US4596908A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Safety cover for an electrical outlet
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1985-03-05
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Granted: 1986-06-24
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Expires: 2005-03-05
Abstract
Abstract A cover assembly is provided for safely interconnecting a line plug with an electrical outlet box. A base plate (50) is provided with connectors (64, 62) for engaging a conventional household power supply. Electrically conductive strips (56) on the base plate (50) are energized through the connectors (64, 62). Receptacles (40) have conductive contact arms (46) spaced above the conductive strips (56). A tumbler (30) rotates about receptacle (40) for establishing a breakable electrical connection (35) between the base plate (50) and the receptacle contact arms (46). A key (10) engages and rotates a tumbler (30) to electrically disconnect the tumbler (30) from the base plate (50) before a line plug can be inserted or removed from a receptacle (40).
Inventors
- 👤 John S. Mott
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 19:07
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01R; H01R13/00; H01R13/44; H01R2103/00; H01R24/00; H01R24/76; H01R24/78; H01R31/00; H01R31/06; H01R33/00; H01R33/945; H01R33/96
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
169 words
A safety cover assembly for connecting an electrical line plug to an electrical outlet, comprising: a base plate having at least one conductive strip in a pattern on said base plate effective to form an electrical connection with said outlet; a fixed plug receptacle for accepting said line plug and having at least one conductive contact arm spaced from said at least one conductive strip, a tumbler rotatable about said receptacle and having resilient conductive means forming a breakable electrical connection between said conductive contact arm and said conductive strip, and key means for rotating said tumbler and breaking said electrical connection to enable removal of said line plug from said receptacle, said key means further including an enclosure box defining a slotted key pattern therethrough, said tumbler defining a plurality of grooves in a pattern alignable with said slotted key pattern, and an enclosure key with depending tabs corresponding to said slotted key pattern and effective to engage said grooves and rotate said tumbler within said enclosure box.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
169 words
A safety cover assembly for connecting an electrical line plug to an electrical outlet, comprising: a base plate having at least one conductive strip in a pattern on said base plate effective to form an electrical connection with said outlet; a fixed plug receptacle for accepting said line plug and having at least one conductive contact arm spaced from said at least one conductive strip, a tumbler rotatable about said receptacle and having resilient conductive means forming a breakable electrical connection between said conductive contact arm and said conductive strip, and key means for rotating said tumbler and breaking said electrical connection to enable removal of said line plug from said receptacle, said key means further including an enclosure box defining a slotted key pattern therethrough, said tumbler defining a plurality of grooves in a pattern alignable with said slotted key pattern, and an enclosure key with depending tabs corresponding to said slotted key pattern and effective to engage said grooves and rotate said tumbler within said enclosure box.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
The safety cover assembly of claim 1, wherein said enclosure key includes two exterior shells in hinged relationship and defining a volume effective to enclose said line plug.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
The safety cover assembly of claim 1, further including a plurality of pins biased toward said slotted key pattern for engaging said grooves of said tumbler when said grooves are aligned with said slotted key pattern.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The safety cover assembly of claim 3, wherein said tabs are effective to disengage said pins from said grooves for rotation of said tumbler.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
The safety cover assembly of claim 1, wherein said enclosure key defines a volume effective to retain said line plug in said receptacle when said electrical connection is made between said electrical contact arm and said conductive strip.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
The safety cover assembly of claim 5, wherein said enclosure key includes two exterior shells in hinged relationship and defining a volume effective to enclose said line plug.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
The safety cover assembly of claim 5, further including a plurality of pins biased toward said slotted key pattern for engaging said grooves of said tumbler when said grooves are aligned with said slotted key pattern.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The safety cover assembly of claim 7, wherein said tabs are effective to disengage said pins from said grooves for rotation of said tumbler.
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) | 1989-06-23 | 1989-12-23 | 1990-06-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-06-23 | 1993-12-23 | 1994-06-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-06-23 | 1997-12-23 | 1998-06-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |