GB2350243A

GB2350243A - A security device for electrical socket outlets and switches

Info

Publication number: GB2350243A
Application number: GB0010341A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Adrian Oldham
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-04-30
Filing date: 2000-05-02
Publication date: 2000-11-22
Anticipated expiration: 2020-05-02
Also published as: GB0010341D0; GB9909878D0; GB2350243B

Abstract

A security device for electrical socket outlets and switches comprises a housing 2 which overlies and conceals a socket outlet 1 or switch. This prevents access to the socket, either preventing a device from being plugged in or ensuring a device is not unplugged. A fastening such as a barrel lock 3 prevents unauthorised removal of the housing 2, with a part 5 of the fastening being attached to the outlet 1, possibly using a self-adhesive pad (see Fig 3). A template (8, Fig 4) may be used to find the right position to stick fastening 5. Alternatively, the housing may clip on, preventing inadvertent use of a switch or protecting an outlet from splashes while not preventing use.

Description

2350243 A SECUR17TDEVICE FOR ELECTRICAL PLUG SOCKETS AND SWITCHES THIS

INVENTION concerns a security device to be removably placed over and conceal an electrical plug socket or switch thus to prevent access thereto for safety reasons and to prevent untimely disconnection of electrical appliances, as well as maintaining them clean and splash proof.

An object of the present invention is to provide such a device which is simple and inexpensive and yet which provides adequate protection against unauthorised access. In the case of a light switch the device will prevent the switch from being activated and when used on a plug socket will prevent objects being inserted into the socket and also ensure that electrical appliances plugged into the socket are not inadvertently disconnected or removed.

According to the present invention there is provided a security device for electrical plug sockets and switches, comprising a housing configured to overlie and conceal a plug socket or switch thus to prevent access thereto, and a two-part fastening removably to retain the housing in place.

2- Preferably, the fastening is a two-part fastening comprising a first part attachable to a plug socket or switch and a second part attached to the housing, the parts being inter-engageable when the housing is placed in position over the plug socket or switch.

The fastening may include a lock which may be actuated with a key or by a remote device.

The fastening may be a resistance fit preventing inadvertent dislodgement of the housing but enabling the latter to be pulled away from the plug socket or switch.

The first part of the fastening may be attachable to the face of the plug socket or switch by a self-adhesive pad.

The lock may include visual means to indicate a locked condition thereof.

The device may include a template to overlie the plug socket or switch and thus indicate the correct position for attachment of the first part of the fastening. The template may include apertures for receiving the pins of an electrical plug to be inserted into a socket.

The housing may include at least one recess for receiving an electrical cable attached to a plug inserted into a socket.

-3The housing may include a peripheral rebate to enable it to overlap with a part of the plug socket or switch.

The fastening may include a bayonet formation having one or more pins on one part and equivalent slots on the other. The pins may be on the first part.

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 an isometric view of a security device made in accordance with the invention when applied to an electrical plug or socket; Fig. 2 is an exploded view showing the various parts of the device and the socket; Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of a part of the device in a condition during application; Fig. 4 shows a template for use in installing the device; and Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a part of the device showing its internal configuration.

Referring now to the drawings, the security device comprises a rectilinear housing 2 which can be applied to overlie and conceal, in this example, a double switched plug socketl.

The device includes a lock barrel 3 rotatable in the housing 2 by means of a key 4.

As can be seen from Fig. 2, the lock barrel is located in an aperture 3a in the wall of the housing 2 and has a pair of pins 3b which are diametrically opposed on an inner end of the lock barrel 3.

The lock barrel 3 forms one part of a two-part fastening, the other part of which comprises a bayonet socket 5 attachable to the front face of the plug socket 1 and including a pair of opposed bayonet slots 5a in which the pins 3b locate.

Referring now to Fig. 3, it will be seen that the bayonet socket 5 includes a flat rear face on which is located a self-adhesive pad 6 which is provided with a release strip 7 removable when the socket 5 is to be attached to the socket 1.

Referring now to Fig. 4, there is shown a template 8 having two sets of apertures 8a which coincide with the terminal apertures in the plug socket 1 and with the pins of plugs 9 to be inserted therein. An aperture 10 in the template 8 coincides with the position at which the socket 5 is to be located, and a further aperture 11 coincides with the position of the -5switches on a double switched socket. Thus, by inserting a pair of electrical plugs 9 through the template 8 and into the socket 1, the template is accurately located to provide an indication as to where the socket 5 is to be attached after removal of the release strip 7. Thereafter the template 8 may be discarded.

Referring now to Fig. 5, there is shown in the base of the housing 1 a pair of U-shaped recesses 12 which receive electrical cables from the pair of plugs 9 inserted into the socket 1 and there can also be seen a peripheral rebate 13 enabling the housing 2 partially to overlap the plug socket I when in place thereon.

For ease of manufacture and assembly, the pins 3b may be alternatively located on the socket 5 with the bayonet slots 5a provided on the lock barrel 3.

As indicated in figure 1, a pair of indicator dots, one on the lock 3 and the other on the housing 2, may provide a visual indication of the locked or unlocked condition of the device.

It will be appreciated that when the housing is in place over the socket 1, or a lighting switch, access thereto is prevented for safety and security purposes.

For. a more secure appliance the simple bayonet lock 3, illustrated herein, may be replaced by a more secure lock which may be operated, for example, electrically rather than with a key.

In a simple embodiment the fastening may be a push-fit having sufficient resistance to avoid inadvertent removal of the housing 2. Such an embodiment may be used, for example, to keep plug sockets and switches clean and to render them splash proof, for example, in an area where liquids may be spilled.

The housing is preferably made from plastics with a wipe-clean surface or alternatively it may be of steel or other metal or of natural wood to match surrounding furnishings. The housing may carry labels to identify appliances connected to the socket 1.

Claims

-7CLAIMS

1. A security device for electrical plugs, sockets and switches, comprising a housing configured to overlie and conceal a plug socket or switch thus to prevent access thereto, and a fastening removably to retain the housing in place.

2. A security device according to Claim 1, wherein the fastening is a twopart fastening comprising a first par-t attachable to a plug socket or switch and the second part attached to the housing, the parts being inter-engageable when the housing is placed in position over the plug socket or switch.

3. A security device according to Claim 1 or claim 2, including a lock which may be actuated with a key or by a remote device.

4. A security device according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the fastening is adapted to provide a resistance fit preventing inadvertent dislodgement of the housing but enabling the latter to be pulled away from the plug socket or switch.

5. A security device according to Claim 2 or Claim 3, wherein the first part of the fastening is attachable to the face of the plug socket or switch by a self-adhesive pad.

6. A security device according to Claim 3, wherein the lock includes visual means to indicate a locked condition.

7. A security device according to any preceding claim, including a template to overlie the plug socket or switch and thus indicate the correct position for attachment of the fastening.

8. A security device according to Claim 7, wherein the template includes apertures for receiving the pins of an electrical plug to be inserted into a socket.

9. A security device according to any preceding Claim, wherein the housing includes at least one recess for receiving an electrical cable attached to a plug inserted into a socket.

10. A security device according to any preceding claim, wherein the housing includes a peripheral rebate to enable it to overlap with a part of the plug socket or switch.

11. A security device according to Claim 2 or any one of Claims 5 to 8, wherein the fastening includes a bayonet formation having one or more pins on one part and equivalent slots on the other.

12. A security device according to Claim 11, wherein the pins are on the first part of the two-part fastening.