Electrical Outlet with Covering and Light and Method of Use for the Same

Abstract

An outlet and nightlight device with a solid base. The base has a front, back, top and two outlets on the front the base. There are two plugs on the back of the base, a light sensor, and a light emitter. The front of the base is attached to a raised section which is attached and in moveable communication with a face plate. In some embodiments the face plate slides across the raised section and in others it can rotate away from the raised section via a hinge on the base plate. The light sensor can trigger to the light emitter to emit light in low light conditions and in some embodiments there is a manual trigger for the light emission. In some embodiments the base has USB port for utilization. In some embodiments the face plate can lock to the base plate. In some embodiments the present invention has ancillary light emitters on the raised plate. In some embodiments of the invention there is a battery back up to supply energy to the light emitter in case of power failure.

Claims

1. An outlet and light device comprising; a solid base with a front, back, top and bottom; said solid base further comprising; two outlets on the front of said solid base; a light sensor; a light emitter; a raised plate with a manual activation button on the front of said base; a face plate; said face plate further comprising side overhangs which mechanically engage said raised plate with a manual activation button; wherein said face plate can move relative to said bottom of said base plate.

2. The outlet and light device of claim 1 further comprising; a hinge; said face plated is attached and in mechanical communication with said base plate through said hinge.

3. The outlet and light device of claim 1 further comprising; said raised plate with a manual activation button further comprises tracks on the side of said raised plate with a manual activation button; said face plated is attached and in mechanical communication with said base plate through said overhangs placed in mechanical communication with said tracks.

4. The outlet and light device of claim 1 further comprising; said base plate further comprises ports for USB cable insertion.

5. The outlet and light device of claim 1 further comprising; said raised plate with a manual activation button further comprises a manual activation button for manually activating said light emitter.

6. The outlet and light device of claim 1 further comprising; said face plate is partially transparent.

7. The outlet and light device of claim 1 further comprising; two plugs on the back of said solid base; wherein said base plate can plug into a wall outlet through said two plugs.

8. The outlet and light device of claim 1 further comprising; a battery; wherein said battery can power said light emitter.

9. The outlet and light device of claim 1 further comprising; ancillary light emitters; wherein said ancillary light emitters located on the raised plate with a manual activation button and are in electronic communication with said light sensor.

10. A method for utilizing an outlet and light device comprising the steps of; obtaining a solid base with a front, back, top and bottom; said solid base further comprising; two outlets on the front of said solid base; a light sensor; a light emitter; a raised plate with a manual activation button on the front of said base; obtaining a face plate; said face plate further comprising side overhangs; activating the light emitter via a signal from said sensor in low light conditions

11. The method of claim 10 further comprising the steps of; obtaining a hinge; attaching said face plate with said base plate through said hinge; and rotating said face plate about said hinge to modify access to said outlets.

12. The method of claim 10 further comprising the steps of; constructing said face plate with tracks on the side of said raised plate with a manual activation button; attaching said face plate in mechanical communication with said base plate through said overhangs placed in mechanical communication with said tracks; and sliding said face plate about said tracks to modify access to said outlets.

13. The method of claim 10 further comprising the steps of; providing base plate with ports for USB cable insertion.

14. The method of claim 10 further comprising the steps of; providing said base plate with a manual activation button for manually activating said light emitter.

15. The method of claim 10 further comprising the steps of; providing a face plate that is partially transparent.

16. The method of claim 10 further comprising the steps of; locking said base plate can mechanically lock with said face plate in a closed position.

17. The method of claim 10 further comprising the steps of; attaching a battery; wherein said battery can power said light emitter.

18. The method of claim 10 further comprising the steps of; attaching ancillary light emitters to said raised plate with a manual activation button; wherein said ancillary light emitters located on the raised plate with a manual activation button and are in electronic communication with said light sensor.

19. The method of claim 10 further comprising the steps of; Attaching two plugs on the back of said solid base; wherein said base plate can plug into a wall outlet through said two plugs.

20. The outlet and light device of claim 1 further comprising; a lock mechanism; wherein said base plate can mechanically lock with said face plate in a closed position, through mechanical communication with said lock mechanism.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions to be taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings describing specific embodiments of the disclosure, wherein:

[0048] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention in assembled view from the front.

[0049] FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention in assembled view from the back.

[0050] FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention in partially exploded view from the front.

[0051] FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention in assembled top view.

[0052] FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention in assembled bottom view.

[0053] FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention with a flip front face in the open position.

[0054] FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention with a flip front face in the closed position.

[0055] FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention in assembled view from the front in open position with USB ports.

[0056] FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention in assembled view from the back with a full outlet face replacement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] In the following description, certain details are set forth such as specific quantities, sizes, etc. . . . so as to provide a thorough understanding of the present embodiments disclosed herein. However, it will be evident to those of ordinary skill in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without such specific details. In many cases, details concerning such considerations and the like have been omitted inasmuch as such details are not necessary to obtain a complete understanding of the present disclosure and are within the skills of persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art.

[0058] Referring to the drawings in general, it will be understood that the illustrations are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to be limiting thereto. Drawings are not necessarily to scale.

[0059] One, or more, illustrative embodiments incorporating the invention disclosed herein are presented below. Applicants have created a revolutionary and novel system and method for use of an improved electrical outlet cover and light.

[0060] While most of the terms used herein will be recognizable to those of ordinary skill in the art, it should be understood, however, that when not explicitly defined, terms should be interpreted as adopting a meaning presently accepted by those of ordinary skill in the art. In cases where the construction of a term would render it meaningless or essentially meaningless, the definition should be taken from Webster's Dictionary, 11th Edition, 2008. “Light Emitter” or “Night Light” as defined herein includes, but is not limited to, any light creating device or bulb. “Face plate” as defined herein includes, but is not limited to, a clear, semi-transparent, solid, or solid with egress ports for cords, designed to substantially cover a face plate and can be permanent or removable. “Battery” as defined herein includes, but is not limited to, any electronic energy storage device. “Tracks” as defined herein includes, but is not limited to, a track, indention or molded pathway. “Hinge” as defined herein includes, but is not limited to, any type of mechanism used to join two bodies but all for movement of said bodies in relation to each other. “Outlet” as defined herein includes, but is not limited to a standard socket outlet, a light fixture setting, or any facing used for providing and electrical current. Definitions and/or interpretations should not be incorporated from other patent applications, patents, or publications, related or not, unless specifically stated in this specification or if the incorporation is necessary for maintaining validity.

[0061] Although several preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail herein, the invention is not limited hereto. It will be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art that various modifications can be made without materially departing from the novel and advantageous teachings of the invention. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed herein are by way of example. It is to be understood that the scope of the invention is not to be limited thereby.

[0062] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention in assembled view from the front. As illustrated the improved light emitter with outlets 1 is preferably constructed with a solid base 10. Solid base 10 is preferably constructed with a front 65 and back 60 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). In many embodiments solid base 10 is constructed of plastic, resin or some other preferably non-conductive materials. Solid base 10 can be constructed to various widths, sizes, or shapes as is known in the art. In many embodiments of the present invention, solid base 10 has a hollow interior which can house electronic circuitry as is known in the art for wall sockets.

[0063] As illustrated in FIG. 1, solid base 10 can be constructed with a top 11 and a bottom 12. In several embodiments of the present invention the solid base 10 may be constructed with a light sensor or light emitter sensor 30 located on the top 11 of the base 10. In several embodiments of the present invention the light sensor 30 can be located on other areas of the body 10 or on the light emitter with outlets 1 itself. In several embodiments of the present invention the light sensor 30 is one commonly used in the art for detecting light levels and activating a bulb or LED to illuminate.

[0064] As illustrated in FIG. 1, in several embodiments of the present invention the solid base 10 may be constructed with a light emitter 50 located on the top 12 of the base 10. In several embodiments of the present invention the light emitter 50 can be located on other areas of the body 10 or on the light emitter with outlets 1 itself. In several embodiments of the present invention the light sensor 50 is one commonly used for illumination of walk ways or areas with minimal lighting for mostly dark conditions. In several embodiments of the present invention the light emitter 50 and the light sensor 30 are in electrical communication in a manner as known in the art for low light level triggering of the light emitter into an illuminated state.

[0065] As illustrated in FIG. 1, in several embodiments of the present invention the solid base 10 may be constructed with a manual activation button 55 for the light emitter 50 located on the top 12 of the base 10. In several embodiments of the present invention the manual activation button 55 can be located on other areas of the body 10 or on the light emitter with outlets 1 itself. In several embodiments of the present invention the manual activation button is one commonly used for manual activating a light emitter as used in the industry. In several embodiments of the present invention the light emitter 50 and the manual activation button 55 are in electrical communication in a manner as known in the art for manually triggering the light emitter into an illuminated state.

[0066] As illustrated in FIG. 1, in several embodiments of the present invention the solid base 10 may be constructed with a back 60 (See FIG. 2). In several embodiments of the present invention located on the back 60 are two outlet prongs 15 and 20. In several embodiments of the present invention the two outlet prongs are constructed as used in the industry. In several embodiments of the present invention the two outlet prongs 15 and 20 are constructed as used in the industry utilizing three prong outlets, two prong outlets or other prong construction variations as known in the art. In several embodiments of the present invention the outlet prongs 15 and 20 are in electrical communication in a manner as known in the art for insertion into a common wall outlet.

[0067] As illustrated in FIG. 1, in several embodiments of the present invention the solid base 10 may be constructed with a front 65. In several embodiments of the present invention attached to the front 65 is a raised plate 25. In many embodiments raised plate 25 is constructed of plastic, resin or some other preferably non-conductive materials. Raised plate 25 can be constructed to various widths, sizes, or shapes as is known in the art. In several embodiments of the present invention the raised plate 25 can be constructed with lock extrusions 85. In several embodiments, lock extrusion 85 is capable of being a pop lock or tab lock as utilized in the industry. In several embodiments of the present invention the raised plate 25 can be premolded with the base plate 10.

[0068] In several embodiments of the present invention the raised plate 25 may be constructed with tracks 75 (See FIG. 3). The tracks 75 maybe constructed as those known in the industry for having insert run inside of them and allow for traverse movement between the inserts and the raised plate 25. The tracks 75 are preferably designed to allow for slidable motion between the raised plate 25 and the face plate 35. In many embodiments of the present invention, the face plate 35 slides over tracks 75 and can be temporarily locked into place by use of lock extrusions 85 in which lock extrusions 85 extend past the orifices 86 on side 5. When locked extrusions 85 click to lock face plate 35 in place. In several other embodiments of the present invention or mechanisms as known in the art can lock face plate 35 and prevent movement in relation to raised plate 25.

[0069] In several embodiments of the present invention the raised plate 25 may be constructed with outlets 40 and 41 on the face of raised plate 25. In several embodiments of the present invention the two outlet 40 and 41 are constructed as used in the industry. In several embodiments of the present invention the two outlets 40 and 41 are constructed as used in the industry utilizing three port outlets, two port outlets or other port construction variations as known in the art. In several embodiments of the present invention the outlets 40 and 41 are in electrical communication in a manner as known in the art for use in a common wall outlet.

[0070] In several embodiments of the present invention the raised plate 25 may be constructed with a screw orifice 46 (FIG. 3). Screw orifice 46 is preferable designed, as known in the art, to allow for attachment via a standard screw(s) 45 to an existing wall outlet.

[0071] As illustrated in FIG. 1, in several embodiments of the present invention there is a face plate 35. In some embodiments of the present invention the face plate may be constructed with an ornamental design on its outer face 36. In many embodiments the face plate 35 is constructed of plastic, resin or some other preferably non-conductive materials. Face plate 35 can be constructed to various widths, sizes, or shapes as is known in the art. In some embodiments of the present invention the face plate 35 maybe transparent, semi-transparent or solid. As shown in FIG. 3, face plate 35 can bubble, or extend significantly past raised plate 25 so as to allow for items to be plugged into plugs 40 while face plate 35 is in a locked position. Also illustrated is egress port 38 on face plate 35 which allows for cords of plugged in items to exit face plate 35.

[0072] As illustrated in FIG. 1, in several embodiments of the present invention the face plate 35 is constructed with sides 5 and inserts or rails 70 (FIG. 3). In some embodiments of the present invention the face plate 35 maybe constructed such that the inserts or rails 70 can mechanically engage the track 75 and allow for the face plate 35 to move parallel to the raised plate 25.

[0073] FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention in assembled view from the back. As illustrated in FIG. 2, screw 45 may extend all of the way though back plate 10 thereby allowing a user to attach the light emitter with outlets 1 to a standard wall outlet through mechanical communication. Also shown in FIG. 2 is a battery 105 as is included with some embodiments of the present invention. Battery 105 may be preferably located inside of hollow solid base 10 and preferably is in standard electronic communication with light emitter 50 as is known in the art for when energy is not flowing from the wall outlet itself.

[0074] FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention in partially exploded view from the front. As shown in FIG. 3, face plate 35 can bubble, or extend significantly past raised plate 25 so as to allow for items to be plugged into plugs 40 while face plate 35 is in a locked position. Also illustrated is egress port 38 on face plate 35 which allows for cords of plugged in items to exit face plate 35. FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention in assembled top view. FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention in assembled bottom view.

[0075] FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention with a flip front face in the open position. FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, in some embodiments of the present invention, there is no track 75. In some embodiments of the invention, there are extrusion 85 which extrude from the base 10. Extrusion 85 can have the inserts 70 snap around them (FIG. 7) therein holding the cover plate 35 in place when the cover plate 35 is in a closed position (FIG. 7). See also FIG. 1. In some embodiments of the present invention, face plate 35 can attach to raised plate 25 by clicking onto extrusion 85.

[0076] As illustrated, in some embodiments, (FIG. 6-7) there is a pin/hinge 80 which attaches cover plate 35 to base 10. Pin/hinge 80 allows for cover plate 35 to rotate distal or proximate to base 35. FIG. 6 illustrated one embodiment of the present invention in which cover plate 35 is rotated away from base 10 and into an open position. FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention in which cover plate 35 is rotated into a closed position and inserts 70 are mechanically attached over extrusion 85 therein keeping cover plate 35 in a closed position and not allowing a user to access the plugs 40 or 41. In many embodiments of the present invention hinge 10 maybe located anywhere on base 10.

[0077] FIGS. 6 and 7 also illustrate embodiments of the invention that do not require screw 45. As shown, in several embodiments of the invention, the invention can be inserted over a wall outlet without screw 45 attaching the base 10 to the wall outlet. In these embodiments of the invention the light emitter with outlet 1 is more portable and easier to remove.

[0078] FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention in assembled view from the front in open position with USB ports. As shown, in some embodiments of the present invention there are USB ports 90 that are installed on the raised plate 25. USB ports 90 are preferably of the type normally found in the industry.

[0079] FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention in assembled view from the front in open position with USB ports. As shown, in some embodiments of the present invention there are USB ports 90 that are installed on the raised plate 25. USB ports 90 are preferably of the type normally found in the industry. Also illustrated are LED 95. LED 95, in some embodiments, are designed to mechanically secure the raised plate 25 to the wall outlet as is known commonly in the art. In some embodiments of the present invention LED(s) 95 can light the face of raised plate 25 therein increasing visibility of said plate.

[0080] FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention in assembled view from the back. As shown, in some embodiments of the present invention there are the present invention can replace an actual wall outlet face. As shown, in this embodiment, the base plate 10 is hollow with a circuit board 115 attached to standard outlet interface 110. The circuit board 115 is preferably designed as one known in the industry to facilitate electronic communication between light sensor 30 and light emitter 50 as is known in the industry to emit light in low light conditions. Also illustrated is battery 105 preferably designed to attach to circuit board 115 as known in the industry to release power if a power outage would run thought the outlet interface 110.

[0081] In some embodiments of the present invention 1 is assembled in the following manner (FIG. 3): In some embodiments of the present invention the base plate 10 is attached to a wall outlet via screw 45. The prongs 15 and 20 are inserted in to the wall outlet in a manner as known in the art. Face plate 35 is then placed on tracks 75 with inserts 70 facing into and in slidable communication with tracks 75. Face plate 35 can then slide along the tracks 75 to allow for the user to access the plugs 40 and 41. In some embodiments of the present invention 1 is assembled in the following manner: In some embodiments of the present invention the base plate 10 is attached to a wall outlet without using the screw 45.

[0082] In some embodiments of the present invention 1 is assembled in the following manner: In some embodiments of the present invention the base plate 10 is attached to a wall outlet via screw 45 or without screw 45 (FIGS. 4-7). The prongs 15 and 20 are inserted in to the wall outlet in a manner as known in the art. Face plate 35 is then attached to base plate 10 via hinge 80. Face plate 35 can then rotate about the hinge 80 and attach to base 10 covering the plugs 40 and 41 as needed via extrusions 85.

[0083] In some embodiments of the present invention 1 is assembled in the following manner: In some embodiments of the present invention the base plate 10 utilizes USB ports 90 as are known in the industry (FIG. 8).

[0084] FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention in assembled view from the back (a ground wire as known in the art is not illustrated in this embodiment). As shown, in some embodiments of the present invention there are the present invention can replace an actual wall outlet face. As shown, in this embodiment, the base plate 10 is hollow with a circuit board 115 attached to standard outlet interface 110. The circuit board 115 is preferably designed as one known in the industry to facilitate electronic communication between light sensor 30 and light emitter 50 as is known in the industry to emit light in low light conditions. Also illustrated is battery 105 preferably designed to attach to circuit board 115 as known in the industry to release power if a power outage would run thought the outlet interface 110. In this embodiment the base plate 10 actually replaced the original wall outlet face and interface 110 is attached to any pending wires as is known in the art of wall outlet circuitry.

[0085] In some embodiments of the present invention 1 the present invention functions as follows: The prongs 15 and 20 are inserted into a wall socket as known in the art. The plugs 40 and 41 are electrically live once the insertion occurs. If the face plate 35 is in a closed position then the plugs 40 and 41 are not accessible to a user. In order to access plugs 40 and 41 a user need only to slide the face plate 35 about the tracks 75 or to disengage the face plate 35 from the extrusion 85 and rotate the face plate 35 about the hinge 80, depending on the embodiment of the invention. A user can then plug electrical appliances into the plugs 40 and 41. See FIG. 3, 6-7.

[0086] In many embodiments of the present invention, the light emitter 50 functions by receiving signals from the sensor 30 in regards to external light conditions. Both the light emitter 50 and sensor 30 are of the kind usually found and known in the art for relaying such information to activate a light emitter in low light level conditions. In several embodiments of the present invention, there is a manual activation button 55 that a user can use to manually activate or deactivate light emitter 50 as is known in the art. See FIG. 1.

[0087] Although several preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail herein, the invention is not limited hereto. It will be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art that various modifications can be made without materially departing from the novel and advantageous teachings of the invention. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed herein are by way of example. It is to be understood that the scope of the invention is not to be limited thereby.