WO2013024347A1 - Plug removal aid - Google Patents

Plug removal aid Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2013024347A1
WO2013024347A1 PCT/IB2012/001672 IB2012001672W WO2013024347A1 WO 2013024347 A1 WO2013024347 A1 WO 2013024347A1 IB 2012001672 W IB2012001672 W IB 2012001672W WO 2013024347 A1 WO2013024347 A1 WO 2013024347A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
plug
pull ring
housing
clip
prongs
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2012/001672
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Alan HEALY
Original Assignee
Ergono Intellectual Property Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ergono Intellectual Property Ltd filed Critical Ergono Intellectual Property Ltd
Publication of WO2013024347A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013024347A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01RELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/62Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
    • H01R13/629Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances
    • H01R13/633Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances for disengagement only
    • H01R13/6335Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances for disengagement only comprising a handle
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01RELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/62Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
    • H01R13/639Additional means for holding or locking coupling parts together, after engagement, e.g. separate keylock, retainer strap
    • H01R13/6397Additional means for holding or locking coupling parts together, after engagement, e.g. separate keylock, retainer strap with means for preventing unauthorised use
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01RELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R24/00Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure
    • H01R24/28Coupling parts carrying pins, blades or analogous contacts and secured only to wire or cable
    • H01R24/30Coupling parts carrying pins, blades or analogous contacts and secured only to wire or cable with additional earth or shield contacts
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01RELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R2103/00Two poles

