GB2448673A

GB2448673A - Ventilated plug shield

Info

Publication number: GB2448673A
Application number: GB0701075A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Russell Sullman
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-01-22
Filing date: 2007-01-22
Publication date: 2008-10-29
Also published as: GB0701075D0

Abstract

A Plug-Guard device comprises a cover, which fits over, protects, and encloses completely the inserted electrical plugs and switches on an electrical outlet/socket. The device attaches removably (by means of suction cups, clips, clamp[s], a combination of these or by some other means) to part of an electrical outlet without modifying either the plugs or the outlet in any way. The device covers part or all of the electrical outlet/socket when functionally attached to the outlet. The device is provided with a means of ventilation to prevent overheating of the outlet and plugs.

Description

PLUG SHIELD

(Russell Sullman 2 I January 2007)

Backaround

One of the problems faced by the parents of an infant or toddler is their interest in and their tampering with plugs and plug sockets (electrical outlets). There is therefore the need for a device that prevents tampering whilst not interfering overly with normal use and function of the outlet. A cover for the outlet would satisfy this need.

Technical Information and description

The invention (hereinafter referred to as the device), comprises a cover designed to fit over (at least partially), and reversibly attach to/engage with, the electrical outlet/electrical socket (when at least one plug is inserted/attached to the electrical outlet), the cover having an inner surface and an outer surface. The device may in some forms only attach to and cover (at least in part) the front aspect of the electrical outlet. The device is designed for use with electrical outlets without alteration having to be made to the electrical outlet and the plug(s) being attached to it. When in place, the device covers and encloses (at least in part) the affixed plug(s) and the switches of the electrical outlet/socket. There exists within the device an integrated means for air flow/ventilation (e.g. apertures, grilles, slots or other openings that allow the free flow of air into and out of the device when it is fitted to the electrical outlet. These safety features of the device would serve to prevent overheating of the covered plugs.

The internal shape of the device (i.e. that surface that faces towards the electrical outlet with its affixed plugs and switches) is such that there exists an empty space between the internal surface of the device and part of the front aspect of the outlet, affixed plugs and switches, such that the device does not touch the affixed plugs at least. This air-space, in Conjunction with the means of ventilation, allows cooling, by the passage of warmed air out of the space and the admission of cooler air into the space.

Another embodiment of the device is provided with an external means of switching the plug-points on and off. This is achieved by either providing within the device a aperture (which can be closed and reversibly sealed closed, e.g. a snap-shut hatcWcover) that allows access to the switches by a finger, or this may be achieved by inclusion in the cover of components that can switch the outlet switches on and off (e.g. spring-loaded push buttons that when pressed switch the outlet switch[es] from on to off and vice versa). The access means to the switches may be an open aperture which allows access to the switches via a tunnel which is too long for child-sized fingers to access the switches, but not too long for adult-sized fingers.

Other embodiments of the device can be provided in a form that covers part or all of the electrical outlet/socket, with further embodiments that can cover all or part of the electrical outlet as well as part of the adjacent Supporting structure (e.g. the wall). The device may be supported by part or all of the socket depending on size, with further embodiments receiving further support by surfaces adjacent to the outlet.

Different sized embodiments can be used to cover differently sized outlets. In the case of non-standard plugs, not all of the plug may be covered by the device.

The inner surface and enclosure space within the device is designed to enclose and contain at least one or more electrical appliance plugs (when the plug of an electrical appliance is inserted in the electrical-outlet/socket) and the on/off switch(es) of the outlet/socket. The size of the device is dependant upon the number of plugs and switches to be covered.

Reversible attachment may be achieved by suction systems (e.g. suction cups) or with a clip system. The method of attachment in some embodiments of the device optionally will also allow engagement with other surfaces (e.g. the side surfaces of the electrical outlet/socket, and/or surfaces [i.e. the wall] that exists around the electrical outlet/socket).

Another form of attachment would be to provide the cover with a clamping means to allow the device to be reversibly clamped to the electrical outlet (e.g. the clamp(s) engaging part or all of the opposing side aspects of the electrical outlet, i.e. upper and lower sides or left and right sides).

The device's means of attachment to the outlet is shaped/designed to resist interference by children. An optional system of locking may also be provided. An additional, separate component may be provided to assist in the removalIattacent of the cover to an electrical socket/outlet. The device may be provided in an embodiment wherein the means of detachment is integrated in the device.

The inner surface in some embodiments of the device may optionally be provided with one or more features to keep the plug(s) affixed and in position in the electrical outlet when the device is attached and in the functional position.

Another embodiment of the device can be fitted to extension outlets/sockets (i.e. the devices that are intermediates between static fixed electrical outlets and electrical appliance plugs).

The device is designed so it does not impede or interfere in any way with the cable linking the plug with its electrical appliance when the plug is affixed to the outlet and the device is in position. An optional means of supporting or holding part of the cable in a fixed or controlled position may be provided as part of the device.

The outer surface of the device is designed to offer a surface that completely covers the plug(s) of electrical appliances, when they are attached to the electrical socket/outlet, whilst also not allowing the tampering child to remove the device. A curved/rounded or ridged or ridged outer surface is one way of ensuring that the child cannot easily grip the device, whilst a clip system may require a certain amount of force to remove the device (this force being one a young child is unable to exert).

The device can be provided with additional parts that cover or enclose part of the electrical cable connecting the enclosed plug with the electrical appliance.

Other embodiments of the device can be used with adaptors and night-lights, and other plugs that do not have the conventional shape and profile of a standard plug.

Further embodiments will make use of a friction grip collar separate from the cover for engagement to the outlet socket, the device itself attaching directly to the collar when the collar is reversibly attached to the electrical outlet.

Drawings of examples of the device Figure 1 shows a two-plug electrical outlet/socket I with switches 4 and electrical appliance plugs 2,3 (with associated cables 5) attached to the outlet I. Figure 2 shows a preferred embodiment of the device II, with an outer surface 12 and an inner surface 13, designed to be fitted to a two-point outlet like that shown in figure 1. in this preferred embodiment of the device attachment to the electrical outlet is effected by four suction cups or pads 14, and ports 15,16 to allow passage of the plug cables from within the enclosure to outside. The inner space 18 of the device encloses the plugs and switches when the device is fitted to the electrical outlet.

Figure 3 shows the preferred embodiment 11 (as shown in Fig 2) when attached to the two-point outlet I (as shown in Fig 1), with cables 5 from the affixed plugs (not visible as they are enclosed within II) emerging through ports (not visible) on underside of the device.

Figure 4 shows another, more rounded, embodiment of the device 20, attached to outlet 1, with aids for the attachment and removal of cover 20 from outlet I. The first feature is depression 21 in the side of device 20, which allows the application of displacement forces to the device 20 to remove it from the outlet 1. Forces can be applied by fingers or some other tool. A similar or identical feature 22 could be located on the other side of the device 20 (not visible due to curved shape of the device 20 but location shown) to allow displacing forces to be applied from both sides of device 20.

The second feature is a cavity 24 designed to accept an accessory handle 25, which, when inserted into 24 allows the user to detach the device 20 from the outlet I. The features shown in figure 4 are just two methods of attachment or detachment of the device from the outlet shown by way of example.

Figure 5 shows an electrical outlet, with X's indicating points where Suction cups from the device could be placed to assist in attachment of the device to the outlet. Not all points of attachment need to be used, and other points (not shown) could also be used to fr attach to the front of the outlet, to side aspects of the outlet, or to other surfaces adjoining the outlet.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the device, wherein the device is equipped with 3 separate suction cups/pads 33, 34 and 35. Suction caps are located at the upper corners of the device and midway on the lower surface. Suction cup is positioned beneath the switches of the outlet when the device is attached to the outlet.

Figure 7 shows at (A), (B) and (C) views of the embodiment shown in Figure 6 when viewed from each of the three mutually orthogonal directions X, Y and Z (that are marked/shown in Figure 6), respectively.

It should be noted that Figures 1-7 do not show the means of ventilation that would be present on these embodiments of the device, but it should be understood that these features are an essential part of the device and would be present and incorporated on the embodiments of the device shown in Figures 1-7.

Figure 8 shows another embodiment of the device 41, attached to outlet 42 (of which only the side aspects are visible), device 41 having ventilation grilles 43 on the upper aspect and ventilation grilles 44 on the lower aspect. It should be understood that means of ventilation can be incorporated into all or some side aspects, and/or the front aspect of the device.

The device shown in figure 8 is one in which there is incorporated a means of accesing the outlet switches when the device is attached to an outlet. Aperture 45 allows access to the switches of the electrical outlet, so that the switches may be turned from on to off' (and vice versa), without the user having to remove/disengage the device from the outlet.

The raised ridge 46 (snout-like' element) prevents a child sized finger being able to reach the switches of the electrical outlet, whilst allowing the longer adult-sized finger access to the switches.

Figure 9 shows a side cross-section view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 8, with like parts being like-numbered. When the plug 47 are affixed and receiving electricity, if they become warm, then the air enclosed within the device warms up, rises, and escapes (see arrow B) via upper ventilation grilles 43 (shown here as a single grille), with cooler air entering via lower grilles 44 (shown here also as a single grille). The presence of the grilles allows ventilation.

Aperture 45 allows access to the users finger (not shown) to switch the switch 48 from on to off and vice versa, without having to remove device 41 from the outlet 42. The raised ridge 46 means that there exists a distance C between the opening 45 and switch 48. This distance C is greater than the length of a child's finger, but is less than the length of an adult's finger. This prevents child access and tampering, whilst allowing the user to access the switches freely without having to remove the device 41 from the outlet 42.

Figure 10 shows another embodiment of the device 51, featuring ventilation grilles on all (upper, lower, right and left) side aspects of the device. This embodiment of the device c does not have a means of accessing the switches when the device is attached to an outlet, although it is possible for this form of the device to incorporate a snap-shut cover on its external surface. This device attaches removably to the electrical outlet via suction cups (not visible in figure 10) of the type and arrangement shown in figure 6.

Figure 11 shows at (A), (B), (C) and (D) views of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 10, when viewed from each of four mutually orthogonal directions X, W, Z and Y (that are marked/shown in Figure 10), respectively.

Other modifications and embodime, of the invention which will be readily apparent to those skilled in this art, are to be deemed to be within the scope and ambit of the invention, and the characteristic features hereinbefore described may be varied in construction and detail, e.g. interchanging (where appropriate or desired) different features of each, without departing from the scope of the patent monopoly hereby sought. to

Claims

Claims I) A Plug-Shield device comprises a cover, with an inner and an

outer surface, which in functional use fits over, protects, and encloses the affixed/inserted electrical appliance plugs and switches on an electrical outlet/socket which is in use, this cover engaging/attaching reversibly (by means of suction cups, clips, clamp[s], a combination of these or by some other means of attachment) to the front face/aspect (at least in part) of an electrical outlet/socket without modifying/altering either the plugs or the outlet in any way, wherein there is provided ventilation means (involving open apertures, grilles or other perforations/holes in the device) to prevent overheating of the outlet/plugs, and wherein the internal surface of the device does not contact with the plugs affixed to the outlet.
2) A Plug-shield device as claimed in claim I wherein the device incorporates a means to assist the user in attaching/removing the device (e.g. features that allow manipulation of the device by hand or by some other object such as a detachable handle) to the electrical outlet.
3) A Plug-shield device as claimed in claim I or 2 wherein the device incorporates integrated features (e.g. handle) that allow the user to attach/remove the device to the outlet.
4) A Plug-shield device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein there is provided means of switching the outlet switches from on' to off' (and vice versa) without removing the device from the outlet to which it is fitted.
5) A Plug-shield device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device incorporates optional features on its inner surface which help to keep the plug or plugs (affixed/attached to the electrical socket/outlet) in position in the outlet when the cover is attached and in the functional position, thereby resisting movement of affixed plug(s) when the device is in position.
6) A Plug-shield device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device may be optionally provided with a system that prevents device removal without the users wish (e.g. a locking system).
7) A Plug-Shield device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the means of ventilation would be similar in style to the means of ventilation found in the radiator-covers designed to fit over domestic and commercial heating-radiators.
8) A Plug-shield device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein embodiments of the device are designed for use with plugs of sizes and shapes different to those of a standard plug.
9) A Plug-shield device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein embodiments of the device fit to static point/position wall-or floor-mounted electrical outlets or to non-static electrical extension leads.
10) A Plug-shield device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device may incorporate optional features that hold or support the plug(s) electrical cable, which may additionally keep part of the cable enclosed by the device in a fixed and static position.
11) A Plug-shield device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device is contoured or otherwise shaped to resist tampering by a toddler or small child.
12)A Plug-shield device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device is provided with features and/or integrated components to assist with removing/attaching the device.
13) A Plug-shield device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device is provided with detachable components to assist with removal/attachment of the device.
14)A plug-shield device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device may cover the part of the plug cable(s).
15) A plug-shield as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device optionally uses surfaces adjacent to the electrical outlet to assist in attachment to the outlet.

16)A Plug-shield device as claimed in any preceding claim, substantially as herein described, with reference to the embodiments, as herein described, as shown in the accompanying drawings.