GB2342787A - Socket with removable actuator - Google Patents

Abstract

A socket 4 incorporates a safety switch 2 which is actuated by a removable key 3. One embodiment provides the key 3 with a means to be attached to a user 6 so that electricity can be prevented from reaching an appliance 11 without the need for the user 6 to return to the wall socket 10. In this situation a latching mechanism may be provided to stop the key 3 from unintentionally separating from the socket 5 (fig 3). The latching mechanism will hold the socket 5 and key 3 together up to a predetermined force. This allows the socket 5 and key 3 to be separated in an emergency without operating the latch.

Description

ELECTRICAL SOCKET OUTLET INCORPORATING A SAFETY SWITCH WITH A REMOVABLE ACTUATOR This invention relates to an electrical socket outlet incorporating a safety switch with a removable actuator.

When using mains operated power tools and appliances the only way to render it safe when left unattended is to switch off at the socket outlet or remove the plug. However this does not prevent the tool or appliance being simply reconnected by re-inserting the plug or operating the switch to the'on'position. Appliances or tools used in conjunction with an extended mains lead are particularly at risk as it is often inconvenient for the operator to return to the mains socket outlet each time the tool or appliance is left unattended and it will therefore usually be left with the power connected. In this situation there is considerable risk of an unattended appliance or tool being unsafely operated by an unauthorised or inexperienced person-particularly a child.

According to the present invention there is provided a socket outlet incorporating an electrical isolating switch which is actuated by a removable component. The socket outlet may be'fixed'or'portable'.

In the case of a fixed socket outlet removal of the actuator enables a parent or responsible person to prevent unauthorised use or unsafe interference with the socket outlet in their absence-for instance when a child is left unsupervised.

In the case of a portable socket outlet the removable actuator is provided with a means of attachment for securing it to the operator so that the removable actuator is automatically detached from the socket outlet if the operator leaves the appliance unattended. As well as making the tool or appliance safe and inoperable by unauthorised persons, the removable actuator remains with the operator ensuring that the power cannot be reinstated without the operators co-operation. The invention also provides extra safety in the event that the tool or appliance is dropped in which case the removable actuator will be pulled from the socket outlet disconnecting power to the tool or appliance.

Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings in which :- FIG 1. shows particular features of the fixed socket outlet application.

FIG 2. shows the relationship of the power supply, extension lead, portable socket outlet, removable actuator, operator and tool when in use.

FIG 3. shows the relationship of the same aforementioned items when the operator is absent.

FIG 4. shows particular features of the portable socket outlet application.

Referring to the drawing FIG 1. the invention comprises a fixed socket outlet with a removable actuator which operates switch contacts. Electrical connections to the socket contacts 1 are made via the switch contacts 2-When the removable actuator component 3 is inserted into the socket outlet 4 the switch contacts are closed connecting the electrical supply to the socket contacts 1.

Referring to the drawings FIG 2. and FIG 3. the invention comprises a portable socket outlet 5 provided with a removable actuator 3 which is secured to the operator 6 by means of an attachment 7. The socket is connected to a mains cord 8 provided with a plug 9 for connection to the mains supply 10.

In order to operate the tool 11 the removable actuator 3 must be engaged in the socket outlet 5.

If the operator 6 leaves the tool 11 unattended, the removable actuator 3 is automatically removed from the socket 5 operating electrical contacts inside, thus disconnecting electrical power to the tool 11. The power cannot be reconnected until the operator returns and re-inserts the removable actuator 3 back into the socket 5.

Particular features of the socket and removable actuator are shown in FIG 4. as follows : Electrical supply from the Cable 8 is provided to the socket contacts 1 via switch contacts 2, which are operated by the removable actuator 3. The socket housing 5 is provided with a mechanical latching device 12 to locate with an appropriate feature 13 on the removable actuator 3. This prevents the inconvenience of the removable actuator 3 being inadvertently detached from the socket housing 5 in normal use. The latching system can however be overridden in an emergency by directly pulling on the removable actuator 3 or the means of attachment 7.

Claims (7)

1. CLAIMS 1 An electrical socket outlet comprising a socket to accept an electrical plug, a removable actuator, and electrical switch contacts.
2. 2 An electrical socket outlet as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the socket contacts are connected to one or both poles of the mains supply via electrical switch contacts.
3. 3 An electrical socket outlet as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the electrical switch contacts are operated by a removable actuator.
4. 4 An electrical socket outlet as claimed in Claim 2 or Claim 3 wherein the removable actuator may be provided with a means of attachment to the operator.
5. 5 An electrical socket outlet as claimed in any preceding Claim wherein retention means are provided for preventing the removable actuator being removed below a predetermined limit.
6. 6 A release mechanism is provided to override the means of retention.
7. 7 An electrical socket outlet substantially as described herein with reference to Figs. 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings.