GB2506873A

GB2506873A - Plug case and socket with magnetic engagement

Info

Publication number: GB2506873A
Application number: GB201218117A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gerard Michael John Cardew; Janusz Holland
Original assignee: STATIC SYSTEMS GROUP PLC
Current assignee: STATIC SYSTEMS GROUP PLC
Priority date: 2012-10-10
Filing date: 2012-10-10
Publication date: 2014-04-16
Also published as: GB201218117D0

Abstract

A plug case and socket arrangement 10 using magnetic engagement prevents damage to the connectors and associated devices through disconnection by inadvertent movement (e.g. when a patient is moved in a hospital). The plug case 14 has a convex or concave engaging surface 24 that engages a complementary concave or convex receiving surface 25 of the socket 50 upon connection. The plug case 14 has a first magnetic arrangement 20 (e.g. a pair of magnets) and the socket 50 has a second magnetic arrangement 58 configured to inhibit disconnection of the plug case 14 and socket 50. The plug case 14 and socket 50 are disconnected by rolling the engagement surface 24 of the plug case 14 over at least a part of the receiving surface 25 of the socket 50. The plug case 14 is adapted to receive and secure a cable 16 attached to a first electrical connector 18 that connects with a second electrical connector 54 disposed in the socket 50 when the plug case 14 and socket 50 are connected. The complementary convex and concave surfaces allow the plug case 14 and socket 50 to be disconnected from one another without excessive force and in a relatively smooth motion.

Description

Title: A plug case and socket arrangement Descrirtion of Invention This invention relates to a plug case and socket arrangement, a plug, a socket, a panel, an electronic device, and a plug and socket arrangement, particularly but not exclusively for use in a hospital environment.

In hospital environments, it is common for hospital beds to be provided with electronic panels, located adjacent the head end of the bed, to which electronic devices such as monitors, screens, lights, communication devices and the like, are connected. Patients may be provided with a handheld communication device for raising an alarm, attracting the attention of staff and speaking to staff, among other functions. Such devices may be connected to or stored on a part of the patient's bed, and plugged in to the electronic panel by the bed when the bed is in a ward.

These electronic devices may be the subject of inadvertent movements which cause forces to be applied to a connection associated with the device which may cause damage to the device and/or to one or more elements forming the connection.

In other situations, staff must connect and disconnect electronic devices, such as communication devices, when patients are moved between locations. For example, when the patient is moved to a new location, the device may be disconnected from a panel and stowed safely on a part of the bed, so that the device moves with the bed and the patient.

In some scenarios, staff may want to disconnect an electronic device to move the device away from the patient to allow, for example, medical equipment to be used even if the patient is not being moved.

A plug and socket for connecting a communication device to a communication network is typically used such that a cable leading from the device is connected to the plug, which when engaged with a socket is held in place by a latch mechanism provided on the plug. To disconnect the plug from the socket, a user must either activate the latch mechanism manually, or exert a significant force on the plug to cause disconnection, according to the configuration of the plug. If undue force is applied to the cable or to the plug (which may be applied accidentally), particularly at an angle from the axis of withdrawal of the plug, damage may be caused. The damage may occur to the cable, to the plug and/or to the socket. Furthermore, if the force is applied to the cable accidentally (caused by a user tripping on the cable, for example), and the plug does not disconnect from the socket, the cable may exert a force on the device to which it is attached, which may cause damage to the device (and potentially also damage to the plug and/or socket).

Prior art plug and socket arrangements typically include a socket with a recessed mouth for receiving a corresponding plug, in which arrangement the plug must be inserted at a specified angle into the mouth of the socket.

Plugs and sockets of the prior art are typically provided with recesses and manually moveable or flexible parts, to provide securing mechanisms by which a plug is held in connection with a socket. In any environment bacteria and other germs may enter recesses and over time dirt may become engrained in corners or gaps around the moveable parts of the plugs and/or sockets. In a hospital environment this may be particularly harmful, since it is very important that high sanitary standards are maintained. It is also problematic that electrical connectors such as plugs and sockets cannot be cleaned easily using standard cleaning techniques involving sprays and/or liquid cleaning products. It is advantageous to provide a plug and socket which comprise no latching or clipping mechanism, or similar mechanical fastening arrangement, that involves moving parts or projections and corresponding recesses, for example. It is also advantageous to provide a plug and socket which, when connected together, do not substantially expose moving parts, projections, or recesses to potential contamination.

US731 1526 discloses arrangements for use with computer peripherals and power supplies which utilise magnetic attraction to form connections between plugs and sockets. Such arrangements are prone to damage due to the fixed relationship between the conductors and associated magnetic coupling surfaces. In addition, the arrangements include numerous recesses which could, in a hospital environment, harbour bacteria -for example. The arrangements also using moving pins which make the arrangements unreliable -particularly when exposed to the types of fluids often found in a hospital environment (such as blood, plasma, saline solution, and harsh cleaning fluids).

Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention seek to ameliorate one or

more problems associated with the prior art.

According to an aspect of the present invention, we provide a plug case and socket arrangement, comprising: a plug case including one of a convex or a concave engaging surface; and a socket including the other of a convex or a concave receiving surface which is configured for abutment with the engaging surface of the plug case, wherein the plug case includes a first magnetic arrangement disposed with respect to the engaging surface and the socket includes a second magnetic arrangement disposed with respect to the receiving surface, such that the plug case and socket are connectable by abutment of the engaging surface with the receiving surface, the first and second magnetic arrangements being configured to inhibit the disconnection of the plug case and socket, and the plug case and socket are disconnectable by movement of the plug case with respect to the socket to roll the engaging surface over at least a part of the receiving surface.

The plug case may further comprise a cable-engaging formation configured to engage a portion of a cable so as substantially to secure the cable relative to the plug case so that an electrical connector at an end of the cable is held at or adjacent the engaging surface The cable-engaging formation may include a clip comprising a pair of resilient arms.

The arms may include ridges configured to grip the surface of a cable.

The plug case may further comprise a first part and a second part, one of the first part and second part providing the clip and the other of the first part and second part providing a raised abutment portion, the raised abutment portion being configured such that when a cable is inserted into the plug case and the first part is secured to the second part, the clip and raised abutment portion secure the cable.

The first magnetic arrangement may be carried by the first or second part of the plug case.

The plug case may include a securing mechanism comprising a pair of pins provided on one of the first part and second part for engagement with a corresponding pair of slots in the other of the first part and second part.

The first magnetic arrangement may comprise a pair of magnets disposed towards each of two opposing sides of the engaging surface.

The first magnetic arrangement may be disposed behind the engaging surface.

The engaging surface of the plug casing may at least partially define an aperture configured to receive at least part of a first electrical connector.

The plug case and socket arrangement may be for use in a hospital.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a plug and socket arrangement comprising: a plug case and socket arrangement; and a cable received by the plug case and carrying an electrical connector at an end thereof.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a plug case comprising: one of a convex or a concave engaging surface and configured for use in a plug case and socket arrangement.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a plug comprising: a plug case; and a cable received by the plug case and carrying an electrical connector at an end thereof.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a socket comprising: a convex or a concave receiving surface and configured for use in a plug case and socket arrangement.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a panel including a socket.

The panel may include one or more of a patient monitoring device, a patient entertainment device, and a gas delivery arrangement.

Another aspect of the present invention provides an electronic device including a plug case or a plug.

The electronic device may be a patient call device.

Embodiments of the invention are described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings of which: Figure 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a plug and socket of an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a plug according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a plug case according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a portion of a plug case according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a plug according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 is another cross-sectional view the plug of Figure 5; Figure 7 is a perspective projection view of a plug according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 8 is a perspective view of a portion of the plug case of Figure 7; and Figure 9 is a perspective view of a plug and two perspective views of a cable engaging formation according to an embodiment of the invention.

With reference to the drawings, Figure 1 shows an example embodiment of a plug and socket arrangement 10. The plug and socket arrangement 10 comprises a plug 12 and a socket 50.

The plug 12 comprises a plug case 14, which is adapted to receive and secure a cable 16 attached to a first electrical connector 18. The first electrical connector 18 may be a standard network interface connector such as a registered jack (RJ) connector (e.g. an RJ44 connector). Of course, it should be understood that the use of other types of electrical connectors (including other types of communication interface connectors) is envisaged, and the present disclosure is not limited to the use of RJ or other network connectors.

The plug case 14 comprises a convex engaging surface 24, which is adapted to abut a corresponding concave receiving surface 25 of the socket 50, so that the two surfaces lie substantially adjacent one another.

The plug case 14 defines a first aperture 34 and a second aperture 40. The second aperture 40 may be at least partially defined by the convex engaging surface 24. In embodiments, an end of the cable 16 towards the first electrical connector 18 is adjacent (and may extend through) the second aperture 40. In embodiments, the second aperture 40 may at least partially receive the first electrical connector 18.

The first aperture 34 is defined by the plug case 14 in a location which substantially opposes the second aperture 40 across a length of the plug case 14. The first aperture 34 is configured to receive therethrough a part of the cable 16 which is towards an end of the cable 16 remote from the electrical connector 16. Thus, within the plug case 14, a portion of the cable 16 generally extends between the first and second apertures 34,40.

The plug case 14 includes, and in some embodiments houses, a cable-engaging formation 22 configured to engage a portion of the cable 16 so as to secure, substantially, the cable 16 relative to the plug case 14. In other words, so as to inhibit movement of the cable 16 through the plug case 14. The cable-engaging formation 22 may be located between the first and second apertures 34,40.

In embodiments the cable-engaging 22 formation includes a clip 38 comprising a pair of resilient (and/or compressible) arms that may flex apart from one another (and/or compress) to receive the cable 16 therebetween. Having received the cable 16, the arms grip the cable therebetween until a sufficient force is applied to the cable 16 or to the arms to cause them to flex outwardly (and/or to be compressed sufficiently) to release the cable 16. The arms may be at least partially supported by one or more internal surfaces of the plug case 14 to inhibit and/or restrict their outward movement.

In embodiments, the arms may include ridges configured to grip a surface of the cable 16. The ridges may be arranged such that they extend in a direction which is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cable 16.

In embodiments, the arms (and maybe also the rest of the clip 38) are formed from a rubber, or synthetic rubber, material which has a high coefficient of friction with respect to the surface of the cable 16. In some embodiments, the arms (and maybe also the rest of the clip 38) are formed from a plastic.

In embodiments, the cable-engaging formation 22 comprises a clamp whereby the cable 16 is held between two surfaces of the clamp that are secured relative to one another, or forced or biased towards one another, such that the cable 16 is held tightly therebetween.

In embodiments, the plug case 14 or a part 26, 30 of the plug case 14 may include a raised, inwardly extending, abutment portion 44 against which a portion of the cable 16 may be held. The raised abutment portion 44 provides a surface which abuts a portion of the clip 38 of the cable-engaging formation 22, so that when the cable 16 is engaged by the clip 38, the raised abutment portion 44 abuts against a portion of the cable 16 or the clip 38, or both the cable 16 and the clip 38.

The raised, inwardly extending, abutment portion 44 define a corresponding recess in an outer surface of the plug case 14 suitable to receive at least part of a thumb or finger of a user -to aid in use of the plug and socket arrangement 10.

It should be understood that the cable-engaging formation 22 seeks to grip or otherwise hold a portion of a cable 16, so as substantially to prevent axial movement of that portion of the cable 16 relative to the plug case 14, and that the use of other forms of cable-engaging formation 22 is contemplated.

In embodiments of the plug case 14, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the plug case 14 comprises a first part 26 and a second part 30, second part 30 including the clip 38 and the first part 26 including the raised abutment portion 44 (not shown in Figure 3).

An end of the cable 16 may be fed through the first aperture 34 in the plug case 14 (the first aperture 34 being defined, at least partially by the first part 26 and/or second part 30 of the plug case 14), and connected to the first electrical connector 18. In embodiments, the cable 16 is already connected to the first electrical connector 18 and an end of the cable 16 which is remote from the electrical connector 18 is passed through the first aperture 34 (from an inwardly facing side of the first aperture 34).

A portion of the cable 16 is then pressed between the arms of the clip 38 by a user, so that the clip 38 substantially secures the portion of the cable 16 relative to the plug case 14 with a portion of the cable 16 passing through the first aperture 34. The first part 26 of the plug case 14 may then be connected to the second part 30 of the plug case 14, causing the raised abutment portion 44 to be pressed into contact with the cable 16, or the clip 38, or both, to secure the cable 16 in the cable-engaging formation 22.

In embodiments of the plug case 14, as shown in Figures 4 to 6, the plug case 14 includes a first part 26 having a clip 38, and a second part 30 providing a raised abutment portion 44 and defining the first aperture 34 for the cable 42.

The plug case 14 includes a first magnetic arrangement 20 disposed at or adjacent its convex engaging surface 24. In embodiments, the first magnetic arrangement 20 comprises a pair of magnets 20, one disposed towards each side (i.e. respective left and right sides) of the engaging surface 24. In embodiments, the first magnetic arrangement 20 comprises a pair of magnets 20, one disposed on either of two opposing sides of a channel defined by the plug case 14 configured to receive part of the cable 16 (the channel may be at least partially defined by the first and/or second part 26,30 of the plug case 14).

Of course, it should be understood that the first magnetic arrangement 20 may includes magnets 20 disposed in other positions relative to the convex engaging surface 24, to have the same or a similar effect as that described herein.

In embodiments the magnets 20 are disposed behind the convex engaging surface 24, within the plug case 14. In other words, the magnets 20 (or other form of first magnetic arrangement 20) may be substantially covered by the material forming the convex engaging surface 24. The magnets 20 (or other form of first magnetic arrangement 20) may be substantially encased in a body of the plug case 14. In embodiments, the magnets 20 (or other form of first magnetic arrangement 20) may be disposed so as to lie substantially level with the convex engaging surface 24, embedded in the convex engaging surface 24 or located in respective recesses provided in the convex engaging surface 24, so that the magnets 20 (or other form of first magnetic arrangement 20) form a substantially continuous substantially uniform surface in line with the convex engaging surface 24. In embodiments, the convex engaging surface 24 is a surface of the first magnetic arrangement 20 which is exposed.

In embodiments both the first and second parts 26, 30 of the plug case 14 carry magnetic arrangements. The magnetic arrangements of the first and second parts 26, 30 may be configured to interact so as to hold the first and second parts 26, 30 of the plug case 14 together by magnetic attraction.

In embodiments, the plug case 14 comprises two parts 26, 30 that are connectable to one another, in which at least one of the parts 26, 30 provides at least one recess 28, 32 for receiving a magnet 20 (or other form of first magnetic arrangement 20).

Figure 3 shows an example embodiment in which such recesses 28, 32 are provided such that a pair of magnets 20 (or other form of magnetic arrangement) may be inserted before the two parts 26, 30 of the plug case 14 are connected to one another. The recesses 28,32 for receiving magnets 20 (or other form of magnetic arrangement) may be provided in a pair of first sleeve formations 28 of the first part 26 of the plug case 14 which may extend from a surface of the first part 26 of the plug case 14. The sleeve formations 28 are configured for insertion into corresponding recesses 32 of the second part 30 of the plug case 14. In this way, the two parts of the plug case 14 can be connected to one another, before being secured by a securing mechanism such as a clip arrangement, or the like.

With reference to Figures 2 to 6 of the drawings, the first electrical connector 18 is disposed at or adjacent the engaging surface 24 of the plug case 14, for connection to a second electrical connector 54 of the socket 50. In embodiments, the first electrical connector 18 extends through the second aperture 40 of the plug case 14 (as shown in Figure 3 of the drawings), so that the first electrical connector 18 is held tightly between the walls of the second aperture 40. In embodiments, the first electrical connector 18 is held loosely between the walls of the second aperture 40, to allow a degree of flexibility of movement between the first electrical connector 18 and the plug casing 14.

In embodiments, the plug casing 14 comprises two parts 26, 30, which are connectable to one another to surround and secure the first electrical connector 18 in position relative to the plug casing 14, as shown in Figure 3 of the drawings.

In embodiments, at least a portion of the first electrical connector 18 is a male' or a female' connector, which extends outwardly from the engagement surface 24 of the plug casing 14. In embodiments, the first electrical connector 18 is a female' connector that is disposed at or recessed within the engagement surface 24 and configured to receive a corresponding male' connector.

In embodiments, the first electrical connector 18 is connectable to a first cable 16, which may be secured relative to the plug case 14 using the cable-engaging formation 22. The first cable 16 may be connectable to an electronic device or a power source, for example. In embodiments, the electronic device is a patient interface which may include a call button (i.e. a button used by a patient to attract the attention of a hospital staff member).

Securing a portion of the first cable 16 relative to the plug case 14 using the cable-engaging formation 22, to hinder substantial axial movement of that portion of the cable 16 relative to the plug case 14, reduces the likelihood that the first cable 16 will disengage from the first electrical connector 18. If a force is applied to the cable 16 at a position external to the plug 12, a substantial proportion of that force will be transmitted to the cable-engaging formation 22 rather than directly to the connection between the first cable 16 and the first electrical connector 18. As a result of this configuration, if a significant force is applied to the first cable 16 at a position external to the plug 12, it is likely that the plug 12 will disconnect from the socket 50, and the first electrical connector 18 will disconnect from the corresponding second electrical connector 54. By disconnecting the plug 12 from the socket 50, the risk of damaging the first cable 16, the first electrical connector 18, the plug casing 13, and/or the socket 50, is reduced.

The socket 50 includes a concave receiving surface 25 adapted to abut the engaging surface 24 of the plug 12. The receiving surface 25 provides a shape complementary to the engaging surface 24, so that the two surfaces fit snugly against one another.

In embodiments, the respective concavity and convexity is provided in one plane only -such that each surface is curved along a width thereof but is substantially flat at every point across a depth thereof. In other embodiments, the respective concavity and convexity is provided in two planes -such that each surface is curved along a width thereof and across a depth thereof.

In embodiments, the respective concavity and convexity is a substantially continuous curve such that the surfaces do not substantially undulate (although the degree of curvature may vary across the surfaces). In embodiments, substantially the entire or a major part of the receiving surface and the engaging surface 24 are curved. In embodiments, substantially the entire or a major part of the portions of the receiving surface 25 and the engaging surface 24 which abut each other are curved.

The socket 50 includes the second electrical connector 54, for connection to the first electrical connector 18 of the plug 12, disposed at or adjacent the receiving surface 25. In embodiments, the second electrical connector 54 extends through an aperture provided in the receiving surface 25 of the socket, so that the second electrical connector 54 is fits tightly between the walls of the aperture. As shown in Figure 1, the second electrical connector 54 may be substantially recessed within the socket 50, such that it is accessible through an aperture in the receiving surface 25. The second electrical connector 54 may be a male' or a female' connector, as appropriate to engage with the first electrical connector 18.

In embodiments, the second electrical connector 54 is connectable to a second cable (not shown), or the socket 50 may form part of an electronics panel (not shown), in which case the second electrical connector 54 may be connected to a network component or other electronic device or a printed circuit board (PCB) or ribbon cable or the like.

The socket 50 includes a second magnetic arrangement 58 which is configured to attract, magnetically, the first magnetic arrangement 20. The second magnetic arrangement 58 may comprise a pair of magnets 58, one disposed towards each side (i.e. respective left and right sides) of the receiving surface 25. In embodiments, each of the pair of magnets 58 (or other form of second magnetic arrangement 58) is located on a respective opposing side of the second electrical connector 54 and/or the aperture associated therewith.

In embodiments, the first and second magnetic arrangements 20,58 are arranged so as to correspond with each other -such that they are substantially adjacent each other when the plug 12 and socket 50 are connected to each other.

It should be understood that the magnets 58 (or other form of second magnetic arrangement 58) may be disposed in other positions relative to the receiving surface 54, to have the same or a similar effect as that described herein.

