GB2480087A - Electrical socket for plugs of different countries - Google Patents

Electrical socket for plugs of different countries Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2480087A
GB2480087A GB201007545A GB201007545A GB2480087A GB 2480087 A GB2480087 A GB 2480087A GB 201007545 A GB201007545 A GB 201007545A GB 201007545 A GB201007545 A GB 201007545A GB 2480087 A GB2480087 A GB 2480087A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
plug
live
receive
neutral
pin
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB201007545A
Other versions
GB201007545D0 (en
Inventor
Alvin Ashman
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to GB201007545A priority Critical patent/GB2480087A/en
Publication of GB201007545D0 publication Critical patent/GB201007545D0/en
Publication of GB2480087A publication Critical patent/GB2480087A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R24/00—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure
    • H01R24/76—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure with sockets, clips or analogous contacts and secured to apparatus or structure, e.g. to a wall
    • H01R24/78—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure with sockets, clips or analogous contacts and secured to apparatus or structure, e.g. to a wall with additional earth or shield contacts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R27/00—Coupling parts adapted for co-operation with two or more dissimilar counterparts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
    • H02G3/00—Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles
    • H02G3/02—Details
    • H02G3/08—Distribution boxes; Connection or junction boxes
    • H02G3/081—Bases, casings or covers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
    • H02G3/00—Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles
    • H02G3/02—Details
    • H02G3/08—Distribution boxes; Connection or junction boxes
    • H02G3/18—Distribution boxes; Connection or junction boxes providing line outlets
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
    • H01R13/70—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R2103/00—Two poles

Abstract

A universal electrical socket outlet has a live slot 114 and a neutral slot 116 adapted to receive the live and neutral pins of an Australasian AS 3112 plug; a live slot 108 and a neutral slot 110 to receive the live and neutral pins of a British BS 1363 or a Continental CEE 7/16 plug; a live slot 104 and a neutral slot 106 to receive the live and neutral pins of a North American NEMA 1-15 plug; and a ground slot 102 adapted to receive a ground pin of a BS 1363 plug. The socket may have a switch 112, and the outlet may have more than one socket.

Description

Universal Electrical Socket Outlet
Background of the Invention
[I] The present invention relates to electrical outlets and in particular to a universal electrical outlet adapted to receive standard electrical plugs of different countries.
(2] Electrical plug adapters for altering the shape of an electrical outlet are known in the art. US 2009288853 to Binder, for example, discloses an adapter for mounting a faceplate of a first style to an electrical outlet cavity of a second style. The adapter comprises: a plate having an opening for passing media therethough for connecting to at least one connector mounted in said faceplate; at least one fastener fixed to the plate for fixedly attaching the adapter to the outlet cavity; and at least one mounting point for attaching the faceplate thereto.
Preferably, a pair of spaced apart mounting points is provided in the plate separated by a distance of substantially 33⁄4 inches, conforming to the mutual separation between corresponding mounting holes of commercially available junction box faceplates.
Thus the apparatus features clamps for gripping the inner surface of a wall cavity or sleeve.
(3] Adapters for providing multiple electrical outlets and different numbers of electrical outlets are known in the art.
WO 030129225 to Feldman discloses a built-in multiple plug device consisting of a hollow cylindrical part designed to be integrated by integrating means in a cavity provided in a wall, and a built-in cylindrical block comprising in its cylindrical wall electrical outlets, said block being mounted sliding in said hollow part and being capable of being maintained in a protruding position enabling the use of said outlets. The block comprises means for locking in a retracted position, wherein axial rotation unlocks the block and allows it to protrude.
(4] Adapters for different kinds of optical cable plugs are known in the art. WO 9626563 to Sabo discloses a low profile information outlet, suitable for mounting to a wall or floor. The outlet provides for connections to multiple connector styles and media types while maintaining appropriate minimum bend radii. A connectonsed fibre optic cable enters the housing via a cable entrance and plugs into a fibre optic receptacle. The fibre optic receptacle snaps into a recessed connector well at an angle. The receptacles and exterior connectors are protected by the low profile housing and the mounting surface. All cables exit the housing parallel to the mounting surface to dress along the wall or floor.
Brief Summary of the Invention
[5] It can be seen from the forgoing that a need has arisen for a space-saving, user friendly electrical outlet which enables standard electrical plugs from different countries to be plugged into the same outlet.
[6] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a universal electrical outlet adapted to receive standard electrical plugs of different countries without altering the outlet, using additional equipment, or occupying additional space.
(7] To this end, a universal electrical socket is disclosed, comprising: a live slot adapted to receive a live pin of a AS 3112 plug; a neutral slot adapted to receive a neutral pin of a AS 3112 plug; a live slot adapted to receive a live pin of a BS 1363 orCEE 7/16 plug; a neutral slot adapted to receive a neutral pin of a BS 1363 or CEE 7/16 plug; a live slot adapted to receive a live pin of a NEMA 1-15 plug; a neutral slot adapted to receive a neutral pin of a NEMA 1-15 plug; and a ground slot adapted to receive a ground pin of a BS 1363 plug.
[8] An advantage of the present invention is that standard electrical plugs from different countries, such as American, British, and Continental electrical plugs, can all be plugged in immediately without adjusting the equipment or using additional adaptors. A further advantage is that this is achieved in the same space as a regular electrical outlet, without the need for additional space being occupied. It would be advantageous to use the apparatus of the invention in hotels, conference centres, and other locations where equipment from many countries will regularly be used.
Brief Description of the Several Views of the Drawing [9] The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings, in which: [10] Fig I shows the socket of the present invention; and [11] Fig 2 shows the muttiple-device outlet of the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Invention
[12] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, shown in Fig 1, a universal electrical socket is disclosed, comprising: a live slot 114 adapted to receive a live pin of a AS 3112 plug; a neutral slot 116 adapted to receive a neutral pin of a AS 3112 plug; a live slot 108 adapted to receive a live pin of a BS 1363 or CEE 7/16 plug; a neutral slot 110 adapted to receive a neutral pin of a BS 1363 or CEE 7/16 plug; a live slot 104 adapted to receive a live pin of a NEMA 1-15 plug; a neutral slot 106 adapted to receive a neutral pin of a NEMA 1-15 plug; and a ground slot 102 adapted to receive a ground pin of a BS 1363 plug.
[13] The standard Australasian electrical plug is the three pin Australasian Standard (AS) 3112 plug. A two pin variation may be used for small double-insulated appliances without the need of a ground slot. The standard British electrical plug is the three pin 13A plug complying with British Standard (BS) I 363. The standard North American plug is the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) 5-15 plug. It will be readily understood that such a socket will also fit the older NEMA 1-15 ungrounded plug.
(14) The slots are arranged as shown in the figures such that the ground pin is positioned above the North American live and neutral slots, and the British live and neutral slots below those. The British live and neutral slots may also accommodate the live and neutral pins of a European plug.
(15] The slots are contained in a casing 100 as known in the art for electrical outlets, which may comprise polypropylene or other suitable material. The casing preferably is shaped similarly to a regular BS 1363 electrical socket outlet, an advantage of this being that the device will easily recognizable as an electrical socket outlet. A further advantage of this is that it can be manufactured from existing parts adapted slightly, rather than developing a new part for this apparatus.
(16] The socket preferably further comprises a switch 112 as known in the art for turning the power to the socket on and off.
(17] Preferably, the device incorporates a double pole switch as known in the art. An advantage of this is that it provides protection against devices being inserted with the reverse polarity from that intended. The device may further comprise inverters, voltage detectors, or other protection against providing the wrong voltage to a device, as known in the art. An advantage of this is that, since American and British mains electricity have different voltages, devices will be protected from operating with too high or low a voltage.
The device may further comprise sure protection as known in the art.
(19] In particular, a wall mounted outlet is disclosed and shown in Fig 2. This outlet comprises two live slots 214 each adapted to receive a live pin of a AS 3112 plug; two neutral slots 216 each adapted to receive a neutral pin of a AS 3112 plug; two live slots 208 each adapted to receive a live pin of a BS 1363 or CEE 7/16 plug; two neutral slots 210 each adapted to receive a neutral pin of a BS 1363 or CEE 7/16 plug; two live slots 204 each adapted to receive a live pin of a NEMA 1-15 plug; two neutral slots 206 each adapted to receive a neutral pin of a NEMA 1-15 plug; and two ground slots 202 each adapted to receive a ground pin of a BS 1363 plug. The outlet is enclosed in casing 200 wherein are disposed two switches 212, one for controlling each outlet.

