US2173533A

US2173533A - Interlocking electric plug

Info

Publication number: US2173533A
Application number: US202081A
Authority: US
Inventors: Joseph R Dinkins
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1938-04-14
Filing date: 1938-04-14
Publication date: 1939-09-19
Anticipated expiration: 1956-09-19

Description

P 19, 1939- J. R. DINKINS INTERLOCKING ELECTRIC PLUG Filed April 14, 1958 In ventor Ji 1721227205325;

A flforrieys Patented Sept. 19, 1939.

v UNITED STATES N PATENT f orrlcs mp PLUG I I x Joseph 1:. mnkim. Amwalt, w. Va. Application April 14, 1938, semi No. "2,081

1 Claim. (!;173-343);

This invention mates to an interlocking plug,

the general object 01 the invention being to provide means for lockingthe prong carrying part of the plug to-the socket part by a partial tuming movement of one part relatively tothe other,

with means for insuring an eflicient' electrical connection between the prongs and the contact members in the socket part.

This invention also consists in' certain other features of construction and in the combination and arrangement of several parts, to be hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawing and specifically pointed out in the appended claim.

I' iescribing the invention in detail, reference will be had to the accompanying drawing wherein like characters denote like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and in which:

Figure 1 is an elevation with parts in section or the complete device.

Figure 2 is a section on the line 2 2 or Figure 1 looking in the directionindicated by the arrows.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary sectional view taken at right angles to Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a view looking into the inner end of the prong carrying part.

In these views the numeral I indicates the socket part oi the plug which is provided with the usual threaded portion 2 andthe numeral 3 indicates the prong carrying part, the prongs of which are shown at 4 and each prong has a ball 5 at its free end. The prong receiving end of the part I is formed with a pair ofarcuate slots 6' each of which terminates at one end in a circular hole I, the hole being large enough tor the passage of the ball 5. Within the socket are the pair of spring contact members 8 each of which has its ireeend formed with a pair of spring arcuate-shaped jaws 9 for receiving the prongs 4 below the heads or balls 5, and these jaws are aligned with the slots 6 so that when the prongs as; passed through the holes I and then the part 3 given a partial turning movement the prongs will enter the jaws and be gripped thereby below the balls. One of the members -8 has an extension 8' which engages the metal part {and the other member 8 is connected with the metal strip 8" which connects with the center contact 2' which, of course, is insulated from the part 2.

Thus it will be seen that when the prongs are placed through the openings I and one of the theiaws and the two members members slightly turned the prongs will engage and I will be connected together in such a manner that they cannot be pulled apart without turning one member in a reverse direction to place the balls I 5 in registry with the openings 1 and when this is done the prongs will move out of engagement with theiaws. Aswilialsobeseenthebalisi also act to prevent the prongs being pulled from the jaws until one member is turned relative to the m other to place the prongs in registry with the holes].

It is thought from the foregoing description that the advantages and novel features of the invention will be readily apparent.

It is to be understood that changes may be made in the construction and in the combination and arrangement of the several parts, provided that such cha'nges tall within the scope ofthe appended claim. 1

Having described the invention, what is claimed as new is:

said larger ends and the plug rotated to enter said shanks in the reduced parts of said slots, a pair of arms extending from said web inwardly of the socket member from adjacent the reduced ends or said slots, respectively, and secured to 40 said web, said arms terminating in a pair of resilient -jaw members, respectively, curved concentrically to said slots and spaced apart in coni'ormity therewith, said pairs of laws opening towards the larger ends of the slots to receive 45 the shanks of said prongs therein under rotation of the plug member to enter the shanks in thereduced parts of the slots, and said pairs of laws and terminals coasting under such rotation of the plug member to cam said members together.

JOSEPH R. DINKINS.