Utility lock-out apparatus

Details Utility lock-out apparatus Utility lock-out apparatus

2000-02-10

2001-10-30

Reichard, Dean A. (Department: 2831)

Electricity: conductors and insulators

Covers or face plates

With closure for face plate opening

C174S066000, C220S241000, C220S242000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06310291

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a lock-out apparatus for power outlet assemblies, electrical switch assemblies, communication outlet assemblies, cable outlet assemblies or the like.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventional power outlet assemblies, electrical switch assemblies, communication outlet assemblies, cable outlet assemblies, or the like, are f freely accessible to individuals, such as children, who may utilize such assemblies contrary to instructions they may have previously received. A need exists for a convenient and inexpensive device which will enable individuals to selectively preclude access by others to power outlet assemblies, electrical switch assemblies, communication outlet assemblies, cable outlet assemblies, or the like. The related art is represented by the following patents of interest.
U.S. Design Pat. No. 189,350, issued on Nov. 29, 1960 to Frank G. Bellek, shows an ornamental design for an outdoor receptacle cover. Bellek does not suggest a utility lock-out apparatus according to the claimed invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,119,428, issued on May 31, 1938 to Lillian G. Englar, describes an electrical receptacle plate with protective means for automatically closing or covering of the electrical contact apertures in the standard types of electrical outlet fixtures. Englar does not suggest a utility lock-out apparatus according to the claimed invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,096,409, issued on Jul. 2, 1963 to Harvey Hubbell et al., describes a switch plate locking cover attachment. Hubbell et al. do not suggest a utility lock-out apparatus according to the claimed invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,200,989, issued on Aug. 17, 1965 to Harvey Hubbell, describes a locking weatherproof cover attachment for an electrical outlet box. Hubbell does not suggest a utility lock-out apparatus according to the claimed invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,733,029, issued on Mar. 22, 1988 to Yoshiaki Kobayashi et al., describes an operating handle locking device for an electrical switchgear. Kobayashi et al. do not suggest a utility lock-out apparatus according to the claimed invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,882,456, issued on Nov. 21, 1989 to Steven F. Hovanic et al., describes a locking device for attachment to a switch or circuit breaker for locking a switch handle in a predetermined position. Hovanic et al. do not suggest a utility lock-out apparatus according to the claimed invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,978,816, issued on Dec. 18, 1990 to Roger N. Castonguay et al., describes a circuit breaker handle interlock arrangement whereby the circuit breaker handle can only be locked in its OFF position when the circuit breaker contacts are actually separated. Castonguay et al. do not suggest a utility lock-out apparatus according to the claimed invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,243,135, issued on Sep. 7, 1993 to Michael J. Shotey, describes an electrical outlet cover lock. Shotey does not suggest a utility lock-out apparatus according to the claimed invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,260,528, issued on Nov. 9, 1993 to Steven J. Benda, describes a device for locking wall switching means against actuation by unauthorized persons. Benda does not suggest a utility lock-out apparatus according to the claimed invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,310,969, issued on May 10, 1994 to Mark E. Turek et al., describes a lockout adapted for attachment to the handle of a switch to maintain it at one extremity of travel, and thus to maintain the switch in one electrical state. Turek et al. do not suggest a utility lock-out apparatus according to the claimed invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,324,897, issued on Jun. 28, 1994 to Aaron D. Melgoza et al., describes a switch locking device for an electrical toggle switch. Melgoza et al. do not suggest a utility lock-out apparatus according to the claimed invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,535,096, issued on Jul. 9, 1996 to Paul L. Cliff, Jr., describes an electrical safety lock-out device which prevents the insertion of an electrical power cord into an electrical power cord receptacle of an electrical appliance. Cliff, Jr. does not suggest a utility lock-out apparatus according to the claimed invention.
Australian Patent document 404,976, published on Sep. 19, 1968, describes a locking device for use with a switch of the handle operated type. Australian '976 does not suggest a utility lock-out apparatus according to the claimed invention.
Germany Patent document 1,944,612, published on Mar. 25, 1971, describes a plug socket safety cover. Germany '612 does not suggest a utility lock-out apparatus according to the claimed invention.
Great Britain Patent document 2 204 454 A, published on Mar. 30, 1989, describes an electrical switch locking device. Great Britain '454 does not suggest a utility lock-out apparatus according to the claimed invention.
Japan Patent document 3-58498, published on Mar. 13, 1991, describes a protection cover of an actuating component that has an attaching structure. Japan '498 does not suggest a utility lock-out apparatus according to the claimed invention.
None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singularly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a utility lock-out apparatus for power outlet assemblies, electrical switch assemblies, communication outlet assemblies, cable outlet assemblies, or the like. The utility lock-out apparatus may be configured in the form of a power outlet face plate, an electrical switch face plate, a communication outlet face plate, a cable outlet face plate, or the like, wherein the particular utility lock-out face plate includes at least one longitudinal element that extends from the surface of the face plate at a particular location for a desired distance above the surface of the face plate. Each longitudinal element also includes a hole having a size configured for enabling a lock bar of a conventional locking means to pass therethrough. The particular utility lock-out face plate provides the ability of a user to lock-out access to one or more power outlets, electrical switches, communication outlets, cable outlets, or the like. The particular utility lock-out face plate may be made from any desirable material, such as metal, plastic, wood, etc.
The utility lock-out apparatus may also be configured in the form of an attachment to a conventional power outlet face plate, a conventional electrical switch face plate, a conventional communication outlet face plate, a conventional cable outlet face plate, or the like, wherein the particular utility lock-out attachment includes a base element and at least one longitudinal element that extends from the surface of the base element at a particular location for a desired distance above the surface of the utility lock-out attachment. Each longitudinal element includes a hole having a size configured for enabling a lock bar of a conventional locking means to pass therethrough. The particular utility lock-out attachment provides the ability of a user to lock-out access to one or more power outlets, electrical switches, communication outlets, cable outlets, or the like. The particular utility lock-out attachment may be made from any desirable material, such as metal, plastic, wood, etc.
Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a utility lock-out apparatus for power outlet assemblies, electrical switch assemblies, communication outlet assemblies, cable outlet assemblies, or the like.
It is another object of the invention to provide a utility lock-out apparatus configured in the form of a power outlet face plate, electrical switch face plate, a communication outlet face plate, a cable outlet face plate, or the like.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a utility lock-out apparatus configured in the form of an attachment to a conventional power outlet face plate, a conventional electrical switch face plate, a conventional communication outlet face plate, a conventional cable outlet face plate, or the like.
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