Retractable electrical cord box
OwnerTimothy L. St.Clairinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus for assembling over a standard electrical wall outlet for providing a handy and neatly stored retractable extension cord disposed in such apparatus. Such apparatus further includes a regular outlet disposed on a cover portion of the apparatus. Such apparatus mounts closely adjacent such standard wall outlet. The retractable extension cord assembly has a twist lock receptacle that can be used with compatible electrical devices.
Claims15
A receptacle apparatus for mounting on a wall closely adjacent a standard outlet, said receptacle apparatus comprising:
- (a) a mounting base member formed of a first predetermined material and having a first predetermined shape for mounting onto a wall stud closely adjacent a standard wall outlet;
- (b) a central brace member formed on said mounting base member for mounting said mounting brace member onto such wall stud;
- (c) at least one aperture disposed on a side of said central brace member for mounting over such standard wall outlet thereby leaving such standard outlet exposed;
- (d) a cover member formed of a second predetermined material and having a second predetermined shape for engagement with said mounting base member;
- said cover member including;
- (i) an internal cord assembly having a male end thereof engageable with a first outlet in such standard wall outlet and a female outlet on a second end disposed adjacent an outer portion of said cover member for providing electrical power to said female outlet;
- (ii) a retractable extension cord assembly mounted one of on an inner portion of said cover member and said mounting member, said retractable extension cord assembly having a male end engageable with a second outlet on such standard wall outlet and a female end of said retractable extension cord extending through an opening in said cover member for providing access to said retractable extension cord as needed by a user;
- and
- (e) a means for engaging said cover member with said mounting base member.
A method of installing a receptacle apparatus for ensuring that all cords are kept neatly out of sight, said method including the steps of:
- (a) selecting a standard wall outlet where said receptacle apparatus will be used;
- (b) determining which side of such standard wall outlet a wall stud is located;
- (c) removing a cover from said standard wall outlet;
- (d) aligning a center strip of a mounting base member of said receptacle apparatus with said wall stud;
- (e) securing said mounting base member to said wall stud;
- (f) plugging in a male end of an internal cord assembly into a first outlet of said standard wall outlet and having a female outlet on a second end disposed adjacent an outer portion of a cover assembly of said receptacle apparatus for providing power to said female outlet;
- (g) plugging in a male end of a retractable extension cord member into a second outlet of said standard wall outlet, said retractable extension cord member disposed on an inner portion of said cover assembly;
- (h) placing a female end of said retractable cord member through an opening in said cover assembly so that such retractable extension cord is available for use;
- and
- (i) securing said cover member onto said mounting base member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.