Claims (3)

  1. Claims 1. A universal electrical socket outlet comprising: a live slot adapted to receive a live pin of a AS 3112 plug; a neutral slot adapted to receive a neutral pin of a AS 3112 plug; a live slot adapted to receive a live pin of a BS 1363 or CEE 7/16 plug; a neutral slot adapted to receive a neutral pin of a BS 1363 or CEE 7/16 plug; a live slot adapted to receive a live pin of a NEMA 1-15 plug; a neutral slot adapted to receive a neutral pin of a NEMA 1-15 plug; a ground slot adapted to receive a ground pin of a BS 1363 plug.
  2. 2. The socket of claim I further comprising a switch.
  3. 3. A multiple-device outlet for providing electricity to a multiplicity of devices, comprising a multiplicity of electrical sockets of claim 1.
GB201007545A 2010-05-06 2010-05-06 Electrical socket for plugs of different countries Withdrawn GB2480087A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB201007545A GB2480087A (en) 2010-05-06 2010-05-06 Electrical socket for plugs of different countries

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB201007545A GB2480087A (en) 2010-05-06 2010-05-06 Electrical socket for plugs of different countries

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB201007545D0 GB201007545D0 (en) 2010-06-23
GB2480087A true GB2480087A (en) 2011-11-09

Family

ID=42314896

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB201007545A Withdrawn GB2480087A (en) 2010-05-06 2010-05-06 Electrical socket for plugs of different countries

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2480087A (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2013127019A1 (en) * 2012-02-27 2013-09-06 沈素珍 Global appliance earthed socket having two-position socket

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2007015156A2 (en) * 2005-08-03 2007-02-08 Clipsal Asia Holdings Limited A universal power socket
WO2009001116A2 (en) * 2007-06-28 2008-12-31 Daniel Gould Electrical socket
GB2454953A (en) * 2007-11-21 2009-05-27 Novar Ed & S Ltd An electric socket capable of use with a plurality of differently shaped plugs

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2007015156A2 (en) * 2005-08-03 2007-02-08 Clipsal Asia Holdings Limited A universal power socket
WO2009001116A2 (en) * 2007-06-28 2008-12-31 Daniel Gould Electrical socket
GB2454953A (en) * 2007-11-21 2009-05-27 Novar Ed & S Ltd An electric socket capable of use with a plurality of differently shaped plugs

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2013127019A1 (en) * 2012-02-27 2013-09-06 沈素珍 Global appliance earthed socket having two-position socket

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201007545D0 (en) 2010-06-23

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WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)