WO2020148083A1

WO2020148083A1 - Cover for electrical features

Info

Publication number: WO2020148083A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/000007
Authority: WO
Inventors: Darren TURIANO; Yvonne Dawn TURIANO
Original assignee: Turiano Darren; Turiano Yvonne Dawn
Priority date: 2019-01-14
Filing date: 2020-01-14
Publication date: 2020-07-23
Also published as: GB201905132D0; GB2580720A; GB201900534D0

Abstract

A reusable cover for an electric fitting is provided which can be used to cover the fitting during tiling, plastering or painting to prevent contamination of the back box and its content with building materials, the cover may be used with backboxes and sockets.

Description

COVER FOR ELECTRICAL FEATURES

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an aperture covering device, in particular a device for covering apertures with items extending therefrom particularly in the building trade, more particularly but not exclusively the invention provides a cover for electrical fittings such as sockets and socket backboxes to provide protection for the fitting during maintenance or construction work.

Background

Increasing numbers of people enjoy their aesthetic surroundings and improving their environment, be they domestic or commercial premises.

Renovation or redecoration can be time-consuming and new building work can be problematic and involve multiple trades and stages.

For speed, particularly in large premises, getting various tradesman properly arranged can be difficult. For example during a first stage wall boards may be installed, electrical fittings installed and subsequently the wall may be plastered and decorated, with the electrical fitting in place requiring the fascia to be taken off whilst wired, and worked around.

For quality, particularly in small premises, it can be difficult to effectively paint, plaster or decorate around an electrical fitting, without contaminating the fitting.

In many instances the fitting is covered with tape which is removed once any painting or plastering has been completed. Application and removal of the tape is time consuming and furthermore the tape cannot be reused and must be disposed of after a single use.

Prior Art

Various covers for electrical fittings have been proposed. For example, US 2008 236 860 (HOWE) discloses a cover for temporarily covering a switch positioned within an electrical housing which includes a panel section that can be removably attached to the electrical housing, and a casing shaped and sized to cover and contact the switch. The casing is mounted on the panel for a predetermined range of sliding movement relative to the panel, such that sliding of the casing imparts movement of the switch. As such, the electrical switch can be turned "on" and "off without removing the cover.

US 9 484 698 (STIER et al) discloses apparatus for attaching duct work to an electrical outlet or electrical switch, comprising: a generally cylindrical tube having a first end having a first diameter and a second end having a second diameter larger than said first diameter; a tapered wall that connects said first and second ends; at least two slots disposed through said tapered cylindrical wall; a gasket disposed about the perimeter of the said second end; at least one bracket, said bracket comprising at least two tabs, said tabs sized and oriented to be inserted into said slots, where said bracket is disposed across the diameter of said second end; means for selectively and releasably attaching said bracket to an electrical outlet.

US 7 622 675 (SUTTER) discloses a paint shield for covering an electrical device which has a generally planar plate with an attachment element connected thereto. The attachment element releasably engages one or more of a standard wall switch, a decor type switch or a socket. At least one overspray wall on the rear face of the plate is spaced from the perimeter of the plate and extends from the plate to provide protection from paint or other surface treatments. The overspray wall may also serve as an attachment element. Blisters at or near the edges of the plate define receptacle for receiving a mounting screw head.

GB 2444260 relates to a cover for an electrical backbox provided with a handle for removing the cover from the box. The cover is not however firmly secured to the backbox.

None of these references address the need to cover and protect the fitting whilst enabling tiling, painting and/or plastering up to the very edge of the socket.

The present invention addresses these issues and furthermore provides a protective device which is reusable thus overcoming the problem of the single use protective tape.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a device for covering an electrical fitting such as an electrical backbox or an electrical socket comprising an engagement means providing fitting means for releasable engagement with the electrical fitting and a continuous skirt extending away from the engagement means. The device of this invention may be engaged into a backbox or a socket, and the electrical terminal and/or fascia and associated wiring may be contained within the skirt.

In a preferred embodiment the fittings of the device engage with the internal walls of the backbox or socket and protrudes from the backbox or socket to enable the device to be handled and manually secured within and released from the backbox or socket. The electrical terminal and/or fascia and associated wiring may be contained within the skirt.

In a preferred embodiment the skirt comprises a sealed container, with an open mouth providing the engagement means and the engagement means is preferably resiliently deformable so that it can be stretched and/or compressed to engage with the internal surface of the backbox or socket.

In a further embodiment the engagement means comprises a resiliently deformable fitting, which surrounds an open mouth of the skirt. We prefer that the fitting comprises cut-outs or indentations or channels arranged to receive backbox or socket features or it comprises protrusions on the skirt arranged to engage with indentations or channels present in the internal surface of the backbox or socket.

The engagement means is preferably made of a resiliently deformable material typically of a thermoplastic and we prefer that the skirt is made of a flexible insulating material such as silicone rubber.

The invention also provides a method for protecting an electrical fitting such as a backbox or a socket and any contents therein during plastering, tiling or painting comprising coupling a covering device over the electrical fitting prior to plastering, tiling or painting and uncoupling the device after plastering tiling or painting, the coupling of the device being to the internal surface of the backbox or socket.

In some embodiments the skirt comprises a sealed bag, with an open mouth comprised by the sleeve. The sleeve may comprise an engagement means.

In some embodiments the sleeve comprises a resiliently deformable engagement means. For example said engagement means may comprise a resiliently deformable frame, which frame surrounds the open mouth of the skirt. This frame may then be deformed and inserted into the backbox in use, whereupon it reforms and pushes against the inside walls of the backbox or socket so engaging the device in the backbox or socket. Once the cover is engaged a user such as a painter or a plasterer is free to work in the surrounding area with no fear of interference with or contamination of the electrical terminal and/or wiring. This enables tiling, plastering or decorating to be accomplished more easily.

The frame and/or sleeve may comprise cut-outs or indentations or channels arranged to receive standardised backbox or socket features. In this way the frame or sleeve may be inserted fully into the backbox or socket without interference from such features. In addition ^* or the alternative the cutouts or channels may be utilisable to hold the sleeve and device in place, by providing a further engagement means. Cutouts may also enable the device to deform and reform, so as to better provide the engagement means.

In a preferred embodiment the skirt comprises a closed end, which end is joined to the sleeve by side panels. The end may be shaped and/or dimensioned appropriate to a standard electrical terminal fascia. In this way the fascia may rest into the end, or inner face thereof, and the side panels may define sides extending away from the sleeve that substantially comprise a similar sectional shape and dimensions. It may be envisaged that in some embodiments the side panels are inclined downwards in use, away from the sleeve, such that the end may be inclined away from the aperture, and the gravitational effect on a wired fascia within the device may be accommodated. The skirt may also enable a user to handle the device for manual attachment and release of the cover over the backbox.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device according to the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1 ;

And Figure 4 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1. Figure 5 is a cut away view showing the device in Figure 2 fitted over a backbox.

Figure 6 is a plan view of a cover of the present invention laid flat .

Figure 7 is an exploded version of the cover illustrated in Figure 6 showing how the cover can be inserted within a cavity (not shown) to provide the protection.

The numerals in Figures 6 and 7 refer to the same aspects of the cover as in Figures 1 to 5.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the embodiment shown in the figures the embodiment generally comprises an aperture covering device 99 comprising a sleeve 2 for engagement into the aperture (not shown in Figure 1 to 4) and a skirt 1 arranged to extend away from the aperture when the sleeve 2 is engaged in the aperture.

In the pictured embodiment the aperture comprises an electrical back-box (not shown).

In particular reference to the embodiment shown in the figures the embodiment comprises a skirt 1 made from a single piece of silicone rubber. The skirt is relatively thin and flexible.

This skirt 1 comprises continuous side panels having a substantially rectangular sectional profile.

The skirt further comprises an end 9 with a planar substantially rectangular form. This form is analogous to a fascia plate for an electrical terminal as known in the art.

The skirt 1 further comprises an open mouth 3, which is substantially rectangular and smaller but otherwise analogous to the end.

The mouth 3 has a flat front edge 7, which is rounded away from the edge and at the corners. The side panels extend away and down from the mouth to the end 9 and the end is inclined away from and lower than the mouth 3 in use, to accommodate the internally arranged fascia and wiring in use.

The mouth 3 comprises an indentation cutout 18 along its lowest long side in use. This indentation 18 indents into the bottom edge of the mouth and allows cables to come up through in use.

The device of the present invention allows the user to quickly and securely cover over electrical socket back boxes and fasciae or face plates during decoration and can easily be removed afterwards.

Advantageously the device helps prevent plug sockets’ or outlets’ back boxes and cables becoming covered in plaster and paint between installation phases. Additionally the device of this invention saves time and materials by not having to tape up plug sockets and remove paint and plaster from within back boxes when it comes to final fitting. Furthermore the cover is reusable.

The product has multiple surfaces which would be appropriate for branding opportunities and the skirt may be made from a non-conductive rubber material, so is safe to use with electrical products. The device can be produced in a wide range of colours.

The device may be of any size according to the nature of the electrical fitting to be covered however in a preferred embodiment for use in the United Kingdom it is sized to engage into standard sized UK two-gang backbox, other shapes or sizes may be used according to other national requirements for different layouts.

The embodiment is advantageously arranged to be as easy and simplistic as possible, capable of being used by trade and DIY and formed of only two components, namely a sleeve 2 and skirt 1.

