Electrical Plug Lock

The invention is a locking device for use with any electrical equipment or appliance or device having a cord and attached electrical plug, it encapsulates the plug end and is lockable such that the electrical device is disabled and can no longer be plugged into a power source. The invention includes a housing of two halves, hinged at one end, with the interior of the housing shaped and dimensioned to receive the electrical plug. The invention also includes a locking mechanism with two latches operable via a special key. The key has a shaft with two portions having differing widths and which are complementary to corresponding apertures in the latches. The invention is useful for controlling the use of electrical devices, for example, gaming consoles and television.

InFIG. 1, a first embodiment of the invention (generally Indicated by arrow1) is shown in a dosed condition, with the locking key (2) inserted.

The invention (1) includes a housing of two halves (3a,3b) hinged to each other at one end (4). An aperture (3c) is provided tor the locking key (2). The cord (5) of the electric plug (not shown in this view) can be seen extending from the other end (6). A latching mechanism locks the end (8) of the two halves together, trapping the plug within the invention.

Turning now toFIG. 2, the invention (1) is shown in an open condition. The plug (7) itself can be seen as can be the locking catch mechanism (8). This embodiment of the invention is for use with the enclosed plug type having prongs (7a) generally in line with the electrical cord (5).

A top view of the invention (1) is shown inFIG. 3a.It should be appreciated that the curve and structure of the overall shape of the halves (3a;the half3bis not visible in this view) comprising the invention is not limited to that shown in these drawings, but may be modified during manufacture for aesthetic, practicality, manufacturing or marketing purposes.

A cross-section view of the invention (1) along lines E-E inFIG. 3ais shown inFIG. 3b. This is a side on, cut away view of the inside of the invention showing the in-line type plug (7) with the hinge (9) at one end (4) and the locking catch mechanism (not visible) at the other end (8). The key (2), which passes through the locking mechanism, can be seen.

FIG. 3cis an exterior side view of the invention (1), whileFIGS. 3dand3care front and rear cross-section views respectively of the invention.

InFIG. 3d,(a cross-section along lines F-F ofFIG. 3c) the latches (8a) of the locking mechanism (8) are visible. The latches are rotatably mounted to the first half (3b) of the invention (1). The key (2) passes through suitably configured apertures (not shown) in the latches. The apertures are complementary to the cross-section of the key and thus when the key is rotated, this causes rotation of the latches which disengages them from the second half (3a). This unlocks the two halves, which can then be opened to access the plug (not visible).

FIG. 3eis of the hinge end (4) of the invention (1). The two halves (3aend3b) interlock and a spindle passes through them to form the hinge (9).

FIG. 4is a perspective view of en alternative embodiment of the invention (10) for use with the type of plugs in which the plug (11) has prongs (not visible) which are substantially at a 90° degree angle to the electrical cord (11a).

Changes to the shape of the inside of the halves (12a,12b) of the invention (10) can easily be made to accommodate any of the most common plug type configurations worldwide.

FIG. 5ais a top view of this embodiment of the invention (10), withFIG. 5bbeing a cross-section view along line B-B. The locking mechanism (3) is the same as the embodiment described inFIGS. 1 to 3.

The latches (8a) can be seen to be hocked and when rotated In the appropriate direction by the key (2), the hooks engage with a spindle (13) on the top half (12a) of the invention (10). The latches include torsion springs (14).

FIGS. 6aand8bare of the locking key (2).

InFIG. 8a,a side view of the key (2), the shaft (15) of the key can be seen to be made up of two pieces (15a,15b) of slightly different widths, joined together to make the shaft of the key.

The size and shape of each of the two pieces (15a,15b) that make up the shaft (15) can be varied so that each key (2) can be unique.

InFIG. 8b,an end-on view of the key (2), the differing widths of the two pads (indicated by dimension lines15a,15b) that make up the shaft (15) of the key are shown.

It should be appreciated that the shape of the locking key (2) may be changed during manufacture for aesthetic, practicality, manufacturing or marketing purposes.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.