Electrical outlet safety cover

• US 6,794,575 B1
• Filed: 09/28/1998
• Issued: 09/21/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 09/07/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Melvin R. Osborn, Theodore Mcbain
• Original Assignee: Melvin R. Osborn, Theodore Mcbain
• Inventors: McBain, Theodore, Osborn, Melvin R.
• Primary Examiner(s): REICHARD, DEAN ALAN
• Application Number:
  US09/162,387
• Time in Patent Office: 2,185 Days
• Field of Search: 174/67, 220/242, 335/28, 33D/IG.10, 439/137
• US Class Current: 174/67
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/443 Dummy plugs
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/447 Shutter or cover plate
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/453 Shutter or cover plate opened by engagement of counterpart
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 31/06 Intermediate parts for linking two coupling parts, e.g. adapter with a holder adapted for supporting apparatus to which its counterpart is attached H01R33/94
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 3/14 Fastening of cover or lid to box

Abstract

A safety cap for an electrical outlet having an adhesive section can be attached to a standard outlet cover. The adhesive section connects the electrical outlet safety cover to the electrical outlet. The safety cap includes prongs made of a non-electrically conductive material shaped to fit into the electrical outlet. The bendable section rotates the prongs from a position outside the electrical outlet to a position inside the electrical outlet.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a safety cap including prongs made of a non-electrically conductive material shaped to fit into an electrical outlet;

an adhesive section for connecting the apparatus to an electrical outlet cover plate; and

a bendable section for rotating the prongs from a position outside an electrical outlet to a position inside an electrical outlet.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is “

T”

shaped.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus has a hole to receive the central screw of an outlet cover plate.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adhesive section is frame-shaped such that it would surround the outlet on an electrical outlet cover plate.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a tab attached to the safety cap for removing the safety cap.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a ridge or bar that allows for popping-up the tab on the safety cap into a position that allows for the prongs of the safety cap to be removed from the electrical outlet.