Waterproof and breathable plug

Abstract

A waterproof and breathable plug includes a plug body having a mounting base, an air vent on the mounting base, a tubular screw rod at one side of the mounting base and arched blocks at the other side of the mounting base, a waterproof and breathable membrane covering the air vent, and a cover member having a cap nut threaded onto the arched blocks and air valves mounted in the cap nut and movable with rotation of the cap nut to adjust the open rate of the opening between each two adjacent arched blocks of the plug body and to further regulating the breathing rate.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to plugs for use in a waterproof box or electrical box and more particularly, to a waterproof and breathable plug, which prohibits permeation of outside water and allows ventilation of the waterproof box or electrical box to expel moisture.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]A waterproof box or electrical box has electric and electronic components mounted therein. The box body may be made of metal. When outside water molecules enter the box body or during exchange between hot air and cold air in the box body, the internal electric and electronic components may get rusted. In order to expel internal moisture, an electrical box generally provides a through hole and a waterproof and breathable plug mounted in the through hole. A conventional waterproof and breathable plug for this purpose is known comprising a plug body defining therein a air passage, a hollow cap nut fastened to plug...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]The present invention has been accomplished under the circumstances in view. It is therefore the main object of the present invention to provide a waterproof and breathable plug, which is practical for use in an electrical box to prohibit permeation of outside water, allowing breathing of the electrical box. It is another object of the present invention to provide a waterproof and breathable plug, which is adjustable to regulate the breathing rate, fitting different electrical boxes or different weather conditions. It is still another object of the present invention to provide a waterproof and breathable plug, which facilitates installation without damaging the waterproof and breathable membrane. It is still another object of the present invention to provide a waterproof and breathable plug, which allows installation of added waterproof and breathable membranes to enhance waterproof effects.

[0009]When compared to a same size of prior art waterproof and breathable plug, the invention has the advantage of allowing adjustment of the open rate of the openings. When used in an electrical box, the invention enhances air exchange between the inside space of the electrical box and the atmosphere. Therefore, the invention is practical for use in a big scale electrical box to enhance ventilation and to expel moisture produced due to cross-effects between internal hot air and external cold air. When in a stormy or heavy raining condition, the open rate of the openings can be minimized to stop external water molecules or fluid from entering the electrical box.

[0011]Further, the cushion ring is elastic. When the aforesaid cushion ring is inserted into the cylindrical space surrounded by the arched blocks, a friction force is produced between the arched blocks and the cushion ring, securing the cushion ring firmly in place. Further, multiple waterproof and breathable membranes (cloths) may be used and attached to the mounting base of the plug body over the air vent and held down by the cushion ring(s), enhancing waterproof effects.

Problems solved by technology

When outside water molecules enter the box body or during exchange between hot air and cold air in the box body, the internal electric and electronic components may get rusted.

Further, it is difficult to insert the thin waterproof and breathable membrane into the inside of the air passage and then to fixedly secure the thin waterproof and breathable membrane in place.

During installation, the thin waterproof and breathable membrane may be damaged easily.

After a long use, the adhesive may be aged and fall out of place to clog the air passage.

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