EP0531383A1 - Improvements in adapters for electrical plugs. - Google Patents
Improvements in adapters for electrical plugs.Info
- Publication number
- EP0531383A1 EP0531383A1 EP91910111A EP91910111A EP0531383A1 EP 0531383 A1 EP0531383 A1 EP 0531383A1 EP 91910111 A EP91910111 A EP 91910111A EP 91910111 A EP91910111 A EP 91910111A EP 0531383 A1 EP0531383 A1 EP 0531383A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- adapter
- adapter according
- plug
- lower portion
- pin
- 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.)
- Granted
Links
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- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 235000014676 Phragmites communis Nutrition 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000007373 indentation Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000011324 bead Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 abstract description 13
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 abstract description 4
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 6
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 201000010099 disease Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 208000037265 diseases, disorders, signs and symptoms Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012774 insulation material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000001364 upper extremity Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
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
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R31/00—Coupling parts supported only by co-operation with counterpart
- H01R31/06—Intermediate parts for linking two coupling parts, e.g. adapter
Definitions
- This invention relates to adapters for moulded or other electrical plugs of the type which enable moulded or other plugs having a pin arrangement incompatible with that of a mains electricity socket, such as two-pin shaver plugs, to be connected to the mains.
- this invention relates to an adapter, such as is disclosed in EP-A-342942, which is capable of retaining a moulded or other plug within itself comprising: an upper and a lower portion; a plurality of mains pins- extending below the lower portion for connecting the adapter to the mains; means for securing a moulded plug, having at least two pins, within the adapter; means for effecting electrical contact between respective plug pins and mains pins; and means for movably securing the upper portion to the lower portion.
- Such adapters shall hereinafter be referred to as "relevant adapters”.
- references herein to a relevant adapter are to such an adapter in which the moulded plug can be retained in any-orientation, in which the upper and lower portions may be completely separable or may be hingedly, slidably, rotatably or otherwise movably attached, and which may also include a middle portion retainable between the upper and lower portions. Additionally, the lower portion may comprise a box or frame into which the upper portion is slidable.
- a relevant adapter wherein the means for securing a moulded plug within the adapter comprise retaining means adapted to co-operate with features of relief of the moulded plug.
- the retaining means may comprise a moulded recess in either the upper or the lower portion of the adapter.
- a moulded recess it is envisaged that the mass of material, preferably plastics material, in which the recess may be provided may be finned, or comprise a plurality of projecting pegs, with the edges of the fins, or the ends of the pegs, defining the contours of the recess. This arrangement has the attendant advantage of a reduction in the quantity of material required for the moulding.
- the features of relief may comprise projections or indentations in a shoulder portion, a body portion, a pin or pins or a tail portion of the moulded plug, in which case the retaining means may also comprise corresponding indentations or projections.
- the positioning of the features of relief and of the corresponding retaining means may be dependent upon the fuse rating required by the appliance to which the moulded plug is connected and the rating of the fuse carried by the adapter respectively.
- the retaining means may comprise means adapted to receive and locate at least one pin of the moulded plug.
- the retaining means include a hole in, or a groove in an edge of, an internal wall of the plug and conveniently there is one such hole for each pin.
- the internal wall may be integrally formed with the upper or the lower portion of the adapter, or may be part of a separate internal portion which is retained by the upper and lower portions.
- the internal wall may be provided with a further hole for passage of a fuse.
- the retaining means may also include an exit hole or slot in either the upper or lower portion of the adapter which is sufficiently large to permit passage of the cable to which the moulded plug is attached but is not large enough to accommodate any part of the moulded plug.
- the moulded plug may be retained between the internal wall and the portion of the adapter surrounding the exit hole or slot.
- the retaining means may comprise a key lockable, for example by rotation, in a recess in the moulded plug.
- ope-rating means for engaging and disengaging the key are provided on the underside of the lower portion of the adapter. This ensures that the moulded plug can only be disconnected etc. when the adapter is removed from a mains socket.
- a relevant adapter wherein the means for securing a moulded plug within the adapter are such as to permit insertion of a moulded plug when the upper and lower portions are secured to one another but to permit its removal only when the upper and lower portions are separated.
- the means for securing a moulded plug may include one or more inwardly opening flaps in the upper or lower portion movable between a closed and an inwardly opened position.
- the flap or flaps are biassed towards the closed position, for example by a spring or springs.
- a relevant adapter wherein the means for effecting electrical contact between respective plug pins and mains pins comprise contact means whereby such contact is effected upon securement of the upper portion of the adapter to the lower portion.
- the contact means may comprise first contact means in the upper portion for receiving the plug pins in electrical contact and second contact means in the lower portion for effecting electrical contact between the first contact means and the mains pins on securement of the upper pprtion of the adapter to the lower portion.
- the contact means may comprise means for retaining a fuse or conductor in the upper portion of the adapter and a pair of contacts in the lower portion, the fuse or conductor bridging the pair of contacts on securement of the upper to the lower portion.
- the pair of contacts may include, a moulded plug pin, or one end of a fuse, or both.
- the contact means comprises a switch, preferably in the live pin circuit, in the lower portion of the adapter, biassed into an open position, but which is closed by closing means on the upper portion upon securement of the upper portion to the lower.
- the switch may comprise a reed switch and the closing means may comprise a magnet for closing.
- the reed switch on securement of the upper to the lower portion.
- the reed switch may be incorporated into a fuse.
- the switch may comprise a pair of contacts located adjacent, but biassed away from, one another and the closing means comprises a projecting wedge or pin which moves one contact such that it touches the other.
- the closing means comprises a projecting wedge or pin which moves one contact such that it touches the other.
- a relevant adapter including release means disposed on the lower surface of the lower portion of the adapter operable to permit release of the upper portion from the lower portion.
- release means disposed on the lower surface of the lower portion of the adapter operable to permit release of the upper portion from the lower portion.
- the release means may comprise a pin located in one portion and biassed into engagement with a hole or recess in the other portion, the pin being movable out of engagement with the hole or recess.
- the release means may comprise a cam rotatable to release the upper and lower portions of the adapter from one another.
- the cam is biassed into a position in which the two portions are secured to each other.
- the release means is movable between a first, locking position and a second, releasing position wherein it projects below the lower surface of the lower portion, and is capable of adopting the locking position only when the upper and lower portions are in the closed position.
- the release means comprises a pin, screw or the like withdrawable from the lower surface of the lower portion but including check means to prevent it from being completely withdrawn and the upper portion is provided with a recess for receiving the pin, screw or the like, the recess only being in alignment with the pin, screw or the like when the upper and lower portions are in the closed position.
- the release means may comprise a lever provided on the lower portion and pivotable between a locking position flush with the lower surface of. the lower portion and a release position.
- the end of the lever remote from its free end may be provided with a pinion for co ⁇ operating with a rack ' on the upper portion or may be provided with a cam for co-operating with a recess therein.
- a relevant adapter wherein the upper and lower portions are movable between a closed position wherein the adapter is compatible with, and may be plugged into, a mains socket and an open position wherein the adapter is incompatible with, and cannot be plugged into, the socket.
- one mains pin preferably the earth pin, may constitute a release means movable between a first, locking, socket-compatible position and a second, releasing, socket- incompatible position.
- the pin may be rotatable, or may form a lever, possibly provided with a pinion or cam as aforesaid.
- one mains pin may be retractable within the adapter and include an internal head portion for contacting the moulded plug.
- the mains pin cannot retract within the adapter.
- any effort to insert the adapter into a socket will result in the pin being pushed into the adapter, thereby displacing the moulded plug from its retained position.
- the upper portion of the adapter may carry at least one of the mains pins and the lower . portion the remaining mains pins.
- the upper portion carries the earth pin and the lower portion the remaining pins-. In this way, when the upper and lower portions are released from one another, the mains pins are no longer configured to correspond with a mains socket.
- a further alternative is that when the upper and lower portions are in the open position, at least a part of the upper portion projects below the lower surface of the lower portion. This prevents the adapter being re-inserted into a socket until the upper and lower portions return to the closed position.
- the upper and lower portions may, for example, be hingedly connected, or slidably connected by means of arcuate sliding surfaces, e.g. an arcuate groove in one portion co-operating with an arcuate ridge or bead on the other portion.
- a sixth aspect of the invention will now be described which relates to relevant adapters which are such that the adapter and a moulded plug retained therein cannot be separated while the adapter remains plugged into a socket.
- a relevant adapter which is such that, during insertion of a moulded plug, at least a portion of the moulded plug projects below the lower surface of the lower portion.
- At least the lower surface of the lower portion is provided with an access aperture through which the moulded plug may be inserted or removed.
- the access aperture may be so dimensioned as to conform with the shape of the moulded plug, or may be larger than the plug.
- the adapter may also accord with the fourth or fifth aspect of the invention, thereby requiring removal from a socket not only for change of plug, but also for separation of the upper and lower portions.
- the upper portion may be provided with the gripping handle in order for it more easily to be used by individuals whose grip, for example because of disease, is relatively weak.
- the mains pins and the means for effecting electrical contact between the mains and plug pins may comprise a mains pin, connecting track and plug pin receiver integrally formed from stamped copper sheet or other conductive sheet material.
- the track comprises at least a partial twist to allow for relative movement of the plug and mains pins.
- the upper and lower portions, when moveable between a closed and an open position may be biassed, for example by a spring, towards the closed position. This ensures that the adapter cannot be left unattended with its terminals exposed.
- the adapter may be provided with an internal flap movable between an inwardly swung, closed position and an outwardly swung, open position, and covering the opening through which the moulded plug or its cable passes. This prevents anything being inserted into the adapter without the upper and lower portions first being separated or opened.
- figs. 1-5 illustrate various basic embodiments of a relevant adapter to which this invention may be applied;
- figs. 6-12 illustrate embodiments of a relevant adapter according to the first aspect of the invention
- fig. 13 illustrates an embodiment of a relevant adapter according to the second aspect of the invention
- figs. l4-24b illustrate embodiments of a relevant adapter according to the third aspect of the invention.
- figs. 25-27b illustrate embodiments of a relevant adapter according to the fourth aspect of the invention.
- figs. 28-30 illustrate embodiments of a relevant adapter according to the fifth aspect of the invention
- figs. 36 and 37 illustrate an embodiment of an adapter according to the sixth aspect of the invention.
- figs. 31-35 illustrate various improvements which may be applied to an embodiment of a relevant adapter according to any aspect of the invention.
- FIG. 1 there is shown a lower portion (2) of a relevant adapter, provided with mains pins (3, 4).
- Mains pin (4) is connected via a conductive track (10) to a plug pin receiver (5) .
- This embodiment includes a middle portion (6) which is retained in the lower portion (2) by means of barbs (11) and which includes a moulded recess (not shown) for receiving a moulded plug.
- the middle portion may also be retained by means of ultrasonic welding or by adhesive.
- Fig. 2 shows a relevant adapter whose upper portion (1) forms a partial lid. The remainder of the upper surface of the adapter is provided by a part of the lower portion (2) . Once again, mains pins (3, 4) are provided.
- plug pin receivers may be hidden beneath that part of the lower portion (2) which, provides an upper surface.
- Figs. ' 3a and 3b show relevant adapters having upper and lower portions slidably connected.
- Fig. 3a shows an upper portion (1) inset into recesses (12) in a lower portion (2) . This ensures that all handling stresses are placed on the lower portion (2) .
- fig. 3a shows an inset sliding upper portion, it is also envisaged that other forms of attachment are applicable.
- Fig. 3b shows an upper (1) and a lower (2) portion slidably connected and prevented from being separated by barbs (13a, 13b) .
- Fig. 4 shows a relevant adapter wherein the edges of a plug (8) having pins (9, 19) project from between the upper (1) and lower (2) portions.
- Fig. 5 shows an adapter wherein the plug (8) is retained at an angle. Also shown is a fuse (14).
