Computerized plug lock

• US 6,454,579 B1
• Filed: 09/13/2001
• Issued: 09/24/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 09/13/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Carolyn E. Davis
• Original Assignee: Carolyn E. Davis
• Inventors: Davis, Carolyn E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Abrams, Neil
• Assistant Examiner(s): DUVERNE, JEAN F
• Application Number:
  US09/950,752
• Time in Patent Office: 376 Days
• Field of Search: 439/133, 439/134, 439/304, 439/535, 439/901, 439/915, 70/52, 70/63, 702/77, 702/78, 70/54, 70/55, 70/57, 70/58, 340/825.69, 340/825.22
• US Class Current: 439/134
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6397 with means for preventing unauthorised use

Abstract

A locking device for an electrical plug. The device has a housing and a cover which can be opened only with a coded key pad. The housing has internal contacts which allow the plug to be connected to a standard receptacle, or which allow the plug to be disconnected from the contacts in the housing to allow the plug to be electrically disconnected from the receptacle.

Claims

1. A locking device for an electrical receptacle comprising:

a housing having a hinged cover which can be closed and latched, said housing having a first plug means for electrical connection to an electrical power supply,

a second plug means for connection to an electrically operated apparatus, said housing having electrical contact means for receiving said second plug means,

when said electrical contact means is said housing is engaged with said second plug means electrical power will be supplied to said electrically operated apparatus,

a locking means for locking said hinged cover to said housing, said locking means having preselected keys that are programmable to permit the opening of the hinged cover only when preselected keys of the locking means are actuated in a preselected order, and

an alarm operatively associated with said locking means, said alarm being actuated when the cover is opened without said preselected keys being actuated in the preselected order.

2. The locking device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second plug means

has a power conduit connected to the second plug means,

said power conduit extends from the housing,

said housing having an opening smaller than said second plug means to prevent the second plug means from being withdrawn from said housing without opening said hinged cover.

3. The locking device as claimed in claim 2, wherein said cover has a latch which is received by an opening in the locking means.

4. The locking device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said alarm is an audio alarm.