AU2013251199A1 - Power outlet protector - Google Patents

Abstract

A safety actuator for a power outlet mounted in a substrate surface is disclosed. The safety actuator is applicable to power outlets having a socket for receiving a plug of 5 an electrical appliance and a switch for selectively connecting a source of electricity to the socket. The safety actuator is manually operable to interact with the switch to cause the switch to connect and to disconnect the source of electricity to the socket. The safety actuator includes a user accessible member that is controllable by a user to manually operate the safety actuator and that is configured to inhibit manual operation 10 of the safety actuator. In one form, the safety actuator has a body that fits over and conceals the power outlet. In another form, the safety actuator in integrated into a power outlet. 4821611_1 (GHMatters) P91239.AU.1 ........ .. .. .. .. . . .. .....0. .... .... ........... .. .. . . .... . . .. . . . .. .. .... .. .. ......... . .... .. ...... ......... ............. .. ............... ............. .. ....... ...... .' ... r....... .. . .. ... . .. .... ... YYYY Y~fllfl....'~ ..... ...... .... ......... ....... ................. .............. . ................. .. ............ All~ , ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..

Description

A SAFETY ACTUATOR FOR A POWER OUTLET TECHNICAL FIELD 5 The present invention relates to electrical power outlets. More specifically, the invention relates to a safety device for restricting access to electrical power outlets. BACKGROUND All buildings, whether commercial or residential, are routinely fitted with 10 electrical power outlets. These outlets come in an array of different shapes and sizes and are installed in any number of locations, on walls and units, floor level, kitchen surface level and even sink level. They all pose the same threat, in that an electrical supply can cause serious injury and a risk of death. The danger of these power outlets is increased around children, as children have little or no understanding of the 15 potential dangers. Couple the accessibility and necessity of power outlets with the curiosity of a child, and a person's home has a considerable number of potential safety hazards. People have employed their own fixes to these issues, such as covering a power outlet when not in use by leaving the plug of an electrical appliance in the 20 socket or even filling the power outlet with a plastic connector. However, these options do not prevent the electrical power from being accidentally turned on or left on. The applicant recognises that, in this case, the danger to children may be the appliance that is plugged in and that may be activated when the power outlet is switched on or left on. 25 While electrical circuit breakers can be employed to stop current, they do not eliminate danger, as they are only activated once the problem or potential electrocution has occurred. Other attempts to solve this problem involve encasing the entire plug, power outlet and socket assembly in various forms of casing to prevent any access. This 30 solution is bulky and it means that appliances remain plugged in with the electrical outlet switched on. Accordingly, any danger associated with the operation of the appliance remains. It is desirable to provide an alternative safety device for restricting access to electrical power outlets. 4821611_1 (GHMatters) P91239.AU.1 -2 Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the 5 present invention, a limited number of the exemplary methods and materials are described herein. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general 10 knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application. Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion 15 of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. SUMMARY According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a safety actuator for a power outlet mounted in a surface, the power outlet having a socket for receiving 20 a plug of an electrical appliance and a switch for selectively connecting a source of electricity to the socket, the safety actuator is manually operable to interact with the switch to cause the switch to connect and to disconnect the source of electricity to the socket and wherein the safety actuator includes a user accessible component that is controllable by a user to manually operate the safety actuator and that is configured to 25 inhibit manual operation of the safety actuator. The level of difficulty required to operate the switches is increased by interposing the safety actuator between the users and the switches. The increased difficulty to operate the switches can be managed by mature people. Accordingly, young children are protected from the power outlet by their inability to overcome the 30 increased level of difficulty to operate the switches. The dexterity required to actuate the device is such that the turning "on" or "off' of the switch by a child is very difficult. 4821611_1 (GHMatters) P91239.AU.1 -3 The prevention of the inadvertent turning "on" of equipment by a child provides protection to both the children and others. The invention is particularly applicable to electronic devices that pose an inherent risk, e.g. irons or kettles, because they do not themselves have independent on/off switches. For such devices it 5 may not be immediately apparent whether the device has been switched on. A further advantage is in reducing the likelihood of a device being inadvertently turned "off'. Some electrical appliances e.g. data storage devices and computer equipment can suffer harm if turned off suddenly, in addition to the inconvenience caused to the computer user. Furthermore, devices such as fridges and 10 freezers can incur economic loss through food spoilage if inadvertently turned "off'. Additionally, the form of the safety actuator is such that its size and dimensions are only marginally greater than the dimensions of a power outlet in respect of which it is used. Accordingly, the safety actuator is not itself a hazard or obstruction owing to its size. 15 The safety actuator can be used with minimal or no adjustment to a standard power outlet. The safety actuator is simple and quick to install and can be removed without damaging the power outlet, when no longer required. With the safety actuator in place and accompanying plugs in the sockets of the power outlets, it is very hard for objects or fingers of young children to be inserted into the sockets. This 20 functionality is further supported by the increased difficulty in connecting the power supply to the socket. The member may be associated with a component that is mounted to the body and interacts with the body in a manner such that manual operation is inhibited. Manual operation may be inhibited by resistance caused by friction between the 25 member and the body. The resistance may be caused by interacting formations between the member and the body. The safety actuator may include a body that, in situ, conceals the power outlet so as to prevent access to the switch. The component may be slidably mounted to the body and the member may be 30 a lug projecting through a slot such that the lug is raised slightly above the surface of the body. In this form, the switch is controlled by causing the lug to slide along the slot. 4821611_1 (GHMatters) P91239.AU.1 -4 The lug may project above the surface by less than 5mm. Optionally, the lug may project above the surface by less than 2mm. The member may be recessed from the body surface to reduce accessibility of the member and thereby to inhibit manual operation. The member may be relieved less 5 than 5 mm from the surface of the body. The member may be less than 5 mm wide. Furthermore, the member may be less than 5 mm long. In one embodiment, the safety actuator may be co-operable with the power outlet to fasten the safety actuator to the power outlet. 10 According to a second aspect, there is provided a safety power outlet apparatus comprising: (a) a safety actuator as described above, and (b) a power outlet having a socket for receiving a plug of an electrical appliance and a switch for selectively connecting a source of electricity 15 to the socket, wherein the safety actuator is manually operable to interact with the switch to cause the switch to connect and to disconnect the source of electricity to the socket and the safety actuator and the power outlet are co-operable such that the safety actuator is fastenable to the power outlet. 20 In one form, the safety actuator may be integrated with the power outlet. There is provided in a third aspect, a kit for shielding a power outlet mounted in a surface, the power outlet having a socket for receiving a plug of an electrical appliance and a switch for selectively connecting a source of electricity to the socket, the kit comprising: 25 (a) a safety actuator as described above; and (b) a stopper for plugging the socket when a plug of an electrical appliance is not inserted within the power outlet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 30 The invention will now be described with reference to a select embodiment described in further detail below, wherein like reference numerals indicate similar 4821611_1 (GHMatters) P91239.AU.1 -5 parts throughout the several views. Embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1A illustrates a front view of a safety shield according to an embodiment of the invention, in position over an electrical power outlet; 5 Figure 1B illustrates a front isometric view of the safety shield according to an embodiment of the invention, in position over an electrical power outlet; Figure 2A illustrates a front isometric view of the cover of the safety shield and shows the side opening through which the activator may be contacted; Figure 2B illustrates a rear isometric view of the cover of the safety shield and 10 shows the actuator mounting within the cover; Figure 3A is a top isometric view of an actuator, illustrating a series of locating teeth and an operating arm; Figure 3B is a top view of the actuator, illustrating a guide and a tab; Figure 3C is a bottom isometric view of the actuator, illustrating two guide 15 members of the actuator; Figure 4A is an isometric view of two actuators in location within the cover, showing the interaction between the actuator and the interior of the cover; Figure 4B is an isometric view of two actuators in alternate positions within the cover, which is superimposed as a transparent outline; 20 Figure 5A is a side view of a plug, for covering a power outlet socket; Figure 5B is a bottom elevation of the plug, illustrating the relative locations of three legs required for use with an Australian power socket outlet; and Figure 5C is an isometric rear view of the plug, illustrating a circumferential lip on the inner side of the top surface and a cut-out within the lip for ease of removal; 25 Figure 5D is an oblique frontal isometric view of the plug, illustrating a recessed front face with promotional markings; and Figure 6 is a front view of a standard Australian power outlet, showing two sockets disposed in a fixed portion and a detachable, peripheral frame. 30 DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of 4821611_1 (GHMatters) P91239.AU.1 -6 the invention are shown. These inventions may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. For example, the embodiments relate to a form of the invention that is adapted for Australian electrical power outlets. It will be appreciated that the invention may be 5 adapted for outlets in other countries. An embodiment of a safety actuator is shown in Figure 1A, together with a power outlet 103 that is, in use, mounted in a surface. The power outlet has two sockets 107, each for receiving a plug of an electrical appliance and two switches 105 for selectively connecting a source of electricity to each socket 107. The safety 10 actuator is in the form of a safety shield 100 that is formed to be manually operable to interact with each switch 105 to cause the switches 105 to connect and to disconnect the source of electricity to the sockets 107. The safety shield 100 includes a user accessible member, in the form of a lug or a tab 125, that is configured to inhibit manual operation of the safety shield 100. 15 The tab 125 is formed integrally with a component, in the form of an actuator 120, that is slidingly mounted in a body, in the form of a cover 110, such that a user operating the tab 125 will cause the actuator 120 to slide within the body to operate the switches 105. The term "inhibit" for the purposes of the specification, is intended to be 20 afforded a broad interpretation as to restricting, obstructing, hampering or hindering the normal manual operation of a switch 105 being adjusted from the "off' position to the "on" position, and vice versa. References to "normal operation" and "normal use" of a power outlet 103 are intended to refer to the use of a power outlet 103 without any safety shield 100. 25 The safety shield 100 comprises the cover 110, a pair of the actuators 120, 120a and a pair of stoppers, in the form of socket plugs 130, as shown in Figure 1B. In this form the safety shield is for dual socket power outlets. It will be appreciated, however, that the safety shield 100 could be adapted for single-socket power outlets, other surface-mounted switched sockets and for power boards on extension leads that 30 have switches independent of wall-mounted sockets. 4821611_1 (GHMatters) P91239.AU.1 -7 The term "surface-mounted" as used hereinafter is intended to encompass the mounting of socket outlets 103 on all manner of surfaces, such as walls, skirting boards, tiled surfaces, kitchen benches, side panels of units, bookcases etc. The power outlet 103 is formed in a rectangular shape, and has a large flat, 5 front surface 106. Within the front surface 106 there are provided a number of apertures in a duo of tri-lobal formations which together comprise the two sockets 107 for receiving respective plugs of electrical appliances. The front surface 106 also comprises two approximately square holes, one disposed at either side of the front face 106, through which the switches 105 protrude. The switches 105 are pivoted 10 within the front face 106 of the power outlet 103 and operate between two positions, an "off" position and an "on" position. In the "off" position, conductors (not shown) within the socket are disconnected such that electricity would not be conveyed to the socket 107. In the "on" position, the conductors are connected such that electricity would be conveyed to the socket 107. 15 The cover 110 is a substantially planar, rectangular shape having a centrally recessed face 111 (see Figure 2A). The recessed face 111 contains a series of apertures arranged in a duo of tri-lobal formations 113, which can be aligned with the sockets 107 of the power outlet 103. By aligning the sockets 107 with the apertures 113, the plug of an electrical appliance (not shown) can pass through the recessed face 20 111 of the cover 110 and into the socket 107 of the power outlet 103 to an extent required to connect the plug to the conductors in the socket 107 in order to form an electrical connection. The face 111 is designed to sit over the front surface 106 of the power outlet 103 when the safety shield 100 is in use. The cover 110 further includes a front face 112 that is designed to sit proud of the front surface 106, to allow just 25 enough room to house the actuators 120, 120a but not such space that the cover 110 protrudes excessively from the wall or surface to which the power outlet 103 is mounted. The spacing is less than lcm. It is contemplated that the cover 110 could be made from a range of materials and preferably, non-conductive materials. In this embodiment, the cover 110 is 30 formed of plastics material so that the internal components may be moulded integrally for ease of manufacture. Plastic components also offer the potential for light weight components and snap-fit mountings. Although the safety shield 100 illustrated in 4821611_1 (GHMatters) P91239.AU.1 -8 Figure 1 is transparent, an alternative embodiment would be white, to match a standard electricity power outlet 103 and thus blend-in, potentially avoiding unwanted attention from young children and toddlers. The material thickness of the recessed face 111 is less than the remainder of 5 the cover 110 to ensure that a snug fit is possible between the plug of an appliance and the socket apertures 107 when used in conjunction with the safety shield 100. The front face 112 is heavily chamfered to give a smooth transition from the front face 112 to a perimeter wall 119 of the cover 110. At each opposing end of the cover 110 within the perimeter wall 119 there is a relieved mounting in the cover 110 10 in the form of an access slot 114, through which tab 125 protrudes so the actuator 120 can be operated. The slot 114 defines the necessary travel of the actuator 120 to move from the first position to the second position and thereby transition the operating switch 105 between the "off' to the "on" positions. End walls of the perimeter wall 119 are formed with a toothed formation 1 19a 15 on an interior side of the perimeter wall 119. The cover 110 is formed such that the tab 125 can only protrude through access slot 114 by a couple of millimetres. The effect is that the tab 125 projects above the surface of the cover 110 by less than 5 mm. In one form, the tab 125 projects above the surface of the cover 110 by less than 2 mm. This minimalistic 20 protrusion necessitates a high level of dexterity to indirectly operate the switch 105, once the safety shield 100 is in position. The tab 125 is purposefully small in order to inhibit its operation. Additionally, its relative location to the cover 110 further increases the difficulty of the tab 125 and hence operation of the switch 105. In one embodiment, the tab 125 is only raised from the surface of the cover 110 by a couple 25 of millimetres. In an alternative embodiment, the tab 125 is not raised from the surface of the cover 110 at all, and in a further alternative embodiment, the tab 125 is recessed into the cover 110 so that the operation of the tab 125 must occur within the cover 110. In embodiments where the tab 125 is recessed into the cover 110, it will be necessary to use a stylus, pin or other form of aid to achieve direct contact with the 30 tab 125 and to thereby apply pressure to tab 125 to influence switches 105. A smooth, straight dividing wall 118 and a guideway 115 separate side portions 1 Oa from a large central portion 1 Ob (Figure 2B). Between the dividing 4821611_1 (GHMatters) P91239.AU.1 -9 wall 118 and the guide-way 115 is an opening 117, which is necessary to assemble the safety shield 100 because it allows the actuators 120, 120a to be placed into the respective side portions 1 10a of the cover 110. The guide-way 115 has an L-shaped cross-section that is shown in Figure 2B. 5 Specifically, the guide-way 115 has an upwardly projecting wall portion 1 I5a having an inverted-U shaped profile. The guide-way 115 further has a seat portion 11 5b that projects from a base of the wall portion 115a in a direction away from the toothed formation 1 19a such that the wall portion 1 I5a and the seat portion 1 15b define an L shape. The upper most surface of the wall portion 115a is at the top of the L-section 10 and is disposed closest to the power outlet 103 when the safety shield 100 is in use. Meanwhile, the lower surface of the guide-way 115 forms a seated portion 11 5b, on which the upper guide 124 can be located, in order to guide the travel of the actuator 120 along the guide-way 115. The dividing wall 118 has a regular rectangular cross-section, the top surface 15 118a being directly opposite the surface 104 of the power outlet 103. The lower guide 128 is located on the top surface 1 18a of the dividing wall 118 in order to guide the travel of the actuator 120 along the dividing wall 118. The actuator 120 comprises, a body 121 and an arm 122, as shown in Figures 3A and 3B. The body 121 securely mounts the actuator 120 within the cover 110, 20 while the arm 122 interacts with the power outlet 103 operating switch 105 to cause it to move between the "on" and "off' positions. The body 121 has an approximate C-shaped section, allowing the actuator 120 to be resiliently positioned in the side portion 1 18a, between the dividing wall 118 and guide-way 115, and the toothed wall 1 19a of the cover 110. 25 The actuator body 121 has an upper angular section which acts as an upper guide 124 and a lower angular section, which acts as a lower guide 128. The upper guide 124 is mountable upon the guide-way 115 and the lower guide 128 is mountable on the dividing wall 118. The guides 124 and 128 allow the actuator 120 to slidably traverse a portion of the cover 110. 30 The body 121 of the actuator comprises a first side 121a which is located approximately opposite a second side 121b. The body 121 also has an upper end 121c which is located approximately opposite a lower end 121d. 4821611_1 (GHMatters) P91239.AU.1 -10 A resilient section 127 of the actuator body 121 is disposed between the first face 121a and second face 121b to allow the faces to flex relative to one another. From a top view of the actuator 120, it can be seen that the application of force on tab 125 in a direction towards the second face 121b, will cause the distance between faces 5 121a and 121b to reduce, thus narrowing the overall width of body 121. The second side 121b of the body 121, opposite the arm 122, accommodates the tab 125. The tab 125 is dimensionally configured to sit within the access slot 114 of the cover 110, thereby allowing the actuator 120 to be moved within the cover 110 by external operations, such as pressure applied by a user's finger. The tab 125 is 10 relatively small when compared to the switch 105 of a standardised power outlet 103, as shown in Figure 3B. In an alternate embodiment the tab 125 may be smaller than shown in Figure 3B, such that an aid is required to activate the tab 125, as it is too small for a human digit to manipulate unaided. The tab 125 is joined to the body 121 adjacent the resilient portion of the body 15 127. The tab 125 is integrally formed with the actuator 120, as shown in Figures 3A 3C, to reduce the potential for the two components to become detached from one another. Also disposed on the second side 121b of the body 121 is a series of protrusions that form a plurality of locating teeth 123. The locating teethl23 can be 20 clearly seen in Figure 3A. These locating teeth 123 provide a retention means for the actuator 120 within the cover 110. When the actuator 120 is disposed within the small portion 1 10a of the cover 110, the locating teeth123 are in direct contact with the toothed formation 1 19a on the internal wall 119 of the cover 110. The locating teeth 123 mate with the toothed formations 1 19a to create a frictional force that resists 25 movement of the actuator 120 relative to the cover 110 or along the guide-way 115. The upper end 121c of the actuator body 121 has a curved form, as shown in Figure 3A. This curved upper end 121c is to allow the actuator 120 to exhibit the greatest range of travel possible within the cover 110. If the upper end 121c was a rectangular form, or had no curved form, the extra material would inhibit the 30 movement of the actuator 120 when nearing a rounded corner 102 of the cover 110. The extended lower end 121d provides the actuator 120 with a stop means, to reduce the likelihood of the actuator 120 being moved past the second position and 4821611_1 (GHMatters) P91239.AU.1 -11 removing the actuator 120 from the guide-way 115. The actuator would be freed from the guide-way 115, if the upper guide 124 was moved off the guide-way 115 and across the opening 117, between the guide-way 115 and the dividing wall 118. The upper guide 124 can be seen in Figure 3B. 5 The arm 122 comprises a first portion 122a disposed proximate the body 121 of the actuator, and a second portion 122b is disposed at a distal end of the arm 122 relative to the body 121. The first portion of the arm 122a extends from the first side 121a perpendicular to a plane defined by the first side 121 and from the first side 121a opposite to the second side 121b. The second portion 122b has a curved form, in the 10 plane of the cover 110. The second portion 122b assists with use of the safety shield 100 with the socket 103, in order that the arm 122 may have full travel over the switch 105, to move the switch 105 between the first and second positions, without the arm 122 extending over the sockets 107 or interfering with the power plug of an appliance when located within the socket 107. 15 The arm 122 is connected to the body 121 towards the upper end of the body 121c. The pair of guides 124 and 128 can be seen illustrated in Figure 3C. The upper guide 124 is positioned proximate the arm 122 and will run along the guide-way 115, while the lower guide 128 is positioned towards the lower end of the body 121d and is 20 designed to glide smoothly along the dividing wall 118. To allow the guides 124 and 128 to slide along dividing wall 118 and guide-way 115, the tab 125 must be driven with sufficient force to overcome friction between the teeth 123 and the toothed formation 119a. The upper guide 124 is an extension of the first side 121a of the body 121 and 25 has an angular profile. This profile is formed by a bridging portion 124a and a retaining wall 124b. The bridge 124a sits on the top surface 1 I5a of the guide-way 115 and the retaining wall 124b extends from the top surface 115a of the guide-way 115 down the L-shaped profile to rest on the seat 1 I5b. The lower guide 128 is also an extension of the first side 121a of the body 121 30 and has an angular profile, similar to that of the upper guide 124. This profile is formed by a bridging portion 128a and a retaining wall 128b. The bridge 128a sits on 4821611_1 (GHMatters) P91239.AU.1 -12 the top surface 1 18a of the dividing wall 118 and the retaining wall 128b extends from the top surface 1 18a down the side of the dividing wall 118. The actuator 120 may be made from any resilient material, such as a metal. Alternatively, the actuator 120 may be made from a plastic or polymer material, that 5 is light, cheap to produce and electrically non-conductive. In an alternate embodiment, the actuator can be made from a material matching in colour and/or texture to the cover 110 to further obfuscate the location of the tab 125 to young children. The plug 130 is shown in detail in Figures 5A to 5D, comprising a flat circular 10 plate 131 a central portion of which is attached to the distal ends of a trio of legs 132 and 135. The configuration and orientation of the legs 132, 135 upon the attachment surface of the plate 131 are specifically configured for an Australian standard plug. In alternative embodiments, the plate can have a pair of legs 132 or a single leg 135, which is still sufficient to hold the plug 130 in the socket 107, through the cover 110. 