U.S. patent application number 10/843768 was filed with the patent office on 2005-11-17 for self-trimming interior in-wall receptacle and method therefor.
Invention is credited to Kregle, Kevin E., Kregle, Kim M..
Application Number | 20050252673 10/843768 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35308323 |
Filed Date | 2005-11-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050252673 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kregle, Kevin E. ; et
al. |
November 17, 2005 |
Self-trimming interior in-wall receptacle and method therefor
Abstract
A self-trimming in-wall receptacle and method therefor,
comprising an injection molded receptacle having a storage area, a
trim and a coupling mechanism that allows a person to insert the
receptacle into an opening in a wall. The receptacle is
self-trimming and easy to couple to a wall, eliminating the need
for complicated installation. The self-trimming in-wall receptacle
can substantially flush-mount wall-mounted electrical objects such
as smoke detectors, air conditioning control units, alarm keypads,
doorbell chime boxes and the like, as well as store other
objects.
Inventors: |
Kregle, Kevin E.; (Queen
Creek, AZ) ; Kregle, Kim M.; (Phoenix, AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WEISS & MOY PC
4204 NORTH BROWN AVENUE
SCOTTSDALE
AZ
85251
US
|
Family ID: |
35308323 |
Appl. No.: |
10/843768 |
Filed: |
May 12, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
174/58 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02G 3/123 20130101;
Y10S 248/906 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
174/058 |
International
Class: |
H01H 009/02 |
Claims
1. A self-trimming in-wall receptacle comprising, in combination: a
receptacle having an open front end and a closed end and defining a
storage area therebetween the receptacle terminating at the closed
end; a trim coupled to and extending from and around substantially
all of an outer edge of said open front end of said receptacle,
said receptacle and said trim injection molded to form a one-piece
assembly; and a coupling mechanism coupled to said receptacle and
dimensioned to couple said receptacle to a wall so that an inner
surface of said trim being proximate an outer surface of said wall
and said closed end of said receptacle being housed inside an
interior space behind said wall.
2. The self-trimming in-wall receptacle of claim 1 further
comprising a covering coupled to said receptacle proximate said
front open end and dimensioned to cover said front open end of said
receptacle.
3. The self-trimming in-wall receptacle of claim 2 wherein said
covering defines apertures dimensioned to allow air to flow through
said storage area of said receptacle to vent said storage area of
said receptacle.
4. The self-trimming in-wall receptacle of claim 2 further
comprising at least one locking device coupled to one of said
covering and said receptacle and said trim, said at least one
locking device dimensioned to lock said covering in a closed
position over said front open end of said receptacle.
5. The self-trimming in-wall receptacle of claim 4 wherein said at
least one locking device further comprises a locking tab
dimensioned to be inserted into at least one slot defined by one of
said receptacle and said covering.
6. The self-trimming in-wall receptacle of claim 5 further
comprising a key dimensioned to be inserted into said at least one
locking device and turned to initiate locking of said covering by
insertion of said locking tab into said slot and opening of said
covering by removal of said locking tab from said slot.
7. The self-trimming in-wall receptacle of claim 1 wherein said
receptacle having substantially a shape of a rectangle.
8. The self-trimming in-wall receptacle of claim 1 wherein said
receptacle having substantially a shape of a circle for storing
substantially circular objects.
9. The self-trimming in-wall receptacle of claim 1 wherein said
closed end of said receptacle defines a plurality of perforations
dimensioned to allow a person to remove at least a portion of said
closed end of said receptacle to permit electrical wiring to pass
therethrough.
10. The self-trimming in-wall receptacle of claim 1 wherein said
closed end of said receptacle defining defines at least one
aperture dimensioned to permit electrical wiring to pass
therethrough.
11. The self-trimming in-wall receptacle of claim 1 wherein said
coupling mechanism comprises at least one screw dimensioned to be
inserted through said trim and into said wall so as to couple said
receptacle to said wall.
12. The self-trimming in-wall receptacle of claim 1 wherein said
coupling mechanism comprises an adhesive strip for securing said
receptacle to said wall, said adhesive strip being coupled along an
interior surface of said trim.
