Thomas & Betts Corporation

Michael L Pratt

Mark A Bordwell

A protective housing for electrical outlets and the like includes a box surrounding the outlets and a cover. A gasketless joint is formed between the hinged cover and the box for inhibiting entry of moisture into the box. The box includes a slot in its peripheral wall for receiving a cord with a plug that is positioned inside the box.

Housing for electrical outlets

Covers for outlets in an electrical floor box are connected with an access plate by snap-fit hinge connections. The covers are swingable through arcs greater than 90.degree. during movement from a closed position to an open position or to an inward storage position. Cooperating pimples and dimples on the covers and plate releasably retain the covers in their closed or storage positions.

Electrical floor box access cover

A hinged electrical outlet cover biased rotatably about the hinge axis by an M-shaped spring. In one arrangement, the cover is self-closing throughout its entire range of movement between fully open and fully closed positions. In another arrangement, the cover is positively held open in its fully open position and is self-closing over a limited range of movement from its fully closed position to an intermediate open position. The cover and a support member on which it is hinged are designed for quick snap assembly without requiring the use of special tools or separate fasteners.

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Cordova, TN, United States of America

Michael L Pratt