The sleeve 2 is arranged to be provided at the mouth 3 of the skirt 1 , and provides its structure as well as the engagement means between the device and aperture. The sleeve 2 comprises a plastic retention piece which bends and flexes to hold the embodiment in the backbox. The outer rubber skirt 1 covers over the exposed plug socket and wiring extending or extendable from the socket.

The embodiment has side channel cutouts 8 in the skirt 1 to allow the embodiment to slot over the screw tabs within the back box.

The embodiment will hold itself within the back box as the plastic sleeve 2 pushes the grippy rubber surface of the skirt against the walls of the back box. The skirt 1 comprises a mouth having a form 10 analogous to the sleeve 2.

The sleeve 2 comprises an elongate indentation 68 in its bottom edge, analogous the skirt indentation 18. The sleeve 2 comprises side channels 48 analogous the side channel cutouts 8 in the skirt 1.

The sleeve also comprises a cutout 33 in its top edge to allow for the deformation of the embodiment for engagement means. This cutout 33 means the sleeve 1 is discontinuous and the

Figure 5 shows how the device of Figure 2 (and the numeral designations are the same as in Figure 2) can be fitted into a backbox II containing electric wiring 12.

The hardwearing rubber casing would have a long-life span and once used can easily be cleaned off by hand.

An example of the use of a cover according to the invention is as follows.

Once the wiring is in place in a backbox and painting, plastering or tiling around the backbox is to be performed, the user would stretch open the device so that it will fit over the fascia of the plug socket and pull it over so it fully engulfs the plug socket.

Next, to fit into the back box simply press the top half of the device together so it flexes inwards and then slide into the backbox.

Then release and let the device flex out again so that it is held in place.

Now with the socket, switches and wiring covered up the user can proceed to paint, plaster or tile around the socket, giving a nice neat finish and without covering what is inside To remove the device the user would simply reverse the installation process and reveal the socket ready to be fastened to the wall.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.

Figure 8 is an illustration of the process of this invention employing an aperture covering device of the invention.

Figure 8A shows a masonry wall in which a hole is provided for an electrical backbox.

Figure 8B shows wiring installed in the hole in the wall of Figure 8A.

Figure 8C shows the backbox installed.

Figure 8D shows an electrical socket attached to the wiring shown in Figure 8B.

Figure 8E shows an aperture covering device of the invention ready to be installed in and over the backbox over the socket.

Figure 8F shows the cover of Figure 8E installed by pushing into engagement with the backbox.

Figure 8G shows the wall with plastering and painting completed.

Figure 8H shows the plastered and painted wall with the socket cover removed and the socket ready for use.

Claims

1. A device for covering an electrical fitting comprising an engagement means providing a fitting for releasable engagement with the electrical fitting and a continuous skirt extending away from the engagement means.

2. A device according to Claim 1 in which the fitting engages with the internal walls of the backbox and protrudes from the fitting to enable the fitting to be manually released from the fitting.

3. A device according to Claim 1 wherein the electrical terminal and/or fascia and associated wiring is contained within the skirt.

4. A device according to Claim 1 and 3 wherein the skirt comprises a sealed container, with an open mouth comprised by the engagement means.

5. A device according to Claim 1 wherein the engagement means is resiliently deformable.

6. A device according to Claims 1 and 4 wherein the engagement means comprises a resiliently deformable fitting that can be stretched and/or compressed to engage with the electrical fitting.

7. A device according to Claim 1 and 4 wherein the engagement means comprises a resiliently deformable fitting, where the fitting surrounds an open mouth of the skirt.

8. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the fitting comprises cut-outs or indentations or channels arranged to receive features of the electrical fitting.

9. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the fitting comprises protrusions arranged to engage with any indentations or channels present as features of the electrical fitting.

10. A device according to Claim 1 wherein the engagement means is made of a resiliently deformable material.

1 1. A device according to Claim 1 wherein the engagement means is made of a thermoplastic.

12. A device according to Claim 1 wherein the skirt is made of a flexible insulating material.

13. A device according to Claim 1 wherein the skirt is made of silicone rubber.

14. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the electrical fitting is a backbox.

15. A device according to any one of Claims 1 to 13 wherein the electrical fitting is a socket.

16. A method for protecting an electrical fitting and any contents therein during plastering, tiling or painting comprising coupling a covering device over the electrical fitting prior to plastering, tiling or painting and uncoupling the device after plastering, tiling or painting.

17. A method according to Claim 16 wherein the covering device is coupled to the internal surface of the backbox.

18. A method according to Claim 16 or Claim 17 wherein the covering device is reused after uncoupling.

19. A method according to any of Claims 16 to 18 in which the electrical fitting is a backbox.

20. A method according to any of Claims 16 to 18 in which the electrical fitting is a socket.