GB2435718A

GB2435718A - Safety devices for electrical sockets and switches and the like

Info

Publication number: GB2435718A
Application number: GB0603736A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Dominic Buffery
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-02-24
Filing date: 2006-02-24
Publication date: 2007-09-05
Also published as: GB0603736D0

Abstract

Safety devices for electrical sockets, switches and the like are disclosed. A mask for deterring operation of a movable electrical member, such as a switch or control member, or removal of an electrical plug from its socket is provided. The mask comprises a resilient member having end portions arranged to be located on opposed sides of a switch, a housing therefore or for another control member, a plug or socket housing respectively and to mask the switch, plug or socket.

Description

SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICAL SOCKETS AND SWITCHES AND

THE LIKE

This invention is concerned with improvements in or relating to safety devices for electrical sockets, switches and the like.

It is known to provide devices in the form of dummy plugs for occupying a socket for an electrical plug so that a plug cannot be inserted into the socket. It is also common, though not recommended practice, where a plug is already positioned in S.....

a socket or a switch is in an activated or dc-activated position to endeavour to * . prevent removal of the plug or operation of the switch by applying adhesive tape to the plug or switch as the case may be. It is also known to adopt the same practice * to prevent a socket being used. Common usage of tape or like rudimentary *SSS S...

screening techniques are usually though not exclusively used in the domestic S.. : environment to ensure that appliances such as food freezers are not inadvertently turned off. Not only is the use of tape not to be recommended but it can be highly dangerous if a current surge or any other incident occurs to cause malfunction of any appliance which the plug connects to mains supply, or for any reason the appliance otherwise malfunctions. In addition, where tape or the like has been applied for any period of time removal of the tape can leave an unsightly residue behind which then has to be cleaned. Similar concerns apply to other electrical appliances such as thermostats and timing units which may control water heaters (i.e. immersion heaters) and central heating systems.

In addition, where tape has been used to isolate a switch thereby making it inoperable and where that socket or switch is associated with a plug which is positioned in the socket, the only instant method of isolating any appliance which is attached to the plug is by removing the plug from its socket immediately, thereby isolating any appliance from an electricity supply. Where, for example, the appliance is a computer, removal of a plug provides no opportunity for the computer to be shut down, if it is switched on, with consequent loss andlor corruption of information, data and the like. The present invention has been developed with a view to providing indication that a plug or switch is not to be tampered with while at the same time leaving the plug or switch in whatever. . position or condition it currently occupies and still readily accessible, if access thereto is required. To this end the present invention provides in one aspect, a *: . mask for deterring operation of a movable electrical member, such as a switch or S...

control member, or removal of an electrical plug from its socket, the mask comprising a resilient member having end portions arranged to be located on and resiliently engage opposed sides of a switch, a housing therefore or for another electrical member, a plug or socket housing respectively and to mask the switch, plug or socket. The invention relies largely on the spring-like properties that such a resilient member will have.

In one embodiment of the invention, the resilient member may comprise a flexible bridge which is of a length such that it can span an electrical socket unit having one or more plugs inserted therein. The resilient member may span a socket unit width wise of the unit or, alternatively, it may be arranged to be fitted to upper and lower surfaces of a socket unit, having a width sufficient to mask a plug inserted therein. In a further embodiment of the invention, the resilient member may be arranged to be fitted to upper and lower surfaces of a socket unit, having a width sufficient to mask a switch member of the socket unit.

Though a mask according to the invention may be provided for masking a single switch/plug, it is foreseen by the invention that the flexible bridge can be such as to span an electrical socket unit horizontally or vertically. Then being of a lateral dimension sufficient to prevent inadvertent operation of any switch member or S.....

insertion or removal of any plug there from. . . In one preferred embodiment of the invention the resilient member is of arcuate * *. . shape. In another embodiment of the invention, the resilient member can be s... S... S...

considered as comprising a centre portion, which may be curved or planar, and two * * wing portions, one at each end of the centre portion.

In these embodiments of the invention, especially where the mask is intended for masking a plug or is intended to be mounted on a socket housing unit to mask one or more switches/plugs, the end portions of the resilient member preferably provide feet arranged to engage opposite sides or surfaces of the switch, plug or socket.

A resilient member according to the present invention may be formed of a coloured material and may be opaque, translucent or transparent. Fluorescent colouring material may also be used. The material from which the resilient member is formed is preferably a plastics material, and more preferably a thermoplastics material, which can of course be recycled.

The resilient member may be in the form of a solid strip or may be an openwork strip, for example provided by spaced parallel ribs, which may have cross-members linking them.

S * S

lJ S * * S ** Preferably the resilient member provides means for carrying a motif, notice, sign or legend indicating the reason for the presence of the mask. Where a solid strip or * spaced parallel ribs define the resilient member, a panel may be provided in the * .** member which can be readily snapped or pushed through to provide access to an underlying switch member.

Alternatively to or in addition to motifs and the like being provided on the member per se, clip-on attachments can be fitted to the resilient member to provide the same function.

The present invention also provides a mask for masking a switch rocker arm of a switch unit in which the rocker arm is mounted for rocking movement between first and second positions relative to a face plate of the switch unit, the mask comprising a plate member arranged to overlie a front face of the rocker arm the plate member carrying a boss member which when the plate member is placed adjacent the front face of the rocker arm is located adjacent a part of the rocker arm that is proud of the face plate to bear against the face plate, the mask being securable to the rocker arm.

The plate member of the mask may be provided with integrally formed wing portions arranged to grip sides of the part of the rocker arm that is proud of the face plate. *

**.*** Alternatively, the plate member may be secured to the rocker arm by adhesive. * material, which may be provided by double-sided adhesive tape. * * * C * I. **

There now follows a detailed description which is to be read with reference to the * :: : :* Sm.

accompanying drawings of several embodiments of the present invention which.. : relate to use of the invention with electrical switches and electrical sockets; it is to be clearly understood that these illustrated embodiments have been selected for description to illustrate the invention by way of example and not by way of limitation, and that the invention is equally applicable to use with other electrical control elements such as thermostat controls and timing devices such as may be used with water heaters and central heating systems.

In the accompanying drawings:-Figures 1 to 3 are front views and a side view of first and second embodiments of the invention useful for masking a switch element of a single switched socket, Figure 3 being common to both of the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2; Figures 4 and 5 are front views of the second embodiment of the invention when used for masking switch elements of a double switched socket; Figures 6 and 7 are side and front views of a variant of the embodiment(s) of the invention shown in Figures 1 to 5; Figures 8 and 9 are plan views of third and fourth embodiments of the * present invention designed for use with and attachment to a single plug and a pair. . of plugs mounted in appropriate sockets; Figure 10 is plan view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention * .. . designed for use with and attachment to a double socket; S *I'.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of a variant of the fifth embodiment shown in Figure 10; Figure 12 and 13 are side and front views of a sixth embodiment of the present invention useful for masking a switch of a lighting switch unit; Figure 14 is a front view of the sixth embodiment mounted on a single light switch unit; Figure 15 is a front view of the sixth embodiment mounted on a double light switch unit; Figures 16, 17 and 18 are plan, face and plan views respectively of a seventh embodiment of the present invention, with Figure 16 showing the embodiment mounted in position over a pair of switches of a switched double socket unit; Figures 19 to 23 are three side views, a front view and an end view respectively of an eighth embodiment of the present invention; Figures 24a to 24d are illustrations of visual indicators that can be attached to any of the embodiments of the present invention; and Figures 25 to 46 illustrate further embodiments and applications of the present invention. *

**..** Referring firstly to Figures 1 to 3, there is shown a first embodiment of the.e invention in the form of a mask for deterring inadvertent operation of an electrical switch member or rocker arm, the mask being in the form of an accurate resilient *,*, member 10 which is formed of a flexibly resilient plastics material and has end * portions 12 (see for example Figure 3), which are spaced apart to an extent such that they can be sprung apart to permit the member to be mounted vertically on a single socket housing unit 14 to mask its switch member 16. The mask thus fits on the socket housing unit 14 in the manner of a clip.

Figure 1 shows one variant of the resilient member 10 in which the resilient member is itself provided by a pair of arcuate spaced ribs 18 while that in Figure 2 is in the form of a planar arcuate strip 20 having ribbed edges 22. At each end, the resilient member has end portions 12 which provide feet 26 that bear against top and bottom surfaces of the housing 14 of the socket unit.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, wherein the mask that is shown in Figure 2 is mounted on a double socket housing unit 14, the mask can be fitted onto the housing unit to screen the left-hand switch member 16 while, in Figure 5, the mask is moved to cover the right-hand switch member 16. This can be achieved simply by sliding the mask along thc housing unit.

If it is desired or necessary to cover both switch members, then two such masks can be located on the housing unit in side-by-side relationship. Alternatively, though not shown, a single mask of a width sufficient to cover both switch:...:.

members could be used. The same principle can be employed for also masking an. . entire socket unit. * * * S * ** S.

Figures 6 and 7 show a variant of the embodiment of Figures 1 to 5 in which the * : :: : end portions 12 of the resilient member 10 are formed to provide toe portions 27 *::: : which bear against top and bottom surfaces of the socket housing unit. In Figure 7, where the mask is shown in front view, it can be seen that the planar surface of the arcuate member 20 can provide space 28 for lettering or an informative motif, symbol or the like. Alternatively, where the resilient member is provided by spaced arcuate ribs, a card insert bearing similar motifs may be located between the ribs or otherwise bonded thereto.

In Figure 8, there is shown a third embodiment of the invention which, though similar to the preceding embodiment, is a mask in the form of an arched resilient member 10 designed to be clipped onto an electrical plug 38. The mask can similarly carry lettering or some other legend or symbol. In this embodiment, the end portions 12 of the resilient member are formed with heel portions 29 designed to bear against a face plate 30 of a socket housing unit 14.

Figure 9 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the present invention which is designed to span and mask two plugs 38 when mounted in a double socket housing unit.

The mask is provided by a resilient member 10 that has end portions 12 which provide feet 36 that engage the plugs 38.

0S**S* Figure 10 illustrates a fifth embodiment of the invention which is a mask in the. . form of an arcuate resilient member 10 that can span an entire double socket housing unit 14 and so mask a pair of plugs 38 which are mounted in the socket * * housing unit and their accompanying intermediate switch members 16. The *. ** s.

resilient member 10 of the mask is generally bridge-shaped and has feet 36: provided by its end portions 12, the feet 36 being generally of the same shape as those shown in Figure 9. To provide additional screening of the switch members per Se, a further mask can be provided for the switch members, as hereinafter described with reference to Figures 16 to 18.

Figure 11 is similar, apart from its shape, to the mask shown in Figure 10.

In Figures 12 and 13 is shown a sixth embodiment of the invention which is a mask intended for use in masking the switch of a light switch unit. The mask comprises an arcuate resilient member 10 which, at each end, has opposed wedge-shaped feet 40 that lie in opposed relationship to each other. The feet 40 are designed to engage behind opposite edges of the face plate 30 (see Figures 14 and 15) of the switch unit. The manner in which the mask is mounted is shown in Figures 14 and 15, Figure 14 showing the manner in which it is located on a single switch unit while Figure 15 shows its fitting on a double switch unit.

Referring now to Figures 16 to 18, there is shown therein a seventh embodiment of the invention, namely a mask 44 that is designed specifically to mask one or both switch members 16 of single/double switch units. The mask is formed of resiliently flexible material and is of right-angled U-section being wide enough to * * permit the ends of the mask to be sprung apart to be clipped onto a single switch or a double switch(as shown in the Figures). S... S... *5*

In Figures 19 to 23 is shown a further mask according to an eighth embodiment of. . S the invention, this mask comprising a plate member 50 that has a boss member 52 integral therewith. The plate member 50 can be assembled in the manner shown in Figures 19 and 20 on a rocker arm 54 of a switch unit 56 in the position in which it is shown in these Figures. Figure 19 illustrates the switch in an off' position, while Figure 20 illustrates the on' position. As can be seen from these Figures, the mask is placed on the rocker arm 54 with the boss member 52 adjacent the raised portion of the rocker arm of the switch. The plate member 50 is then bonded to the rocker arm by double-sided adhesive tape 58.

Alternatively, in a further embodiment of the invention (not shown) the plate member can be provided with integrallyforme wing portions ananged to grip the sides of the rocker arm.

Each of the embodiments of the invention is designed so that it can either have a legend applied thereto or can have a card attached thereto.

Alternatively or in addition, to the application of legends or symbols, clips may be attached to the masks, and examples of these are shown in Figure 24a to 24d. :.. .:.

These clips can themselves be shaped to provide appropriate indication of the..

purpose of the mask. *

S

A mask according to the present invention can be attached to an electrical plug or * * S...

to a cable extending between the plug and an appliance by means of a tie.

Claims

CLAIMS

1. A mask for deterring operation of a movable electrical member, such as a switch or control member, or removal of an electrical plug from its socket, the mask comprising a resilient member having end portions arranged to be located on opposed sides of a switch, a housing therefore or for another control member, a plug or socket housing respectively and to mask the switch, plug or socket.

2. A mask according to Claim 1, wherein the resilient member comprises a * S.....

flexible bridge which is of a length such that it can span an electrical socket unit:.

having one or more plugs inserted therein. * S * S S

3. A mask according to Claim 1, wherein the resilient member comprises a ***e flexible bridge arranged to be fitted to upper and lower surfaces of a socket unit and having a width sufficient to mask a plug inserted therein.

4. A mask according to Claim 1, wherein the resilient member comprises a flexible bridge arranged to be fitted to upper and lower surfaces of a socket unit and having a width sufficient to mask one or more switches of the socket unit.

5. A mask according to Claim 1, wherein the resilient member comprises a flexible bridge arranged to span an electrical socket unit horizontally or vertically and being of a lateral dimension sufficient to prevent inadvertent operation of any switch member or insertion or removal of any plug therefrom.

6. A mask according to any preceding claim, wherein the resilient member is of arcuate shape.

7. A mask according to any preceding claim, wherein the resilient member comprises a centre portion and two wing portions, one at each end of the centre portion.

8. A mask according to any preceding claim, wherein the end portion of the resilient member provide feet arranged to engage opposite sides of the switch:...: member, plug or socket. Is 9. A mask according to any preceding claim, wherein the resilient member is formed of a coloured material. *S** S. *

10. A mask according to any preceding claim, wherein the resilient member is formed of a fluorescent material.

11. A mask according to any preceding claim, wherein the guard has a display area which can provide appropriate warning legends.

12. A mask according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more clip-on attachments can be fitted to the resilient member, each canying a visible legend or being shaped to provide a status covering.

13. A mask according to any preceding claim, wherein said end portions provide feet intended to exert a frictional grip on the switch or socket unit.

14. A mask for masking a switch rocker arm of a switch unit in which the rocker arm is mounted for rocking movement between first and second positions relative to a face plate of the switch unit, the mask comprising a plate member arranged to oversee a front face of the rocker arm the plate member carrying a boss member which when the plate member is placed adjacent the front face of the rocker arm is located adjacent a part of the rocker arm that is proud of the face plate to bear against the face plate, the mask being securable to the rocker arm. S 15. A mask according to Claim 14, wherein the plate member of the mask is provided with integrally formed wing portions arranged to grip sides of the part of.**. S *SS S5*

the rocker arm that is proud of the face plate.

16. A mask according to Claim 14 or Claim 15, wherein the plate member is secured to the rocker arm by adhesive material.

17. A mask according to Claim 16, wherein the adhesive material is provided by double-sided adhesive tape.

18. A mask for deferring inadvertent operation of an electrical switch or removal of an electrical plug from its socket substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. * * *...s * * * * 0 0 * *0 * 0 * 0 *0 *

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