Slim line while in use cover and methods for making and using the same

A while in use cover assembly (10), comprising:

• a lid (14) connected to a base (12) having a power cord exit (106) and a back wall (64);
• and
• socket assembly (52,152) comprising a receiver socket (20) located between the lid (14) and the base (12);
• wherein the receiver socket (20) comprises a socket face (122) with blade apertures configured to receive a power cord plug (86);
• wherein the while in use cover assembly (10) has a constant depth, when the lid (14) is closed, when in use and when not in use;
• and
• wherein, when the while in use cover assembly (10) is in use, a power cord plug (86) is attached to the receiver socket (20), and a power cord (98) extending from the power cord plug (86) extends through the power cord exit (106) while bending toward the back wall (64) or the lid by less than or equal to 15 degrees as measured from an angle parallel with an axis A.

A socket assembly (52), comprising:

• a receiver socket (20) having blade apertures (82) for receiving a power cord plug;
• and
• an adapter plug cord (24) extending from the receiver socket (20) to an adapter plug (22);
• wherein the adapter plug (22) has plug elements (62) extending therefrom and configured to be received in an outlet socket (50);
• and
• wherein the receiver socket (20) comprises a first surface (94) configured to engage with an attachment mechanism (48) on a lid (14) of a while in use cover assembly (10).

A method of using a while in use cover assembly (10), comprising:

• opening a lid of the while in use cover assembly (10), wherein the while in use cover assembly (10) comprises
• a lid (14) hingedly attached to a base (12) having a back wall (64) with a junction box attachment portion (66,68);
• and
• socket assembly (52,152) comprising a receiver socket (20) physically attached to the lid (14) and/or the base (12), and located between the lid (14) and the base (12);
• wherein the receiver socket (20) comprises a face (122) with blade apertures (82) configured to receive a power cord plug (86);
• wherein as the lid is opened, the socket face (122) changes orientation with respect to the back wall (64);
• and
• attaching the while in use cover assembly (10) to a junction box via the junction box attachment portion (66,68).

A method of using a while in use cover assembly (10), comprising:

• opening a lid of the while in use cover assembly (10), wherein the while in use cover assembly (10) comprises
• a lid (14) hingedly attached to a base (12) having a back wall (64) with a junction box attachment portion (66,68);
• and
• socket assembly (52,152) comprising a receiver socket (20) physically attached to the lid (14) and/or the base (12), and located between the lid (14) and the base (12);
• wherein the receiver socket (20) comprises a face (122) with blade apertures (82) configured to receive a power cord plug (86);
• changing an orientation of the socket face (122);
• inserting the male socket (84) into the blade apertures (82);
• and
• attaching the while in use cover assembly (10) to a junction box via the junction box attachment portion (66,68).