US4159858A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Cover plate
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1978-02-10
•
Granted: 1979-07-03
•
Expires: 1998-02-10
Abstract
Abstract A cover plate to be positioned over an electrical receptacle and fastened to it and which plate includes a main plate with a pair of openings in registry with the electrical sockets of the receptacle and a pivotal cap normally in covering relation of each of the openings and energized sockets, the caps being pivotally connected to the main plate and including a ferrous metal keeper in blocking relation of pivotal movement of each of the caps and in a slot; the keeper is responsive to magnetic forces of attraction to slide in the slot out of blocking relation of pivotal movement of the cap so that a magnet can be used as a key to gain access to the energized receptacle.
Inventors
- 👤 Juan E. Toraya
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 08:00
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01R; H01R13/00; H01R13/44; H01R13/447
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
105 words
A safety lock escutcheon plate adapted to be positioned in covering relation of an energized electrical receptacle, said plate having an opening and a cap in covering relation of the opening, pivot means connecting the cover to the escutcheon plate, said plate having a socket adjacent the cap and keeper means in the socket and in blocking relation of pivotal movement of the cap, said keeper means comprising a ferrous metal member and a magnet means for moving the ferrous metal member into and out of blocking relation of pivotal movement for gaining access through the opening by using the magnetic member as a key.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
105 words
A safety lock escutcheon plate adapted to be positioned in covering relation of an energized electrical receptacle, said plate having an opening and a cap in covering relation of the opening, pivot means connecting the cover to the escutcheon plate, said plate having a socket adjacent the cap and keeper means in the socket and in blocking relation of pivotal movement of the cap, said keeper means comprising a ferrous metal member and a magnet means for moving the ferrous metal member into and out of blocking relation of pivotal movement for gaining access through the opening by using the magnetic member as a key.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said plate includes a pair of openings.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said plate includes means for mounting said plate to a receptacle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
The device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said pivot means includes a shoulder defining a generally radially outwardly extending surface in blocking engagement to cam against said keeper means ferrous metal member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
69 words
The device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said escutcheon plate defines a slot adjacent the cap and said slot includes guide means to constrain movement of the keeper means vertically upwardly in a predetermined path of travel whereby, when the magnetic forces are removed, the keeper means will move under the influence of gravity into blocking engagement of pivotal movement of the cap relative to said plate.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US943958A
Cited
US2744243A
Cited
US3189212A
Cited
US3386071A
Cited
US3521216A
Cited
US3598900A
Cited
US3868160A
Cited
US3956573A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1982-07-02 | 1983-01-01 | 1983-07-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-07-02 | 1987-01-01 | 1987-07-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-07-02 | 1991-01-01 | 1991-07-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |