WO1990007212A1 - Weatherproof outlet cover - Google Patents
Weatherproof outlet cover Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO1990007212A1 WO1990007212A1 PCT/US1988/004481 US8804481W WO9007212A1 WO 1990007212 A1 WO1990007212 A1 WO 1990007212A1 US 8804481 W US8804481 W US 8804481W WO 9007212 A1 WO9007212 A1 WO 9007212A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- mounting plate
- lid member
- outlet
- weatherproof
- cover
- Prior art date
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Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
- H01R13/52—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof cases
- H01R13/5213—Covers
-
- 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
- H02G3/088—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof casings or inlets
Definitions
- This invention relates in general to protective covers for electrical outlets and, more particularly, to a weatherproof cover for plugs in engagement with an outdoor electrical outlet.
- Household electrical outlets are often situated in outdoor locations to permit plugging in various outdoor appliances, such as electric weed trimmers, sprinkler systems and outdoor lighting. These outlets are significantly more vulnerable to contamination from dirt, water and other foreign matter than outlets which are located indoors. As a result, outdoor outlets are usually provided with some type of protective cover for preventing the entry of contaminants .
- the most common type of outdoor outlet cover has a spring biased lid member which is hingedly connected to the face plate of the outlet and it is pivotable from a closed position covering and tightly sealing the plug receptacles to an open position allowing access to the receptacles.
- an electrical outlet includes a single face plate with a number of plug receptacles disposed therein.
- a plurality of the above-described lid members are provided, with each lid corresponding to a different one of the receptacles to permit each receptacle to be covered and uncovered independently.
- a major problem with such an outlet cover is that the hinged lids provide protection only while the receptacles are not in use.
- the present weatherproof cover assembly includes a mounting plate replacing conventional face plate of an electrical outlet and a lid member demountably attached to the mounting plate. Both the mounting plate and the lid member are formed of a rugged, waterproof, corrosion resistant and electrically nonconductive material.
- the mounting plate is generally planar and has a centrally located hole for receiving a screw fastener to secure the mounting plate to the electrical outlet.
- the mounting plate includes at least one cutout for exposing a corresponding number of plug receptacles of the electric outlet.
- the mounting plate includes a normally extending ridge disposed to surround the cutouts.
- the upper edge of the mounting plate is provided with an upstanding flange flush with the front face and recessed relative to the back face to provide a groove immediately behind the flange.
- a first sealing gasket is placed between the rear face of the mounting plate and the wall surface surrounding the electric outlet to prevent moisture, dirt and other contaminating materials from passing therebetween.
- the lid member is an open backed box shaped structure. Plugs with conventional electric cords mounted in the receptacles of the electrical outlet are enclosed by the lid member in a weatherproof manner. At least one slot, and preferably two, is formed through the bottom wall of the lid member to allow the cords of the installed plugs to extend from within the lid member.
- a peripheral flange extends normally and outwardly from the rear edges of the lid member to support a second sealing member.
- a lip element extends normally and rearwardly from the outermost edge of the peripheral flange to encircle the mounting plate.
- the lip element is provided with an inwardly turned hook portion which, fits over the mounting plate flange into the groove of the mounting plate to pivotably and demountably connect the lid member with the mounting plate.
- a second sealing member is secured to the inner surface of the peripheral flange but not across the slot or slots. In the closed position of the lip member, the sealing strip substantially fills the gap between the raised ridge of the mounting plate and the lip element of the lid member to prevent foreign matter from passing therebetween.
- the lid member will not be completely sealed in the area of the access slot or slots but this does not detract from its overall weather resistance since the amount of dust, moisture and the like capable of moving upwardly from underneath the lid member would be negligible.
- the lid member is releasably held in a closed position over the mounting plate by a latching mechanism.
- Another object of the invention is to provide a weatherproof outlet cover which is inexpensive and easy to install in place of a conventional face plate.
- Still another object of the invention is to provide a weatherproof outlet cover having a mounting plate installed on the wall surrounding the outlet, a lid member pivotably attached to the mounting plate, a first sealing member disposed between the mounting plate and the wall and a second sealing member disposed between the lid member and the mounting plate.
- Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the weatherproof outlet cover assembly of the present invention
- Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the elements of the outlet cover assembly in exploded relationship to one another and to an outlet;
- Figure 3 is a sectional view taken through line 3-3 of Figure 1;
- Figure 4 is a sectional view taken through line 4-4 of Figure 3.
- Figures 1 nd 3 show a conventional electrical outlet 10 contained within a housing 12 that is mounted in a suitable opening provided in a building wall 14.
- the various elements of outlet cover assembly 16 are shown in Figure 2 in exploded relationship relative to the electrical outlet.
- outlet 10 is mounted in housing 12 and has at least one plug in receptacle 18 (two are shown) .
- An internally threaded hole 19 is provided in the center of electric outlet 10 for receiving a fastener, such as a screw 20 which ordinarily secures a conventional face plate (not shown) to the housing.
- a first sealing member such as a gasket 24, must be installed between mounting plate 22 and wall 14 to prevent moisture, dirt and other foreign materials from passing therebetween.
- Mounting plate 22 comprises a generally flat base member 26 having a hole 28 in it center for receiving fastener 20, which fastener secures it to outlet housing 12.
- Base member 26 is provided with at least one cut out 30 (two are shown) for exposing the corresponding number of plugs in receptacles 18 of the outlet.
- a raised ridge 32 is formed on the front surface of base member 26 circumscribing cut outs 30.
- an elongated flange member 34 extends upwardly along the upper edge of base member 26 flush with the outer face thereof and recessed relative to the back face to provide a groove 35 for pivotably supporting a lid member 36.
- Lid member 36 comprises an open backed box shaped structure having front wall 38 and top 40, bottom 42 and side walls 44 and 46, which are preferably tapered as shown. At least one rearwardly opening access slot 48 (two are shown) is defined in bottom wall 42 of lid member 36 for allowing a corresponding number of electrical cords 50 to be extended therethrough.
- a projecting rim structure 51 extends around the perimeter of lid member 36 to closely encircle mounting plate 22 when the lid member is mounted thereon and in its closed position.
- the rim structure includes a peripheral flange 52 extending normally and outwardly from the rear edges of top 40, bottom 42 and side walls 44, 46 and defining a ledge for supporting a second sealing member 54 and a lip element 56 extending normally and rearwardly from the outer edge of peripheral flange 52.
- the top portion of lip element 56 includes an inwardly turned hook portion 58 which fits over elongated top flange 34 into groove 35 of mounting plate 22 to form a pivotable demountable interconnection.
- Second sealing member 54 includes a strip of weatherstripping material glued or otherwise affixed to the inner surface of the ledge defined by peripheral flange 52 of lid member 36 and extending continuously along the top and side portions of lip element 56, but only partially along the bottom portion so as not to interfere with access slots 48.
- strip 54 cooperates with raised ridge 32 on the front surface of mounting plate 22 to form a tight seal to effectively prevent foreign matter from passing therebetween the lid member and the mounting plate.
- Lid member 36 will not be completely sealed in the area of access slots 48 but this is not expected to detract from its overall weather resistance, since the amount of dust, moisture and the like capable of moving upwardly from beneath the lid member would be negligible.
- Lid member 36 is releasably held in a closed position over mounting plate 22 by means of a suitable latching mechanism.
- Latching mechanism 59 may be a resilient leaf spring 60 having one end fixedly secured in a reinforced portion 62 of front wall 38 of the lid member and the opposite end formed as a hood 64 receivable in an aperture 66 in the bottom of mounting plate 22.
- the central portion of leaf spring 60 is formed as a button 68 projecting downwardly through a hole 70 in the bottom wall of the lid member. To release the latching mechanism, it is only necessary to push upwardly on button 68 to cause hooked end 64 of the leaf spring to disengage from aperture 66 of the mounting plate.
- the lid member can then be lifted completely off the mounting plate, or simply pivoted upwardly about top flange 34 of the mounting plate. Electrical cables 50 can be fed through access slots 48 and plugged into or removed from the outlet recepticals.
- Both the mounting plate and the lid member may be simply and inexpensively made from rugged, waterproof, corrosion resistant and electrically non conductive materials, such as heavy duty plastic using conventional molding operations or other well known processes.
Abstract
A weatherproof outlet cover (36), fitting over an outdoor electric outlet (10) and including a mounting plate (22) demountably secured to the outlet housing (12) in place of a conventional face plate and a lid member (36) demountably and pivotably mounted over the mounting plate, accommodates at least one electrical plug plugged into a receptacle (18) in the outlet. At least one access slot (48) is provided in the bottom of the lid member for enabling a corresponding number of electrical cords (50) from the plugged in plugs to be extended therethrough. A first sealing member (24) is disposed between the mounting plate (22) and the wall (14) surrounding the outlet housing (12) and a second sealing member (54) is disposed between the lid member (36) and the mounting plate (22) to prevent foreign matter from entering the outlet (10).
Description
WEATHERPROOF OUTLET COVER
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates in general to protective covers for electrical outlets and, more particularly, to a weatherproof cover for plugs in engagement with an outdoor electrical outlet.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Household electrical outlets are often situated in outdoor locations to permit plugging in various outdoor appliances, such as electric weed trimmers, sprinkler systems and outdoor lighting. These outlets are significantly more vulnerable to contamination from dirt, water and other foreign matter than outlets which are located indoors. As a result, outdoor outlets are usually provided with some type of protective cover for preventing the entry of contaminants .
The most common type of outdoor outlet cover has a spring biased lid member which is hingedly connected to the face plate of the outlet and it is pivotable from a closed position covering and tightly sealing the plug receptacles to an open position allowing access to the receptacles. Very often, an electrical outlet includes a single face plate with a number of plug receptacles disposed therein. In such instances, a plurality of the above-described lid members are provided, with each lid corresponding to a different one of the receptacles to permit each receptacle to be covered and uncovered independently.
A major problem with such an outlet cover is that the hinged lids provide protection only while the receptacles are not in use. As soon as a lid is swung open to allow an electrical appliance to be plugged into a receptacle, that receptacle is open to the elements and vulnerable to damage from moisture and the like. Moreover, the spring arrangement required to bias the lids to a closed position is complex to manufacture and increases the cost of the product.
Various types of outlet covers are also available for mounting over indoor electrical outlets . One prior art indoor outlet cover of particular interest is a boxlike structure comprising a .base frame screwably attachable to the existing receptacle face plate and an open sided cover box which slips within the frame. The cover box is locked to the base frame by protruding tabs which are received in dovetail fashion in cutouts in the frame. The sides of the box carrying the protruding tabs are flexible enough to allow the tabs to slide out of their receiving cut outs when squeezed by an adult, but rigid enough to be considered "childproof". However, because the purpose of this type of cover is to "childproof" the outlet rather than to weatherproof it in or out of use, no means are provided for preventing the entry of water and dirt. Thus, such covers are unsuitable for use with outdoor outlets.
Summary of the Invention
The present weatherproof cover assembly includes a mounting plate replacing conventional face plate of an electrical outlet and a lid member demountably attached to the mounting plate. Both the mounting plate and the lid member are formed of a rugged, waterproof, corrosion resistant and electrically nonconductive material. The mounting plate is generally planar and has a centrally located hole for receiving a screw fastener to secure the mounting plate to the electrical outlet. The mounting plate includes at least one cutout for exposing a corresponding number of plug receptacles of the electric outlet. The mounting plate includes a normally extending ridge disposed to surround the cutouts. The upper edge of the mounting plate is provided with an upstanding flange flush with the front face and recessed relative to the back face to provide a groove immediately behind the flange. A first sealing gasket is placed between the rear face of the mounting plate and the wall surface surrounding the electric outlet to prevent moisture, dirt and other contaminating materials from passing therebetween. The lid member is an open backed box shaped structure. Plugs with conventional electric cords mounted in the receptacles of the electrical outlet are enclosed by the lid member in a weatherproof manner. At least one slot, and preferably two, is formed through the bottom wall of the lid member to allow the cords of the installed plugs to extend from within the lid member. A peripheral flange extends normally and outwardly from the rear edges of the lid member to support a second
sealing member. A lip element extends normally and rearwardly from the outermost edge of the peripheral flange to encircle the mounting plate. The lip element is provided with an inwardly turned hook portion which, fits over the mounting plate flange into the groove of the mounting plate to pivotably and demountably connect the lid member with the mounting plate. A second sealing member is secured to the inner surface of the peripheral flange but not across the slot or slots. In the closed position of the lip member, the sealing strip substantially fills the gap between the raised ridge of the mounting plate and the lip element of the lid member to prevent foreign matter from passing therebetween. The lid member will not be completely sealed in the area of the access slot or slots but this does not detract from its overall weather resistance since the amount of dust, moisture and the like capable of moving upwardly from underneath the lid member would be negligible. The lid member is releasably held in a closed position over the mounting plate by a latching mechanism.
It is a primary object of this invention to provide a new and improved weatherproof outlet cover assembly for protecting an outdoor electrical outlet when the outlet receptacles are or are not in use.
Another object of the invention is to provide a weatherproof outlet cover which is inexpensive and easy to install in place of a conventional face plate.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a weatherproof outlet cover having a mounting plate installed on the wall surrounding the outlet, a lid member pivotably attached to the mounting plate,
a first sealing member disposed between the mounting plate and the wall and a second sealing member disposed between the lid member and the mounting plate. The foregoing and other objects of the present invention will be more fully understood from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the weatherproof outlet cover assembly of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the elements of the outlet cover assembly in exploded relationship to one another and to an outlet;
Figure 3 is a sectional view taken through line 3-3 of Figure 1; and
Figure 4 is a sectional view taken through line 4-4 of Figure 3.
Description of the Preferred Embodiments
Referring particularly to the drawings, Figures 1 nd 3 show a conventional electrical outlet 10 contained within a housing 12 that is mounted in a suitable opening provided in a building wall 14. The various elements of outlet cover assembly 16 are shown in Figure 2 in exploded relationship relative to the electrical outlet. As is well known in the art, outlet 10 is mounted in housing 12 and has at least one plug in receptacle 18 (two are shown) . An internally threaded hole 19 is provided in the center of electric outlet 10 for receiving a fastener, such as a screw 20 which ordinarily secures a conventional
face plate (not shown) to the housing. To install the weatherproof cover assembly, the conventional face plate is removed and a specially configured mounting plate 22 substituted therefore. In addition, a first sealing member, such as a gasket 24, must be installed between mounting plate 22 and wall 14 to prevent moisture, dirt and other foreign materials from passing therebetween.
Mounting plate 22 comprises a generally flat base member 26 having a hole 28 in it center for receiving fastener 20, which fastener secures it to outlet housing 12. Base member 26 is provided with at least one cut out 30 (two are shown) for exposing the corresponding number of plugs in receptacles 18 of the outlet. A raised ridge 32 is formed on the front surface of base member 26 circumscribing cut outs 30. In addition, an elongated flange member 34 extends upwardly along the upper edge of base member 26 flush with the outer face thereof and recessed relative to the back face to provide a groove 35 for pivotably supporting a lid member 36.
Lid member 36 comprises an open backed box shaped structure having front wall 38 and top 40, bottom 42 and side walls 44 and 46, which are preferably tapered as shown. At least one rearwardly opening access slot 48 (two are shown) is defined in bottom wall 42 of lid member 36 for allowing a corresponding number of electrical cords 50 to be extended therethrough. A projecting rim structure 51 extends around the perimeter of lid member 36 to closely encircle mounting plate 22 when the lid member is mounted thereon and in its closed position. The rim structure includes a peripheral flange 52 extending normally and outwardly from the rear edges
of top 40, bottom 42 and side walls 44, 46 and defining a ledge for supporting a second sealing member 54 and a lip element 56 extending normally and rearwardly from the outer edge of peripheral flange 52. The top portion of lip element 56 includes an inwardly turned hook portion 58 which fits over elongated top flange 34 into groove 35 of mounting plate 22 to form a pivotable demountable interconnection. Second sealing member 54 includes a strip of weatherstripping material glued or otherwise affixed to the inner surface of the ledge defined by peripheral flange 52 of lid member 36 and extending continuously along the top and side portions of lip element 56, but only partially along the bottom portion so as not to interfere with access slots 48. When lid member 36 is pivoted downwardly into its closed position, strip 54 cooperates with raised ridge 32 on the front surface of mounting plate 22 to form a tight seal to effectively prevent foreign matter from passing therebetween the lid member and the mounting plate. Lid member 36 will not be completely sealed in the area of access slots 48 but this is not expected to detract from its overall weather resistance, since the amount of dust, moisture and the like capable of moving upwardly from beneath the lid member would be negligible.
Lid member 36 is releasably held in a closed position over mounting plate 22 by means of a suitable latching mechanism. Latching mechanism 59 may be a resilient leaf spring 60 having one end fixedly secured in a reinforced portion 62 of front wall 38 of the lid member and the opposite end formed as a hood 64 receivable in an aperture 66 in the
bottom of mounting plate 22. The central portion of leaf spring 60 is formed as a button 68 projecting downwardly through a hole 70 in the bottom wall of the lid member. To release the latching mechanism, it is only necessary to push upwardly on button 68 to cause hooked end 64 of the leaf spring to disengage from aperture 66 of the mounting plate. The lid member can then be lifted completely off the mounting plate, or simply pivoted upwardly about top flange 34 of the mounting plate. Electrical cables 50 can be fed through access slots 48 and plugged into or removed from the outlet recepticals.
Both the mounting plate and the lid member may be simply and inexpensively made from rugged, waterproof, corrosion resistant and electrically non conductive materials, such as heavy duty plastic using conventional molding operations or other well known processes.
Claims
I CLAIM: 1. A weatherproof cover for an outdoor electrical outlet, said cover comprising: a) a waterproof, corrosion resistant and electrically non conductive mounting plate; b) fastener means for demountably securing said mounting plate to the outlet; c) a waterproof, corrosion-resistant lid member for enclosing the outdoor electrical outlet and the plug of at least one electrical cord mountable therein, said lid member being movably attached to said mounting plate and having at least one access slot formed therein for allowing the electrical cord portion of a mountable electrical cord to extend from said lid member; d) a first sealing member for disposition between the mounting plate and the outlet for preventing passage of foreign materials therebetween; and e) a second sealing member disposed between said mounting plate and said lid member for preventing passage of foreign materials therebetween.
2. The weatherproof cover according to Claim 1 further comprising a latching mechanism for releasable maintaining said lid member in a closed position over said mounting plate.
3. The weatherproof cover according to Claim 1 in which said first sealing member comprises a gasket for placement between the outlet and said mounting plate.
4.- The weatherproof cover according to Claim 1 in which said second sealing member comprises a strip of weatherstripping material mounted inside said lid member.
5. The weatherproof cover according to Claim 4 further comprising a raised ridge formed on said mounting plate for cooperating with said second seal member to improve its sealing ability and prevent foreign matter from passing between said mounting plate and said lid member.
6. A weatherproof cover for an outdoor electrical outlet of the type including an outlet housing contained within an opening in a building wall and at least one plug in receptacle with a hole being provided in the center of the outlet for receiving a fastener which ordinarily secures a conventional face plate to the housing, said cover comprising: a) a waterproof, corrosion resistant, and electrically non conductive mounting plate for mounting to the outlet housing in place of the conventional face plate, said mounting plate including a base member having at least one cut out defined therein for exposing the at least one plug in receptacle of the outlet and at least one hole alignable with the hole in the outlet housing for receiving a fastener;
b) fastener means for extending through the alignable holes in the outlet and said mounting plate for demountably securing said mounting plate to the outlet housing; c) a waterproof,corrosion resistant, open backed lid member for covering said mounting plate, said lid member including, i) a closed front wall, ii) a pair of spaced apart side walls, iii) a bottom wall, said bottom wall having at least one rearwardly opening access slot defined therein for allowing at least one electrical cord to be extended therethrough, and iv) a rim structure extending around the perimeter of said lid member so as to closely encircle said mounting plate when said lid member is mounted in a closed position on said mounting plate; d) a first sealing member for disposition between said mounting late and the building wall surrounding the outlet for preventing passage of foreign materials therebetween; and e) a second sealing member for disposition between said lid member and said mounting plate.
7. The weatherproof cover of Claim 6 further comprising cooperating elements of a demountable interconnection on said mounting plate and said lid member for pivotably securing said lid member to said mounting plate.
8. The weatherproof cover of Claim 7 in which said cooperating elements of a demountable interconnection comprise: a) an elongated flange member extending upwardly along the upper edge of said base member of said mounting plate; and b) an inturned hook portion on said rim structure of said lid member for fitting over said elongated top flange of said mounting plate to form a pivotable connection therewith.
9. The weatherproof cover of Claim 8 in which said rim structure on said lid member comprises: a) a peripheral flange extending normally and outwardly from the rearmost edges of said top, bottom and side walls of said lid member, said peripheral f^nge defining a ledge for supporting said second sealing member; and b) a lip element extending normally and rearwardly from the outer edge of said peripheral flange, said inturned hook portion of said rim structure being formed along the rear edge of said lip element.
10. The weatherproof cover of Claim 6 in which said first sealing member comprises a gasket for disposition between the outlet and said mounting plate.
11. The weatherproof cover of Claim 9 in which said second sealing member comprises a strip of weatherstripping material affixed to the inner surface of said ledge and extending continuously along the top and side portions of the lip element and partially along the bottom portion thereof.
12. The weatherproof cover of Claim 11 further comprising means on said mounting plate for cooperating with said second seal member to improve its sealing ability and prevent foreign matter from passing between said mounting plate and said lid member when said lid member is in a closed position over said mounting plate.
13. The weatherproof cover of Claim 12 in which said means on said mounting plate comprises a raised ridge formed on the front surface of said base member and circumscribing said at least one cut out.
14. The weatherproof cover of Claim 6 further comprising a latching mechanism for releasably maintaining said lid member in a closed position over said mounting plate.
15. The weatherproof cover of Claim 14 in which said latching mechanism comprises: a) a resilient leaf spring having one end fixedly secured in said front wall of said lid member; b) a hook formed at the opposite end of said leaf spring; c) a push button depending from said leaf spring; d) an aperture formed in the bottom of said mounting plate for releasably receiving said hook at the end of said leaf spring; and e) a hole formed in said bottom wall of said lid member for exposing said push button.
16. A weatherproof electrical outlet comprising: a) an outlet housing contained within an opening in a building wall; b) at least one plug in receptacle in said outlet housing; c) a waterproof, corrosion resistant and electrically non conductive mounting plate demountably secured to said outlet housing, said mounting plate including, i) a base member having at least one cut out defined therein for exposing said at least one plug in receptacle, ii) a raised ridge formed on the front surface of said base member circumscribing said at least one cut out, and
iii) an elongated flange member extending upwardly along the upper edge of said base member of said mounting plate; d) a waterproof, corrosion resistant, open backed lid member for covering said mounting plate, said lid member including, i) a closed front wall, ii) a pair of spaced apart side walls, iii) a top wall, iv) a bottom wall, said bottom wall having at least one rearwardly opening access slot defined therein for allowing at least one electrical cord to be extended therethrough, v) a peripheral flange extending normally and outwardly from the rearmost edges of said top, bottom and side walls of said lid member, said peripheral flange defining a ledge; vi) a lip element extending normally and rearwardly from the outer edge of said peripheral flange; and vii) an inturned hook portion formed along the rear edge of the top of said lip element for fitting over said elongated top flange of said mounting plate and forming a
pivotable demountable interconnection therewith; e) a gasket for disposition between said mounting plate and the building wall surrounding said outlet for preventing passage of foreign materials therebetween; and f) a strip of weatherstripping material affixed to the inner surface of the ledge of said peripheral flange of said cover member and extending continuously along the top and side portions of said lip element and partially along the bottom portion thereof, said strip being disposed for cooperation with said raised ridge on said mounting plate to form a tight seal preventing entry of foreign materials when said lid member is in a closed position over said mounting plate.
17. The weatherproof outlet of Claim 16 further comprising a latching mechanism for releasably maintaining said lid member in a closed position over said mounting plate.
18. The weatherproof outlet of Claim 17 in which said latching mechanism comprises: a) resilient leaf spring having one end fixedly secured in said front wall of said lid member; b) a hook formed at the opposite end of said leaf spring; c) a push button depending from said leaf spring; d) an aperture formed in the bottom of said mounting plate for releasably receiving said hook at the end of said leaf spring; and
e) a hole formed in said bottom wall of said lid member for exposing said push button.
19. A weatherproof cover for an outdoor electrical outlet, said cover comprising: a) a waterproof, corrosion-resistant, and electrically non-conductive mounting plate; b) fastener means for demountably securing said mounting plate to the outlet; c) said mounting plate including a top edge and a lip formed in said top edge; d) a waterproof, corrosion-resistant lid member for enclosing the outdoor electrical outlet and the plug of at least one electrical cord mountable therein, said lid member being movably attached to said mounting plate and having at least one access slot formed therein for allowing the electrical cord portion of the plug to extend from said lid member; e) said lid member including a top wall and a hook portion depending from said top wall for engaging said lip to pivotally engage said lid member with said mounting plate; f) a first sealing member for disposition between said mounting plate and the outlet for preventing passage of foreign elements therebetween; and g) a second sealing member disposed between said mounting plate and said lid member for preventing passage of foreign elements therebetween.
20. A weatherproof cover for an outdoor electrical outlet, said cover comprising: a) a waterproof, corrosion-resistant, and electrically non-conductive mounting plate; b) fastener means for demountably securing said mounting plate to the outlet; c) a waterproof, corrosion-resistant lid member for enclosing the outdoor electrical outlet and the plug of at least one electrical cord mountable therein, said lid member being movably attached to said mounting plate and having at least one access slot formed therein for allowing the electrical cord portion of a mountable electrical cord to extend from said lid member; d) a first sealing member for disposition between the mounting plate and the outlet for preventing passage of foreign elements therebetween; e) a second sealing member disposed between said mounting plate and said lid member comprising a strip of weatherstripping material inside said lid member for preventing passage of foreign elements therebetween; and f) , raised ridge formed on said mounting plate for cooperating with said second sealing member to improve its sealing ability and prevent foreign elements from passing between said mounting plate and said lid member.
21. A weatherproof cover for an outdoor electrical outlet, said cover comprising: a) a waterproof, corrosion-resistant and electrically non-conductive mounting plate;
b) fastener means for demountably securing said mounting plate to the outlet; c) said mounting plate including a lip; d) a waterproof, corrosion-resistant lid member for enclosing the outdoor electrical outlet and the plug of at least one electrical cord mountable therein, said lid member being movably attached to said mounting plate and having means formed therein for allowing the electrical cord of the plugged in plug to extend from said lid member; e) said lid member including a hook portion depending for engaging said lip to pivotally engage said lid member with said mounting plate; f) first sealing member disposed between said mounting plate and the outlet for preventing passage of foreign elements therebetween; and g) a second sealing member disposed between said mounting plate and said lid member for preventing passage of foreign elements therebetween.
22. A weatherproof cover for an outdoor electrical outlet, said cover comprising: a) a waterproof, corrosion-resistant and electrically non-conductive mounting plate; b) fastener means for demountably securing said mounting plate to the outlet; c) a waterproof, corrosion-resistant lid member for enclosing the outdoor electrical outlet and the plug of at least one electrical cord plugged therein, said lid member being movably attached to said mounting plate and having means formed therein for accommodating exteriorization of the electrical cord extending from the plugs;
d) a first sealing member disposed between the mounting plate and the outlet for preventing passage of foreign elements therebetween; e) a second sealing member disposed between said mounting plate and said lid member for preventing passage of foreign elements therebetween; and f) means formed on said mounting plate for cooperating with said second sealing member to improve its sealing ability and prevent foreign elements from passing between said mounting plate and said lid member.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US1988/004481 WO1990007212A1 (en) | 1988-12-15 | 1988-12-15 | Weatherproof outlet cover |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US1988/004481 WO1990007212A1 (en) | 1988-12-15 | 1988-12-15 | Weatherproof outlet cover |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO1990007212A1 true WO1990007212A1 (en) | 1990-06-28 |
Family
ID=22209054
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US1988/004481 WO1990007212A1 (en) | 1988-12-15 | 1988-12-15 | Weatherproof outlet cover |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| WO (1) | WO1990007212A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2269485A (en) * | 1992-07-20 | 1994-02-09 | Mk Electric Ltd | Sealed electrical connector |
| EP0779681A1 (en) * | 1995-12-13 | 1997-06-18 | Copeland Corporation | Plastic terminal box |
| US5907125A (en) * | 1993-10-07 | 1999-05-25 | N.V. Raychem S.A. | Environmental protection |
| US6334794B1 (en) | 1997-08-14 | 2002-01-01 | Silicon Bandwidth, Inc. | Electrical connector having staggered hold-down tabs |
| US9819116B1 (en) | 2016-05-06 | 2017-11-14 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Electrical outlet assembly for a vehicle and methods of assembling same |
Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2510745A (en) * | 1945-11-15 | 1950-06-06 | Charles R Kilgore | Cover for electric service outlets |
| US4109095A (en) * | 1976-10-28 | 1978-08-22 | Mulberry Metal Products, Inc. | Weatherproof electrical outlet box cover |
| US4342493A (en) * | 1978-12-18 | 1982-08-03 | Allen-Stevens Corp. | Weather-resistant arrangement for outdoor electrical devices |
| US4424407A (en) * | 1981-11-30 | 1984-01-03 | Barbic Mark J | Electrical outlet safety cover |
| US4603932A (en) * | 1985-01-10 | 1986-08-05 | Heverly Karen H | Electrical outlet cover |
| US4605817A (en) * | 1984-04-25 | 1986-08-12 | Lopez Carlos A | Safety cover for electrical outlets |
-
1988
- 1988-12-15 WO PCT/US1988/004481 patent/WO1990007212A1/en unknown
Patent Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2510745A (en) * | 1945-11-15 | 1950-06-06 | Charles R Kilgore | Cover for electric service outlets |
| US4109095A (en) * | 1976-10-28 | 1978-08-22 | Mulberry Metal Products, Inc. | Weatherproof electrical outlet box cover |
| US4342493A (en) * | 1978-12-18 | 1982-08-03 | Allen-Stevens Corp. | Weather-resistant arrangement for outdoor electrical devices |
| US4424407A (en) * | 1981-11-30 | 1984-01-03 | Barbic Mark J | Electrical outlet safety cover |
| US4605817A (en) * | 1984-04-25 | 1986-08-12 | Lopez Carlos A | Safety cover for electrical outlets |
| US4603932A (en) * | 1985-01-10 | 1986-08-05 | Heverly Karen H | Electrical outlet cover |
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2269485A (en) * | 1992-07-20 | 1994-02-09 | Mk Electric Ltd | Sealed electrical connector |
| GB2269485B (en) * | 1992-07-20 | 1996-02-21 | Mk Electric Ltd | Connector assembly |
| US5907125A (en) * | 1993-10-07 | 1999-05-25 | N.V. Raychem S.A. | Environmental protection |
| EP0779681A1 (en) * | 1995-12-13 | 1997-06-18 | Copeland Corporation | Plastic terminal box |
| US6334794B1 (en) | 1997-08-14 | 2002-01-01 | Silicon Bandwidth, Inc. | Electrical connector having staggered hold-down tabs |
| US9819116B1 (en) | 2016-05-06 | 2017-11-14 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Electrical outlet assembly for a vehicle and methods of assembling same |
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