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| US6171129B1 | 2001-01-09 | |||
| US20090061667A1 | 2009-03-05 | |||
| US7798838B2 | 2010-09-21 |
| CLAIMS 1) A locking electrical receptacle for receiving and locking an electrical plug and preventing said plug from being removed by withdrawal forces comprising: a) a receptacle housing having a plurality aperture for receiving prongs of said plug therein; and b) at least two terminal contacts for connecting electricity to said prongs; and c) a clamp means having a locking and unlocking positions, said clamp means is mounted between said terminal contacts and said -apertures, when said clamp means is set to said locking position while said prongs is inserted therein, said clamp means will lock said plug by pressing onto at least one of said prongs, wherein said pressing action produces a high clamping force between said prongs and said clamp means, said clamping force works in a direction opposite to said withdrawal forces direction, making said plug fasten in place, and when said clamp means set to said unlocking position, said clamp means will release said clamping force from said prongs making said plug free to withdraw. whereby said locking receptacle is connecting electricity to said plug inserted therein and a user is able to lock said plug by positioning said clamp means to said locking position, further said user is able to unlock said plug by positioning said clamp means to said unlocking position. 2) The locking receptacle in claim 1 wherein said clamp means comprising two jaws. 3) The locking receptacle in claim 2 wherein said jaws having a friction pads adjacent to said prongs. 4) The locking receptacle in claim 2 wherein said jaws having friction pads adjacent to said prongs, said pads are made from elastic material. 5) The locking receptacle in claim 2 wherein said jaws having friction pads adjacent to said prongs, said pads are made from rubber. 6) The locking receptacle in claim 2 wherein said jaws are guided by an elliptic path which has major and minor diameters such that said jaws are aligned with said minor diameter when said clamp means is in said locking position, and said jaws are aligned with said major diameter when said clamp means is in said ynlocking position. 7) The locking receptacle in claim 2 wherein said jaws are structured for blocking said apertures when no electrical plugs inserted therein and said clamp means is in locking position. 8) The locking receptacle in claim 1 wherein said apertures are rounded type to receive said plugs with rounded prongs. 9) The locking receptacle in claim 1 wherein said receptacle housing having a rotatable sleeve which allows said user to control said clamp means positions, so that by turning said rotatable sleeve clockwise or counterclockwise said plug will be locked or unlocked respectively. 10) The locking receptacle in claim 1 further comprising a cable means connected to said terminal contacts. 11) The locking receptacle in claim 1 further comprising a wall mounting means for mounting said locking receptacle to a wall and connecting said terminal contacts to electrical wires installed within said wall. 12) A male electrical connector for being connected and releasably anchored into a power outlet comprising: a) a plurality of electrically conductive pins for contacting power outlet terminals, and at least one of said pins having a root portion with high friction surface; and b) an anchoring mechanism for mounting said pins, said anchoring mechanism is structured to be able to radially deflect at least one of said pins, wherein said pins are easy to be inserted or removed from bor?s of said power outlet as long as no pin is deflected, when said anchoring mechanism deflects at least one of said pins, said pins will be urged laterally to press on side surfaces of said bores which generates a static friction force between said side surfaces and said high friction surfaces of said pins, said friction force works in a direction opposite to withdrawal forces tending to remove said electrical connector. Whereby said electrical connector is able to be freely removed or inserted in said power outlet whenever said pines are aligned with said outlet bores, and said electrical connector is able to anchor in said outlet bores when one or more of said pins is deflected and urged to press onto said sides of said outlet bores. 13) The electrical connector in claim 12 wherein said electrically conductive pins are rounded types. 14) The electrical connector in claim 12 wherein said electrically conductive pins having rough surfaces at their root portions. 15) The electrical connector in claim 12 wherein said anchoring mechanism further comprising a deflection amplifier means for increasing said pins deflection when said withdrawal force increases, thus increasing said friction force generated to overcome said withdrawal force. 16) The electrical connector in claim 12 is further comprising a cable means connected to said conductive pins. 17) The electrical connector in claim 12 is further comprising a rotatable sleeve for controlling said anchoring mechanism positions such that, when turning said rotatable sleeve clockwise or counterclockwise said anchoring mechanism is urged to deflect or align said pins respectively. 18) A device for connecting and locking electrical plugs to power outlets comprising: a) a first side having a male electrical connector is able to be inserted and releasably anchored into said power outlet comprising: i) a plurality of electrically conductive pins for contacting power outlet terminals, and at least one of said pins having a root portion with high friction surface; and ii) an anchoring mechanism for mounting said pins, said anchoring mechanism is structured to be able to radially deflect at least one of said pins, wherein said pins are easy to be inserted or removed from bores of said power outlet as long as no pin is deflected, when said anchoring mechanism deflects at least one of said pins, said pins will be urged laterally to press on side surfaces of said bores which generates a static friction force between said side surfaces and said high friction surface of said pins, said friction force works in a direction opposite to withdrawal forces tending to remove said electrical connector. b) a second side having a locking electrical receptacle for receiving and locking said electrical plug and preventing it from being removed by said withdrawal forces comprising: i) a receptacle housing having a plurality aperture for receiving prongs of said plug therein; and at least two terminal contacts for connecting electricity to said plug prongs, said terminal contacts are connected to said connector pins; and iii) a clamp means having a locking and unlocking positions, said clamp means is mounted between said terminal contacts and said apertures, when said clamp means is set to said locking position while said prongs is inserted therein, said clamp means will lock said plug by pressing onto at least one of said prongs, wherein said pressing action produces a high clamping force between said prongs and said clamp means, said clamping force works in a direction opposite to said withdrawal forces direction, making said plug fasten in place, and when said clamp means set to said unlocking position, said clamp means will release said clamping force from said prongs making said plug free to withdraw; c) an assembly means combining said first and second sides, said assembly means is structured for controlling said clamp means of said locking receptacle and said anchoring mechanism of said electrical connector, wherein said assembly means is synchronizing positions of said clamp means and said anchoring mechanism such that both are in locking or unlocking positions simultaneously, 19) The device in claim 18 wherein said connector pins and receptacle apertures are rounded types. 20) The device in claim 18 wherein said clamp means comprising two jaws. 21) The device in claim 20 wherein said jaws having a friction pads adjacent to said prongs. 22) The device in claim 20 wherein said jaws having friction pads adjacent to said prongs, said pads are made from elastic material. 23) The device in claim 20 wherein said jaws having friction pads adjacent to said prongs, said pads are made from rubber. 24) The device in claim 20 wherein said jaws are guided by an elliptic path which has major and minor diameters such that said jaws are aligned with said minor diameter when said clamp means is in said locking position, and said jaws are aligned with said major diameter when said clamp means is in said unlocking position. 25) The device in claim 20 wherein said jaws are structured for blocking said apertures when no electrical plugs are inserted therein and said clamp means in locking position. 26) The device in claim 18 wherein said assembly means is further comprising a rotatable sleeve which is able to axially rotate such that, twisting said rotatable sleeve clockwise and counterclockwise is urging said clamp means and anchoring mechanism to lock and unlock respectively. 27) The device in claim 18 wherein said anchoring mechanism further comprising a deflection amplifier means for increasing said pins deflection when said withdrawal force increases, thus increasing said friction force generated to overcome said withdrawal force. 28) A method for locking and unlocking an electrical plug in a power outlet comprising the steps of: a) providing a locking device that includes i) a locking receptacle in a first side having a clamping mechanism and contact terminals therein, said receptacle is capable for receiving and releasably locking said electrical plug; and ii) a male connector in a second side having a plurality of deflectable conductive pins with at least one having high friction surface at root, said connector pins are mounted in a movable anchoring mechanism which is able to radially move at least one of said pins, said male connector is capable for anchoring into power outlet when one or more of said pins is deflected; and iii) a body portion for combining said two sides, said body is coupled with a rotatable sleeve which is axially rotatable clockwise and counterclockwise for controlling said clamping mechanism and said anchoring mechanism simultaneously to lock or unlock respectively b) plugging said locking device into said power outlet so that said male connector pins are inserted into bores of said power outlet. c) plugging said electrical plug into said locking receptacle in said second side of said locking device. d) twisting said rotatable sleeve or said electric plug clockwise to i) connect electric power from said power outlet to said electrical plug through said connector pins and receptacle terminals ii) urging said clamping mechanism to lock said electrical plug into said locking receptacle iii) urging said anchoring mechanism of said male connector to deflect at least one of said pins to anchor into said power outlet bores. whereby said electrical plug is connected and locked into said locking receptacle and said male 5 connector is connected and anchored into said power outlet bores. e) twisting said rotatable sleeve or said electric plug counterclockwise to i) disconnect electric power to said electrical plug ii) releasing said clamping mechanism iii) urging said anchoring mechanism to align said connector pins with said outlet bores lQvhereby said electrical plug unlocked and able to be unplugged, further said locking mechanism is released and able to be unplugged too. 29) The method in claim 28, further comprising a step for blocking said power outlet apertures when no said plug is inserted therein, by plugging said locking device into said power outlet and twisting said rotatable sleeve clockwise, thus said anchoring mechanism will anchor in said 15 bores and said clamping mechanism will block said locking receptacle apertures preventing insertion of object or plugs. |
| AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 07 September 2018 (07.09.2018) [Claim 1] A locking electrical receptacle (112) for receiving and releasably locking an electrical plug therein, said receptacle comprising: a receptacle housing having a plurality aperture (78, 80) for receiving prongs of said plug therein; at least two terminal contacts (42, 44) for connecting electricity to said prongs; and a clamp means (54, 56, 58,60, 62, 64) having a locking and unlocking positions, said clamp means is mounted between said terminal contacts and said apertures, wherein said clamp means can be positioned in said locking and unlocking positions by user action, such that when said clamp means is set to said locking position while said prongs are inserted therein, said clamp means will lock said plug by pressing onto at least one of said prongs, and when said clamp means is set to said unlocking position, said clamp means will be released, making said plug free to withdraw. [Claim 2] The locking receptacle in claim 1 wherein said clamp means comprising two jaws (54, 56). [Claim 3] The locking receptacle in claim 2 wherein said jaws having friction pads (58, 60, 62, 64) adjacent to said prongs. [Claim 4] The locking receptacle in claim 3 wherein said jaws having friction pads adjacent to said prongs, said friction pads are made from elastic material. [Claim 5] The locking receptacle in claim 3 wherein said jaws having friction pads adjacent to said prongs, said friction pads are made from rubber. [Claim 6] The locking receptacle in claim 2 wherein said jaws are guided by an elliptic path (90) which has major and minor diameters, such that said jaws are aligned with said minor diameter when said clamp means is in said locking position, and said jaws are aligned with said major diameter when said clamp means is in said unlocking position. [Claim 7] The locking receptacle in claim 2 wherein said jaws are able to block said apertures when said clamp means is in said locking position and no electrical plug is inserted therein. [Claim 8] The locking receptacle in claim 1 wherein said apertures are rounded type to receive plugs with rounded prongs. [Claim 9] The locking receptacle in claim 1 wherein said receptacle housing having a rotatable sleeve (66) which allows said user to control said clamp means positions, so that by turning said rotatable sleeve clockwise and counterclockwise, said clamp means will be in said locking and unlocking positions respectively. The locking receptacle in claim 1 is further comprising a cable means (154) connected to said terminal contacts. The locking receptacle in claim 1 is further comprising a mounting means (160) for mounting said locking receptacle to a any surface and connecting said terminal contacts to electrical wires (156) installed within said surface. A male electrical connector (114) for being connected and releasably anchored into a power outlet to prevent unintentional removal by withdrawal force, said connector comprising: a plurality of electrically conductive pins (34, 36) for contacting terminals of said power outlet, and at least one of said pins having a root portion with high friction surface (96, 98); and an anchoring mechanism (26, 28, 38, 40) for diverting said withdrawal force to a lateral force and transmitting said lateral force to said pins, wherein said lateral force urges at least one of said pins to angularly deflect against bores of said power outlet causing said electrical connector (114) to anchor within said power outlet. The electrical connector in claim 12 wherein said electrically conductive pins are rounded types. The electrical connector in claim 12 wherein said high friction surface is made of textured material. The electrical connector in claim 12 is further comprising a releasing means (70, 108, 110) for deactivating said anchoring mechanism to freely install or remove said electrical connector from said power outlet. The electrical connector in claim 12 is further comprising a cable means (152) connected to said conductive pins. The electrical connector in claim 15 is further comprising a rotatable sleeve (66) for controlling said releasing means such that, when turning said rotatable sleeve clockwise and counterclockwise said releasing means is activating and deactivating said anchoring mechanism respectively. An electrical adapter (10) for connecting and releasably locking an electrical plug to a power outlet and preventing said plug from being unintentionally removed by withdrawal force, said adapter comprising: a male connector (114) having plurality of electrically conductive pins (34, 36) connected to terminal contacts (42, 44), wherein at least one of said pins having a root portion with high friction surface (96, 98), said mail connector further comprising an anchoring mechanism (38, 40) for deflecting at least one of said pins against bores of said power outlet causing said connector to anchor within said power outlet; a locking receptacle (112) having a plurality aperture (78, 80) and a clamp means (54, 56, 58,60, 62, 64) having a locking and unlocking positions, said clamp means is mounted between said terminal contacts and said apertures such that when said clamp means is set to said locking position while said prongs are inserted therein, said clamp means will lock said plug by pressing onto at least one of said prongs, and when said clamp means is set to said unlocking position, said clamp means will be released, making said plug free to withdraw; and an assembly means (50) for combining said male connector and said locking receptacle, said assembly means is structured for synchronizing said clamp means and said anchoring mechanism such that both are in locking or unlocking positions simultaneously. The adapter in claim 18 wherein said connector pins and receptacle apertures are rounded types. The adapter in claim 18 wherein said clamp means comprising two jaws (54, 56). The adapter in claim 20 wherein said jaws having friction pads (58, 60, 62, 64) adjacent to said prongs. The adapter in claim 21 wherein said jaws having friction pads adjacent to said prongs, said friction pads are made from elastic material. The adapter in claim 21 wherein said jaws having friction pads adjacent to said prongs, said friction pads are made from rubber. The adapter in claim 20 wherein said jaws are guided by an elliptic path (90) which has major and minor diameters such that said jaws are aligned with said minor diameter when said clamp means is in said locking position, and said jaws are aligned with said major diameter when said clamp means is in said unlocking position. The adapter in claim 20 wherein said jaws are able to block said apertures when said clamp means is in said locking position and no electrical plug is inserted therein. The adapter in claim 18 wherein said assembly means (50) is further comprising a rotatable sleeve (66) which is able to axially rotate such that, twisting said rotatable sleeve clockwise and counterclockwise will urge simultaneously said clamp means and said anchoring mechanism to lock and unlock respectively. [Claim 27] The adapter in claim 18 wherein said anchoring mechanism is further comprising a deflection amplifier means (26, 28, 30, 32) for diverting said withdrawal force to a lateral force and transmitting said lateral force to said pins, wherein said lateral force increases said angular deflection of said pins therefore increases attachment of said male connector. [Claim 28] A method for locking and unlocking an electrical plug in a power outlet comprising the steps of: providing a locking adapter (10) that includes: a locking receptacle (112) having a clamping mechanism (54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64) and contact terminals (42, 44), said receptacle is capable for receiving and releasably locking said electrical plug therein; a male connector (114) having conductive pins (34, 36) with high friction surface at root (96, 98), said pins are mounted to an anchoring mechanism (38, 40) which is able to angularly deflect at least one of said pins against bores of said power outlet; and a body portion (50) having a rotatable sleeve (66) which is axially rotatable clockwise and counterclockwise for controlling said clamping mechanism and said anchoring mechanism simultaneously to lock and unlock respectively; plugging said locking adapter (10) into said power outlet; plugging said electrical plug into said locking receptacle (112); twisting said rotatable sleeve (66) or said electric plug clockwise to: connect electrical power from said power outlet to said electrical plug through said connector pins and receptacle terminals, urge said clamping mechanism to lock said electrical plug, and urge said anchoring mechanism to anchor in said power outlet by deflecting at least one of said pins against said bores; twisting said rotatable sleeve (66) or said electric plug counterclockwise to: disconnect electrical power, release said clamping mechanism, and urge said anchoring mechanism to align said pins with said bores. [Claim 29] A method for blocking and unblocking a power outlet comprising the steps of: providing a locking adapter (10) that includes : a locking receptacle (112) having apertures (78, 80) and a clamping mechanism (54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64), said clamping mechanism is able to block said apertures; A male connector (114) having pins (34, 36) with high friction surface at root (96, 98), said pins are mounted to an anchoring mechanism (38, 40) which is able to angularly deflect at least one of said pins against bores of said power outlet; and a body portion (50) having a rotatable sleeve (66) which is axially rotatable clockwise and counterclockwise for controlling said clamping mechanism and said anchoring mechanism simultaneously to lock or unlock respectively; plugging said locking adapter (10) into said power outlet; twisting said rotatable sleeve (66) clockwise to: urge said clamping mechanism to block said apertures, and urge said anchoring mechanism to anchor in said power outlet by deflecting at least one of said pins against said bores; twisting said rotatable sleeve (66) counterclockwise to: release said clamping mechanism and reopening said apertures, and urge said anchoring mechanism to align said pins with said bores. |
The present invention relates to electric safety. And more particularly, the invention relates to preventing electrical plugs from being removed unintentionally.
Background Art
Electrical plugs are primarily used to provide access to the main power supply, and they can be accidentally removed from the power outlets if the power cord or the plug is accidentally pulled either by person, child, pet or by moving the attached device. In the case where the electrical plug is totally removed from the power outlet, a undesirable loss of electrical power will occur. However, the most dangerous case is when the plug is partially pulled out while remaining electrically connected. In such case, the plug prongs are exposed, loose and badly connected which in turn may cause electric sparks, fire and if touched they can cause electric shock to a child or a pet playing around.
There can also be a serious danger when the electrical plug is not installed in the electrical outlet. Consider someone, especially children, inserting a conductive object (e.g. metallic) or a plug into the power outlet. Both cases may lead to an electrical shock especially if the plug is partially inserted and parts of the prongs are exposed.
Various methods and devices have been proposed to ensure engagement between e'ectrical plugs and power outlets and hence prevent accidental disengagement. Additionally, there are several devices used for blocking the power outlet bores to prevent insertion of any object therein. A number of patents are concerned with providing a cover for the power outlet to protect children from inserting objects therein. For example: US7652210, US6108178, US6674003, US2007/0256850, US7056145, US2709198, US2987909, US3467763, US4584856,
US4674813, US5061 199, US3159446, US4603931 , US6479749, US4603931 , US6908502, US2002/0118498, US6780031 , US3775729, US3491327, US5599196, US6198046,
US5791931 , US5286213 and US5791931. Few patents suggested preventing the unintentional removal of electrical plugs through replacing the plug and the power outlet with a custom designed set of plug and receptacle that can be locked together. For example: US6358076, US5344333 and US3121599.
Other patents use cord fixing mechanisms to overcome the unintentional removal. For example: US6071142, US6491539, US2013/183855, US4652069, US4702709, US4851612, US5348495, US5575677, US5655924, US6071142, US6095846, US6491539, US6769930, US7014493, US7056145, and US7722380.
There are also patents which use a hooking mechanism to lock plugs with bladed prongs. These mechanisms comprise hooks that protrude through the holes in the bladed prongs. For example: US2732531 , US3891289, US5551884, US5194013, US5893772, US5941724, US6193539, US6454576, US7080889, US7172451 , US7361045, US7484986,
US2003/0207606, US2010/0144187, US3066276, US3233204, US2771590, US2016755 and US1957773.
Patents US8152554 and US2005/0101169 proposed a concept for locking the electrical plug using the withdrawal force (tending to remove the plug) and converting it to a clamping force that prevent the plug from being removed.
Finally, some patents proposed modifying the prongs of the electrical plugs with a hooking mechanism that can hook in the cavity inside the power outlet bores. For example:
US2005/0124200, US6171129, US2009/0061667 and US7798838. Although all previous patents presented solutions to protect electrical plugs and power outlets, each has its own drawback making it a less effective solution in most cases.
Covering the power outlet only protects from insertion of objects but does not protect the electrical plug from being removed unintentionally. Covers and caps must be removed with a special tool every time before using the power outlet. Hence, it is an impractical solution for the power outlets that are used frequently.
Other solutions that required a replacement of the electrical plug and the power outlet are not practical. This is because it is not convincing to replace every plug and outlet.
Additionally, installing a fixation mechanism to hold the cord in place is not ideal in most cases as these mechanisms are bulky and designe to fit in specific types of power outlets. Modifying the power outlet with a locking mechanism that hooks into holes of the plug prongs is a good solution. However, it is only valid for specific types of plugs that have holes within its prongs. Hence, the mechanism does not work with all other types of plugs. While a more general solution is presented by those patents that convert the withdrawal force to a clamping force, it still has several defects such as that the clamping force is a reaction coming after moving the plug, this means that the withdrawal force must be applied and the electrical plug must be partially pulled out prior to activating the clamping mechanism. Such movement of the plug can break the electrical connection. Even if the movement is too small to break the connection, a portion of plug prongs will be exposed and electrically connected, increasing hazards of electrical shock if anyone is playing around.
Modifying the electrical plug with a mechanism to hook in the cavity inside the power outlet does not practically work with most of power outlets. This is due to the fact that not all outlets have a cavity inside to hook in. Even if outlets have a cavity inside, cavities do not typically have the same depth and dimensions which makes the provision of a universal hooking mechanism capable of hooking in all types of power outlets very difficult.
Disclosure of the Invention
The present invention is a device and a method that can be used to protect electrical plugs from being removed or partially withdrawn accidentally or unintentionally. This invention is also capable of blocking power outlets and hence prevents insertion of any object therein.
The present invention provides a solution for all types of electrical plugs and power outlets particularly, the rounded prongs types. Moreover, it is simple, easy to use and does not require any modification to the electrical plug or the power outlet. The present invention is universal. It is capable of protecting all shapes and standards of electrical plugs including types (C) and (F) as well as rounded pins chargers and adapters of any size. Furthermore, it fits within all shapes and standards of power outlets including types(C), (F) and the combined (C-A).
The present invention allows adults to install, lock, unlock, remove and reinstall the electrical plug rapidly without any need for tools or modifications to either the power outlet or the plug. While it is easy to be installed or removed by adults, it is impossible to be removed by children.
There are several uses of the present invention, ror example, it can be used in two ways within the child proofing sector. First if no plug is installed, the device can be used as a tamper resistant as it blocks the power outlet bores and prevents children from inserting any objects inside the outlet causing electric shocks. Second, if the electrical plug is installed, the device is capable of preventing partially or fully removal of the plug and hence avoids the fatal electric shock possibility which can happen if a child put his/her finger or an object between the socket and the loosened plug. There are many potential users that can benefit from the present invention. In computer safety, the device will prevent unintentional power outages during long and continuous processing. At home, it can be used to ensure continuous electric feed to home appliances such as vacuum cleaners, refrigerator, etc. More importantly, it can be used to guarantee
uninterrupted power supply to medical devices in hospitals and equipment in factories.
Drawings Reference Numerals:
10 The First Embodiment 86, 88 Smooth Tip
12 Electrical Plug Type (C) 90 Elliptic Path
14 Electrical Plug Type (F) 92, 94 Smooth Metallic Portion
16 Power outlet Type (C-A) 96, 98 High Friction Portion
18 Power outlet Type (F) 100, 102 Pusher's Inclined Surface
20 Power outlet Type (C) 104, 106 Leg's Inclined Surface
22 Wall 108, 110 Paddle
24 Base Plate 112 Locking Receptacle
26, 28 Pusher 114 Male connector
30, 32 Spring 116, 118 Bore
34, 36 Special Pin 120, 122 Clip
38, 40 Leg 124, 126 (F) Plug Metallic prong
42, 44 Terminal contact 128, 130 (F) Power outlet Earth Clip
46, 48 Stationary Ground Contact 132, 134 (F) Plug Earth Clip
50 Assembling shell 136, 138 (C) Plug Metallic prong
52 Security Lip 140, 142 (C) Plug Insulated prong
54, 56 Jaw 144, 1 6 Area Of Friction
58,60,62,64 Friction Pad 148, 150 Back Shell
66 Rotatable Sleeve 152, 154, Cable
68 Security Button 156, 158 Cable
70 Legs Guide Fin 160 Wall Mounting means
71 Receptacle Housing 162 Electric Box
72 Jaws Guide Fin 164 Power Hub
74, 76 Rotatable Ground Contact 152a, b, c Wire Terminal
78, 80 Aperture 154a, b, c Wire Terminal
82, 84 Groove 156a, b, c Wire Terminal There are three embodiments for this invention. Each has its features which widely increase the scope of work for the present invention within different fields and applications.
The first embodiment of this invention is a universal adapter that connects power outlets and electrical plugs. This adapter has locking and unlocking positions. It also has two sides. The first side contains a male electric connector that can be inserted and anchored in power outlets. The second side contains a locking receptacle that is able to receive and lock electrical plugs therein. As such, by very easy and straight forward steps, a user can connect and securely lock electrical plugs to power outlets without any further modifications to any of them.
The second embodiment of this invention is a lockable electrical plug that can be used as a conventional plug with extra features of locking in the power outlet when required.
The third embodiment of this invention is a locking receptacle. In this case it is able to receive electrical plugs in similar fashion to conventional receptacles but with the further capability of locking the electrical plug therein. The locking receptacle can be found in different configurations such as power outlet, power extension and power hub. In the description which follows, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and in some instances, proportions have been exaggerated in order to allow clearer depiction of certain features of the invention.
Figures from (1 ) to (36) illustrate components and methods of uses for the first embodiment of this invention as follow: FIG (1 ) shows the first embodiment (10) between the electrical plug (C) type (12) and (F) type (14) and the wall outlets (C) type (20) , (F) type (18) and the combined (C-A) type (16).
As shown in FIG(2) and FIG(3), the first embodiment comprises two sides. The first is an axially rotatable locking receptacle (112) that can receive and lock electrical plugs therein. The second side is a male connector (1 14) with two special pins (34), (36) which is able to be inserted and anchored in power outlets. Both sides are assembled to the assembling shell (50).
Components of the first embodiment are exploded in FIG (4) and FIG (5). These
Components are divided into three main parts, a locking receptacle (1 2), a male connector (114) and an assembling shell (50).
The male connector (1 14) comprises a base plate (24) and two pushers (26),(28) which are separated away by two springs (30), (32) .The two springs are preloaded so they always force pushers (26),(28) to move outward. The two legs (38),(40) hold the two special pins (34),(36)and connect them to the two terminals (42),(44). The stationary ground contacts (46), (48) are fixed to the assembling shell (50).
The locking receptacle (112) comprises a receptacle housing (71) and two clamping jaws (54), (56) each has two friction pads (58), (60) and (62), (64). The locking receptacle also comprises a rotatable sleeve (66), a security button (68),a jaws guide fin (72), a legs guide fin (70) and two rotatable ground contacts (74), (7Q.
The locking receptacle (112) illustrated in FIG (6) and FIG (7) is the key responsible for fixing and locking electrical plugs. It comprises a rotatable sleeve (66) and two clamping jaws (54), (56). The rotatable sleeve (66) contains two rotatable contacts (74), (76) which connect ground line to the plugs earth clips. Additionally it comprises two apertures (78), (80) that plug prongs are inserted in. Also it has jaws guide fin (72) and legs guide fin (70). Further, it has security button (68). Jaws (54) and (56) each contain two friction pads (58), (60) and (64), (62) respectively. These pads could be rubber, silicon or any other material which has a high friction coefficient. Jaws guide fin (72) guides jaws (54),- (56) through grooves (82), (84) so that the jaws (54), (56) are able to slide radially and rotate with the jaws guide fin (72). Each jaw (54), (56) has its smooth tip (86), (88) which can slide freely inside the elliptic path (90) of the assembling shell (50).
FIG (8) and FIG (9) illustrate the male connector which is responsible for anchoring in the power outlet circular bores. Pins (34), (36) are specially made for the purpose of generating a high friction so each has smooth metallic portion (92), (94) and high friction portion (96), (98) which may be rough, textured or coated by any high friction material. The two special pins (34), (36) are fixed to an anchoring mechanism whichi comprises two legs (38), (40), each leg has an inclined smooth surface (104), (106) and paddle (108), (110). Leg's inclined surfaces (104), (106) are adjacent to Pusher's inclined smooth surfaces (100), (102) so they can slide freely over each other. Pushers (26), (28) are subjected to an outward force exerted by two preloaded springs (30), (32). The outward force transmitted to legs (38), (40) through the pusher's inclined smooth surfaces (100), (102)
FIG (10) through FIG (13) are showing the process of fixing and locking electric plug type (F) to a power outlet type (F). FIG (10) illustrates the arrangement of the power outlet (18), the first embodiment (10) and the electrical plug (14). In IG (11), the first embodiment (10) is inserted in power outlet (18). In FIG (12) the plug (14) is inserted in the other side of first embodiment (10). By turning either the rotatable sleeve (66) or plug (14) 90 degrees clockwise, the three members power outlet (18), the first embodiment (10) and electrical plug (14) will be all fixed together and locked and the power is connected to the plug (14). In FIG (13) electrical plug (14) is fixed and locked in place with the power outlet (18) so it cannot be turned or pulled out. To unlock and remove electrical plug (14), the security button (68) must be pressed then either the rotatable sleeve (66) or plug (14) must be turned 90 degrees counter clock wise.
FIG (14) and FIG (15) are sectional views which provide further illustration of the first embodiment (10) unlocked and connected to power outlet (18) and electrical plug (14). As shown in FIG (14), the first embodiment is in the unlock position and the male connector is free to slide in and out within the outlet bores (116), (118). That is because the legs guide fin (70) is preventing any movement of the leg's paddles (110), (108). Therefore, legs (38), (40) are fixed in place against pushers (26), (28). Therefore, pins (34), (36) are aligned with the outlet bores (116), (118). So, they can be inserted or removed easily without touching the surface of bores (116), (118).
FIG (14) shows plug prongs (124), (126) between the two clamping jaws (54), (56) and four friction pads (58), (60), (62), (64). When the device is in the unlock position, jaws guide fin (72) directs the two jaws (54),(56) to be aligned with the major diameter of the elliptic path (90) so these four friction pads (58), (60), (62), (64) are uncompressed therefore plug's pins (124), (126) are free to move in and out.
FIG (16) and FIG (17) are sectional views taken in FIG (13) which demonstrate the first embodiment in the lock position and how it fixes plug and power outlet together. In FIG (16), a side sectional view is showing how the male connector (114) is anchored in the power outlets bores (116), (118). When the legs guide fin (70) rotates 90 degrees then leg paddles (108), (110) will be free therefore legs (38), (40) will be affected only by the outward forces transmitted from pushers (28), (26). These forces move legs (38), (40) and pins (34), (36) outward until pins high friction portion (96), (98) touch the power outlet bores (116), (118) at area of friction (144), (146). Electric power is transmitted from the power outlet power clips (122), (120) to plug prongs (124), (126) by the special pins (34), (36) and the terminal contacts(42), (44). Further in FIG (16), the anchoring mechanism amplifies the anchoring force when a withdrawal force is applied plug (14). Amplification of the anchoring force will guarantee the attachment of plug (14) even if the withdrawal force increases. This amplification is achieved by increasing the friction forces between special pins (34), (36) and bores (116), (118) as follow: The withdrawal force applied to plug (14) will be transmitted to the base plate (24) through assembling shell (50). The base plate (24) will transmit the pulling force to pushers (26), (28) then to legs (38), (40). The contact areas between pushers (26), (28) and legs (38), (40) are inclined and smooth. As a result of that, the transmitted force will be in the direction
perpendicular to the inclined surfaces (106), (104). These forces transmitted to legs (26), (28) will increase the friction force between power outlets bores (116), (118) and the pins high friction portions (96), (98). This friction force is in the opposite direction of the pulling force applied to plug (14) and always higher in value, which ensuring the attachment of the plug with the power outlet regardless of the pulling force applied.
FIG (17) is showing plug prongs (124), (126) clamped under four friction pads (58), (60), (62), (64). These pads are now compressed because the clamping jaws (54), (56) are rotated and aligned with the minor diameter of the elliptic path (90). Plug prongs (124), (126) cannot be moved out because of the high clamping force between it and the friction pads (58), (60), (62), (64).
FIG (18) and FIG (19) are showing plug prongs (124), (126) between friction pads (58), (60), (62), (64) while the first embodiment is in the unlocking and locking positions respectively. FIG (20) and FIG (21) are showing plug prongs (124), (126) and terminal contacts (42), (44) in unlock and lock positions respectively. It also illustrates that the electric power is not transmitted to plug's pins (124), (126) until it contact terminal contacts (41), (44) which is happen only when the plug is locked.
FIG (22) and FIG (23) illustrate how the ground line is connected between plug earth clips (132), (134) and power outlets earth clips (128), ( 30) through the rotatable ground contacts (74), (76) and stationary ground contact(46), (46).
The first embodiment of this invention is also capable to fix plug type (C) with all power outlet types as shown in FIG (24) through FIG (31). All the previous descriptions about plug (F) (14) are common with plug (C) (12) except that there is no earth clips in type (C) (12). FIG (32), FIG (33) and FIG (34) are illustrating simplicity of the present inventions ( 0) which makes is capable to fit in a multiple outlet (148) side by side with other electrical plug.
FIG (35) and FIG (36) show that the first embodiment can be used itself as a tamper resistant device by installing it in the power outlet th n rotating its rotatable sleeve (66) 90 degrees clock wise. Then the present invention (10) will be fixed and locked in place with power outlet (18) and the two apertures (78), (80) will be blocked by the friction pads (58), (60), (62), (64). Installing and locking the present invention in the power outlet protects children from inserting any object in the power outlet outlets which prevent electrical shocks when no plug installed. To reuse the power outlet again, the security button (68) must be pressed then rotatable sleeve (66) must be rotates 90 degrees counter clock wise so the apertures (78), (80) will be opened.
Figures (37) through (39) illustrate the second embodiment of this invention, which is a lockable electrical plug. This lockable plug comprises a male connector (1 4), an assembling shell (50), rotatable sleeve (66) and a back shell (148). In Fig (38) and (39), the male connector is connected to the cable (152) through wire terminals (152a) and (152b) while the ground contact (48) is connected to the ground wire terminal (152c). The second embodiment of this invention can be inserted or removed from power outlets as a conventional plug while the rotatable sleeve (66) is in the unlock position. However, it can be locked in the power outlet when the rotatable sleeve (66) rotates 90 degrees clock wise. The male connectors in the first embodiment and in the second one are identically having the same components and working principles. So that, all descriptions and figures of the male connector in the first embodiment are applied to the second embodiment.
The third embodiment of this invention is a different configuration of the locking receptacle (112) (described in the first embodiment). It has the same components and working principles recited in the first embodiment descriptions and figures. With some modifications, this locking receptacle can be used as a power extension or a wall outlet.
Figures (40) through (45) are illustrating the different configurations of the third embodiment. In Fig(40), (41) and (42), the first configuration comprises the locking receptacle (112) connected to an electric cable (154) to be used as a single port power extension with an extra option of locking plugs therein. Fig (42) shows the connection between the locking receptacle (112) and the electric cable (154). Terminals contacts (42), (44) are connected to the wire terminals (154a), (154b) and the ground contact (76) is connected to the wire terminal (154c).
In Fig (43) and (44), a wall outlet configuration of the third embodiment is shown. Mounting the locking receptacle (112) to the wall (22) by a mounting means (160) provides another application of the third embodiment. In this configuration the third embodiment works like a conventional wall outlet. Further, it is able to lock plugs inserted therein. In Fig (44), the terminal contacts (42), (44) are connected to the wire terminals (156a), (156b) of the wall electrical cable (156) and the ground contact (76) is connected to the ground wire terminal (156c). In Fig (45), the third embodiment of this invention is configured as a power hub when multiple locking receptacles (1 12) are assembled to a power hub (164) and connected to a cable (158).
Brief Description of Drawings
A clear understanding of the key features of the invention summarized above may be had by reference to the appended drawings, which illustrate the method and device of this invention, although it will be understood that such drawings depict preferred embodiments of the invention and, therefore, are not to be considered as limiting its scope with regard to other embodiments which the invention is capable of contemplating. Figure (1)a perspective view of the first embodiment of the invention between plugs and power outlets.
Figure (2) a back perspective view of the first embodiment of the invention.
Figure (3) a front perspective view of the first embodiment of the invention. Figure (4) a back fully exploded view of the first embodiment of the invention.
Figure (5) a front fully exploded view of the first embodiment of the invention.
Figure (6) a front exploded perspective view of the rotating parts in first embodiment of the invention.
Figure (7) a back exploded perspective view of the rotating part in the first embodiment of the invention.
Figure (8) a back exploded perspective view the male connector of the first embodiment of the invention.
Figure (9) a front exploded perspective view the male connector of the first embodiment of the invention. Figure (10) a perspective view of the first embodiment of the invention between plug type (F) and power outlet type (F).
Figure (11) a perspective view of the first embodiment of the invention installed in the power outlet.
Figure (12) a perspective view showing plug type (F) installed and unlocked. Figure (13) a perspective view showing plug type (F) installed and locked.
Figure (14) a side sectional view showing, the plug type (F) installed and unlocked, taken along lines l-l of FIG (12).
Figure (15) a front sectional view showing, the plug type (F) installed and unlocked, taken along lines ll-ll of FIG (14). Figure (16) a side sectional view showing, the plug type (F) installed and locked, taken along lines Ill-Ill of FIG (13).
Figure (17) a front sectional view showing, the plug type (F) installed and locked, taken along lines IV-IV of FIG (16) . Figure (18) a perspective sectional view showing, the jaws in the unlock position, taken along lines V-V of FIG (12).
Figure (19) a perspective sectional view showing, the jaws in the lock position, taken along lines VI-Vl of FIG (13). Figure (20) a perspective sectional view showing, plug prongs at the unlock position, taken along lines VII-VII of FIG (12).
Figure (21) a perspective sectional view showing, plug is locked and prongs are connected to terminal contact, taken along lines VIII-VIII of FIG (13).
Figure (22) a cut in plug type (F) showing the ground connection. Figure (23) a sectional view showing, the two ground connections of plug type (F), taken along lines IX-IX of FIG (22).
Figure (24) a perspective view of the first embodiment of the invention between plug type (C) and power outlet type (F).
Figure (25) a perspective view of the first embodiment of the invention installed in the power outlet.
Figure (26) a perspective view showing, the plug type (C) installed and unlocked.
Figure (27) a perspective view showing, the plug type (C) installed and locked.
Figure (28) a side sectional view showing, the plug type (C) installed and unlocked, taken along lines X-X of FIG (26). Figure (29) a front sectional view showing the plug type (C) installed and unlocked, taken along lines XI-XI of FIG (28).
Figure (30) a side sectional view showing, the plug type (C) installed and locked, taken along lines XII-XII of FIG (27).
Figure (31) a front sectional view showing, the plug type (C) installed and locked, taken along lines XIV-XIV of FIG (30).
Figure (32) a perspective view showing, the power outlet type (F) with two outlets.
Figure (33) a perspective view showing, the plug type (C) installed and locked to one outlet of power outlet. Figure (34) a perspective view showing, the plug type (C) installed and locked into one outlet of power outlet and plug type (F) installed and locked into the other outlet.
Figure (35) a front perspective view showing, the first embodiment of the invention installed and unlocked into a power outlet. Figure (36) a front perspective view showing, the first embodiment of the invention locked into the power outlet and its openings are blocked.
Figure (37) a perspective view showing, the second embodiment of this invention.
Figure (38) a perspective view showing, the second embodiment is opened to show the connection between its terminal contacts and the electric cable. Figure (39) a perspective view showing, further details for the second embodiment connected to terminals of the electric cable.
Figure (40) a front perspective view showing, the third embodiment of this invention connected to an electric cable.
Figure (41) a rear perspective view showing, the third embodiment of this invention connected to an electric cable.
Figure (42) a perspective view showing the third embodiment opened and connected to an electric cable.
Figure (43) a front perspective view showing, the third embodiment mounted to the wall by a mounting means. Figure (44) is a rear perspective view showing the third embodiment mounted to the wall electrical system.
Figure (45) a perspective view showing the third embodiment within a hub means.