WO1991016741A1

WO1991016741A1 - Plug and socket guard

Info

Publication number: WO1991016741A1
Application number: PCT/GB1991/000671
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bramwell Smith Leitch
Original assignee: Bramwell Smith Leitch
Priority date: 1990-04-26
Filing date: 1991-04-26
Publication date: 1991-10-31
Also published as: GB9009342D0

Abstract

A guard (10) is adapted to be used with an electrical outlet socket and comprises a first framework (12) adapted to fit behind the faceplate of the socket and to be retained thereby. Hingedly attached to the frame (12) is a cover (24) adapted, in use, to swing over and retain a plug in the socket (18). Securing means (30) in the form of a catch are provided with one member (32) being fixed to the framework (12) and a corresponding slot (34) being formed in the cover (24). The device of the invention prevents accidently or unauthorised removal of the electrical plug from the socket.

Description

PLUG AND SOCKET GDARD

This invention relates to a security guard for an electric plug and socket.

It is particularly, but not exclusively, concerned with restricting access to the electric plugs used with a domestic electric socket outlet.

In the UK the standard mains electrical socket outlet used both domestically and industrially except where high powers are required is the standard three pin socket which will usually be accompanied by a respective switch designed to be used with corresponding three pin plug, the pins being generally rectangular in section. To operate an electrical device it is simply plugged in to the nearest adjacent socket and the switch, if present , turned on . Disconnec ion is a simple reversal of this proceedure.

This arrangement is satisfactory in the majority of the cases. However, there are circumstances where the normal standard plug and socket arrangement does not give sufficient security. For example, where small children are present they are often attracted to electrical plugs and can easily dislodge them. More dangerous, perhaps, is partial dislodgement when a small child can get the fingers behind the insulating portion and touch one of the pins which could still be in electrical contact with the socket. Other circumstances include situations where inadvertent disconnection of a plug by a third party can give rise to disadvantageous effects. Ryamples are disconnection of freezers, incubators, fish tanks, telefax machinery, computers, and the like. The invention seeks to provide a guard which will prevent accidental or unauthorised removal of an electrical plug from a socket.

According to the present invention there is provided a guard adapted to be used with an electrical outlet socket which comprises a first framework adapted to fit behind the faceplate of the socket and be retained thereby, and, hingedly attached thereto, a cover adapted, in use, to swing over and retain a plug in the socket, there being means for securing the cover in the retaining position.

Preferably the device of the invention comprises a generally square or rectangular framework having inturned peripheral edge portions pieces which enable it to be retained behind the faceplate of a domestic electrical outlet socket. This is simply attained in practice by loosening the screws on the faceplate, inserting the frame and re-tightening the faceplate screws. Pivoted to one side of the frame is the cover which cover in the swung back or open position, allows free access of a plug or plugs to the electrical socket. However, when it is desired to retain a plug or plugs in place against accidental or unauthorised removal the cover is swung over to the retaining position where it is held by the securing means. The latter may be a simple catch or may be adapted to receive a padlock or may indeed incorporate a lock mechanism.

The device of the invention may be made of any suitable material such as metal or plastics material, but is preferably a plastics covered metal. The device may be made in any suitable colour or combination of colours so as to fit in with a room's decor or form an attractive contrast. The invention will be described further, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which,

Figure 1 is a diagramatic view of a device in accordance with the invention; and

Figure 2 is a diagramatic view of the device in the retaining position on an electrical socket.

Referring to the drawings, the device generally designated 10 comprises, in the example shown which is adapted for use with a twin electrical outlet socket, a generally rectangular framework 12. The framework 12 has inturned edge portions 14 which will be retained behind a faceplate 16 on a double electrical outlet socket generally indicated at 18. The socket 18 has two sets of plug receiving holes (not shown in drawings) and two associated switches 20.

Hingedly attached to the frame 12 aL 22 is a cover 24. The cover 24 has a pair of bent- over portions 26 which, in use, each overlie and obscure the top of an electrical plug (not shown in the drawings) . The lower edge 28 of the cover 24 may be bent outwardly so as not to present a sharp edge to the electrical cable or cables leading from the plug or plugs. Securing means 30 in the form of a catch are provided with one member 32 being fixed to the framework 12 and a corresponding slot 34 being formed in the cover 24 . Locking means 36 may also be provided.

In use, the faceplate 16 of the socket 18 is removed by loosening retaining screws. The framework is positioned behind the faceplate and the latter re-affixed in position by means of the screws. The framework 12 does not come anywhere near the electrical connections within the socket 18 and may therefore be made of a conducting material although it will usually be preferred for it to be at least coated with a non-conductor such as a plastics material.

With the framework 12 secured in place the cover 24 can be pivoted from the position shown in figure 1 (the "open" position) to the position shown in figure 2 (the "retaining" position). In the open position plugs may be freely put into and taken out from either of the receiving areas of the socket 18. If, however, it is desired to retain a plug in position once it has been inserted, then the cover 24 will be swung across to the position shown in figure 2 when the member 32 will co-act with the corresponding slot 34 which are arranged to be a snug fit with one another thereby acting as a catch to secure the device. This will usually be sufficient to prevent a young child from being able to swing back the cover and thereby gain access to the plug. If it is desired to make the device more secure a padlock can be inserted through the members 32 and 34 thereby locking the device against any unauthorised opening or a locking arrangement 36 employed. The latter may be appropriate in, for example, an office environment where it is desired to keep a computer installation running twenty-four hours a day and there is a danger that cleaners or the like will remove the plug from the socket inadvertently or to use cleaning equipment.

The cover may be designed, as shown, to allow adult access to the switches 20 to switch on and off the electrical equipment plugged in. However, the restricted access and lack of leverage that this ensures prevents a young child from being able to operate the switches. Alternatively, the guards 26 may be extended so as to cover the switches 20 also.

The device of the invention provides a simple and inexpensive means of securing electrical plugs against inadvertent or unauthorised removal.

Claims

1. A guard adapted to be used with an electrical outlet socket which comprises a first framework adapted to fit behind the faceplate of the socket and be retained thereby, and, hingedly attached thereto, a cover adapted in use to swing over and retain the plug in the socket, there being means for securing the cover in the retaining position.

2. A guard as claimed in claim 1 which comprises a generally square or rectangular framework having inturned peripheral edge portions which enable it to be retained behind the faceplate.

3. A guard as claimed in either of claims 1 or 2 in which the cover is pivoted to one side of the frame.

4. An apparatus as claimed in claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 in which the means for securing the cover in e retaining position comprises a simple catch optionally adapted to receive a locking mechanism.

5. A gaurd as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4 fabricated from a plastics covered metal.