside the outer periphery of the junction box. In this way, the cover plate will fully cover the cut in the wallpaper because cover plates typically extend beyond the junction box on all sides by one quarter inch or one half inch. By not knowing where the outer periphery of the junction box is, the worker installing the wallpaper is forced to guess and an improper cut may extend beyond the reach of the cover plate thereby exposing a slit or cut in the wallpaper.
Along these same lines, by not knowing where the outer periphery of the junction box is, the worker installing the wallpaper is also unaware of the location of the electrical wiring disposed in the junction box. Consequently, by not knowing where the electrical wiring is, the worker is susceptible to cutting the electrical wiring with the wallpaper cutting knife or blade. Again, this situation presents a substantial shock hazard.
While cover plates are known for use in painting, no such similar cover plates have been provided that fulfill the specific requirements of applying wallpaper. Specifically, no cover plates currently used for painting can adequately serve as a template for cutting wallpaper. Accordingly, there is a need for a combination shield and template for covering electrical junction boxes during the application of wallpaper to a wall which also serves as a template for cutting the wallpaper after the wallpaper is attached to the wall.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention satisfies the aforenoted needs by providing a combination shield and template for covering an electrical junction box disposed in a wall during the application of wallpaper to the wall. The combination shield and template comprises a rectangular plate that has an outer periphery disposed in matching registry or just inside of the outer periphery of the junction box. The plate further comprises a rear side that faces the junction box and an outwardly facing front side. The plate further comprises at least one aperture for accommodating an electrical component therein, such as a switch or female plug connector. The front side of the plate comprises a domed cover for the aperture which serves to protect the electrical component accommodated in the aperture from wallpaper glue. The domed structure also provides a visual indication to the worker installing the wallpaper as to the location of the junction box.
In an embodiment, the front side of the plate further comprises a guiding groove that extends around the periphery of the plate for guiding a wallpaper cutting blade so that the wallpaper applicator may make an accurate cut of the wallpaper around the cutting blade, either in matching registry with the outer periphery of the junction box or along a line disposed just inside the outer periphery of the junction box.
In an embodiment, the plate is fabricated from an insulating material.
In an embodiment, the plate is fabricated from plastic.
In an embodiment, the plate is fabricated from extruded polyvinyl chloride.
In an embodiment, the plate further comprises at least one hole for accommodating a screw for attaching the plate to the junction box during the wallpapering of the wall.
In an embodiment, the outer periphery of the plate further comprises an outwardly protruding stiffening edge for guiding a wallpaper cutting blade along the outer periphery of the plate.
In an embodiment, the rear side of the plate further comprises at least one inwardly protruding anchor for attaching the plate to a junction box. For example, the inwardly protruding anchor may be accommodated in a female hole normally used for receiving a screw to attach the cover plate to the junction box.
In an embodiment, the rear side of the plate further comprises a plurality of inwardly protruding anchors for attaching the plate to the junction box.
In an embodiment, instead of including the guiding groove disposed in the front side of the plate for guiding the cutting blade around the plate inside the outer periphery of the plate, the plate includes an outwardly protruding stiffening edge for guiding a cutting blade along the outer periphery of the plate.
In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of wallpapering a wall that has at least one electrical junction box disposed therein. The method includes the steps of removing a cover plate from the junction box, providing a combination shield and template comprising a rectangular plate having an outer periphery disposed in matching registry with or inside of the outer periphery of the junction box. The plate further comprises a rear side that faces the junction box and an outwardly facing front side and at least one aperture for accommodating the electrical component therein. The front side of the plate further comprises a domed cover disposed over the aperture to shield the electrical component accommodated therein from wallpaper glue. The front side of the plate further comprises a guiding groove extending around the plate and inside the outer periphery thereof for guiding the wallpaper cutting blade. The method further includes the steps of attaching the combination shield and template to the junction box with the electrical component accommodated in the aperture and disposed underneath the domed cover. The method further includes the steps of applying glue to a rear side of a wallpaper, attaching the wallpaper to the wall over the junction box and combination shield and template, and cutting the wallpaper by engaging the guiding groove of the plate with the wallpaper cutting blade with the wallpaper disposed therebetween and drawing the blade around a circumference of the groove.
In an embodiment, instead of a guiding groove, a plate is used which includes an outwardly protruding stiffening edge for guiding the wallpaper cutting blade along the outer periphery of the plate. The cutting step then comprises engaging the stiffening edge of the plate with the cutting blade with the wallpaper disposed therebetween and drawing the blade around the outer periphery of the plate.
It is therefore an advantage of the present invention to provide a combination shield and template for covering an electrical junction box during the application of wallpaper to a wall and for further providing a template f
Hirshfeld Andrew H.
Marshall Gerstein & Borun
PRO Patch Systems, Inc.
Smith R. Alexander
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