Surface mount power outlet

• US 7,432,442 B2
• Filed: 11/09/2006
• Issued: 10/07/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 11/09/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Hubbell, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Hubbell, Inc.
• Inventors: Peck, David M.
• Primary Examiner(s): PATEL, DHIRUBHAI R
• Application Number:
  US11/594,989
• Publication Number:
  US 20080135274A1
• Time in Patent Office: 698 Days
• Field of Search: 174/53, 174/57, 174/50, 174/135, 174/481, 174/66, 174/67, 439/373, 439/120, 439/501, 439/650, 439/653, 439/107, 439/536, 220/241, 220/242
• US Class Current: 174/53
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/502 composed of different pieces H01R13/514 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/506 assembled by snap action of the parts
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/512 assembled by screw or screws
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/652 with earth pin, blade or socket
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/73 Means for mounting coupling parts to apparatus or structures, e.g. to a wall
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2103/00 Two poles
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 24/78 with additional earth or shield contacts
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 3/10 for surface mounting on a wall

Abstract

A surface mount power outlet for connecting to a plug includes a cover having a fin disposed on an outer surface and a substantially circular face with a plurality of slots for receiving a plug. The cover also has a substantially arcuate body disposed below the face, an open back, and a pocket on an inner surface adjacent the fin. A base having a base plate with a shape corresponding to the open back includes a tab protruding from the upper surface for matching up with the pocket when aligned with the fin to complete a rock and lock attachment. The configuration of the cover apertures dictates whether the power outlet accommodates a 30 amp or a 50 amp power receptacle.

Claims

1. A power outlet comprising:

a cover having a fin disposed on an outer surface, a substantially circular face with a plurality of slots for receiving a plug, a substantially arcuate body disposed below said face, an open back, and a pocket on an inner surface of said cover adjacent said fin; and

a base having a base plate with a shape corresponding to said open back and including a first tab protruding from an upper surface of said base received within said pocket when said cover is connected to said base.

2. A power outlet according to claim 1 wherein

said cover further includes a first aperture for receiving a fastener.

3. A power outlet according to claim 2 wherein

said first aperture is disposed between said plurality of slots.

4. A power outlet according to claim 3 wherein

said base includes a second aperture for receiving and engaging said fastener extending through said first aperture.

5. A power outlet according to claim 4 wherein

said fastener is a screw.

6. A power outlet according to claim 1 wherein

said base includes at least two additional protruding tabs extending perpendicular to said base plate and facing said cover.

7. A power outlet according to claim 1 wherein

said base further includes a plurality of fastener receiving cavities located at various positions alongside said base.

8. A power outlet according to claim 1 wherein

said base plate includes a wall projecting from a bottom surface, at an end thereof opposite said tab, said wall including a first knockout.

9. A power outlet according to claim 8 wherein

said bottom surface includes a second knockout.

10. A power outlet according to claim 1 wherein

said cover further includes a plurality of slots for receiving a plurality of prongs attached to a 30 ampere electrical plug.

11. A power outlet according to claim 10 wherein

one of said slots is substantially L-shaped and others of said slots are substantially rectangular-shaped.

12. A power outlet according to claim 1 wherein

said cover further includes a plurality of slots for receiving a plurality of prongs attached to a 50 ampere electrical plug.

13. A power outlet according to claim 12 wherein

one of said slots is substantially rectangular shaped.

14. A power outlet according to claim 1 wherein

one of said slots is substantially D-shaped.

15. A power outlet according to claim 1 wherein

said base further includes a receptacle for transmitting electrical power to the plug.

16. A power outlet comprising:

a cover having a substantially arcuate body, a substantially circular face with a plurality of slots for receiving a plug, a first aperture disposed between said plurality of slots for receiving a screw, an open back, a fin on an end of said cover, and a pocket on an inner surface adjacent said fin;

a base having a base plate with a shape corresponding to said open back and including a first tab protruding from an upper surface received within said pocket when said cover is connected to said base, a wall projecting from a bottom surface of said base plate, at an end thereof opposite said first tab, said wall including a first knockout, at least two additional protruding tabs extending perpendicular to said base plate and facing said cover, and a second aperture for receiving said screw;

a plurality of partitions disposed on an underside of said cover;

a plurality of fastener receiving cavities located at various positions alongside said bottom surface; and

a receptacle between said bottom and said cover for transmitting electrical power to the plug.

17. A power outlet according to claim 16 wherein

said bottom surface includes a second knockout.

18. A power outlet according to claim 16 wherein

said plurality of slots is adapted for receiving a plurality of prongs attached to a 30 ampere electrical plug.

19. A power outlet according to claim 16 wherein

said plurality of slots is adapted for receiving a plurality of prongs attached to a 50 ampere electrical plug.

20. A power outlet according to claim 18 wherein

one of said slots is substantially L-shaped and the others of said slots are substantially rectangular-shaped.