The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 02, 2001
Filed:
Sep. 08, 1999
Jeff Yu, San Jose, CA (US);
Other;
Abstract
A replaceable wall plate is disclosed. It includes a replaceable portion and a wall plate portion. The wall plate portion is typically screwed to a wall to form the cover of a wall outlet whereas the replaceable portion is removably attached to the wall plate portion. The removable attachment scheme is preferably accomplished for the two portions using the methods of prong insertion, button coupling or channel sliding. The replaceable portion further contains built-in electronics such as a surge protection device. It is configured in the replaceable portion for protecting electrical devices plugged or connected to the receptacles of this wall outlet. Accordingly, the replaceable portion along with its built-in surge protection device could be replaced such as in the case of electronics failure after an abnormal electrical event, for example, a voltage spike. In addition, in order to lengthen operation life, the replaceable portion is configured such that the surge protection device receives electricity only when a plug is inserted through the receptacle.