13. The self-trimming in-wall receptacle of claim 12 wherein said
adhesive strip further comprises: a tacky surface for adhering said
receptacle to said wall; and a removable backing strip, said
backing strip being coupled to said tacky surface of said adhesive
strip so as to protect said tacky surface prior to use of said
adhesive strip.
14. The self-trimming in-wall receptacle of claim 1 wherein said
coupling mechanism comprises a plurality of gripping arms coupled
to said receptacle, said gripping arms having a first end coupled
to said receptacle proximate said closed end and a second end
spaced apart from said receptacle and extending to said front open
end of said receptacle beyond an outer edge of said trim, said
gripping arms being dimensioned to permit said closed end of said
receptacle to be inserted into a similarly sized aperture cut into
said wall while at the same time said second end of said plurality
of gripping arms being dimensioned to couple said receptacle to an
interior surface of said wall.
15. The self-trimming in-wall receptacle of claim 1 wherein said
receptacle having a width of approximately 22.5 inches and wherein
said coupling mechanism comprises at least one screw dimensioned to
be inserted through a side of said receptacle and into a wall stud
so as to couple said receptacle to said wall so that said inner
surface of said trim being proximate an outer surface of said wall
and said closed end of said receptacle being housed in an interior
space behind said wall.
16. The self-trimming in-wall receptacle of claim 1 further
comprising a light source coupled to an interior surface of said
receptacle for illuminating the interior thereof.
17. The self-trimming in-wall receptacle of claim 1 wherein said
storage area being dimensioned to house one of an air conditioning
control unit, a smoke detector, and a doorbell sound generating
device.
18. The self-trimming in-wall receptacle of claim 1 wherein said
receptacle and said trim being comprised of high-impact injection
molded thermal plastic.
19. The self-trimming in-wall receptacle of claim 1 wherein a
distance between said closed end of said receptacle to said front
open end of said receptacle being approximately 4 inches for
2.times.4 construction and approximately 6 inches for 2.times.6
construction.
20. The self-trimming in-wall receptacle of claim 19 wherein said
receptacle having a width of between approximately 4 inches to
approximately 22.5 inches.
21. The self-trimming in-wall receptacle of claim 1 wherein said
trim extending between approximately 0.5 inches to approximately
1.5 inches from said outer edge of said front open end of said
receptacle.
22-30. (canceled)
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to in-wall receptacles and
methods therefor and, more specifically, to a self-trimming in-wall
receptacle having a storage area and method therefor.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Virtually all residential and commercial construction
include smoke detectors and air conditioning control units. These
devices are almost always mounted externally on an interior wall,
protruding several inches from the surface of the wall. In
addition, residential construction typically includes doorbell
chime boxes, which also protrude from the wall. External,
wall-mounted devices are not only unaesthetic, they can cause
injury to a passerby. The trend of modern construction is towards
smooth interior wall surfaces with as few protrusions as
possible.
[0003] It is commonplace to flush-mount electrical outlets inside
both commercial and residential buildings. Typically, a hole is
first cut into the drywall, an electrical box for housing wiring is
subsequently inserted into the wall, and a plate is secured over
the electrical box to hide its contents. Light switches are
similarly mounted.
[0004] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,359,219 issued to Reid shows a
flush-mount for an electrical circuit box, having multiple
apertures and a face plate. The Reid patent is designed to be
completely flush-mounted with the wall, using a wall-engaging leg
and multiple steps, such as chiseling and using filler material to
flush-mount the electrical circuit box. In addition, U.S. Pat. No.
3,334,770 issued to Stanback discloses a cover, door and latch that
is attached to an existing electrical control device box. The
Stanback device is a cover for an electrical box that otherwise
lacks an outward facing trim. The Stanback device requires the
additional step of mounting the cover on the electrical box after
the electrical box is already mounted in the wall. U.S. Pat. No.
6,444,906 issued to Lewis shows an exterior wall-mounted accessory
designed for housing outlets in a vehicle or mobile home. The
externally wall-mounted Lewis outlet box comprises a mounting plate
and at least one electrical power accessory outlet. In addition,
the mounting plate substantially bisects the housing, substantially
eliminating any storage area within the housing.
[0005] Thus, a need existed for a self-trimming in-wall receptacle
having a storage area and being capable of being inserted into an
opening in a wall and coupled to the wall while at the same time
the receptacle having a trim that is dimensioned to cover the edge
of the opening.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a device
capable of substantially flush-mounting wall-mounted objects that
are usually externally mounted in a self-trimming receptacle.
[0007] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
device capable of storing objects in an interior space behind a
wall.
[0008] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
method for installing a self-trimming in-wall receptacle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0009] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
a self-trimming in-wall receptacle is disclosed, comprising, in
combination, a receptacle having an open end and a closed end and
defining a storage area therebetween, a trim coupled to and
extending from an outer edge of the open end of the receptacle, the
receptacle and the trim injection molded to form a one-piece
assembly, and a coupling mechanism coupled to the receptacle and
dimensioned to couple the receptacle to a wall so that an inner
surface of the trim being proximate an outer surface of the wall
and the closed end of the receptacle being housed inside an
interior space behind the wall.
[0010] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, a method for installing a self-trimming in-wall
receptacle is disclosed, comprising, in combination the steps of
injection molding a receptacle having an open end and a closed end
and defining a storage area therebetween, injection molding a trim
coupled to and extending from an outer edge of the open end of the
receptacle, the receptacle and the trim forming a one-piece
assembly, cutting an aperture in a wall, the aperture having a
circumference greater than a circumference of the closed end of the
receptacle while at the same time the circumference of the aperture
being smaller than a circumference of the trim, inserting the
closed end of the receptacle through the aperture, and coupling the
receptacle to the wall so that an inner surface of the trim being
proximate an outer surface of the wall and the closed end of the
receptacle being housed inside an interior space behind the
wall.
[0011] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of
the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular
description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
self-trimming in-wall receptacle of the present invention, showing
an air conditioning control unit disposed in the storage area.
[0013] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
self-trimming in-wall receptacle of the present invention, showing
a cover dimensioned to cover the open end of the receptacle.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
self-trimming in-wall receptacle of the present invention, showing
a plurality of perforated portions of the closed end that allow a
person to create apertures by removing the perforated portions.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
self-trimming in-wall receptacle of the present invention, showing
an adhesive strip coupled to the rear surface of the trim.
[0016] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the self-trimming in-wall
receptacle of FIG. 3, showing the receptacle being inserted into an
aperture cut out of a wall.
[0017] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the self-trimming in-wall
receptacle of FIG. 3, showing the receptacle coupled to a wall with
the closed end of the receptacle being housed inside an interior
space behind the wall.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
self-trimming in-wall receptacle of the present invention, showing
a plurality of gripping arms coupled to the receptacle and
dimensioned to secure the receptacle to the wall.
[0019] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the self-trimming in-wall
receptacle of FIG. 4, showing the second end of the gripping arms
in contact with an interior surface of the wall, thus securing the
receptacle to the wall.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
self-trimming in-wall receptacle of the present invention, showing
the receptacle in the shape of a circle and housing a substantially
round air conditioning control unit.
[0021] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the self-trimming in-wall
receptacle of FIG. 5, showing a substantially transparent cover
covering the open end of the receptacle.
[0022] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the self-trimming in-wall
receptacle of FIG. 5, showing a substantially opaque cover covering
the open end of the receptacle.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
self-trimming in-wall receptacle of the present invention, showing
a plurality of screws dimensioned to be inserted through a side
wall of the receptacle and into wall studs in order to couple the
receptacle to the wall.
[0024] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the self-trimming in-wall
receptacle of FIG. 6, showing two rifles stored vertically in the
receptacle and a cover covering the open end of the receptacle.
[0025] FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the self-trimming in-wall
receptacle of FIG. 6, showing a light source coupled to a top
interior surface of the receptacle and dimensioned to illuminate
the storage area of the receptacle.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
self-trimming in-wall receptacle of the present invention, showing
the receptacle in the shape of a circle and housing a substantially
round smoke detector.
