GB2457520A

GB2457520A - Safety shield for electrical back box

Info

Publication number: GB2457520A
Application number: GB0811496A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard David Brook; David Krlic
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-02-14
Filing date: 2008-06-23
Publication date: 2009-08-19
Anticipated expiration: 2028-06-23
Also published as: GB0811496D0; GB0802737D0; GB2457520B

Abstract

Apparatus 101 for providing a safety shield extending between an electrical back box and an electrical accessory. The apparatus comprises a wall 102 surrounding an aperture 103, the wall 102 having a front perimeter 104, a rear perimeter 105, a depth 106 between the front and rear perimeters 104, 105, an inner face 107, an outer face 108 and a thickness 109 between the inner and outer faces 107, 108. The apparatus further comprises spaced apart first and second manually grippable wing portions 110, 111 that each extend outwardly of the aperture 103 from the outer face 108 of the wall 102. Using the invention eliminates an undesirable period during which an electrical point is not available for use, when tradesmen such as plasterers, tilers or painters perform their tasks.

Description

I

Safety Shield Apparatus

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims priority from United Kingdom Patent Application No. 08 02 737.7, filed 14 February 2008, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to apparatus for providing a safety shield for use in the electrical installations industry.

Background of the Invention

It is known to install a new electrical installation or to refurbish a previously installed electrical installation. In such a procedure it is known for a first fix to be performed, which typically comprises the steps of installing back boxes and inserting cables for electrical supply.

Subsequently, it is known for a second fix to be performed, which typically comprises a process of connecting electrical accessories to cables. In addition, tradesmen such as plasterers, tilers or painters for example may also be involved as part of the task. A problem exists in that the order of works often introduces an undesirable period during which an electrical point is not available for use.

Brief Summary of the Invention

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for providing a safety shield extending between an electrical back box and an electrical accessory, comprising: a wall surrounding an aperture, said wall having a front perimeter, a rear perimeter and a depth between said front perimeter and said rear perimeter, and said wall having an inner face, an outer face and a thickness between said inner face and said outer face, wherein said apparatus further comprises a first manually grippable wing portion and a second manually grippable wing portion spaced apart from said first manually grippable wing portion, and said first and second manually grippable wing portions extend outwardly of said aperture from said outer face of said wall.

Brief Description of the Several Views of the Drawings Figure 1 shows apparatus for providing a safety shield; Figure 2 illustrates an electrical installation; Figure 3 shows an electrical accessory detached from a back box; Figure 4 shows the apparatus of Figure 1 being manually handled; Figure 5 shows the apparatus of Figure 1 being arranged for use as a safety shield; Figure 6 shows the apparatus of Figure 1 installed for use as a safety shield; Figure 7 shows an electrical accessory arranged for use following installation of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 8 shows an alternative view of the arrangement of Figure 7; Figure 9 shows steps in a method of use of safety shield apparatus during a refurbishment process; Figure 1 0 shows steps In a method of use of a safety shield apparatus in a new electrical installation; Figure 11 shows a further example of safety shield apparatus; Figure 1 2 shows an alternative embodiment of safety shield apparatus; Figure 13 shows the apparatus of Figure 1 2 in a second configuration; Figure 1 4 shows a further example of safety shield apparatus, in a first configuration.

Figure 1 5 shows the apparatus of Figure 14 in a second configuration; Figure 1 6 shows a further alternative embodiment of safety shield apparatus; Figure 1 7 shows the apparatus of Figure 1 6 being manually handled; Figure 1 8 shows the apparatus of Figure 16 following breakage along a fracture line; Figure 1 9 shows the apparatus of Figure 1 6 following further fracture operations; and Figure 20 shows a further safety shield apparatus.

Description of the Best Mode for Carrying out the Invention Figure 1 Figure 1 shows apparatus 101 for providing a safety shield.

Apparatus 101 comprises a wall 102 defining an aperture 103. Wall 102 has a font perimeter 104, a rear perimeter 105 and a depth 106 between the front and rear perimeters 104, 105. Wall 102 also has an inner face 107, an outer face 108 and a thickness 109 between the inner and outer faces 107,108. Apparatus 101 further comprises a first manually grippable wing portion 110 and a second manually grippable wing portion 111 spaced apart from the first manually grippable wing portion 11 0. The first and second manually grippable wing portions 110, 111 extend outwardly of the aperture 103 from the wall 1 02.

In this illustrated embodiment, the wing portions take the form of tabs. The first and second wing portions 11 0, 111 extend substantially perpendicularly to the wall 102 and substantially perpendicularly to depth 106. The first and second wing portions 110, 111 extend from the front perimeter 1 04. The first and second wing portions 110,111 also extend in a plane that is substantially parallel to the rear perimeter 105. It can be seen that depth 106 is uniform and similarly thickness 109 is uniform. In addition, the apparatus 1 01 has a length 11 2 and a width 11 3. In this example, the length 112 and the width 113 are substantially equal and hence present a substantially square shape.

In this example, wall 102 has dimensions of length approximately 70mm, width approximately 70mm and depth approximately 1 5mm. The wall has a thickness 1 09 of approximately 1.5mm. A safety shield apparatus 101 having these dimensions is suitable for use with a back box having approximately standard dimensions of a single' back box.

Figure 2 Figure 2 shows an electrical installation. In this scenario, a power point 201 is provided upon wall 202. In this example, electrical accessory 203 is a plug socket, but in other scenarios may be an alternative type of electrical accessory, such as a switch.

Figure 3 Figure 3 shows the electrical installation environment of Figure 2, but with electrical accessory 203 of power point 201 detached from back box 301, which is recessed into wall 202.

In the process of refurbishment, the electrical accessory 203 is disconnected from the back box 301 to allow the wall 202 to be renovated. Renovation activities may include plastering, wallpapering or painting for example. Once the wall renovation is complete, the electrical accessory 203 may then be reconnected.

A problem exists in that the power point 201 is not operational during the period in which works are completed. From the perspective of a user of an electrical accessory, any period in which the electrical accessory is not functional is inconvenient. From the perspective of those performing and managing works, an inconvenience exists in that typically an electrical connection is disconnected, a permit to work is obtained, work is performed, and then the electrical connection is reconnected. Subsequently, the electrical accessory installation is safety tested and only following certification may the power point be used as normal. Such procedure of works can often introduce an undesirable delay In the completion of works and can introduce a significant cost overhead.

Figure 4 Figure 4 shows safety shield apparatus 1 01 being held by a hand 401. As shown, in accordance with this illustrated embodiment, apparatus 101 is dimensioned such that the first and second wing portions 11 0, 111 are grippable between the thumb and fingers of a single hand.

Figure 5 Figure 5 shows apparatus 101 being arranged for use as a safety shield. As indicated at 501, apparatus 101 is aligned for insertion within back box 301 and is subsequently progressed into the inserted position.

Figure 6 Figure 6 shows apparatus 101 installed for use as a safety shield.

As shown, apparatus 101 is located within back box 301, in the inserted position. In this embodiment, apparatus 101 is dimensioned such that waIl 1 02 fits snugly, with a friction fit, within the electrical back box 301. Once apparatus 1 01 is installed relative to back box 301, electrical accessory 203 may be attached to the back box 301.

Figure 7 Figure 7 shows electrical accessory 203 arranged for use following installation of apparatus 101. In the shown arrangement, electrical accessory 203 is abutting against apparatus 101, which is now arranged to provide an electrical safety shield.

Figure 8 Figure 8 shows an alternative view of the arrangement of Figure 7. Apparatus 101 extends between electrical back box 301 and electrical accessory 203. The safety shield spaces the electrical accessory from the back box. The arrangement of apparatus 101 is such that electrical accessory 203 can be attached to back box 301 by means of fixing means, such as a screw 801, provided on purchase of electrical accessory 203. Advantageously therefore, use of apparatus 101 does not require any additional components to be provided at the point of use. When in the shown arrangement, electrical accessory 203 is connected and hence operational.

When the safety shield is mounted as shown, works may be completed with reduced damage to electrical cabling, the electrical accessory and the back box. When mounted as shown, apparatus 101 provides a safety shield, for the prevention of the ingress of foreign bodies, for example plaster, tiling grout, fingers, tools, moisture. This enables trades to complete works safely in a manner that avoids the need to isolate electrical circuits.

In a preferred embodiment, the safety shield apparatus is fabricated from ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) plastic and is manufactured by a moulding process, such as injection moulding. In an example, apparatus 101 is fabricated from a fire retardant and a biodegradable plastic. It is to be appreciated, however, that the fabrication and manufacture of the safety shield apparatus may vary between applications.

Figure 9 Figure 9 shows steps in a method of use of a safety shield during a refurbishment process. At step 901, an electrical accessory is detached from its associated back box. With electrical connections in tact, the safety shield is located relative to the back box at step 902.

Once the safety shield is inserted appropriately, at step 903, the electrical accessory is then reattached to the back box. At step 904 works are performed and at step 905 the safety shield is removed.

Figure 10 Figure 1 0 shows steps in a method of use of a safety shield in a new electrical installation. At step 1 001, a first fix is performed. A first fix typically comprises the steps of installing back boxes and inserting cables for electrical supply. At step 1002, a safety shield is installed relative to a back box. At step 1 003, a second fix is performed. A second fix typically comprises a process of connecting electrical accessories to cables. Works are then performed at step 1 004 and the safety shield may thereafter be removed at step 1005.

It is to be appreciated that the safety shield allows an electrician to first and second fix in one visit and also enables the installation to be tested and left safe and operational for a user during the completion of works. Such works may comprise activities performed by a tradesman such as a plasterer, a tiler, or a painter for example. Thus, the safety shield apparatus functions to reduce the time and costs of works and general inconvenience in the order of works.

Figure 11 Figure 11 shows a further example of safety shield apparatus.

Apparatus 11 01 is similar in all respects to apparatus 1 01 except that it has different dimensions.

In this example, wall 1102 has dimensions of length 1103 approximately 1 30mm, width 1104 approximately 70mm and depth 11 05 approximately 15mm. A safety shield apparatus having these dimensions is suitable for use with a back box having approximately standard dimensions of a double' back box. Apparatus 1101 is dimensioned to fit snugly within a double back box.

As indicated at 1106, the shield safety apparatus may carry a visual display. In an embodiment, at least one tab or wing portion carries a visual display. A visual display may be provided by the application of graphics and/or colouration for example. A visual display may be formed in intagllo or relief in a moulded apparatus.

In an example, the apparatus displays the words "DO NOT REMOVE". In an embodiment, the apparatus is yellow to emphasise it when installed. In this way, the safety shield apparatus may provide both physical protection and visual protection.

Figure 12 Figure 1 2 shows an alternative embodiment of safety shield apparatus. Apparatus 1201 is similar to apparatus 101 but has a wall 1 202 that has a thickness 1 203 that is generally uniform but that is reduced along a line 1204 extending in the direction of the depth 1205 between the front perimeter 1206 and the rear perimeter 1207. This feature provides a fracture line. In this illustrated example, fracture line 1204 is present on the inner face 1208 of wall 1202.

In Figure 12, the apparatus 1201 is shown in a first configuration in which the wall 1 202 provides a closed path around the interior aperture 1 205 of the safety shield apparatus 1 201.The fracture line 1204 facilitates the breaking of the closed path.

Figure 13 Figure 1 3 shows the apparatus of Figure 1 2 in a second configuration. As shown, wall 1202 of apparatus 1201 may be broken apart along fracture line 1204. Thus, apparatus 1201 may be reconfigured from the first configuration of Figure 1 2 into the second configuration of Figure 1 3 by the action of breaking apart wall 1 202.

