Patent US5266040A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5266040A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Releasable electric connector assembly
Assignee: Cleaner Image Assoc Inc
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Filing: 1992-07-20
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Granted: 1993-11-30
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Expires: 2012-07-20
Abstract
Abstract A release mechanism for an electrical plug, and a method of releasing the plug from a socket. The release mechanism includes a perimeter ejecting member which substantially surrounds the electrical contact prongs of the plug and is moveable with respect thereto. A remote switch is energized, which activates the release mechanism and disengages the plug from the socket by sliding over the contact prongs.
Inventors
- 👤 James M. Merrill
- 👤 Joseph Field
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 16:48
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01R; H01R13/00; H01R13/62; H01R13/629; H01R13/633; H01R13/635; H01R13/66; H01R13/70; H01R13/713; H01R13/7132; H01R24/00; H01R24/28; H01R24/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
94 words
A releasable electric plug, comprising a. electrical contact means for providing electrical connection to an electrical energy source; b. housing means comprising an outer housing member and an inner housing member, said outer housing member being slidable with respect to said inner housing member from a first electrical energy source-engaging position to a second electrical energy source-disengaging position, said outer housing member substantially surrounding said electrical contact means in said second electrical energy source-disengaging position; c. activation means for causing said outer housing member to move from said first position to said second position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
94 words
A releasable electric plug, comprising a. electrical contact means for providing electrical connection to an electrical energy source; b. housing means comprising an outer housing member and an inner housing member, said outer housing member being slidable with respect to said inner housing member from a first electrical energy source-engaging position to a second electrical energy source-disengaging position, said outer housing member substantially surrounding said electrical contact means in said second electrical energy source-disengaging position; c. activation means for causing said outer housing member to move from said first position to said second position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The releasable electric plug of claim 1, wherein said activation means comprises a switch remote from said electric plug.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The releasable electric plug of claim 1, wherein said activation means comprises a solenoid.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
75 words
The releasable electric plug of claim 3, wherein said solenoid comprises a moveable plunger, and wherein: said inner housing member comprises a recess through which said plunger extends when said plug is in said first position, and an inner housing gutter; and said outer housing member comprises an outer housing gutter into which said plunger extends when said plug is in said first position, and an inner notch slidingly received by said inner housing gutter.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
39 words
The releasable electric plug of claim 3, wherein said activation means further comprises at least one ejection spring associated with said outer housing member so as to urge said housing member from said first position to said second position.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
212 words
A method of remotely disengaging an electric plug from an electrical receptacle, said electric plug comprising: electrical contact means for providing electrical connection to an electrical energy source; housing means comprising an outer housing member and an inner housing member, said outer housing member being slidable with respect to said inner housing member from a first electrical energy source-engaging position to a second electrical energy source-disengaging position, said outer housing member substantially surrounding said electrical contact means in second electrical energy source-disengaging position; activation means for causing said outer housing member to move from said first position to said second position, said activation means comprises a solenoid having a moveable plunger, said inner housing member comprising a recess through which said plunger extends when said plug is in said first position, and an inner housing gutter, and said outer housing member comprising an outer housing gutter into which said plunger extends when said plug is in said first position, and an inner notch slidingly received by said inner housing gutter; said method comprising: activating said activation means such that said plunger is withdrawn from said outer housing gutter causing said outer housing to move from said first position to said second position and thereby disengaging said electric plug from said electrical receptacle.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
212 words
A method of remotely disengaging an electric plug from an electrical receptacle, said electric plug comprising: electrical contact means for providing electrical connection to an electrical energy source; housing means comprising an outer housing member and an inner housing member, said outer housing member being slidable with respect to said inner housing member from a first electrical energy source-engaging position to a second electrical energy source-disengaging position, said outer housing member substantially surrounding said electrical contact means in second electrical energy source-disengaging position; activation means for causing said outer housing member to move from said first position to said second position, said activation means comprises a solenoid having a moveable plunger, said inner housing member comprising a recess through which said plunger extends when said plug is in said first position, and an inner housing gutter, and said outer housing member comprising an outer housing gutter into which said plunger extends when said plug is in said first position, and an inner notch slidingly received by said inner housing gutter; said method comprising: activating said activation means such that said plunger is withdrawn from said outer housing gutter causing said outer housing to move from said first position to said second position and thereby disengaging said electric plug from said electrical receptacle.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 6, wherein upon activating said activation means, said notch slides along said inner housing gutter.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1996-11-29 | 1997-05-31 | 1997-11-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-11-29 | 2001-05-31 | 2001-11-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-11-29 | 2005-05-31 | 2005-11-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |