Electric receptacle with locking feature
First Claim
1. An electrical receptacle unit with locking feature comprising:
- a receptacle adapted to be electrically connected to a source of electricity, the receptacle includingan electrical fitting having electrical contacts contained therein and/or extending therefrom,a socket surrounding the electrical fitting, anda plate disposed at a front of the socket; and
a locking bracket includinga central portion having first and second ends,a lock tab extending from a side of the central portion, anda pair of support arms, each extending forwardly from a respective one of the first and second ends;
wherein the locking bracket is pivotably secured to the plate, with at least a portion of each support arm positioned within a respective notched area of the plate; and
wherein the locking bracket is pivotable relative to the plate between a first position, whereby a plug electrically seated within the socket is unobstructed, and a second position, whereby the plug electrically seated within the socket is obstructed from removal by the lock tab.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
An electrical receptacle unit with locking feature includes a receptacle adapted to be electrically connected to a source of electricity. The receptacle includes an electrical fitting having electrical contacts contained therein and/or extending therefrom, a socket surrounding the electrical fitting, and a plate disposed at a front of the socket. The electrical receptacle unit further includes a locking bracket that includes a central portion having first and second ends, a lock tab extending from a side of the central portion, and a pair of support arms, each extending forwardly from a respective one of the first and second ends. The locking bracket is pivotably secured to the plate, with at least a portion of each support arm positioned within a respective notched area of the plate. The locking bracket is pivotable relative to the plate between a first position, whereby a plug electrically seated within the socket is unobstructed, and a second position, whereby the plug electrically seated within the socket is obstructed from removal by the lock tab.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. An electrical receptacle unit with locking feature comprising:
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a receptacle adapted to be electrically connected to a source of electricity, the receptacle including an electrical fitting having electrical contacts contained therein and/or extending therefrom, a socket surrounding the electrical fitting, and a plate disposed at a front of the socket; and a locking bracket including a central portion having first and second ends, a lock tab extending from a side of the central portion, and a pair of support arms, each extending forwardly from a respective one of the first and second ends; wherein the locking bracket is pivotably secured to the plate, with at least a portion of each support arm positioned within a respective notched area of the plate; and wherein the locking bracket is pivotable relative to the plate between a first position, whereby a plug electrically seated within the socket is unobstructed, and a second position, whereby the plug electrically seated within the socket is obstructed from removal by the lock tab. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method of securing a plug to an electrical receptacle unit comprising:
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providing an electrical receptacle unit having a female electrical fitting with a surrounding receptacle unit socket, a plate disposed at a front of the receptacle unit socket, and a locking bracket having first and second support arms arranged to extend forwardly from opposite sides of a central portion, wherein the locking bracket is pivotably secured to the plate via one or more hinge pins, wherein at least a portion of each support arm is received within a respective notched area of the plate; providing a plug having a male electrical fitting with male electrical contacts extending therefrom and a plug socket that surrounds the male electrical contacts; positioning the plug within the receptacle unit socket to establish an electrical connection therewith; and pivoting the locking bracket relative to the plate from a first position, whereby the plug is unobstructed, to a second position, whereby a portion of the locking bracket obstructs the plug from removal. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification