Electrical security device

• US 4,647,735 A
• Filed: 05/03/1985
• Issued: 03/03/1987
• Est. Priority Date: 05/03/1985
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Unimax Switch Corporation
• Original Assignee: Unimax Switch Corporation
• Inventors: Sicher, John D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Marcus, Stephen
• Assistant Examiner(s): Sholl, Linda J.
• Application Number:
  US06/730,338
• Time in Patent Office: 669 Days
• Field of Search: 200/43.22, 200/43.08, 200/43.02, 200/43.04, 200/333, 200/50 A, 200/50 B, 200/43.07, 200/43.06, 200/43.01, 200/61.62, 200/153 T, 220/345, 220/346, 220/242, 220/210, 70/158, 70/163-170, 339/37, 339/5 RL, 339/6 RL, 339/8 RL, 339/2 RL, 339/119 C, 339/147 C, 339/157 C
• US Class Current: 200/43.08
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2027/066 having anti-tamper provisions, e.g. avoiding the removal of the lock cylinder
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 27/06 Key inserted and then turned to effect operation of the switch
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/60 Means for supporting coupling part when not engaged
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/70 with built-in switch

Abstract

An electrical security apparatus includes an enclosure in which there is mounted an electrical receptacle which may be connected to a source of electrical power via its own power cord and plug. The enclosure is proportioned to receive the end of the power cord and the power plug of independently operated electrical device by plugging it into the electrical receptacle which makes direct connection to the power source provided in the apparatus through its power cord and plug. A keylock, operated by a removable key, is provided on the exterior of the enclosure. In the first position, the keylock, operated by a removable key, allows the top panel of the enclosure to be opened and closed. In the second position, the keylock locks the top panel and prevents removal of the power plug of the independently operated electrical device therefrom. In the third position, the keylock operates a switch to allow current to flow from the power source to the independently operated electrical device. The required use of the key to permit current flow to the electrical device prevents unauthorized use thereof.

Claims

1. An electrical security apparatus for an electrically operated device having a power cord and a power connector for connecting said power cord to a source of electrical power comprising,

housing means having a plurality of wall portions,

removable enclosing means mounted on said housing means,

electrical receptacle means mounted in said housing means capable of receiving said power connector,

power cable means connected to said electrical receptacle for connecting said electrical receptacle to a source of electrical power,

electrical switch means mounted in said housing, and capable of energizing and deenergizing said electrical receptacle means,

electrical connection means connecting said switch means and said electrical receptacle means,

locking means mounted on said housing and capable of a first unlocked position in which said enclosing means may be removed from said housing, a second position engaging said removable enclosing means to lock said removable enclosing means onto said housing means, and a third position also engaging said removable enclosing means, to lock said removable enclosing means onto said housing means and actuating said electrical switch means to energize said electrical receptacle means, said locking means comprising lock operating means, and said lock operating means comprising an elongated member having a first end capable of engaging said removable enclosing means and a second end capable of bearing on said switch means for the purpose of operating said switch means, and

retaining means for retaining said power connector of said electrically operated device within said housing, thereby limiting the operation of said device to persons capable of operating said locking means.

2. An electrical security apparatus according to claim 1, in which said locking means comprises a key lock.

3. An electrical security apparatus according to claim 1, in which said second end of said lock operating means comprises a cam portion.

4. An electrical security apparatus according to claim 1, in which said switch means includes switch lever means capable of operating said switch means when said switch lever means is actuated by said second end of said lock operating means.

5. An electrical security apparatus according to claim 1, in which said retaining means comprises a notch portion formed on a wall portion of said housing means with said notch portion proportioned of a size to accept said power cord and permit passage of said power cord through said wall of said housing means, and proportioned to prevent passage of said power connector through said wall of said housing means, and with said removable enclosing means overlying said notch portion, preventing removal of said power connector, thereby retaining said power connector within said housing means.

6. An electrical security apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising cylindrical core means disposed within said housing means for coiling intermediate portions of said power cord.

7. An electrical security apparatus according to claim 1, in which said removable enclosing means includes at least one projecting portion and in which said housing means includes at least one recessed portion with said projecting portion retained by said recessed portion when said removable enclosing means is mounted on said housing means.

8. An electrical security apparatus according to claim 1, in which said plurality of wall portions is disposed in the configuration of an open box.

9. An electrical security apparatus according to claim 1, in which said removable enclosing means includes a plurality of projecting portions and in which said housing means includes a plurality of recessed portions with said projecting portions retained by said recessed portion when said removable enclosing means is mounted on said housing means.

10. An electrical security apparatus according to claim 8, in which said plurality of wall portions is disposed in the configuration of a partially covered box.

11. An electrical security apparatus according to claim 9, in which said locking means engages one of said plurality of projecting portions when said locking means is in said second position and in said third position.

12. An electrical security apparatus according to claim 1, in which said removable enclosing means comprises a cover panel capable of a first position to expose the interior of said housing means and second position closing said housing means.