Paintable Wall Plate Covering Assembly and Method
OwnerSusan Eastininventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Disclosed embodiments relate to a wall plate assembly, such as for light switches and electrical outlets, that may be painted to coordinate with the color of a room's walls, trim, or décor. The wall plate assembly comprises a transparent outer or cover plate and a concealed backing plate. A reverse side of the transparent outer plate can be painted and the backing plate attached to cover and protect the painted surface. Both the outer plate and the backing plate can be made of molded thermoplastic resin and will typically contain openings to provide access to switches, outlets, plugs, jacks, mounting posts, etc., as well as any holes requires by fasteners such as screws.
Claims20
A paintable wall plate assembly, comprising:
- a substantially transparent outer plate, the outer plate further comprising:
- a front surface, and
- a paintable reverse surface,
- a backing plate, the backing plate further comprising:
- dimensions to cover the paintable reverse surface of the outer plate, and
- a rear-most edge forming a planar contact surface;
- and
- means for attachment to a receptacle box.
A method of covering a receptacle box with a painted wall plate assembly, comprising:
- applying paint to a reverse side of a transparent outer plate;
- allowing the applied paint to dry;
- attaching a backing plate to the reverse side of the transparent outer plate to form a painted wall plate assembly;
- and
- securing the painted wall plate assembly to the receptacle box.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.