GB2514148A

GB2514148A - An electrical insert

Info

Publication number: GB2514148A
Application number: GB1308728.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Tim Moffatt
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-05-15
Filing date: 2013-05-15
Publication date: 2014-11-19
Also published as: GB201308728D0

Abstract

An electrical socket has a fitting in the back box for accepting a plurality of wire ends and a fascia having a plurality of pins to plug into receptacles 2 on the fitting. The fitting may have channels (1, Fig 1) for the wires, which may attach to the same or the opposite side of the fitting as the receptacles, and may be integral with the back box or used with an existing back box. The pins may be retro-fitted to an existing fascia.

Description

AN ELECTRICAL INSERT

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an electrical insert, more particularly a means of simply attaching switches, face plates, fasciae and outlets to electrical circuits.

Backciround Increasing numbers of people are improving property, be it domestic or commercial, in an effort to improve their circumstances, both aesthetically and economically.. This may be by do-it-yourself means or through extending building work. However some aspects of improvement by increasing regulation, must be carried out by skilled persons.

In particular electrical work, in a building will typically require qualified or skilled electricians to be involved in order to avoid dangerous situations. Not even general builders will commonly get involved, which can slow down processes and increase costs.

In new build work for example traditionally in order to wire an electrical socket in a premises, business or domestic, an electrician will pass cables through a metal back box that has been attached to stud work, by removing metal knock outs, then inserting a rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or elastomer grommet, the cables are left unstrapped and tucked away into the box. This is known as a first fix.

Normally the plaster work is then completed on stud work on which the box is fixed.

Once the plaster has dried the electrician will come back to strip the cables and connect into accessories, such as a socket outlet or light switch. Once connected the cables are then bent and arranged in such a way as to allow the outlet or switch to secured to the back box by tightening down fixing screws. This is known as the second fix.

This dual stage method can be problematic and overly costly In addition wiring of sockets into circuits is time consuming, costly and relies frequently on skilled workers, making the task unhelpful for domestic users.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have, been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem, including the following: United Kingdom patent application GB 2 457 033 (BATH) discloses a connector block assembly for forming electrical connections, said connector block assembly being adapted to mount within a box of the type known as an electrical mounting box as normally used as a back box behind electrical sockets and switches to mount them to the wall, said connector block assembly comprising-(i) a connector plate; (ii) a plurality of electrical connector blocks, said blocks being mountable to or integral with the connector plate; (iii) securing means adapted to secure the connector plate to the electrical mounting box.

Granted United States patent US 7 470 145 (SAVICKI et al) discloses an electrical wiring system for use in an AC electric power distribution system, the AC electric power distribution system including a plurality of AC electric power transmitting wires disposed between an AC power distribution point and a device box, the system comprising: a connector comprising a connector housing, a plurality of first contacts disposed in a predetermined pattern within the connector housing, and a termination arrangement connected to the plurality of first contacts, the termination arrangement being configured to terminate the plurality of AC electric power transmitting wires, the connector and the termination arrangement being arranged in a detached relationship relative to the device box and accessible via a front open face of the device box after the plurality of AC electric power transmitting wires are terminated by the termination arrangement; and an electrical wiring device including a device housing including a face portion and rear portion, the face portion including a first set of receptacle blade openings disposed at one end of the device housing and a second set of receptacle blade openings disposed at an opposite end of the device housing, the rear portion including a connection arrangement disposed between the one end and the opposite end, a mounting structure coupled to the device housing, the mounting structure being configured to couple the electrical wiring device to the device box, a hot contact structure disposed in the housing and including a first hot face receptacle contact structure in communication with a corresponding one of the first set of receptacle blade openings, a second hot face receptacle contact structure in communication with a corresponding one of the second set of receptacle blade openings, and a hot contact accessible via the connection arrangement, a neutral contact structure disposed in the housing and including a first neutral face receptacle contact structure in communication with a corresponding one of the first set of receptacle blade openings, a second neutral face receptacle contact structure in communication with a corresponding one of the second set of receptacle blade openings, and a neutral contact accessible via the connection arrangement, the connection arrangement being configured to latch the connector in a mating relationship such that the plurality of first contacts mate with the hot contact and the neutral contact to establish electrical continuity there between.

Granted United States patent US 7 060 900 (GRETZ) discloses a snap engagement connector assembly for securing an electrical cable or conduit to an electrical box comprising: a connector body having a leading end portion, a trailing end portion, and a bore extending there through; said leading end portion terminating in an outlet opening for insertion through a hole in said electrical box; a snap fit retaining ring having a face portion and a circumscribing frusto-conical configuration; said snap fit retaining ring having a leading end and a trailing end; said leading end of said snap fit retaining ring having a diameter; said trailing end of said snap fit retaining ring having a diameter wherein said diameter of said trailing end of said snap fit retaining ring is greater than said diameter of said leading end of said snap fit retaining ring; a locking tang on said snap fit retaining ring; a grounding tang extending at a first angle from said face portion of said snap fit retaining ring; said grounding tang including an integral leg portion bent outward at an angle from said grounding tang; a retaining tab on said snap fit retaining ring; said locking tang, said grounding tang, and said retaining tab bent outward radially from said face portion of said snap fit retaining ring; and an arrangement for securing said snap fit retaining ring onto said leading end portion of said connector body.

In contrast the present invention provides a means that is applicable to most circuits and installations, of simplifying alteration of visible parts of these installations.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided an electrical insert with a first socket section arranged in use to accept a plurality of wire ends and a second fascia section arranged in use to provide a plurality of pins.

The first socket section may be an electrical socket back box section. The second fascia section may be an electrical socket fascia section.

In preferred embodiments the insert is in use in an electrical network, for exañiple lighting or mains electricity circuits. Typically therefore the insert is in arranged in use between a metal socket or back box that is embedded in plasler or a wall and a plastic or metal socket fascia or plate.

Said sections may be comprised on a first face of the insert, or may be dispersed about or arranged on opposing faces of the insert.

Embodiments of the insert may be produced or envisaged to cooperate with specific or generalised boxes or fascia. For example a double fascia or box may be as easily embodied as single.

Preferred embodiments also allow for entrance of wiring from a plurality of directions in order to maximise correspondence with boxes, wherein knockout panels are used in standard such boxes. In some embodiments these knockout panels provide a means of interfacing the first section.

In use therefore an electrician, homeowner or user would first prepare wiring in a standard manner, such as by stripping the wires..

The user would then insert said wires into holes, apertures or interfaces in the insert as appropriate and corresponding to live, neutral, earth as desirable.

In some embodiments there may be provided means in which to fasten or secure said wires into the interfaces. For example grub screws may be provided which tighten into the interface(s).

In further embodiments there may be resiliently defomiable tines or teeth within the interface such as at the interface's mouth. Yet further embodiments may combine both or include other reversible mechanisms for holding, securing or catching wire ends.

Preferred embodiments are easily secured, and in particular in embodiments which utilise grub screws or other securement mechanism that requires subsequent user interaction to form the catch or securement it is preferable that such interaction is accomplished from the fascia side of the insert in use.

After the user has secured the appropriate wires or wiring into the insert the insert may in some embodiments be fastened to the box and/or wall.

For example the user may be required to screw through the insert and box into the wall such as into standard wall plugs as necessary.

In other embodiments another method of fastening may be envisaged utilising magnetic areas or the box features such as knockout section. or fascia mounting.

Ideally therefore the insert will have minimal movement when in place and after the wiring has been coordinated from the back box.

The user, in preferred embodiments will be presented with a plurality of interfaces according to the wiring.

These interfaces may subsequently be utilised by the tascia.

For example and in preferred embodiments the user may equip the fascia with studs, splines, members or pins that may be attached to the fascia wiring interfaces and which pins are correspondingly matched up with the insert's interfaces.

Typically therefore the pins may be reversibly inserted into the interfaces, for example in a standard manner on the fascia, such as by use of grub screws and preferably be a resiliently deformable or sprung catch on the insert's interfaces.

The fascia when including said pins may be clipped onto and off the insert quickly as a result with quick, minimal interaction, connection of wiring through the interfaces permitting fast uncoupling and subsequent resumption of electrical connection.

Furthermore, in all preferred embodiments the insert presents a series of unconnected interfaces or apertures which do not present a safety hazard when the fascia is removed.

It may be envisaged that the inserts may be produced or manufactured in conjunction with manufacture of outer casings or switch plates, so that connections will be envisaged to marry up.

Ideally an aftermarket or retrofit insert wilt be aimed at the home and professional electrician markets, wherein the insert that is manufactured as a part of the original back box would be aimed at a professional user market solely.

Often when redecorating, disconnecting electrical fittings can be a dangerous and time consuming process. By fitting the insert, the user benefits from a safe and quick plug, un-plug system.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a first embodiment of the insert for use with an existing back box, having two outlets; Figures 2 show an isometric view and a view from the side of a second embodiment of the insert for new installations; Figure 3 shows an isometric view of a second embodiment of the insert with two outlets; Figure 4 shows an isometric view of a second embodiment of the insert with one outlet; Figure 5 shows a rear view of the embodiment shown in Figure 4; Figures 6 show top and bottom views of the embodiment shown in Figure 4; Figures 7 show an isometric and a side view of a first embodiment of the insert for new installations; And Figure 8 show of a second embodiment of the insert with one outlet.

Detailed Description of Figures

Wt reference to the figures the insert holds all wires and connecting components in a metal back or socket box of an electrical fitting in a correct position, ready for installation of an outer casing, switch plate or fascia. More particularly in the pictured embodiment all wiring is accomplished on a single side of the insert.

In the first embodiments the side provides channels 1 which lead to interfaces 2, which interfaces on the socket section typically include copper receptacles (not shown). The receptacles on the fascia section may accept pins or further members (not shown) for connection with or from a standard fascia.

With reference to the second embodiments interfaces 2 are provided with insertion lacunae 6 into which the wires are inserted in use.

The interfaces 2 then accept pins or further members (not shown) for connection with or from a standard fascia.

By inclusion of the insert simplifying the wiring and connection, and fixing the insert into place in the back box, it becomes possible to plug-in and un-plug electrical fittings or fasciae with use or inclusion of the pins.

Preferred embodiments of the insert can either retrofit into existing electrical back boxes for do-it-yourself (DIY) applications, or can be manufactured as part of the original back box (Figures 3 and 4) and installed into new builds.

On the pictured embodiment of the insert a comer 3 is cut away to leave space for earth i ng.

The insert allows a user to attach an electrical fitting, outlet, switch plate or fascia without having to connect wires, screwing the fascia through shoulders 4 which guide fascia screws, after having placed the insert into a back box and ideally screwed the insert into place through the back box screw-holes 5 so as to maintain a fixed relationship between the back box and insert.

Brass pins are ideally used with the pictured embodiments to create a simple plug and un-plug connection wherein the pins act as connectors from the fascia to the receptacles. On the receptacles brass tops flex outward when the pins are inserted, creating an adequate electrical connection.

The pins will be retrofitted into the existing apertures in electrical fittings or fasciae allowing simple aftermarket alteration, wherein the pins are held in place by recesses and existing grub screws of the fascia.

The insert therefore uses male (pins) and female (wiring channels and pin receptacles) components to complete and connect an electrical circuit and make the electrical lifting live.

The insert female connections are ideally spring loaded and insulated to ensure a good electrical connection, and to ensure that the insert is not live before the outer casing or fascia is put into place.

Furthermore it is envisaged that use of the insert or more particularly channels within the insert will reduce kinks in long wires in the back box, thereby reducing the chances of overheating and dangers associated with suck Use of the insert also eliminates loose wires in the back box, which ensures that wiring does not get trapped when positioning or fastening the front casing.

This minimises chances of short circuits, and means a lesser requirement for post installation testing.

Furthermore, while a skilled, trained andfor certWied user may be required to initially set up the insert, and wire it into the electrical circuit, once the insert is installed its presence will enable the DIY user to quickly unplug their electrical fittings or fascia, such as when decorating or changing fascia This ensures that safety standards are met at all times, and the typical DIY user is not compromised or compelled to use a professional with frequency.

The insert is ideally to be made from injection moulded polypropylene. Embodiments which include back boxes may be wholly or exclusively made of a singular material, or parts of the embodiment may be formed in metal.

The whole assembly is held together using the two main screws from the plug socket. When using an existing metal back box, this fits to wall using normal fixing holes. Female receptacles are insulated by their plastic surrounds Where using a new back box this is held into place using the same fittings as existing metal units.

The back box will ideally be made in different layouts to match different manufacturer* layouts.

In use the electrician would follow these steps: First strip each wire and place it in to the channel and interface; Secure the wire in place in the interface as appropriate; Secure the back box into the wall using the fixing points; In the preferred embodiments with loose receptacles push the receptacles into place onto or into position over the interfaces one by one; as secured by a tight tolerance fit; Fit the pins into the existing spaces on the back of the fascia by tightening provided grub screws onto or into the pins; Place the fascia onto or into the back box ensuring all the pins and receptacles align; Secure the fascia into place using the fascia existing screws; and Where appropriate, plug in electrical appliances and use the socket or fascia as normal.

Claims

Claims 1. An electrical insert comprising: a first electrical socket back box section arranged to accept a plurality of wire ends; and a second electrical socket fascia section arranged in use to provide a plurality of pins.
2. An insert according to claim 1 including pins.
3. An insert according to claim I wherein pins are separately provided.
4. An insert according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the first section of the insert includes a plurality of interfaces arranged in use to accept pins.
5. An insert according to claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the sections are located on opposing faces of the insert.
6. An insert according to claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the sections are located on one face of the insert.
7. An insert according to claim 6 wherein said face is arranged in use to face an electrical socket back box.
8. An insert according to claim 6 wherein said face is arranged in use to face an electrical fascia.
9. An insert according to a preceding claim wherein the first section cooperates with an independently provided back box.
10. An insert according to a preceding claim wherein the first section is contiguous with a back box.
11. A method of attaching fasciae to electrical circuits according to any preceding claim.I