In embodiments the magnets 58 (or other form of second magnetic arrangement 58) are disposed behind the receiving surface 54 within a body of the socket 50. In embodiments, the magnets 58 (or other form of second magnetic arrangement 58) are disposed so as to lie level with the receiving surface 54, embedded in the receiving surface 54 or located in respective recesses provided in the receiving surface 54, so that the magnets 58 (or other form of second magnetic arrangement 58) form a continuous substantially uniform surface in line with the receiving surface 54. In embodiments, the receiving surface 54 is formed from a surface of the second magnetic arrangement 58.

The first and second magnetic arrangements 20, 58 are configured so that the engaging surface 24 of the plug 12 may be held relative to the receiving surface 54 of the socket 50 by magnetic attraction between the first and second magnetic arrangements 20, 58 when the plug 12 is connected to the socket 54. The force of magnetic attraction between the magnetic arrangements also aids alignment of the plug 12 with the socket 50 as a user connects the first and second electrical connectors 18, 54, because the magnets 20 in the plug 12 are attracted towards the magnets 58 within the fixed socket 50. The plug 12 and socket 50 are configured such that relative movement of the plug 12 towards the socket 50 in a first direction (axially towards the socket 50, along axis A as shown in Figure 1 of the drawings) causes the engagement surface 24 substantially to engage the receiving surface 25 of the socket 50 and the first and second electrical connectors 18, 54 to engage one another. Since the engaging parts of the plug casing 14 and socket 50 are curved, the plug 12 may be moved towards the socket 50 in a direction at an acute angle to axis A, such that the magnetic attraction assists in guiding the plug 12 into position.

To remove the plug 12 from the socket 50, application of a force to the plug 12 in a second, opposite, direction (i.e. along axis A away from the socket), or at an acute angle to the second direction, or substantially perpendicular to the second direction, causes disengagement of the engaging surface 24 of the plug 12 from the receiving surface 25 of the socket 50. At the same time, the first and second electrical connectors 18, 54 are caused to disengage. The disengagement between the plug 12 and socket 50 may occur by a rolling' movement of the plug 12 -by a user moving the plug 12 so that it rotates about an axis (or a plurality of axes, over time) aligned with an edge of the receiving surface 54. As will be appreciated, given the respective curvature of the engaging 24 and receiving 54 surfaces, the two surfaces 24, 54 roll with respect to each other in such an operation. In embodiments, during this rolling motion the pivot about which the plug case 14 rotates with respect to the socket 50 moves with respect to the engaging 24 and/or receiving 54 surfaces.

By rotating the plug 12 in this way, the first and second electrical connectors 18, 54 may be disconnected from one another without excessive force and in a relatively smooth motion. This is in contrast with some prior art arrangements in which a plug may be rotated around a fixed axis defined by the edge of the plug. In such prior art arrangements the magnetic attraction between the socket and the plug at a point remote from the pivot is aided by additional leverage such that the plug and socket are more difficult to separate -which can put excessive forces on parts of the plug and/or socket and cause premature failure thereof. Embodiments of the present invention, however, still exhibit a "snap-on" alignment whereby the magnetic arrangements 20, 58 are attracted to each other and, when positioned close to each other, cause to automatic alignment and engagement of the plug case 14 and the socket 50.

In embodiments, the required force to be applied to the plug 12 by a user to disengage the plug 12 from the socket 50 may be between 1 N and 5N; the required force may be between 2N and aN.

The first and second magnetic arrangements 20, 58 are disposed level with or adjacent (i.e. behind) the respective engaging surface 24 and receiving surface 25, and thus the surfaces have few or no protruding features to prevent lateral relative movement therebetween (other than the electrical connectors). This is in contrast to plugs and sockets of the prior art, which typically use clips or male and female formations to hold the plug relative to the socket, which prevent or at least severely impair relative lateral movement.

The relative lateral movement between the surfaces may provide a sliding' movement (along plane B, as indicated in Figure 1 of the drawings), which may combine with the rotational rolling movement effected by the user, when disconnecting the plug 12 from the socket 50. In this way, disconnection of the plug 12 from the socket 50 is simplified, so that a user may move the plug 12 through any of a range of angles to effect disconnection.

