AU2002242494A1 - Improved safety general power point - Google Patents

Description

"Improved Safety General Power Point"

Introduction to the Invention

This invention relates to electrical safety and in particular to a modification of a general power point which greatly enhances the safe use of this type of electrical outlet.

Background to the Invention

The safe use of electrical appliances and installations is a universally understood issue in domestic and industrial situations and in any situation where contact with electricity can result in injury and death.

Perhaps the greatest public exposure to electrical power is via the general power point which finds universal use in domestic situations and common use in industrial situations. The general power point incorporates a switched power outlet via concealed sockets buried in the body of the unit behind a protective fascia. However, with few exceptions, access to the switch and the sockets is achieved in a very straightforward manner by inserting a plug (or other object) through the pin apertures in the fascia and turning the switch on. In this manner, access to potentially deadly electricity is achieved by inserting any suitably sized conducting object into a power point which is easily switched on. Such access can be achieved by children who are curious and can poke metal objects into a live power point with disastrous consequences, or even insert a plug into a live power point and inadvertently activate an iron or other electrical appliance in an unsupervised manner.

The problems discussed above are well understood and various attempts have been made to improve on the safety of such electrical situations.

Examples of such safety improvements include earth leakage protection circuits as well as a range of physical protective devices. The earth leakage circuits are very effective but costly to install and do not protect against all situations. Physical devices include dummy plugs and various arrangements to block access to the sockets from devices other than plugs. However, such devices do not provide full protection and can be traversed by children thereby creating exposure to the dangers detailed above. Statement of the Invention

In one aspect the invention provides an improved electrical power outlet comprising a housing incorporating an array of sockets for receiving the pins of a plug inserted into said outlet, a fascia means for covering said housing, said fascia including an array of apertures corresponding to said sockets; characterized in that a movable gate is positioned between said sockets and said fascia, said gate having a body including an array of apertures corresponding to said sockets and an operating arm for moving said gate between a first position where said apertures are not aligned to said sockets, and a second position where said apertures are aligned to said sockets, wherein said gate is bias to said first position and must be moved to said second position before said plug can be inserted.

In another aspect the invention provides an improved electrical power outlet comprising a housing incorporating an array of sockets for receiving the pins of a plug inserted into said outlet, a switching means for establishing or isolating mains electrical contact to one or more of said sockets, a fascia means for covering said housing, said fascia including an array of apertures corresponding to said sockets; characterized in that a movable gate is positioned between said sockets and said fascia, said gate having a body including an array of apertures corresponding to said sockets, an operating arm for moving said gate and a switch locking means wherein said gate is movable between a first position where said apertures are not aligned to said sockets and said switch locking means locks said switch in the off position, and a second position where said apertures are aligned to said sockets, and said switch locking means frees said switch to be moved from the off position to the on position, wherein said gate is bias to said first position and must be moved to said second position before said plug can be inserted.

The operating arm of said gate may be a projection adapted to extend beyond the housing, at least when the gate is in said first position. The bias applied to said gate may be progressive so as to increase as the gate moves from the first to the second position.

The movement of the gate may be by slidable cooperation with said housing.

The movable gate and operating arm may be provided as a unitary component integrated with the fascia. In another aspect the invention provides an improved electrical power outlet comprising a housing incorporating an array of sockets for receiving the pins of a plug inserted into said outlet, a fascia means for covering said housing, said fascia including an array of apertures corresponding to said sockets; characterized in that said array of apertures are formed in a gate which is movable between a first position and a second position relative to said fascia and wherein said first position misaligns said apertures and said sockets so as to prevent insertion of a plug into said sockets and said second position aligns said apertures and said sockets so as to allow insertion of a plug into said sockets and further wherein said gate is bias to said first position.

The gate may include a switch locking means such that in said first position said switch locking means causes a switching means to isolate one or more of said sockets from electrical power and when in said second position the switch locking means allows said switch to establish electrical contact with said socket.

The housing may be provided with an intermediate guide for the pins of a plug to assist alignment of the pins of a plug into said sockets when the gate is in its second position and equally to assist in preventing the pins of a plug from contacting said sockets when in the first position. The guide may include a circumferencial step to compensate for the additional length of an earth pin and ensure smooth operation and movement from said first to said second position.

The gate may be adapted for rotational movement between said first and second positions. A biasing means may be interconnected about the center of rotation of said gate.

The invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to two particularly preferred embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a power point incorporating the safety device of the invention.

Figure 2 shows a single power point in protected mode.

Figure 3 shows a single power point in receiving mode with a plug inserted.

Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention incorporating a unitary circular gate and operating arm. Detailed Description of the Invention

EXAMPLE ONE

The invention will now be described with reference to one particularly preferred embodiment of a general power point shown in Figures 1 , 2, 3. Reference will be first made to Figure 1 , being an exploded view of the electrical power point of the invention. Figure 1 details one example of a domestic general power point in double configuration, but the invention can be applied to any configuration of wall mounted power point and can also apply to other power outlets including power boards and extension leads with or without switching means. The improved power point of the invention comprises a housing 1 which contains the general mechanics and electricals of the power point. The housing incorporates a standard array of sockets 2 in the appropriate configuration for the market in question, which are configured and positioned in the standard arrangement to suit locally available electrical plugs. The sockets are adapted to receive the pins of a plug 11 when inserted into the power point. The power point is provided with a switching means 3 which serves to switch on and off the electrical supply which is fed to the sockets 2. In this manner, the mains power supply to the sockets can be isolated or established by turning the switch on or off in the usual manner. The power point is further provided with a fascia 4 which incorporates an array of apertures 5 for the purpose of aligning the plug pins during insertion of the plug into the power point. The apertures 5 correspond to the sockets 2 in order to ensure snug engagement of the plug to the sockets of the power point. The power point is characterised by a moveable gate 6 which is positioned within the confines of the housing 1 and is adapted to move between a first blocking position and a second clear position. The gate 6 includes a body 7 formed of rigid and non-conducting material so as to serve as an appropriate barrier preventing entry and contact to the sockets 2 via the fascia apertures 5. The gate body 7 includes an array of apertures 8 corresponding to the apertures 5 of the fascia and sockets 2 such that when the body is moved from the first blocking position to the second clear position, the apertures 7 are aligned with the aperture 5 of the fascia, so as to allow access to the sockets 2. The gate includes an operating arm 9 which extends outside the confines of the housing 1 so as to provide a means of operating the gate and moving it from the first to the second position. The gate body 7 may also incorporate a switch locking means 10 in the form of an extending lug which is adapted to cooperate with the switch 3 such that when the gate is in the first position such that the apertures 8 are not aligned and thereby prevent entry of a plug into the sockets 2, the switch locking means 10 simultaneously cooperates with the switch 3 to prevent the switch from being turned on and/or causes the switch, if already in the on position, to move to the off position. In this manner with the gate in the first blocked position access to the sockets is physically blocked and mains electricity is isolated thereby providing double protection from inadvertent access to live electrical contact. The gate 6 is moveable by way of a sliding action so as to move in a linear direction and is biased in the first position preventing access to the sockets by the action of a spring 12 which urges the gate to retain its first position until it is moved by forcefully pushing the operating arm 9 against the bias of the spring so as to move the gate from its first position to its second position thereby aligning the apertures 8 with the fascia apertures 5 and sockets 2 whilst simultaneously allowing free operation of the switch 3 which can then be turned to the on position to allow power to flow through to an installed plug.

The spring 12 may be configured to apply a progressive bias to the gate 6 such that more force is required to move the gate from the first position to the second position in order to ensure that the power point of the invention cannot be accessed and operated by an individual lacking the typical dexterity and strength available to an adult.

Figure 2 shows a perspective representation of a single general power point with the additional features of the invention which can be seen only as the operating arm 9 projecting from the housing of the power point underneath the fascia 4 . In the first position shown in Figure 2, the apertures 5 of the fascia are fully blocked so as to prevent insertion of a plug and simultaneously the switch 3 is prevented from being turned on by the action of the switch locking means. Referring now to Figure 3, the switch can be seen in its mode of normal operation where the operating arm 9 has been caused to movefrom the first to the second position and pushed into the housing so as to free access to the sockets 2 and allow the switch 3 to be turned on. EXAMPLE TWO

Figure 4 details an example of a domestic general power point in single configuration, but the invention can be applied to any configuration of wall mounted power point and can also apply to other power outlets including power boards and extension leads with or without switching means. The improved power point of the invention comprises a housing 21 which contains the general mechanics and electricals of the power point. The housing incorporates a standard array of sockets 22 in the appropriate configuration for the market in question, which are configured and positioned in the standard arrangement to suit locally available electrical plugs. The sockets are adapted to receive the pins of a plug (not shown) when inserted into the power point. The power point is provided with a switching means 27 which serves to switch on and off the electrical supply which is fed to the sockets 22. In this manner, the mains power supply to the sockets can be isolated or established by turning the switch on or off in the usual manner. The power point is characterised by a moveable gate 25 which is positioned within the confines of the housing 21 and the fascia 23. The gate is circular in shape and adapted for rotation within a circular aperture 34 formed in the fascia. The gate is adapted to move between a first blocking position and a second clear position. The gate body 25 includes an array of apertures 24 corresponding to the sockets 22 such that when the body is moved from the first blocking position to the second clear position, the apertures 24 are aligned so as to allow access to the sockets 22. An intermediate guide means 28 is positioned on the housing, such that an array of apertures 31 are aligned with the sockets 22. The guide is also provided with circumferencial step 29 so as to assist in the smooth negotiation of a plug inserted into said gate. The gate 25 may be provided with a stop lug 32 for cooperation with stop lug or lugs 33 positioned on said housing. The gate body may also incorporate a switch locking means 26 in the form of an extending lug which is adapted to cooperate with the switch 27 such that when the gate is in the first position such that the apertures 24 are not aligned and thereby prevent entry of a plug into the sockets 22, the switch locking means 26 simultaneously cooperates with the switch 27 to prevent the switch from being turned on and/or causes the switch, if already in the on position, to move to the off position. In this manner with the gate in the first blocked position access to the sockets is physically blocked and mains electricity is isolated thereby providing double protection from inadvertent access to live electrical contact. The gate 25 is moveable by way of a rotating action and is biased in the first position preventing access to the sockets by the action of a spring 30 which urges the gate to retain its first position until it is moved by partially inserting a plug (limited by the misalignment of the sockets) and rotating the gate 25 against the bias of the spring so as to move the gate from its first position to its second position thereby aligning the apertures 24 with the apertures 31 and sockets 22 thereby allowing full insertion of the plug whilst simultaneously allowing free operation of the switch 27 which can then be turned to the on position to allow power to flow through to an installed plug. The manufacturing of the electrical power point of the invention requires minimal cosmetic and design changes to the standard units currently available and for minimal additional costs, can provide a highly improved safety aspect to many domestic and industrial situations. In use, the power point of the invention would be installed in the usual manner and the gate would adopt its first position in the blocking orientation thereby preventing the switch from being inadvertently turned on and/or the plug from being inadvertently inserted. When access was required to the power point, the operator would have to deliberately insert a plug and cause it to rotate (or activate an operating arm) against the action of the bias and only with the suitable dexterity typically available to an adult, would this be accomplished such that the plug could then be inserted into the power point and the switch turned on. Once the plug is removed, the gate would automatically return to the first blocking position, against the bias of the spring such that the return of the plug to the power point would require the repeat of the operation previously described. In this manner, the invention provides for the first time a highly economical general power point which will provide a measurable improvement to the safety and operation of electrical systems throughout most domestic and industrial situations.

The invention can equally be applied to unswitched electrical installations or non-mounted outlets including power boards and extension cords. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims (12)

CLAIMS:

1. An electrical power outlet comprising a housing incorporating an array of sockets for receiving the pins of a plug inserted into said outlet, a fascia means for covering said housing, said fascia including an array of apertures corresponding to said sockets wherein a movable gate is positioned between said sockets and said fascia, said gate having a body including an array of apertures corresponding to said sockets and an operating arm for moving said gate between a first position where said apertures are not aligned to said sockets, and a second position where said apertures are aligned to said sockets wherein said gate is bias to said first position and must be moved to said second position before said plug can be inserted.

2. An outlet according to claim 1 , wherein said operating arm is a projection adapted to extend beyond said housing when said gate is in said first position.

3. An outlet according to claims 1 or 2 wherein said bias is progressive so as to increase as said gate moves from said first to said second position.

4. An outlet according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein said gate movement is by slidable cooperation with said housing.

5. An outlet according to claim 1 wherein said movable gate and operating arms are provided as a unitary component of said fascia wherein said fascia apertures are formed in said gate which is movable between said first and second positions relative to said fascia wherein said first position misaligns said apertures and said sockets so as to prevent insertion of a plug into said socket and said second position aligns said apertures and said socket so as to allow insertion of a plug into said socket.

6. An outlet according to claim 5 wherein said gate includes a switch locking means such that when said gate is in said first position said switch locking means isolates one or more of said sockets from electrical power and when said gate is in said second position said switch locking means allows electrical contact to be made with said socket.

7. An outlet according to claim 5 or 6 wherein said housing is provided with an intermediate guide for the pins of a plug to assist alignment of said pins into said socket when said gate is in said second position and to assist in preventing the pins from contacting said socket when in said first position.

8. An outlet according to any one of claims 5 to 7 wherein said gate is adapted for rotational movement between said first and second positions.

9. An outlet according to claim 8 wherein said gate is circular and said fascia aperture is circular.

10. An outlet according to any one of claims 7 to 9 wherein said intermediate gate is circular and provided with a circumferencial step to compensate for the additional length of an earthing pin.

11. An outlet according to any one of claims 5 to 10 wherein said movable gate is bias to said first position.

12. An outlet according to any one of claims 1 to 11 substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the examples.