Patent Publication Number: US-10320122-B2

Title: Double side adjustable electrical cord securement device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED DOCUMENTS 
     The present application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/463,625 filed on Feb. 25, 2017. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention is in the field of hardware including casings and mechanisms for securing two components together and pertains particularly to methods and apparatus for securing two conjoining electric cord plug connectors together to preempt unintended disconnection. 
     2. Discussion of the State of the Art 
     In the field of electric devices and power cords there are many devices such as electric mowers, weed whackers, brush saws, masonry saws, power drills, etc. that require electrical connections in order to power the devices. The devices require power from an electrical outlet by way of an electrical power cord, either directly or via an extension power cord. Said power cords may include one of a variety of known electrical connectors. One example of connector is a typical two or three pronged plug connector (male) which may be attached by a power cord to a device requiring power. A power cord is used to connect the male connector on the device to a power source outlet. In some cases, where the device must be used further away from an outlet an extension power cord may be required to extend the power cord over a greater distance. 
     An extension cord consists of a female electrical receptacle connector and a male pronged connecter, connected by an electrical cable of a specific length. A male connector and a female connector may be conjoined creating a secure engaged connection. It is important both for efficiency and safety that the engaged connection remains connected; however, too often male to female connections may be accidentally disconnected, immediately cutting power from a device being used. An accidental disconnection potentially leads to wasted time in productivity, or possibly an injury for an operator using a high powered tool, for example a drill or chain saw. 
     Therefore, what is clearly needed is a plug connection securing device that may be adjusted to the size of any connectors being used, and that may be easily installed onto the power cords and connectors by a user. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides various embodiments for securing an electrical connection. One embodiment includes a first half having a cord end and an open end, and a second half having a cord end and an open end. The cord ends of the first and second half each may include a cord opening allowing a first and second cord, respectively, to pass through the opening while holding a first and second (male/female) electrical connector, each attached to a cord, and with the connectors engaged, the open ends include a means for securely attaching to each other thereby preventing disconnect of the engaged connectors. 
     Any embodiment described herein may be adapted wherein the cord ends of the first and second half each may include one or more cord openings allowing one or more first cords and one or more second cords to secure to pass through the one or more openings, while holding one or more first electrical connectors and one or more second electrical connectors, each attached to a cord, and with the one or connectors engaged, respectively, the open ends include a means for securely attaching to each other thereby preventing disconnect of the engaged connectors. 
     The means for securely attaching in any embodiment described herein may include at least one tooth on an extension arm on the first half, the arm extending through an arm opening to a tab on the second half positioned to engage the at least one tooth. Embodiments may also include multiple teeth positioned in a linear array on the arm, thereby enabling the tab to engage any one of the teeth thereby accommodating connectors of varying sizes. 
     One embodiment may include that each of the first and second halves include an arm with a tooth array on one side of each of the open ends and the arm opening with a tab on an opposing side of each of the open ends, thereby equalizing any force urging the connectors apart when the tabs are engaged with one of the multiple teeth. In any of the above embodiments, the first half and the second half may be identical. 
     In another embodiment, the cord end and the open end of each of the halves form a cylindrical shape. In this embodiment, instead of the securing means including the arm with tooth array, threads are provided on an inside surface near an open end of one half and matching threads on the second half enabling the threads to engage and hold the two halves together. In this embodiment, the distance between the two halves may be adjusted by the amount of turns made on the threads holding the two halves together. 
     Additionally, the cylindrical shaped area may include a slot connecting the open end and the cord opening, the cord opening and the slot having a diameter less than a width of the connectors. 
     A method of using the devices may be accomplished by providing the steps of providing a first half including a cord end and an open end, an arm opening in one position on the open end, then providing a second half including an arm extending away from the cord end, including at least one tooth. The arm then inserts through an arm opening on a second half having a fixed tab that engages the tooth, thus preventing the arm from withdrawing thereby holding the first and second halves together, and the engaged connectors. 
     Adjusting the distance between the two connected halves may be done by providing multiple teeth positioned in a linear array on the arm, thereby enabling the tab to engage any one of the teeth thereby accommodating connectors of varying sizes. In order to provide further stability between the connected halves, the first and second halves may both include the arm with tooth array on one side of each of the open ends and the arm opening with the tab on an opposing side of each of the open ends, thereby equalizing any force urging the connectors apart when the tabs are engaged with one of the multiple teeth. 
     In some embodiments of the method, the first half and the second half are identical. Additionally, the cord end and the open end of each of the halves may form a cylindrical shape, in most embodiments, but may also be a square or rectangular shape. 
     An additional embodiment specifically provides a first cylindrical half having a cord end and an open end and first threads on an inside surface of the open end, a second half, having a cord end and an open end including second threads on an outside surface of the open end, the threads mated with the first threads. This embodiment also may include that the cord ends of the first and second half each include a cord opening allowing a first and second cord to pass through the opening while holding a first and second electrical connector attached to each cord, and with the connectors engaged, the open ends may rotate in opposite directions in order to engage the first and second threads thereby preventing disconnect of the engaged connectors. In this embodiment substantial forces may be applied against the connected open ends while the threaded connection holds the engaged connectors in place. 
     This embodiment also provides that the cylindrical halves include a slot connecting the open end and the cord opening, the cord opening and the slot having a diameter less than a width of the connectors. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1 a    is a perspective view of one embodiment of the electrical cord securement device. 
         FIG. 1 b    provides end views of the outer cylindrical casing. 
         FIG. 1 c    provides end views of the inner cylindrical casing. 
         FIG. 1 d    is a perspective view of the cylindrical casings aligned encompassing and securing the engaged cord connection. 
         FIG. 2 a    is a perspective view of another embodiment of the electrical cord securement device. 
         FIG. 2 b    depicts end views of one of the identical casings. 
         FIG. 2 c    provides a section view and a front elevation view of the casings. 
         FIG. 2 d    is a perspective view of the two casings encompassing and securing the engaged cord connection. 
         FIG. 3 a    is a perspective view of a multi-cord embodiment of the device. 
         FIG. 3 b    provides side views of four sides of the identical casing elements. 
         FIG. 3 c    provides an end view of the two casings. 
         FIG. 3 d    is a perspective view of two identical casings encompassing and securing the engaged cord plug connections. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1 a    illustrates an embodiment of an electrical cord securement device  100 . The device is composed of an outer hollow cylindrical casing  101  and an inner hollow cylindrical casing  102 . Outer casing  101  is manufactured with female helical right-hand coarse threads  103  on the inner surface of a cylindrical portion of the casing. Casing  101  has a hollow hemispherical closed end  105  at distal end of casing, and is open at its mating end  114  of the casing. Outer casing  101  has a slotted opening  109  which runs parallel to a centerline along the length of the casing from open end  114  to a center point of end  105 . 
     As indicated in  FIG. 1 a   , inner casing  102  is manufactured with male coarse threads  104  mating to threads  103 . Similar to outer casing  101 , inner casing  102  also has a hollow hemispherical closed end  106  at the distal end, and an open mating end  115 . Inner casing  102  has a slotted opening  110  which runs parallel to the centerline of the casing and along length of the casing from end  115  to a center point of end  106 .  FIG. 1 a    shows an engaged connection  116  consisting of a male connector  111  mated to a female connector  112  and an electrical cord  113  which may be cradled in slotted opening  109 . A dimension C indicates the narrowest cross-sectional dimension of engaged connection  116 . 
       FIG. 1 b    provides end views of outer casing  101  having end  105  and mating end  114  allowing access to hollow interior  107  of casing  101 .  FIG. 1 b    shows electrical cords  113  cradled in slotted opening  109  in casing  101  parallel to its centerline as shown. The view showing the distal end  105  of the casing also indicates a width A of slotted opening  109  extending to a semicircular end of the slotted opening and a diameter B of cord  113 . Dimension A is greater than dimension B of cord  113  but is less than dimension C. The width of slot opening  109  allows cord  113  of lesser diameter to slide into place but the opening is narrow enough that the wider engaged connection  116  will be safely constrained inside the mated casings. 
       FIG. 1 c    provides and end view of inner casing  102  having an open mating end  115  allowing access to a hollow interior  108  of inner casing and an end view of closed end  106 . The hollow area  108  inside the inner casing may be of any size when casings  101  and  102  are conjoined that can accommodate the engaged connection  116 , for example 1½ inches or greater in diameter, and 2 inches to 6 inches deep. 
     The casings may be constructed of any sturdy moldable material, for example polymers including durable UV-resistant plastic with some flexibility to reduce potential for breakage. In one embodiment coarse threads are incorporated in lieu of finer threads to facilitate rotating together by the user without cross threading, to advance the movement of the casing elements together with less effort, and to reduce the potential for grit to cause the threads to bind. 
       FIG. 1 a    illustrates that to use this device connectors  111  and  112  are engaged and electrical cord  113  is fitted into slotted openings  109  and  110  in each casing  101  and  102  respectively. The user moves casings  101  and  102  linearly along extension cords  113  as indicated by directional arrows in  FIG. 1 a    until the casings meet, encompassing engaged connection  116  within the hollow body of the casings. 
       FIG. 1 d    indicates, as casing elements  101  and  102  align, the user rotates one or both of the casings, in opposing normal right-hand thread directions as indicated by the rotational arrows, thus engaging threads  103  and  104  together. Rotating as indicated advances threaded casing elements  101  and  102  along their common centerline and that of electrical cords  113  and the overall length of the conjoined casings is reduced bringing hollow hemispherical ends  105  and  106  closer together they come in contact with engaged connection  116  within. When casing ends  105  and  106  are both in contact with engaged connection  116  and casings are rotated hand-tight engaged connection  116  is held securely and protected from unintentional disconnection. 
     When use of the cord securement device is no longer required, the user will rotate one or both of the casing elements in opposing left-hand direction until they are no longer conjoined. Cord connectors  111  and  112  may then be disengaged. When no longer in use, casings may be rotated together conjoining them over one of the extension cord connectors for convenient storage and safe keeping. 
       FIG. 2 a    depicts another embodiment of an electrical cord securement device. Securing device  200  is composed of two identical casing elements  201   a  and  201   b . As casing elements  201   a  and  201   b  are identical element numbers and witness lines are not repeated on both  201   a  and  201   b . Casing element  201   a  has a hollow cylindrical body  202  with a closed surface  203  at the distal end and an open mating surface  204  on the other end allowing access to a hollow interior area  205  of the casing. Incorporated on one side of cylindrical body  202  of casing is an arm  206  extending past mating surface  204  as shown. Arm  206  has an array of teeth  207  arranged along its length and is tapered at its leading end. Incorporated on the opposing side of body  202  from arm  206  is a rectangular latch frame  208 . A latch opening  209  is incorporated in latch frame  208  into which a latch assembly  210  is installed. Casing element  201   a  has a slot opening  214  that runs parallel to a centerline of casing  201   b  from mating surface  204  to distal end surface  203  and then across the distal end surface to its center point.  FIG. 2 a    shows an engaged connection  221  consisting of a male connector  215  mated to a female connector  216  and an electrical cord  217  which may be cradled in slotted openings  214  in casings  201   a  and  201   b . Dimension F indicates the narrowest cross-sectional dimension of engaged connection  221 . 
       FIG. 2 b    provides end views of casing  201   a . This figure provides end views from distal closed end  203  and open mating surface  204 , and the hollow area  205  inside casing  201   a . Latch assembly  210  consists of a latch  211  which is affixed to and rotates about a latch hinge pin  212  installed in latch frame  208  and a latch spring  213 . Latch  211  has two ends, a latch engaging end  218  and a latch release end  219 . Latch spring  213  is installed on latch hinge pin  212  between latch frame  208  and engaging end  218  of latch  211 . In this position spring  213  holds engaging end  218  in a semi-closed position against body  202  of casing  201   a.    
       FIG. 2 c    provides a cross section of casing element  201   a  and a front elevation view of identical casing element  201   b . This figure more clearly illustrates how the identical casings  201   a  and  201   b  align. The arrow shows the direction of rotation to operate latch release  219 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 2 b    electrical cords  217  are cradled in slotted openings  214  parallel to the centerline as shown in these end views. A dimension D indicates width of slotted opening  214  and diameter of the semicircular end and a dimension E indicates diameter of a typical cord. Dimension D is greater than dimension E but is smaller than dimension F. The width of slot opening  214  allows a cord  217  of lesser diameter to slide into place, but the opening is narrow enough that the larger width of the engaged connection  221  will keep the connection safely constrained inside the mated casings. 
     Hollow area  205  inside the conjoined casings may be of any size that can accommodate engaged connection  221 , for example it may be 1½ inches or greater in diameter, and 2 inches to 6 inches deep. The overall length of the conjoined casings is adjustable to accommodate various lengths of connectors depending on the number of the teeth  207  and length of arms  206 . 
     Casings  201   a  and  201   b , arms  206 , latch frames  208 , and latches  211  may be constructed of any sturdy moldable material, for example polymers including durable UV-resistant plastic with some flexibility to reduce potential for breakage. Latch hinge pin  212  and latch spring  213  may be constructed of metal, plastic, metalloid, or any other suitable material. 
       FIG. 2 a    illustrates that to use this device, connectors  215  and  216  are engaged and electrical cords  217  are cradled in slotted openings  214  in casings  201   a  and  201   b  parallel the centerline as shown. The user moves casings  201   a  and  201   b  linearly together as indicated by the directional arrows in  FIG. 2   a.    
       FIG. 2 c    illustrates how the user aligns casing elements  201   a  and  201   b  together linearly so that tapered arms  206  on each casing can be inserted into matching latch openings  209  in latch frames  208 . As the user continues to move the casing elements linearly together, each arm  206  advances through latch opening  209 , forcing the spring loaded latch engaging end  218  to retract slightly to accommodate advancing teeth  207 . 
     Latch engaging end  218  is then forced by latch spring  213  to close behind each advancing tooth  207 . As engaging ends  218  close behind teeth  207 , elements  201   a  and  201   b  cannot be separated unless the user depresses both latch releases  219  simultaneously in the direction of rotation indicated by the arrow in this figure. Pressing latch releases  219  causes latches  211  to rotate about latch hinge pins  212  which retract the opposing engaging ends  218  from behind the teeth  207  on arms  206 . The back side of each tooth  207  is canted slightly away from perpendicular to arm  206  to allow for smooth rotation and release of the latch engaging end  218  from the tooth. 
       FIG. 2 d    depicts casings  201   a  and  201   b  in a closed and secured position. The user continues to slide casings  201   a  and  201   b  toward each other until the inside surfaces of hollow distal ends  203  (not shown) of casings are both in contact with engaged connection  221  or until mating surfaces  204  (not shown) come in contact with each other. Engaged connection  216  (not shown) is held securely together and protected from unintentional disconnection via latch assemblies  210 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 2 c   , when the cord securement device is no longer required, the user will depress latch releases  219  simultaneously and slide casings  201   a  and  201   b  away from each other until teeth  207  on arms  206  are no longer held by latch engaging ends  218  and casings are no longer conjoined. Cord connectors  215  and  216  can then be disengaged. When no longer in use, casings  201   a  and  201   b  may be slid together as described herein, securing them together over one of the extension cord connector ends for convenient storage and safe keeping. As an alternative, a tether hole  220  is included in each of the two casings to allow them to be attached with a tethering device (not shown). 
       FIG. 3 a    depicts another embodiment of an electrical cord securement system. Securement device  300  is composed of two identical casing elements  301   a  and  301   b . Casing  301   a  has a hollow cubic body with rounded ends and has a closed surface at the distal end  302  and an open mating surface  303  allowing access to a hollow interior  304  of the casing. Incorporated on a flat side  315  of casing  301   a  is an arm  305  which extends past mating surface  303 . Arm  305  has an array of teeth  306  arranged along its length and the arm is tapered at the leading end. On the opposing flat side  315  from arm  305  is a C-shaped clip  307  and a depressed channel  308 . C-clip  307  may be molded as an integral part of and of the same material as casing  301   a  as shown, or created of another material and affixed separately to the casing. C-clip  307  includes two ends that are configured to attach to flat side  315  of the casing. Near the mating surface  303  C-clip  307  bends slightly away from a centerline of the device. C-clip  307  and depressed channel  308  together create an opening  309  which can easily receive the tapered end of arm  305 . Opening  309  receives arm  305  such that it is adjacent to casing  301   a  along channel  308 . C-clips  307  shall be flexible enough to allow them to retract as teeth  306  on arms  305  are inserted through opening  309  and to release clip  307  from the teeth and disengage casings  301   a  and  301   b  from each other.  FIG. 3 a    shows an engaged connection  318  consisting of one (or more) male connector(s)  313  mated to a female connector  314  and electrical cords  312  which may be cradled in slotted openings  310  and  311 . A dimension I indicates the narrowest cross-sectional dimension of the engaged connection  318 . Casing element  301   b  is identical to element  301   a  having all of the same elements and identification numbers. 
       FIG. 3 b    provides views of four sides of casing  301   a . This figure shows a single-cord slot opening  310  that runs parallel to but offset from the centerline on one flat side  315  of casing  301   a  from the meeting surface  303  and to the distal end  302  and then to the center of the distal end.  FIG. 3 b    also shows that each casing also has a multiple-cord slot opening  311  which runs along a longitudinal center line originating at short side  316 . Multi-cord slot opening  311  ends in a semicircular configuration centered at surface  302 . 
       FIG. 3 c    provides an end view of the electrical cord securement system  300  as depicted in  FIG. 3 a   . The end view shows continuation of slot  311  along one side. This figure shows a relative alignment of arms  305  and corresponding C-clips  307  on casings  301   a  and  301   b . C-clips  307  as shown are at rest, but may be lifted away from the casings in the direction indicated by the rotational arrow. 
     In  FIG. 3 b    electrical cord  312  is indicated in slotted opening  311  in the two center views of casing  301   a . A dimension G indicates the width of slotted opening  310  and  311  and diameter of the semi-circular ends of the openings. Width G of slots  310  and  311  are equal. A dimension H represents the diameter of a typical cord  312 . Width G is greater than dimension H. The greater widths G of slot openings  310  and  311  allow cords  312  to slide into casings  301   a  and  301   b , but the openings are narrower than dimension I indicated in  FIG. 3 a    of engaged connection  318  such that the connection will be safely constrained within the conjoined casing. It is understood that dimensions for slots  310  and  311 , and cords  312  are identical between casings  301   a  and  301   b . Hollow area  304  inside the conjoined casings may be of any size that can accommodate engaged male and female connectors, for example it may be 1½ inches or greater along short side  316  of casing, 5 inches or greater along the width of flat side  315  of casing, and 4 inches to 6 inches deep to accommodate a multiple plug connector engaged to individual connectors or multiple individual pairs of connectors. The overall length of the conjoined casings is adjustable to accommodate various lengths of connectors depending on the number of teeth  306  and length of arm  305  that are engaged by C-clip  307 . 
     Casings and attached elements may be constructed of any sturdy moldable material, for example polymers including durable UV-resistant plastic with some flexibility to reduce potential for breakage. 
       FIG. 3 a    illustrates closing and securing casings  301   a  and  301   b  about an engaged connection  318 . In this embodiment, one or more male connector(s)  313  are engaged to a female multi-receptacle connector  314  and electrical cords  312  are slipped into openings  310  and  311  as shown such that they are parallel to the centerline. The user moves casing elements  301   a  and  301   b  linearly along cords  312  as indicated by the directional arrows in this figure until tabs  305  on one casing are aligned with matching C-clip openings  309  on the other casing. As the user continues to move casing elements together each arm  305  advances through C-clip opening  309 . C-clips  307  are forced to flex slightly away from the casing to accommodate advancing teeth  306 . As teeth  306  advance past C-clip opening  309 , the clip relaxes to its original position effectively closing behind teeth  306  and preventing movement of arm  305  in an opposite direction. 
       FIG. 3 c    shows the direction the user lifts clip  307  away from the casing to unclip it from teeth  306  as indicated by the rotational arrow. As C-clips  307  rest behind teeth  306  casing elements  310   a  and  301   b  cannot be separated unless the user lifts both C-clips simultaneously. When both clips  307  are lifted far enough in direction indicated to clear withdrawing teeth  306 , arms  305  can be withdrawn through C-clip openings  309 . The back side of each tooth  306  is shaped so its surface is canted slightly away from perpendicular to allow for the smooth outward lifting of C-clip  307  releasing it from behind the tooth. 
       FIG. 3 d    illustrates that as the user continues to slide casings  301   a  and  301   b  toward each other until hollow distal ends  302  are both in contact with the engaged connection  318  within which is then held securely together and protected from unintentional disconnection. 
     When the cord securement device is no longer required, the user lifts C-clip  307  and slides casings  301   a  and  301   b  linearly away from each other as described herein until casings  301   a  and  301   b  are no longer conjoined. Electrical connectors  313  and  314  may then be disengaged. When no longer in use casings  301   a  and  301   b  may be slid together over one of the extension cord connectors securing them for convenient storage and safe keeping. As an alternative, a tether hole  317  is included in each of the casings to allow them to be attached with a tethering device (not shown). 
     It will be apparent to one with skill in the art that there may be variant architectures and hardware additions that may be provided to the base electrical cord securement assembly without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, such as a flexible cord to tether two casings together when not in use. 
     It will be apparent to the skilled person that the arrangement of elements and functionality for the invention is described in different embodiments in which each is exemplary of an implementation of the invention. These exemplary descriptions do not preclude other implementations and use cases not described in detail. The elements and functions may vary, as there are a variety of ways the hardware may be implemented within the scope of the invention. The invention is limited only by the breadth of the claims below.