Abstract:
A device for utility outlet control is provided that includes means for selectively blocking access to a utility outlet by way of disengaging or engaging the outlet blocking means. The outlet is blocked from access when the outlet is not being used. A user may gain access to the outlet upon appropriate payment or by an authorized access key. Typical utility outlets controllable by the present invention include, but are not limited to electric utility outlets, telephone utility outlets, and Internet access utility outlets.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to utility outlet covers. More particularly, the invention relates to utility outlet covers which block unauthorized access by the public unless. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   In the past, commercial locations have had primarily two choices with respect to covering accessible utility outlets. A first conventional approach is the conventional faceplate. Faceplates are a particular problem when city codes require the placement of utility outlets (e.g., electrical outlets) in a commercial setting (e.g., accessible to the public) at least because it places a burden on commercial entities to pay for a utility service usage that they did not authorize. That is, conventional faceplates allow anyone to plug into a utility outlet and utilize the available utility. Typical utilities that experience this issue include electricity, phone, and Internet utility services. Most cities provide legal code for how many electrical outlets there need to be in a commercial location and how far apart they should be. However, when it comes to internet (e.g., RJ 45) and phone (e.g., RJ 6) outlets, there, typically, are no regulations; thus, it is relatively easy for commercial entities to block unauthorized access. 
   A second conventional approach to covering publicly accessible utility outlets is to use a blank faceplate. On occasion commercial locations will place a blank faceplate to cover the outlet to practically block public use. However, these blank faceplates make accessibility difficult for authorized us as well, e.g., housekeeping and maintenance workers. 
   In view of the foregoing, there is a need for improved techniques for to make publicly accessible utility outlets only available to authorized users. It would further be desirable if the authorization technique also allowed public use that financially benefits the utility outlet owner. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: 
       FIG. 1   a  illustrates a front perspective view of an exemplary a vending faceplate in accordance with an electrical outlet embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 1   b  illustrates a bottom view of vending faceplate, showing a bottom view of the coin access door of  FIG. 1   a;    
       FIG. 2   a  illustrates an exemplary mechanism within vending faceplate  100  of  FIG. 1   a  to carry out the foregoing principles, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and, 
       FIG. 2   b  illustrates is the same embodiment as in  FIG. 2   a  with a conventional electric plug inserted during normal operation. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention that is mounted horizontally instead of vertically. 
   

   Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   To achieve the forgoing and other objects and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, a device for utility outlet control is provided that includes means for selectively blocking access to a utility outlet by way of disengaging or engaging the outlet blocking means. The outlet is blocked from access when the outlet is not being used. A user may gain access to the outlet upon appropriate payment or by an authorized access key. Typical utility outlets controllable by the present invention include, but are not limited to electric utility outlets, telephone utility outlets, and Internet access utility outlets. 
   Other features, advantages, and object of the present invention will become more apparent and be more readily understood from the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. 
   Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. In particular, the embodiment shown is directed to adapting a conventional electrical outlet according below teachings, however those skilled in the art will further readily appreciate that these teachings may be equivalently applied to a multiplicity of other kinds of outlets, including but not limited to, electrical, phone and Internet jacks. 
     FIG. 1   a  illustrates a front perspective view of an exemplary vending faceplate  100  in accordance with an electrical outlet embodiment of the present invention. Vending faceplate  100  is configured to suitably replace a conventional outlet faceplate, and enables electrical outlets to be locked by way of a removable cover until currency is deposited, allowing temporary access. Vending faceplate  100  fits around an outlet similar to a conventional faceplate and extends beyond to accommodate the added mechanics required to implement the vending aspect of the present invention. Vending faceplate  100  may be manufactured by known mold-injection techniques and tooled for mass production. There is a coin receptacle  14  where coins are deposited; a retraction knob  12  which, when moved, opens a retractable outlet cover  8 , made, for example, of a hard plastic, unveiling an electrical outlet, thus making it accessible to the user until the plug is removed and cover the is slid back over the outlet through the use of springs inside vending faceplate  100 . Those skilled in the art will recognize a similar implementation suitable for other utility outlets such as phone and Internet jacks. Vending faceplate  100  comprises a coin storage area  4  where the coins are stored where an optional clear plastic sleeve  3  in the front for advertisement insertion may be placed. Coin storage area  4  may be made of any suitable material—in the present embodiment, it is same material as faceplate frame. Vending faceplate  100  may be secured to the outlet/wall according to known techniques, such as with a hex screw, as well as, sealed to the wall with caulking/silicone to make it more tamper-proof. 
   Vending faceplate  100  has two access points accessible only by two different keys. The first key access, knob lock  11 , is located on the retraction knob  12  on the front of vending faceplate  100 . When inserted into the top of the retraction knob  12 , this key enables maintenance/housekeeping to slide outlet cover open without having to deposit any coins. The second key access is a door lock  7  located on the hinge door at the bottom for collecting coins/revenue. 
   Vending faceplate  100  comprises the following elements as shown in the Figure:
         An outside frame  1     A hex machine-screw  2  that attaches vending faceplate  100  to the outlet/wall   Clear, plastic sleeve  3  where advertisements may be inserted.   Coin storage area  4     A hinge  5  that allows a coin access door  6  to open, which holds coins in coin storage area  4 .   Door lock  7  that locks coin access door  6  to coin storage area  4 .   Retractable outlet cover  8     A back faceplate that securely fits around a conventional outlet (partially visible).   A guide rail  10  for retractable outlet cover  8     Knob lock for maintenance/housekeeping to gain access to vending faceplate  100  by releasing retraction knob  12 , which slides to the right thereby exposing the conventional outlet.   A retraction slide rail  13  opening that guides the movement of retraction knob  12 .   Coin receptacle  14  where a coin(s) is placed.   Mechanical cover  15 , which covers a portion of the vending mechanism.   Forward faceplate  17 .       

     FIG. 1   b  illustrates a bottom view of vending faceplate  100 , showing a bottom view of coin access door  6  of  FIG. 1   a , and an outside view of lock  7 . 
   The vending control mechanism may be implemented according to known techniques. In some embodiments, coin operated vending dispensers such as that used in conventional gumball machines or street parking meters may be readily adapted by those skilled in the art to achieve the teachings of the present invention. A suitable coin operated vending dispenser mechanism would properly receive a coin in the slot and then automatically or upon turning a knob, access to the utility or service being vended is enabled. 
   The operation and structure of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  will now be described is some detail. The base of outside frame  1  is thicker in depth than the conventional outlet faceplate in order to create a back faceplate  9  deep enough to allow outlet cover  8  to move along guide rail  10 . When retractable outlet cover  8  moves to the right along guide rail  10 , it opens up temporary access to electrical outlet  16 . Hex screw  2  secures the forward faceplates  17  and back faceplate  9  to the outlet/wall. Back faceplate  9  molds around outlet providing additional stability for vending faceplate  100 . Forward faceplate  17  is separated from the back faceplate  9  by rails  10 , providing space for retractable outlet cover  8  to slide. Clear, adhesive silicone may also be applied along the outside of vending faceplate  100  to provide additional support and tamper-resistance if desired. In addition to the mechanical design of vending faceplate  100 , a clear, plastic sleeve  3  may be attached onto any suitable location on vending faceplate  100 , such as on coin storage area  4  in the present embodiment, for advertisements and/or instructions to be placed and easily changed. Other embodiments may not include plastic sleeve  3  or any kind of affixed indicia. 
   A coin(s) must be deposited into coin receptacle  14  in order to release the retraction knob  12  which then slides to the right along retraction slide rail  13  simultaneously moving retractable outlet cover  8  and exposing electrical outlet  16 . While retraction knob  12  is held/slid all the way to the right, a plug ( 230  in  FIG. 2   b ) must be inserted into electrical outlet  16 ; otherwise, retractable outlet cover  8  will spring back to its original state. Retraction knob  12  can also be released, by a specific key inserted into the knob lock  11  on the top of the retraction knob  12 . This key is necessary for maintenance and housekeeping to have, in so that they can access the outlets without having to pay. 
   Coin storage area  4  allows for several coins to be stored. Attached to the bottom of vending faceplate  100  is coin access door  6  that is attached to coin storage  4  by hinge  5  and is locked into place by door lock  7 , which, for example, may be implemented as a rotating metal latch. In a preferred embodiment, coin access door  6  can only be unlocked by a key for door lock  7  that is different from the key for knob lock  11 . 
     FIG. 2   a  illustrates an exemplary mechanism within vending faceplate  100  of  FIG. 1   a  to carry out the foregoing principles, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the Figure, the following elements are shown:
         A faceplate  201  that frames. the entire device.   A standard size faceplate  203  that attaches over the conventional outlet.   Hex machine screw  202  that attaches faceplates to the conventional outlet.   A coin holder  14   a.      A coin stopper  14   b , which stops a coin drive shaft  208  from moving by butting against   compression arms  214  until a quarter is placed in the coin receptacle.   Size maintenance member  204 , which maintains the size of the quarter position” to “by compression arms  214  compressing  214  until maintenance member  204  returns to its resting position”.   A change fall-out  205 , which allows dimes, pennies and nickels to fall through so as to not jam coin holder  14   a      A change fall-out rail  206 , which directs coins into coin storage area  227 .   A retraction knob  12 , which directs coin drive shaft  208  along rails  209  and compresses compression spring  210  thereby pushing  214  outwards compressing a compression chamber  216 .   Coin drive shaft  208 , which is connected to retraction knob  12  and a T-connection bar  220 , which pull a retraction bar pin  222 , a retraction bar rail  223 , a retraction bar spring  224 , and outlet covers  8  thereby exposing the conventional outlet  16 .   Rails  209 , which direct coin drive shaft  208 .   A compression spring  210 , which is controlled by coin drive shaft  208 .   A key gear  211 , which is controlled by a maintenance key moving key extender arms  212  outward pushing compression arms  214  outward thereby pushing a swivel arm  218  outwards and compressing a compression spring  217 , which allows coin drive shaft  208  to slide without inserting coins.   Key extender arms  212 , which is attached to key gear  211  and  218 .   Extender  213 , which pivotally rotates as key gear  11  is turned.   Compression arms  214  are controlled by  218  and pivot on  219  compressing  217  inside  216     Rails  215 , which direct compression arms  214 .   Compression chamber  216 , which holds compression spring  217 .   compression spring  217     Swivel arm  218 , which rotates on a pivot point  219 .   Pivot point  219     T-connection bar  220  attached to coin drive shaft  208 .   Retraction bar  221  connected to T-connection bar  220     Retraction bar pin  222 , which slides between  223  compressing  224  on return if plug has been inserted into outlet  16     Retraction bar rail  223     Retraction bar spring  224     Outlet cover directing member  225 , which directs outlet covers  8  when a quarter is inserted into coin holder  14   a  and pulled by retraction knob  12  and when  210  pushes  208  into original position   Outlet covers  8 , which are made of any suitable material such as hard plastic or rubber.   Coin storage area  227     A coin drop guide  228 , which directs coins into coin storage area  227 .   Coins  229  (e.g., a dime, quarter, or nickel).       
     FIG. 2   b  illustrates is the same embodiment as in  FIG. 2   a  with a conventional electric plug  230  inserted during normal operation, which plug compresses retraction bar spring  224  thereby keeping the upper outlet cover  8  pressing against the side of the electric plug. 
   The embodiment show in  FIG. 2   a  will now be described in some more operational detail. The dual plates  201  and  203  provide the pockets necessary to protect outlet covers  8 . The retraction knob ( 12 ) is connected to several other components ( 208 ,  211 ,  220 ,  221 ,  222 ,  224 ,  8 ) that make this device functional. Retraction knob ( 12 ) may be made of any suitable hard material. Retraction knob ( 12 ) slides to the right and returns to the left. Once retraction knob ( 12 ) is released, it allows compression spring  210  to spring back to its original position unless a plug is inserted in which case the outlet covers  8  will be tightly sprung against the plug. As soon as plug is removed, the cover is sprung shut over outlet. 
   Once a coin is deposited into the coin slot ( 14   a ;  14   b ), the retraction knob ( 12 ) is able to slide to the right so the coin can be pushed through the compression arms ( 214 ) thus extending the key gear ( 211 ) and swivel arms ( 218 ); and compressing the chamber ( 216 ). If the wrong coin denomination is dropped into the coin slot ( 14   a ;  14   b ), then the coin will slide out the bottom or change fall-out ( 205 ) down along the coin fall-out rail ( 206 ). For example: if the device is designed to take only quarters and someone inserts a dime, then that dime would fall straight into the coin storage ( 227 ) without releasing the retraction knob ( 12 ) and its corresponding components. This action will be clearly noted in a written warning on the face of vending faceplate  100  ( FIG. 1   a ). 
   Once the retraction knob ( 12 ) is slid and held all the way over to the right, it will expose the outlet for use (outlet resides behind face plate). A plug ( 1 ,  FIG. 2   b ) can then be inserted into outlet. When the retraction knob ( 12 ) is released without a plug inserted into the outlet, the compression spring ( 210 ) pushes the knob ( 12 ) and its corresponding components ( 208 ,  211 ,  220 ,  221 ,  222 ,  224 ,  8 ) back to their original positions. However, if there is a plug ( 230 ) inserted into the outlet (residing behind the faceplate), then the outlet cover ( 8 ) is sprung against plug (action illustrated in  FIG. 2   b ). A retraction bar ( 222 ) then compresses the retraction bar spring ( 224 ) sliding along the retraction bar rail ( 223 ). Notice, there are two separate retraction bars, springs, rails, and outlet covers ( 222 – 226 ) which allows them to work independently of one another as illustrated in  FIG. 2   b . The reason for this action is if one outlet is in use, then another customer who also needs to obtain an outlet will also have to deposit money to open the other outlet cover ( 8 ); therefore, NO FREE USAGE. The compression of the retraction bar spring ( 224 ) allows the outlet cover ( 8 ) to return to its original position (covered outlet) once the plug is removed. The retraction knob ( 12 ), and its related components ( 208 ,  211 ,  220 ,  221 ,  222 ,  224 ,  8 ) all slide along rails  209 ,  215 , and  225  to keep everything in line. When the appropriate coin is inserted, the retraction knob ( 12 ) and its corresponding components ( 208 , 211 , 220 , 221 , 224 , 8 ) are then moved forward, the coin will arrive at fall-out rails ( 206 ,  FIG. 2   a ) where it will drop onto the coin guide ( 228 ) directing the coin into the coin storage ( 227 ). 
   The coin stopper ( 14   b ) is designed not to move until the appropriate coin is inserted. It is butted up tightly against compression arms ( 214 ). Only the appropriate coin size will provide the arch needed to begin the sliding process of the retraction knob ( 12 ) and its corresponding components ( 208 ,  211 ,  220 ,  221 ,  222 ,  224 ,  8 ). The pivot point ( 219 ) allows the rotating arms ( 218 ) to swivel when the retraction knob ( 12 ) and its related components ( 208 ,  211 ,  220 ,  221 ,  222 ,  224 ,  8 ) move. To adapt a convention electrical utility outlet according to the present invention, one simply removes the existing conventional faceplate and replaces it with the present vending faceplate, securing it with hex screws. 
   Those skilled in the art will appreciate that faceplate frame ( FIG. 2   a ) may be made of multiple types of material including, but not limited to, metal, rubber, plastic, etc. Moreover, coin receptacle  14  of  FIG. 1   a  may be configured in any suitable manner consistent with the foregoing principles. In some embodiments, the coin receptacle will be configured to accept a single coin, or up to 4 coins. The coin receptacle may also be configured to properly handle multiple currencies. 
   It should be further appreciated that the outlet cover shown may be readily configured to cover a multiplicity of alternate types of utility outlets, including, but not limited to, power, phone, Internet, etc. The utility outlet covers of the present invention may be constructed using any suitable material including plastic, metal, and/or rubber. Attendant to the present utility outlet covers is a safety aspect, which is particular important in locations where children have access to the utility outlets. For example, when an electrical utility outlet adapted according to the present invention is not being used, the idle utility outlet is covered, whereby a young child cannot place his/her finger or metal object in it. The present invention also tends to reduce the frivolous use of power, at least because vending faceplate  100  will secure a utility outlet by allowing access to the outlet via key and currency only. 
     FIG. 3  illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention that is mounted horizontally instead of vertically. This configuration allows access to the safety testing buttons on the outlet itself while accomplishing the vending of power. There could be other configurations such as an over under for tight places as well as a double to cover quad outlets. 
   The present vending faceplate may be used with any type of utility outlet or utility jack configuration. Embodiments of the present invention are suitable for a multiplicity of applications desiring control, especially profitable control, of publicly accessible utility outlets. Typical consumers contemplated include entities including airports, convention centers, KOA, libraries, universities, high schools, motels, and other public or commercial locations. Such facilities need to secure outlets (power, phone Internet, etc.) so unauthorized users (e.g., travelers) cannot take advantage of the utility outlets for personal use without paying. 
   By way of example and not limitation, and exemplary application of an embodiment of the present invention shall be set forth as follows. All airports have exposed outlets that the general-public or passengers may use without permission. Because of this situation, most airports may have to pay, sometimes, at least $7,500 per year in additional electrical use by passengers without the ability to recoup these costs. If an airport losing $7,500 a year implements the present vending electrical faceplate, it could generate $144 K of revenue in certain cases. What follows is a scenario of how this process works according to an embodiment of the present invention: 
   
     
       
             
           
         
             
                 
             
           
           
             
               Passenger arrives at the gate 
             
             
               Finds all outlets are adapted with the present vending faceplate installed 
             
             
               Passenger has to place at least $.25 into the present faceplate coin 
             
             
               receptacle 
             
             
               Passenger then slides the retraction knob to expose the utility outlet 
             
             
               While still holding the knob, passenger then plugs into power outlet 
             
             
               As knob is released, the outlet that is not in use is covered again 
             
             
               While working, the passenger will also notice the advertisement on the 
             
             
               present vending faceplate 
             
             
               Once passenger is done and removes plug from outlet, the cover quickly 
             
             
               springs back into place covering outlet. 
             
             
               If maintenance/janitorial needs to access the present vending faceplate, 
             
             
               they simply insert Key 1 into the knob sliding the knob exposing the outlet 
             
             
               The person responsible for collecting coins will insert Key 2 allowing 
             
             
               hinge door to release coins from coin storage area. 
             
             
                 
             
           
        
       
     
   
   Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of controlling the unauthorized access to publicly available utility outlets according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention has been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. For example, the particular implementation of the money receiving and outlet-cover control mechanism may vary depending upon the particular application. Moreover, the embodiments described in the foregoing were directed to implementations requiring currency payment or a key to access the controlled utility outlet; however, alternative embodiments may only require payment or key access, but not both. Furthermore, electronic, electromechanical, or other types of known utility outlet blocking means according or keyed access control (e.g., digital/electronic/wireless locks instead of mechanical ones) to the principles of the present invention are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims.