Abstract:
The stock keeping units (SKU&#39;s) associated with electrical outlet cover assemblies may be reduced and the appearance of an electrical outlet cover assembly may easily be customized with a permanent or detachable lid cover that may interlock with or attach to the lid of an electrical outlet cover assembly. The lid cover may be rigid or it may be cut and shaped from a suitable material. A lid cover stencil may be provided to facilitate the formation of a non-rigid lid cover. The lid cover may further be applied to the cover assembly in a liquid state and allowed to harden or dry.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    This disclosure relates generally to electrical outlets, and more particularly but not exclusively, to coverings for electrical outlets.  
           [0002]    Assemblies that cover electrical outlets help to prevent inadvertent access to the electrically conductive elements of the outlets and hide unattractive wiring. Cover assemblies may further selectively lock to secure access to the enclosed electrical devices. Electrical outlets are employed both for indoor or outdoor weatherproof wiring; with respect to outdoor wiring, a cover assembly helps protect the outlet from rain, dirt, and dust.  
           [0003]    Cover assemblies differ in configuration (for instance, size or shape). For example, a given outlet may be wired to electric sockets, both standard and ground fault current interrupts; light switches, both toggle and rocker plates; and cable television, telephone ports, or other telecommunication devices. Different cover assembly configurations support different shaped plugs or outlets with multiple electrical sockets, such as duplex electrical sockets.  
           [0004]    Cover assemblies also differ in their stylistic characteristics, including materials, colors, and finishes. Different styles of cover assemblies exist, in part, to accommodate individualized preferences of a consumer, or to match an installed cover assembly to an adjacent structure.  
           [0005]    The problem exists that to provide cover assemblies with different styles, a supplier of electrical parts must carry multiple cover assemblies for each cover assembly configuration. The supplier must track multiple SKU&#39;s, one for each style of cover assembly. As the variety of materials, colors, and finishes for cover assemblies increases, so do the SKU&#39;s and so does the shelf space and inventory required to stock the different styles of cover assemblies. Corresponding increases occur in the labor associated with ordering and handling different styles of cover assemblies. The prior art therefore does not solve the problem of having to order, stock and carry cover assemblies of the same configuration that differ in material, color or finish, as well as in their SKU.  
           [0006]    The object of this invention is to provide a cover assembly that allows a cover assembly to be styled in accordance with individual preferences. A further object of this invention is to simplify purchasing decisions for cover assemblies. Yet another object of this invention is to reduce Stock Keeping Units (SKU&#39;s). Correspondingly, another object of this invention is to reduce shelf-space requirements for stocking and displaying cover assemblies. These objectives are achieved with the several embodiments described below and in the accompanying claims and drawing.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    The present invention is a method and apparatus for customizing the appearance of an electrical outlet cover assembly and for reducing the stock keeping units (SKU&#39;s) associated with the marketing of electrical outlet cover assemblies. The apparatus may include a base and a lid. Also provided are a plurality of lid covers that are capable of attaching to or interlocking with the lid so as to change the appearance of the device. While the lid of the cover assembly may be of a suitable style (material, finish, or color), the lid cover may be of an alternate style. Interlocking the lid cover with the lid of the cover assembly may thereby change the appearance of the cover assembly from the style of lid to the style of the lid cover.  
