CA2022309C - Wallbox electric device assembly - Google Patents
Wallbox electric device assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2022309C CA2022309C CA002022309A CA2022309A CA2022309C CA 2022309 C CA2022309 C CA 2022309C CA 002022309 A CA002022309 A CA 002022309A CA 2022309 A CA2022309 A CA 2022309A CA 2022309 C CA2022309 C CA 2022309C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- socket
- decorative
- support means
- plug
- opening
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
- H02G3/00—Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles
- H02G3/02—Details
- H02G3/08—Distribution boxes; Connection or junction boxes
- H02G3/14—Fastening of cover or lid to box
Abstract
A facade assembly for an electric socket consists of a support for mounting to the socket, a cover plate to provide a raised decorative area that covers the socket, and a wallplate to surround the raised area and snap onto the cover plate. The facade assembly provides an attractive "designer-style" appearance that permits easy replacement of modular elements that determine the aesthetic qualities of the assembly.
Description
DESCRIPTION _ WAhLFiOX EhECTRTC DF:VICF: ASSBMBi~Y
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to an electric. socket assembly and, more particularly, to an assembly that includes a decorative Facade.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to an electric. socket assembly and, more particularly, to an assembly that includes a decorative Facade.
2. Description of the Related Art Electric sockets, which include power distribution sockets (commonly known as receptacles), sockets .for phone jacks and cable jacks, etc., are found in substantially all buildings that have electrical service. A st~.~ndard duplex receptacle has sockets to accommodate two standard electric plugs. A threaded hole in the center of the recPptac:le permits a wallplate to be screwed onto the receptacle and mounted against a wall. An alternative r~:ceptac:le and wallplate arrangement is the "designer" style, in which the sockets are within a decorative .rectangular structure and the wallplate attaches around the periphery of the rectangle. A deS3gner Style reCeptaCle with a snap-on wallplate is available from Lutron Electronics Co., Coopersburg, PA. Designer style phone jack and cable jack socket assemblies, for use with conventional (screw-on}
wallplates, are also available commercia3ly.
Devices are known that provide covers for receptacles, for reasons of safety, energy conservation, or aesthetics.
For example, the Care Cover'" socket cover, available from WE
CARE, Inc., of Pierre, SD, replaces a standard receptacle wallplate and covers the entire receptacle, including the holes that accommodate the electric plug prongs. The cover has a foam-insulated backing to reduce outside air infiltration. A spring-~c~ada_d s.13c13ng element is movF~c!
aside when a plug is inserted and slides rack in Yront of the ha 1 Ps when the p llxg a s rc~mnved . Thus , the cover provides thermal insul~xtion and prevents small children from 9.
inserting objects into the socket.
Receptacle caps are available for use with rnultioutlet assemblies. These assemblies consist of a number of individual sockets arranged in a line and enclosed within a molding; for example, Plugmoldv multioutlet assemblies, available from The Wiremold Company, West Hartford, CT. The receptacle cap is a plastic cover having holes that can be aligned with the prang holes in an individual outlet.
Colored caps permit one to change the colors of the outlets.
Installing a cap requires opening the molding, placing the cap over the outlet, and reclosing the molding.
A two-piece facade for a wallbox mounted device was disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,835,343, issued May 30, 1989, to J. T. Graef et al... That patent relates to a combination wallbox mounted switch device and facade, which are well suited for the decorator style. The combination includes a cover plate that permits the wallplate to be mounted with snap connections and to have an outer surface undisturbed by features that relate to its mounting.
Coordinating the color of a receptacle, or other type of electric socket, with colors of walls or other roam colors present vexing problems that are not readily solved by prior art devices. During construction, for example, if a receptacle assembly is installed in a wall before all elements of construction are complete, there is the risk of damage to the decorative surfaces of the receptacle. (i.e., the surfaces that are visible when the complete assembly is mounted in a wall). Alternatively, if the assembly is incomplete, then power cannot be provided to the receptacle without posing a safety hazard. Furthermore, an ele~tririan is needed to finally install the remaining elements of the assembly, after construction i~ complete. Thereafter, changing the color of a receptacle again requires the services of an electrician to remove and replace the J ' r6 ~l J %l receptacle safely. Thus, the problern vrit.h prior art receptacles is a result of a cover performing both decorative and safety :functions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In ac:cordanc:e with the present invention, a wallbox mountable electric. device r_omprises, in combination:
a) an electric socket for receiving a plug, b) means for supporting said socket, and a) a plurality of decorative components attachable to said support means, each component being individually removable and replaceable by any one of a plurality of similarly configured components having a variety of colors and textures.
In accordance with another embodiment of this invention, a wallbox mountabl-a elPCtric device comprises, in combination:
a) an electric socket far receiving a plug, b) means for supporting said socket, and c) decorative cover means, removahly attachable to said support means, for substantially covering said socket, said cover means having a decorative surface, uninterrupted by visible attachment means, with at least one opening to permit insertion of a plug into said socket.
In accordance with another embodiment of this invention, a decorative means for covering a wallbox mounted electr.-ir, socket comprises:
a) a decorative surface, uninterrupted by visible attachment means, which substantially cove-rs said socket, and b) an opening .in said decorative surfar_e to pex:~miu insertion of a plug into said socket.
In accordance with ~unother embodiment of this invention, a wallbox mountable electric dev9.ce comprises, in y~" > ~ '' ~~ ~3 ~: ~--f~y~;
combination:
a) an electric; socket h~x~riny a plurality of tF:rminala, b) means for ~.upport.ing :aaid socket, c) a protec;tive plate, attachable to said support, to prevent access to said terminals when said electrir_ de~v:ic:a is mounted in said wallbot:, and d) decorative cover means, removably attmchaole to said support mPan~;, for substamti<illy covering sand socket, said cover means having an opening to permit insertion of a plug into.said socket..
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a facade assembly for an electric receptacle having one or more sockets comprises, in r_ombixrat:ion:
a) a generally .rectangular yoke plate, b) a generally rectangular cover plate, and c) a;.wallplate; .
said yoke plate having i) a first throuigh oirening .in said yoke plmte for a fastener to attorch sand yoke plate to said receptacle, ii) at least one second through opening to permit each socket of said receptacle to extend through said yokca plate, and iii) a plurality of connector means to permit attachment of said cover pl~.ete in substantially parallel and ;)uxtaposed relationship to said yoke plate;
said cover plate having i ) a first :>url~ace that faces said yoke plate and a second surface oppc>s:i to to said fir st surfaoe, ii ) <a sl:iglut_ty ra:iseci area extending irarn :xa:ic7 Second ~~urface to Form a shird surface; which is gF~.nerolly parallel to said second surface: and which has :3 gc~narally rectangular perimeter, -.~ . ", ,~ ..~ t iii) a plurality of r_onnector.wmeans far alignment with said connector means in said yoke elate, iv) a plurality of through openings within the perimeter of said third surface for alignment ~Jrith openings in said socket to pe~rm9t the prongs of a standard Plactrir plug to he operatively inserted into said sac:ket while said yoke and covFr plates arN attached to said receptacle, and v) a plurality of snap attachment means; arid - 10 said wallplate having i) an interior surface that faces said cover plate and an exteriar surface oppasi.te to said interior surface, ii) a plurality of snap attachment means extending Pram said interior surface far engagement with carresponding ones of said snap attachment means of said cover plate for ~iem~untable engagement o.f said wallplate in substantially para.l.le:l and juxtaposed relatianship ?.0 with said rover plate, iii} a suhstantia.lly rectangular through opening to surround and adjoin said perimeter of said third surface of said cover plate, said exterior surface being stabstantially flat, having na features that r~P:late to said snap cannectors, and having length and width at lest egual to the length and width of said cover elate.
ThQ assembly ~f the rirwent invpnt.i.on overcamas shN
difficulties of changing the color of a receptacle or other e:l.ectrir: sacket . During construct i on, a receptacle can be installed in a wallbox, with access to wirzng within 'the wa.L 1. box b:lack.ed by a mm-decnrat:i W. nrntFCt ivra swppa.rt plate. Thus, the recPntar.la c:an :be satc~.l.y energized. nn iv after constructicm .is c:om~>l.wi Ed arf. 1-he ~ic~r,orativa element y ~5 mounted onta the receptacle. Thus these elements need riot ~ ra ~ ~ t ~ ) :3 ~~ r:
:1 re r~ t.i ~ of be present during construction, when the~_can easily be marred. They can be installed easily once construction is complete, without requiring an electrician's service.
Thereafter, the decorative :Facade e~lernents can be easily removed and replaced with elements having a different color and/or texture, without removing the protective pleut:e (which would genera lly require an electric9an). Thus, the present invention separatPS thc~ decorative and safety :Eunc:tions or socket covers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TI-iE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 depicts a prior art electric device with facade assembly.
Fig. 2 is an exploded isometric vicew of an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 3 is an isometric view o:P a cover plate Uf the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIOLQ OF TiiE INVENTION
As used in this specification and 'the appended claims, the term "facade" refers generally to one or more elements that cover a wallbox-mounted electric socket or control device. "Wallplat~~'" refers more narrowly to a plate that surrounds a socket or control device and may be an element of a facade.
The facade assembly of the present invention provides an electric socket with an attractive appearance that can be modified - for example, its color and/or surface texture changed - by simple replacement of modular components.
There are a number a.f "standard" confi.graraticrns for wallbox-mounted electric devices a.nd their accompanying accessories. A pa-r.u.i.c:ularly ai.t.rar_~tive c:oni'i~urmtian i.s known as the "designer style." Dimensions for designer-s;tylc~ receptacles and wallplates ores ci~finerd by NEMA
,35 Standard 1-6-196fi, in Standards Publication ivo. 4vD1-199, a = f"
s f r r r.
.. ~, ' ~ aJ ~ ~ ~ ~ a~
page 16. This style wall.plate acrommadat~s devices that have a vertically-elongated rectangular structure extending from the surface of a support or "yoke" plate. The wallplates nave a central ope-aning that accommodates and surrounds the rectangular structure. The wallplate generally mor.ints to the yoke plate with mounting screws located near the top and bottom edges of the plate.
Alternatively, the wallplate may be snap-mounted, as disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,835,343 ('343), discussed earlier.
Fig. 1 depicts the designer-style wallbox-mounted electric control device of '343. 4aallbox 30 has "knock-outs" to permit the introduction of electric wiring, which extends through the building walls, ~:~hawn as wires 30a and 30b. Wires 30a and 30b can be connected t~ 7ump loads or the like which are to be controlled by the electric control device. Wallbox 30 is also provided with threaded mounting openings 31 and 32, which are on standard centers and are adapted to receive mounting screws for mounting a control device within wallbax 90.
Control device 40 of Fig. 1 is a l:igirt dimmer. Light dimmer 40 consists of a metallic yoke plate 41 having a backbox 42 on its rear surface and a rectangular stri~.cture 43 extending from its front surface.
A manually operable slider has a slider handle 43a projecting beyond the front surface of structure :+3.
t~tavement of the handle between its and po sitions causes dimming of the lighting load and, when the lowest position is reached, CallSe~' the opening of a switch that :is in series with wires 44 and 45 to turn off the lighting luaci, F~ackbax 42 encloses the control mechanism of d:imrner ~~iJ
and insulates .it from accidental contact with wires ur~
grounds in vaal:lbox 30. Leads 44 ancd 4;i Extend through an opening in backbnx 42 and may be connected to wires 30a and 30b.
wallplates, are also available commercia3ly.
Devices are known that provide covers for receptacles, for reasons of safety, energy conservation, or aesthetics.
For example, the Care Cover'" socket cover, available from WE
CARE, Inc., of Pierre, SD, replaces a standard receptacle wallplate and covers the entire receptacle, including the holes that accommodate the electric plug prongs. The cover has a foam-insulated backing to reduce outside air infiltration. A spring-~c~ada_d s.13c13ng element is movF~c!
aside when a plug is inserted and slides rack in Yront of the ha 1 Ps when the p llxg a s rc~mnved . Thus , the cover provides thermal insul~xtion and prevents small children from 9.
inserting objects into the socket.
Receptacle caps are available for use with rnultioutlet assemblies. These assemblies consist of a number of individual sockets arranged in a line and enclosed within a molding; for example, Plugmoldv multioutlet assemblies, available from The Wiremold Company, West Hartford, CT. The receptacle cap is a plastic cover having holes that can be aligned with the prang holes in an individual outlet.
Colored caps permit one to change the colors of the outlets.
Installing a cap requires opening the molding, placing the cap over the outlet, and reclosing the molding.
A two-piece facade for a wallbox mounted device was disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,835,343, issued May 30, 1989, to J. T. Graef et al... That patent relates to a combination wallbox mounted switch device and facade, which are well suited for the decorator style. The combination includes a cover plate that permits the wallplate to be mounted with snap connections and to have an outer surface undisturbed by features that relate to its mounting.
Coordinating the color of a receptacle, or other type of electric socket, with colors of walls or other roam colors present vexing problems that are not readily solved by prior art devices. During construction, for example, if a receptacle assembly is installed in a wall before all elements of construction are complete, there is the risk of damage to the decorative surfaces of the receptacle. (i.e., the surfaces that are visible when the complete assembly is mounted in a wall). Alternatively, if the assembly is incomplete, then power cannot be provided to the receptacle without posing a safety hazard. Furthermore, an ele~tririan is needed to finally install the remaining elements of the assembly, after construction i~ complete. Thereafter, changing the color of a receptacle again requires the services of an electrician to remove and replace the J ' r6 ~l J %l receptacle safely. Thus, the problern vrit.h prior art receptacles is a result of a cover performing both decorative and safety :functions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In ac:cordanc:e with the present invention, a wallbox mountable electric. device r_omprises, in combination:
a) an electric socket for receiving a plug, b) means for supporting said socket, and a) a plurality of decorative components attachable to said support means, each component being individually removable and replaceable by any one of a plurality of similarly configured components having a variety of colors and textures.
In accordance with another embodiment of this invention, a wallbox mountabl-a elPCtric device comprises, in combination:
a) an electric socket far receiving a plug, b) means for supporting said socket, and c) decorative cover means, removahly attachable to said support means, for substantially covering said socket, said cover means having a decorative surface, uninterrupted by visible attachment means, with at least one opening to permit insertion of a plug into said socket.
In accordance with another embodiment of this invention, a decorative means for covering a wallbox mounted electr.-ir, socket comprises:
a) a decorative surface, uninterrupted by visible attachment means, which substantially cove-rs said socket, and b) an opening .in said decorative surfar_e to pex:~miu insertion of a plug into said socket.
In accordance with ~unother embodiment of this invention, a wallbox mountable electric dev9.ce comprises, in y~" > ~ '' ~~ ~3 ~: ~--f~y~;
combination:
a) an electric; socket h~x~riny a plurality of tF:rminala, b) means for ~.upport.ing :aaid socket, c) a protec;tive plate, attachable to said support, to prevent access to said terminals when said electrir_ de~v:ic:a is mounted in said wallbot:, and d) decorative cover means, removably attmchaole to said support mPan~;, for substamti<illy covering sand socket, said cover means having an opening to permit insertion of a plug into.said socket..
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a facade assembly for an electric receptacle having one or more sockets comprises, in r_ombixrat:ion:
a) a generally .rectangular yoke plate, b) a generally rectangular cover plate, and c) a;.wallplate; .
said yoke plate having i) a first throuigh oirening .in said yoke plmte for a fastener to attorch sand yoke plate to said receptacle, ii) at least one second through opening to permit each socket of said receptacle to extend through said yokca plate, and iii) a plurality of connector means to permit attachment of said cover pl~.ete in substantially parallel and ;)uxtaposed relationship to said yoke plate;
said cover plate having i ) a first :>url~ace that faces said yoke plate and a second surface oppc>s:i to to said fir st surfaoe, ii ) <a sl:iglut_ty ra:iseci area extending irarn :xa:ic7 Second ~~urface to Form a shird surface; which is gF~.nerolly parallel to said second surface: and which has :3 gc~narally rectangular perimeter, -.~ . ", ,~ ..~ t iii) a plurality of r_onnector.wmeans far alignment with said connector means in said yoke elate, iv) a plurality of through openings within the perimeter of said third surface for alignment ~Jrith openings in said socket to pe~rm9t the prongs of a standard Plactrir plug to he operatively inserted into said sac:ket while said yoke and covFr plates arN attached to said receptacle, and v) a plurality of snap attachment means; arid - 10 said wallplate having i) an interior surface that faces said cover plate and an exteriar surface oppasi.te to said interior surface, ii) a plurality of snap attachment means extending Pram said interior surface far engagement with carresponding ones of said snap attachment means of said cover plate for ~iem~untable engagement o.f said wallplate in substantially para.l.le:l and juxtaposed relatianship ?.0 with said rover plate, iii} a suhstantia.lly rectangular through opening to surround and adjoin said perimeter of said third surface of said cover plate, said exterior surface being stabstantially flat, having na features that r~P:late to said snap cannectors, and having length and width at lest egual to the length and width of said cover elate.
ThQ assembly ~f the rirwent invpnt.i.on overcamas shN
difficulties of changing the color of a receptacle or other e:l.ectrir: sacket . During construct i on, a receptacle can be installed in a wallbox, with access to wirzng within 'the wa.L 1. box b:lack.ed by a mm-decnrat:i W. nrntFCt ivra swppa.rt plate. Thus, the recPntar.la c:an :be satc~.l.y energized. nn iv after constructicm .is c:om~>l.wi Ed arf. 1-he ~ic~r,orativa element y ~5 mounted onta the receptacle. Thus these elements need riot ~ ra ~ ~ t ~ ) :3 ~~ r:
:1 re r~ t.i ~ of be present during construction, when the~_can easily be marred. They can be installed easily once construction is complete, without requiring an electrician's service.
Thereafter, the decorative :Facade e~lernents can be easily removed and replaced with elements having a different color and/or texture, without removing the protective pleut:e (which would genera lly require an electric9an). Thus, the present invention separatPS thc~ decorative and safety :Eunc:tions or socket covers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TI-iE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 depicts a prior art electric device with facade assembly.
Fig. 2 is an exploded isometric vicew of an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 3 is an isometric view o:P a cover plate Uf the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIOLQ OF TiiE INVENTION
As used in this specification and 'the appended claims, the term "facade" refers generally to one or more elements that cover a wallbox-mounted electric socket or control device. "Wallplat~~'" refers more narrowly to a plate that surrounds a socket or control device and may be an element of a facade.
The facade assembly of the present invention provides an electric socket with an attractive appearance that can be modified - for example, its color and/or surface texture changed - by simple replacement of modular components.
There are a number a.f "standard" confi.graraticrns for wallbox-mounted electric devices a.nd their accompanying accessories. A pa-r.u.i.c:ularly ai.t.rar_~tive c:oni'i~urmtian i.s known as the "designer style." Dimensions for designer-s;tylc~ receptacles and wallplates ores ci~finerd by NEMA
,35 Standard 1-6-196fi, in Standards Publication ivo. 4vD1-199, a = f"
s f r r r.
.. ~, ' ~ aJ ~ ~ ~ ~ a~
page 16. This style wall.plate acrommadat~s devices that have a vertically-elongated rectangular structure extending from the surface of a support or "yoke" plate. The wallplates nave a central ope-aning that accommodates and surrounds the rectangular structure. The wallplate generally mor.ints to the yoke plate with mounting screws located near the top and bottom edges of the plate.
Alternatively, the wallplate may be snap-mounted, as disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,835,343 ('343), discussed earlier.
Fig. 1 depicts the designer-style wallbox-mounted electric control device of '343. 4aallbox 30 has "knock-outs" to permit the introduction of electric wiring, which extends through the building walls, ~:~hawn as wires 30a and 30b. Wires 30a and 30b can be connected t~ 7ump loads or the like which are to be controlled by the electric control device. Wallbox 30 is also provided with threaded mounting openings 31 and 32, which are on standard centers and are adapted to receive mounting screws for mounting a control device within wallbax 90.
Control device 40 of Fig. 1 is a l:igirt dimmer. Light dimmer 40 consists of a metallic yoke plate 41 having a backbox 42 on its rear surface and a rectangular stri~.cture 43 extending from its front surface.
A manually operable slider has a slider handle 43a projecting beyond the front surface of structure :+3.
t~tavement of the handle between its and po sitions causes dimming of the lighting load and, when the lowest position is reached, CallSe~' the opening of a switch that :is in series with wires 44 and 45 to turn off the lighting luaci, F~ackbax 42 encloses the control mechanism of d:imrner ~~iJ
and insulates .it from accidental contact with wires ur~
grounds in vaal:lbox 30. Leads 44 ancd 4;i Extend through an opening in backbnx 42 and may be connected to wires 30a and 30b.
.a. i ;~ r ~.
Yoke plate 41, which is a generally---flat thin metal stamping, is of conventional s-t-ructure and has two laterally elongated openings 46 ind 47. Mounting screws 48 anrl 49 pass through openings 46 and 47, respectively, and are threaded into openings 3I and ,'.2, respectively, to mount dimmer 40 to wallbox 30. Yoke 41 a:ls.o has tapped openinge~
50 and 51, which are wn standard renters and rpcr~ive screws 52 and 53.
Cover plate 70 is a generally flat plate having.
laterally elongated openings 72 and 73 which are sufficiently large to receive the protruding head; c~f screws 48 and 49 after those screws are sc:rewPd into yl.nc:e in wallbox 30. Screws 52. and 53 thread into opEani.ngs 5U and 51, respectively, in order to'hold cover plate 70 t:o ycke 41 . Openings 74 and '1 5 rece ive :screws b?. ~~rrd 53 , and opening 76 receives rectangular structure 43.
Wall;,olate 71 has a rectangular opening 90, with a chamfer 91 around its periphery on its front surface.
Opening 90 fits over structure 43. Connectors 92, 93, 94, and 95 are elongated pedestals adapted to penetrate <3nc1 then snap hahind openings F30 to 83, resapectively, in cove:c plat M 0. Flange 96 extends from the edge of the back surface of wallplate 71.
Fig. ?. dep:icts axn c~lEaCt.r.-ir. receptacle and facade assembly of the present invention. Receptacle 100 is depicted as a standaard twrr-socket device mounted within wallbox 30, and sockets 102 and 104 provide electz~ic interfaces between house wiring (e.g., 30a and 30b) ~~ncl plug-in electric devices. Clearly, other types of receptacles can be used :in place of the particular. type shown in Fig. 2 (for exarnpla, ,~ single socket or more than two socket s ) with ;:or:cespondind ::hangfrs in tPre: o thEer elements of the assembly.
i.ikewise, other types of e:l c~ctr:ic so7ckets - phone jack and cable j.~rk outlets, for example - could be used in place f' of the receptacle shown. Optionally, recaptacJe 100 could include a switch (not 'hown) to disconnect one of the screw terminals 111 andjor a ground fault interrupter.
Threaded hole 706 aligns with hole 108 and accepts a mounting screw to permit yoke j~latP 110 to he attached to receptacle 100. For ~;trHnyth and ~:afPty, yoke r~aatP 110 is preferahly a metal pJ:~te. The plate b-Locks access to screw terminals 111 of receptacle 700, t7pPnings 112 and 11n permit sockets 102 and 104, respectively, to extend through the yoke plate. Screws pass through holes 116 and 118 and into threaded holes 31 and 32, respectively, for mountincr receptacle 100 and yoke plate 1.10 into wa:labox 30. As shown, when yoke plate 110 9.s mounted, it rovers wallbox 30.
Optionally, yaks plate 110 has vertical grooves (not shown) about 5 mm in from its .left and right edges to permit breaking off these edges a=or "rnultp-gang" applications, in which more than one devir_e is mounted side-by-side and covered by a single facade. 'fhrPaded holes 120, 122, 124, and 126 accept mounting screws that pass throunh cover plate holes 12F7, 730, 1;32, ~znd 134, respectively, to attach cover plate 136 to the yoke plate. Alternatively, any of a variety of snap connectors, wP:l:l known a.n the art, r. nn ss.rve to join cover plate 136 tc~ yoke plate 110. Plates 136 and 110 can also be joined magnetic:a.tly.
Cover mate 136 .is preferzbly molded from plastic, such as ABS plastic, which i.s p.revFr<-3ht.y colored. HolPS 138 and 140, are large Pnougti to ~~eceive the protruding heads of the mounting screws that oars through holes 116, and 118, respectively. Raised area 142 axU-ends from the front or "see:ond" ,urface of r.ove~r r~.iai.P 1;76 fiorming a dPCOrativr:
"third" surtacF. Through holes t, h, and c~. and d, e, and t in cover plate 736 al,idn with corresponding hoaes in sockets 102 and 104, resper_tivPly. Optional raised areas 144, 746, 148, 150, 152, and 154 are rairan from fihe sttrYace of platy 136, by an amount less than raised area 142. Openings 156, ~'~ ~~rJ'~ r~
~~srre~~~~
158, 160, and 162 align with and receive--the wallplate snap projections 164, l6fi, 168, and 1?0, respectively to permit wallplate 1'12 to b2 snap-mounted onto cover plate 136. If the tips of snap projections 164, 166, 168, and 170 extend beyond the back surface of cover plate 136, they can he accommodated by groves (not shown) in yoke plate 110, which align with openings 156, 158, 160, and 162 in saver plate 136.
Wallplate 172 is preferably of rnolded plastic, such as ABS plastic, which is preferably calared to match or cantrast with the color of cover plate 136. Central opening 1?4 in wallplate 172 receives and surrounds raised decorative surface 142. Optional chamfer 1'16, which is on the front surfar_e of wallplate 172, surrounding opening 174, tends to obscure any variation in co-planarity between the surface of wallplate 172 and raised decorative surface 142.
Optional flange 178 is located around the perimeter of wallplate 172, either at or spaced slightly within the perimeter, and extends about 6 mm from the back surface of wallplate 172, enclosing a generally rectangular area whose length and width are greater than the length and width, respectively; of the apen:ing 9.n wallbox 30. Thus, when mounted, flange 178 engage; the wall surface, enclosing the wallbox opening. By being positioned slightly (e,g., 2-4 mm) within the perimeter of wa11p1ate 172, flange 178 obscures any slight variations in contact between the wall and wallplate 1'12.
When mounted an a wall, only the dec;nra~tive <~urfmr.es of cover plate 136 anr3 wallpiate 172 are visible. Thus, replacing these elements changes the appearance: (e. g., color, texture, material) of the assembly.
Fig. 3 is an .isometric view of cover plate 13f, viewed from the side opposite that shown in C:ic~-, 2 and showing the back or "first" surface a~ adapter p:l.ate 136. Preferably, partially -recessed areas 180 and 18?_ in the first _~iarface ,_ g~ ~ v' ~ ~ w iJ a align with openings 122 ;end 114, respectively, in yoke p.)ate 110. Thus, when the el.ernc~nt<~ are assembled, sockets 102 and 104 extend into partially 2~ecessed areas 180 and 182, respectively. As shown, the left and right edgPS of.
recessed areas 180 and 182 optionally have a separation greater than the width of .raised decorative surface 142 and the top and bottom edges of 'recessed areas 180 and 182 optionally have a separation greater than the length of raised decorative surface 14?.. Partially raised (i.e., raised less than surface 142) areas 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, and 154, visible in Fig. 2 and shown in cutaway in Fig. 3, strengthen cavex~ plate 1.36 in the regions where recessed areas 180 and 182 extend beyond the perimeter of raised decorative area 142. In addition, the partially raised areas provide a "fourth" surface, which serves as a bearing or "stop" surface for positive positioning of wallplate 172 when it is attached to cover plate 236, so that the front surfaces of .raised decorative area 142 and wallplate 172 are preferably flush.
Since certain changes may be madF in 'the above assembly without departing from -the scope of the invention herein involved, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted in an illustrative and not a limiting sense.
Yoke plate 41, which is a generally---flat thin metal stamping, is of conventional s-t-ructure and has two laterally elongated openings 46 ind 47. Mounting screws 48 anrl 49 pass through openings 46 and 47, respectively, and are threaded into openings 3I and ,'.2, respectively, to mount dimmer 40 to wallbox 30. Yoke 41 a:ls.o has tapped openinge~
50 and 51, which are wn standard renters and rpcr~ive screws 52 and 53.
Cover plate 70 is a generally flat plate having.
laterally elongated openings 72 and 73 which are sufficiently large to receive the protruding head; c~f screws 48 and 49 after those screws are sc:rewPd into yl.nc:e in wallbox 30. Screws 52. and 53 thread into opEani.ngs 5U and 51, respectively, in order to'hold cover plate 70 t:o ycke 41 . Openings 74 and '1 5 rece ive :screws b?. ~~rrd 53 , and opening 76 receives rectangular structure 43.
Wall;,olate 71 has a rectangular opening 90, with a chamfer 91 around its periphery on its front surface.
Opening 90 fits over structure 43. Connectors 92, 93, 94, and 95 are elongated pedestals adapted to penetrate <3nc1 then snap hahind openings F30 to 83, resapectively, in cove:c plat M 0. Flange 96 extends from the edge of the back surface of wallplate 71.
Fig. ?. dep:icts axn c~lEaCt.r.-ir. receptacle and facade assembly of the present invention. Receptacle 100 is depicted as a standaard twrr-socket device mounted within wallbox 30, and sockets 102 and 104 provide electz~ic interfaces between house wiring (e.g., 30a and 30b) ~~ncl plug-in electric devices. Clearly, other types of receptacles can be used :in place of the particular. type shown in Fig. 2 (for exarnpla, ,~ single socket or more than two socket s ) with ;:or:cespondind ::hangfrs in tPre: o thEer elements of the assembly.
i.ikewise, other types of e:l c~ctr:ic so7ckets - phone jack and cable j.~rk outlets, for example - could be used in place f' of the receptacle shown. Optionally, recaptacJe 100 could include a switch (not 'hown) to disconnect one of the screw terminals 111 andjor a ground fault interrupter.
Threaded hole 706 aligns with hole 108 and accepts a mounting screw to permit yoke j~latP 110 to he attached to receptacle 100. For ~;trHnyth and ~:afPty, yoke r~aatP 110 is preferahly a metal pJ:~te. The plate b-Locks access to screw terminals 111 of receptacle 700, t7pPnings 112 and 11n permit sockets 102 and 104, respectively, to extend through the yoke plate. Screws pass through holes 116 and 118 and into threaded holes 31 and 32, respectively, for mountincr receptacle 100 and yoke plate 1.10 into wa:labox 30. As shown, when yoke plate 110 9.s mounted, it rovers wallbox 30.
Optionally, yaks plate 110 has vertical grooves (not shown) about 5 mm in from its .left and right edges to permit breaking off these edges a=or "rnultp-gang" applications, in which more than one devir_e is mounted side-by-side and covered by a single facade. 'fhrPaded holes 120, 122, 124, and 126 accept mounting screws that pass throunh cover plate holes 12F7, 730, 1;32, ~znd 134, respectively, to attach cover plate 136 to the yoke plate. Alternatively, any of a variety of snap connectors, wP:l:l known a.n the art, r. nn ss.rve to join cover plate 136 tc~ yoke plate 110. Plates 136 and 110 can also be joined magnetic:a.tly.
Cover mate 136 .is preferzbly molded from plastic, such as ABS plastic, which i.s p.revFr<-3ht.y colored. HolPS 138 and 140, are large Pnougti to ~~eceive the protruding heads of the mounting screws that oars through holes 116, and 118, respectively. Raised area 142 axU-ends from the front or "see:ond" ,urface of r.ove~r r~.iai.P 1;76 fiorming a dPCOrativr:
"third" surtacF. Through holes t, h, and c~. and d, e, and t in cover plate 736 al,idn with corresponding hoaes in sockets 102 and 104, resper_tivPly. Optional raised areas 144, 746, 148, 150, 152, and 154 are rairan from fihe sttrYace of platy 136, by an amount less than raised area 142. Openings 156, ~'~ ~~rJ'~ r~
~~srre~~~~
158, 160, and 162 align with and receive--the wallplate snap projections 164, l6fi, 168, and 1?0, respectively to permit wallplate 1'12 to b2 snap-mounted onto cover plate 136. If the tips of snap projections 164, 166, 168, and 170 extend beyond the back surface of cover plate 136, they can he accommodated by groves (not shown) in yoke plate 110, which align with openings 156, 158, 160, and 162 in saver plate 136.
Wallplate 172 is preferably of rnolded plastic, such as ABS plastic, which is preferably calared to match or cantrast with the color of cover plate 136. Central opening 1?4 in wallplate 172 receives and surrounds raised decorative surface 142. Optional chamfer 1'16, which is on the front surfar_e of wallplate 172, surrounding opening 174, tends to obscure any variation in co-planarity between the surface of wallplate 172 and raised decorative surface 142.
Optional flange 178 is located around the perimeter of wallplate 172, either at or spaced slightly within the perimeter, and extends about 6 mm from the back surface of wallplate 172, enclosing a generally rectangular area whose length and width are greater than the length and width, respectively; of the apen:ing 9.n wallbox 30. Thus, when mounted, flange 178 engage; the wall surface, enclosing the wallbox opening. By being positioned slightly (e,g., 2-4 mm) within the perimeter of wa11p1ate 172, flange 178 obscures any slight variations in contact between the wall and wallplate 1'12.
When mounted an a wall, only the dec;nra~tive <~urfmr.es of cover plate 136 anr3 wallpiate 172 are visible. Thus, replacing these elements changes the appearance: (e. g., color, texture, material) of the assembly.
Fig. 3 is an .isometric view of cover plate 13f, viewed from the side opposite that shown in C:ic~-, 2 and showing the back or "first" surface a~ adapter p:l.ate 136. Preferably, partially -recessed areas 180 and 18?_ in the first _~iarface ,_ g~ ~ v' ~ ~ w iJ a align with openings 122 ;end 114, respectively, in yoke p.)ate 110. Thus, when the el.ernc~nt<~ are assembled, sockets 102 and 104 extend into partially 2~ecessed areas 180 and 182, respectively. As shown, the left and right edgPS of.
recessed areas 180 and 182 optionally have a separation greater than the width of .raised decorative surface 142 and the top and bottom edges of 'recessed areas 180 and 182 optionally have a separation greater than the length of raised decorative surface 14?.. Partially raised (i.e., raised less than surface 142) areas 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, and 154, visible in Fig. 2 and shown in cutaway in Fig. 3, strengthen cavex~ plate 1.36 in the regions where recessed areas 180 and 182 extend beyond the perimeter of raised decorative area 142. In addition, the partially raised areas provide a "fourth" surface, which serves as a bearing or "stop" surface for positive positioning of wallplate 172 when it is attached to cover plate 236, so that the front surfaces of .raised decorative area 142 and wallplate 172 are preferably flush.
Since certain changes may be madF in 'the above assembly without departing from -the scope of the invention herein involved, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted in an illustrative and not a limiting sense.
Claims (22)
1. A wallbox mountable electric device comprising, in combination:
a) an electric socket for receiving a plug, b) means for supporting said socket, and c) a plurality of decorative components uninterrupted by visible attachment means and attachable to said support means, at least one said component substantially covering said socket and each component being individually removable and replaceable by any one of a plurality of similarly configured components having a variety of colors and textures, said components being removable and replaceable without being impeded by or supported from said socket.
a) an electric socket for receiving a plug, b) means for supporting said socket, and c) a plurality of decorative components uninterrupted by visible attachment means and attachable to said support means, at least one said component substantially covering said socket and each component being individually removable and replaceable by any one of a plurality of similarly configured components having a variety of colors and textures, said components being removable and replaceable without being impeded by or supported from said socket.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein said socket comprises a power distribution socket, including terminals for connecting a plurality of wires.
3. The device of claim 2 further comprising switch means for electrically disconnecting at least one of said terminals.
4. The device of claim 2 wherein said socket further comprises ground fault interruption means.
5. The device of claim 1 further comprising a second socket.
6. The device of claim 5 wherein said plurality of decorative components, when attached to said support means, have at least one opening to permit insertion of a plurality of said plugs into said sockets.
7. The device of claim 1 wherein said socket comprises a telephone jack.
8. The device of claim 7 wherein said plurality of decorative components, when attached to said support means, have at least one opening to permit insertion of a telephone plug into said socket.
9. The device of claim 1 wherein said socket comprises a cable jack.
10. The system of claim 9 wherein said plurality of decorative components, when attached to said support means, have at least one opening to permit insertion of a cable plug into said socket.
11. The device of claim 1 wherein at least one of said decorative components is attachable to said support means with a screw.
12. The device of claim 1 wherein said support means and at least one of said decorative components include means to permit snap attachment of said at least one decorative component to said support means.
13. The device of claim 1 wherein at least one of said decorative components is retained by another one of said decorative components.
14. The device of claim 1 wherein said plurality of decorative components have no visible fasteners when attached to said support means.
15. The device of claim 1 wherein said decorative components include a designer wallplate.
16. The device of claim 1 wherein at least one of said decorative components is molded of colored plastic.
17. The device of claim 2 wherein said plurality of decorative components, when attached to said support means, have at least one opening to permit insertion of an electric plug into said socket.
18. The device of claim 17 further comprising openings to permit the operation of a manually adjustable actuator when said plurality of decorative components are attached to said support means.
19. A facade assembly for an electric receptacle having one or more sockets comprising, in combination:
a) a generally rectangular yoke plate, b) a generally rectangular cover plate, and c) a wallplate;
said yoke plate having i) a first through opening in said yoke plate for a fastener to attach said yoke plate to said receptacle, ii) at least one second through opening to permit each socket of said receptacle to extend through said yoke plate, and iii) a plurality of connector means to permit attachment of said cover plate in substantially parallel and juxtaposed relationship to said yoke plate;
said cover plate having i) a first surface that faces said yoke plate and a second surface opposite to said first surface, ii) a slightly raised area extending from said second surface to form a third surface, which is generally parallel to said second surface and which has a generally rectangular perimeter, iii) a plurality of connector means for alignment with said connector means in said yoke plate, iv) a plurality of through openings within the perimeter of said third surface for alignment with openings in said socket to permit three prongs of a standard electric plug to be operatively inserted into said socket while said yoke and cover plates are attached to said receptacle, and v) a plurality of snap attachment means; and said wallplate having i) an interior surface that faces said cover plate and an exterior surface opposite to said interior surface, ii) a plurality of snap attachment means extending from said interior surface for engagement with corresponding ones of said snap attachment means of said cover plate for demountable engagement of said wallplate in substantially parallel and juxtaposed relationship with said cover plate, iii) a substantially rectangular through opening to surround and adjoin said perimeter of said third surface of said cover plate, said exterior surface being substantially flat, having no features that relate to said snap connectors, and having length and width at least equal to the length and width of said cover plate.
a) a generally rectangular yoke plate, b) a generally rectangular cover plate, and c) a wallplate;
said yoke plate having i) a first through opening in said yoke plate for a fastener to attach said yoke plate to said receptacle, ii) at least one second through opening to permit each socket of said receptacle to extend through said yoke plate, and iii) a plurality of connector means to permit attachment of said cover plate in substantially parallel and juxtaposed relationship to said yoke plate;
said cover plate having i) a first surface that faces said yoke plate and a second surface opposite to said first surface, ii) a slightly raised area extending from said second surface to form a third surface, which is generally parallel to said second surface and which has a generally rectangular perimeter, iii) a plurality of connector means for alignment with said connector means in said yoke plate, iv) a plurality of through openings within the perimeter of said third surface for alignment with openings in said socket to permit three prongs of a standard electric plug to be operatively inserted into said socket while said yoke and cover plates are attached to said receptacle, and v) a plurality of snap attachment means; and said wallplate having i) an interior surface that faces said cover plate and an exterior surface opposite to said interior surface, ii) a plurality of snap attachment means extending from said interior surface for engagement with corresponding ones of said snap attachment means of said cover plate for demountable engagement of said wallplate in substantially parallel and juxtaposed relationship with said cover plate, iii) a substantially rectangular through opening to surround and adjoin said perimeter of said third surface of said cover plate, said exterior surface being substantially flat, having no features that relate to said snap connectors, and having length and width at least equal to the length and width of said cover plate.
20. A wallbox mountable electric device comprising, in combination:
a) an electric socket for receiving a plug, b) means for supporting said socket, said support means preventing access to the interior of said wallbox, and c) a plurality of decorative components attachable to said support means, each component being individually removable and replaceable by any one of a plurality of similarly configured components having a variety of colors and textures.
a) an electric socket for receiving a plug, b) means for supporting said socket, said support means preventing access to the interior of said wallbox, and c) a plurality of decorative components attachable to said support means, each component being individually removable and replaceable by any one of a plurality of similarly configured components having a variety of colors and textures.
21. A wallbox mountable electric device comprising, in combination:
a) an electric socket for receiving a plug, b) means for supporting said socket, said support means preventing access to the interior of said wallbox, and c) decorative cover means, removably attachable to said support means, for substantially covering said socket, said cover means having a decorative surface, uninterrupted by visible attachment means, with at least one opening to permit insertion of a plug into said socket.
a) an electric socket for receiving a plug, b) means for supporting said socket, said support means preventing access to the interior of said wallbox, and c) decorative cover means, removably attachable to said support means, for substantially covering said socket, said cover means having a decorative surface, uninterrupted by visible attachment means, with at least one opening to permit insertion of a plug into said socket.
22. A wallbox mountable electric device comprising, in combination:
a) an electric socket for receiving a plug, b) means for supporting said socket, and c) decorative cover means, removably attachable to said support means, for substantially covering said socket, said cover means having a decorative surface, uninterrupted by visible attachment means, with at least one opening to permit insertion of a plug into said socket, said decorative surface of said decorative cover means fitting within an opening of a designer wallplate.
a) an electric socket for receiving a plug, b) means for supporting said socket, and c) decorative cover means, removably attachable to said support means, for substantially covering said socket, said cover means having a decorative surface, uninterrupted by visible attachment means, with at least one opening to permit insertion of a plug into said socket, said decorative surface of said decorative cover means fitting within an opening of a designer wallplate.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US391,759 | 1989-08-09 | ||
| US07/391,759 US5180886A (en) | 1989-08-09 | 1989-08-09 | Wallbox electric device assembly |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2022309A1 CA2022309A1 (en) | 1991-02-10 |
| CA2022309C true CA2022309C (en) | 2001-02-20 |
Family
ID=23547817
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002022309A Expired - Lifetime CA2022309C (en) | 1989-08-09 | 1990-07-25 | Wallbox electric device assembly |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5180886A (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH03164016A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2022309C (en) |
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Family Cites Families (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US1840582A (en) * | 1926-04-05 | 1932-01-12 | Louie E Hubbell | Mounting for cover plates for switches and receptacles |
| US1726429A (en) * | 1928-10-06 | 1929-08-27 | Reynolds Spring Co | Duplex receptacle |
| US2634016A (en) * | 1949-08-22 | 1953-04-07 | Shield for wall switches | |
| US2740873A (en) * | 1952-07-17 | 1956-04-03 | Touch Plate Mfg Corp | Household switch mechanism |
| US3438534A (en) * | 1968-01-08 | 1969-04-15 | Bell Electric Co | Faceplate |
| US3619477A (en) * | 1970-01-26 | 1971-11-09 | Harry R Rasmussen | Escutcheon |
| US4833277A (en) * | 1982-10-04 | 1989-05-23 | Lutron Electronics Co., Inc. | Wall plate insert |
| CA1271832A (en) * | 1986-03-19 | 1990-07-17 | Sadamasa Tanaka | Wiring-device mounting structure |
| US4835343A (en) * | 1987-03-30 | 1989-05-30 | Lutron Electronics Co., Inc. | Two piece face plate for wall box mounted device |
-
1989
- 1989-08-09 US US07/391,759 patent/US5180886A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1990
- 1990-07-25 CA CA002022309A patent/CA2022309C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1990-08-09 JP JP2213597A patent/JPH03164016A/en active Pending
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US5180886A (en) | 1993-01-19 |
| JPH03164016A (en) | 1991-07-16 |
| CA2022309A1 (en) | 1991-02-10 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |