Fittings for switches, sockets or the like

A protective cover (80) for a socket has an upper frame (81) that locates behind a faceplate of the socket and a cable tie member (82) with apertures (84) for passage of cable leads connected to plugs mounted in the socket. The upper frame (81) has a cover panel (83) pivotal between an open position allowing access to the plugs and a closed position concealing the plugs. The apertures (84) are provided with cable ties (85) that are inserted into slots (87) to retain the cable leads and transfer pulling forces applied to the cable leads to the frame (81) via the tie member (82).

RELATED APPLICATIONS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention concerns improvements in or relating to fittings for switches, sockets or the like and in particular, but not exclusively, with fittings to secure, hide or restrict access to electrical or data cables trailing from a plug or jack, whilst inserted into an electrical socket or data/telephone jack-point.

The electrical or data socket may be a wall-mounted socket faceplate, conventionally secured to its mounting box by screws, or a free standing unit, such as a multi point trailing socket or a video/data/modem jack point adaptor.

In our earlier UK Patent No. 2366457-B we describe a lockable cover for a switch or socket, the cover having a cover panel movably mounted on a frame that is either mountable to the wall around, and extending behind, the switch or socket faceplate, and thus between the faceplate and the switch or socket mounting box, or permanently attached to the front of the switch or socket mounting box.

The cover panel is movable between a closed position, where it completely covers and encloses the switch or socket faceplate and any plug therein, and an open position, where it is clear from and allows access to the faceplate. The cover panel is latched in the closed position and is provided with key-operated locking means enabling the cover panel to be secured shut in the closed position.

Depending on the exact design of the frame and the cover panel, it may be desirable to provide the cover panel with an open slot for passage of the lead of a plug that allows the cover panel to be opened and closed when the plug is in place.

If desired the slot can be fitted with a sealing grommet, of rubber or some similar flexible material, to form a tight fit with the lead and so leave no significant room for a child's prying fingers or a screwdriver. With this arrangement, forces can be applied to the plug by pulling the cable and it may be possible to disconnect the plug or in extreme cases to break the cable which is undesirable.

The present invention seeks to provide an arrangement for securing the lead to inhibit disconnecting the plug by pulling the lead.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cover panel movably mounted upon a frame for shrouding a socket and a plug therein, in which the cover panel and/or frame is arranged to define a cable slot through which a cable lead of a plug in the socket may extend, the cable slot being arranged to grip the protruding cable lead in such a way that it provides a significant degree of resistance against a pulling force applied to the cable lead externally of the cover panel.

By gripping the cable lead, should an attempt be made to remove the plug and cable either by pulling or wrenching at the cable lead in a forceful manner, the plug and cable are protected from being disconnected.

Preferably, the slot is defined by the frame. In this way, the cable tie transfers pulling forces applied to the cable to the frame which is better able to withstand the forces. In this way, the application of forces to the cover panel which could result in forcing of the latch/lock mechanism used to secure the cover panel closed can be avoided.

The cable lead can be gripped in a number of different ways. The cover panel may be mounted for pivotal or sliding movement between the open and closed positions.

One particular method is to arrange the slot to allow directional movement of the cable lead passing through the slot towards the socket, but resist any backward movement of the cable lead out of or away from the socket and cover panel. For example, a series of resilient flaps may be provided around the cable slot to form an inverted cone pointing inwardly towards the underside of the cover and the base of the plug from which the cable emerges. The angle, shape and construction of the flaps may be chosen to allow the flaps to bend and yield sufficiently as desired for passage of the cable lead towards the socket while resisting return movement. For example, the flaps may be of triangular shape.

Another method employs cable ties that are either mounted on the frame, or are an integral part of the frame, in a location that allows the cable lead from any plug attached to the socket to be securely fastened within the confines of the cover panel. For example, the cable tie may be fastened to grip and anchor the cable lead to resist the plug being pulled out of the socket by pulling the cable lead. Typically, for UK electrical sockets, the cable tie will be secured to the lower perimeter wall of the frame.

In one arrangement, the cable tie may comprise a flexible strap capable of being fastened around the cable to hold the cable. The strap may be integral with the frame. Alternatively, the strap may be separate from the frame and connected thereto during manufacture and/or during installation of the cover. The strap may be adjustable to accommodate different cable sizes. For example, the user may cut an integral strap to the required length for a given cable size. Alternatively, where the strap is separate, a set of straps of different length may be provided for selection and fitment of the appropriate strap for a given cable size.

In another arrangement, the cable tie may comprise a U-shaped clip releasably connectable to the frame. The clip is preferably arranged to resist removal from the frame under loads applied to the cable. The frame may have a bracket provided with apertures to receive and retain legs of the clip. The clip may be adjustable to accommodate different cable sizes.

In some embodiments the cable aperture is provided in the cover panel for passage of the cable lead held by the clip, and the cover panel preferably conceals the clip in the closed position. In another embodiment, the cable aperture is provided in the frame, and the cover panel preferably prevents removal of the cable tie in the closed position.

The frame may comprise a U-shaped member that extends on three sides of the socket and a cable tie member that extends on a fourth side of the socket between free ends of legs of the U-shaped member, and the cable tie is connected to the cable tie member. For example, the frame may be secured at a peripheral edge of a faceplate of the socket to which the cover is attached.

The socket may be adapted to receive at least one cable connector such as an electrical plug or a jack plug whereby the socket may provide an electrical connection point or a data/telephone/computer connection point.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a safety cover for a plug and socket connector, the safety cover having at least one aperture for a cable lead and a cable tie to hold the cable lead and inhibit disconnection of the connector by force applied to the cable lead externally of the cover.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a safety cover for a plug and socket connector, the safety cover having a frame with at least one aperture for passage of a cable lead and a cable tie to locate the cable lead such that forces applied to the cable are transferred to the frame.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of protecting a plug and socket connection comprising the steps of

a) providing a cover to conceal the connection in a closed position of a movable cover panel, the cover panel being movable to an open position allowing access to the connection,

b) providing the cover with a cable aperture for passage of a cable lead in the closed position of the cover panel, and

c) providing the cover with a cable tie to inhibit transmission of forces applied to the cable lead to the connection.

The invention in its various aspects may be applied to an integral socket/cover where the frame is an integral part of the socket and box, or to a cover which may be subsequently mounted by inserting a frame behind the faceplate of the socket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring first toFIGS. 1 and 2of the drawings, a wall mounted double socket1is shown with plugs2inserted in each socket1. The socket1is provided with a lockable cover3comprising a frame4and a cover panel5.

The frame4extends on three sides of the socket faceplate1aand is secured between the socket faceplate1aand the socket mounting box (not shown) to which the socket1is releasably secured, for example by screws (not shown).

The cover panel5is hinged to the frame4for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis at the top of the socket faceplate1abetween the open position shown inFIG. 1and the closed position shown inFIG. 2.

In the open position, the plugs2can be inserted in and removed from pin receiving apertures (not shown) the socket faceplate1a. In the closed position, the cover panel5conceals the plugs2and is secured by fastening means7.

The fastening means7may be of any suitable type, for example a latch that engages automatically when the cover panel5is closed and which is released by means of a key (not shown) to inhibit unauthorised release of the cover panel5.

The cover panel5may be lockable in the closed position for added security. The same key may lock and unlock the cover panel5and release the latch to allow the cover panel5to be moved to the open position.

In this embodiment the frame4and cover panel5are made of plastics but other materials may be used for one or both parts. The cover panel5is opaque but may be transparent or translucent or have a transparent or translucent window so that the user can see any plug(s)2inserted in the socket1and, where the socket1is provided with switches, if the switches are on or off with the cover panel5secured in the closed position.

In this embodiment, each plug2is provided with a cable lead8having an integral cable tie9in the form of a block10having alternate ribs10aand recesses10b.

The cover panel5is provided with a pair of U-shaped openings11in which the cable ties9are received in the closed position such that the marginal edge of each opening11is received in an aligned recess10bof the associated cable tie9(seeFIG. 2). In this way, the cover panel5grips the cable ties9to anchor the cable leads8and prevent the plugs2being disconnected by pulling the cable leads8.

With this arrangement, forces or loads applied by pulling the cable leads8are applied to the cover panel5and the strength and robustness of the cable tie system depends on the materials and construction of the cover panel5and the fastening means7used to secure the cover panel5to the frame4.

Referring now toFIGS. 3 and 4, there is shown a frame12for a lockable cover for a wall mounted double socket13. The frame12comprises two L-shaped frame members14,15.

The frame12is formed by assembly of the frame members14,15to extend on four sides of the socket faceplate13aand is secured by locating flanges14a,15abetween the socket faceplate13aand the socket mounting box (not shown) to which the socket13is secured by screws (not shown) extending through holes13b.

The ends14c,15cof vertical arms14d,15dof the frame members14,15locate against the ends of the horizontal arms15b,14bof the frame members15,14respectively to locate the frame members14,15relative to each other at opposite corners of the frame12.

The frame member14has a horizontal arm14bthat extends along the top edge of the socket faceplate13aand mounts a cover panel (not shown) for hinging movement between open and closed position as described above.

The frame member15has a horizontal arm15bthat extends along the bottom edge of the socket faceplate13aand mounts a pair of cable ties16, one for each socket, in the form of flexible straps17,18.

Each tie16is secured at one end to the horizontal arm15bof the frame member15at the base of the socket13and the other end is free as shown inFIG. 4. For example, the straps17,18may be fed through holes (not shown) in the arm15bduring manufacture and/or during assembly of the cover prior to the frame member15being slid into place behind the socket faceplate13a.In a modification (not shown) the ties16are moulded as a permanent part of the perimeter frame12.

The ties16are approximately aligned with the pin receiving apertures13cin the faceplate13a(in this case along a vertical axis) so that, with the cover panel in the open position, a plug20can be inserted in the pin receiving apertures13cof the socket13and the trailing cable lead21secured below the plug20by the tie16.

More particularly, the tie16is folded over the cable lead21and the free end inserted in a hole22in the frame member15to allow a toothed detent23to engage with a suitable retaining formation (not shown) located in the hole22. The tie16may have more than one detent to allow the secured length of the strap to be adjusted to suit the size (diameter) of the cable lead21. Alternatively or additionally, the strap may be cut to length prior to securing the cable lead21.

The cover panel can then be closed to conceal the plug20and the tie16. In this way, access to the plug20and tie16is prevented when the cover panel is closed and the tie16anchors the cable lead21to prevent the plug20being disconnected by pulling the cable lead21.

The cover panel can be latched and locked in the closed position by means of key operated fastening means and/or may be opaque or transparent as described previously.

In this arrangement, the load of any force or pressure applied to the cable lead is transferred away from the cover panel and fastening means onto the frame12by means of the cable tie16.

The frame12can be of robust construction and is secured in most cases by at least two metal screws securely tightened to the socket mounting box. As a result, the frame12can better withstand the effects of force than the fastening mechanism employed to secure the cover panel in the closed position.

The ties16are manufactured from a material with properties that allow the ties16to flex or bend, yet faithfully retain memory of its original shape and position despite repeated movement or flexing.

In this way, the ties16are flexible enough to withstand being manually deformed outwards (that is, to straighten sufficiently) to allow the cable lead21to be inserted underneath so that the tie16encloses the cable lead21.

Moreover, the ties16are flexible enough to be manually deformed inwards (that is, to be curled towards the frame member15sufficiently) to grip and anchor the cable lead21.

Suitable materials for the ties16include steel or aluminium, but preferably polymers such as acetal (polyoxymethylene) and/or other thermoplastics such as Delrin (formed by polymerising formaldehyde and acetate) or Celcon (formed by polymerising trioxene and cyclic) are used. These polymers may be prepared in varying degrees of rigidity, according to the application.

For example, if the ties16are integral to the frame member15, then they will be of a harder material in order for the frame member15to have sufficient strength. Alternatively, if the ties16are formed separately as shown inFIG. 3, then they may be made as flexible as is necessary, and the frame member15can be rendered from an entirely different material.

Referring now toFIGS. 5 to 7, there is shown a frame30for a lockable, detachable cover for a double socket31. The frame30and socket31are shown from the rear inFIG. 5and the peripheral edge of a faceplate32of the socket31is shown in dotted outline.

As shown, the frame30comprises a three-sided frame member33and a cable tie member34. The three-sided frame member33is slidable behind the faceplate32and the faceplate32is secured to a wall mounting box (not shown) by means of threaded screws35(seeFIG. 6).

The length L of legs36of the frame member33between the points2A and2B is such that the frame member33can be slid behind the faceplate32to position the free ends of the legs36below the lower edge of the faceplate32.

The free ends of the legs36are provided with clips37located at the lower inside corner of each leg36. The cable tie member34is provided with mating clips38that are engageable with the clips37to connect the cable tie member34to the frame member33. In this way, the frame30is four sided, enclosing the perimeter of the faceplate32.

The clips37,38have interlocking formations37a,38athat engage to prevent movement of the cable tie member34in the direction of arrow A relative to the frame member33. The clips37,38may engage with a snap action in the direction of arrow B or by push fit in a direction normal thereto (in the manner of interfitting jigsaw pieces).

The assembled frame30can then be slid upwards behind the faceplate32until the clips37,38are fully covered by the faceplate32. The faceplate32can then be secured by tightening the screws35to locate and retain the frame30in position as shown in FIG.6—in effect sandwiched between the mounting box and the underside of the faceplate32

The cable tie member34has a guide to ensure its correct positioning in relation to the socket faceplate32. This is achieved by manoeuvring the entire frame30in situ so that an upper ledge40of the cable tie member34comes to rest flush and parallel to the lower edge of the socket faceplate32.

The cable tie member34is provided with a pair of cable tie brackets41,42that are located approximately in line (in this case along the vertical axis) with the pin receiving apertures of the faceplate32so that, when a plug43is inserted in the pin receiving apertures in the faceplate32of the socket31, the trailing cable lead44extends over the aligned bracket41,42.

Each bracket41,42is provided with a detachable cable tie47(seeFIGS. 8A-8D) to secure the trailing cable lead44. The cable tie47is in the form of a U-shaped or arch shaped clip48having two legs48a,band is made from a material that offers a degree of flexing of the legs48a,bto enable a strong fastening to be achieved.

The legs48a,bare provided with transverse slots50,51parallel to and spaced from the free ends that define feet50a,51a.The brackets41,42are provided with matchingly shaped apertures41a,band42a,bto receive the feet50a,51a.The spacing between the apertures41a,bor42a,bis slightly less than the spacing between the legs48a,bin their relaxed condition.

When a plug43, is inserted into the socket31, the trailing cable lead44can be secured to the cable tie member34by holding the cable in place against the aligned bracket41,42and then inserting the feet50a,51aof the clip48into the apertures41a,bor42a,b.

More particularly, the body of the clip48is pinched together slightly to fit the50a.51ato the precise width that the apertures41a,bor42a,bare set apart so that they can be inserted into their apertures41a,bor42a,b.This causes the feet50a,51ato be biased inwards under a degree of sprung tension when located inside the apertures41a,bor42a,b

The legs48a,bhave one or more latches52,53moulded onto their outer edges at the free end which, when the feet50a,51aare inserted into the apertures41a,bor42a,blocate in matchingly shaped recesses (not shown) hollowed out of each inside wall of the apertures41a,bor42a,bto secure and retain the cable ties47in position.

More specifically, as the latches52,53align with the recesses, so the legs48a,bare caused to spring outwards slightly by a distance corresponding to the depth of the latch52,53and its recess, so that the outside walls of the legs48a,bflush against the inside walls of the apertures41a,bor42a,b.The spring tension causes the latches52,53to be held located in the recesses preventing the feet50a,51afrom moving backwards out of the apertures41abor42a,b.

The latches52,53provide resistance to any lateral movement of the feet50a,51aeven when force is applied against the cable lead44thus preventing the cable tie47from falling out of the bracket41,42.

In this embodiment, the cable tie47has 2 mm wide legs48a,bset at a distance of 10 mm apart from each other, and each latch52,53is 0.8 mm in depth, to give a total breadth for each leg (including the latch extrusions) of 2.8 mm, and a total width of 15.6 mm.

This particular cable tie47is designed for apertures41a,bor42a,bthat are 2.9 mm wide and are spaced 7.3 mm apart. Thus the material used in the manufacture of the cable tie47should allow the legs48a,bto be pinched together by at least 2.5 mm, and have a memory to return to their regular width of 15.6 mm once removed. It will be understood that these dimensions are exemplary only and the invention is not limited thereto.

The cover panel (not shown) is hinged to the frame member30for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis at the top of the socket faceplate32between an open position allowing access to plugs44and associated cable ties47and a closed position concealing the plugs44and cable ties47. The cover may be latched and locked in the closed position to inhibit unauthorised opening as described previously.

The cover panel is provided with cable exit apertures that are located, shaped and sized so that, when the cover panel is closed with the cable tie47correctly in place within the associated bracket41,42, the exit apertures locate over the cable tie47and associated bracket so that the cable tie47cannot be removed whilst the cover is closed.

To remove the cable tie47from the associated bracket41,42, the cover panel is unlocked and released from its retaining latches and pivoted to its open position allowing access to the cable tie47. The body of the cable tie47is pinched together slightly so that the leg latches52,53can be released from their corresponding recesses and allow the cable tie47to be withdrawn.

Although the cable tie47described above is adequate for most kinds of electrical and data cables, there are occasions when it is desirable to use a cable tie that is adjustable within its bracket41,42so that it may conveniently be used upon cables of varying shape and thickness. This is particularly the case when a user employs appliances such as power tools, or other such appliances that are supplied with plugs and cables shrouded with a thick rubber moulding.

FIGS. 9 to 12show a modified cable tie60and cable tie bar61that allows manual adjustment of the tie60while remaining capable of shrouding and securing cables of varying diameters and shapes. The principle of enclosing or shrouding the cable is the same as described above.

As shown, the cable tie60comprises a U-shaped clip62with two legs62a,bhaving T-shaped elements63at the free ends, and the tie bar61has a bracket64with an aperture65shaped like a cross located on the front face of the bracket64.

The body of the cable tie60is again pinched to bring the legs62a,btogether such that a wider part63bof the elements63can be inserted into a wider central part65aof the aperture65to align a narrower part63bof the elements63with narrower end parts65bof the aperture65. The legs62a,bspring outwards along the narrower part65baway from the wider central part65ato locate and retain the legs in the aperture65.

The bracket has notched latches66moulded on the underside of the aperture65along the narrower part65b.These latches66are shaped to allow the elements63to move along the narrower part65bof the aperture65away from the wider centre part65aand inhibit return movement.

The further away the elements63are located from the central part65aof the aperture65, the wider and flatter the arch of the cable tie60will be upon the bracket61. This movement provides adjustment that enables the cable tie60to fit around cables of varying thickness and shape.

As best shown inFIG. 12, the cover panel67is provided with an aperture68that aligns with the cable tie60in the closed position for passage of the trailing cable lead out of the cover. The cover panel67prevents access to release the cable tie60in the closed position.

In this way, any upward force applied to the cable (such as when force is applied to try and dislodge the plug from its faceplate) is transferred to the cable tie60whereupon the latches66prevent movement of the legs62a,bback towards the central part65aof the aperture65. As a result, the cable tie60is held in place and the loads are transferred to the frame via the cable tie member61. In other respects the arrangement is similar toFIGS. 5 to 8and will be understood from the description of those Figures.

Referring now toFIGS. 13 and 14a,b, there is shown a modification to the cable tie bar and cable tie shown inFIGS. 5 to 8. In this embodiment, the cable tie70comprises a U-shaped clip71and the legs71a,bof the clip71are provided with annular beads72at the outer, free ends.

The cable tie member73has brackets74,75provided with slots74a,band75a,bto receive the beads72to secure the clips72and hold the trailing cable leads of plugs (not shown) inserted in a socket (not shown) to which a cover with cover panel and frame as described above is fitted.

In this embodiment, the slots74a,band75a,bare of cylindrical shape and the beads72are of conical shape tapering from one end to the other or vice versa. The narrower end is inserted into the aligned slot and the wider end is an interference fit in the slot to retain the bead in place and secure the cable ties73to the brackets74,75. This provides a strong, robust construction able to transfer effectively pulling forces applied to a cable to the frame via the tie bar.

The cover panel prevents access to the cable ties70in the closed position and the cable ties70transfer loads applied to the trailing cable leads to the frame via the cable tie member71to prevent the plugs being pulled out of the socket. In other respects the arrangement is similar toFIGS. 5 to 8and will be understood from the description of those Figures.

Referring now toFIGS. 15 to 17, there is shown a lockable cover80with an upper cover frame81and a lower, cable tie member82. The cover frame81is provided with a cover panel83movable between a closed position (FIG. 15) and an open position (FIG. 16).

The cable tie member82is provided with two cable aperture points in the form of U-shaped recesses84through which trailing leads of plugs (not shown) inserted in a socket (not shown) to which the cover80is secured can pass. The recesses84are provided with cable ties85in the form of flat plates86with indents86a.

In use, the trailing leads of plugs are seated in the recesses and the plates86slid into slots87at the front of the recesses to retain the cable in the recess84. When the cover panel83is closed and locked, the lower edge of the cover panel locates on top of and along the front edge of the cable tie member82.

A rib83aon the rear face of the cover panel83prevents the cable ties85being moved upwards and the slots87prevent the cable ties being moved forcibly outwards (forwards). As a result, the cable ties85are held in place and transfer any loads applied to the trailing cable leads to the frame via the cable tie member82to prevent the plugs being pulled out of the socket when the cover panel83is closed.

The cable ties85can be released once the cover panel83is moved to its open position. The cover panel83can be latched and locked in the closed position for security by any suitable key operated fastening means as described previously.

The cable ties described herein can be designed and manufactured to incorporate a sheath or shroud for the cable, as an all in one piece. The cable tie shroud (not pictured) could extend just a few centimetres, or enclose a cable of many meters, as far as the connection cable entry point to the appliance the plug is providing power to.

The cable tie shroud could be tailored by a factory or manually cut to size by the consumer. The material used for the shroud if manufactured as a one piece—would be much like the material used in the manufacture of garden hoses. The shroud could have a slit extending along it length for inserting a cable being held in place by the cable tie so as to be fully enclosed. The cable tie shroud could serve the many established purposes of a cable tidy; safety, neatness, organisation (e.g. cable trunking) security or even decor.

As will be appreciated, the cable ties described herein hold the cable lead in place and resist the application of effort or force to disconnect the plug by pulling the cable lead. The effectiveness of the cable tie is governed by the strength and robustness of the material the cable tie is manufactured from and the security of its fitting.

Other arrangements will be apparent to those skilled in the art and the invention is deemed to include all variations and modifications within the scope of the claims.

Although the invention has been described in connection with a cover for a wall mounted double socket, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to such arrangements and may be employed with single or multiple wall mounted sockets as well as free standing sockets, such as a multi point trailing socket or a video/data/modem jack point adaptor. For wall mounted sockets, the frame may located behind the faceplate and secured by the screws used to fasten the faceplate to the mounting box. Alternatively, the frame may be an integral part of the faceplate, for example the frame and faceplate may be either formed integrally such as by moulding or formed separately and permanently connected together such as by bonding or by non-releasable fasteners. It will also be understood that the invention covers any arrangement in which a plug and socket connector with cable lead is to be protected from attempts to disconnect the connector by pulling the cable lead and the terms plug and socket are to be construed accordingly.