U.S. patent application number 12/871027 was filed with the patent office on 2012-03-01 for waterproof and breathable plug.
Invention is credited to Teh-Tsung CHIU.
Application Number | 20120048871 12/871027 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45695768 |
Filed Date | 2012-03-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120048871 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHIU; Teh-Tsung |
March 1, 2012 |
WATERPROOF AND BREATHABLE PLUG
Abstract
A waterproof and breathable plug includes a plug body having a
mounting base, an air vent on the mounting base, a tubular screw
rod at one side of the mounting base and arched blocks at the other
side of the mounting base, a waterproof and breathable membrane
covering the air vent, and a cover member having a cap nut threaded
onto the arched blocks and air valves mounted in the cap nut and
movable with rotation of the cap nut to adjust the open rate of the
opening between each two adjacent arched blocks of the plug body
and to further regulating the breathing rate.
Inventors: |
CHIU; Teh-Tsung; (Taipei
County, TW) |
Family ID: |
45695768 |
Appl. No.: |
12/871027 |
Filed: |
August 30, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/745 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05K 5/0213
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/745 |
International
Class: |
B65D 90/34 20060101
B65D090/34 |
Claims
1. A waterproof and breathable plug, comprising: a plug body, said
plug body comprising a mounting base having opposing front and back
sides, an air vent cut through the front and back sides of said
mounting base, a tubular screw rod perpendicularly extending from
the back side of said mounting base in communication with said air
vent, a plurality of arched blocks perpendicularly extended from
the front side of said mounting base and equiangularly spaced
around said air vent and a plurality of openings respectively
defined between each two adjacent arched blocks, each said arched
block having an outer wall and outer threads located on said outer
wall; at least one waterproof and breathable membrane attached to
the front side of said mounting base of said plug body over said
air vent and surrounded by said arched blocks; and a cover member
fastened to said arched blocks of said plug body and movable
relative to said arched blocks of said plug body to close/open said
openings, said cover member comprising a plurality of air valves
and a cap nut, said cap nut having a threaded inside wall threaded
onto the outer threads of said arched blocks of said plug body and
a recessed chamber defined therein and surrounded by said threaded
inside wall, said air valves being perpendicularly mounted inside
said recessed chamber in an equiangularly spaced manner and movable
with said cap nut relative to said arched blocks of said plug body
to adjust the open rate of said openings.
2. The waterproof and breathable plug as claimed in claim 1,
wherein said air valves are smoothly arched, fitting the curvature
of said arched blocks of said plug body.
3. The waterproof and breathable plug as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the number of said air valves and the number of said arched
blocks are 4.
4. The waterproof and breathable plug as claimed in claim 1,
wherein said at least one waterproof and breathable membrane
comprises a plurality of waterproof and breathable membranes
arranged in a stack.
5. The waterproof and breathable plug as claimed in claim 1,
further comprising an adhesive applied to adhere said at least one
waterproof and breathable membrane to said mounting base of said
plug body.
6. The waterproof and breathable plug as claimed in claim 1,
wherein said at least one waterproof and breathable membrane is
fixedly fastened to the periphery of said air vent of said plug
body by high-frequency heat sealing technology.
7. The waterproof and breathable plug as claimed in claim 1,
further comprising at least one cushion ring fitted into the space
surrounded by said arched blocks to hold down said at least one
waterproof and breathable membrane.
8. The waterproof and breathable plug as claimed in claim 7,
wherein said at least one cushion ring comprises multiple cushion
rings arranged in a stack.
9. The waterproof and breathable plug as claimed in claim 1,
further comprising an O-ring mounted on said tubular screw rod of
said plug body and attached to the back side of said mounting base
of said plug body, and a locknut threaded onto said tubular screw
rod of said plug body to lock said plug body to a mounting through
hole of an electrical box.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to plugs for use in a
waterproof box or electrical box and more particularly, to a
waterproof and breathable plug, which prohibits permeation of
outside water and allows ventilation of the waterproof box or
electrical box to expel moisture.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] A waterproof box or electrical box has electric and
electronic components mounted therein. The box body may be made of
metal. When outside water molecules enter the box body or during
exchange between hot air and cold air in the box body, the internal
electric and electronic components may get rusted. In order to
expel internal moisture, an electrical box generally provides a
through hole and a waterproof and breathable plug mounted in the
through hole. A conventional waterproof and breathable plug for
this purpose is known comprising a plug body defining therein a air
passage, a hollow cap nut fastened to plug body, and a waterproof
and breathable membrane mounted in the air passage in the plug body
to prohibit outside water from entering the inside space of the
electrical box and to allow ventilation through the electrical
box.
[0005] According to the aforesaid prior art waterproof and
breathable plug design, the breathing rate is fixed and not
changeable to fit different electrical boxes or different
application requirements. Because the waterproof power of the used
waterproof and breathable membrane is fixed, it cannot prohibit
water from entering the inside space of the electrical box during a
bad weather condition, such as stormy weather or hurricane.
Therefore, the waterproof function of the aforesaid prior art
design must be enhanced.
[0006] Further, it is difficult to insert the thin waterproof and
breathable membrane into the inside of the air passage and then to
fixedly secure the thin waterproof and breathable membrane in
place. During installation, the thin waterproof and breathable
membrane may be damaged easily. Further, an adhesive may be used to
fasten the thin waterproof and breathable membrane to the inside of
the plug body. After a long use, the adhesive may be aged and fall
out of place to clog the air passage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention has been accomplished under the
circumstances in view. It is therefore the main object of the
present invention to provide a waterproof and breathable plug,
which is practical for use in an electrical box to prohibit
permeation of outside water, allowing breathing of the electrical
box. It is another object of the present invention to provide a
waterproof and breathable plug, which is adjustable to regulate the
breathing rate, fitting different electrical boxes or different
weather conditions. It is still another object of the present
invention to provide a waterproof and breathable plug, which
facilitates installation without damaging the waterproof and
breathable membrane. It is still another object of the present
invention to provide a waterproof and breathable plug, which allows
installation of added waterproof and breathable membranes to
enhance waterproof effects.
[0008] To achieve these and other objects of the present invention,
a waterproof and breathable plug comprises a plug body, at least
one waterproof and breathable membrane and a cover member. The plug
body comprises a mounting base having opposing front and back
sides, an air vent cut through the front and back sides of the
mounting base, a tubular screw rod perpendicularly extending from
the back side of the mounting base in communication with the air
vent, a plurality of arched blocks perpendicularly extended from
the front side of the mounting base and equiangularly spaced around
the air vent and a plurality of openings respectively defined
between each two adjacent arched blocks, each arched block having
an outer wall and outer threads located on the outer wall. The at
least one waterproof and breathable membrane is attached to the
front side of the mounting base of the plug body over the air vent
and surrounded by the arched blocks. The cover member is fastened
to the arched blocks of the plug body and movable relative to the
arched blocks of the plug body to close/open the openings,
comprising a plurality of air valves and a cap nut. The cap nut has
a threaded inside wall threaded onto the outer threads of the
arched blocks of the plug body and a recessed chamber defined
therein and surrounded by the threaded inside wall. The air valves
are perpendicularly mounted inside the recessed chamber in an
equiangularly spaced manner and movable with the cap nut relative
to the arched blocks of the plug body to adjust the open rate of
the openings.
[0009] When compared to a same size of prior art waterproof and
breathable plug, the invention has the advantage of allowing
adjustment of the open rate of the openings. When used in an
electrical box, the invention enhances air exchange between the
inside space of the electrical box and the atmosphere. Therefore,
the invention is practical for use in a big scale electrical box to
enhance ventilation and to expel moisture produced due to
cross-effects between internal hot air and external cold air. When
in a stormy or heavy raining condition, the open rate of the
openings can be minimized to stop external water molecules or fluid
from entering the electrical box.
[0010] Further, at least one cushion ring may be used and fitted
into the space surrounded by the arched blocks to hold down the at
least one waterproof and breathable membrane.
[0011] Further, the cushion ring is elastic. When the aforesaid
cushion ring is inserted into the cylindrical space surrounded by
the arched blocks, a friction force is produced between the arched
blocks and the cushion ring, securing the cushion ring firmly in
place. Further, multiple waterproof and breathable membranes
(cloths) may be used and attached to the mounting base of the plug
body over the air vent and held down by the cushion ring(s),
enhancing waterproof effects.
[0012] Further, it is to be understood that the waterproof and
breathable plug can be used in any of a variety of electrical
boxes, including waterproof boxes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is an exploded view in section of a waterproof and
breathable plug in accordance with the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a sectional assembly view, in an enlarged scale,
of the waterproof and breathable plug shown in FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 3 is an exploded view in section of an alternate form
of the waterproof and breathable plug in accordance with the
present invention.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a sectional assembly view, in an enlarged scale of
the waterproof and breathable plug shown in FIG. 3.
[0017] FIG. 5 is similar to FIG. 4 but showing multiple waterproof
and breathable membranes installed.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a schematic applied view of the present invention,
showing the waterproof and breathable plug used in an electrical
box.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0019] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a waterproof and breathable plug
in accordance with the present invention is shown comprising a plug
body 2, a waterproof and breathable membrane (cloth) 3 and a cover
member 5.
[0020] The plug body 2 comprises a mounting base 21, an air vent
211 located on the mounting base 21 at the center, a tubular screw
rod 23 perpendicularly extending from one side of the mounting base
21 in communication with the air vent 211, a plurality of arched
blocks 25 perpendicularly extended from the other side of the
mounting base 21 and equiangularly spaced around the air vent 211
and a plurality of openings 255 respectively defined between each
two adjacent arched blocks 25. Each arched block 25 has an outer
wall 251 and outer threads 253 located on the outer wall 251.
[0021] The waterproof and breathable membrane (cloth) 3 is attached
to one side of the mounting base 21 of the plug body 2 over the air
vent 211 and surrounded by the arched blocks 25.
[0022] The cover member 5 comprises a plurality of air valves 51
and a cap nut 53. According to this embodiment, the number of the
arched blocks 25 and the number of the air valves 51 are 4. The cap
nut 53 has a threaded inside wall 57 and a recessed chamber 55
defined therein and surrounded by the threaded inside wall 57. The
air valves 51 are perpendicularly mounted inside the recessed
chamber 55 in an equiangularly spaced manner such that an annular
space 59 is defined in the cap nut 53 around the air valves 51 and
surrounded by the threaded inside wall 57 for receiving the arched
blocks 25 of the plug body 2.
[0023] The outer threads 253 of the arched blocks 25 are threaded
into the threaded inside wall 57 to have the arched blocks 25 be
received in the annular space 59 between the cap nut 53 and the air
valves 51 so that the openings 255 are partially covered by the
cover member 5 and partially left for air exchange. At this time,
the air valves 51 are surrounded by the arched blocks 25 and
stopped against the waterproof and breathable membrane (cloth) 3.
Thus, the open rate of the openings 255 is adjustable by means of
rotating the cover member 5 to move the air valves 51 relative to
the arched blocks 25.
[0024] When compared to a same size of prior art waterproof and
breathable plug, the invention has the advantage of allowing
adjustment of the open rate of the openings 55. When used in an
electrical box, the invention enhances air exchange between the
inside space of the electrical box and the atmosphere. Therefore,
the invention is practical for use in a big scale electrical box to
enhance ventilation and to expel moisture produced due to
cross-effects between internal hot air and external cold air. When
in a stormy or heavy raining condition, the open rate of the
openings 255 can be minimized to stop external water molecules or
fluid from entering the electrical box.
[0025] Further, an adhesive may be used to fasten the border area
of the waterproof and breathable membrane (cloth) 3 to the
periphery of the air vent 211 of the mounting base 21 of the plug
body 2, enhancing the fixation strength of the waterproof and
breathable membrane (cloth) 3.
[0026] Alternatively, the border area of the waterproof and
breathable membrane (cloth) 3 can be fixedly secured to the
periphery of the air vent 211 of the mounting base 21 of the plug
body 2 by means of a high-frequency sealing apparatus, enhancing
the fixation strength of the waterproof and breathable membrane
(cloth) 3.
[0027] Further, the air valves 51 of the cover member 5 are
smoothly arched, fitting the curvature of the arched blocks 25 of
the plug body 2 and assuring smooth adjustment of the open rate of
the openings 255.
[0028] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate an alternate form of the waterproof
and breathable plug. This second embodiment is substantially
similar to the aforesaid first embodiment with the exception of an
added cushion ring 4 that is fitted into the cylindrical space 250
surrounded by the arched blocks 25 to hold down the waterproof and
breathable membrane (cloth) 3. The waterproof and breathable
membrane (cloth) 3 and the cushion ring 4 can be inserted into the
cylindrical space 250 surrounded by the arched blocks 25 by
fingers, and then the cover member 5 is fastened to the arched
blocks 25 of the plug body 2 to finish the installation. Thus,
mounting and dismounting of the waterproof and breathable membrane
(cloth) 3 and the cushion ring 4 can be done conveniently by hand
without using any tools.
[0029] According to this second embodiment, the air valves 51 of
the cover member 5 are stopped at the cushion ring 4 against the
waterproof and breathable membrane (cloth) 3. Subject to the
thickness of the cushion ring 4, the cover member 5 is lifted
relative to the plug body 2 to increase the breathing rate of the
openings 255 of the plug body 2 in the axial direction. When more
cushion rings 4 are installed, the elevation of the cover member 5
relative to the arched blocks 25 of the plug body 5 is relatively
increased to relatively increase the breathing rate of the openings
255 of the plug body 2 in the axial direction. Further, each
installed cushion ring 4 also provides a waterproof function.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 5, the aforesaid cushion ring 4 is elastic
and press-fitted into the cylindrical space 250 surrounded by the
arched blocks 25 to hold down the waterproof and breathable
membrane (cloth) 3 in the air vent 211. When the aforesaid cushion
ring 4 is inserted into the cylindrical space 250 surrounded by the
arched blocks 25, a friction force is produced between the arched
blocks 25 and the cushion ring 4, securing the cushion ring 4
firmly in place. Further, multiple waterproof and breathable
membranes (cloths) 3 may be used and attached to the mounting base
21 of the plug body 2 over the air vent 211 and held down by the
cushion ring(s) 4, enhancing waterproof effects.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 3, during application, an
O-ring 7 is sleeved onto the tubular screw rod 23 of the plug body
2 and attached to one side the mounting base 21, and then the
tubular screw rod 23 of the plug body 2 is inserted into a mounting
through hole 81 on the electrical box, referenced by 8, and then a
locknut 8 is threaded onto the tubular screw rod 23 of the plug
body 2 and stopped against the inside wall of the electrical box 8
to lock the waterproof and breathable plug to the electrical box
8.
[0032] Although particular embodiments of the invention have been
described in detail for purposes of illustration, various
modifications and enhancements may be made without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention
is not to be limited except as by the appended claims.
* * * * *