Login| Sign Up| Help| Contact|

Patent Searching and Data


Title:
A WATERPROOF POWER COUPLER
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2019/040971
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A waterproof power coupler (1) comprising: a housing (10), the housing (10) having a base (11) and sidewalls (13) defining a chamber (20); a cover (12) movable between a sealed position, preventing access to the chamber (20), and an open position, allowing access to the chamber (20); a power outlet (36) located in the chamber (20); and a continuous seal (30) located between, and engaged by, the housing (10) and the cover (12) in the sealed position to waterproof the chamber (20) in use, the continuous seal (30) having an aperture (32) adapted to sealingly engage an electrical lead connected to the power outlet (36).

Inventors:
ZAURRINI PASQUALE PETER (AU)
Application Number:
PCT/AU2018/000163
Publication Date:
March 07, 2019
Filing Date:
September 03, 2018
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
ZAP CAP IP PTY LTD (AU)
International Classes:
H01R13/52; H05K5/06
Foreign References:
US20140235119A12014-08-21
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
SPRUSON & FERGUSON (AU)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS:

1. A waterproof power coupler comprising:

a housing, the housing having a base and sidewalls defining a chamber;

a cover movable between a sealed position, preventing access to the chamber, and an open position, allowing access to the chamber;

a power outlet located in the chamber; and

a continuous seal located between, and engaged by, the housing and the cover in the sealed position to waterproof the chamber in use, the continuous seal having an aperture adapted to sealingly engage an electrical lead connected to the power outlet.

2. The waterproof power coupler of claim 1, wherein the housing and the cover are connected by a hinge.

3. The waterproof power coupler of claim 1 or 2, wherein the cover, in the sealed position, is secured to the housing by a toggle catch.

4. The waterproof power coupler of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cover is made of a transparent material allowing visual inspection of the chamber.

5. The waterproof power coupler of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the aperture of the continuous seal is adapted to frictionally engage an electrical lead to inhibit separation of the electrical lead from the power outlet in use.

6. The waterproof power coupler of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the power outlet has a power outlet switch adapted to selectively prevent provision of electrical power at the power outlet.

7. The waterproof power coupler of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the waterproof power coupler comprises two or more power outlets.

8. The waterproof power coupler of claim 7, wherein the two or more power outlets are arranged in the form of a power point.

9. The waterproof power coupler of claim 7 or 8, wherein the number of power outlets and number of apertures is the same.

10. The waterproof power coupler of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the housing has a handle portion.

11. The waterproof power coupler of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the housing has a foot portion adapted to elevate the waterproof interior volume from a support surface.

12. The waterproof power coupler of any one of claims 1 to 1 1 , wherein the waterproof power coupler further comprises a power switch adapted to selectively prevent provision of electrical power at the power outlet.

13. The waterproof power coupler of claim 12, wherein the power switch is located in a switch housing, provided in the housing, the switch housing comprising:

a hatch movable between a sealed hatch position, preventing access to the power switch, and an open hatch position, allowing access to the power switch; and

a switch seal located between the housing and the hatch.

14. The waterproof power coupler of claim 13, wherein the hatch is releasably engageable with the housing using a snap fit.

15. The waterproof power coupler of claim 13 or 14, wherein the power coupler further comprises:

a port adapted to provide direct current power.

16. The waterproof power coupler of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the housing has a power entry point adapted to receive a mains electrical lead from a mains supply, the power entry point comprising an entry seal sealingly engaging the mains electrical lead and the housing.

17. The waterproof power coupler of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the waterproof power coupler comprises a second cover, movable from an open position to a sealed position, wherein, in the sealed position, the second cover and the housing define a second chamber. The waterproof power coupler of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the waterproof coupler is adapted to be installed in and/or onto a wall.

Description:
A WATERPROOF POWER COUPLER

Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a waterproof power coupler. Background

[0002] Electrical leads terminate at one end with a male plug portion that can be connected to a power point. Frequently, the power point is part of a power board or the like. A second end of the electrical lead is generally engaged with an appliance, tool, some piece of an electrical apparatus or the like, to which electrical power is to be supplied. The male plug portion of the electrical lead and the power point are frequently exposed to the environment. This is of particular concern where an electrical lead is being employed in a wet area and the power point is exposed to hazards such as water, dust and/or particulate intrusion. For example, on a building site, construction site, mine or the like. Similar issues can occur around the backyards of the general public.

[0003] A further problem in respect of the abovementioned power boards is that the male plug portion and power outlet can become disconnected, resulting in a loss of electrical power to the appliance, tool or other electrical apparatus. The exposure of a male portion that is half plugged in can also leave a dangerous live circuit exposed which could cause a fire or electrocution.

[0004] Further, in examples where the power board includes a cover, the cover does not seal the board while the male plug portion is inserted into the power point. That is, during operation there is no waterproof seal.

Object of Invention

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or at least substantially ameliorate at least one of the above disadvantages or to provide a useful alternative to presently used power boards.

Summary of Invention [0006] In a first aspect the present invention provides a waterproof power coupler comprising: a housing, the housing having a base and sidewalls defining a chamber;

a cover movable between a sealed position, preventing access to the chamber, and an open position, allowing access to the chamber;

a power outlet located in the chamber; and

a continuous seal located between, and engaged by, the housing and the cover in the sealed position to waterproof the chamber in use, the continuous seal having an aperture adapted to sealingly engage an electrical lead connected to the power outlet.

[0007] Preferably, the housing and the cover are connected by a hinge.

[0008] Preferably, the cover, in the sealed position, is secured to the housing by a toggle catch.

[0009] Preferably, the cover is made of a transparent material allowing visual inspection of the chamber.

[0010] Preferably, the aperture of the continuous seal is adapted to frictionally engage an electrical lead to inhibit separation of the electrical lead from the power outlet in use.

[001 1 ] Preferably, the waterproof power coupler comprises two or more power outlets.

[0012] Preferably, each power outlet has a power outlet switch adapted to selectively prevent provision of electrical power at the respective power outlet.

[0013] Preferably, the two or more power outlets are arranged in the form of a power point. [0014] Preferably, the number of power outlets and number of apertures is the same. [0015] Preferably, the housing has a handle portion.

[0016] Preferably, the housing has a foot portion adapted to elevate the waterproof interior volume from a support surface.

[0017] Preferably, the waterproof power coupler further comprises a power switch adapted to selectively prevent provision of electrical power at the power outlet. [0018] Preferably, the power switch is located in a switch housing, provided in the housing, the switch housing comprising:

a hatch movable between a sealed hatch position, preventing access to the power switch, and an open hatch position, allowing access to the power switch; and

a switch seal located between the housing and the hatch.

[0019] Preferably, the hatch is releasably engageable with the housing using a snap fit.

[0020] Preferably, the housing has a power entry point adapted to receive a mains electrical lead from a mains supply, the power entry point comprising an entry seal sealingly engaging the mains electrical lead and the housing.

[0021] Preferably, the waterproof power coupler comprises a second cover, movable from an open position to a sealed position, wherein, in the sealed position, the second cover and the housing define a second chamber.

[0022] Preferably, the waterproof power coupler is adapted to be installed in and/or onto a wall. Brief Description of Drawings

[0023] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a waterproof power coupler according to the first aspect, in a sealed position.

[0025] Figure 2 is a front view of the waterproof power coupler of Figure 1. [0026] Figure 3 is a left view of the waterproof power coupler of Figure 1. [0027] Figure 4 is a rear view of the waterproof power coupler of Figure 1. [0028] Figure 5 is a right view of the waterproof power coupler of Figure 1. [0029] Figure 6 is a detail view of the waterproof power coupler of Figure 1. [0030] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the waterproof power coupler of Figure 1, in an open position.

[0031] Figure 8 is a front view of the waterproof power coupler of Figure 7.

[0032] Figure 9 is a left view of the waterproof power coupler of Figure 7.

[0033] Figure 10 is a rear view of the waterproof power coupler of Figure 7.

[0034] Figure 1 1 is a right view of the waterproof power coupler of Figure 7.

[0035] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the waterproof power coupler of Figure 1 , in another configuration.

[0036] Figure 13 is a rear view of the waterproof power coupler of Figure 12.

[0037] Figure 14 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a waterproof power coupler according to the first aspect, in a sealed position

[0038] Figure 15 is a front view of the waterproof power coupler of Figure 14.

[0039] Figure 16 is a bottom view of the waterproof power coupler of Figure 14.

[0040] Figure 17 is a perspective view of the waterproof power coupler of Figure 14 in an open position.

[0041 ] Figure 18 is a front view of a third embodiment of the waterproof power coupler according to the first aspect, in a sealed position.

Description of Embodiments

[0042] Figures 1 to 13 show an embodiment of a waterproof power coupler 1 including a housing 10, two covers 12, and four power outlets 36 arranged on two power points 35. Each power outlet 36 has a power outlet switch 38. As best seen in Figure 1, each cover 12 is connected to the housing 10 by a hinge 14 and is made of a transparent material. The housing 10 also includes a power entry point 50. As shown in Figure 2, the housing 10 includes a base 11, sidewalls 13, a foot portion 18 at a lower end thereof, and a handle portion 16 at an upper end thereof. It should, however, be appreciated that the waterproof power coupler 1 can have any number of covers 12, power outlets 36 and power points 35.

[0043] Each cover 12 is movable between a sealed position, as shown in Figure 1, and an open position, as shown in Figure 7. When in the sealed position, each cover 12 defines, together with the base 1 1 and sidewalls 13, a chamber 20. As best shown in Figure 3, a seal 30 is located between each cover 12 and the housing 10 in the sealed position. The seal 30 includes two apertures 32. As best seen in Figure 6, each aperture 32 has an aperture gap 34 adapted to allow an electrical lead to be tightly received in apertures 32. It should be appreciated that the waterproof power coupler 1 can have any number of apertures 32.

[0044] As also best seen in Figure 3, each cover 12 is secured to the housing 10 in the sealed position by a plurality of toggle catches 40. Each toggle catch 40 includes a toggle link 46, a toggle tab 42, and is adapted to engage with a toggle recess 44 located on the cover 12.

[0045] As shown in Figures 4 and 12, the waterproof power board 1 further includes a hatch 22. The hatch 22 and housing 10 together define a switch housing 26. The hatch 22 is movable between a sealed hatch position, as shown in Figure 4 and an open hatch position, as shown in Figure 12. A switch seal 24 is located between the hatch 22 and the housing 10 in the sealed hatch position. The hatch 22 releasably engages with the housing 10 in the sealed hatch position using a snap fit. A power switch (not shown) is located in the switch housing 26.

[0046] Figure 14 shows a second embodiment of a waterproof power board 101 including a housing 110, a cover 112, and two power outlets 136 arranged on a power point 135. Each power outlet 136 has a power outlet switch 138. As best seen in Figure 15, the cover 112 is connected to the housing 1 10 by a hinge 1 14 and is made of a transparent material. The housing 1 10 includes a base 1 1 1 , sidewalls 1 13 as shown in Figure 15, and a power entry point 150, as best seen in Figure 16.

[0047] The cover 112 is movable between a sealed position, as shown in Figure 14, and an open position, as shown in Figure 17. When in the sealed position, the cover 1 12 defines, together with the base 1 1 1 and sidewalls 1 13, a chamber 120. As best shown in Figure 15, a seal 130 is located between the cover 112 and the housing 1 10 in the sealed position. The seal 130 includes two apertures 132. Similar to the first embodiment, as seen in Figure 6, each aperture 132 has an aperture gap 134 adapted to allow an electrical lead to be tightly received in the apertures 132. It should be understood that the apertures 132 can be located on any side of the base 1 1 1 and/or sidewalls 113, or even the cover 112.

[0048] As also best seen in Figure 15, the cover 112 is secured to the housing 110 in the sealed position by a plurality of toggle catches 140. Each toggle catch 140 includes a toggle link 146, a toggle tab 142, and is adapted to engage with a toggle recess 144 located on the cover 1 12. The second embodiment of the waterproof power board 101 is adapted to be installed in and/or onto a wall. In alternate embodiments, other typical features are utilized rather than toggle catches 140.

[0049] Figure 18 shows a third embodiment of the waterproof power couple 201 including a housing 210, a pair of covers 212, and two power outlets (not shown) arranged on a power point (not shown). Each power outlet has a power outlet switch (not shown). Each cover 212 is connected to the housing 210 by a hinge 214 and is made of a transparent material. The housing 210 includes a base 21 1 , sidewalls 213, and a power entry point 250.

[0050] Each cover 212 is movable between a sealed position, as shown in Figure 18, and an open position, similar to the first and second embodiments. When in the sealed position, the cover 212 defines, together with the base 211 and sidewalls 213, a chamber 220. A seal 230 is located between the cover 212 and the housing 210 in the sealed position. The seal 230 includes two apertures 232. Similar to the first embodiment, as seen in Figure 6, each aperture 232 has an aperture gap (not shown) adapted to allow an electrical lead 235 to be tightly received in the apertures 232. It should be understood that the apertures 232 can be located on any side of the base 211 and/or sidewalls 213, or even the cover 212.

[0051 ] The cover 212 is secured to the housing 210 in the sealed position by a plurality of toggle catches (not shown). Each toggle catch includes a toggle link (not shown), a toggle tab (not shown), and is adapted to engage with a toggle recess (not shown) located on the cover 212. The third embodiment of the waterproof power board 201 differs from the first and second embodiment in that a pair of direct current ports 252, for example USB sockets, are located above the power entry point 250. A waterproof cover 254 is releasably located on the ports 252 to allow access to the ports 252 with a compatible plug (not shown). When not in use, the ports 252 are covered by the waterproof cover 254. [0052] A use of an embodiment of the waterproof power coupler 1, 101, 201 will now be described.

[0053] The power outlets 36 located on power points 35 are electrically connected to a mains electrical lead (not shown) received at power entry point 50. The power switch (not shown) is adapted to prevent or allow the provision of electrical power to the power outlets 36.

Additionally, the provision of electrical power to each power outlet 36 may be individually prevented or allowed by the respective power outlet switch 38. The power outlet 36 can be of any international type such as US, GB, EP or Australian/Asia. The waterproof power coupler 1 can be adapted to accommodate any international power standard.

[0054] When the cover 12 is in the open position, an electrical lead (not shown) associated with an appliance, tool, some piece of an electrical apparatus or the like (not shown), is inserted, by means of aperture gap 34, into aperture 32. A connector (not shown) associated with the electrical lead (not shown) is inserted into power outlet 36. If mains power is supplied to the waterproof power coupler 1 and both the power outlet switch 38 and the power switch (not shown) are operated to allow power, electrical power will be supplied to the electrical apparatus (not shown).

[0055] The cover 12 is moved to the sealed position and secured to the housing by operating the toggle catches 40. The cover 12, the housing 10 and the electrical lead (not shown) frictionally engage the seal 30, thereby sealing the chamber 20 from intrusion by liquids or particulates. The frictional engagement of the aperture 32 with the electrical lead also inhibits separation of the electrical lead from the power outlet 36 in use.

[0056] The power switch (not shown) may be accessed by moving the hatch 22 from a sealed hatch position to an open hatch position, thereby exposing the switch housing 26. The power switch (not shown) may then be operated to prevent or allow the provision of electrical power to the power outlets 36.

[0057] The second embodiment of the waterproof power board 101 is used substantially similarly to the first embodiment discussed above.

[0058] Advantages of an embodiment of the waterproof power coupler 1 will now be discussed. [0059] Due to the frictional engagement of the seal 30 to the electrical lead (not shown), separation of the male connector (not shown) associated with the electrical lead (not shown) is prevented in case the electrical lead (not shown) is pulled. Further, the engagement of housing 10, cover 12 and the electrical lead (now shown) with the seal 30 ensures that the connection of the electrical lead (not shown) to the power outlet 36 is protected from liquid or particulate hazards, when the waterproof power coupler is being used. For example, the waterproof power coupler can remain waterproof even during a flood. The frictional engagement of the aperture 32 with the electrical lead also inhibits separation of the electrical lead from the power outlet 36 in use.

[0060] Since the covers 12 are made of a transparent material, it is possible to visually inspect the chamber without moving the covers 12 to the open position. This allows the detection of water or particulate intrusions that may be hazardous to the operation of the waterproof power coupler 1.

[0061] The switch seal 24 independently seals the power switch (not shown), irrespective of the position of the covers 12. This allows the hatch 22 to be moved to the open hatch position and the power switch (not shown) to be operated without moving the covers 12. This is

advantageous in emergency situations where the provision of power must be quickly prevented to avoid damage to property or loss of life. The quick and easy operation of the snap fit 28 further assists in this regard.

[0062] The handle portion 16 allows for easy and safe installation, transport and removal of the waterproof power coupler 1, without placing undue strain on the electrical leads (not shown) that may be connected. The foot portion 18 provides a clearance from a ground surface (not shown) on which the waterproof power board may be placed. This avoids unnecessarily continuous exposure to fluids and particulates close to the support surface, such as water puddles, oil spills and the like.

[0063] The housing 10 is made of an impact resistant plastic material and adapted to resists impacts from frequent workplace incidents, such as falling tools, heavy boots or even vehicles driving over the waterproof power coupler 1. The rugged housing 10 is complemented by the design which incorporates few moving parts. In a preferred embodiment, the housing 10 is integrally formed from a single moulded piece. [0064] The second embodiment of the waterproof power coupler 101 has substantially similar advantages to the first embodiment discussed above.

[0065] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

[0066] For example, the cover may be secured to the housing by only a single toggle catch, or many toggle catches or different fastening systems. Further, the apertures can be of any size to accommodate a variety of cable diameters or ratings. Yet further, the ports 252 may be any number of ports, including a single port.

[0067] Yet further, it should be appreciated that the features of the first, second, and third embodiment may be readily combined with each other. For example, the ports 252 may well be used in the waterproof coupler 1 of the first embodiment.




 
Previous Patent: SHOWER BASE

Next Patent: PRESSURISED WELDING HABITAT