GB2303257A

GB2303257A - Security socket outlet

Info

Publication number: GB2303257A
Application number: GB9611654A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Burns
Original assignee: Bridisco Ltd
Current assignee: Bridisco Ltd
Priority date: 1995-07-07
Filing date: 1996-06-04
Publication date: 1997-02-12
Anticipated expiration: 2016-06-04
Also published as: GB2303257B; GB9513861D0; GB9611654D0

Abstract

An electrical power supply device comprising a socket block (10) having an array of plug sockets (11) each to receive a plug (12, 13, 14). A pivotable clamp (18) overlies each socket and includes a pair of lugs (19) which when the clamp is closed over a plug lock into a pair of apertures (20) in the surface of the block (10). A special tool (21) must be inserted into a pair of side apertures (22) to release the clamp when the plug is to be removed, and a key switch (17) is provided to disconnect the power supply from the sockets (11). When the clamps (18) are closed and the switch (17) is in the "off" position, appliances plugged into the device are inoperative and cannot be removed therefrom. Alternatively, a clamp 18 may operate a switch associated with each socket (11), or the clamps may be replaced by a one-piece or divided lid.

Description

AN ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY DEVICE THIS INVENTION concerns an electrical power supply device preferably though not exclusively of the type having an array of plug sockets mounted in a single block with a lead for connecting the block to a power supply.

Devices of this kind are often used in workshops where a number of electrical appliances such as power tools are conveniently left plugged-in ready for use. Such devices can be dangerous particularly in the presence of young children who may sustain injury if they operate the appliances without adult supervision. Also there are other applications when, for security reasons, plugged-in appliances must be ft iyoperative.

ihe According to the present invention there is provided an electrical power supply device comprising a body defining at least one plug socket, adapted for connection to a power supply, means associated with the socket to prevent removal of a plug inserted into the socket, means on the device for disconnecting the socket from the power supply, and security means for enabling connection to the power supply and for enabling removal of the plug from the socket.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an electrical power supply device made in accordance with the invention; and Fig. 2 is a cross-section taken along line Il-II of Fig. 1.

A power device made in accordance with the invention comprises a socket block or body 10 having therein an array of, in this case, four three-pin plug sockets one of which is indicated at 11 and into which separate appliances may be plugged as illustrated at 12, 13 and 14.

A lead 15 is provided for connection of the block 10 to a power supply, and the block is preferably fused as at 16 in the usual way.

In accordance with the invention a rotary key switch 17 is provided and which may be rotated to connect and disconnect selectively the power supply provided on lead 15. When the switch 17 is placed in the off position power is disconnected from the sockets 11.

Pivotally attached to the block adjacent each socket 11 is a clamp 18, two of which 18a and 18b are shown closed and locked to overlie and prevent removal of their respective plugs 13 and 14.

As can be seen, the clamps 18 each comprise a pair of lugs 19 which when inserted into a pair of apertures 20 in the upper surface of the block are prevented from removal therefrom until a special tool 21 is inserted as illustrated into a pair of corresponding side apertures in the block thus to release the lugs from the apertures 20 and enable the clamps to be opened.

Thus, it will be seen that when a number of appliances are plugged into the device and the clamps 18 closed, with the key switch 17 in the 'off' position not only are the respective appliances rendered inoperative but further the plugs cannot be removed from the block. Thus the appliances may be left safety without the risk of misuse.

When the switch 17 is rotated to the 'on' position all appliances may be operated. Alternatively, the single switch 17 may be replaced by individual switches, one for each socket 11, so that in this case some appliances may be used whilst others remain inoperative.

Assuming that the key to operate switch 17 and the special tool 21 are removed from the device and kept in a safe place, no unauthorised use of the appliances may occur.

In a further alternative, the clamps 18 may themselves operate an internal switch within the block such that the respective sockets would be disconnected from the supply when the clamps are closed thus again preventing removal of the plug and use of the appliance. In this case, each clamp would need to be opened to operate the appliance.

In a further arrangement the individual clamps 18 may be replaced by a one-piece or divided lid which when closed and locked completely obscures and prevents removal of the plugs. In this case also, a key switch or similar device must be provided to disable the device and prevent electrical connection to the appliances.

The connection lead may be omitted and the device "hard-wired" into the supply by an internal cable connection.

Claims

1. An electrical power supply device comprising a body defining at least one plug socket adapted for connection to a power supply, means associated with the socket to prevent removal of a plug inserted into the socket, means on the device for disconnecting the socket from the power supply, and security means for enabling connection to the power supply and for enabling removal of the plug from the socket.

2. An electrical power supply device according to Claim 1, including a lead for connection of the socket to the power supply.

3. An electrical power supply device according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the means to prevent removal of a plug from the socket comprises a clamp lockably engageable with the body to overlie a plug inserted into the socket.

4. An electrical power supply device according to Claim 3, wherein lockable engagement of the clamp to the body is by at least one lug on the clamp which is insertable into an aperture in the body, a further aperture being provided in the body for the insertion of a tool to release the lug from the aperture.

5. An electrical power supply device according to Claim 4, wherein each clamp includes a pair of lugs to be located within a corresponding pair of apertures in the body.

6. An electrical power supply device according to Claim 1, wherein the means for disconnecting the socket from the power supply comprises a rotary key switch which may be rotated to connect and disconnect selectively the power supply from the device.

7. An electrical power supply device according to Claim 3, wherein the means for disconnecting the socket from the power supply comprises an internal switch within the body adapted to cause disconnection of the power supply to the socket when the clamp is closed.

8. An electrical power supply device according to Claim 1, wherein the means to prevent removal of the plug from the socket comprises a lockable lid which when closed and locked obscures and prevents removal of the plug.

9. An electrical power supply device according to Claim 1, wherein the security means for enabling connection of the power supply includes a key for operation of a rotary key switch, and the security means for enabling removal of the plug from the socket includes a tool which may be inserted into an aperture in the body to release the removal prevention means.

10. An electrical power supply device according to Claim 1, the socket being "hard wired" into the electrical supply by an internal cable connection within the body.

11. An electrical power supply device according to Claim 1, wherein the body comprises a socket block having an array of plug sockets into which separate appliances may be plugged, each socket being associated with security means to prevent removal of the plug therefrom and with means to enable removal by releasing the removal prevention means.

12. An electrical power supply device according to Claim 11, wherein each socket includes individual means for disconnecting that socket from the power supply whereby other sockets may remain connected thereto.

13. An electrical power supply device according to Claim 11, wherein each socket is equipped with a lockable clamp for preventing removal of a plug inserted into the associated socket.

14. An electrical power supply device, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.