With reference to Figure 7, an embodiment of the plug 12 is shown, including a plug case 14 comprising a first part 26 and a second part 30-in much the same manner as the above described embodiments. However, in this embodiment, the second part 30 comprises a tab 62 from which the clip 38 (generally as described above) extends. The first part 26 includes an aperture which is configured to receive the clip 38, the aperture being configured such that the clip 38 -when received by the aperture -holds a portion of the cable 16. Thus, an end of the cable 16 may be passed through the first and second apertures 34, 40 defined by the first part 26 of the plug case 14 and then the second part 30 may be secured to the first part 26 by insertion of the clip 38 into the associated aperture in the first part 26 and the application of a force to the tab 62. In embodiments, the tab 62 abuts the first part 26 of the plug case 14 when the first and second parts 26, 30 are secured to each other. The one of more ridges of the clip 38 may be configured to allow relatively easy insertion of the clip 38 into the aperture but may resist the removal of the clip 38 from the aperture -in other words, the ridges may form barb-like projections. The action of the clip 38 on the cable 16 may substantially secure the first and second parts 26, 30 of the plug case 14 together. In this embodiment, the first magnetic arrangement 20 may be carried by the first part 26 of the plug case 14.

Figures 8 and 9 show aspects of embodiments of a plug 12 comprising a plug case 14, the plug case 14 having a first part 26 and a second part 30. In embodiments the first part 26 includes the first magnetic arrangement 20 -substantially as described above. The first part 26 also defines the second aperture 40 for receiving part of the cable 16-again substantially as described above.

A recess 76 is defined by the first part 26 of the plug case 14, through which a portion of the cable 16 received by the first part 26 is accessible. The second part 30 of the plug case 14 includes the clip 38-generally as described above.

The plug case 14 includes a securing mechanism which may comprise a pair of pins 84 provided on the second part 30 for engagement with a corresponding pair of slots 78 in the first part 26 of the plug case 14.

On insertion of the pins 84 into the slots 78, and the clip 38 into the recess 76, the clip 38 engages the cable 16 and the second part 30 is held relative to the first part 26. In embodiments, the first magnetic arrangement 20 is insertable through slots 78 prior to the first part 26 being connected to the second part 30 (the first magnetic arrangement 20 may comprise a pair of magnets 20). In other embodiments, the first magnetic arrangement 20 is sealed within the plug case 14.

Embodiments of the present invention seek to obviate the need to provide a clip or latching mechanism for holding the plug in engagement with the socket.

Such latching mechanisms required the latching parts provided on the plug and socket to have sufficient durability that they do not readily break. This is of particular concern when the plug and socket arrangement is used in a working hospital environment, where the arrangement is likely to be used frequently. To achieve sufficient durability, the parts must be relatively large, in order to obtain the required durable properties (thin parts will snap more easily). Furthermore, it is relatively expensive to produce more durable parts having the required properties.

In contrast, embodiments of the present invention seek to provide an arrangement 10 requiring no such latching parts. Therefore, the engaging and receiving surfaces 24, 25 may be smaller since they do not need to accommodate the additional latching parts. Furthermore, the plug case 14 and socket 50 may be constructed from cheaper materials that are not required to have the same level of durability, since they are less likely to be stressed and deformed during use. In embodiments, an elastomer such as a thermoplastic elastomer may be used as the material from which the plug case 14 and socket 50 are primarily constructed. Of course, it should be understood that the use of other materials is also envisaged.

A further advantage of the plug and socket arrangement 10 according to the present invention is that the arrangement 10 is arguably more visually appealing and easier to clean.

In embodiments the first and/or second magnetic arrangements 20, 58 are electrically insulated -for example, by encasement or substantial encasement in a body of the plug case 14 or a part thereof.

In embodiments, the first and/or second magnetic arrangements 20, 58 are configured for magnetic attraction. As such, the first magnetic arrangement 20 may include one or more permanent magnets 20 and the second magnetic arrangement 58 may comprise one or more ferromagnetic metal elements 58, or vice versa. In embodiments, a magnet of the first or second magnetic arrangement 20, 58 is configured to be substantially adjacent a ferromagnetic metal element in the other of the first or second magnetic arrangement 20, 58 when the plug 12 and socket 50 are connected to each other.

In embodiments, the plug 12 and/or socket 50 may include magnetic shielding located between the respective magnetic arrangement 20, 58 and the respective electrical connector 18, 54 thereof.

It will be understood that although the engaging surface 24 and receiving surface 25 have been described above as convex and concave surfaces respectively, the engaging surface 24 may be a concave surface and the receiving surface 25 may be a convex surface in some embodiments. In such embodiments, the convex receiving surface 25 of the socket 50 may be mounted such that it protrudes from a unit which carries the socket 50 such that rolling of the plug case 14 about the socket 50 is not substantially inhibited by the unit. The unit may be a panel which may be installed adjacent a patient's bed and configured to supply one or more services to the patient.

The plug and socket arrangement 10 may be used in relation to an electronic device which may be a patient call device (which a patient can use to activate an alarm or alert signal to attract the attention of a hospital worker such as a nurse or doctor).

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A plug case and socket arrangement, comprising: a plug case including one of a convex or a concave engaging surface; and a socket including the other of a convex or a concave receiving surface which is configured for abutment with the engaging surface of the plug case, wherein the plug case includes a first magnetic arrangement disposed with respect to the engaging surface and the socket includes a second magnetic arrangement disposed with respect to the receiving surface, such that the plug case and socket are connectable by abutment of the engaging surface with the receiving surface, the first and second magnetic arrangements being configured to inhibit the disconnection of the plug case and socket, and the plug case and socket are disconnectable by movement of the plug case with respect to the socket to roll the engaging surface over at least a part of the receiving surface.
2. A plug case and socket arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the plug case further comprises a cable-engaging formation configured to engage a portion of a cable so as substantially to secure the cable relative to the plug case so that an electrical connector at an end of the cable is held at or adjacent the engaging surface
3. A plug case and socket arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the cable-engaging formation includes a clip comprising a pair of resilient arms.
4. A plug case and socket arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the arms include ridges configured to grip the surface of a cable.
5. A plug case and socket arrangement according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the plug case further comprises a first part and a second part, one of the first part and second part providing the clip and the other of the first part and second part providing a raised abutment portion, the raised abutment portion being configured such that when a cable is inserted into the plug case and the first part is secured to the second part, the clip and raised abutment portion secure the cable.
6. A plug case and socket arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the first magnetic arrangement is carried by the first or second part of the plug case.
7. A plug case and socket arrangement according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the plug case includes a securing mechanism comprising a pair of pins provided on one of the first part and second part for engagement with a corresponding pair of slots in the other of the first part and second part.
8. A plug case and socket arrangement according any of the preceding claims, wherein the first magnetic arrangement comprises a pair of magnets disposed towards each of two opposing sides of the engaging surface.
9. A plug case and socket arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first magnetic arrangement is disposed behind the engaging surface.
10. A plug case and socket arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the engaging surface of the plug casing at least partially defines an aperture configured to receive at least part of a first electrical connector.
11. A plug case and socket arrangement according to any preceding claim for use in a hospital.
12. A plug and socket arrangement comprising: a plug case and socket arrangement according to any preceding claim; and a cable received by the plug case and carrying an electrical connector at an end thereof.
13. A plug case comprising: one of a convex or a concave engaging surface and configured for use in a plug case and socket arrangement according to any of claims 1 to 11.
14. A plug comprising: a plug case according to claim 13; and a cable received by the plug case and carrying an electrical connector at an end thereof.
15. A socket comprising: a convex or a concave receiving surface and configured for use in a plug case and socket arrangement according to any of claims 1 to 11.
16. A panel including a socket according to claim 15.
17. A panel according to claim 16, wherein the panel includes one or more of a patient monitoring device, a patient entertainment device, and a gas delivery arrangement.
18. An electronic device including a plug case according to claim 13 or a plug according to claim 14.
19. An electronic device according to claim 18, wherein the electronic device is a patient call device.
20. A plug case and socket arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
21. A plug substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
22. A socket substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
23. A panel substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
24. An electronic device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
25. A plug and socket arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
26. Any novel feature or novel combination of features described herein and/or in the accompanying drawings.