BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to electrical appliances, and in particular, it relates to a faceplate for use with a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) device and a related GFCI assembly.

Description of Related Art

When installing ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) devices into a wall, the built-in free space inside the wall is sometimes not sufficient to accommodate the GFCI device, in which case a height extension shell is used in conjunction with the GFCI device. Conventionally, the GFCI and the height extension shell are mounted to the wall using screws, and the faceplate is affixed to the height extension component. Conventional GFCI faceplates require screws to install, and the screwheads are exposed. This affects the esthetics and also makes is inconvenient to install. When installing the faceplate, insufficient tightening of the screws may cause the faceplate to become loose, while over-tightening may cause the faceplate to crack.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention provides a faceplate for use with a GFCI device, where the faceplate includes a front plate and a snap feature joined to the plate feature and configured to affix the faceplate to a height extension shell. The height extension shell is configured to accommodate a part of the GFCI device. The faceplate defines an opening that exposes at least a part of the GFCI device.

In one embodiment, the snap feature includes a plurality of resilient snaps with hooks, and the height extension shell includes a plurality of corresponding snap retaining recesses, where the snaps and the snap retaining recesses engage with each other to affix the faceplate to the height extension shell.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a GFCI assembly, which includes: a GFCI device; a height extension shell, configured to accommodate a part of the GFCI device; and a faceplate, which includes a plurality of resilient snaps configured to affix the faceplate to the height extension shell, wherein the faceplate defines an opening that exposes at least a part of the GFCI device.

In one embodiment, each resilient snap include a deformable prong with a hook at its end, and wherein the height extension shell includes a plurality of corresponding snap retaining recesses, and wherein the snaps and the snap retaining recesses engage with each other to affix the faceplate to the height extension shell.

In one embodiment, the height extension shell further includes a resilient support structure configured to hold the GFCI device disposed within the height extension shell and restrain its movement relative to the height extension shell.

In one embodiment, the GFCI device is threadedly affixed to the height extension shell.

In one embodiment, the height extension shell is adapted to be threaded affixed to a wall.

In the above described embodiments, snap components on the back of the faceplate are used to affix the faceplate to the height extension shell, instead of using screws as in conventional GFCI assemblies. This makes installation more convenient, saves installation time, and makes the faceplate easier to clean and maintain. It also enhances esthetic without sacrificing function. Further, a resilient support structure is provided on the height extension shell, to restrain the movement of the GFCI device during installation, making is easier to install.

