Abstract:
A housing (11) is provided for insertion of standard size prongs (12) from an electrical plug which are then secured by latching means (16) and securing means (18). The securing means prevents the removal of prongs (12) from housing (11) which in turn prevents unrestricted use of the electrical plug.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to a locking device for preventing an individual, especially a minor, from plugging an electrical cord into an electric receptacle. Such electrical cords may be connected to a variety of electrically powered equipment that may pose a danger to adults or minors while operating. 
     The purpose of this invention is to protect individuals who do not possess sufficient knowledge or understanding of the operation of certain types of electrical equipment from potential injury. It will also allow an adult the ability to prevent his or her children from utilizing electrical devices. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the invention, a lockout device includes a housing defining two passageways for receiving the prongs of an electrical plug, and latching means for securing the prongs within the housing. 
     In the preferred form of the invention, the rectangular shaped housing includes the passageways which are shaped to accept the insertion of two prongs of an electrical plug, each of which has a hole at its outer end. When the prongs are fully inserted into the housing, the hole in each prong is disposed in a cross-passage formed in the housing, which is substantially equal in dimension to that of the prong holes. The latching means, which preferably comprises a flexible strap may then be inserted through the cross-passage and the prong holes and secured, thereby preventing disengagement of the two prongs from the housing. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated of carrying out the invention. 
     In the drawings: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention illustrating its locked position on the end of an electrical plug. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the invention of FIG. 1 in its unlocked position separated from the plug; 
     FIG. 3 is a sectional view along line 3--3 of FIG. 1; and 
     FIG. 4 is a sectional view along line 4--4 of FIG. 1. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     As seen in FIGS. 1-4, a lockout device 10 is provided for preventing the use of an electrical plug 14 and its associated equipment (not shown). Lockout device 10 broadly comprises a housing 11 which receives the prongs 12 of electrical plug 14, and a latching means 16 which has a securing means 18 to prevent the removal of the prongs 12 from the device 10. 
     As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the invention in its preferred form comprises rectangular housing 11 which defines two parallel and substantially equally sized passageways 20 (FIGS. 3 and 4). The inner end of each passageway 20 terminates in an end wall 22 and the outer end of each passageway 20 terminates in an opening 21 in housing 11. Each passageway 20 is dimensioned slightly larger than the length, width and thickness of plug prong 12 to facilitate sliding of the prongs 12 into and out of housing 11. 
     As is customary with electrical plugs, each of prongs 12 is provided with a hole 26 approximate its outer end. 
     Housing 11 further defines a cross passage 24 which has a cross-sectional diameter substantially equal to the cross-sectional diameter of prong holes 26. The cross passage 24 is positioned near the inner end of and perpendicular to passageways 20 passing through passageways 20, terminating in an opening on each side of housing 11. 
     Latching means 16 comprises a flexible strap which is inserted through cross passage 24 and prong holes 26 when plug prongs 12 are fully inserted into passages 20, to prevent removal of prongs 12 from housing 11 (FIGS. 3 and 4). Strap 16 may preferably be that such as manufactured by Tyton Corporation under its designation &#34;PULLOCK&#34;. Strap 16 is constructed of a polypropylene material, and is provided with sufficient length to extend beyond each side of housing 11. Strap 16 is also provided with a plurality of one-way ratchets 28 (FIG. 1) beginning at one end of flexible strap 16 and positioned at regular intervals. 
     Securing means 18 is in the form of a flattened member formed integrally with strap 16, and provided with one-way hole. 
     The end of flexible strap 16 opposite securing means 18 is adapted to be inserted through the one-way hole in securing means 18 and pulled therethrough so that ratchets 28 engage securing means 18 adjacent the hole. This engagement prevents removal of flexible strap 16 from the cross passage 24 which, in turn, prevents removal of prongs 12 from housing 11. 
     In use, prongs 12 are inserted into passageways 20 and latching means 16 is passed through cross passage 24 and prong holes 26. Ratchets 28 are then placed into engagement with securing means 18 to prevent removal of strap 16. 
     It is understood that any satisfactory means can be employed to secure plug prong 12 within passages 20. For example, a strap such as 16 may be constructed with a reusable key-type locking mechanism. This system allows unlimited reuse of the strap, and prevents removal of the strap unless a key is used. 
     Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as the invention.