GB2245435A

GB2245435A - Plug holder for retaining unmated plug near socket

Info

Publication number: GB2245435A
Application number: GB9105360A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Trevor William Forey; William Ernest Forey
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1990-03-17
Filing date: 1991-03-13
Publication date: 1992-01-02
Also published as: GB9006060D0; GB9105360D0; GB9023033D0

Abstract

A plug holder for electrical plugs has a cavity at the front 10 shown which is smaller in width than the plug pins and therefore grips the pins when they are inserted and prevents them from moving. The length of the holder will accommodate one or numbers of plugs. Holes (not shown) are provided for mounting the holder either on a vertical or horizontal surface. When mounted on a wall it can be used vertically or horizontally. The holder may be a solid or hollow section, or a folded or extruded section. <IMAGE>

Description

PLUC HOLDER The invention relates to a holding device for electrical plugs.

When electrical plugs are removed from their sockets in kitchens they are usually left on the worksurfaces where they can be splashed with, or have spilled onto them cooking oil, water and other liquids, this could lead to electrocution when plug is used again.

Also plugs on edges of worksurfaces present a danger in the fact that they can be pulled by children possibly resulting in burning from an iron or scalding from a kettle. By mounting the device described below close to plug sockets and inserting plugs into it when not in use then the dangers mentioned can be drastically reduced.

According to the present invention there is provided a positive holding device for electrical plugs in the form of a plastic injection moulding (see drawing 1/3) OR a hollow 'U' section plastic or metal extrusion (see drawing 2/3) OR a metal folded or extruded clip section or plastic extruded clip section (see drawing 3/3) all of which can accommodate one or numbers of electrical plugs. The jaws of the holding device when spread apart by the insertion of the plug pins hold and guide them to prevent movement.

The specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of examples with reference to the accompanying 3 drawings in which: DRAWING 1/3 Fig 1 Shows a view on end of device mounted horizontally on a wall with plug in position.

Fig 2 Shows a side view of device mounted vertically on a wall with plugs in position.

Fig 3 Shows a view on arrow A of device mounted horizontally and plugs in position.

The holding device is a plastic injection moulding with a deep groove 10 in the front edge to accept the pins of one or a number of electrical plugs as shown on Fig 1. The width of the groove is such that when the pins of the plug are inserted the moulding is forced apart and therefore exerts a gripping force upon them holding the plug in position. Holes at positions 11 and 12 are provided for securing to horizontal or vertical surfaces ås shown on Fig 3.

DRAWING 2/3 Fig 1 Shows a section through extrusion; Fig 2 Shows plug inserted and holding device jaws spread apart.

Fig 3 Shows keyhole slots on base of section, and, Fig 4 Show adhesive tape affixed to section.

The holding device is a hollow 'U' section plastic or metal extrusion Fig 1 of suitable length to accommodate numbers of electrical plugs.

Raised areas 10 in the entrance of the jaws of the 'U' provide the clamping pressure when they are spread apart by the insertion of the plug pin as illustrated on Fig 2. The rest of jaw is the same dimension as the plug pin and acts as guide to prevent rocking of pin inside holding device. On the base of the 'U' section are two keyhole slots 1.1 & 12 as shown on Fig 3 for securing to vertical or horizontal surfaces.

The base is recessed 13 to prevent rocking when screwed to irregular surfaces also to accept double sided adhesive foam tape 14 as an alternative for fixing as shown on Fig 4.

Drawing 3/3 Fig 1 Shows a view on end of device mounted horizontally on a wall with a plug in position.

Fig 2 Shows keyhole fixing slots on rear of device.

The holding device is a metal folded or extruded clip section OR plastic extruded clip section Fig 1 of suitable length to accommodate one or numbers of electrical plugs. The front of the clip is formed to create two clamping surfaces at 10 as shown on Fig 1. The distance between them is less than the width of the plug pins and when the plug pins are inserted there is a resulting gripping force that holds the plug in position. The rear surface has two keyhole slots at 11 and 12 as shown on Fig 2 for securing clip to horizontal or vertical surfaces.

Note : Plug and mounting surfaces shown in chain dot lines are not part of this invention.

Claims

1) A clamp for domestic electrical plugs that can hold the plug in a position away from the worksurface and in a place of safety.

2) A clamp for domestic electrical plugs as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the plug pin is prevented from rocking.

3) A clamp for domestic electrical plug as claimed in claims 1 and 2 wherein multiple numbers of plugs can be clamped at one time.

4) A clamp for domestic electrical plugs as claimed in claims 3, wherein means provided for mechanical attachment to surfaces are incorporated in the design.

5) A clamp for domestic electrical plugs substantially as described herein with reference to accompanying drawings 1/3, 2/3, 3/3.