Patent ID: 6171129
Filing Date: 2001-01-09
Classification: H01R

Abstract:
A locking electrical adapter, said adapter comprising:a housing of electrically non-conducting material;a male electrical contact held in said housing, said male electrical contact including a first prong and a second prong, said prongs made of electrically conducting material;first securing means for securing said male electrical contact in a female electrical receptacle, said first securing means includinga first spring operably connected to said first prong, said first spring having a closed position wherein said first spring engages said first prong and an open position wherein an end of said first spring is spaced apart from said first prong, anda second spring operably connected to said second prong, said second spring having a closed position wherein said second spring engages said second prong and an open position wherein an end of said second spring is spaced apart from said second prong; andfirst actuating means for selectively actuating said first securing means to positively connect said male electrical contact to said receptacle, said first actuating means operable to move said first and second springs from said closed position wherein said prongs can be inserted into said receptacle to said open position wherein said first and second springs lock said adapter to said receptacle so that said first securing means resists inadvertent disconnection of said male electrical contact during normal use.