Cover plate plug retainer
First Claim
1. A plug retainer for wall mounted electrical outlets having receptacles and a cover plate engaging a peripheral wall portion of a wall panel, said plug retainer comprising:
- a retaining bracket comprising a retaining bar having two ends, each of which is attached to a first end of one of a pair of substantially parallel legs, said legs also having a free end andmeans for pivotably securing the free end of each leg so that the retaining bracket pivots with respect to said cover plate.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An electrical plug retainer for a cover plate includes a bracket pivotally mounted with respect to the cover plate mounted over an electrical socket housing. The retaining bracket includes a retaining bar, a pair of parallel legs extending from the ends of the retaining bar, and inwardly extending projections on the free ends of the legs adapted to engage a recess formed in the peripheral edge of the cover plate. Preferably, the retaining bracket conforms with the peripheral shape of the cover plate so that it can be pivoted to lie flush against the wall adjacent the peripheral edge of the cover plate. The retaining bracket can also be pivoted outwardly from the wall for engagement with the electrical cord attached to a plug inserted within the wall socket. In one form of the present invention, the retaining bar includes a cord engagement member. Another embodiment includes a safety device which prevents access to the outlet in a closed position. In addition, a reinforcement plate can be inserted intermediate the cover plate and the projections of the retaining bracket so that any pulling forces applied to the bracket are exerted against the reinforcement plate and distributed throughout the entire face of the cover plate.
45 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A plug retainer for wall mounted electrical outlets having receptacles and a cover plate engaging a peripheral wall portion of a wall panel, said plug retainer comprising:
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a retaining bracket comprising a retaining bar having two ends, each of which is attached to a first end of one of a pair of substantially parallel legs, said legs also having a free end and means for pivotably securing the free end of each leg so that the retaining bracket pivots with respect to said cover plate. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A device for an electrical outlet having at least one electrical socket with receptacles and a cover plate, said device comprising:
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masking means movably disposed closely adjacent said cover plate; and means for moving said masking means between at least a first position, in which said masking means permits access to said receptacles, and a second position, in which said masking means prevents access to said receptacles; wherein said means for moving the masking means comprises elongated recesses in opposing peripheral sides of said cover plate;
mounting means disposed on said masking means; and
handle means having two free ends adapted to be slidably inserted through said elongated recesses and pivotally inserted into said bracket means, whereby a force on said handle means causes said masking means to shift from said first to said second position. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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20. A plug retainer for wall mounted electrical outlets having receptacles and a cover plate engaging a peripheral wall portion of a wall panel, said plug retainer comprising:
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a retaining bracket comprising a retaining bar having two ends, each of which is attached to a first end of one of a pair of substantially parallel legs, said legs each also having a free end; and means for pivotably securing the free end of each leg so that the retaining bracket pivots with respect to said cover plate and wherein said means for pivotably securing comprises an inwardly extending projection at the free end of each leg, and means for entraining each said projection intermediate said cover plate and said peripheral wall portion.
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Specification