- a relevant adapter comprising upper (1) and lower (2) . .portions and mains pins (3, 4, 7).
- Both the upper (1) and lower (2) portions are provided with a moulded recess (15) which is so shaped as to co-operate with features of relief of the moulded plug.
- the moulded recess may be provided in only one of the upper (1) or. lower (2) portions.
- Figs. 7a-7d show a number of moulded plugs (8) having pins
- Fig. 7a shows various positions in which recesses (21) may be located in the body of the moulded plug.
- Figs. 7b and 7c show shoulder regions (18, 17) which may co-operate with a moulded recess in the adapter.
- Fig. 7d shows a groove (22) formed between a pin (19) and an insulating sleeve (16) . Any of- these features may co-operate with a moulded recess in an adapter to retain the plug (8) .
- Fig. 8 shows a lower portion (2) of a relevant adapter having ' mains pins (3, 4, 7).
- the contours of a recess (15) are defined by the edges of fins (23).
- Figs. 9a, 9b, 9c and 9d show embodiments of a relevant adapter provided with an internal wall (24) having holes (25a, 25b) for receiving the pins (9, 19) of a moulded plug (8) .
- the internal wall is integrally formed with the lower portion (2) .
- the embodiment of fig. 9c is one in which a part of the upper surface is provided by the lower portion.
- the pins (9, 19) of a moulded plug pass through holes (25a, 25b) into contact with receivers (5) joined to their respective pins (4) by means of conducting tracks (10) .
- An advantage of this embodiment is that the tracks (10) and plug pin receivers (5) can be almost completely enclosed, the only communication with the surroundings being via the holes (25a, 25b) .
- the embodiment of fig. 9d is similar to that of fig. 9c, but includes an upper portion (1) which takes the form of a clamp which retains the moulded plug by clamping its tail portion to the lower portion (2) of the adapter.
- the upper portion (1) may comprise a conventional cable clamp, e.g. a strip of flexible material retained by a screw at either end.
- Fig. 10 also shows a lower portion (2) of a relevant adapter having an internal wall (24) .
- a hole (26) for passage of a fuse is also shown.
- Fig. 11 shows a lower portion (2) of a relevant adapter having an internal wall (24) with holes (25a, 25b) for retaining the pins (9, 19) of a moulded plug (8) . Also provided is an exit hole (28) for the cable (27) from the plug (8) . In this embodiment, the plug (8) is retained between the internal wall (24) and the surrounds of the exit hole (28) . The exit hole is shown chamfered to prevent chafing of the cable (27) .
- a lower portion (2) of a relevant adapter having an internal wall (24) through which the pins (9, 19) of a moulded plug (8) pass. Also provided is a key (29) rotatable within a recess (30) in the plug body (8) to secure the plug (8) in the lower portion (2) .
- Fig. 13 shows an embodiment of a relevant adapter according to the second aspect of the invention having upper (1) and lower (2) portions and mains pins (3, 4).
- the adapter is provided with inwardly opening flaps (31, 32) which are biassed into a closed position shown in the figure.
- Fig. 14 shows an embodiment of a relevant adapter according to the third aspect of the invention having upper (l) and lower (2) portions slidably attached to one another.
- the lower portion (2) includes tracks (10) communicating the mains pins (4) with plug pin receivers (5) .
- the upper portion (1) includes a moulded recess for a plug (8) . Only when the upper (1) and lower (2) portions are slid into their closed position do the plug pins (19) make contact with the plug pin receivers (5) .
- Fig. 15 shows an adapter in which the upper portion (1) includes plug pin receivers (5) , and lower portion (2) includes contacts (31) which are in contact with the mains pins (4, 7) and- come into contact with the plug pin receivers (5) on securement of the upper portion (1) to the lower (2) .
- Figs. 16a and 16b show a relevant adapter wherein the lower portion (2) forms a box or frame for receipt therein of the upper portion (1) .
- the upper portion (1) includes plug pin receivers (5) and contacts (31) for contacting the mains pins (4, 7).
- Fig. 17 shows a relevant adapter in which the upper (1) and lower (2) portions are rotatably connected.
- the upper portion (1) carries the plug (8) , plug pin receivers (5) and contacts (31) ; the lower portion (2) carries the mains pins (3, 4, 7).
- Figs. 18a and 18b show other examples of relevant adapters wherein the upper (1) and lower (2) portions are rotatably connected.
- a locking assembly (32) for preventing relative rotation of the upper (1) and lower (2) portions.
- the locking assembly is illustrated in figs. 18c-18e and comprises inner (33) and outer (34) cylinders and a locking clip (35) .
- the locking clip (35) is movable between a locking position (as shown) and a releasing position, and is positively located in these positions by means of resilient lugs (36) . Relative rotation of the inner (33) and outer (34) cylinders is permitted only when the locking clip (35) is in its releasing position.
- Fig. 19 shows a relevant adapter wherein a fuse (14) is contained in the upper portion (1) and bridges contacts (37) in the lower portion (2) upon securement of the portions together.
- Fig. 20a shows an adapter wherein the upper portion (1) carries a. fuse (14) and the moulded plug (8) .
- the lower portion (2) includes a generally w-shaped contact (40) which makes contact between the fuse (14) and plug pin (9) on securement of the two portions to each other.
- the fuse (14) and plug (8) may be carried by the lower portion (2) , and a w-shaped contact (40) by the upper portion (1) .
- Fig. 20b shows an arrangement of a fuse (14) , plug pin (9) and generally ⁇ -shaped contact (40').
- Such an arrangement is suitable for use in, for example, an adapter wherein the moulded plug is carried by the upper portion and the fuse (14) and u-shaped contact (40') by the lower portion.
- Fig. 21 shows an adapter having a magnet (43) in the upper portion (1), and a fuse (14'), having a reed switch (42) and fuse wire (41) , in the lower portion (2) . Electrical contact is completed by bringing the magnet (43) close to the reed switch (42) which closes the reed switch (42) .
- Fig. 22 shows a relevant adapter wherein a track (10) joining a mains pin (4) to a plug pin receiver (5) is broken and provided with contacts (45) and insulation (46) .
- This arrangement is located in the lower portion (2) .
- a pin (44) which moves one contact (45) so as to touch the other upon securement of the upper (1) to the lower (2) portion. As can be seen, much of this circuitry can be enclosed.
- Fig. 23 shows an arrangement equivalent to that of fig. 22 except that it includes a fuse (14) in the broken track (10).
- Figs. 24a and 24b show relevant adapters wherein the upper (1) and lower (2) portions are slidably connected to one another.
- Each upper portion is provided at its forward end with a wedge (146) which, in the case of fig. 24a, raises a plug pin receiver (5) into contact with a plug pin (9) or, in the case of fig. 24b, raises a contact (47) on a track (10) leading from a mains pin (7) so as to touch a contact (47) on a plug pin receiver (5) .
- a wedge 146
- Figs. 25a, 25b and 25c show embodiments of a relevant adapter according to the fourth aspect of the invention.
- Fig. 25a shows upper (1) and lower (2) portions, the upper portion (1) having a recess (52) with a pin (50) mounted therein and biassed outwardly by means of a spring (51) .
- the pin engages with a hole in the lower portion (2) , but may be disengaged therefrom against the bias of the spring
- Fig. 25b shows a pin (50) mounted in a recess (53) in the lower portion (2) and extending therethrough.
- the pin is biassed into engagement with a hole in the upper portion (1) by means of a spring (51) , but may be withdrawn therefrom against the bias to permit separation of the portions (l, 2).
- Fig. 25c shows a lower portion (2) having a cam (54) biassed into a locking position by means of a spring (51) and rotatable against the bias to release an upper portion (not shown) from the lower (2) .
- Fig. 26 shows an adapter having a bolt (60) withdrawable from the lower surface of the lower portion (2) and including an enlarged head (62) to prevent its complete withdrawal.
- the upper portion (1) has a recess (61) alignable with the enlarged head (62) of the bolt (60) only when the upper (1) and lower (2) portions are in a closed position.
- Figs. 27a and 27b show lower portions (2) of relevant adapters provided with levers (63) .
- the pivoted end of the lever has a pinion (64) for co-operation with a rack (65) on the upper portion (1) ;
- that end of the lever is provided with a cam (66). for co ⁇ operation with a recess (67) .
- the lever can only be returned to a position flush with the lower surface of the lower portion (2) when the upper (1) and lower (2) portions are in a closed position, and therefore prevents insertion of the adapter into a socket when the upper and lower portions are in an open position.
- Fig. 28a shows a relevant adapter in which the earth mains pin (3) must be rotated by 90° to allow the upper and lower portions to be separated. Once the pin is rotated, a cam (68) becomes aligned with a groove (69) , allowing the two portions to slide relative to one another.
- the pin may be rotated by angles other than 90°, e.g. 80° or 100° etc.
- Fig 28b shows a relevant adapter incorporating a retractable pin (4) having a shaped head (4 1 ) for contacting a moulded plug (8) .
- the pin (4) preferably the live pin, being pushed into the adapter, and displacing plug pin (19) from its contact.
- Fig. 29 shows an adapter in which the upper (1) and lower (2) portions are slidingly connected and in which the lower portion (2 ) carries two mains pins (4, 7), and the upper portion (1) carries another (3) .
- Fig. 30 shows an adapter in which the upper (1) and lower (2) portions are arcuately slidable relative to ( one another.
- the adapter is shown in its open position wherein a part of the upper portion (1) extends or projects below the lower surface of the lower portion (2), thereby preventing insertion into an electrical socket.
- Fig. 36 shows a longitudinal section through a relevant adapter according to the sixth aspect of the invention during insertion of a moulded plug (8) which is not shown in section.
- the particular embodiment shown includes a lower portion (2) , to which is attached an upper portion (l) at a hinge (96) .
- the lower portion carries the usual mains pins (3, 4) and includes an access aperture (90, 92).
- the access aperture consists essentially of two parts: a first part (90) in the lower surface of the lower portion (2) through which the body of the moulded plug (8) is inserted; and a second part (92) in the rear wall of the lower portion (2) through which the moulded plug cable passes once the plug is secured within the adapter.
- a shoulder (94) on the rear of the plug is retained against the surround of the second part (92) of the access aperture to help secure the plug in position.
- the second part of the access aperture is perfectly possible for the second part of the access aperture to be large enough to accommodate the rear of the tail portion of the moulded plug, the shape of the plug preventing it from moving out any further.
- the first part of the access aperture extends to the rear wall of the lower portion, so long as the aperture is closed at its upper extremity by a bridge of material to prevent the moulded plug from being inserted from above.
- the adapter of fig. 36, with a plug retained therein is shown from below in fig. 37.
- the access hole is somewhat larger than the moulded plug since the plug must be inserted at an angle. However, this need not be the case, for example if the upper portion (1) were coextensive with the lower portion (2) .
- Figs. 31a and 31b show relevant adapters wherein the upper portions (1) are provided with handles (70) .
- Fig. 32a shows a typical sheet stamping from which a pin (4) , track (10) and plug pin receiver (5) or pin (4) , track (10) and fuse receiver (75) as shown in figs. 32b and 32c respectively, may be constructed.
- Fig. 33 shows a track (10) including a 180° twist to allow for movement of a plug pin retainer (5) relative to a mains pin (not shown) .
- Fig. 34 shows an adapter in which the first (1) and second (2) portions are hingedly mounted on one another, and biassed into a closed position (as shown) by a spring (80) .
- Fig. 35 shows an adapter provided with an internal flap (82) biassed into an inwardly swung, closed position (as shown) to prevent foreign objects being inserted.
- the flap is movable to an outwardly swung, open position only upon separation of the upper (1) and lower (2) portions.
Landscapes
- Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)
- Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)
- Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB9011898 | 1990-05-29 | ||
GB909011898A GB9011898D0 (en) | 1990-05-29 | 1990-05-29 | Improvements in adapters for electrical plugs |
PCT/GB1991/000849 WO1991019335A1 (en) | 1990-05-29 | 1991-05-29 | Improvements in adapters for electrical plugs |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0531383A1 true EP0531383A1 (en) | 1993-03-17 |
EP0531383B1 EP0531383B1 (en) | 1997-05-14 |
Family
ID=10676686
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP91910111A Expired - Lifetime EP0531383B1 (en) | 1990-05-29 | 1991-05-29 | Improvements in adapters for electrical plugs |
Country Status (11)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0531383B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE153183T1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU656139B2 (en) |
DE (1) | DE69126133T2 (en) |
DK (1) | DK0531383T3 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2103813T3 (en) |
GB (1) | GB9011898D0 (en) |
GR (1) | GR3023416T3 (en) |
HK (1) | HK1001577A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1991019335A1 (en) |
ZA (1) | ZA914090B (en) |
Families Citing this family (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2320982B (en) * | 1996-05-24 | 2001-07-18 | Board Tech Electric Co Ltd | Adapter with interchangeable plug board |
GB2355865B (en) * | 1999-10-28 | 2001-12-19 | Innovative Power Solutions Ltd | Electrical connecting device |
GB2399461A (en) * | 2003-03-11 | 2004-09-15 | Sandal Plc | A lockable electrical adapter |
DE10316528A1 (en) * | 2003-04-10 | 2004-10-21 | Martin Kaiser Gmbh & Co. Kg Elektrotechnische Fabrik | Plug adapter, especially for connecting lamps |
WO2006085043A1 (en) * | 2005-02-09 | 2006-08-17 | Sandal Plc | Electrical plug adaptor |
GB2432465A (en) * | 2005-11-16 | 2007-05-23 | Ep Ind Ltd | Adaptor providing support for electrical plug |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2209230B1 (en) * | 1972-12-05 | 1976-06-04 | Bunker Ramo | |
DE8009606U1 (en) * | 1980-04-08 | 1980-08-07 | Braun Ag, 6000 Frankfurt | Mains connector for electrical devices |
ATE23240T1 (en) * | 1982-08-04 | 1986-11-15 | Corabelment Ag | MULTI-PIN ELECTRICAL PLUG. |
GB8811664D0 (en) * | 1988-05-17 | 1988-06-22 | Hossack S | Adapters for electrical plugs |
-
1990
- 1990-05-29 GB GB909011898A patent/GB9011898D0/en active Pending
-
1991
- 1991-05-29 EP EP91910111A patent/EP0531383B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1991-05-29 DE DE69126133T patent/DE69126133T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1991-05-29 ES ES91910111T patent/ES2103813T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1991-05-29 AU AU79045/91A patent/AU656139B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1991-05-29 ZA ZA914090A patent/ZA914090B/en unknown
- 1991-05-29 DK DK91910111.3T patent/DK0531383T3/en active
- 1991-05-29 WO PCT/GB1991/000849 patent/WO1991019335A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1991-05-29 AT AT91910111T patent/ATE153183T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
1997
- 1997-05-15 GR GR970400883T patent/GR3023416T3/en unknown
-
1998
- 1998-01-21 HK HK98100519A patent/HK1001577A1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
See references of WO9119335A1 * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU7904591A (en) | 1991-12-31 |
HK1001577A1 (en) | 1998-06-26 |
DE69126133D1 (en) | 1997-06-19 |
GR3023416T3 (en) | 1997-08-29 |
EP0531383B1 (en) | 1997-05-14 |
ES2103813T3 (en) | 1997-10-01 |
ATE153183T1 (en) | 1997-05-15 |
DE69126133T2 (en) | 1997-12-11 |
GB9011898D0 (en) | 1990-07-18 |
AU656139B2 (en) | 1995-01-27 |
DK0531383T3 (en) | 1997-12-01 |
ZA914090B (en) | 1993-01-27 |
WO1991019335A1 (en) | 1991-12-12 |
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