Convertible end cap and baseboard heater cover assembly

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a heater cover assembly for baseboard heater units and components thereof. The components include convertible end caps having a knock-out plate. This accommodates pipes or other obstructions that would otherwise prevent or hinder installation of the end cap.

1 . An end cap for a heater cover assembly, comprising:
 a closed face comprising an interior surface, exterior surface, and a knock-out plate;   an open face that accommodates the insertion of an associated heater cover panel;   a top face; and   a front face comprising an interior surface and an exterior surface.   
     
     
         2 . The end cap of  claim 1 , further comprising a rear face that comprises at least one aperture positioned along an edge of the rear face, which is adapted to accommodate a fastener for attaching the end cap to a wall. 
     
     
         3 . The end cap of  claim 1 , wherein the front face comprises an angled upper surface and a vertical lower surface. 
     
     
         4 . The end cap of  claim 1 , further comprising a retainer fixed to the interior surface of the front face adapted to hold the associated heater panel in place. 
     
     
         5 . The end cap of  claim 1 , wherein a rear face is formed from a first strip located along a top rear edge of the top face. 
     
     
         6 . The end cap of  claim 1 , wherein a front side edge of the front face is nonlinear or formed from multiple straight edges angled relative to adjacent edges. 
     
     
         7 . The end cap of  claim 1 , wherein the knock-out plate is rectangular. 
     
     
         8 . The end cap of  claim 1 , wherein the knock-out plate has a height/length ratio of about 1.0 to about 2.0. 
     
     
         9 . The end cap of  claim 1 , wherein a perimeter of the knock-out plate extends to a rear side edge of the closed face. 
     
     
         10 . A heater cover assembly for covering a baseboard heater, comprising:
 a first end cap and a second end cap, wherein each end cap comprises:
 a closed face comprising a knock-out plate; 
 an open face that accommodates the insertion of an associated heater cover panel; 
 a top face; 
 a front face comprising an interior surface and an exterior surface; and 
 a rear face; and 
   a first heater cover panel having a first panel end and a second panel end,   wherein the first panel end is inserted into the open face of the first end cap.   
     
     
         11 . The assembly of  claim 10 , wherein each end cap further comprises a retainer fixed to the interior surface of the front face adapted to hold the first heater cover panel in place. 
     
     
         12 . The assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the first panel end is held in place by the fixed retainer on the interior surface of the front face of the first end cap. 
     
     
         13 . The assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the second panel end is inserted into the open face of the second end cap and held in place by the fixed retainer on the interior surface of the front face of the second end cap. 
     
     
         14 . The assembly of  claim 10 , wherein each end cap further comprises a top aperture positioned along a top edge of the rear face; 
     
     
         15 . The assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the rear face of each end cap is formed from a first strip located along a top rear edge of the top face. The end cap of  claim 1 , wherein the knock-out plate is rectangular. 
     
     
         16 . The assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the knock-out plate has a height/length ratio of about 1.0 to about 2.0. 
     
     
         17 . The assembly of  claim 10 , wherein a perimeter of the knock-out plate extends to a rear side edge of the closed face.