US3659248A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Combined socket cover and plug retainer
Assignee: General Electric Co
•
Filing: 1970-05-04
•
Granted: 1972-04-25
•
Expires: 1990-05-04
Abstract
Abstract A plastic member is provided with a hinge that is attached to a supporting wall next to an electrical socket. The plastic member is provided with a retaining flange spaced from the hinge. When the socket is empty, the member can be pivoted on its hinge down over the socket, and can be held by the retaining flange so as to serve as a cover for the socket. When a plug is to be inserted in the socket, the member can be pivoted on its hinge so that the retaining flange can engage the plug so as to serve as a plug retainer.
Inventors
- 👤 Friedrich H Mann
- 👤 Henry A Schaefer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 07:40
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01R; H01R13/00; H01R13/44; H01R13/447
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
284 words
A device for covering an electrical socket mounted on a supporting wall and alternatively for retaining an electrical plug in an inserted position in said socket, said device comprising: a. an elongated top formed of a strong and flexible plastic material; b. a hinge portion formed of a strong and flexible plastic material and attached to one end of said top, said hinge portion being adapted to be fastened to a supporting wall and being movable at its point of attachment so that said top may be moved relative to said supporting wall; c. a retaining flange formed of a strong and flexible plastic material and attached to one surface of said top at the other end from said hinge portion, said retaining flange extending from said one surface of said top and having a surface facing said hinge portion that forms an acute angle with respect to said one surface of said top, that frictionally engages a portion of an electrical socket when said top covers said electrical socket, and that mechanically engages a portion of an electrical plug when said top is in an open position and said electrical plug is inserted in said electrical socket, thereby providing a cover for said electrical socket and retaining an electrical plug inserted in said socket; d. side flanges attached to said one surface of said top and extending from said retaining flange along both sides of said top toward said one end of said top; e. and an operating tab extending from said top beyond said retaining flange; f. said top, said hinge portion, said retaining flange, said side flanges, and said operating tab being integrally formed of a strong and flexible plastic material.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
284 words
A device for covering an electrical socket mounted on a supporting wall and alternatively for retaining an electrical plug in an inserted position in said socket, said device comprising: a. an elongated top formed of a strong and flexible plastic material; b. a hinge portion formed of a strong and flexible plastic material and attached to one end of said top, said hinge portion being adapted to be fastened to a supporting wall and being movable at its point of attachment so that said top may be moved relative to said supporting wall; c. a retaining flange formed of a strong and flexible plastic material and attached to one surface of said top at the other end from said hinge portion, said retaining flange extending from said one surface of said top and having a surface facing said hinge portion that forms an acute angle with respect to said one surface of said top, that frictionally engages a portion of an electrical socket when said top covers said electrical socket, and that mechanically engages a portion of an electrical plug when said top is in an open position and said electrical plug is inserted in said electrical socket, thereby providing a cover for said electrical socket and retaining an electrical plug inserted in said socket; d. side flanges attached to said one surface of said top and extending from said retaining flange along both sides of said top toward said one end of said top; e. and an operating tab extending from said top beyond said retaining flange; f. said top, said hinge portion, said retaining flange, said side flanges, and said operating tab being integrally formed of a strong and flexible plastic material.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-04-25 | 1975-10-25 | 1976-04-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-04-25 | 1979-10-25 | 1980-04-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-04-25 | 1983-10-25 | 1984-04-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |