Utility outlet guard

• Main Author: WASSERMAN; SAUL Z
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 11.05.1976
• Subjects: BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS; CURRENT COLLECTORS; ELECTRICITY; LINE CONNECTORS

This disclosure pertains to an apparatus facilitating convenient insertion and removal of electrical plugs into household utility outlets while providing a generally semi-hemispheric hollow dome shaped enclosure protecting the blades of a partially inserted plug from accidental contact by children or pets. The stationary portion of the shielding apparatus is comprised of slightly more than one half of a semi-hemisphere which is fastened permanently to the cover plate of the utility outlet. The remaining portion of the semi-hemisphere is comprised of two half semi-hemispheres each spring loaded to close against each other. When closed, the two movable half semi-hemispherical surfaces, combined with the stationary portion of the semi-hemisphere, create an enclosure generally semi-hemispheric in shape which totally encloses a portion of the line cord fastened to the plug, the plug, and the surface of the utility outlet receptacle. The axis of rotation of each half semi-hemisphere is normal to the plane of the utility outlet's face plate and coincident with the center of the outlet receptacle. A tab is fastened to each movable half semi-hemispheric surface adjacent the edges that contact each other which provides a convenient method for opening the half semi-hemispheres, enabling access to the plug whilst permitting the line cord adjacent the plug to be removed from the enclosure. Semi-hemispheric guard assemblies may be fastened to the cover plate providing protection for one or both convenience outlets in a duplex outlet receptacle. Mounting of the guard assembly to the face plate is accomplished to either the center face plate fastening screw or by utilizing a contact adhesive along the surface of the stationary portion of the semi-hemisphere engaging the surface of the face plate.