CA2013428C - Electrical outlet safety cover - Google Patents
Electrical outlet safety coverInfo
- Publication number
- CA2013428C CA2013428C CA 2013428 CA2013428A CA2013428C CA 2013428 C CA2013428 C CA 2013428C CA 2013428 CA2013428 CA 2013428 CA 2013428 A CA2013428 A CA 2013428A CA 2013428 C CA2013428 C CA 2013428C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- back plate
- catch
- side walls
- openings
- pivotal
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/44—Means for preventing access to live contacts
- H01R13/447—Shutter or cover plate
Abstract
A protective device for an electrical outlet. The device has a back plate having at least one opening for the outlet, opposed sides and ends. There is a pivotal cover for the opening and a catch on the pivotal cover. The catch is urged outwardly. A recess on the back plate receives the catch when the catch is urged outwardly to hold the cover member over the opening.
Description
2013~28 .
ELECTRICAL OUTLET gAFETY OOVER
This invention relates to a protective device for an electrical outlet.
Electrical outlets, typically mounted in the walls of buildings, comprise a plurality of recesses to receive the prongs of an electrical plug. Typically the outlets are arranged in pairs, the so-called duplex outlet in North America. The outlets are electrically alive and, as such, can be a hazard when they arouse the curiosity of a child.
Insertion of an electrically conducting member into the openings of the outlet can result in an electrical shock.
Attempts have been made to avoid this problem typically by the provision of small plastic inserts having prongs that fit in the electrically live openings. However, these devices are not entirely appropriate. They are not permanently attached to the outlet and removing them can be a problem if they are to fulfill their function of making the outlet electrically safe. If they are easy to move then, of couræe, they are pointless. There is nothing in them to require ingenuity in operation and any child having observed their removal will be able to duplicate the feat. The point is that they are normally difficult to remove so the child -1- ~
2013~28 cannot remove them. However, what cannot be removed by a child cannot, in certain circumstances, be removed by an adult as they require the fingernails or the like to be inserted under the cover.
Hinged covers for electrical outlets are known. They are typically used on outdoor duplexes but their function is to protect from the weather. There is no skill required to operate them. The cover is opened in the manner of a door to reveal the opening. These devices can be operated easily by a child. However, it should be emphasized that, in general, the problem with children occurs within the house where electrical outlets are present in every room. Outlets outside the house are not nearly as common and frequently can be at a level or position where a child cannot reach.
There is therefore a need to provide a simple protective device for an outlet that is pleasant in appearance and requires some ingenuity in operation, sufficient ingenuity to defeat a small child unable to understand that outlets present a hazard.
The present invention provides a protective device that completely covers the outlet but can be easily moved by the application of a small amount of ingenuity.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a protective device for an electrical outlet, the device comprising:
a back plate having at least one opening for the outlet, opposed sides and ends;
a pivotal cover member for the opening;
a catch member on the pivotal cover member;
resilient means urging the catch member outwardly; and a recess on the back plate to receive the catch member when the catch member is urged outwardly to hold the cover member over the opening.
In the preferred, indeed usual embodiment, there will be a pair of openings to cover a duplex outlet with a pair of cover members, one for each outlet.
Aspects of the invention are illustrated in the drawing in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the protective device lS according to the present invention in place over a duplex outlet; and Figure 2 is an exploded view of the protective device of the present invention.
The drawings show a protective device for an electrical outlet comprising a back plate 10 with, in the preferred illustrated embodiment, a pair of openings 12 for an outlet 14. The electrical outlet 14 as shown in Figure 1 is a conventional duplex outlet mounted in a wall 16. Back plate 10 has side walls 18 extending upwardly from it. There are pivot pins 20 formed integrally with the back plate 10 at ~013428 each end - only two of the four pins 20 are shown. There is a relatively large opening 22 at the middle of each side wall 18 and recesses 24 at each end of each opening 22. In the illustrated preferred embodiment there is also an inner wall 26 standing upwardly from the back plate 10 and extending to surround the openings 12.
The protective device includes a pair of pivotal cover members 28 for the openings 12. In Figure l one pivotal cover member i8 shown open and one is shown closed. Each pivotal cover member 28 includes a side walls 30 able to fit within the side walls 18 of the back plate 10. There are keyhole shaped openings 32 that are a press fit on the pins 20 to enable the pivotal cover members 28 to pivot relative to the back plate 10. There are openings 34 in the side walls 30 remote from the keyhole openings 32.
There are catch members 36 for the cover members 28 and resilient means to urge the catch members 36 outwardly. The arrangement is that the catch members engage the recesses 24 in the side walls 18 of the back plate lO as shown in Figure 1.
To achieve this effect the catch members 36 are mounted on a spring in the form of U-shaped member 38. Member 38 extends around the three sides of the periphery of the pivotal cover member 28. As shown particularly in Figure 2 there are chamfered side surface 40 on the catch members 36
ELECTRICAL OUTLET gAFETY OOVER
This invention relates to a protective device for an electrical outlet.
Electrical outlets, typically mounted in the walls of buildings, comprise a plurality of recesses to receive the prongs of an electrical plug. Typically the outlets are arranged in pairs, the so-called duplex outlet in North America. The outlets are electrically alive and, as such, can be a hazard when they arouse the curiosity of a child.
Insertion of an electrically conducting member into the openings of the outlet can result in an electrical shock.
Attempts have been made to avoid this problem typically by the provision of small plastic inserts having prongs that fit in the electrically live openings. However, these devices are not entirely appropriate. They are not permanently attached to the outlet and removing them can be a problem if they are to fulfill their function of making the outlet electrically safe. If they are easy to move then, of couræe, they are pointless. There is nothing in them to require ingenuity in operation and any child having observed their removal will be able to duplicate the feat. The point is that they are normally difficult to remove so the child -1- ~
2013~28 cannot remove them. However, what cannot be removed by a child cannot, in certain circumstances, be removed by an adult as they require the fingernails or the like to be inserted under the cover.
Hinged covers for electrical outlets are known. They are typically used on outdoor duplexes but their function is to protect from the weather. There is no skill required to operate them. The cover is opened in the manner of a door to reveal the opening. These devices can be operated easily by a child. However, it should be emphasized that, in general, the problem with children occurs within the house where electrical outlets are present in every room. Outlets outside the house are not nearly as common and frequently can be at a level or position where a child cannot reach.
There is therefore a need to provide a simple protective device for an outlet that is pleasant in appearance and requires some ingenuity in operation, sufficient ingenuity to defeat a small child unable to understand that outlets present a hazard.
The present invention provides a protective device that completely covers the outlet but can be easily moved by the application of a small amount of ingenuity.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a protective device for an electrical outlet, the device comprising:
a back plate having at least one opening for the outlet, opposed sides and ends;
a pivotal cover member for the opening;
a catch member on the pivotal cover member;
resilient means urging the catch member outwardly; and a recess on the back plate to receive the catch member when the catch member is urged outwardly to hold the cover member over the opening.
In the preferred, indeed usual embodiment, there will be a pair of openings to cover a duplex outlet with a pair of cover members, one for each outlet.
Aspects of the invention are illustrated in the drawing in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the protective device lS according to the present invention in place over a duplex outlet; and Figure 2 is an exploded view of the protective device of the present invention.
The drawings show a protective device for an electrical outlet comprising a back plate 10 with, in the preferred illustrated embodiment, a pair of openings 12 for an outlet 14. The electrical outlet 14 as shown in Figure 1 is a conventional duplex outlet mounted in a wall 16. Back plate 10 has side walls 18 extending upwardly from it. There are pivot pins 20 formed integrally with the back plate 10 at ~013428 each end - only two of the four pins 20 are shown. There is a relatively large opening 22 at the middle of each side wall 18 and recesses 24 at each end of each opening 22. In the illustrated preferred embodiment there is also an inner wall 26 standing upwardly from the back plate 10 and extending to surround the openings 12.
The protective device includes a pair of pivotal cover members 28 for the openings 12. In Figure l one pivotal cover member i8 shown open and one is shown closed. Each pivotal cover member 28 includes a side walls 30 able to fit within the side walls 18 of the back plate 10. There are keyhole shaped openings 32 that are a press fit on the pins 20 to enable the pivotal cover members 28 to pivot relative to the back plate 10. There are openings 34 in the side walls 30 remote from the keyhole openings 32.
There are catch members 36 for the cover members 28 and resilient means to urge the catch members 36 outwardly. The arrangement is that the catch members engage the recesses 24 in the side walls 18 of the back plate lO as shown in Figure 1.
To achieve this effect the catch members 36 are mounted on a spring in the form of U-shaped member 38. Member 38 extends around the three sides of the periphery of the pivotal cover member 28. As shown particularly in Figure 2 there are chamfered side surface 40 on the catch members 36
- 2~13~28 to allow them to contact and move over the edge of the back plate side walls 18 to engage the recesses 24.
Grips 42 on the catch member facilitate movement by the fingers. To facilitate use of the grips the openings 22 are provided in the side walls 18 of the back plate 10. These openings allow the fingers to contact the grips 42.
In use the device according to the present invention is attached to wall 16 by mounting the back plate 10 to the wall 16 in a conventional manner. A small screw 44 is inserted through opening 46 shown in Figure 2 in the back plate 10, to attach the protective device of the present invention to the duplex outlet 14. A threaded opening in the duplex outlet 14 is standard.
The protective device can be assembled at the factory or in situ. In situ once the back plate is in position the springs 38 are compressed so that the outer surfaces of the grips fit within the walls 30. The grips 42 are then aligned with the openings 34 and the spring 38 urges the grips 42 and the catch members 36 outwardly through the openings 34. By this means the spring 38, with the grips 42 and catch members 36 is retained securely within the pivotal cover member 28.
The pivotal cover member 28, with the spring 38 in place is moved to align the keyhole shaped openings 32 with the pins 20 and pressed into place.
2013~28 -It is equally easy to assemble the device prior to mounting it on the wall. The same general procedure is followed.
To close the protective cover it is simply moved downwardly over the opening 12. The chamfered surface 40 slips easily over the walls 18 of the back plate 10 and when the outer surface of the catch aligns with recess 24 the spring 38 urges the catch member 36 outwardly. The flat outer surface of the catch member 36 abuts the upper surface of the recess 24 to secure the protective cover in position.
To release slight pressure is applied to the grips 42 by the fingers and the pivotal cover member is pivoted outwardly to expose the duplex. The fit of the walls 30 within the side walls 18 of the back plate 10 is such that friction is sufficient to maintain the cover members in a set position.
Furthermore, once a plug is inserted into the outlet 14 the member 28 cannot close.
In this regard the wall 26 also acts to protect against the insertion of a device by a child laterally, under the head of a plug in position. That is the wall 26 provides an additional safety feature.
To close the protective cover member it is simply pressed downwardly as described above. The pivotal cover members 28 may be operated independently. It is feasible to have one cover member for one duplex but in those circumstances, one outlet may be uncovered while the other is in use which is considered undesirable and the illustrated embodiment is markedly preferred for a duplex outlet.
The apparatus may be made of cast metal or plastic. The spring member 38 may be made of the same material as the rest of the device. The necessary resilience is normally a physical property of the material.
Grips 42 on the catch member facilitate movement by the fingers. To facilitate use of the grips the openings 22 are provided in the side walls 18 of the back plate 10. These openings allow the fingers to contact the grips 42.
In use the device according to the present invention is attached to wall 16 by mounting the back plate 10 to the wall 16 in a conventional manner. A small screw 44 is inserted through opening 46 shown in Figure 2 in the back plate 10, to attach the protective device of the present invention to the duplex outlet 14. A threaded opening in the duplex outlet 14 is standard.
The protective device can be assembled at the factory or in situ. In situ once the back plate is in position the springs 38 are compressed so that the outer surfaces of the grips fit within the walls 30. The grips 42 are then aligned with the openings 34 and the spring 38 urges the grips 42 and the catch members 36 outwardly through the openings 34. By this means the spring 38, with the grips 42 and catch members 36 is retained securely within the pivotal cover member 28.
The pivotal cover member 28, with the spring 38 in place is moved to align the keyhole shaped openings 32 with the pins 20 and pressed into place.
2013~28 -It is equally easy to assemble the device prior to mounting it on the wall. The same general procedure is followed.
To close the protective cover it is simply moved downwardly over the opening 12. The chamfered surface 40 slips easily over the walls 18 of the back plate 10 and when the outer surface of the catch aligns with recess 24 the spring 38 urges the catch member 36 outwardly. The flat outer surface of the catch member 36 abuts the upper surface of the recess 24 to secure the protective cover in position.
To release slight pressure is applied to the grips 42 by the fingers and the pivotal cover member is pivoted outwardly to expose the duplex. The fit of the walls 30 within the side walls 18 of the back plate 10 is such that friction is sufficient to maintain the cover members in a set position.
Furthermore, once a plug is inserted into the outlet 14 the member 28 cannot close.
In this regard the wall 26 also acts to protect against the insertion of a device by a child laterally, under the head of a plug in position. That is the wall 26 provides an additional safety feature.
To close the protective cover member it is simply pressed downwardly as described above. The pivotal cover members 28 may be operated independently. It is feasible to have one cover member for one duplex but in those circumstances, one outlet may be uncovered while the other is in use which is considered undesirable and the illustrated embodiment is markedly preferred for a duplex outlet.
The apparatus may be made of cast metal or plastic. The spring member 38 may be made of the same material as the rest of the device. The necessary resilience is normally a physical property of the material.
Claims (15)
1. A protective device for an electrical outlet, the device comprising:
a back plate having at least one opening for the outlet, opposed sides and ends;
a pivotal cover member for the opening;
a catch member on the pivotal cover member;
resilient means urging the catch member outwardly; and a recess on the back plate to receive the catch member when the catch member is urged outwardly to hold the cover member over the opening.
a back plate having at least one opening for the outlet, opposed sides and ends;
a pivotal cover member for the opening;
a catch member on the pivotal cover member;
resilient means urging the catch member outwardly; and a recess on the back plate to receive the catch member when the catch member is urged outwardly to hold the cover member over the opening.
2. A device as claimed in claim 1 in which there is a pair of openings to cover a duplex outlet; and a pair of cover members, one for each opening.
3. A device as claimed in claim having side walls extending upwardly from the sides of the back plate.
4. A device as claimed in claim 3 in which the pivotal cover member has side walls able to fit within the side walls of the back plate.
5. A device as claimed in claim 4 having pivot pins on one pair of walls; and openings on the other pair of walls to receive the pivot pins to form a pivotal joint.
6. A device as claimed in claim 5 in which the openings are keyhole shaped to permit a press fit over the pins.
7. A device as claimed in claim 5 in which the pins are on the side walls of the back plate and the openings in the side walls of the pivotal cover.
8. A device as claimed in claim 4 having a pair of catch members, each on a side of the pivotal cover member:
openings in the pivotal cover side walls through which the catch members protrude.
openings in the pivotal cover side walls through which the catch members protrude.
9. A device as claimed in claim 8 in which the resilient means comprises a spring having the catch members on its outer surface.
10. A device as claimed in claim 9 in which the spring is generally U-shaped and extends around three sides of the periphery of the pivotal cover member.
11. A device as claimed in claim 10 in which the recesses to receive the catch members are formed on the side walls of the back plate.
12. A device as claimed in claim 11 in which the catch members have chamfered surfaces to contact and move over an edge of the back plate side walls to engage the recesses.
13. A device as claimed in claim 12 including grips on the catch member to facilitate movement of the catch members by the fingers.
14. A device as claimed in claim 13 having openings in the side walls of the back plate to allow the fingers to contact the grips.
15. A device as claimed in claim 2 having an inner wall upstanding from the back wall and extending to surround the openings.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2013428 CA2013428C (en) | 1990-03-29 | 1990-03-29 | Electrical outlet safety cover |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2013428 CA2013428C (en) | 1990-03-29 | 1990-03-29 | Electrical outlet safety cover |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2013428A1 CA2013428A1 (en) | 1991-09-29 |
| CA2013428C true CA2013428C (en) | 1996-01-16 |
Family
ID=4144630
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2013428 Expired - Fee Related CA2013428C (en) | 1990-03-29 | 1990-03-29 | Electrical outlet safety cover |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2013428C (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102015104833B3 (en) * | 2015-03-30 | 2015-11-26 | Albrecht Jung Gmbh & Co. Kg | Electrical / electronic installation device |
-
1990
- 1990-03-29 CA CA 2013428 patent/CA2013428C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2013428A1 (en) | 1991-09-29 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |