IP Library Granted Patent US 7,538,272
Granted Patent B1
US 7,538,272 · App. 11/931,448 · Granted May 26, 2009

Weatherproof cover plate

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,538,272
App. No.
11/931,448
Granted
May 26, 2009
Kind
B1
Abstract

A weatherproof cover plate is disclosed. A continuous ridge on the base is disclosed in association with a gasket and a biased hinge to provide additional protection against the weather. Particular implementations include an opening in the gasket and the lid. In a weatherproof bubble cover plate, a biased hinge is provided to bias the lid closed upon the base. Additionally, one or more cord catches in the base and knock-outs in the lid are disclosed. Other embodiments include bubble cover plates having gaps between the lid and the base to allow a cord to pass therethrough when the lid is close.

Claims (20)

1. A bubble cover for an electrical outlet, the bubble cover comprising:

a base comprising an opening large enough to receive an electrical outlet and a ridge comprising at least one cord catch;

a bubble lid coupled to the base by a hinge;

wherein the cord catch comprises at least one reentrant opening and at least three sides, wherein at least a first of the sides is between the reentrant opening and the bubble lid;

wherein the at least a first of the sides is positioned to restrict movement of a cord toward the bubble lid when a cord is inserted into the cord catch.

2. The bubble cover of claim 1 , wherein the at least one opening of the cord catch is J shaped or U shaped.

3. The bubble cover of claim 1 , wherein the at least the first of the sides extends substantially parallel with the ridge and comprises at least one curve, wherein the at least one curve in the edge narrows the at least one opening such that a cord inserted therein is restricted in its movement therethrough.

4. The bubble cover of claim 1 , wherein the base further comprises an adapter plate, the adapter plate comprising at least one knock-out and wherein the adapter plate is adaptable to accommodate at least one of a single round electrical socket, a duplex electrical socket and a GFCI electrical socket through removal of at least one of the at least one knock-outs.

5. The bubble cover of claim 1 , wherein the at least one side comprises at least one curve, wherein the at least one curve of the side narrows a portion of the reentrant opening such that a cord inserted therein is restricted in its movement in the reentrant opening.

6. The bubble cover of claim 1 , wherein the at least one side comprises at least one slanted edge such that a cord inserted into the reentrant opening is restricted in its movement in the reentrant opening.

7. The bubble cover of claim 1 , further comprising at least one knock-out in the cord catch.

8. A bubble cover for an electrical outlet, the bubble cover comprising:

a base comprising an opening large enough to receive an electrical outlet and a ridge comprising at least one cord catch;

a bubble lid coupled to the base by a hinge;

wherein the cord catch comprises at least one reentrant opening and at least three sides, wherein at least a first of the sides is between the reentrant opening and the bubble lid;

wherein at least a first of the at least three sides extends substantially parallel with the ridge and comprises at least one curve, wherein the at least one curve in the edge narrows the at least one opening such that a cord inserted therein is restricted in its movement therethrough.

9. The bubble cover of claim 8 , wherein the at least one opening of the cord catch is J shaped or U shaped.

10. The bubble cover of claim 8 , wherein the base further comprises an adapter plate, the adapter plate comprising at least one knock-out and wherein the adapter plate is adaptable to accommodate at least one of a single round electrical socket, a duplex electrical socket and a GFCI electrical socket through removal of at least one of the at least one knock-outs.

11. The bubble cover of claim 8 , wherein the at least one side comprises at least one slanted edge such that a cord inserted into the reentrant opening is restricted in its movement in the reentrant opening.

12. The bubble cover of claim 8 , further comprising at least one knock-out in the cord catch.

Assignments (2)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded May 1, 2012
From: TAYMAC CORPORATION
To: HUBBELL INCORPORATED
Reel/Frame 028136/0396 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Nov 2, 2007
From: SHOTEY, MICHAEL J.; SHOTEY, MARCUS J.; MALTBY, EDGAR W.
To: TAYMAC CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 020062/0450 →