Receptacle-mounted cover plate

Abstract

A cover plate for covering an electrical outlet. The electrical outlet includes a receptacle having at least one socket and at least one securing aperture for receiving a securing device, wherein each of the at least one socket includes a face and a plurality of blade apertures for receiving plug blades. The cover plate includes a front surface for facing outwardly from the electrical outlet and externally relative to the cover plate and a back surface facing toward the electrical outlet. A plurality of blade apertures extend through the cover plate through the front and back surfaces. Optionally, at least one securing aperture extends through the cover plate. The front surface of the cover plate contains, or includes, a single line extending substantially in a rectangle around the blade apertures and the at least one securing aperture, the front surface otherwise being continuous, having uniform topography, and being free of any other apertures. The cover plate is a single component and is solid except for the blade apertures and the at least one securing aperture. In accordance with another aspect, the front surface of the cover plate contains, or includes, a first substantially rectangular region, and a second region. The first region may be elevated or recessed with respect to the second region.

Description

[0001]This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08 / 775,382, filed Dec. 30, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,965,846, which was a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 08 / 310,284, now abandoned.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates generally to cover plates for electrical outlets, for example, such as those used in residential and commercial buildings. More specifically, it relates to cover plates for electrical outlets wherein the electrical outlet includes one or more sockets.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Commercially-known and available electrical outlets for building applications, such as residential and commercial building outlets, typically include a wall box, a receptacle and a cover plate. The receptacle typically comprises a yoke with a pair of sockets incorporated into the yoke. The wall box usually is attached to a framing member, such as a wall stud, prior to placement of the inte...

Images