US4994631A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Self-closing lid for wiring device cover
Assignee: Hubbell Inc
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Filing: 1989-06-06
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Granted: 1991-02-19
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Expires: 2009-06-06
Abstract
Abstract A self-closing lid is provided for a cover for a wiring device box. The cover has openings to provide access to a receptacle within the box. Each lid is formed with laterally protruding collinear gudgeons which are received in shell-like bearing members molded onto the cover. The lid and cover are each provided with a boss between which a compression coiled spring acts. The line of action of the spring is outside of the axis ine of the gugeons, causing the spring to continually urge the lid to its closed position.
Inventors
- 👤 Howard M. Williams, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 08:46
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02G; H02G3/00; H02G3/02; H02G3/08; H02G3/14
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
180 words
A self-closing lid structure for a wiring device cover comprising the combination of a molded cover attachable to a box and having an opening therethrough to provide access to an electrical device within the box, said cover having a front surface; a lid shaped and dimensioned to close said opening through said cover, said lid having a pair of collinear gudgeons protruding outwardly from opposite sides of one end thereof; means adjacent one side edge of said cover forming a pair of spaced-apart bearings dimensioned to receive said gudgeons so that said cover is pivotable through an angle of about 90° between a closed position in which said opening through said cover is closed and an open position; a first boss on said cover between said bearings; a second boss on said lid between said gudgeons; and a compression coil spring extending and acting between said first and second bosses, the centerline of said spring being closer to said one edge of said cover than a line between said gudgeons whereby said spring urges said cover toward said closed position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
180 words
A self-closing lid structure for a wiring device cover comprising the combination of a molded cover attachable to a box and having an opening therethrough to provide access to an electrical device within the box, said cover having a front surface; a lid shaped and dimensioned to close said opening through said cover, said lid having a pair of collinear gudgeons protruding outwardly from opposite sides of one end thereof; means adjacent one side edge of said cover forming a pair of spaced-apart bearings dimensioned to receive said gudgeons so that said cover is pivotable through an angle of about 90° between a closed position in which said opening through said cover is closed and an open position; a first boss on said cover between said bearings; a second boss on said lid between said gudgeons; and a compression coil spring extending and acting between said first and second bosses, the centerline of said spring being closer to said one edge of said cover than a line between said gudgeons whereby said spring urges said cover toward said closed position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
43 words
A lid structure according to claim 1 wherein each of said bearings is an arcuate, open-sided bearing opening generally toward said front surface of said cover, and wherein the force of said spring tends to hold said gudgeons in contact with said bearings.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
66 words
A lid structure according to claim 2 wherein said means defining said opening through said cover includes a first continuous flange surrounding said opening and projecting toward said lid away from adjacent portions of said front surface of said cover, and wherein said lid includes a second continuous flange which surrounds and is spaced from said first flange when said lid is in said closed position.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-02-18 | 1994-08-20 | 1995-02-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-02-18 | 1998-08-20 | 1999-02-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-02-18 | 2002-08-20 | 2003-02-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |