Abstract:
An electrical outlet plate with a hinged cover to not only cover the outlet openings, but provide a means of safely securing any plug and cord that should be connected to it is herein disclosed. The base cover plate is similar in appearance to a conventional duplex outlet cover plate used in homes, offices, and businesses. The hinged outlet cover is approximately two (2) inches deep with a lockable latch along a side surface and two (2) slots in the face for routing electrical cords, thereby captivating a plug portion inside. Thus, when secured in place, it is impossible to remove the plug and cord without first removing the cover plate. Due to the spring action of the latch, an adult can easily remove the hinging cover by pressing to release; however, it is virtually impossible for a child or toddler to do so.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in a notarized Official Record of Invention on Feb. 14, 2008, that is on file at the offices of Montgomery Patent and Design, LLC, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to an electrical outlet plate and, more particularly, to said electrical outlet plate comprising a hinged cover and a locking latch to not only cover the outlet openings, but provide a means of safely securing any plug and cord that should be connected to it. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     There are a wide variety of products aimed at providing a safe home environment for children by preventing the accidents and mishaps that occur all too often. Among the many dangers present in any home, the risk of injury or death caused by accidents involving electricity and electrical devices is among the most common. The most common way of protecting children against accidental contact with electrical receptacles is by the use of childproof plastic covers. However, these covers must be removed when an electrical device is plugged in. In this configuration, even the youngest child can remove the plug by simply pulling on the cord. Thus, the electrical outlet becomes exposed, or perhaps, even more dangerously, the energized plug could become exposed should the plug not become fully disengaged. Accordingly, there is a need for a means by which children and infants can be protected from electrocution from electrical outlets without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the device described herein fulfills this need. 
     An electrical outlet plate with a hinged cover to not only cover the outlet openings, but provide a means of safely securing any plug and cord that should be connected to it is herein disclosed. The base cover plate is similar in appearance to a conventional duplex outlet cover plate used in homes, offices, and businesses. The hinged outlet cover is approximately two (2) inches deep with a lockable latch along a side surface and two (2) slots in the face for routing electrical cords, thereby captivating a plug portion inside. Thus, when secured in place, it is impossible to remove the plug and cord without first removing the cover plate. Due to the spring action of the latch, an adult can easily remove the hinging cover by pressing to release; however, it is virtually impossible for a child or toddler to do so. 
     There have been attempts in the past to provide safety covers for electrical outlets. U.S. Pat. No. D 556,145 issued to Williams discloses an outlet cover that opens to one (1) side. Unfortunately, this design patent does not appear to be similar in appearance to the disclosed device, nor does this patent appear to disclose an electrical outlet cover that permits electrical cords retained therein to exit the cover through the front panel. 
     U.S. Pat. No. D 531,961 issued to Greenfield discloses a vertically-mounted, weatherproof electrical receptacle cover assembly that appears to be a box-like structure that mounts over an electrical outlet. Unfortunately, this design patent does not appear to be similar in appearance to the disclosed device, nor does it appear to disclose an electrical cord stabilizing cover that permits electrical cords to be routed through and maintained therein said cover. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,677,525 issued to Walker discloses a removable cover that appears to be permanently mounted above a duplex outlet that permits the cover to be rotated downward to cover an outlet. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose an outlet cover that permits the passage of electrical cords through the cover when in place, nor does it appear to possess an aperture for the insertion of a locking mechanism. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,649,838 issued to Lopez et al. discloses an electrical outlet that appears to be a hinged cover that opens vertically and permits the insertion of electrical cords through the cover. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose an electrical cord stabilizing cover that secures electrical cords within the cover box, nor does it appear to comprise a locking aperture that permits the insertion of a locking mechanism. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,133,531 issued to Hayduke discloses a weatherproof outlet cover assembly that comprises a hinged housing that envelopes and coves an outlet. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose an outlet cover that permits the passage of electrical cords through the cover when in place, nor does it appear to possess an aperture for the insertion of a locking mechanism. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,007,353 issued to Webster discloses an electrical connector enclosure that appears to comprise a mounting base, plate and a housing that appears to open vertically to permit access to the outlet. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose an electrical cord stabilizing cover that opens to the side of the device, nor does it appear to disclose an outlet cover that permits the passage of electrical cords through the cover. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,779,083 issued to Bordwell appears to disclose an electrical receptacle cover assembly with dual acting spring covers hingedly attached thereto. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose an outlet cover that permits the passage of electrical cords through the cover when it is not in place, nor does it appear to possess an aperture for the insertion of a locking mechanism. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,589,665 issued to Scamarra discloses a child-resistant electrical outlet cover that appears to comprise a cylindrical cover that mounts over the electrical cord and is twisted into a locking position thereon the outlet cover plate. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose a rectangular-shaped cover that possesses slots in the cover for the passage of electrical cords therethrough the cover, nor does it appear to possess an aperture for attachment of a locking means such as a keyed or combination lock. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,362,924 issued to Correnti discloses a protective cover for electrical wall sockets comprising a box shaped cover that is hingedly attached to a base plate. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose an outlet cover that permits the passage of electrical cords through the cover when in place, nor does it appear to possess an aperture for the insertion of a locking mechanism. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,950,842 issued Mennings discloses an electrical outlet safety cover that appears to comprise a base plate with an aperture to the bottom of the apparatus. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose an electrical outlet cover that permits electrical cords retained therein to exit the cover through the front panel. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,915,638 issued to Domian discloses an enclosure for electrical outlets that appears to comprise a box-like cover that opens on a vertical plane from a base plate member. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose a rectangular-shaped cover that possesses slots in the cover for the passage of electrical cords therethrough the cover, nor does it appear to possess an aperture for attachment of a locking means such as a keyed or combination lock. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,603,931 issued to Ruffman discloses a device for appliances with electrical AC power cords that appears to comprise an enclosure that is mounted on the front surface of an outlet that possesses lateral apertures to permit the passage of electrical cords. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose an electrical outlet cover that permits electrical cords retained therein to exit the cover through the front panel. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,424,407 issued to Barbic discloses an electrical outlet safety cover that appears to comprise an outlet cover that is screwed onto a duplex outlet and comprises an aperture located on a lateral edge to permit the passage of an electrical cord. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose a cover that is hingedly mounted to a base plate and that permits the cover to be rotatably opened, nor does it appear to possess an electrical outlet cover that permits electrical cords retained therein to exit the cover through the front panel. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,105,274 issued to Casey discloses a device for retaining electrical plugs that appears to be an “H”-shaped member that is attached to an outlet cover and inhibits the ability of electrical cords to be withdrawn from the electrical outlet. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose a rectangular-shaped cover that possesses slots in the cover for the passage of electrical cords therethrough the cover, nor does it appear to possess an aperture for attachment of a locking means such as a keyed or combination lock. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,656,083 issued to Brook discloses an electrical safety device that appears to comprise a faceplate with arcuate outlet apertures. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose a cover that is hingedly mounted to a base plate and that permits the cover to be rotatably opened, nor does it appear to possess an electrical outlet cover that permits electrical cords retained therein to exit the cover through the front panel. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,428,936 issued to Arnao discloses a cover for an electrical outlet receptacle that appears to comprise a rounded fixture that is attached to an outlet faceplate to prevent the removal of electrical cords from the faceplate. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose a rectangular-shaped cover that possesses slots in the cover for the passage of electrical cords therethrough the cover, nor does it appear to possess an aperture for attachment of a locking means such as a keyed or combination lock. 
     None of the prior art particularly describes an electrical outlet plate comprising a hinged cover and a locking latch to not only cover the outlet openings, but provide a means of safely securing any plug and cord that should be connected to it that the instant invention possesses. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which children and infants can be protected from electrocution from electrical outlets that operates without the disadvantages as described above. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In light of the disadvantages as described above in the prior art, it is apparent that there is a need for an electrical plug stabilizing cover comprising a hinged enclosure to safely cover outlet openings and provide means of securing affixed electrical appliance cords. 
     An object of the electrical plug stabilizing cover comprises a flat rectangular baseplate which is similar in appearance to a conventional duplex outlet cover plate commonly used in homes, offices, businesses, and the like. 
     Another object of the electrical plug stabilizing cover comprises a hinged box-like enclosure having a front panel comprising two (2) centrally located cover grooves, and a lockable latch. 
     A further object of the electrical plug stabilizing cover comprises at least one (1) electrical cord that may be plugged into the outlets and routed through the two (2) cover grooves in such a manner that when the cover is secured in place, it is impossible to remove said electrical cords without unlatching the cover. 
     Still another object of the electrical plug stabilizing cover provides a cover assembly, baseplate assembly, and hinge made using plastic or metal materials fabricated using processes such as plastic injection molding or metal forming and joining. 
     Still a further object of the electrical plug stabilizing cover provides a variety of decorative colors and patterns based upon a consumer&#39;s preferences. 
     Yet another object of the electrical plug stabilizing cover permits installation of an alternate lock through the locking aperture portion of the latch plate, thereby providing a secured and locked closure means to the cover assembly. 
     An aspect of the electrical plug stabilizing cover comprises a cover assembly, a flat rectangular baseplate assembly hingedly attached to one another by a hinge. 
     Another aspect of the electrical plug stabilizing cover comprises a cover assembly further comprising a five (5) sided rectangular pivoting and latching enclosure which provides a captivating means to at least one (1) electrical cord inserted into an electrical duplex outlet. 
     A further aspect of the electrical plug stabilizing cover comprises a front cover panel comprising a pair of cover grooves and a latch slot. The cover grooves comprise horizontal laterally extending openings in the cover front panel. Each cover groove intersects with a respective circular cover opening located centrally upon said cover front panel. 
     Still another aspect of the electrical plug stabilizing cover comprises a baseplate assembly providing a replacement means to a conventional duplex outlet cover plate and comprising enhancements including a hingedly attaching means for the cover assembly and a lockable latching mechanism. 
     Another aspect of the electrical plug stabilizing cover comprises a latch plate comprising a flat rectangular form allowing deflection when depressed laterally by a user to unlatch. 
     Still a further aspect of the electrical plug stabilizing cover comprises a hinge comprising a common multi-element pivoting device mounted in a vertical orientation and affixed jointly along side surfaces to the baseplate hinge plate and the first cover side panel. 
     Yet another aspect of the electrical plug stabilizing cover comprises a latch slot enabling release of the cover assembly from the latch plate and comprising a centrally located locking aperture further comprising a drilled hole so as to provide a point of insertion for a key or combination type locking mechanism. 
     Yet still another aspect of the electrical plug stabilizing cover comprises a latch plate that provides a means to secure the cover assembly to the baseplate assembly by latching protrusion portion. 
     A method of utilizing the device may be achieved by performing the following steps: selecting one (1) or more existing duplex outlets on which to utilize the device based upon child safety needs and/or specific needs for appliance security; removing an existing outlet cover plate from the existing outlet; installing the device to the existing duplex outlet using the provided fastener; inserting a plug portion of at least one (1) electrical cord into the outlets as needed; rotating the cover assembly about the hinge while routing said cord through the cover grooves and cover openings; continuing to rotate the cover assembly until contacting the baseplate assembly and coincidentally engaging the latching protrusion to secure said cover assembly in a closed position; adding an optional key or combination lock if a greater level of security is desired; opening the device for removal or addition of the cord by removing the lock from the locking aperture, if so equipped; depressing laterally the latch plate to disengage the latching protrusion; pivoting the cover assembly about the hinge to expose the outlets; and, benefiting from effectively child-proofing an electrical outlet and securing particular electrical appliances to duplex outlets utilizing the present invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an electrical plug stabilizing cover  10  depicting a closed state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of an electrical plug stabilizing cover  10  depicting an open state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of an electrical plug stabilizing cover  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                  10 
                 electrical plug stabilizing cover 
               
               
                   
                  20 
                 cover assembly 
               
               
                   
                  21 
                 cover front panel 
               
               
                   
                  22 
                 first cover side panel 
               
               
                   
                  23 
                 cover top panel 
               
               
                   
                  24 
                 cover groove 
               
               
                   
                  25 
                 cover opening 
               
               
                   
                  26 
                 latch slot 
               
               
                   
                  27 
                 cover bottom panel 
               
               
                   
                  28 
                 second cover side panel 
               
               
                   
                  30 
                 baseplate assembly 
               
               
                   
                  31 
                 baseplate 
               
               
                   
                  32 
                 baseplate hinge plate 
               
               
                   
                  33 
                 hinge 
               
               
                   
                  34 
                 latch plate 
               
               
                   
                  35 
                 locking aperture 
               
               
                   
                  36 
                 outlet aperture 
               
               
                   
                  37 
                 latching protrusion 
               
               
                   
                  38 
                 fastener 
               
               
                   
                 100 
                 cord 
               
               
                   
                 110 
                 duplex outlet 
               
               
                   
                 120 
                 lock 
               
               
                   
                 130 
                 wall surface 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 3 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes an electrical plug stabilizing cover (herein described as the “device”)  10 , comprising a hinged enclosure to safely cover outlet openings  110  as well as providing a means of securing affixed electrical appliance cords  100  thereto. The device  10  comprises a flat rectangular baseplate  31  which is similar in appearance to a conventional duplex outlet cover plate used to cover conventional 120VAC, NEMA 5-15R receptacles  110  commonly used in homes, offices, businesses, and the like. However, the device  10  is also equipped with a hinged box-like enclosure having a front panel  21  comprising two (2) centrally located cover grooves  24 , and a lockable latch  34 . Electrical cords  100  may be plugged thereinto the outlets  110  and routed therethrough the two (2) cover grooves  24  thus, when secured in place, it is impossible to remove said cords  100  without first unlatching and swinging the cover  20  to the side. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a front perspective view of the device  10  depicting a closed state, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The device  10  comprises a cover assembly  20  and a baseplate assembly  30  being hingedly attached thereto one another via a hinge  33 . The cover assembly  20 , baseplate assembly  30 , and hinge  33  are envisioned being made using plastic or metal materials fabricated using processes such as plastic injection molding or metal forming and joining. Furthermore, the device  10  is envisioned being introduced in a variety of decorative colors and patterns based upon a consumer&#39;s preferences. The cover assembly  20  comprises a 5-sided rectangular pivoting and latching enclosure approximately two (2) inches deep being made using molded plastic or formed metal and provides a captivating means thereto cords  110  being inserted therein an electrical duplex outlet  110 . The cover assembly  20  further comprises a cover front panel  21 , a first cover side panel  22 , a cover top panel  23 , a cover bottom panel  27 , and a second cover side panel  28 . The baseplate assembly  30  provides a replacement means thereto a conventional duplex outlet cover plate and comprises enhancements including a hingedly attaching means for the aforementioned cover assembly  20 , and a lockable latching mechanism  34  therebetween (see  FIG. 2 ). The baseplate assembly  30  comprises a baseplate  31 , a baseplate hinge plate  32 , and a latch plate  34 . 
     The hinge  33  comprises a common multi-element pivoting device approximately three (3) inches long being mounted in a vertical orientation and affixed jointly along side surfaces thereto the baseplate hinge plate portion  32  of the baseplate assembly  30  and the first cover side panel portion  22  of the cover assembly  20 . The hinge  33  is envisioned being affixed thereto the first cover side panel  22  and corresponding baseplate hinge plate  32  using methods such as injection molding, welding, soldering, fasteners, or the like. The hinge  33  is located at an offset position with regards thereto the baseplate  30  via the integral baseplate hinge plate  32  which extends at a right angle therefrom the baseplate portion  31  so as to allow said cover assembly  20  to swing a full one-hundred-eighty degrees) (180° of rotation. The front cover panel  21  further comprises a pair of cover grooves  24  and a latch slot  26 . The cover grooves  24  comprise horizontal laterally extending openings therein the cover front panel  21  being approximately one-quarter (¼) inch wide. Each cover groove  24  intersects therewith a respective circular cover opening  25  being approximately one-half (½) inch in diameter and located centrally thereupon said cover front panel  21 . Said cover groove  24  extends therefrom said cover opening  25  and wraps around an edge portion thereof and continues along the second cover side panel  28  (see  FIG. 2 ). The latch slot  26  is located along an edge portion of the cover front panel  21  opposite the hinge  33  location and comprises a rectangular opening approximately one (1) inch tall being sized so as to slidingly receive the latch plate portion  34  of the baseplate assembly  30  (see  FIG. 2 ). The latch plate  34  provides a means to secure the cover assembly  20  thereto the baseplate assembly  30  via a latching protrusion portion  37 . The latching protrusion  37  is integral thereto and extends angularly therefrom a side surface of the latch plate  34 . The latching protrusion  37  provides mechanical engagement therewith the latch slot portion  26  of the cover front panel  21  to secure said cover assembly thereagainst the baseplate assembly  30  as shown in  FIG. 1 . The width of the latch slot  26  enables release of the cover assembly  20  therefrom the latch plate  34  by pressing and deflecting said latch plate portion  34  laterally to disengage the latching protrusion  37 . The latch plate  34  further comprises a centrally located locking aperture  35  further comprising a drilled hole so as to utilize a key or combination type lock  120  being inserted therethrough (see  FIG. 3 ). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a front perspective view of the device  10  depicting an open state, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. In use, the baseplate assembly  30  is affixed thereto a wall surface  130  via an existing duplex outlet  110  therewithin an electrical box using a common fastener  38  in a conventional manner. The baseplate  31  is envisioned to comprise approximate rectangular dimensions as a conventional outlet cover. The baseplate assembly  30  comprises a baseplate  31  and a latch plate  34 . The latch plate  34  extends therefrom the baseplate  31  at a right angle being permanently affixed thereto via integral molding thereto or, in the event metal materials are utilized, said latch plate  34  is envisioned being welded or soldered thereto. The latch plate  34  comprises a flat rectangular form approximately one (1) inch wide, two and one-half (2½) inches long, and one-eighth (⅛) inch thick, thereby allowing deflection when depressed laterally by a user to unlatch. The baseplate  31  provides a pair of duplex outlet apertures  36  being arranged and sized in accordance with established electrical standards for conventional 120VAC, NEMA 5-15R receptacles. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a side view of the device  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The device  10  is illustrated here in a closed and secure state showing insertion of a pair of cords  100  therein the duplex outlets  110  and extending therethrough the cover opening portions  25 . The device  10  further depicts installation of an alternate lock  120  therethrough the locking aperture  35  portion of the latch plate  34 , thereby providing a secured and locked closure means thereto the cover assembly  20 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the device  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of utilizing the device  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: selecting one (1) or more existing duplex outlets  110  on which to utilize the device  10  based upon child safety needs and/or specific needs for appliance security; removing an existing outlet cover plate therefrom the existing outlet  110 ; installing the device  10  thereto the existing duplex outlet  110  using the provided fastener  38 ; inserting one (1) or two (2) plug portions of electrical cords  100  thereinto the outlets  110  as needed; rotating the cover assembly  20  about the hinge  33  while routing said cords  100  therethrough the cover grooves  24  and cover openings  25 ; continuing to rotate the cover assembly  20  until contacting the baseplate assembly  30 , thereby coincidentally engaging the latching protrusion  37  to secure said cover assembly  20  in a closed position; adding an optional key or combination lock  120  if a greater level of security is desired; opening the device  10  for removal or addition of cords  100  by removing the lock  120  therefrom the locking aperture  35 , if so equipped; depressing laterally the latch plate  34  to disengage the latching protrusion  37 ; pivoting the cover assembly  20  thereabout the hinge  33  to expose the outlets  110 ; and, benefiting from effective child-proofing of an electrical outlet  110  as well as securing particular electrical appliances thereto duplex outlets  110  using the present invention  10 . 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.