This feature facilitates removal of the safety shield from its installed position. In some instances, this feature may also facilitate installation of the safety shield. Thus, a fracture line may be used to introduce a useful gap 1 301 in the wall 1 202 around the interior aperture 1 205 of the safety shield apparatus 1201. It is to be appreciated that the fabrication of apparatus 1 201 allows the size of the gap 1 301 to be varied by pulling apart edges 1 302 and 1 303 of wall 1 202, as indicated by arrows 1 304 and 1305.

Figure 14 Figure 1 4 shows a further example of safety shield apparatus.

Apparatus 1401 is similar in many respects to apparatus 11 01 but wall 1 402 is provided with a first fracture line 1 403 located between first wing portion 1404 and second wing portion 1405. In addition, a second fracture line 1406 is provided and is also located between the first and second wing portions 1403, 1404.

In Figure 14, the apparatus 1401 is shown in a first configuration in which the wall 1402 provides a closed path around the interior aperture 1407 of the safety shield apparatus 1401. In this illustrated example, the interior aperture 1407 is substantially four-sided, First wing portion 1404 extends from a first side of aperture 1407 and second wing portion 1405 extends from a second side of aperture 1407 that is opposite the first side. Thus, fracture line 1403 is provided on a third side, between the first and second sides, and fracture line 140 is provided on a fourth side that is opposite the third side. As described previously, the apparatus 1 401 may be reconfigured into a second configuration in which the wall 1 402 is broken along one fracture line.

Figure 15 Figure 1 5 shows the apparatus of Figure 1 4 in a third configuration, in which apparatus 1401 has been broken along both fracture lines 1403, 1406.

It is to be appreciated that the safety shield allows the electrical accessory to be attached to an associated back box using the standard screws provided with the accessory such that the safety shield is held between the electrical accessory and the associated back box. Thus, when the safety shield is no longer required, the fracture lines allow the safety shield to be removed from between the electrical accessory and the associated back box without detaching the electrical accessory from the associated back box, The first and second wing portions 1404, 1405 allow the apparatus 1401 to be manually bent to break along two fracture lines to separate the apparatus 1401 into two parts, indicated generally at 1501 and 1 502.

Figure 16 Figure 16 shows a further alternative embodiment of safety shield apparatus. Apparatus 1 601 is similar to apparatus 1 201 but at the junction of wall 1 602 and at least one of the first and second tabs 1603, 1604 a fracture line 1605 is provided along the edge of the junction. Further, at least one fracture line 1 607 is provided along at least one of the first and second tabs 1603, 1 604, in the direction of width 1608.

Figure 17 Figure 1 7 shows apparatus 1 601 being held between the fingers and thumb of a single hand 1 701. Through the manual application of pressure to a tab, it is possible to break the tab along a fracture line.

For example, it is possible to break tab 1603 along fracture line 1607 to the effect that the most distal portion of tab 1 603 is snapped off.

Figure 18 Figure 1 8 shows apparatus 1 601 following the removal of an outer portion of tab 1603. It may be desirable to remove a portion of a wing due to the practicalities of an environment.

Figure 19 Figure 19 shows apparatus 1601 following removal of both tabs 1603, 1604, leaving waIl 1602. It may be desirable to remove the tabs, for example in situations in which the apparatus is to be left in situ after having been fitted to provide a safety shield.

Figure 20 Figure 20 shows a further safety shield apparatus 2001. In this embodiment, wall 2002 extends around a substantially circular aperture 1 203. In addition, a first wing portion 2004 and a second wing portion 2005 are diametrically opposed, as indicated at 2006.

Apparatus 2001 may be used to provide a safety shield for a ceiling electrical accessory.

Claims

Claims 1. Apparatus for providing a safety shield extending between an electrical back box and an electrical accessory, comprising: a wall surrounding an aperture, said wall having a front perimeter, a rear perimeter and a depth between said front perimeter and said rear perimeter, and said wall having an inner face, an outer face and a thickness between said inner face and said outer face, wherein said apparatus further comprises a first manually grippable wing portion and a second manually grippable wing portion spaced apart from said first manually grippable wing portion, and said first and second manually grippable wing portions extend outwardly of said aperture from said outer face of said wall.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first and second wing portions extend substantially perpendicularly to said wall and substantially perpendiculary to said depth.
3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said first and second wing portions extend from said front perimeter.
4. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein said depth is uniform.
5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said first and second wing portions extend in a plane that is substantially parallel to said rear perimeter.
6. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein said thickness is reduced along a line extending between said front perimeter and said rear perimeter, in the direction of said depth, to provide a fracture line.
7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said fracture line is present on said inner face.
8. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein a fracture line is provided at the junction of said wall and at least one of said first and second wing portions.9. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein a fracture line is provided along at least one of said first and second wing portions.8. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein said aperture is substantially rectangular.
9. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said first wing portion extends from a first side of said substantially rectangular aperture, and said second wing portion extends from a second side of said substantially rectangular aperture that is opposite said first side.
10. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein said aperture is su bstantially circular.
11. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said first and second wing portions are diametrically opposed.
12. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 11, dimensioned such that said first and second wing portions are grippable between the thumb and fingers of a single hand.
13. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 12, dimensioned such that said wall fits with a friction fit within an electrical back box having standard dimensions of a single' back box.
14. Apparatus according any of claims 1 to 12, dimensioned such that said wall fits with a friction fit within an electrical back box having standard dimensions of a double' back box.
1 5. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 1 4, fabricated from plastic.
16. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 15, wherein at least one of said first and second wing portions carries a visual display.
1 7. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 1 6, wherein said wall provides a closed path.
18. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 1 7, manufactured by a moulding process.
19. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 1 8, wherein said apparatus is coloured yellow.
20. Safety shield apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to and as shown in the accompanying Figures.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows Claims 1. Apparatus for providing a safety shield extending between an electrical back box and an electrical accessory, comprising: a wall surrounding an aperture, said wall having a front perimeter, a rear perimeter and a depth between said front perimeter and said rear perimeter, said wall having an inner face, an outer face and a thickness between said inner face and said outer face, and said apparatus further comprises a first manually grippable wing *: portion and a second manually grippable wing portion spaced apartSfrom said first manually grippable wing portion, and said first and second manually grippable wing portions extend outwardly of said aperture from said outer face of said wall, wherein said thickness is reduced along a line extending between said * front perimeter and said rear perimeter, in the direction of said depth, to provide a fracture line.2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first and second wing portions extend substantially perpendicularly to said wall and substantially perpendiculary to said depth.3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said first and second wing portions extend from said front perimeter.4. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein said depth is uniform.5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said first and second wing portions extend in a plane that is substantially parallel to said rear perimeter.6. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said fracture line is present on said inner face.7. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein a fracture line is provided at the junction of said wall and at least one of said first and second wing portions. * S. * * I * .5 5.S8. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein a *:*. fracture line is provided along at least one of said first and second wing portions. * 15**5...9. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein said aperture is substantially rectangular.10. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said first wing portion extends from a first side of said substantially rectangular aperture, and said second wing portion extends from a second side of said substantially rectangular aperture that is opposite said first side.11. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein said aperture is substantially circular.12. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said first and second wing portions are diametrically opposed.1 3. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 1 2, dimensioned such that said first and second wing portions are grippable between the thumb and fingers of a single hand.14. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 13, dimensioned such that said wall fits with a friction fit within an electrical back box having standard dimensions of a single' back box. * ** * * * * ** *** *1 5. Apparatus according any of claims 1 to 1 3, dimensioned *. : such that said wall fits with a friction fit within an electrical back box * ** having standard dimensions of a double' back box. * 15* S S* * 16. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 15, fabricated from plastic.1 7. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 1 5, wherein at least one of said first and second wing portions carries a visual display.18. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 17, wherein said wall provides a closed path.19. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 18, manufactured by a moulding process.20. Safety shield apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to and as shown in the accompanying Figures. * ** * * I * ** S... * I IS., *1 I * *. * *.SI..... * III..... * I