[0027] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the self-trimming in-wall
receptacle of FIG. 7, showing a substantially opaque cover covering
the smoke detector.
[0028] FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the self-trimming in-wall
receptacle of FIG. 7, showing a cover defining a plurality of round
slits therein.
[0029] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
self-trimming in-wall receptacle of the present invention, showing
the receptacle in the shape of a rectangle and having a cover
defining a plurality of slits. The receptacle is shown housing a
substantially rectangular doorbell chime box.
[0030] FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the self-trimming in-wall
receptacle of FIG. 8, showing a substantially opaque cover.
[0031] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
self-trimming in-wall receptacle of the present invention, showing
the receptacle in the shape of a rectangle and having jewelry items
stored in the storage area.
[0032] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the self-trimming in-wall
receptacle of FIG. 9, showing a substantially opaque cover secured
over the open end of the receptacle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 1A, reference number 10 refers
generally to one embodiment of the self-trimming in-wall receptacle
of the present invention. The self-trimming in-wall receptacle 10
comprises a receptacle 12 having an open end 14 (shown in FIG. 1A)
and a closed end 16 (shown in FIG. 1A) and defining a storage area
18 (shown in FIG. 1A) therebetween. The self-trimming in-wall
receptacle 10 further comprises a trim 20 coupled to and extending
from an outer edge of the open end 14 of the receptacle 12. The
receptacle 12 and the trim 20 form a one-piece assembly and are
injection molded. Preferably, the receptacle 12 and the trim are
comprised of high-impact injection molded thermal plastic, although
substantial benefit could be derived from other injection molded
materials, such as polyvinyl chloride and the like. The
self-trimming in-wall receptacle 10 further comprises a coupling
mechanism, referred to generically as coupling mechanism 22. The
coupling mechanism 22 is dimensioned to couple the receptacle 12 to
a wall 30 (shown in FIG. 3A) so that an inner surface 40 (shown in
FIG. 4) of the trim 20 is proximate an outer surface 32 (shown in
FIG. 3A) of the wall 30. When the receptacle 12 is coupled to the
wall 30, the closed end 16 of the receptacle 12 is housed inside an
interior space 34 (shown in FIG. 3A) behind the wall 30.
[0034] In one embodiment of the self-trimming in-wall receptacle 10
of the present invention, a covering 24 (shown in FIGS. 1, 1A, 5A,
5B, 6A, 7A, 7B, 8, 8A, 9 and 9A) is coupled to the receptacle 12
proximate the open end 14. The covering 24 is dimensioned to cover
the open end 14 of the receptacle 12. It should be clearly
understood that the covering 24 may be hingedly coupled to the
receptacle 12, or coupled in some other way (such as slidably or
removably), so long as the covering 24 is capable of covering the
open end 14 of the receptacle 12. In one embodiment of the
self-trimming in-wall receptacle 10 (shown in FIG. 1), the covering
24 is dimensioned to be substantially flush with the open end 14 of
the receptacle 12. The covering 24 may define slits 26 (as shown in
FIG. 1A), or other apertures, in order to vent the storage area 18
of the receptacle 12. End portions of the covering 24 may define
slits 26, as shown in FIG. 1A, or a front surface 28 (shown in FIG.
8) may define slits 26. Slits 26 in end portions of the covering 24
may be more beneficial for venting heat, whereas slits 26 in the
front surface 28 of the covering 24 may provide for better passage
of sound waves for devices such as a doorbell chime sound
generating device 33 (shown in FIGS. 8 and 8A). In addition, it
should be clearly understood that the covering 24 may be comprised
of opaque plastic, translucent plastic, cloth, metal, glass, or any
other kind of material so long as that material is capable of
covering the open end 14 of the receptacle 12. While, in the
preferred embodiment, the self-trimming in-wall receptacle 10
comprises a covering 24, it should be clearly understood that
substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative
configuration of the self-trimming in-wall receptacle 10 in which
there is no covering 24.
[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 1A, 5A, 5B, 6A, 9 and 9A, in one
embodiment of the self-trimming in-wall receptacle 10 of the
present invention, the covering 24 comprises at least one locking
device 28 dimensioned to lock the covering 24 in a closed position
over the open end 14 of the receptacle 12. The at least one locking
device 28 is preferably coupled to the covering 24, although it
should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be
derived from an alternative embodiment of the present invention in
which the at least one locking device 28 is coupled to the
receptacle 12 or the trim 20, so long as the at least one locking
device 28 is capable of locking the covering 24 in a closed
position with the covering 24 covering the open end 14 of the
receptacle 12. In the preferred embodiment, the at least one
locking device 28 comprises a locking tab 29 (shown in FIGS. 1, 1A,
5A, 5B, and 9) dimensioned to be inserted into at least one slot 31
(shown in FIGS. 1A, 6B, and 9) defined preferably by the receptacle
12 (although substantial benefit may be derived from an alternative
embodiment of the present invention in which the at least one slot
31 is defined by the covering 24).
[0036] In the preferred embodiment, the self-trimming in-wall
receptacle 10 further comprises a key 36 (shown in FIG. 9A)
dimensioned to be inserted into the at least one locking device 28
and turned to initiate locking of the covering 24 by insertion of
the locking tab 29 into the slot 31. In addition, the key 36 may be
used to open the covering 24 by removing the locking tab 29 from
the slot 31. While, in the preferred embodiment, the self-trimming
in-wall receptacle 10 comprises a covering 24 having a locking
mechanism 28 and a locking tab 29 dimensioned to be inserted into a
slot 31, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit
could be derived from an alternative embodiment of the present
invention in which there is a different type of locking device or
in which there is no locking device 28.
[0037] In one embodiment of the self-trimming in-wall receptacle 10
of the present invention, shown in FIGS. 1A and 3A, the closed end
16 of the receptacle 12 defines at least one aperture 38
dimensioned to permit electrical wiring (not shown) to pass
therethrough.
[0038] In another embodiment of the self-trimming in-wall
receptacle 10 of the present invention, shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and
4A, the closed end 16 of the receptacle 12 defines a plurality of
perforations 39 dimensioned to allow a person (not shown) to remove
at least a portion of the closed end 16 of the receptacle 12 to
permit electrical wiring to pass therethrough. In this way, a
person may "punch-out" sections of the closed end 16 of the
receptacle 12 in order to create apertures 38 or other spaces
defined by the closed end 16 to allow for electrical wiring to pass
therethrough.
[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 5, 5A, 5B, 7, 7A, 7B, an alternative
embodiment of the self-trimming in-wall receptacle 10, hereinafter
100, is shown. The self-trimming in-wall receptacle 100 is
essentially the same as the self-trimming in-wall receptacle 10,
except that the shape of the self-trimming in-wall receptacle 100
is circular, whereas the shape of the self-trimming in-wall
receptacle 10 is rectangular. The self-trimming in-wall receptacle
100 is dimensioned to receive substantially circular objects in the
storage area 18, such as a circular air conditioning control unit
21 (shown in FIGS. 5 and 5A), a smoke detector 23 (shown in FIG.
7), or other substantially circular devices. Similarly, a
substantially circular covering 24 may be used to cover the open
end 14 of the receptacle 12. The substantially circular covering 24
is similar in all other respects to the standard, rectangular
covering 24 described in the other embodiments.
[0040] There are several ways to couple the self-trimming in-wall
receptacle 10 to a wall 30. In one embodiment, shown in FIGS. 1,
1A, 5, 5A, 5B, 8, and 8A, the coupling mechanism 22 comprises at
least one screw 42 dimensioned to be inserted through the trim 20
of the receptacle 12 and into the wall 30 so as to couple the
receptacle 12 to the wall 30.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 3, an alternative embodiment of the
coupling mechanism 22, hereinafter 22a, is shown. The coupling
mechanism 22a performs the same function as the coupling mechanism
22 (i.e. couples the receptacle 12 to the wall 30), however the
coupling mechanism 22a accomplishes this task through the use of an
adhesive strip 50. The adhesive strip 50 is coupled along an
interior surface of the trim 20. Preferably, the adhesive strip 50
comprises a tacky surface 52 for adhering the receptacle 12 to an
outer surface 32 of the wall 30 and a removable backing strip 54,
which is coupled to the tacky surface 52 so as to protect the tacky
surface 52 prior to use of the adhesive strip 50.
[0042] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 4A, an alternative embodiment
of the coupling mechanism 22, hereinafter 22b, is shown. The
coupling mechanism 22b performs the same function as the coupling
mechanism 22 (i.e. couples the receptacle 12 to the wall 30),
however the coupling mechanism 22b accomplishes this task through
the use of a plurality of gripping arms 56. The gripping arms 56
have a first end 58 coupled to the receptacle 12 proximate the
closed end 16 and a second end 60 spaced apart from the receptacle
12 and extending to the open end 14 of the receptacle 12 beyond an
outer edge of the trim 20. The gripping arms 56 are dimensioned to
permit the closed end 16 of the receptacle 12 to be inserted into a
similarly sized aperture 37 (shown in FIG. 3A) cut into the wall 30
while at the same time the second end 60 of the plurality of
gripping arms 56 are dimensioned to couple the receptacle 12 to an
interior surface 35 (shown in FIG. 4A) of the wall 30. Preferably,
the gripping arms 56 and the receptacle 12 form a one-piece
assembly that is injection molded. Further preferably, the gripping
arms 56 are cut-out sections of the receptacle 12, defining
apertures 61 that also serve to ventilate the receptacle 12. While,
in various embodiments of the self-trimming in-wall receptacle 10,
the coupling mechanism 22 comprises alternatively: gripping arms
56, a tacky surface 52, and screws 42, it should be clearly
understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an
alternative configuration of the self-trimming in-wall receptacle
10 in which some other type of coupling mechanism is used so long
as the receptacle is securely coupled to the wall 30. For example,
it is within the spirit and scope of the invention that an outer
surface of the closed end 16 of the receptacle 12 could be coupled
(with an adhesive 52, with a screw 42, or with some other coupling
mechanism 22) directly to an interior surface 35 of an opposite
wall 30 on the other side of the interior space 34.
[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 6, 6A, and 6B, in a receptacle 12
having a width approximately equal to the distance between two wall
studs, the coupling mechanism 22 may comprise at least one screw 42
inserted through a side of the receptacle 12 and into a wall stud
so as to couple the receptacle 12 to the wall 30. In typical
2.times.4 or 2.times.6 construction, a wall stud is placed
approximately every 24 inches. With each stud approximately 0.75
inches wide, this leaves approximately 22.5 inches for the width of
the receptacle 12 in order to be able to couple the receptacle 12
directly to wall studs on either side.
[0044] The storage area 18 of the self-trimming in-wall receptacle
10 can house an air conditioning control unit 19 (shown in FIGS. 1
and 3B), a doorbell chime sound generating device 33 (shown in
FIGS. 8 and 8A), alarm keypads (not shown), rifles 70 (shown in
FIG. 6A), electronic timers (not shown), switches (not shown),
valves (not shown), personal items, such as jewelry 50 (shown in
FIG. 9) or other items of value, or other objects.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 6B, a light source 62 is coupled to an
interior surface of the receptacle 12 and dimensioned to illuminate
the storage area 18. While, in this embodiment, the self-trimming
in-wall receptacle 10 comprises a light source 62, it should be
clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from
an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which there
is no light source 62.
[0046] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown
in FIGS. 1, 1A, 2, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 4A, 8, 8A, 9, and 9A the distance
between the closed end 16 and the open end 14 of the receptacle 12
is approximately 4 inches for 2.times.4 construction and
approximately 6 inches for 2.times.6 construction, although it
should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be
derived from an alternative configuration of the present invention
in which the depth of the receptacle 12 is 8 inches, 12 inches or
more if a void behind the wall is sufficiently deep. The width of
the receptacle 12 is preferably between approximately 4 inches and
approximately 22.5 inches. Preferably, the trim 20 extends
approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 1.5 inches from the outer
edge of the open end 14 of the receptacle 12. The height of the
receptacle 12 is limited only by the distance between the floor and
the ceiling, making it possible therefore, to provide a long,
substantially rectangular receptacle 12 capable of storing
relatively long objects, such as rifles 70 (shown in FIG. 6A).
