US3710047A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Safe disconnect electric socket
Assignee: TDK Micronas GmbH
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Filing: 1971-06-10
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Granted: 1973-01-09
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Expires: 1991-06-10
Abstract
Abstract A safety feature in the form of a disconnect element for an electric socket structure is disclosed. The socket structure is formed of plastic material which is shaped to lock into openings provided to support and locate electric lights in automotive vehicles or the like. A separate ground element is employed with each socket to enable completion of an electric circuit. The safety feature forms a part of the ground element and automatically disconnects the ground element from the source of power in the event a lamp socket falls from, or is removed from, its respective opening.
Inventors
- 👤 S Brzozowski
- 👤 M Polkinghorn
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 08:17
CPC Classifications
F; F21; F21S; F21S43/00; F21S43/10; F21S43/19; F21S43/195
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
188 words
An electric socket incorporating an automatic ground disconnect element to enable automatic release of a ground connection through a ground wire in the event an insulated electric lamp socket falls out of an insulated support, said socket comprising an insulating socket body, a recess in one end of said socket body for receiving a mating electric socket, an interlock switch formed of two separate parts supported in an open space along a wall of said socket body, a first part of said interlock switch including a ground element terminating in a first ground terminal and a first switch contact, a second part of said interlock switch including a ground element terminating in a second ground terminal and a second switch contact, and means aligning said first and second switch contacts in said open space to enable them to respond to pressure applied radially inward from outside the socket body to complete a circuit between said first and second ground terminals, said first and second switch contacts responding to release of pressure from outside said socket body to break an existing connection between said first and second ground terminals.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
188 words
An electric socket incorporating an automatic ground disconnect element to enable automatic release of a ground connection through a ground wire in the event an insulated electric lamp socket falls out of an insulated support, said socket comprising an insulating socket body, a recess in one end of said socket body for receiving a mating electric socket, an interlock switch formed of two separate parts supported in an open space along a wall of said socket body, a first part of said interlock switch including a ground element terminating in a first ground terminal and a first switch contact, a second part of said interlock switch including a ground element terminating in a second ground terminal and a second switch contact, and means aligning said first and second switch contacts in said open space to enable them to respond to pressure applied radially inward from outside the socket body to complete a circuit between said first and second ground terminals, said first and second switch contacts responding to release of pressure from outside said socket body to break an existing connection between said first and second ground terminals.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
A socket as claimed in claim 1, in which the socket body includes retaining elements, and the first part of said interlock switch is retained in a given position by retaining elements of the socket.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
76 words
A socket as claimed in claim 1, in which the socket includes retaining elements, the first part of said interlock switch is retained by retaining elements in a fixed position, the second part of said interlock switch is retained in a given position by retaining elements of the socket, and said retaining elements permit movement of said second switch contact means to make and break connections between said ground terminal and said source of ground potential.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
A socket as claimed in claim 3, in which the retaining elements of the socket which retain the first switch contact include a pin rigidly holding said first pIn contact against a seat in the socket.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
62 words
A socket body as claimed in claim 1, in which the socket body includes retaining elements, and the second part of said interlock switch is held by said retaining elements where the retaining elements include a cavity to receive and hold the connection to the second ground terminal and a recess to receive and hold an edge of the second switch contact.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
68 words
A socket incorporating an automatic ground disconnect element, as claimed in claim 1, including means for applying pressure to said second switch contact means to complete a circuit between the first and second ground terminals, and a spring element incorporated into said second contact switch element responsive to release of said pressure to cause said first and second contact elements to spring apart and disconnect the ground circuit.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-01-09 | 1976-07-10 | 1977-01-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-01-09 | 1980-07-10 | 1981-01-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-01-09 | 1984-07-10 | 1985-01-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |