Patent · US Expired

Safety cover for an electrical outlet

US4586765A · kind A · utility

18Cited by
1References
13Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateAug 16, 1984
Grant dateMay 6, 1986
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 16, 2004

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH01R13/447
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A safety cover for a duplex electrical outlet is described as having (i) an inner plate which is secured to the outlet, and (ii) an outer plate which is detachably hinged to the inner plate so that electrical plugs with metal prongs can be easily inserted into the outlets and removed therefrom as the outer plate is rotated from the inner plate. Further, the outer plate is completely removable from the inner plate as a safety feature so that tripping over an electrical cord, extending from the safety cover, is practically impossible because of this quick release feature of the safety cover. The inner and outer plates are uniquely hinged together by a hinge that is secured to one of the plates while being releasably joined to the other of the plates. The outer plate is designed to accommodate a conventional electrical plug. Further, the outer plate is provided with a special slot through which an electrical cord, attached to the plug, passes exteriorly of the cover.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.