Patent Publication Number: US-11646523-B1

Title: Powered wall plate with keyed interface

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. utility application Ser. No. 16/891,060 to Jeffrey P. Baldwin et al. titled “Powered Wall Plate with Keyed Interface,” filed Jun. 3, 2020, which application claims the benefit, including the filing date, of U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/857,233 to Jeffrey P. Baldwin et al. titled “Powered Wall Plate with Keyed Interface,” filed Jun. 4, 2019, the entirety of the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by this reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This application relates to the field of electrical receptacles and powered wall plates or powered wall covers. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Wall plates are well known and are used to separate—occupy a space between—an electrical box/electrical receptacle and an electrical device or plug coupled to the electrical receptacle. Specifically, wall plates are known to provide a more aesthetically pleasing appearance while also preventing access to electrical receptacles. By preventing access to the electrical receptacle, the user is safer because electrical wiring is not readily accessible. 
     Wall plates are also known to provide a simple lighting source or powering of portable devices, such as through USB connections, but are commonly unsafe and may rely on direct, spring-biased connections with an installed electrical receptacle. Spring-biased electrical connections may be unsafe due to inherent unreliability of the spring-biased connections which may short or become damaged over time, leading to electrical and/or fire hazards. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to aspects of the disclosure, a powered wall plate may comprise a face plate comprising a front surface and a rear surface opposite the front surface with an opening extending through the face plate from the first surface to the rear surface. A first keyed interface may be formed on the rear surface of the face plate. An electrical receptacle may comprise a second keyed interface configured to be coupled with the first keyed interface, the electrical receptacle further comprising terminal screws disposed on opposing sides of the electrical receptacle, the electrical receptacle being accessible through the opening. Spring-biased terminals may be coupled to the rear surface of the face plate and disposed at opposing sides of the opening. The spring-biased terminals may be coupled with the terminal screws. A printed circuit board (PCB) may be coupled to the face plate and the spring-biased terminals. A powered feature may be coupled to the face plate and the PCB. The powered feature may be configured to be electrically coupled to, receive electrical power from, and form a protective circuit with, the electrical receptacle through the spring-biased terminals when the first keyed interface and the second keyed interface are mateably coupled. Power may not be supplied from the electrical receptacle to the powered feature through the spring-biased terminals when the first keyed interface is not mateably coupled with the second keyed interface and the protective circuit is open. 
     Particular embodiments may comprise the first keyed interface and the second keyed interface are mechanically and electrically coupled to each other to provide a desired connection between the first and second spring-biased terminals and the first and second to terminal screws, respectively. One of the first keyed interface and the second keyed interface may be a boss and the other of the first keyed interface and the second keyed interface may be a switch. One of the first keyed interface and the second keyed interface may be a magnet and the other of the first keyed interface and the second keyed interface may be a switch. The first keyed interface and the second keyed interface may comprise a tab and a recess that together form a first keyed pair, and the powered wall plate may further comprise a second keyed pair comprising a tab and a recess, the second keyed pair comprising a structure different from a structure of the first keyed pair such that the first keyed pair and the second keyed pair are not compatible to be mateably coupled with each other. The powered feature may comprise at least one of: a USB port, a night light, a camera, or a carbon monoxide detector or smoke alarm. An indicator light may be coupled to the circuit board and visible at a surface of the face plate, the indicator light may be configured to be illuminated when the first keyed interface and the second keyed interface are not mateably coupled to indicate to a user that the spring-biased terminals are improperly coupled to the terminal screws. 
     According to an aspect of the disclosure, a powered wall plate may comprise a face plate comprising an opening extending through the face plate from the first surface to the rear surface. A first keyed interface may be formed at the rear surface of the face plate. An electrical receptacle comprising a second keyed interface may be configured to be coupled with the first keyed interface. The electrical receptacle may further comprise terminals disposed on sides of the electrical receptacle. Spring-biased terminals may be coupled to the face plate and coupled with the terminals. A powered feature may be coupled to the face plate and configured to be electrically coupled to the electrical receptacle through the spring-biased terminals when the first keyed interface and the second keyed interface are mateably coupled. Power may not be supplied from the electrical receptacle to the powered feature when the first keyed interface is not mateably coupled with the second keyed interface. 
     Particular embodiments may comprise the first keyed interface and the second keyed being mechanically coupled, electrically coupled, or both, to each other to provide power to the powered device. One of the first keyed interface and the second keyed interface may be a boss or a magnet and the other of the first keyed interface and the second keyed interface may be a switch. The first keyed interface and the second keyed interface may comprise a tab and a recess that together form a first keyed pair. The powered wall plate may further comprise a second keyed pair comprising a tab and a recess, the second keyed pair comprising a structure different from a structure of the first keyed pair such that the first keyed pair and the second keyed pair are not compatible to be mateably coupled with each other. The powered feature may comprise at least one of: a USB port, a night light, a camera, or a carbon monoxide detector or smoke alarm. An indicator may be visible at a surface of the face plate, the indicator configured to indicate to a user when the first keyed interface and the second keyed interface are not mateably coupled and the spring-biased terminals are improperly coupled to the terminals. 
     According to an aspect of the disclosure, a powered wall plate may comprise a face plate comprising an opening, and a first keyed interface. An electrical receptacle may comprise a second keyed interface configured to be coupled with the first keyed interface, the electrical receptacle further comprising terminals. Spring-biased terminals may be coupled to the face plate and the terminals. A powered feature may be coupled to the face plate and electrically coupled to the spring-biased terminals when the first keyed interface and the second keyed interface are mateably coupled. Power may not be supplied from the electrical receptacle to the powered feature when the first keyed interface is not mateably coupled with the second keyed interface. 
     Particular embodiments may comprise the first keyed interface and the second keyed being mechanically coupled, electrically coupled, or both, to each other to provide power from the receptacle to the powered device. One of the first keyed interface and the second keyed interface may be a boss or a magnet and the other of the first keyed interface and the second keyed interface may be a switch. The first keyed interface and the second keyed interface may comprise a tab and a recess that together form a first keyed pair. The powered wall plate may further comprise a second keyed pair comprising a tab and a recess, the second keyed pair comprising a structure different from a structure of the first keyed pair such that the first keyed pair and the second keyed pair are not compatible. The powered feature may comprise at least one of: a USB port, a night light, a camera, or a carbon monoxide detector or smoke alarm. An indicator may be visible at a surface of the face plate, the indicator being configured to indicate to a user when the first keyed interface and the second keyed interface are not mateably coupled and the spring-biased terminals are improperly coupled to the terminals. The first keyed interface may be formed at the rear surface of the face plate. 
     The foregoing and other aspects, features, applications, and advantages will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the specification, drawings, and the claims. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. The inventors are fully aware that he can be his own lexicographer if desired. The inventors expressly elect, as their own lexicographers, to use only the plain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specification and claims unless they clearly state otherwise and then further, expressly set forth the “special” definition of that term and explain how it differs from the plain and ordinary meaning. Absent such clear statements of intent to apply a “special” definition, it is the inventors&#39; intent and desire that the simple, plain and ordinary meaning to the terms be applied to the interpretation of the specification and claims. 
     The inventors are also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar. Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be further characterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun, term, or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptive terms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts of English grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms, or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases be given their plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in the applicable arts as set forth above. 
     Further, the inventors are fully informed of the standards and application of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Thus, the use of the words “function,” “means” or “step” in the Detailed Description or Description of the Drawings or claims is not intended to somehow indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are sought to be invoked to define the inventions, the claims will specifically and expressly state the exact phrases “means for” or “step for”, and will also recite the word “function” (i.e., will state “means for performing the function of [insert function]”), without also reciting in such phrases any structure, material or act in support of the function. Thus, even when the claims recite a “means for performing the function of . . . “or “step for performing the function of . . . ,” if the claims also recite any structure, material or acts in support of that means or step, or that perform the recited function, then it is the clear intention of the inventors not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are invoked to define the claimed aspects, it is intended that these aspects not be limited only to the specific structure, material or acts that are described in the preferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function as described in alternative embodiments or forms of the disclosure, or that are well known present or later-developed, equivalent structures, material or acts for performing the claimed function. 
     The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the specification, drawings, and the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Implementations will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, where like designations denote like elements, and: 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a front profile view of a powered wall plate comprising a keyed interface; 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a top plan view of the wall plate of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a right-side profile view of the wall plate of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a front/side perspective view of the wall plate of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a back profile view of the wall plate of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a bottom plan view of the wall plate of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a left-side profile view of the wall plate of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  8    illustrates a back/side perspective view of the wall plate of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  9    illustrates a front perspective view of a powered wall plate comprising a keyed interface; 
         FIG.  10    illustrates a rear perspective view of the wall plate of  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIG.  11    illustrates a rear profile view of the face plate from the powered wall plate of  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIG.  12    illustrates a front profile view of the receptacle from the powered wall plate of  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIG.  13    illustrates a front profile view of a powered wall plate comprising a partially keyed interface; 
         FIG.  14    illustrates a top plan view of the wall plate of  FIG.  13   ; 
         FIG.  15    illustrates a right-side profile view of the wall plate of  FIG.  13   ; 
         FIG.  16    illustrates a front/side perspective view of the wall plate of  FIG.  13   ; 
         FIG.  17    illustrates a back profile view of the face plate from the wall plate of  FIG.  13   ; 
         FIG.  18    illustrates a front profile view of the face plate from the wall plate of  FIG.  13   ; 
         FIG.  19    illustrates a front profile view of a powered wall plate  10 ; 
         FIG.  20    shows a top plan view of the powered wall plate  10  from  FIG.  19   ; 
         FIG.  21    shows a right side profile view of the powered wall plate  10  from  FIG.  19   ; 
         FIG.  22    shows a perspective view of the powered wall plate  10  from  FIG.  19   ; 
         FIG.  23    shows a bottom plan view of the powered wall plate  10 , from  FIG.  19   ; 
         FIG.  24    shows a rear profile view of the powered wall plate from  FIG.  19   ; 
         FIG.  25    shows a left side profile view of the powered wall plate  10  from  FIG.  19   ; 
         FIG.  26    shows a perspective view of the powered wall plate  10  from  FIG.  19   ; 
         FIG.  27    illustrates a front perspective view of a powered wall plate  10 ; 
         FIG.  28    illustrates a rear perspective view of the powered wall plate  10  from  FIG.  27   ; 
         FIGS.  29 A- 29 C  illustrate various powered wall plates comprising powered features; and 
         FIG.  30    illustrates a schematic view of an embodiment of an electrical circuit operably corresponding to an embodiment of a powered wall plate. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     This disclosure, its aspects and implementations, are not limited to the specific material types, components, methods, or other examples disclosed herein. Many additional material types, components, methods, and procedures known in the art are contemplated for use with particular implementations from this disclosure. Accordingly, for example, although particular implementations are disclosed, such implementations and implementing components may comprise any components, models, types, materials, versions, quantities, and/or the like as is known in the art for such systems and implementing components, consistent with the intended operation. 
     The word “exemplary,” “example,” or various forms thereof are used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” or as an “example” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Furthermore, examples are provided solely for purposes of clarity and understanding and are not meant to limit or restrict the disclosed subject matter or relevant portions of this disclosure in any manner. It is to be appreciated that a myriad of additional or alternate examples of varying scope could have been presented, but have been omitted for purposes of brevity. 
