U.S. patent application number 10/913084 was filed with the patent office on 2005-01-13 for through-wall electrical system.
Invention is credited to Bryant, Russell L., Kruse, Russell E..
Application Number | 20050006124 10/913084 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29399728 |
Filed Date | 2005-01-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050006124 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kruse, Russell E. ; et
al. |
January 13, 2005 |
Through-wall electrical system
Abstract
A system for accessing an electrical wiring network from
opposing sides of a wall. The wall includes at least one structural
support and a wall surface. The system includes an electrical box
having a perimeter wall and two open sides. The open sides are
located at opposing ends of the perimeter wall, thereby defining a
passageway through the electrical box. Additionally, the system
includes a pair of frames coupled to the electrical box at the open
sides, and at least two electrical outlets coupled to the frames.
Each outlet includes a plurality of integral conductor leads
extending therefrom.
Inventors: |
Kruse, Russell E.; (St.
Charles, MO) ; Bryant, Russell L.; (Vernon,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARNESS, DICKEY, & PIERCE, P.L.C
7700 BONHOMME, STE 400
ST. LOUIS
MO
63105
US
|
Family ID: |
29399728 |
Appl. No.: |
10/913084 |
Filed: |
August 6, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10913084 |
Aug 6, 2004 |
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10141695 |
May 7, 2002 |
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6774307 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
174/53 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02G 3/18 20130101; H01R
13/73 20130101; H02G 3/22 20130101; Y10T 29/49117 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
174/053 |
International
Class: |
H01H 009/02 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A system for providing access to an electrical wiring network
from opposing sides of a wall, the wall comprising at least one
structural support, said system comprising: an electrical box
comprising a perimeter wall and two open sides, said open sides
located at opposing ends of said perimeter wall, thereby defining a
passageway through said electrical box; a pair of frames configured
to be coupled to said electrical box at said open sides; and at
least one electrical outlet configured to be coupled to one of said
frames, said outlet comprising a housing and a plurality of
integral leads extending in close proximity of each other at a
central location of said housing, each said lead comprising a wire
and a layer of insulating material covering a portion of said wire
such that a predetermined length of said wire extends past said
insulating material at said distal end of each said lead.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein said electrical outlet further
comprises a housing having a non-conductive outer surface free from
actively conductive appendages.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein said non-conductive outer surface
is further free from exposed actively conductive surfaces.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein each said frame is further
configured to cover one of said open sides and comprises an
aperture located off-center in said frame configured to receive at
least one said electrical outlet.
5. The system of claim 4 wherein said aperture comprises at least
one raised lip located along the perimeter of said aperture
configured to have a height approximately equal to a thickness of a
wall surface.
6. The system of claim 4 wherein said frames are further configured
to be coupled to said opposing open sides of said electrical box
having said off-center apertures positioned catty-corner.
7. The system of claim 6 wherein positioning said off-center
apertures catty-corner provides space behind each said off-center
aperture within said electrical box such that when at least one
said outlet is coupled to each said frame sufficient space is
provided behind each said outlet to facilitate wiring.
8. The system of claim 1 wherein said electrical box perimeter wall
is configured to have a depth approximately equal to a width of the
structural support, said electrical box configured to be coupled to
the structural support and said frames configured to be coupled to
said electrical box prior to a wall surface being coupled to the
structural support.
9. The system of claim 1 wherein said electrical box perimeter wall
is configured to have a depth approximately equal to a width of the
structural support plus the thickness of at least one wall surface
attached to at least one side of the structural support.
10. The system of claim 1 wherein said electrical box perimeter
wall is configured to be adjustable such that the depth of the
perimeter wall is adjustable to various depths.
11. The system of claim 1 wherein said system further includes at
least one electrical control module configured to be coupled to one
of said frames, each said control module comprising a plurality of
integral leads extending therefrom.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein said integral leads are bundled
together inside a non-conductive casing such that at least a
portion of said distal ends of said integral leads extends past a
distal end of said non-conductive casing.
13. A method for providing access to an electrical wiring network
from opposing sides of a wall that has at least one structural
support, said method comprising: attaching to the structural
support an electrical box having a perimeter wall and two open
sides, the open sides located at opposing ends of the perimeter
wall, thereby defining a passageway through the electrical box;
attaching a pair of frames to opposing sides of the electrical box,
each frame comprising a single aperture located substantially
off-center in the frame, the frames configured to be coupled to the
opposing open sides such that each aperture is located
substantially off-center within the respective open side, whereby
the apertures are positioned diagonally opposed from each other on
the electrical box; and connecting at least one electrical outlet
to each frame such that the electrical outlets are positioned
diagonally opposed within the electrical box, the outlet including
a housing and a plurality of integral leads extending in close
proximity of each other at a central location of the housing, each
lead including a wire and a layer of insulating material covering a
portion of the wire such that a predetermined length of the wire
extends past the insulating material at the distal end of each said
lead, wherein the diagonally opposed apertures provide space behind
each electrical outlet such that wiring connected to the electrical
outlet in one of apertures will not interfere with wiring connected
to the electrical outlet in the other diagonally opposed
aperture.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein connecting at least one
electrical outlet comprises connecting at least one electrical
outlet having a non-conductive outer surface free from actively
conductive appendages.
15. The method of claim 13 wherein connecting at least one
electrical outlet comprises connecting at least one electrical
outlet having a non-conductive outer surface free from exposed
actively conductive surfaces.
16. The method of claim 13 wherein connecting the outlet to the
electrical wiring network comprises connecting the predetermined
exposed length of wire of at least one lead to the wiring
network.
17. The method of claim 13 wherein coupling one frame to each open
side comprises: mounting the electrical box to the structural
support prior to the wall surface being coupled to the structural
support; and coupling one frame to each open side prior to the wall
surface being coupled to the structural support.
18. An electrical outlet comprising: a housing; a plurality of
electrical receptors adapted to receive a plug; and a plurality of
integral leads extending in close proximity of each other at a
central location of said housing, said leads having proximal ends
in electrical connection with said corresponding electrical
receptors and distal ends extending outwardly from said central
location of said housing, each said lead comprising a wire and a
layer of insulating material covering a portion of said wire such
that a predetermined length of said wire extends past said
insulating material at said distal end of each said lead.
19. The electrical outlet of claim 18 wherein said housing
comprises a non-conductive outer surface free from actively
conductive appendages.
20. The electrical outlet of claim 18 wherein said housing
comprises a non-conductive outer surface free from exposed actively
conductive surfaces.
21. The electrical outlet of claim 18 wherein said leads extend
from said outlet at least 1 inch.
22. The electrical outlet of claim 18 wherein said leads extend
from said outlet at least 4 inches.
23. The electrical outlet of claim 18 wherein said housing
comprises a back side and said leads extend from said back
side.
24. The electrical outlet of claim 18 wherein said outlet further
comprises a first connector of an electrical connection module and
said lead proximal ends are connected to a second connector of said
electrical connection module, said first connector configured to
couple with said second connector thereby providing electrical
connection of said leads with said receptors.
25. The electrical outlet of claim 18, wherein said integral leads
are bundled together inside a non-conductive casing such that at
least a portion of said distal ends of said integral leads extends
past a distal end of said non-conductive casing.
26. An electrical outlet comprising: a housing; a plurality of
electrical receptors adapted to receive a plug; a plurality of
leads extending in close proximity of each other from a central
location of said housing, said leads having proximal ends in
electrical connection with said corresponding electrical receptors
and distal ends extending outwardly from said central location of
said housing, each said lead comprising a wire and a layer of
insulating material covering a portion of said wire such that a
predetermined length of said wire extends past said insulating
material at said distal end of each said lead; and an electrical
connection module including a first connector electrically coupled
to said receptors, and a second connector having said lead proximal
ends connected thereto, wherein said first connector is configured
to removably couple with said second connector such that when
coupled together an electrical connection is formed between said
leads with said receptors.
27. The electrical outlet of claim 26, wherein said integral leads
are bundled together inside a non-conductive casing such that at
least a portion of said distal ends of said integral leads extends
past a distal end of said non-conductive casing.
28. The electrical outlet of claim 26 wherein said housing
comprises a non-conductive outer surface free from actively
conductive appendages.
29. The electrical outlet of claim 26 wherein said housing
comprises a non-conductive outer surface free from exposed actively
conductive surfaces.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 10/141,695 filed on May 7, 2002. The disclosure of the
above application is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates generally to electrical outlet
systems, and more specifically to a through-wall electrical box
system designed to reduce labor and material costs associated with
installing electrical wiring networks in various structures.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Efforts are continuously being made to simplify electrical
systems or networks, and the components used in these networks
which represent a substantial percentage of the labor and material
in commercial and residential construction.
[0004] Presently, when it is desired to locate electrical outlets
and/or electrical control modules such as switches, rheostats, or
any other similar electrical control module that monitors or
controls the flow of electricity, on opposite sides of a common
wall or partition, an electrician typically installs separate
electrical boxes facing in opposite directions. Electrical outlets
are sometimes referred to as electrical sockets or receptacles, but
will be referred to as electrical outlets herein. Additionally,
each electrical box is typically installed on wall structural
supports, e.g. wall studs. This procedure is time consuming and
involves using extra electrical wire, boxes, standoffs, conduit and
other components used during installation of an electrical wiring
network, or system. Further, the electrician must avoid cavities in
the walls that will not accommodate two electrical boxes in a
certain area of the wall or partition. For example, electrical
boxes cannot be installed between studs that define a cold air
return space.
[0005] Additionally, electrical outlets and control modules are
typically installed by attaching wires to screws appending from the
sides of the outlet or the sides of the control module. These
screws can present a safety hazard when they are connected within a
live electrical wiring network, e.g. having live electrical current
flowing through the network, and come into contact with a
conductive surface, such as a metal electrical box or metal wall
stud. Also, if the electrical outlet or control module is connected
to a live wiring network, a person could be severely shocked upon
contacting the screws. Furthermore, the screws can cause accidental
injuries to the hands of the person installing the outlet or the
control module if a screwdriver that is used to tighten the screws
slips off one of the screws.
[0006] Through-way electrical boxes have been developed in an
attempt to reduce the additional labor and material costs incurred
in the installation of electrical wiring networks. However, known
through-wall boxes do not allow for using one cavity in a wall to
install electrical outlets and/or control modules on opposing sides
of the wall without subjecting the electrician, or person
installing the outlets and/or control modules, to time consuming
mechanical detail work. Some known through-wall boxes require
numerous components and fittings which must be adjusted during the
installation process, while other known through-wall boxes are not
suitable for installing multiple electrical outlets and/or control
modules on each side of the wall.
[0007] Additionally, plaster ring plates that cover existing
electrical boxes, also referred to herein as frames, typically
include an aperture for receiving the electrical outlet and/or
control module that is centered in the frame. This placement of the
aperture does not permit the most efficient use of space within the
electrical box nor ease of electrical outlet and/or control module
installation in a back-to-back installation.
[0008] Furthermore, at least some electrical codes require the
electrician to install pigtails on each outlet and control module,
which are then connected to the incoming power source, e.g. the
electrical wiring network, with electric wire nuts. The
installation of pigtails is labor intensive and increases the
material costs of installing outlets and control modules.
[0009] Thus, it would be desirable to develop a system that
provides access to an electrical wiring network from opposing sides
of a wall. More specifically, it would be desirable to provide a
through-wall electrical system that overcomes the shortcoming of
known through-wall systems, thereby reducing labor and material
costs of installing such systems. For example, it would be
desirable to provide a through-wall electrical system that reduces
the complicity of installation caused by numerous components and
fittings that must be adjusted during the installation process.
Thus, the system should be suitable for installing multiple
electrical outlets and/or control modules on each side of the wall,
and should also reduce the risks associated with connecting the
outlets and/or control modules to the wiring network via screws
appending from the outlets and control modules. Additionally, the
system should also satisfy code requirements to connect pigtails to
the outlet and/or control module prior to connecting the
module.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a system
is provided for accessing an electrical wiring network from
opposing sides of a wall. The wall includes at least one structural
support and a wall covering coupled to the structural supports. The
system includes a through-wall electrical box having a perimeter
wall and two open sides. The open sides are located at opposing
ends of the perimeter wall, thereby defining a passageway through
the electrical box. Additionally, the system includes a pair of
frames coupled to the electrical box at the open sides, and at
least one electrical outlet coupled to the frames. Each outlet
includes a plurality of integral leads extending therefrom.
[0011] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a
method is provided for accessing an electrical wiring network from
opposing sides of a wall having at least one structural support and
a wall surface coupled to the structural support. The method
comprises providing an electrical box having a perimeter wall and
two open sides that form a passageway through the electrical box,
providing a pair of frames wherein each frame includes an aperture
located off-center in the frame, and coupling one frame to each
open side such that the apertures of the frames are positioned
caddy-corner on opposing sides of the electrical box thereby
providing space behind each aperture within said electrical
box.
[0012] In yet another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, an electrical outlet is provided for use with an
electrical wiring network. The outlet includes a plurality of
integral leads extending therefrom that connect to the wiring
network.
[0013] In still another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a system is provided for accessing an electrical wiring
network from opposing sides of a wall that includes at least one
structural support and a wall surface coupled to the structural
support. The system includes an electrical box having a perimeter
wall and two open sides. The open sides are located at opposing
ends of the perimeter wall, thereby defining a passageway through
said electrical box. Additionally, the system includes a pair of
frames. Each said frame includes an aperture located off-center in
the frame. The frames couple to the open sides such that the
apertures are positioned caddy-corner on the electrical box.
Furthermore, the system includes at least one electrical outlet
that is coupled to the apertures.
[0014] In still yet another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, an electrical box frame is provided that includes an
aperture located off-center within the frame. The aperture is
suitable to receive at least one electrical outlet, and the frame
is coupled to the electrical box such that space is provided behind
the aperture within the electrical box when the electrical outlet
is coupled to the aperture.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein;
[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic of a system for accessing an
electrical wiring network from opposing sides of a common wall, in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a frame used in the system
shown in FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an electrical outlet used in
the system shown in FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
the electrical outlet shown in FIG. 3; and
[0020] FIG. 5 is a schematic of an alternate embodiment of the
system shown in FIG. 1 including a plurality of electrical control
modules.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] FIG. 1 is a schematic of a system 10 for accessing an
electrical wiring network 16 from opposing sides of a common wall
or partition (not shown), in accordance with a preferred embodiment
of the present invention. Wiring network 16, sometimes referred to
as an electrical system, is a network of wires installed in a
building or other structure that provide and distribute electrical
power throughout the building or structure. Wiring network 16
includes a plurality of network branches 22 which are installed
inside the walls or partitions of the building or structure,
thereby providing and distributing power throughout the building or
structure. As used herein, the term plurality is defined as at
least two. Wiring network 16 is typically connected to a load
center (not shown), also referred to as a breaker box or fuse box,
which is the incoming point for electrical service to a residential
or commercial building. However, for smaller buildings or
structures other than buildings, wiring network 16 may be a
sub-network of a larger wiring network and therefore not directly
connected to a breaker box.
[0022] It is generally known that walls and partitions are
typically constructed of at least one structural support, such as a
wall stud, and have a wall or partition surface attached to
opposing sides of the structural support. System 10 includes a
through-wall electrical box 28 that is mounted to one of the
structural supports using mounting devices 34 prior to the wall
surface being attached to the structural support. Although
electrical box 28 is shown in FIG. 1 as having a rectangular shape,
it is envisioned that electrical box 28 could have any suitable
shape, such as circular, oval, or square. Mounting devices 34
include mounting apertures 36 for receiving nails, screws, or any
other fastening device suitable to mount electrical box 28 to the
wall or partition structural support. Electrical box 28 is
constructed of any material suitable for use in electrical wiring
networks, such as plastic or metal. Although mounting device 34 is
shown in FIG. 1 as an L-shaped bracket coupled to electrical box
28, it should not be so limited. Mounting device 34 could be any
device, system or apparatus suitable for mounting any type of
electrical box or similar device to the structural support of a
wall or partition, as is well known by those skilled in the
art.
[0023] Electrical box 28 includes a perimeter wall 40 and two open
sides 46 located at opposing ends of perimeter wall 40 thereby
defining a passageway through electrical box 28. In a preferred
embodiment, perimeter wall 40 has a depth `d` approximately equal
to the width of the structural support to which it is to be
mounted. Therefore, electrical box 28 is constructed such that
perimeter wall 40 has a specific predetermined depth `d` that is
based upon the width of the structural support used to construct
the wall in which electrical box 28 is to be installed.
Additionally, in the preferred embodiment, perimeter wall 40 has a
uni-body molded construction or is constructed from a single piece
of material joined at opposing ends. In an alternate embodiment,
electrical box 28 is constructed such that perimeter wall 40 is
adjustable to be adapted to walls of various thicknesses. In
another alternate embodiment, perimeter wall 40 is constructed of
at least two pieces of material joined end-to-end. In yet another
embodiment, electrical box 28 is constructed such that perimeter
wall 40 has a depth `d` approximately equal to the width of the
structural support plus twice the thickness of the wall surface
that is to be attached to both sides of the structural support.
Thus, perimeter wall 40 would have a depth `d` that extends past
both outer edges of the structural support a distance approximately
equal to the thickness of the wall surface.
[0024] Additionally, electrical box 28 includes at least one wiring
aperture 52 that allows at least one network branch 22 to pass
therethrough. Wiring aperture 52 is shown in FIG. 1 as a wiring
aperture commonly known in the art as a knockout, but should not be
so limited. Wiring aperture 52 could be any suitable aperture in
electrical box 28 configured to allow at least one network branch
22 to pass therethrough. For example, wiring aperture 52 could be
an aperture in electrical box 28 fashioned to provide a strain
relief feature that allows network branch 22 pass therethrough, but
inhibits network branch 22 from being easily retracted from wiring
aperture 52. Although FIG. 1 shows wiring network 16 and network
branches 22 free from an enclosure, such as electrical conduit, it
is envisioned that wiring network 16 may include a plurality of
interconnectable enclosure sections, for example electrical
conduits. The interconnectable enclosure sections enclose network
branches 22, are connected to the structure, and coupled at one end
to electrical box 28 utilizing a wiring aperture 52. Therefore, it
is to be understood that wiring aperture 52 may be formed in
perimeter wall 40 in any known manner for accommodating one or more
enclosure sections that enclose and provide protection for network
branches 22.
[0025] System 10 further includes a pair of frames 58 that are
coupled to electrical box 28 at open sides 46 prior to the wall
covering being coupled to the structural support. Frames 58 are
sometimes referred to in the art as plaster rings or plaster
frames, and are constructed of any material suitable for use in
electrical wiring networks, such as plastic or metal. In the
preferred embodiment, frames 58 are coupled to electrical box 28
using a plurality of screws 64 inserted through a plurality of
frame slots 70. Alternatively, frames 58 are coupled to electrical
box 28 in any other suitable manner. For example, frames 58 could
include apertures through which screws 64 would be inserted, or
screws 64 could be replaced with any other type of suitable
connector such as, rivets or nylon press-in snap retainers. Further
yet, frames 58 could be hingedly connected at one side of perimeter
wall 40 and coupled to perimeter wall 40 at the opposing side using
any type of connector such as screws, rivets, a latch, or nylon
press-in snap retainers. Frames 58 are further described below in
reference to FIG. 2.
[0026] In the preferred embodiment, system 10 includes at least one
electrical outlet 76 that includes a plurality of integral leads
82. Again, plurality as used herein means at least two. At least
one lead 82 is connected to a network branch 22 thereby providing
electrical power to the respective electrical outlet 76, that is
coupled to one frame 58. Electrical outlet 76 provides a source of,
or connection point to, electricity flowing through electrical
network 16. A person accesses the electricity by inserting a
suitable plug adapter connected to any device that utilizes
electricity (not shown), into mating electrical receptor holes 88
in electrical outlet 76. Electrical outlet 76 is sometimes known in
the art as an electrical socket, or an electrical receptacle, but
will be referred to herein as an electrical outlet. Electrical
outlet 76 is further described below in reference to FIG. 3.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one of the frames 58 shown
in FIG. 1. As described above, frames 58 couple to electrical box
28 (shown in FIG. 1) at open sides 46 (shown in FIG. 1) prior to
the wall surface being coupled to the structural supports. Although
frame 58 is shown in FIG. 2 having a rectangular shape it should
not be so limited. It is envisioned that frame 58 could have any
suitable shape, such as circular, oval, or square. Each frame 58
includes a frame aperture 94 that is located off-center in frame
58, such that a centerline `C` of aperture 94 is substantially
closer to one edge of frame 58 than the opposing edge of frame 58.
Aperture 94 receives electrical outlet 76 (shown in FIG. 1) when
outlet 76 is coupled to frame 58. In an alternate embodiment,
aperture 94 of at least one frame 58 receives at least two
electrical outlets 76. Although aperture 94 is shown in FIG. 2
having a rectangular shape, it is envisioned that aperture 94 could
have any suitable shape, such as circular, oval, or square, and
could have dimensions larger or smaller with respect to the overall
size of frame 58 than is shown in FIG. 2. In the preferred
embodiment, aperture 94 includes a raised lip 100 extending along
the perimeter of aperture 94 that has a predetermined height
approximately equal to a thickness of the wall surface to be
coupled to the structural support on which outlet box 28 is
mounted. Raised lip 100 includes a plurality of tabs 106 that
include threaded tab holes 112. Outlet 76 is mounted within
aperture 94 by coupling outlet 76 to tabs 106. In an alternative
embodiment, aperture 94 includes at least two raised lips 100
located at separate points along the perimeter of aperture 94, and
each lip 100 includes at least one tab 106 that includes at least
one threaded hole 112.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a perspective front and back view of electrical
outlet 76 used in the system 10 (shown in FIG. 1). As described
above, outlet 76 includes a plurality of integral leads 82 wherein
at least one lead 82 is connected to wiring network 16 (shown in
FIG. 1). Additionally, outlet 76 includes an internal conductive
electrical receptor structure 114 having a plurality of receptors
116 configured to receive the plug adapter when the plug adapter is
inserted through mating electrical receptor holes 88. Integral
leads 82 are connected to electrical receptor structure 114 such
that when outlet 76 is connected to wiring network 16, via leads
82, electrical current is provided at outlet 76 accessible via
electrical receptor holes 88. Furthermore, each electrical outlet
76 includes at least one outlet mounting bracket 118 that includes
at least one mounting hole 124. In the preferred embodiment, outlet
76 is coupled to frame 58 (shown in FIG. 1) by inserting a screw
through outlet mounting bracket hole 112 and threading the screw
into tab hole 112 (shown in FIG. 1). Alternatively, outlet 76 can
be mounted to one of frames 58 by inserting a rivet or nylon
press-in snap retainer through bracket hole 112 and into tab hole
112, or by any other suitable means.
[0029] Electrical outlet 76 further includes an outlet housing 130
constructed of a non-conductive material, such as plastic or
rubber. In addition to being constructed of a non-conductive
material, outlet housing 130 has a comprehensively non-conductive
outer surface 136 free from conductive appendages or surfaces that
are electrically active, or live, when outlet 76 is connected to
wiring network 16. Known electrical outlets do not include leads
82, but instead typically include metal screw posts appending from
the outlet housing to which a wiring network is connected either
directly or via pigtails connected to the metal screw posts. In the
present invention, the entire outer surface 136 of each outlet
housing 130 is free from any actively conductive appendages or
surfaces, such as metal screw posts, or any other actively
conductive metal appending from, protruding from, attached to, or
otherwise exposed via an aperture in outlet housing 130 that would
be in contact with or connected to wiring network 16.
[0030] As used herein `actively conductive` appendage or surface is
defined to mean any appendage or surface that is designed to have
live current flowing through it once outlet 76 is connected to
wiring network 16 as described herein. Therefore, when wiring
network 16 is connected to an outlet 76, outlet housing outer
surface 136 can be contacted by a person, or come into contact with
a conductive surface, such as an outlet box 40 constructed of
metal, without the risk of electrical shock or shorting. It is
envisioned that housing 130 is of two part construction comprising
a first part having receptor holes 88 and a second part from which
leads 82 extend.
[0031] Each lead 82 includes a proximal end 142, a distal end 148,
a wire 154, and an insulating layer 160 covering wire 154.
Insulating layer 160 is constructed of any electrically insulating
material, such as plastic or rubber. In the preferred embodiment,
at least one lead 82 has a predetermined length of insulating layer
160 pre-stripped from distal end 148 thereby exposing a
predetermined length of wire 154. Outlet 76 is thereby connected to
wiring network 16 by connecting the pre-stripped end of at least
one lead to a network branch 22. In an alternate embodiment,
insulating layer 160 covers wire 154 from proximal end 142 to
distal end 148, and outlet 76 is connected to wiring network 16 by
stripping a desired length of insulating layer 160 from at least
one lead 82, thereby exposing a desired length of wire 154, then
connecting the exposed length of wire 154 to a network branch
22.
[0032] In the preferred embodiment, proximal end 142 of each lead
82 extends through outlet housing 130 and is connected to actively
conductive electrical receptor structure 114 inside outlet 76 such
that each lead 82 is integrally formed, or assembled, with outlet
76. Proximal ends 142 are connected to receptor structure 114
inside outlet 76 using any suitable means such as soldering ends
142 to receptor structure 114, or using a crimping type connection,
or using any type of suitable connector assembly, e.g. a jack, a
plug, or a strain relief. Therefore, leads 82 are integrally formed
or assembled with outlet 76.
[0033] Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment, leads 82 extend
from a back side 166 of outlet housing 130. Alternatively, leads 82
can extend from any other side of outlet housing 130. It is
envisioned that outlet 76 is suitable for use as part of system 10
as described above, and also suitable for use as a stand-alone
electrical outlet for use in conjunction with other known types and
configurations of outlet boxes. Additionally, in the preferred
embodiment, leads 82 all extend individually from housing 130. In
another alternate embodiment, leads 82 are bundled together inside
a non-conductive casing and only a predetermined length of each
distal end 148 extends past a distal end of the non-conductive
casing.
[0034] FIG. 4 is an alternate embodiment of outlet 76 wherein
outlet 76 includes a first connector 161 of a connector module 162.
First connector 161 is connected to receptor structure 114.
Additionally, the proximal ends 142 of each lead 82 are connected
to a mating second connector 163 of connector module 162, thereby
forming a subassembly that can be coupled with and decoupled from
first connector 161. Therefore, the subassembly can be connected to
network branch 22, and outlet 76 can subsequently be connected to
network branch 22 by coupling the subassembly second connector 163
with mating first connector 161 of outlet 76. Connector module 162
can be any suitable electrical connection assembly such as a
pronged plug assembly or any suitable modular electrical connection
device.
[0035] FIG. 5 is an alternate embodiment of system 10 including a
plurality of electrical control modules 172. Control modules 172
include a plurality of integral leads 178 that are integrally
formed or assembled with control module 172 in the same manner and
fashion as lead 82 (shown in FIG. 3) are integrally formed with
outlet 76 (shown in FIG. 3). Additionally, integral leads 178
connect to a network branch 22 in the same manner and fashion as
leads 82. Control modules 172 are any electrical control module,
such as switches or rheostats, that monitor and/or control the flow
of electricity. Additionally, control modules 172 connect to frames
58 in the same manner and fashion as electrical outlets 76 (shown
in FIG. 1). In yet another alternate embodiment, system 10 includes
any combination of at least one electrical outlet 76 and at least
one control module 172.
[0036] Although system 10 has been described in conjunction with a
commercial or residential electrical supply network, it is
envisioned that system 10 could be utilized in conjunction with
other networks that are utilized for the transmission of mediums
other than electricity, such a light or sound. For example, system
10 could be implemented in conjunction with a fiber optic network,
or a low voltage communications network, e.g. telephone network, or
a coaxial communication network, e.g. a cable television network,
or a satellite communication network, or an audio network, e.g. an
audio entertainment network or public address network. In which
case outlets 76 and control modules 172 would be outlets and
control modules associated with such networks.
[0037] While the invention has been described in terms of various
specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that
the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit
and scope of the claims.
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