Switch blocking device

Abstract

A switch blocking device that is insertable into an open switch that prevents the switch from being closed, the device being sized and shaped to fit securely in a space between an open blade of the switch and fixed electrical contacts of the switch, the device having a handle that enables easy insertion and removal while also covering the live electrical blade.

Claims

1. A switch blocking device adapted to keep an electrical switch open, the switch blocking device comprising: blocking arms and a blocking wedge, the blocking wedge having an outer edge and an inner portion, the inner portion being narrower than the outer edge, the blocking wedge fitting into a space in the electrical switch that is made accessible by opening the electrical switch, the blocking arms fitting around and covering an electrically conductive open arm of the electrical switch when the blocking wedge is inserted into the space in the electrical switch; wherein the electrical switch is not closable when the switch blocking device is inserted into the open electrical switch.

2. The switch blocking device of claim 1, further comprising a handle that allows a user to insert and remove the blocking device and that extends over the open arm of the electrical switch.

3. The switch blocking device of claim 2, further including a tapered gap between the handle and the blocking wedge that enables a cover to be placed over the electrical switch.

4. The switch blocking device of claim 1, wherein the switch blocking device is made of an electrically insulating material.

5. The switch blocking device of claim 1, further comprising openings in the blocking arms that are sized to accept a fastener.

6. The switch blocking device of claim 1, wherein the blocking arms have outer edges and inner portions, the inner portions being narrower in width than the outer edges.

7. A switch blocking device adapted to keep an electrical switch open, the electrical switch including an electrically conductive blade that is moveably connected to an electrical hinge assembly and electrically conductive contacts, the switch blocking device comprising: a blocking wedge and blocking arms, the blocking wedge having an outer edge and an inner portion that is narrower than the outer edge, the blocking wedge fitting into a space in the electrical switch that is made accessible by opening the electrical switch, the blocking arms fitting around and covering the blade and hinge assembly when the blocking wedge is inserted into the space in the electrical switch; wherein the electrical switch is not closable when the switch blocking device is inserted into the open electrical switch.

8. The switch blocking device of claim 7, further comprising a handle that allows a user to insert and remove the blocking device and that extends over the open arm of the electrical switch.

9. The switch blocking device of claim 7, wherein the switch blocking device is made of an electrically insulating material.

10. The switch blocking device of claim 7, further comprising openings in the blocking arms that are sized to accept a fastener.

11. The switch blocking device of claim 7, wherein the blocking arms have outer edges and inner portions, the inner portions being narrower in width than the outer edges.

12. The switch blocking device of claim 11, further including a tapered gap between the handle and the blocking wedge that enables a cover to be placed over the electrical switch.

13. A switch blocking device adapted to keep an electrical switch open, the switch blocking device comprising: a blocking wedge and blocking arms, the blocking wedge fitting into a space in the electrical switch that is made accessible by opening the electrical switch, the blocking arms fitting around and covering an electrically conductive open arm of the electrical switch when the blocking wedge is inserted into the space in the electrical switch; a handle that allows a user to insert and remove the blocking device and that extends over the open arm of the electrical switch; a tapered gap between the handle and the blocking wedge that enables a cover to be placed over the electrical switch; and wherein the electrical switch is not closable when the switch blocking device is inserted into the open electrical switch.

14. The switch blocking device of claim 13, wherein the switch blocking device is made of an electrically insulating material.

15. The switch blocking device of claim 13, further comprising openings in the blocking arms that are sized to accept a fastener.

16. The switch blocking device of claim 13, wherein the blocking wedge has an outer edge and an inner portion that is narrower than the outer edge.

17. The switch blocking device of claim 16, wherein the blocking arms have outer edges and inner portions, the inner portions being narrower in width than the outer edges.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The present invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. The drawings are not drawn to scale.

(2) FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the blocking device according to the invention.

(3) FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the blocking device.

(4) FIG. 3 is a side view of the blocking device.

(5) FIG. 4 is a front view of the blocking device.

(6) FIG. 5 is top view an example set of test switches.

(7) FIG. 6 is to view an example of the blocking device in use on a number of test switches.

(8) FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of five blocking devices in use.

(9) FIG. 8 is a side view of a set of switches under a switch cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(10) The present invention will now be described more fully in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention should not, however, be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, they are provided so that this disclosure will be complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

(11) FIGS. 1-4 illustrate the switch blocking device 100 according to the invention, including a blocking wedge 10 and blocking arms 20. After a switch S that has an openable blade B that is movably connected to a hinge assembly A, and a set of contacts C, shown in FIGS. 5-7, is opened, the blocking device 100 is inserted into the opening O, with the wedge 10 fitting into the space vacated by the open side of the switch S and the arms 20 surrounding the blade B and covering the hinge assembly A of the switch S. The device 100 also has a handle 30 to allow an operator to easily insert and remove the device 100 and to cover the blade so as to prevent accidental or incidental contact with, for example, nearby tools and/or wires.

(12) In the embodiment shown, the arms 20 form a tapered “U” shape to allow for easy and secure insertion around the open side of the switch S. There is also a tapered gap 32 between the handle 30 and the wedge 10 that allows a test switch cover X, shown in FIG. 8, which commonly includes a horizontally oriented bar Y that extends downward into the switch area, to be installed while the device 100 is in place blocking the switch S.

(13) Also in the embodiment shown, the wedge 10 and arms 20 have outer sides, 12, 22, that are wider than inner portions 14, 24, of the wedge 10 and arms 20, which reduces the weight of the device as well as the amount of material that is required to manufacture the device. The outer sides 12, 22, are sized and shaped to create a secure fit when the device 100 is inserted into the open switch S. As shown in the figures, the outer sides 12, 22 are fairly straight leading down to the narrow inner portions 14, 24, however, the shape of the outer sides 12, 22, is largely a manufacturing decision and other shapes are also acceptable. For example, the outer sides 12, 22 may be tapered.

(14) The device is made of an electrically insulating material, for example, a thermoplastic such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or polylactide (PLA), and thus creates an electrical block to any electrical charge in addition to the physical block of the electrical charge created by the wedge 10 and arms 20.

(15) Openings 26 near the bottom of each arm 20 allow an operator to further secure the device 100 by use of a conventional fastener T, such as a cable tie or zip tie, an example of which is shown in FIG. 6. The fastener is made of an electrically insulating material.

(16) The device is dimensioned to allow it to fit securely into the typical test switch, the width such that the device fits snuggly without wobbling within the test switch S. The arms 20 are of the sufficient length to clear the blade of the switch S. The arms 20 may also end with a taper to aid in clearing the switch 30 blade. The end of the handle 30 may have a small knob or grip 34 to aid in device 100 extraction.

(17) It is understood that the embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention. Variations in the construction of the switch blocking device may be contemplated by one skilled in the art without limiting the intended scope of the invention herein disclosed and as defined by the following claims.