     While this disclosure includes a number of implementations in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail particular implementations with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the disclosed methods and systems, and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the disclosed concepts to the implementations illustrated. 
     The present disclosure concerns a wall plate, a keyed wall plate, powered wall plate, or safety wall plate  10 . A person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the wall plate  10  further comprises, and may be referred to as, a face plate, cover, or duplex receptacle wall plate  10 . A variety of different implementations of the wall plate  10  are discussed below. It should be understood that the components depicted and discussed are non-limiting examples, and that the contemplated components may be combined with any of the other components in other implementations. 
     The powered wall plate  10  may comprise at least one face plate or housing  20  coupled with, or configured to be coupled with, an electrical receptacle  70 . The electrical receptacle  70  may comprise an electrical receptacle or a duplex receptacle (as shown, e.g., in  FIGS.  1 - 8  and  9 - 28   ), as well as a light switch (as shown, e.g., in  FIG.  29 C ). The receptacle  70 , when formed as an electrical outlet or socket with openings to receive the prongs or tines of an electrical plug may comprise openings for plug blades  72   a  and openings for ground  72   b . The receptacle  70  may also include a face  72  of the receptacle  70  as well as terminal screws or terminals  74  for providing electrical interconnect or power to items wired to the terminal  74 , including wire disposed or housed at least partially within an electrical box  80 . The electrical receptacle  70  may be disposed or held within the electrical box  80 . One or more threaded fasteners or screws  82  may couple or releasable fasten the wall plate  10  to the receptacle  70 , with the fastener  82  further extending into, or coupling with, a box mounting screw aperture of the electrical outlet box  80 . The placement of the screw hole  14  may vary to conform with the different desired configurations of the powered wall plate  10  and different configurations of the receptacle  70 . For example, in one implementation, the wall plate attachment may be configured to attach to a decorator or ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) device. In another implementation, the wall plate attachment  14 ,  82  may be configured to attach to a duplex device and wall plate, with the attachment screw  82  extending through a center screw of the duplex device. 
     The powered wall plate  10  comprises at least one face plate or housing  20  that may be formed of a single or unitary member, and in other instances may comprise more than one discrete member, such as a front face plate  30  and a rear face plate  40 . A printed circuit board (PCB), circuit board, or electrical substrate  50  may be disposed between the front face plate  30  and a rear face plate  40  in a sandwich configuration, when desirable. In other instances, the PCB  50  may be disposed behind the face plate  20  or at a back surface  18  of the face plate  20 . One or more openings, switch openings, or receptacle openings  12  may be formed though the wall plate or face plate  20 . The electrical receptacle  70 , or a portion thereof—such as a face  72  of the receptacle  70 —may be exposed, accessed, or seen through the opening  12  in the face plate  20 . The receptacle openings  12  include an edge or perimeter  13 . The wall plate  20  also comprises a front surface or first surface  16  and a rear surface or second surface  18  opposite the front surface  16  with the opening  12  extending through the face plate  20  from the first surface  16  to the rear surface  18 . The face plate  20  further comprises one or more screw openings or threaded fastener openings  14 . 
     The powered wall plate  10  distinguishes itself from a conventional or non-powered wall plate by including one or more powered features or electrical elements  90 , and by comprising one or more keyed features  53 . Powered features  90  may include one or more features or devices, such as USB ports  92 , night lights or light emitting diodes (LEDs)  93 , cameras  94 , carbon monoxide detectors or smoke alarms  95 , or other desirable features, as shown for example, in  FIGS.  1 - 8  and  29 A- 29 C . While various combinations of powered features  90  are shown included or arranged in various configurations, any desired arrangement or configuration of any number of powered features  90  may be included as part of any particular powered wall plate  10 . 
     Functionality of the powered features  90  may be supported by, and interconnected with PCB  50 , which may be further coupled to, or in communication with, one or more of a transmitter, an integrated memory storage device, an external memory storage port, external memory port, or memory storage, or a removable external memory storage device, such as an external memory card or SD card. The PCB  50  may further support and be interconnected with circuitry protection  52 , such as an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI), or a thermal protection circuitry, module, circuit, or device. 
     The powered features  90  of the powered wall plate  10  can be powered by, or receive electrical power from—whether directly or indirectly—spring-biased terminals  60 . Examples of powered wall plates  10  incorporating spring-biased terminals  20  are illustrated, e.g., in  FIGS.  1 - 29     c . The spring-biased terminals  60  allow the powered wall plate  10  to be powered by the electrical receptacle  70 , such as by contacting the terminal screws  74  of the outlet or receptacle  70 . The spring-biased terminals  60  may be formed with, or comprising, a flexible or deformable conductive material, such as of a thin strip of metal that is friction fit or press fit with the terminal screws  74 . By having the spring-biased terminals  60 , and more particularly a contact or electrical contact  62  on the spring-biased terminals  60  contact an outer surface of the terminal screws  74 , a quick and easy installation of the powered wall plate  10  can be achieved without loosening the terminal screws, wrapping a wire around the terminal screws between the screw head and the body of the receptacle  70 , and then tightening the terminal screw. The flexibility of the spring-biased terminals  60  allows the spring-biased terminals  60  to extend from the rear surface  18  of the powered wall plate  10  to either side of the receptacle  70  and for the spring-biased terminals  60 , the contacts  62 , or both, to contact the terminal screws  74 . Accordingly, the spring-biased terminals  60  can easily slide onto terminal screws  74  to securely and efficiently transfer electrical current from the receptacle  70  to the powered feature  90 , such as by providing electrical current to the circuit board  50  to activate the powered features  90 . 
       FIGS.  1 - 8    show various views of the wall plate  10 , and conventional coupling of a face plate  20  to a receptacle  70  with spring-biased terminal and without keying  53 , as shown and discussed later with respect to the FIGs subsequent to  FIG.  8   .  FIG.  1    shows a front profile view of the powered wall plate  10  coupled to the electrical receptacle  70  with the openings  72 ,  72   a  of the electrical receptacle  70  exposed by openings  12  in the wall plate  10  for receiving the prongs or tines of electrical plugs. The view of  FIG.  1    presents the wall plate  10  and the receptacle  70  as would be seen from an open space or by a passerby. For convenience, and not by way of limitation, directional references to the wall plate  10 , such as a right side  21  or left side  22  of the powered wall plate  10  and the face plate  20  are made with respect to an observer facing the wall plate and the wall to which it would be mounted. 
     The wall plate  10  comprises a front surface or first surface  16  oriented away from a wall and oriented towards an open space or passerby. The wall plate  10  also comprises a rear surface or second surface  18  oriented towards a wall and oriented away from an open space or passerby. The wall plate  10  may be formed of rubbers (synthetic and/or natural) and/or other like materials; glasses (such as fiberglass), carbon-fiber, aramid-fiber, any combination therefore, and/or other like materials; elastomers and/or other like materials; polymers such as thermoplastics (such as ABS, fluoropolymers, polyacetal, polyamide, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polysulfone, and/or the like, thermosets (such as epoxy, phenolic resin, polyimide, polyurethane, and/or the like), and/or other like materials, plastics and/or other like materials; composites and/or other like materials, metals, such as zinc, magnesium, titanium, copper, iron, steel, carbon steel, alloy steel, tool steel, stainless steel, spring steel, aluminum, and/or other like materials, ceramic, stone, wood, cellulose, or other natural material, and/or any combination or composite of the foregoing. 
     The face plate  20  may comprise be made by, with, or involve 3-D printing, extrusion, pultrusion, vacuum forming, injection molding, blow molding, resin transfer molding, casting, forging, cold rolling, milling, drilling, reaming, turning, grinding, stamping, cutting, carving, bending, welding, soldering, hardening, riveting, punching, plating, and/or the like. The wall plate  20  may be a standard off the shelf wall plate, as well as a custom plate, the additional structures, functions, and features of the powered wall plate  10  comprising the face plate  20  being compatible with both. 
       FIG.  2    shows a top or plan view of the power wall plate  10  taken along the section line  2  shown in  FIG.  1   . The power wall plate  10  is shown with the face plate  20  coupled to the electrical receptacle  70  with the spring-biased terminals  60  of the power wall plate  10  coupled to the screws or terminals  72   b  of the receptacle  70 . The view of  FIG.  2    is perpendicular or orthogonal to the view shown in  FIG.  1   . 
       FIG.  3    shows a right side profile view of the power wall plate  10 , as taken along the section line  3  in  FIG.  1   . The power wall plate  10  is further shown coupled to the electrical receptacle  70  shown in a view orthogonal or perpendicular to that shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   . The view of  FIG.  3    presents the wall plate  10  with the face plate  20  and the receptacle  70  arranged as would be seen if the wall to which they were mounted did not obscure a view of the receptacle  70  when it was disposed within the wall. 
       FIG.  4    shows a front perspective view of the power wall plate  10  comprising the wall plate  20  coupled with the electrical receptacle  70  similar to the views shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3   . 
       FIG.  5    shows a back profile view of the power wall plate  10 , with the face plate  20  coupled to the electrical receptacle  70  with the screws or terminals  74  of the electrical receptacle  70  in contact with the spring-biased terminals  60  of the power wall plate  10 . 
       FIG.  6    shows a bottom or plan view of the power wall plate  10 , as taken along the section line  6  shown in  FIG.  5   . The power wall plate  10  is shown with the wall plate  20  coupled to the electrical receptacle  70  with the spring-biased terminals  60  of the power wall plate  10  coupled to the screws or terminals  74  of the receptacle  74 . 
       FIG.  7    shows a left side profile view of the power wall plate  10  as taken along the section line  7  shown in  FIG.  5   . The power wall plate  10  is shown with the face plate  20  coupled to the electrical receptacle  70  shown in a view orthogonal or perpendicular to that shown in  FIG.  5   , and opposite the view shown in  FIG.  3   . 
       FIG.  8    shows a rear perspective view of the power wall plate  10  with the face plate  20  coupled to the electrical receptacle  70  with spring-biased terminals  60 . When the power wall plate  10  is arranged with the wall plate  20  coupled to the electrical receptacle  70  without keying or keyed features  53 , the quality of the connection between the spring-biased terminals  60  and the outlet terminal screws  74  may vary, be unpredictable, and provide low quality or inferior connections. The unpredictable contact between the power face plate  20  and the electrical receptacle  70  may result from a number of factors, which are not standardized in the electrical industry. Non-standardized factors include: (i) the spatial or physical location as measured in X, Y, and Z directions, of the terminal screws  74  of the outlet or receptacle  70 , (ii) head geometry of the terminal screws  74 , (iii) coating or platings on the terminal screws  74 , (iv) and a width of the electrical box or junction box  80  in which the receptacle  70  is placed, and over which the face wall plate  20  is disposed; more specifically, some spring-biased terminals  60  may contact and be repositioned, displaced, or deflected by sides of the junction box  80  to apply increased contact pressure to the screws  74 . Other installation issues that may also affect the quality of the connection between the screws  74  of the electrical receptacle or outlet  70  and the spring-biased terminals  60  are: (i) the number of wires trapped under the heads of terminal screws  74 , (ii) the number of wires stuffed into the electrical box  80 , and (iii) the position of the electrical receptacle  70  relative to the wall or wall surface (for example, the face  72  of the electrical receptacle  70  could be offset from, or out too far with respect to, a surface of the wall. Similarly, the face  72  of the electrical receptacle  70  could be offset from, or in too far with respect to, a surface of the wall. Additionally, the face  72  of the electrical receptacle  70  could be twisted with respect to one or more of the wall, the floor, or the electrical box  80 . 
     The current design, innovation, and improvement allows for, creates, or facilitates protection against one or more of poor electrical connections, short circuiting, arc faults, or overheating associated with installing a powered wall plate  10  or face plate  20  that incorporates spring-biased terminals  60  coupled to an electrical receptacle  70 . More specifically, when the connection between the spring-biased terminals  60  are sub-optimally coupled to the terminals or terminal screws  74  of the electrical receptacle  70  for any of the reasons outlined above, or for similar reasons, additional protection can be provided by keying or keyed features  53 , the circuitry protection  52 , or both. 
       FIGS.  9 - 12    show an example of the keying  53  in which a good connection between the wall plate  20  and the electrical receptacle  70  may be provided by incorporating keying features  53 , that may be mechanical, electrical, magnetic, or other suitable feature. The keying features  53  function between compatible face plates  20  and electrical receptacles  70  to provide a good connection or coupling between the face plate  20  and the electrical receptacle  70 . 
     Adding protective keying  53 , protective circuitries  52 , or both, to the powered wall plates  10  incorporating spring-biased terminals  60  makes the powered wall plates  10  safer be providing controls and warnings to users when non-standard or variables in connections introduce undesired safety risks. With notice or a warning, such as by an indicator, alarm, or any other signal  64 , either at the face plate  20  or transmitted to another electronic device, such as a home alarm system, email account, smart watch, mobile phone, or other device, will allow for the user to receive and be provided with immediate feedback after installation and through its life cycle of the powered wall plate  10  that there is a safe connection, or that a concern is present. 
       FIG.  9    shows an exploded front perspective view of the power wall plate  10  comprising the wall plate  20  coupled with the electrical receptacle  70 . The front surface of the receptacle  70  is shown comprising a second keyed interface  54   b  and a fourth keyed interface  55   b , each formed near a midsection of the receptacle  70 , spaced vertically between the upper face  72  of receptacle  70  and the lower face  72  of receptacle  70 . The second keyed interface  54   b  and the fourth keyed interface  55   b  are also horizontally offset from the fastener opening at the center of the receptacle  70 . Both the second keyed interface  55   b  and the fourth keyed interface  55   b  are shown formed as openings, indentations, recesses, or hallows extending in a direction perpendicular to, and into, the front face of the receptacle towards the back surface of the receptacle  70 . The second keyed interface  54   b  and the fourth keyed interface  55   b  may be advantageously formed of different shapes, such as one or more of a cube, rectangular prism, cylinder, or other geometric or organic three-dimensional form. The second keyed interface  54   b  and the fourth keyed interface  55   b  may also be of different sizes, and asymmetrically positioned away from a central vertical axis and along or way from a central horizontal axis. The second keyed interface  54   b  and the fourth keyed interface  55   b  may also be asymmetrically positioned about the centroid of the wall plate  20 , so that upon rotating the wall plate  20 , e.g. positioning it upside down over the receptacle  70 , the second keyed interface  54   b  and the fourth keyed interface  55   b  may only compatible with, and mateably couple with, their corresponding first keyed interface  54   a  and third keyed interface  55   a.    
     As such,  FIG.  9    shows an instance in which the wall plate  20  may be formed with keying  53  formed as protrusion  54   a  and  55   a  that are compatible with the keyed receptacle  70 . As shown in  FIG.  9   , the keyed receptacle  70  comprises openings  54   b  and  55   b  that are designed, arranged, or configured to receive and mateably couple with the protrusions  54   a  and  55   a  from the rear surface  18  of the face plate  20 . In other instances, the reverse may be true, and the receptacle  70  may comprise keying  53  formed as openings, indentations, recesses, or hallows  54   b  and  55   b.    
     Thus, a person of ordinary skill in the art (POSA) will appreciate that protrusion/recess configurations of keying elements  53  may be reversed or interchanged. In some instances, keying elements  53  may also include both protrusions and recess on each of the opposing or mateable surfaces of wall plate  20  and receptacle  70 , rather than just one type of protrusion or recess formed on each of the opposing or mateable surfaces of wall plate  20  and receptacle  70 . For example, the wall plate  20  (such as the rear surface  18  of the wall plate  20 ) could comprise one or more keyed features  53  formed as a recess and one or more keyed features  53  formed as a protrusion. Similarly, the receptacle  70  (such as the front surface of the receptacle  70 ) could comprise one or more keyed features  53  formed as a recess and one or more keyed features  53  formed as a protrusion. As shown in the figures, one or more keyed features  53 , such as second keyed interface  54   b  may be formed at, through, in, or along, more than one face, edge, or surfaces, such as at both a front face and a side face of the receptacle  70 . 
     A POSA will also appreciate that one or more keyed pairs, including a first keyed pair  54   c  (comprising first keyed interface  54   a  and second keyed interface  54   b ), a second keyed pair  55   c  (comprising third keyed interface  55   a  and a fourth keyed interface  55   b ) may be configured to be coupled to, or with, an electrical receptacle  70 , such as an electrical receptacle or a duplex receptacle (as shown, e.g., in  FIGS.  9 - 28   ), as well as a light switch (as shown, e.g., in  FIG.  29 C ). The receptacle  70 , when formed as an electrical outlet or socket with openings to receive the prongs or tines of an electrical plug, may comprise openings for plug blades  72   a  and openings for ground  72   b . The receptacle  70  may also include a face  72  of the receptacle  70  as well as terminal screws or terminals  74  for providing electrical interconnect or power to items wired to the terminal  74 , including wire disposed or housed at least partially within an electrical box  80 . The electrical receptacle  70  may be disposed or held within the electrical box  80 . One or more threaded fasteners or screws  82  may couple or releasable fasten the wall plate  10  to the receptacle  70 , with the fastener  82  further extending into, or coupling with, a box mounting screw aperture of the electrical outlet box  80 . 
       FIG.  10    illustrates a rear exploded perspective view of the wall plate of  FIG.  9   , opposite the view shown in  FIG.  11   , showing keying or keyed features  53 . The back surface of the face plate  20  is shown comprising a first keyed interface  54   a  and a third keyed interface  55   a , each formed near a midsection of the face plate  20 , spaced vertically between the upper opening  12  and the lower opening  12 , and horizontally offset from the fastener opening  14  at the center of the wall plate. Both the first keyed interface  54   a  and a third keyed interface  55   a  are shown formed as protrusions extending in a direction perpendicular to, and away from, the back surface  18  of the wall plate  20 . The first keyed interface  54   a  and the third keyed interface  55   a  may be advantageously formed of different shapes, such as one or more of a cube, rectangular prism, cylinder, or other geometric or organic three-dimensional form. The first keyed interface  54   a  and the third keyed interface  55   a  may also be of different sizes, and asymmetrically positioned along, or offset from, a central vertical axis and along, or offset from, a central horizontal axis. The first keyed interface  54   a  and the third keyed interface  55   a  may also be asymmetrically positioned about the centroid of the receptacle  70 , so that upon rotating the wall plate  20 , the first keyed interface  54   a  and the third keyed interface  55   a  are only compatible with, and mateably couple with, their corresponding second keyed interface  54   b  and fourth keyed interface  55   b.    
       FIG.  11    illustrates a rear profile view of the face plate  20  from the powered wall plate  10  of  FIG.  9   , and further shows the first keyed interface  54   a  and the third keyed interface  55   a  formed on, disposed, on, or coupled to the back surface  18  of the face plate  20 . Similarly,  FIG.  12    illustrates a front profile view of the receptacle  70  from the powered wall plate  10  of  FIG.  9   ; and further shows the second keyed interface  54   b  and the fourth keyed interface  55   b  formed on, disposed, on, or coupled to the back surface  18  of the face plate  20 . 
     As such, the keying  53  facilitates, accommodates, or can make reasonably sure that the wall plate  10  works with receptacles  70  that are made to receive the wall plate  20  and prevents usage of the keyed wall plate  20  on other receptacles  70  that are not well-suited to receive the wall plate  20  (including the terminal screws  74  being positioned incorrectly or made from materials that do not allow for good electrical contact with contacts  62  formed on the spring-biased terminals  60 . 
       FIGS.  13 - 18    show that the wall plate  20  cannot be fully or properly assembled with the face plate  20  coupled to the receptacle  70  when the proper and corresponding keying  53  is not present to ensure a good or compatible fit between the face plate  20  and the electrical receptacle  70 . 
       FIG.  13    shows a front profile view of the powered wall plate  10  coupled to the electrical receptacle  70  with the openings  72 ,  72   a  of the electrical receptacle  70  through openings  12  in the wall plate  10  for receiving the prongs or tines of electrical plugs. The view of  FIG.  13    presents the wall plate  10  and the receptacle  70  as would be seen from an open space or by a passerby.  FIG.  13    also introduces a gap or offset  76  between the face plate  20  and the receptacle  70  that results from the keyed features  53  not being compatible of mateably coupled. 
     An indicator or indicator light  64  may be visible at surface of the powered wall plate  10 , such as at the front surface  16 , as shown at the lower right corner of the all plate  10  in  FIG.  13   . The indicator  64  may be coupled to the circuit board  50  and be activated when the circuitry protection  52  is activated to indicate to a user that the spring-biased terminals  60  are improperly coupled to the receptacle terminals  74 . When the indicator  64  comprises an indicator light  64  coupled to the circuit board  50 , the light  64  may be configured to be illuminated when the circuitry protection  53  is activated to indicate to a user that the spring-biased terminals  60  are improperly coupled to the receptacle terminals  74 , or additionally or alternatively, that the keying  53  is not properly or sufficiently mateably coupled. The keying  53  may be configured to prevent the powered feature  90  from receiving power, being activated, or operating when the keying  53  is not properly engaged. 
       FIG.  14    shows a top or plan view of the power wall plate  10  taken along the section line  14  shown in  FIG.  13   . The view of  FIG.  14    is perpendicular or orthogonal to the view shown in  FIG.  13   . The power wall plate  10  is shown with the face plate  20  coupled to the electrical receptacle  70  with the spring-biased terminals  60  of the power wall plate  10  coupled to the screws or terminals  72   b  of the receptacle  70 .  FIG.  14    also shows the gap or offset  76  between the face plate  20  and the receptacle  70  that results from the keyed features  53  not being compatible or mateably coupled. 
       FIG.  15    shows a right side profile view of the power wall plate  10 , as taken along the section line  15  in  FIG.  13   . The power wall plate  10  is further shown with the face late  20  coupled to the electrical receptacle  70  shown in a view orthogonal or perpendicular to that shown in  FIGS.  13  and  14   . The view of  FIG.  15    presents the wall plate  10  with the face plate  20  and the receptacle  70  arranged as would be seen if the wall to which they were mounted did not obscure a view of the receptacle  70  when it was disposed within the wall. 