           [0008]    The lid cover may be molded, formed, shaped, cut and attached to or interlocked with the cover assembly. The lid cover may attach to the cover assembly in any detachable or permanent manner, including any of various known interlocking devices, including snap fingers, female tapered thread fittings with corresponding male threads, as well as any of various known adhering processes, such as spray-on plastics. The lid cover may also be a second lid that may be interchanged with the lid of the cover assembly. The lid cover may attach to the base of the cover assembly in lieu of the lid. The lid cover may alternatively exist in a liquid state that may be applied to the lid of the cover assembly with a brush, spray device, or other device, and which may dry or harden to a solid form after application. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING  
       [0009]    Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a lid cover and an electrical outlet cover assembly.  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 2 is a side view of a first embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a lid cover attached to a lid of a cover assembly installed onto an electrical outlet.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a lid cover.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a first embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a portion of a lid cover.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a lid cover attached to the lid of a cover assembly.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a first embodiment of the present invention that illustrates a portion of a lid cover attached to a portion of the lid of a cover assembly.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a lid cover and the lid of a cover assembly.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a lid cover attached to the lid of a cover assembly.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention, illustrating multiple lid covers and an electrical outlet cover assembly.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 10 is a side view of a first embodiment of the present invention, illustrating multiple lid covers stacked over and packaged with an electrical outlet cover assembly.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention, illustrating multiple interchangeable lids and the base of an electrical outlet cover assembly.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 12 is a side view of a second embodiment of the present invention, illustrating multiple interchangeable lids nested together and packaged with the base of an electrical outlet cover assembly.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 13 is a bottom view of a third embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a lid cover.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a lid for an electrical outlet cover assembly.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 15 is a bottom view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a lid cover.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a lid for an electrical outlet cover assembly.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 17 is a bottom view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a lid cover.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a lid for an electrical outlet cover assembly.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 19 is a top view of a sixth embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a lid cover stencil for a lid cover.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0029]    Set forth below is a description of what are currently believed to be the preferred embodiments or best examples of the invention claimed. Future and present alternatives and modifications to the preferred embodiments are contemplated. Any alternates or modifications in which insubstantial changes in function, in purpose, in structure or in result are intended to be covered by the claims of this patent.  
         [0030]    Embodiments of systems, methods, and devices for providing a customized appearance for an electrical outlet cover assembly are described herein. Illustrated embodiments of the invention include a lid cover that is interchangeable with lid covers of differing styles (differing materials, colors, or finishes) to facilitate customizing the appearance of an electrical outlet cover assembly. Numerous styles of lid covers may be packaged together with an electrical outlet cover assembly to offer the consumer a choice of cover assembly appearance, while facilitating purchasing, ordering and stocking decisions.  
         [0031]    Referring now to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of the present invention is illustrated and shows a lid cover  138  and an electrical outlet cover assembly  102 . Electrical outlet cover assembly  102  may include a base  104  and a lid  106 . Base  104 , lid  106  and lid cover  138  may each be of a material that is waterproof and corrosion-resistant, such as a thermoplastic or a cast metal. Lid cover  138  may more generally be any shape and dimension that substantially encloses the exterior of lid  106 , when lid cover  138  and lid  106  are attached or interlocked together. Base  104  and lid  106  may be connected together by hinges  134 . A set of hinges  134  are shown on the top of cover assembly  102 , but may alternatively be located on any other side of cover assembly  102 .  
         [0032]    Referring now also to FIG. 2, the first embodiment of the present invention is further illustrated to show lid cover  138  interlocked over cover assembly  102 , which is installed onto an electrical outlet box. Lid cover  138  may be of a substantially similar shape and dimension as lid  106  so as to permit lid cover  138  and lid  106  to nest together and cover a substantial portion of lid  106  as shown in FIGS. 3-6. The mechanism that permits lid cover  138  to interlock with lid  106  may include snap fingers  112  on lid cover  138 , which engage the rim  136  of lid  106 . When lid cover  138  is interlocked with lid  106 , the style of lid cover  138  is visible and the style of lid  106  is substantially hidden. The style characteristics (material, color, or finish) of cover assembly  102  may thereby be customized to the style characteristics of lid cover  138 .  
         [0033]    Cover assembly  102  may be installed onto an electrical outlet box  160  with one or more fasteners, such as screws  152 . Cover assembly  102  may be suitably shaped to provide sufficient clearance for electrical device components such as plug  148  and electrical cord  146 .  
         [0034]    Referring to both FIGS. 1 and 2, base planar portion  144  of base  104  may resemble a standard electrical outlet cover plate that may include one or more apertures  140  that are adapted to accommodate an electrical device such as electrical sockets  150 . Also included are one or more apertures  142  that are adapted to accommodate fastening devices, such as screws  152 . The fastening devices allow cover assembly  102  to be releasably secured to an electrical outlet box  160  or adjacent structure  154 , as shown in FIG. 2.  
         [0035]    Referring also to FIGS. 3, 4,  5 , and  6 , a first embodiment of the present invention is further illustrated. FIG. 3 more particularly shows components of lid cover  138  that may include a receptacle or aperture  110  of suitable shape to fit over and cover lid  106 , or more generally to cover at least a portion of cover assembly  102 . FIG. 5 illustrates a lid cover  138  and lid  106  that are releasably interlocked together. FIGS. 4 and 6 are enlarged views of a portion of FIGS. 3 and 5, respectively.  
         [0036]    Lid cover  138  may further include one or more hinge clearance slots  114  that correspond to the locations of hinges  134  on cover assembly  102 . Hinge clearance slots  114  in FIG. 3 correspond in location on lid cover  138  to the hinge halves  176  illustrated on FIG. 5. Hinge clearance slots  114  allow lid cover  138  to extend below the height of the hinges, thereby allowing the style of lid cover  138  to more completely replace the style of lid  106  (and in general of cover assembly  102 ).  
         [0037]    Lid cover  138  may further include one or more interlocking devices capable to allow lid cover  138  to interlock with lid  106 . For example, one interlocking arrangement that may be used are snap fingers  112  which permit lid cover  138  to interlock with lid  106 . As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, each snap finger  112  may include a flat engagement portion  116  capable to hook over the rim  136  of cover  106 .  
         [0038]    Lid cover  138  may further include a removable porthole tab  128  that may correspond in position to a removable porthole tab  130  on lid  106  to form a matching set. Referring also again to FIG. 2, to create porthole  156  through which an electrical cord  146  may extend, lid cover porthole tab  128  and lid porthole tab  130  may be removed. Cord  146  extends through porthole  156  to the exterior of cover assembly  102 .  
         [0039]    [0039]FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a further embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 illustrates a lid cover  138  separate from lid  106 , while FIG. 8 illustrates a lid cover  138  releasably interlocked over lid  106 . Lid cover  138  may further include one or more clearance slots  132  that may correspond to other components on lid  106 , such as locking tab  166  that permits cover assembly to be selectively locked, and pull tab  168  that facilitates opening cover assembly  102 . Pull tab  168  may be supported with structural ribs  164  that protrude from the exterior surface of lid  106  to distribute stress. As seen in FIG. 3, clearance slots  132  on lid cover  138  are recessed portions that provide clearance for structural ribs  164 .  
         [0040]    Referring still to FIGS. 7 and 8, the exterior of lid  106  may include one or more raised portions, such as embossed raised lettering of a logo  170 . Corresponding in location, lid cover  138  may include one or more recesses  158  to accommodate raised portion  170 . Alternatively, recess  158  may be a cut-out portion of lid cover  138  that permits logo  170  on lid  106  to be displayed through lid cover  138 .  
         [0041]    Referring now to FIG. 9, an embodiment of the present invention is further illustrated to show multiple lid covers  138  and an electrical outlet cover assembly  102 . The tapered shape of the aperture or receptacle  110  of each lid cover  138  permits nesting of multiple lid covers  138  over an electrical outlet cover assembly  102  for packaging purposes.  
         [0042]    Referring also to FIG. 10, an embodiment of the present invention is further illustrated to show multiple lid covers stacked over and packaged with an electrical outlet cover assembly. Package  100  includes a plurality of lid covers  138  and a cover assembly  102  surrounded by shrink wrap film  108 . The innermost lid cover  138  may be interlocked with cover assembly  102  to reduce packing space. By including multiple lid covers  138  of different styles in a packaged cover assembly product  100 , a consumer may interchange lid covers  138  and effectively customize the appearance of cover assembly  102 . Further, by including multiple lid covers  138  of different styles in a packaged cover assembly product, purchasing and ordering may be simplified, due in part to a reduction in SKU&#39;s. Still further, by including multiple lid covers  138  of different styles in a packaged cover assembly product, shelf-space may be reduced.  
         [0043]    Referring now to FIG. 11, an alternate embodiment of the present invention is illustrated to show multiple lids and a base for an electrical outlet cover assembly. Instead of a lid cover, this embodiment includes multiple interchangeable lids  106 , any of which may be attached to base  104  to form an electrical outlet cover assembly. Each lid  106  may have a different style and each may include hinge halves  176  that may be paired with hinge half mates  178  on base  104 . By employing the lid  106  with the desired style to attach to base  104 , the appearance of cover assembly  102  may be customized to the style of any lid cover  106 .  
         [0044]    Referring also to FIG. 12, an embodiment of the present invention is further illustrated to show multiple interchangeable lids  106  of different styles nested together and packaged with a base  104 . Package  100  may include multiple lids  106  and a base  104  surrounded by shrink wrap film  108 . By including multiple interchangeable lids  106  of different styles in a packaged cover assembly product  100 , a consumer may choose the desired lid  106 , thereby choosing the desired style for the cover assembly.  
         [0045]    Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, a third embodiment of the present invention is illustrated to show a lid cover  138  and lid  106 , respectively. The device that permits lid cover  138  to be attached to lid  106  in this embodiment may include hooking material  118 , such as Velcro hooks, on lid  106 , and loop material  120 , such as Velcro loops, on lid cover  138 . Alternatively, the hooking material may be located on lid cover  138  and the loop material on lid  106 . The loop material and corresponding hooking material may be placed in any location on lid cover  138  and lid  106  to permit lid cover  138  to be releasably attached to lid  106 , and to interlock lid cover  138  and lid  106 .  
         [0046]    Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16, yet another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated to show a lid cover  138  and lid  106 , respectively. The device that permits lid cover  138  to be attached to lid  106  in this embodiment may include adhesive strips  122  on lid cover  138  that may be employed to adhere lid cover  138  to lid  106 . Alternatively, the adhesive strips  122  may be located on lid  106 . More generally, the adhesive strips  122  may be placed in any location on lid cover  138  or lid  106  to permit lid cover  138  to be releasably attached to lid  106  and to interlock lid cover  138  and lid  106  together.  
         [0047]    Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 18, another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated to show a lid cover  138  and lid  106 , respectively. The device that permits lid cover  138  to be interlocked with lid  106  in this embodiment may include components that allow lid cover  138  to be attached to lid  106  with a press fit. For instance, lid cover  138  may include one or more male fittings of a suitable shape, such as tapered pins  124  and lid  106  may include one of more corresponding female fittings, such as tapered pinholes  126 , that are capable to receive the tapered male thread. The tapered pins  124  and corresponding tapered pinholes  126  may be placed in any location of lid cover  138  and lid  106 , respectively, to permit lid cover  138  to be releasably attached to lid  106  via a press fit and to interlock lid cover  138  and lid  106 .  
         [0048]    Lid cover  138  may alternatively include tapered holes, which may be employed with attach lid cover  138  to lid  106  with a suitable fastening mechanism, such as a screw. Lid cover  138  may also include other known types of male or female interlocking parts that allow it to be interlocked with lid  106 .  
         [0049]    Referring now to FIG. 19, a sixth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated to show a lid cover stencil  172 . Lid cover stencil  172  may be employed as a pattern to cut out a lid cover for an electrical outlet cover assembly. Lid cover stencil  172  may be included in the packaging with an electrical outlet cover assembly. To form a lid cover from lid cover stencil  172 , a flat piece of suitable material may be cut in the shape of stencil  172  and bent at fold lines  174  to cover lid  106 . In this manner, the appearance of an electrical outlet cover assembly may be altered in appearance by the style of the material cut in the shape of stencil  172 .  
         [0050]    Accordingly, the invention advantageously provides the capability of customizing the appearance of an electrical outlet cover assembly while reducing SKU&#39;s. This advantage overcomes the disadvantages of requiring a SKU for each existing style of electrical outlet cover assembly. The invention also advantageously permits electrical parts suppliers to reduce the number of styles and retailers to reduce their ordering and stocking labor.  
         [0051]    In the description herein, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of rigid lid covers and examples of interlocking and attachment devices. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other attachment methods, components, materials, and the like. For instance, a lid of a cover assembly may be manufactured of clear material and a lid cover of an alternate style may be attached to or interlocked with the interior of the clear lid such that the alternate style shows through and changes the appearance of the clear lid.  
         [0052]    Another alternative embodiment may include a lid cover that is capable to cover the entire electrical outlet cover assembly and not just for the lid portion. Such a lid cover may include additional and deeper clearance slots for components that protrude from the exterior surface of the cover assembly, such as hinges, structural supports, logos, and the like.  
         [0053]    A further alternative embodiment may include a lid manufactured with a lid cover that consists of multiple layers of peel-off color. The application of each layer of color may wrap around the exterior of the lid cover and extend to the interior of the lid cover. The edges of each color may be graduated to allow each color to be visible to the consumer, who may peel off outer colors until the desired lid cover style is reached.  
         [0054]    Alternatively, the material employed for a lid cover may exist in a liquid state, such as a liquid plastic, which upon spray-on or other type of application to at least a portion of an electrical outlet cover assembly, hardens or dries to form a lid cover for the lid.