Definitions

  • the current invention relates to plug removal aids, and specifically to aids for the removal of electric plugs from sockets.
  • the invention provides an electrical plug comprising: a housing; electrically conductive pins extending from the housing; a pul? ring attached to the housing for use in removing the plug from an electrical socket, wherein the pull ring is attached so as to be pivotaliy moveable between a stowed position and a use position; a child proofing mechanism which, when deployed, holds the pull ring in the stowed position.
  • the pull ring acts as a plug removal aid.
  • the child proofing mechanism is deployed to prevent a child from using the aid.
  • the child proofing mechanism comprises at least one separate part and deployment involves engaging the part with the plug.
  • the part is separate in the sense that it is not integral with the plug; it is engageable with and disengageable from the plug as required.
  • the at least one part is re-engageable with the plug, after being disengaged therefrom following deployment, for storage.
  • the at least one part comprises a clip
  • the pull ring is provided with a hole and the housing is provided with a hole
  • the clip comprises two prongs and a joining member extending between the two prongs
  • the clip is engaged for deployment with the housing by inserting one of the prongs into the hole in either the pull ring or the housing and by inserting the other of the prongs into the other hole in either the pull ring or the housing.
  • the housing is also provided with a further pair of holes for the clip and the clip is re-engaged with the plug, after being disengaged and removed from deployment, for storage.
  • the housing may comprise a main body from which the electrically conductive pins extend and a base which fits to the body, and the pull ring may be attached to the base.
  • the main body and base may be separately pre-moulded plastics material parts.
  • the plastics material may be polyoxymethylene or polyvinylchloride.
  • the pull ring may be shaped to form an ergonomic contact with one or more of a user's fingers.
  • the pull ring may, for example, be semi -circular, C shaped or D shaped.
  • the pull ring may be spring-urged into the stowed position.
  • the spring-urging may be provided by a torsion spring.
  • the perimeter of the pull ring and the housing may be similarly shaped.
  • the pull ring and the base may form a substantially flush surface.
  • the pull ring may be attached after, rather than during, the assembly of the plug.
  • the invention provides a method of making a plug according to a first aspect.
  • the invention provides a process of assembling electrical plugs having a removal aid, comprising the steps of:
  • the child proofing mechanism may be a child proof clip.
  • Figure la is a perspective back view of a plug 1, from one side, with the pull ring shown in the stowed position
  • Figure lb is a partially see-through perspective back view of plug 1 from the other side, with the pull ring shown in the use position
  • Figure lc shows the isolated coiled springs and pull ring of plug 1 ;
  • Figure 2a is a partially see-through perspective view of a plug 2 according to the invention having child proof clips and internal torsion springs mounted on a load bar;
  • Figure 2b is an exploded view of the base and pull ring of plug 2;
  • Figure 2c is a perspective view of a child proof clip of plug 2
  • Figure 2d is a perspective view (including hidden detail) of the pull ring of plug
  • Figure 2e is a perspective view of the ring pull of plug 2;
  • Figure 2f is a bottom view of plug 2 with the child proof clips removed from the storage holes
  • Figure 2g is a bottom view of plug 2 showing the electric cable aperture and stored child proof clips and pull ring in the use position
  • Figure 2h is a rear perspective view of plug 2 with the pull ring shown in the stowed position, without child proof clips preventing the pull ring from opening;
  • Figure 2i is a rear perspective view of plug 2 with the pull ring shown in the stowed position with child proof clips in place preventing the ring pull from moving;
  • Figure 2j is a front perspective view of plug 2 with the pull ring shown in the use position, without child proof clips;
  • Figure 2k is a front view of plug 2 showing the fuse housing member between the pins;
  • FIG. 3 is an exploded view of Plug 2.
  • like references denote like or corresponding parts.
  • plug 1 has an electric cable protective sleeve 5, electrically conductive pins 10, finger pull ring 50, a base 60a, main plug body 70a, finger groove 90, gripping lip 100, sloped rim 105, raised D shaped member 110, finger hole 120, spring holding tube 130, glue insertion holes 150 and 160, nubs 240 and 250, nub covers 270 and 280 and coiled springs 300 and 310.
  • Plug 1 has a protective sleeve 5 for an electrical cable (not shown) and pins 10.
  • Base 60a and plug body 70a are glued together to form a housing. Pins 10 extend from the body 70a.
  • Pull ring 50 is pivotally mounted to the base 60a by nubs 240 and 250.
  • Pull ring 50 is shown in figure l a in the stowed position, in contact with the base 60a. Pull ring 50 is urged by coiled springs 300, 310 into this position. Pivotal movement of the pull ring 50 is possible up to around about 90 degrees in relation to base 60a, to the use position as shown in figure 1 b.
  • the base 60a has a raised D-shaped part 1 10 that forms a flush surface with the ring pull 50 when it is in the stowed position.
  • Nub covers 270 and 280 provide a smooth surface as well as keeping the nubs 240 and 250 in place within the channels of the finger ring pull member 50 and in the bottom section of D-shaped part 110.
  • Two holes 150 and 160 are for glue injection. Glue is injected into these holes to keep the coiled springs 300 and 310 in place after assembly as well as to the nubs 240 and 250 that fit into the lumen of coiled springs 300 and 310 during assembly.
  • plug 2 which is a plug according to the invention, has a protective sleeve 5 for an electric cable, electrically conductive pins 10, finger pull ring 50, base 60b and main plug body 70b which together constitute a housing, finger groove 90, gripping lip 100, sloped rim 105, raised D-shaped part 110, finger hole 120, torsion springs 500, torsion spring vertical arms 501 and 502, torsion spring slots 505 and 506 (not visible), 507 and 508, load bar 510, load bar channel 520, load bar apertures 521 and 522 (not visible), finger pull load bar apertures 550 and 560, child proof clip 600, child proof clip pins 650 and 660, child proof clip securing slots 700 and 710 (not visible), child proof clip storing slots 750, 751, 752 and 753, fuse box 760, fuse box lid 770, electric cable plug aperture 800 and fuse clasp 920.
  • Plug 2 differs from plug 1 in the use of torsion springs 500 that fit into torsion spring slots 505 and 506 (instead of coiled springs 300 and 310 of plug 1) positioned on pre-moulded base 60b in contact with main plug body 70b, which is similar in function to plug body 70a of plug 1 having pins 10, wires (not shown), fuse clasp 920 and fuse lid 770.
  • Load bar 510 traverses through finger ring pull cavity 550 and 560 as well as load bar channel 520 on base 60b.
  • a child proofing mechanism in the form of separate child safety clips 600 provided on both sides of plug 2, when deployed (as shown in figure 2i) holds the pull ring 50 in the stowed position.
  • These clips 600 have prongs 650 and 660 and a joining member 670 extending between them (figure 2c).
  • the clips are deployed by engaging them with the plug which involves the prongs 650 and 660 being inserted tightly into holes 700 (approximately 0.2mm in diameter and 0.5mm deep) on both sides of the pull ring 50 and corresponding holes 710 on both sides of base 60b of plug 2.
  • the clips 600 when so inserted, keep the pull ring 50 in the stowed position.
  • child proof clip storing holes 750, 751, 752 and 753 that allow storage of the child proof clips 600, after they have been disengaged following deployment, by inserting corresponding prongs 650 and 660, thereby re-engaging the clips 600 with the base 60b.
  • Plug 2 is pushed into a socket (not shown), and for removal a user first disengages the clips 600 and re-engages them in the storage position. The user then places a finger in the groove 90 and nudges the lip 100 toward the user (away from the plug 2). The pull ring 50 is pivoted to the use position, around about 90 degrees to the base 60b (see figure 2j). The user's finger can then slide down the sloped rim 105 into finger hole 120 to form a grip. The plug 2 can then be pulled away from the socket.
  • Plug 2 can be manufactured by a two-stage injection moulding process comprising the following steps:
  • a first mould for the main plug body 70b is provided.
  • the plug body 70b optionally has a cavity that will fit the fuse box 760 that is covered later by fuse box lid 770.
  • the main plug body 70b is placed into a second mould. Once this mould is injected with plastic it produces four distinct elements: the base 60b, the finger pull ring 50 and the two child proof clips 600.
  • the base 60b is formed around the main plug body 70b in the injecting process, and they are thus adhered together.
  • the two torsion springs 500 are inserted into either side of the base 60b. Insertion is achieved by inserting one vertical arm 501 of each torsion spring into the torsion spring slots 505 and 506.
  • the pull ring 50 is attached to the base 60b. Attachment is achieved by lowering the torsion spring cavities 507 and 508 on each side of the base of the pull ring onto the remaining non-inserted vertical arm 502 on each of the torsion springs 500.
  • the load bar 510 is inserted into the load bar channel 520 via one of the load bar apertures 521 or 522; in doing so, it is also inserted in pull ring load bar channels 550 and 560 and through the torsion springs 500.
  • the typical plastics used are polyoxymethylene or polyvinylchloride (PVC).
  • the load bar 510 can be made of steel or PVC. If made of PVC, the ends of the load bar can be heated to fuse with the ring-pull.
  • Plug 2 offers the advantage of a glueless assembly as well as the added safety aspect of the child proof clips 600 that can be stored in storing holes 750, 752, 753 and 754 on the underside of plug 2 adjacent to the electricity cable aperture 800 and beside the electricity cable sleeve 5.
  • plug 2 offers the advantage of permitting simplicity of construction with durability of performance, the pull ring being ergonomically sculpted with a finger grip to aid ease of use
  • a plug removal aid like that of plug 2 can be sold as part of a fully formed plug or can be sold separately as a base with the pull ring that can replace standard plug covers that cover the electrical cables and fuses fixed in the main plug structure.
  • Plug 2 provides an ergonomic and aesthetic pull ring design containing internal springs mounted on a base with a ring pull capable of opening to an angle of 90 degrees and spring-urged close upon release. This permits a user to pull the plug from the socket in an easier fashion in comparison with a common plug design.
  • the internal torsion springs of plug 2 provide adequate force to allow a user to open the ring pull out to around about 90 degrees without strenuous effort, but also provides enough force to return the ring pull to the stowed position fully upon release. Furthermore the plug 2 minimises the quantity of moulded components during the manufacturing process to 6: the main plug body 70b, the fuse box lid 770, the base 60b, the pull ring 50 and the two child proof clips 600.
  • plug 2 minimizes the quantity of injection moulding process to two, as per a normal electric plug.
  • the main plug body 70b and fuse box lid 770 can be made from the first mould.
  • the base 60b, the ring pull 50 and the two child proof fasteners 600 can be made from the second mould.
  • spring mechanism and assembly of plug 2 could be on a base, similar to base 60a, and be attachable to an already existing plug.
  • plug 2 provides an effective ergonomic plug removal aid that can be adapted for application to a number of electric plug types.
  • Plug 2 also obviates the need to use accessories like those described in GB2475126A.
  • the ease of manufacture is also an advantage as the simple gluing of the springs into place is inexpensive, adaptable to kit of part products for Do It Yourself assembly. Ease of manufacture is a particular advantage, with just two moulds required, and an easy assembly process that necessitates neither gluing nor fastening.

Abstract

The invention relates to plug removal aids, and specifically to aids for the removal of electric plugs from sockets. In addition, the invention relates to such a plug provided with a child proofing mechanism.

Description

PLUG REMOVAL AID
The current invention relates to plug removal aids, and specifically to aids for the removal of electric plugs from sockets.
With an increasingly ageing population, there is an increasing need for ergonomic aids for physical pulling and removal actions, especially for plugs inserted into holes, adaptors or wall sockets. Currently there exist a number of accessory types of products that can be used in conjunction with regular electrical plugs to facilitate extraction from the socket e.g. adhesive handles or plastic strips with holes for the plug's pins to fit through, as described in GB2475126A and the references therein. The disadvantages of this sort of arrangement are, for example, non-ergonomic design and an awkward grip for the user. US5679014A refers to a thin safety power plug having a pulling lever to enable extraction, but these require a new type of plug with extra parts to be manufactured.
Therefore, there is a need for a removal aid for plugs that requires minimal alteration to current plug manufacturing processes, or requires only a few new parts, and is of ergonomic and safe design. Moreover, there is a need for such a plug that is childproof. According to a first aspect, the invention provides an electrical plug comprising: a housing; electrically conductive pins extending from the housing; a pul? ring attached to the housing for use in removing the plug from an electrical socket, wherein the pull ring is attached so as to be pivotaliy moveable between a stowed position and a use position; a child proofing mechanism which, when deployed, holds the pull ring in the stowed position.
The pull ring acts as a plug removal aid. The child proofing mechanism is deployed to prevent a child from using the aid.
In one embodiment, the child proofing mechanism comprises at least one separate part and deployment involves engaging the part with the plug. The part is separate in the sense that it is not integral with the plug; it is engageable with and disengageable from the plug as required.
In one embodiment, the at least one part is re-engageable with the plug, after being disengaged therefrom following deployment, for storage.
In one embodiment, the at least one part comprises a clip, the pull ring is provided with a hole and the housing is provided with a hole, the clip comprises two prongs and a joining member extending between the two prongs, and the clip is engaged for deployment with the housing by inserting one of the prongs into the hole in either the pull ring or the housing and by inserting the other of the prongs into the other hole in either the pull ring or the housing. In this embodiment, the housing is also provided with a further pair of holes for the clip and the clip is re-engaged with the plug, after being disengaged and removed from deployment, for storage. This is done by inserting one of the prongs into one hole of the pair of holes and the other of the prongs into the other hole of the pair of holes. In a preferred embodiment, there are two clips and a corresponding number of holes in the housing and the pull ring for deployment, and a corresponding number of further pairs of holes in the plug for storage.
The housing may comprise a main body from which the electrically conductive pins extend and a base which fits to the body, and the pull ring may be attached to the base.
The main body and base may be separately pre-moulded plastics material parts. The plastics material may be polyoxymethylene or polyvinylchloride.
The pull ring may be shaped to form an ergonomic contact with one or more of a user's fingers. The pull ring may, for example, be semi -circular, C shaped or D shaped.
The pull ring may be spring-urged into the stowed position. The spring-urging may be provided by a torsion spring.
The perimeter of the pull ring and the housing may be similarly shaped. When the pull ring is in the stowed position, the pull ring and the base may form a substantially flush surface.
The pull ring may be attached after, rather than during, the assembly of the plug.
According to a second aspect, the invention provides a method of making a plug according to a first aspect.
According to a third aspect, the invention provides a process of assembling electrical plugs having a removal aid, comprising the steps of:
attaching a main plug body to a base;
pivotally attaching a pull ring to base; and
including a child proofing mechanism and attachment means therefor. The child proofing mechanism may be a child proof clip.
The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings in which: Figure la is a perspective back view of a plug 1, from one side, with the pull ring shown in the stowed position; Figure lb is a partially see-through perspective back view of plug 1 from the other side, with the pull ring shown in the use position;
Figure lc shows the isolated coiled springs and pull ring of plug 1 ;
Figure 2a is a partially see-through perspective view of a plug 2 according to the invention having child proof clips and internal torsion springs mounted on a load bar;
Figure 2b is an exploded view of the base and pull ring of plug 2;
Figure 2c is a perspective view of a child proof clip of plug 2; Figure 2d is a perspective view (including hidden detail) of the pull ring of plug
Figure 2e is a perspective view of the ring pull of plug 2;
Figure 2f is a bottom view of plug 2 with the child proof clips removed from the storage holes;
Figure 2g is a bottom view of plug 2 showing the electric cable aperture and stored child proof clips and pull ring in the use position; Figure 2h is a rear perspective view of plug 2 with the pull ring shown in the stowed position, without child proof clips preventing the pull ring from opening;
Figure 2i is a rear perspective view of plug 2 with the pull ring shown in the stowed position with child proof clips in place preventing the ring pull from moving;
Figure 2j is a front perspective view of plug 2 with the pull ring shown in the use position, without child proof clips; Figure 2k is a front view of plug 2 showing the fuse housing member between the pins; and
Figure 3 is an exploded view of Plug 2. In the figures, like references denote like or corresponding parts.
With reference to figures l a-c, plug 1 has an electric cable protective sleeve 5, electrically conductive pins 10, finger pull ring 50, a base 60a, main plug body 70a, finger groove 90, gripping lip 100, sloped rim 105, raised D shaped member 110, finger hole 120, spring holding tube 130, glue insertion holes 150 and 160, nubs 240 and 250, nub covers 270 and 280 and coiled springs 300 and 310. Plug 1 has a protective sleeve 5 for an electrical cable (not shown) and pins 10. Base 60a and plug body 70a are glued together to form a housing. Pins 10 extend from the body 70a. Pull ring 50 is pivotally mounted to the base 60a by nubs 240 and 250. Pull ring 50 is shown in figure l a in the stowed position, in contact with the base 60a. Pull ring 50 is urged by coiled springs 300, 310 into this position. Pivotal movement of the pull ring 50 is possible up to around about 90 degrees in relation to base 60a, to the use position as shown in figure 1 b.
The base 60a has a raised D-shaped part 1 10 that forms a flush surface with the ring pull 50 when it is in the stowed position. Nub covers 270 and 280 provide a smooth surface as well as keeping the nubs 240 and 250 in place within the channels of the finger ring pull member 50 and in the bottom section of D-shaped part 110. Two holes 150 and 160 are for glue injection. Glue is injected into these holes to keep the coiled springs 300 and 310 in place after assembly as well as to the nubs 240 and 250 that fit into the lumen of coiled springs 300 and 310 during assembly.
With reference to figures 2a-k and 3, plug 2, which is a plug according to the invention, has a protective sleeve 5 for an electric cable, electrically conductive pins 10, finger pull ring 50, base 60b and main plug body 70b which together constitute a housing, finger groove 90, gripping lip 100, sloped rim 105, raised D-shaped part 110, finger hole 120, torsion springs 500, torsion spring vertical arms 501 and 502, torsion spring slots 505 and 506 (not visible), 507 and 508, load bar 510, load bar channel 520, load bar apertures 521 and 522 (not visible), finger pull load bar apertures 550 and 560, child proof clip 600, child proof clip pins 650 and 660, child proof clip securing slots 700 and 710 (not visible), child proof clip storing slots 750, 751, 752 and 753, fuse box 760, fuse box lid 770, electric cable plug aperture 800 and fuse clasp 920. Plug 2 differs from plug 1 in the use of torsion springs 500 that fit into torsion spring slots 505 and 506 (instead of coiled springs 300 and 310 of plug 1) positioned on pre-moulded base 60b in contact with main plug body 70b, which is similar in function to plug body 70a of plug 1 having pins 10, wires (not shown), fuse clasp 920 and fuse lid 770. Load bar 510 traverses through finger ring pull cavity 550 and 560 as well as load bar channel 520 on base 60b.
Additionally in comparison to plug 1 , a child proofing mechanism, in the form of separate child safety clips 600 provided on both sides of plug 2, when deployed (as shown in figure 2i) holds the pull ring 50 in the stowed position. These clips 600 have prongs 650 and 660 and a joining member 670 extending between them (figure 2c). The clips are deployed by engaging them with the plug which involves the prongs 650 and 660 being inserted tightly into holes 700 (approximately 0.2mm in diameter and 0.5mm deep) on both sides of the pull ring 50 and corresponding holes 710 on both sides of base 60b of plug 2. The clips 600, when so inserted, keep the pull ring 50 in the stowed position.
Furthermore on both sides of the electric cable aperture 800 are found child proof clip storing holes 750, 751, 752 and 753 that allow storage of the child proof clips 600, after they have been disengaged following deployment, by inserting corresponding prongs 650 and 660, thereby re-engaging the clips 600 with the base 60b.
As the pull ring 50 and D-shaped part 110 is of similar thickness to the C shaped member 50, a substantially flush surface of plug 2 is formed.
Plug 2 is pushed into a socket (not shown), and for removal a user first disengages the clips 600 and re-engages them in the storage position. The user then places a finger in the groove 90 and nudges the lip 100 toward the user (away from the plug 2). The pull ring 50 is pivoted to the use position, around about 90 degrees to the base 60b (see figure 2j). The user's finger can then slide down the sloped rim 105 into finger hole 120 to form a grip. The plug 2 can then be pulled away from the socket.
Plug 2 can be manufactured by a two-stage injection moulding process comprising the following steps:
(a) A first mould for the main plug body 70b is provided. The plug body 70b optionally has a cavity that will fit the fuse box 760 that is covered later by fuse box lid 770.
(b) Into this mould are placed the pins 10, fuse clasp 920, and the inner electric wiring. The wiring is made to contact the pins 10 and the fuse clasp 920.
Thereafter, plastic is injected into the mould. (c) Once the moulten plastic cools and sets, the fuse box lid 770 is affixed onto the fuse box. The main plug body 70b is now complete.
(d) The main plug body 70b is placed into a second mould. Once this mould is injected with plastic it produces four distinct elements: the base 60b, the finger pull ring 50 and the two child proof clips 600.
(e) The base 60b is formed around the main plug body 70b in the injecting process, and they are thus adhered together.
(f) The two torsion springs 500 are inserted into either side of the base 60b. Insertion is achieved by inserting one vertical arm 501 of each torsion spring into the torsion spring slots 505 and 506.
(g) The pull ring 50 is attached to the base 60b. Attachment is achieved by lowering the torsion spring cavities 507 and 508 on each side of the base of the pull ring onto the remaining non-inserted vertical arm 502 on each of the torsion springs 500.
(h) The load bar 510 is inserted into the load bar channel 520 via one of the load bar apertures 521 or 522; in doing so, it is also inserted in pull ring load bar channels 550 and 560 and through the torsion springs 500.
(i) An interference fit is utilised for the load bar and thus secures all components, thereby obviating the need for glue or other fixing means.
(j) The child proof clips 600 are placed in the child proof clip storage holes 750, 751, 752 and 753.
The typical plastics used are polyoxymethylene or polyvinylchloride (PVC). The load bar 510 can be made of steel or PVC. If made of PVC, the ends of the load bar can be heated to fuse with the ring-pull.
Plug 2 offers the advantage of a glueless assembly as well as the added safety aspect of the child proof clips 600 that can be stored in storing holes 750, 752, 753 and 754 on the underside of plug 2 adjacent to the electricity cable aperture 800 and beside the electricity cable sleeve 5.
As can be seen, plug 2 offers the advantage of permitting simplicity of construction with durability of performance, the pull ring being ergonomically sculpted with a finger grip to aid ease of use
A plug removal aid like that of plug 2 can be sold as part of a fully formed plug or can be sold separately as a base with the pull ring that can replace standard plug covers that cover the electrical cables and fuses fixed in the main plug structure.
Plug 2 provides an ergonomic and aesthetic pull ring design containing internal springs mounted on a base with a ring pull capable of opening to an angle of 90 degrees and spring-urged close upon release. This permits a user to pull the plug from the socket in an easier fashion in comparison with a common plug design. The internal torsion springs of plug 2 provide adequate force to allow a user to open the ring pull out to around about 90 degrees without strenuous effort, but also provides enough force to return the ring pull to the stowed position fully upon release. Furthermore the plug 2 minimises the quantity of moulded components during the manufacturing process to 6: the main plug body 70b, the fuse box lid 770, the base 60b, the pull ring 50 and the two child proof clips 600.
Crucially, the design of plug 2 minimizes the quantity of injection moulding process to two, as per a normal electric plug. The main plug body 70b and fuse box lid 770 can be made from the first mould. The base 60b, the ring pull 50 and the two child proof fasteners 600 can be made from the second mould.
It is clearly evident that the spring mechanism and assembly of plug 2 could be on a base, similar to base 60a, and be attachable to an already existing plug.
Thus, as can be seen, plug 2 provides an effective ergonomic plug removal aid that can be adapted for application to a number of electric plug types. Plug 2 also obviates the need to use accessories like those described in GB2475126A. In the case of Plug 1 , the ease of manufacture is also an advantage as the simple gluing of the springs into place is inexpensive, adaptable to kit of part products for Do It Yourself assembly. Ease of manufacture is a particular advantage, with just two moulds required, and an easy assembly process that necessitates neither gluing nor fastening.
In this specification, the word "comprise" has its normal dictionary meaning, to denote non-exclusive inclusion. That is, use of the word "comprise" (or any of its derivatives) to include one feature or more, does not exclude the possibility of also including further features.
All of the features enclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.
Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. An electrical plug comprising: a housing; electrically conductive pins extending from the housing; a pull ring attached to the housing for use in removing the plug from an electrical socket, wherein the pull ring is attached so as to be pivotally moveable between a stowed position and a use position; a child proofing mechanism which, when deployed, holds the pull ring in the stowed position.
2. A plug according to claim 1 wherein the child proofing mechanism comprises at least one separate part and deployment involves engaging the at least separate part with the plug.
3. A plug according to claim 2 wherein the at least one separate part is reengaged with the plug, after being disengaged therefrom following deployment, for storage.
4. A plug according to claim 2 wherein the or each separate part comprises a clip, the pull ring is provided with a hole and the housing is provided with a hole, the clip comprises two prongs and a joining member extending between the two prongs, and the clip is engaged with the plug by inserting one of the prongs into the hole in either the pull ring or the housing and by inserting the other of the prongs into the other hole in either the pull ring or the housing.
5. A plug according to claim 4 wherein the housing is provided with a further pair of holes for each clip and each clip is re-engaged with the housing, after being disengaged following deployment, for storage, wherein re-engagement involves inserting one of the prongs of the clip into one hole of the pair of holes and the other of the prongs into the other hole of the pair of holes.
6. A plug according to claim 4 or claim 5 comprising two clips.
7. A plug according to any of claims 1 to 6 wherein the housing comprises main body from which the electrically conductive pins extend and a base which fits to the body, and the pull ring is attached to the base.
8. A plug according to claim 7 wherein the pull ring is attached after, rather than during, the assembly of the plug.
9. A method of making a plug according to any of claims 1 to 8.
10. A process of assembling electrical plugs having a removal aid, comprising the steps of:
attaching a main plug body to a base
pivotally attaching a pull ring to base
including a child proof mechanism and attachment means therefor.
11. A plug substantially as herein described with reference to figures 2a-k and 3 of the drawings.
12. A method of making a plug substantially as herein described with reference to figures 2a-k and 3 of the drawings.
PCT/IB2012/001672 2011-08-12 2012-08-10 Plug removal aid WO2013024347A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB201113870A GB2493557B (en) 2011-08-12 2011-08-12 Plug removal aid
GB1113870.8 2011-08-12
GB1207293.0 2012-04-26
GB201207293A GB2493584B (en) 2011-08-12 2012-04-26 Plug removal aid

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2013024347A1 true WO2013024347A1 (en) 2013-02-21

Family

ID=44764376

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB2012/001672 WO2013024347A1 (en) 2011-08-12 2012-08-10 Plug removal aid

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (2) GB2493557B (en)
WO (1) WO2013024347A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD1005971S1 (en) * 2020-01-17 2023-11-28 Brunswick Corporation Surge module

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN108199209A (en) * 2018-01-16 2018-06-22 青岛大方新瑞网络科技有限公司 A kind of plug easy to plug

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4718856A (en) * 1986-01-02 1988-01-12 Pinkerton Michael B Safety covers for electrical outlets (II)
US4969838A (en) * 1989-08-16 1990-11-13 Amp Incorporated Latch and locking handle for an electrical connector
US5454731A (en) * 1994-07-06 1995-10-03 Paige Manufacturing Inc. Low profile electrical plug having plastic pull tab
US5679014A (en) 1996-03-26 1997-10-21 Lan-Jen; Tsang Thin power plug
US7052309B1 (en) * 2005-07-19 2006-05-30 Tsang-I Chen Electric plug having pull ring
US20110028010A1 (en) * 2009-07-31 2011-02-03 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. Power connection apparatus
GB2475126A (en) 2009-11-03 2011-05-11 Alan Rhys Bellis Easy plug extractor

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2507092A (en) * 1944-12-07 1950-05-09 John J Daggon Electric plug
FR2563383B1 (en) * 1984-04-18 1987-01-30 Legrand Sa POWER SOCKET PLUG WITH TRACTION ELEMENT
US5057036A (en) * 1991-01-22 1991-10-15 Paige Manufacturing Inc. Pull ring locking mechanism
WO1996023333A1 (en) * 1995-01-25 1996-08-01 Paige Innovations Inc. Universal electric plug
US5971801A (en) * 1996-09-11 1999-10-26 Yazaki Corporation Service plug having a lever mechanism for positioning circuit terminals and short-circuiting terminals
US5915997A (en) * 1997-07-15 1999-06-29 Lan-Jen; Tsang Thin-type plug
US6736666B2 (en) * 2002-03-28 2004-05-18 Jeff Yu Electrical plug having a pull ring
US7063558B1 (en) * 2005-07-19 2006-06-20 Tsang-I Chen Electric plug
TWI342642B (en) * 2007-09-29 2011-05-21 Easy-pull type swivel plug
CN201699243U (en) * 2010-06-22 2011-01-05 成都青府环保科技有限公司 Attaching plug capable of being conveniently taken out

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4718856A (en) * 1986-01-02 1988-01-12 Pinkerton Michael B Safety covers for electrical outlets (II)
US4969838A (en) * 1989-08-16 1990-11-13 Amp Incorporated Latch and locking handle for an electrical connector
US5454731A (en) * 1994-07-06 1995-10-03 Paige Manufacturing Inc. Low profile electrical plug having plastic pull tab
US5679014A (en) 1996-03-26 1997-10-21 Lan-Jen; Tsang Thin power plug
US7052309B1 (en) * 2005-07-19 2006-05-30 Tsang-I Chen Electric plug having pull ring
US20110028010A1 (en) * 2009-07-31 2011-02-03 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. Power connection apparatus
GB2475126A (en) 2009-11-03 2011-05-11 Alan Rhys Bellis Easy plug extractor

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD1005971S1 (en) * 2020-01-17 2023-11-28 Brunswick Corporation Surge module

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2493584A (en) 2013-02-13
GB2493557B (en) 2014-03-26
GB201207293D0 (en) 2012-06-06
GB201113870D0 (en) 2011-09-28
GB2493584B (en) 2014-02-12
GB2493557A (en) 2013-02-13

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US10463116B2 (en) Expandable socket accessory
EP3328230B1 (en) Single piece case with a battery and a hinge
US7318567B2 (en) Cable management device
CN111565599A (en) Interchangeable cradle accessory for a portable electronic device
US20100130026A1 (en) Electric plug and method of providing the same
EP2258011B1 (en) Removable battery pack with latching mechanism
US20140273567A1 (en) Power jack with a movable socket cover
WO2000001971A9 (en) Power cord clip
USD591680S1 (en) Electrical extension cord plug and receptacle
AU2008203809B2 (en) A mobile phone holder for mechanical vehicles
JP6306746B2 (en) Easy to separate power plug and power plug adapter
GB2492091A (en) An illumination device for a balloon
WO2013024347A1 (en) Plug removal aid
JP5906410B2 (en) Outlet
KR20140004290U (en) Smartphone case with a charge connector
EP2723464B1 (en) An illumination device for a balloon
US6117588A (en) Detachable battery handle assembly
USD591245S1 (en) Locking cover for electrical cable connector
GB2416432A (en) Electrical plug with plunger to assist removal
CN204760612U (en) Electrical wiring device
EP2441882A1 (en) Improvements in and relating to an iron and a method thereof
WO2015054972A1 (en) Multifunctional protective jacket for digital product
CN215379212U (en) Earphone charging box is from popping open protective sheath
CN106532316B (en) A kind of multinational converter
CN217334521U (en) Charging device

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 12770214

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 12770214

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1