       FIG.  15    also shows the gap or offset  76  between the face plate  20  and the receptacle  70  that results from the keyed features  53  not being compatible of mateably coupled. More specifically,  FIG.  15    shows the yoke or metal bracket  73  of the receptacle  70  offset from, or with the gap  76  between, the yoke  73  and the rear surface  18  of the wall plate  10  or the face plate  20 . Stated another way,  FIG.  15    shows the yoke  73  of the receptacle  70  offset from and not flush with, not touching, not in direct contact, or not against or adjacent the rear surface  18  of the wall plate  10  or the face plate  20 .  FIG.  15    further shows the yoke  73  comprises a vertical portion  73   a  and horizontal portion  73   b , with the vertical portion  73   a  of yoke  73  visible behind (or in  FIG.  15    to the right of) the rear surface  18  of face plate  20 , thereby differing to tighter fit shown, e.g., in  FIG.  25   . 
       FIG.  16    shows a front perspective view of the power wall plate  10  comprising the wall plate  20  coupled with the electrical receptacle  70  similar to the views shown in  FIGS.  13 - 15   .  FIG.  16    also shows the gap or offset  76  between the face plate  20  and the receptacle  70  that results from the keyed features  53  not being compatible or mateably coupled. 
       FIGS.  17  and  18    show an instance in which a wall plate  20  with keying  53  formed as protrusion  54   a  and  55   a  is incompatible with a conventional or unkeyed receptacle  70 . As shown in  FIG.  18   , the conventional receptacle  70  comprises a blank space  75 , such as a flat or planar face, that is not designed, arranged, or configured to receive the protrusion  54   a  and  55   a  from the rear surface  18  of the face plate  20 , thereby producing the physical space or gap  76 . 
     In other instances, the reverse may be true, and the receptacle  70  may be unconventional or comprise a modified structure comprising keying  53  formed as protrusions—such as with second keyed interface  54   b  and fourth keyed interface  55   b . As such, the protrusions on the receptacle  70 —such as on face  72 , or side of the receptacle  70 , rather than recesses or openings on the receptacle  70  and protrusions on the rear surface  18  of the wall plate  20 —may provide the gap or offset  76  when used with conventional face plates  20 . Thus, a person of ordinary skill in the art (POSA) will appreciate that protrusion/recess configurations of keying elements  53  may be reversed or interchanged. 
       FIGS.  19 - 26    illustrate various views of the powered wall plate  10  comprising keyed features  53  for improved connection and function between face plate  20  and receptacle  70 . The keyed wall plate  10  of  FIGS.  19 - 26    may be similar or identical to the keyed wall plate of  FIGS.  9 - 12   , differing only in showing the face plate  20  and the receptacle  70  coupled together with keying features  53 , rather than showing the face plate  20  and the receptacle  70  separated. 
       FIG.  19    shows a front profile view of the powered wall plate  10 .  FIG.  20    shows atop plan view of the powered wall plate  10  taken along the section line  20  shown in  FIG.  19   .  FIG.  21    shows a right side profile view of the powered wall plate  10  taken along the section line  21  shown in  FIG.  19   .  FIG.  22    shows a perspective view of the front right portion of the powered wall plate  10  from  FIG.  19   .  FIG.  23    shows a bottom plan view of the powered wall plate  10 , opposite the view shown in  FIG.  20   .  FIG.  24    shows a rear profile view of the powered wall plate  10  with the spring-biased terminals  60  of the face plate  20  coupled to the terminal screws  74  of the receptacle  20 .  FIG.  25    shows a left side profile view of the powered wall plate  10 , opposite the view shown in  FIG.  21   , and taken along the section line  25  shown in  FIG.  19   .  FIG.  26    shows a perspective view of the rear left portion of the powered wall plate  10  from  FIG.  19   . Taken together, or separately,  FIGS.  19 - 26    show keying  53 , whether mechanical, electric, magnetic or otherwise, to ensure a good fit between the face plate  20  and the electrical receptacle  70 , and to provide circuitry protection  52  by preventing a flow of electricity through the spring-biased terminals  60  to power powered features  90  when the keyed features  53  are not mateably coupled, providing a good fit between contacts  62  of the spring-biased terminals  60  and terminals  74  of the receptacle  70 . 
       FIGS.  27  and  28    illustrate examples of keying  53  that is magnetic or electrical rather than mechanical. More specifically,  FIG.  27    shows the electrical or magnetic coupling feature or keying  54   b  of the receptacle  70 .  FIG.  28    shows the electrical or magnetic coupling feature  54   a  of the wall plate  20 , for coupling with the coupling feature  54   b  of the electrical receptacle  70 . 
     The electrical or magnetic coupling feature or keying  54   b  can be a magnet, and electrical or magnetic coupling feature or keying  54   a  can be a switch that responds to the magnet when in proximity. In proximity the switch  54   a  would close and allow the wall plate  10 , or powered features  90  thereof, to turn on. When not in proximity of the magnet  54   b , the switch  54   a  would open and not allow the wall plate  10 , or the powered feature  90  thereof, to turn on. If the wall plate  10  were installed to a receptacle  70  absent the magnet  54   b , the wall plate  10 , or powered feature  90  thereof, would will not turn on, although in some instances the indicator  64  may be activated to indicate that the keying features  54   a  and  54  are not properly or mateably coupled. 
     The electrical or magnetic coupling feature or keying  54   b  could be a boss and electrical or magnetic coupling feature or keying  54   a  can be a switch. When the wall plate  10  is installed onto a receptacle  70  that switch  54   a ″, the switch will close and allow the wall plate  10 , or powered elements  90  thereof, to turn on. When the wall plate  10  in installed onto a receptacle  70  that does not include the switch  54   b , the wall plate  10  will not turn on, although in some instances the indicator  64  may be activated to indicate that the keying features  54   a  and  54  are not properly or mateably coupled. 
     When magnetic keying  53  is used, the magnet could be any type of magnet or magnetic material, such as a rare-earth magnet, a ferrous material, or other type of magnetized material. The magnet or magnetic keying  53  could also be an electro-magnet that is powered internally within the wall plate  10 , including within the receptacle  70 . A POSA will understand that the relative positions or descriptions of the keying  54   a  and  54   b  could also be reversed. 
     The keying  53  shown and described herein is not limited to the geometry shown in the figures, which is for illustrative purposes only, and given by way of example. The keying  53  may be tabs, bosses, or any suitable device or structure of any cross sectional shape or length, including rectangular, square, rounded, spherical, cubic, polygonal, irregular, star, triangle, or any other geometric or organic shape or form. There could be one or more keyed features  53  or one or more keyed pairs  54   c ,  55   c . The keying  53  may also occur on sides of the faces  72  or receptacles  70 . Keying  53  is not limited to duplex outlets, and may be applied to single outlets, triple outlet devices, or devices with any number of outlets, as well as on decorators, GFCI, AFCI devices, as well as with light switches, dimmers, or any other suitable or similar connection with an outlet, wall plate, or other similar or suitable connection. 
     Further, the keying  53  shown can prevent the face plate  20  from being rotated or turned upside down relative to the receptacle  70  when being installed. As such, the figures (for illustrative purposes only) show that the keyed features  53  on opposing sides of the powered wall plate  10  as being different, such that the keyed features  53  only allow the wall plate  10  to be installed in one orientation to ensure good electrical contact between the spring-biased terminals  60  and the terminal screws  74 . 
       FIGS.  29 A- 29 C  illustrate various powered wall plates  10  comprising keyed interfaces  53 .  FIG.  29 A  illustrates a perspective view of a powered wall plate  10  comprising powered features  90  comprising USB ports  92 , and a carbon monoxide detector or smoke alarm  95 .  FIG.  29 B  illustrates a perspective view of a powered wall plate  10  comprising a powered feature  90  comprising a USB port  92 .  FIG.  29 C  illustrates a front perspective view of a powered wall plate  10  in which the electrical receptacle  70  is a light switch, which may be one or more of a toggle light switch, dimmer, turn dial, plunger, flip switch, touch pad, remote wirelessly controlled interface, or any other suitable switch. In some instances, the electrical receptacle  70  may comprise at least one light switch, at least one electrical outlet, or both, as well as any other suitable arrangement of known electrical devices. The powered wall plate  10  is further shown comprising powered features  90  comprising camera  94 , which includes a camera lens  94   a  and a camera swivel  94   b.    
       FIG.  30    illustrates a schematic view of an embodiment of an electrical circuit  110  operably corresponding to an embodiment of the powered wall plates  10 . The printed circuit board  50  is electrically connected to powered features  90 , such as camera  90 , indicator  64 , switch  52  or keyed features  53 , LED  93 , and AC electrical power  112 . As shown schematically, the powered features  90  are electrically powered by electricity, such as AC power  112 , obtained through electrical connection of the electrical receptacle  70 , such as through spring-biased terminals  60  contacting terminal screws  74 . When an improper connection is made between spring-biased terminals  60  and contact terminal screws  74 , the circuitry protection  52 , keyed features  53 , or switch can be activated to prevent power from being sent through spring-biased terminals  60  and to powered features  90 , so as to prevent a fire, or other damage from occurring. 
     It will be understood that implementations of the powered wall plate  10  comprising safety circuits or circuitry protection  52  include, but are not limited to, the specific components disclosed herein, as virtually any components consistent with the intended operation of various powered wall plate attachments may be utilized. Accordingly, for example, it should be understood that, while the drawings and accompanying text show and describe particular powered wall plate attachment implementations, any such implementation may comprise any shape, size, style, type, model, version, class, grade, measurement, concentration, material, weight, quantity, and/or the like consistent with the intended operation of powered wall plate attachments. 
     The concepts disclosed herein are not limited to the specific powered wall plate attachments shown herein. For example, it is specifically contemplated that the components included in particular powered wall plate attachments may be formed of any of many different types of materials or combinations that can readily be formed into shaped objects and that are consistent with the intended operation of the powered wall plate attachment. For example, the components may be formed of: rubbers (synthetic and/or natural) and/or other like materials; glasses (such as fiberglass), carbon-fiber, aramid-fiber, any combination therefore, and/or other like materials; elastomers and/or other like materials; polymers such as thermoplastics (such as ABS, fluoropolymers, polyacetal, polyamide, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polysulfone, and/or the like, thermosets (such as epoxy, phenolic resin, polyimide, polyurethane, and/or the like), and/or other like materials; plastics and/or other like materials; composites and/or other like materials; metals, such as zinc, magnesium, titanium, copper, iron, steel, carbon steel, alloy steel, tool steel, stainless steel, spring steel, aluminum, and/or other like materials; and/or any combination of the foregoing. 
     Furthermore, powered wall plate attachments may be manufactured separately and then assembled together, or any or all of the components may be manufactured simultaneously and integrally joined with one another. Manufacture of these components separately or simultaneously, as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, may involve 3-D printing, extrusion, pultrusion, vacuum forming, injection molding, blow molding, resin transfer molding, casting, forging, cold rolling, milling, drilling, reaming, turning, grinding, stamping, cutting, bending, welding, soldering, hardening, riveting, punching, plating, and/or the like. If any of the components are manufactured separately, they may then be coupled or removably coupled with one another in any manner, such as with adhesive, a weld, a fastener, any combination thereof, and/or the like for example, depending on, among other considerations, the particular material(s) forming the components. 
     In places where the description above refers to particular powered wall plate attachment implementations, it should be readily apparent that a number of modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof and that these implementations may be applied to other implementations disclosed or undisclosed. The presently disclosed powered wall plate attachments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.