15 The earth leg 135 is marginally longer than other legs 132 and has a primarily rectangular section. The upper and lower faces of the earth leg 135 have a tapered profile 136, which increases in thickness from the tip 135a of the leg 135 towards the point where it transitions into the plate 131. The tapered sides 136 of the earthed leg 135 provide improved egress when 20 removing the plug 130 from a socket 107. These tapered sides 136 further reduce the risk of the plug 130 becoming damaged or breaking-off leg 135 within the socket 107. The plug 130 has a circular plate 131 that holds the three legs 132, 135 together with a rounded circumferential edge 133 and a recessed front face 134, as shown in Figures 5B and 5D. The circumferential edge 133 provides a lip 137 on the 25 inner face of the plug 130, adjacent to the legs 132, and 135. The lip 137 has a cut-out 138, which allows a user to get access behind the plug 130 when removing it from a socket 107. The lip 137 and cut-out 138 are shown in Figure 5C, where the cut-out is approximately 10mm in length. The plate 131 is configured such that the plug 130 does not protrude from the socket 107 and the distance between the lip 137 and the 30 recessed front face 134 is about 2.7 mm. The plug is made from a non-conducting plastic or resilient polymer, although other materials can be used. The plate 131 has a recessed front face 134 which is 4821611_1 (GHMatters) P91239.AU.1 -13 generally smooth, flat and clear of features to allow for the printing or impressions or words. The words may be warnings, advertising, promotional material or a trade mark, Figure 5D shows one such example. The actuator 120 is operable to move between a first position and a second 5 position. Figure 4A illustrates the actuator 120 in the second position and a second actuator 120a in the first position. In the first position, the actuator 120 sits just above a power outlet operating switch 105 while the switch 105 is in the "off' position. In the second position, the actuator 120a is disposed just below the operating switch 105 which is in the "on" position. 10 The resilience of the material of the actuator 120 is used to hold the actuator 120 in any determined position against the toothed formation 1 19a, dividing wall 118 and guide-way 115. When the tab 125 is pushed towards the second face 121b of the body 121 of the actuator 120, the resilient portion 127 flexes and narrows the width of the body 15 121. As this occurs, the locating teeth 123 are forced to withdraw from the toothed formation 1 19a of the exterior wall 119 of the cover 110, and sufficiently reduce the frictional force, thus freeing the actuator 120 to travel relative to the cover 110. The resilience in the material of the actuator 120 contributes to holding the actuator 120 in location, in conjunction with the locating teeth 123 and toothed wall 20 1 19a. These features assist in maintaining the actuator 120 in place through frictional force and reduce the potential for the actuator 120 to become lose or rattle around within the cover 110. When a pressure or force is applied to the tab 125, the resilient portion 127 of the body 121 flexes and draws the locating teeth 123 off the toothed formation 119a, 25 allowing the actuator 120 the freedom to move relative to the cover 110. Sufficient force must then be applied to the tab 125 in the desired direction of travel to move the actuator 120. The application of sufficient translational force in combination with the dexterity to manipulate the tab 125 restricts or hampers the use of the safety shield 30 100 by babies, toddlers and young children. The prerequisite dexterity to use the safety shield 100 can be learned by adults, thereby allowing the operation of power 4821611_1 (GHMatters) P91239.AU.1 -14 outlets 103 within a home environment with minimal disruption to their normal operation. As the actuator 120 is moved from the first position towards the second position, the arm 122 of the actuator 120 is brought into contact with the first 5 protruding face 105a of the switch 105, which stands proud from the front surface 106 of the power outlet 103. As pressure is applied to the first switch face 105a by the arm 122, the switch 105 is moved from the first position to the second position and the actuator 120 is brought to rest in the second position, below the switch 105 on the front face 106 of the outlet 103. 10 With the actuator 120 in the second position and the arm 122 at the lowest point of travel, the distal curved portion of the arm 122b rests adjacent a cut-out 126 in the cover 110. The cut-out 126 serves to allow the actuator 120 to have full travel over the switch 105 and further provides external visual confirmation of the location of the actuator 120 inside the cover 110. 15 When the actuator 120 is moved from the second position towards the first position, the arm 122 of the actuator 120 is brought into contact with the second protruding face 105b of the switch 105, which stands proud of the front surface 106 of the power outlet 103. As pressure is applied to the second switch face 105b by the arm 122, the switch 105 is moved from the second position to the first position and 20 the actuator 120 is brought to rest in the first position, above the switch 105 on the front face 106 of the outlet 103. In an alternate embodiment, the cover 110 is formed to snap-fit around the outer surface of the power outlet 103. This embodiment of the safety shield 100 uses the same features as the embodiment described above; however does not rely on a 25 plug of an electrical appliance being placed in socket 107 through the safety shield 100, to hold the safety shield 100 in position over the power outlet 103. In a further embodiment, a safety shield 100 is provided to take advantage of power outlets 103 that have snap-fit fascia, that cover ends of fasteners that secure the outlet 103 to a wall. In effect the cover 110 replaces the snap-fit fascia. In this 30 configuration plugs 130 and appliance plugs are not required to retain the cover 110 in position. However, it is still preferred that a plug 130 is disposed with the apertures 4821611_1 (GHMatters) P91239.AU.1 -15 113 within the cover 110 to seal the sockets 107, and thereby restrict direct access between foreign objects and the source of electricity within power outlet 103. Although resilient clips such as a pair of spring mounted armatures can be mounted on the interior of the cover, the snap-fit mechanism is preferably integrally 5 moulded with the cover 110 in a single operation. The snap-fit mechanism of the cover 110 can be disposed on a single surface of the cover 110; however, in alternative embodiments of the snap-fit mechanism comprises a pair of mechanisms disposed on opposing faces of the cover 110. In an alternative embodiment the snap fit mechanisms may be located on multiple faces of the cover 110 to provide multiple 10 attachment points around a standard power outlet 105. It is envisaged that a series of safety shields 100 can be designed for designated use with particular brands of standard power outlet. In a further embodiment, the power outlet 103 is modified to provide a more permanent attachment of the safety shield 100. The power outlet 103 contains 15 apertures 107 that correspond to the apertures 113 in the cover 110. The front surface 106 of the power outlet 103 is divided into two portions as shown in Figure 6. The first portion is a socket surround surface 108 that contains the sockets 107 and is in connection with the electrical power source. The socket surround 108 is fixed to the power outlet 103 and generally cannot be removed. The second portion of the front 20 surface 106 is a peripheral portion or frame 104 of the power outlet 103. The frame 104 provides a boundary around the socket surround surface 108 and houses the switches 105. The peripheral frame 104 can be removed from the remainder of the power outlet 103 to provide access to the internals of the power outlet 103 for the purpose of 25 maintenance or repair. Once the frame 104 is removed from the outlet 103 a safety shield 100 can be fitted in its place, thus incorporating the advantages described above in a more permanently attached safety shield 100. In this embodiment the safety shield 100 can be snap-fitted into position or adhered in a more permanent manner e.g. mounting 30 screws, bolts or alternative attachment means. As in this embodiment the cover 110 is replacing a portion of the outlet 104 and not sitting on top of the outlet 103, the safety shield 100 can be narrower in depth and more slim-lined. Aside from providing a 4821611_1 (GHMatters) P91239.AU.1 -16 more permanent fixing means, the safety shield 100 in this embodiment is also less bulky and closer to the size of the standardised outlet 103 to which is it fitted. In another embodiment of the invention an electronic connection between the tab 125 and the switch 105 is provided that eliminates the need for a continuous 5 mechanical connection therebetween as exemplified by the actuator 120. This allows the size of the safety shield 100 to be reduced further without loss of functionality. In a preferred embodiment, the tab 125 is located within the cover 110 with a minimal relief, if any, from the surface 106, to further impede the actuation of the switches 105. In embodiments where the tab 125 is recessed into the cover 110, a pin or stylus 10 is required to access the tab 125, thereby making activation of the switch 105 extremely difficult without a pin, which also reduces the possibility of accidental activation of the switches 105. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing 15 from the scope of the following claims. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. 4821611_1 (GHMatters) P91239.AU.1

Claims (16)

1. A safety actuator for a power outlet mounted in a substrate surface, the power outlet having a socket for receiving a plug of an electrical appliance and a switch for 5 selectively connecting a source of electricity to the socket, the safety actuator is manually operable to interact with the switch to cause the switch to connect and to disconnect the source of electricity to the socket and wherein the safety actuator includes a user accessible member that is controllable by a user to manually operate the safety actuator and that is configured to inhibit manual operation of the safety 10 actuator.

2. A safety actuator according to claim 1, wherein the member is associated with a component that is mounted to a body and interacts with the body in a manner such that manual operation is inhibited. 15

3. A safety actuator according to claim 2, wherein manual operation is inhibited by resistance caused by friction between the component and the body.

4. A safety actuator according to claim 3, wherein the resistance is caused by 20 interaction between formations of the component and the body.

5. A safety actuator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the safety actuator includes a body that, in situ, conceals the power outlet so as to prevent access to the switch. 25

6. A safety actuator according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the component is slidably mounted to the body and the member is a lug projecting through a slot such that the lug is raised slightly above the surface of the body, whereby the switch is controlled by causing the lug to slide along the slot. 30

7. A safety actuator according to claim 5, wherein the lug projects above the surface by less than 5mm. 4821611_1 (GHMatters) P91239.AU.1 -18

8. A safety actuator according to claim 5, wherein the lug projects above the surface by less than 2mm. 5

9. A safety actuator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the member is recessed from the body surface to reduce accessibility of the member and thereby to inhibit manual operation.

10. A safety actuator as defined in claim 9, wherein the member is less than 5 mm 10 wide.

11. A safety actuator as defined in claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the member is less than 5 mm long. 15

12. A safety actuator as defined in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the member is relieved less than 5 mm from the surface of the body.

13. A safety actuator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the safety actuator is co-operable with the power outlet to fasten the safety actuator to the power 20 outlet.

14. A safety power outlet apparatus comprising: (a) a safety actuator according to any one of claims 1 to 12, and (b) a power outlet having a socket for receiving a plug of an electrical 25 appliance and a switch for selectively connecting a source of electricity to the socket, wherein the safety actuator is manually operable to interact with the switch to cause the switch to connect and to disconnect the source of electricity to the socket and the safety actuator and the power outlet are co-operable such that the safety actuator is 30 fastenable to the power outlet. 4821611_1 (GHMatters) P91239.AU.1 -19

15. A safety power outlet apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the safety actuator is integrated with the power outlet.

16. A kit for shielding a power outlet mounted in a surface, the power outlet 5 having a socket for receiving a plug of an electrical appliance and a switch for selectively connecting a source of electricity to the socket, the kit comprising: (a) a safety actuator according to any one of claims 1 to 15; and (b) a stopper for plugging the socket when a plug of an electrical appliance is not inserted within the power outlet. 10 4821611_1 (GHMatters) P91239.AU.1