[0047] While, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention,
the depth of the receptacle is between approximately 4 inches and 6
inches, the width of the receptacle is between approximately 4
inches and 22.5 inches, and the length of the trim is between
approximately 0.5 inches and approximately 1.5 inches, it should be
clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from
an alternative configuration of the self-trimming in-wall
receptacle 10 in which different sizes are used, even those that
deviate, even substantially, from the preferred measurements, in
either direction.
Statement of Operation
[0048] Referring now to FIG. 3A, in order to make use of the
self-trimming in-wall receptacle 10 one must first cut an aperture
37 into the wall 30. The aperture 37 must have a circumference
greater than a circumference of the closed end 16 of the receptacle
12 while at the same time the aperture 37 must have a circumference
smaller than a circumference of the trim 20. Preferably, the wall
30 is drywall, and the implement used to create the aperture 37 is
a handsaw (not shown), knife (not shown) or other sharp implement,
however it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit
could be derived from installing the self-trimming in-wall
receptacle 10 into a wall made of another type of material, such as
wood, foam, metal, plastic, etc. using either the same cutting
implements mentioned above or alternative cutting mechanisms, such
as an electric saw, a chainsaw, or other item capable of cutting an
aperture 37 out of a wall. Preferably, the wall is an interior wall
of a structure, however, it should be understood that substantial
benefit could be derived from installing the self-trimming in-wall
receptacle 10 in an outer wall of a structure. After the aperture
37 has been cut out of the wall 30, the closed end 16 of the
injection molded receptacle 12 is inserted into the wall 30 through
the aperture 37 so that the closed end 16 of the receptacle 12 is
housed inside an interior space 34 behind the wall 30. At the same
time, an inner surface of the trim 20 rests proximate an outer
surface 32 of the wall 30. The receptacle 12 must be coupled
securely to the wall 30 through the use of a coupling mechanism
22.
[0049] In one embodiment, shown in FIGS. 3, 3A, and 3B, the
coupling mechanism 22 comprises an adhesive strip 50 comprising a
tacky surface 52 and a removable backing strip 54. In this
embodiment, one first removes the removable backing strip 54 prior
to insertion of the closed end 16 of the receptacle 12 into the
wall 30. The interior surface of the trim 20 is then pressed firmly
against the outer surface 32 of the wall 30 until a secure coupling
of the receptacle 12 to the wall 30 exists.
[0050] In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A, the coupling
mechanism 22 comprises at least one screw 42 that is inserted
through the trim 20 and into the wall 30 after the closed end 16 of
the receptacle 12 has been inserted into the wall 30 through the
aperture 37.
[0051] In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 6, 6A and 6B, at least
one screw 42 is inserted through a side portion of the receptacle
12 and into a wall stud after the closed end 16 of the receptacle
12 has been inserted into the wall. It should be clearly understood
that the term screw 42 refers to a screw, a nail, or any other type
of rod-shaped fastener designed to couple two objects together.
[0052] In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 4 and 4A, the
receptacle 12 comprises a plurality of gripping arms 56. In this
way, once the closed end 16 of the receptacle 12 is fully inserted
through the aperture 37 and into the interior space 34 of the wall
30, the second end 60 of each gripping arm 56 will extend beyond
the trim 20 and come into contact with an interior surface 35 of
the wall 30 so as to securely couple the receptacle 12 to the wall
30 with the trim 20 proximate the outer surface 32 of the wall
30.
[0053] While, various methods for coupling the self-trimming
in-wall receptacle 10 to a wall 30 have been disclosed, it is
within the spirit and scope of this invention that alternative
coupling methods be used so long as the result is the secure
coupling of the receptacle 12 to the wall 30 with the closed end 16
of the receptacle housed in an interior space 34 behind the wall 30
and an interior surface of the trim 20 proximate an outer surface
32 of the wall 30.
[0054] While the invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will
be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and
other changes in form and details may be made therein without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *