Abstract
A lockout device for preventing an electrical switch from being turned either ON or OFF while the lockout device is attached to the switch. The present lockout device can be capable of quick and easy attachment to the switch and can be secured to the switch with a padlock or similar locking device. The present lockout device can also have a peg for attaching a lockout tag, which prevents the tag from being removed while the lockout device is connected to a switch.
Claims
1. A lockout device comprising: a housing comprising a housing opening; a frame located within the housing opening, wherein the frame comprises a front end further comprising a front frame opening and a rear end further comprising a rear frame opening, and the frame further comprising a rear clutch comprising a rear clutch opening connected to the rear end of the frame and a front clutch comprising a front clutch opening connected to the front end of the frame; a sliding bar having a first end and a second end, wherein a jaw, having primary jaw teeth and secondary jaw teeth, is connected to the first end of the sliding bar and the second end of the slide bars configured to pass through the front clutch opening, the front frame opening, then the rear clutch opening, and the rear frame opening; and a handle having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is pivotably connected to both the housing and the frame and is configured to move between an open configuration wherein the second end of handle is away from the bar and a closed configuration wherein the second end of the handle is closer to the bar, wherein movement of the handle from the open configuration to the closed configuration causes the jaw to move toward the frame.
2. The lockout device described in claim 1, wherein the handle comprises a loophole at its second end configured to accept a padlock shank.
3. The lockout device described in claim 2, wherein the loophole is configured such that placing the padlock shank through the loophole when the lockout device is in a closed configuration prevents the handle from moving into the open configuration.
4. The lockout device described in claim 1, wherein the rear clutch acts as a release when moved into a position roughly perpendicular to the sliding bar, allowing the sliding bar to pass through a rear clutch opening.
5. The lockout device described in claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a peg configured to receive a lockout tag hole.
6. The lockout device described in claim 5, wherein the handle is configured to lock a lockout tag onto the peg when the handle is in the closed configuration.
7. The lockout device as described in claim 4, wherein the handle is configured to prevent access to the rear clutch when the handle is in the closed configuration.
8. The lockout device described in claim 1, wherein the frame comprises frame teeth.
9. The lockout device described in claim 8, wherein the primary jaw teeth, secondary jaw teeth, and frame teeth comprise a serrated metal edge.
10. The lockout device described in claim 1 wherein the jaw further comprises tertiary jaw teeth.
11. The lockout device as described in claim 10, wherein the primary jaw teeth, secondary jaw teeth, tertiary jaw teeth, and frame teeth comprise a serrated metal edge.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) Further features and advantages of the present device, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present device, will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:
(2) FIG. 1 is a top, front and left-side perspective view of a lockout device, shown in a closed configuration, according to an embodiment;
(3) FIG. 2 is a exploded perspective view of a lockout device, according to an embodiment;
(4) FIG. 3 is a left-side view of a lockout device, shown in a closed configuration, according to an embodiment;
(5) FIG. 4 is a top, rear and left-side perspective view of a lockout device, shown in a closed configuration, according to an embodiment;
(6) FIG. 5 is a bottom and left-side perspective view of a lockout device, shown in an open configuration, according to an embodiment;
(7) FIG. 6A is a top, rear and right-side perspective view of a lockout device, shown in an open configuration, and a circuit breaker switch, according to an embodiment;
(8) FIG. 6B is a top, rear and right-side perspective view of a lockout device, shown in an open configuration, and a circuit breaker switch, wherein a lockout tag has been connected to the lockout device, according to an embodiment;
(9) FIG. 6C is a top, rear and right-side perspective view of a lockout device, shown in a closed configuration, that has been connected to a circuit breaker switch, according to an embodiment;
(10) FIG. 6D is a top, rear and right-side perspective view of a lockout device, shown in a closed configuration, that has been connected to a circuit breaker switch, wherein a padlock has been connected to the lockout device, according to an embodiment; and
(11) FIG. 7 is a left-side transparent view of a lockout device, shown in a closed configuration, according to an embodiment.
(12) FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a double lockout device, according to an embodiment.
(13) FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a triple lockout device, according to an embodiment.
(14) FIG. 10 is a front view of a double lockout device, shown in a closed configuration, which has been connected to two circuit breaker switches, according to an embodiment.
(15) FIG. 11 is a front view of a triple lockout device, shown in a closed configuration, which has been connected to three circuit breaker switches, according to an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(16) This description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description, relative terms such as lower, upper, horizontal, vertical,, above, below, up, down, top and bottom as well as derivative thereof (e.g., horizontally, downwardly, upwardly, etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as connected and interconnected, refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.
(17) The present lockout device can comprise an attachment mechanism that is similar to that used by many existing bar clamps. Specifically, the present lockout device can comprise a dual clutch plate mechanism capable of both moving a slide bar through openings located in each of the clutch plates and locking the slide bar in a particular position. In an embodiment, this dual clutch plate mechanism can be actuated by a handle and the sliding bar can be actuated by moving the handle radially about a pivot point located on the lockout device between an open configuration and a closed configuration. This attachment mechanism can be far easier to operate than those comprising other lockout devices, which require the use of a thumbscrew to initially connect the lockout device to a circuit breaker switch or similar electrical switch.
(18) FIG. 1 is a top, front and left-side perspective view of a lockout device 100, shown in a closed configuration, according to an embodiment. The present lockout device 100 can be a clamping device configured to be securely connected to a circuit breaker switch (not pictured), or similar switch. Any lockout device that can easily become dislodged from the circuit breaker switch to which it has been attached would be completely ineffective. Therefore, this connecting capability is of paramount importance to the overall functionality of any lockout device. Here, the clamping aspect of the present lockout device 100 can be achieved by a mechanism closely resembling that of many bar clamps. Not only can this design provide an extremely secure connection between the lockout device 100 and a circuit breaker switch, it can also be easy to operate, allowing for speedy connection and removal.
(19) FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of a lockout device 100, according to an embodiment. In this figure, each of the pieces comprising a particular embodiment of the lockout device 100 can be viewed. In an embodiment, the lockout device 100 can comprise a housing 201, to which many other parts of the lockout device 100 can be connected. The housing 201 can comprise a housing opening 221 at one end and a housing slot 222 at its opposite end. The housing 201 can also comprise a peg 202, which can be configured to receive a lockout tag (not shown in FIG. 2) comprising an opening of sufficient size and shape to receive the peg 202, thus attaching the lockout tag to the lockout device 100. In an embodiment, the housing 201 can connect to a frame 203, at the housing opening 221, by rivets 204 or other similar connecting devices. The frame 203 can comprise one or more openings 215 configured to allow a sliding bar 209 to pass though the frame 203. In an embodiment, the frame 203 can be the point of connection for many of the remaining parts of the lockout device's 100 including: a large spring 205, a small spring 206, a front clutch 207, a rear clutch 208, the sliding bar 209 and frame teeth 212. A jaw 210 can be connected to the sliding bar 209 and jaw teeth 211 can be connected to the jaw 210. Both the rear clutch 208 and the front clutch 207 can comprise openings 214 near their respective centers, each opening 214 can be configured to allow the sliding bar 209 to pass though both the rear clutch 208 and the front clutch 207. The sliding bar 209 can comprise a first end 219 and a second end 229, wherein the jaw 210 can be securely connected to the first end 219 of the bar 209 and the second end 229 can be placed though the openings 214 comprising both the rear clutch 208, the front clutch 207 and the frame 203. A handle 213 can be pivotably attached to both the housing 201 and the frame 203 by one or more rivets 204 or a similar attachment device.
(20) FIG. 3 is a left-side view of a lockout device 100, shown in a closed configuration, according to an embodiment. After the lockout device 100 has been connected to a switch, a padlock (not pictured) can be connected to the lockout device 100 through the use of a loophole 301 comprising the handle 213, according to an embodiment. A padlock's shackle (not shown in FIG. 3) can be placed through the loophole 301 such that it cannot be removed without first unlocking the padlock. In order to secure the lockout device 100 to a circuit breaker switch, the lockout device 100 can be in placed into a closed configuration as shown in both FIGS. 1 and 3, wherein the handle 213 can be placed parallel to a back of a housing body 201 and throughout the housing slot (not shown in FIG. 3). By placing the shackle of a padlock through the loophole 301 when the lockout device 100 is in the closed configuration, the handle 213 can thus be prevented from moving in any direction relative to the housing 201.
(21) In an embodiment, the rear clutch 208 can function as a release for the sliding bar 209. When the rear clutch 208 is placed in a position, that is roughly perpendicular to the sliding bar 209, the sliding bar 209 can be allowed to move freely through the openings 214 in the rear clutch 208 and the front clutch 207. In an embodiment, the lockout device 100, when placed in a closed configuration, can prevent access to the rear clutch 208 thus preventing the release of the sliding bar 209. Likewise, the jaw 210 can be connected to the sliding bar 209 and the jaw 210 can be prevented from moving if the sliding bar 209 has also been prevented from moving. Access to the rear clutch 208 can be prevented by moving the handle 213 parallel to, and abutted against the housing 201, thus preventing the sliding bar 209 from being released when the lockout device 100 is in a closed configuration.
(22) FIG. 4 is a top, rear and left-side perspective view of a lockout device 100, shown in a closed configuration, according to an embodiment. In this view, the location where the frame teeth 212 can be connected to the frame 203 is clearly shown. Both the frame teeth 212 and the jaw teeth 211 (not shown in FIG. 4), can comprise serrated edges 412 configured to securely grip a circuit breaker switch (not pictured in FIG. 4). In an embodiment, the jaw 210 can be moved toward the frame 203, which causes the jaw teeth 211 to be moved toward the frame teeth 212. This can cause the circuit breaker switch to be contacted simultaneously by the jaw teeth 211 on one side of the switch and the frame teeth 212 on the opposite side of the switch, thereby securely gripping the circuit breaker switch which is not shown in FIG. 4.
(23) FIG. 5 is a bottom and left-side perspective view of a lockout device 100, shown in an open configuration, according to an embodiment.
(24) In this view, the attachment mechanism of the present lockout device 100 can clearly be viewed. The jaw 210 and jaw teeth 211 can be moved toward the frame 203 and frame teeth 212 by moving the sliding bar 209 toward the frame's front 503. Similarly, the jaw 210 and jaw teeth 211 can be moved away from the frame 203 and frame teeth 212 by moving the bar 209 toward the housing's back 501. Also clearly viewable in FIG. 5 is the housing slot 222 of the housing 201, which can be configured to receive the loophole 301 when the handle 213 is moved into the closed configuration.
(25) FIG. 6A is a top and right-side perspective view of a lockout device 100, shown in an open configuration and a circuit breaker switch 600, according to an embodiment.
(26) FIG. 6A thru 6D depict the various stages of attachment wherein the lockout device 100 can be connected to a circuit breaker switch 600. The first step is to place the circuit breaker switch 600 between the jaw teeth 211 and the frame teeth 212 by placing the bottom of the lockout device 100 in a plane that is roughly parallel to the face of the circuit breaker 610, and roughly perpendicular to the circuit breaker switch 600. To perform this step, the jaw 210 must be located at a sufficient distance from the frame 203, which can be achieved by moving the sliding bar 209 through the rear clutch 208 and the front clutch 207. This sliding movement can be facilitated by pressing the rear clutch 208 against the frame 203, or into a plane roughly parallel to the frame 203. The handle 213 can then be pivoted down toward the housing 201 a sufficient number of times, in a ratcheting motion, so that both the jaw teeth 211 and the frame teeth 212 can be in contact with the circuit breaker switch 600. Specifically, radial movement of the handle 213 can actuate the front clutch 207 in an oscillating motion pulling the sliding bar 209 through the front clutch opening 214 and moving the jaw 210 closer to the frame 203 and the jaw teeth 211 closer to the frame teeth 212 and the rear clutch 208 can prevent the sliding bar 209 from moving the jaw 210 away from the frame 203, according to an embodiment.
(27) FIG. 6B is a top and right-side perspective view of a lockout device 100, shown in an open configuration, and a circuit breaker switch 600, wherein a lockout tag 601 has been connected to the lockout device, according to an embodiment. As discussed above, the lockout tag 601 can be connected to the lockout device 100 by placing a hole in the tag over the peg 202 or similar connecting structure.
(28) FIG. 6C is a top and right-side perspective view of a lockout device 100, shown in a closed configuration, which has been connected to a circuit breaker switch 600, according to an embodiment, thus securely connecting the lockout tag 601 to the lockout device 100 so that the tag is held parallel to the lockout device 100. This position of the lockout tag 601 to the lockout device 100 can allow the tag 601 to be clearly visible to a viewer when the lockout device is connected to a switch as shown in FIG. 6C.
(29) FIG. 6D is a top and right-side perspective view of a lockout device 100, shown in a closed configuration that has been connected to a circuit breaker switch 600, wherein a padlock 610 has been connected to the lockout device 100, according to an embodiment. As discussed above, the padlock's shackle 620 can be placed through the loophole 301, as shown in FIG. 6D, such that it cannot be removed without first unlocking the padlock 610 and removing the shackle 620 from the loophole 301.
(30) FIG. 7 is a side transparent view of a lockout device, shown in a closed configuration, according to an embodiment. In this view, the positions of the various parts comprising the lockout device 100 are shown as they would exist in an assembled lockout device 100, according to an embodiment. Specifically, the relative positions of the rear clutch 208 and the front clutch 207 are can be seen. Additionally, the connection of the handle 213 to the front clutch 207 is shown indicating how the front clutch 207 can be actuated by the handle 103, and specifically a cam 720 comprising the handle 103, when the handle 103 is moved back and forth between the closed configuration and the open configuration. In an embodiment, this actuation can be facilitated by the large spring 205, which can be configured so that the handle 103 will remain in the open configuration unless pressure is exerted and maintained against the handle 103 and it is moved into the closed configuration as shown in FIG. 7.
(31) This view also shows the position of the small spring 206 which maintains pressure against the rear clutch 208, holding the sliding bar 209 in place thus preventing the jaw 210 from moving. As discussed above, pressing the rear clutch 208 toward the frame 203 and compressing the small spring 206 can release the sliding bar 203, allowing the jaw 210 to be moved either toward or away from the frame 203. In an embodiment, the jaw 210 can be connected to the sliding bar 209 using a pin 709 or similar connection device.
(32) FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a double lockout device 1000, according to an embodiment. While the internal mechanics of the double lockout device 1000 can be similar to the previously discussed embodiments of the lockout device 100, the jaw 1005 of the double lockout device 1000 has been lengthened to provide space for a set of primary jaw teeth 1002 and secondary jaw teeth 1003. The primary set of jaw teeth 1002 can be located in a position, which is the same or similar to the jaw teeth 211 comprising the lockout device 100. The secondary jaw teeth 1003 can be positioned such that the double lockout device 1000 can prevent the accidental switching of a secondary circuit breaker switch (not shown) in addition to the primary circuit breaker switch (not shown).
(33) FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a triple lockout device 1500, according to an embodiment. While the internal mechanics of the triple lockout device 1500 can be similar to the previously discussed embodiments, the jaw 1505 can be lengthened to provide space for a set of primary jaw teeth 1502, secondary jaw teeth 1503, and tertiary jaw teeth 1504. The secondary jaw teeth 1503 and tertiary jaw teeth 1504 can be positioned such that the triple lockout device 1500 can prevent the accidental switching of a secondary and tertiary circuit breaker switch (not shown) in addition to the primary circuit breaker switch (not shown).
(34) FIG. 10 is a front view of a double lockout device 1000, shown in a closed configuration, which has been connected to two circuit breaker switches 2001 2002, according to an embodiment. The method of connecting the double lockout device 1000 to the two circuit breaker switches 2001 2002 can be similar to the method used to connect the lockout device 100 to a single circuit breaker switch (not shown). The first step can be to place the primary circuit breaker switch 2002 between the primary jaw teeth 1002 and the frame teeth 1001 by placing the bottom of the double lockout device 1000 in a plane that is roughly parallel to the face of the primary circuit breaker 2003, and roughly perpendicular to the primary circuit breaker switch 2002. To perform this step, the jaw 1005 must be located at a sufficient distance from the frame, which can be achieved by moving the sliding bar (not shown) through the rear clutch (not shown) and the front clutch (not shown). This sliding movement can be facilitated by pressing the rear clutch against the frame, or into a plane roughly parallel to the frame. The handle can then be pivoted down toward the housing (not shown) a sufficient number of times, in a ratcheting motion, so that both the primary jaw teeth 1002 and the frame teeth 1001 can be in contact with the primary circuit breaker switch 2002. The secondary jaw teeth 1003 can be in contact with the secondary circuit breaker switch 2001. Specifically, radial movement of the handle can actuate the front clutch in an oscillating motion pulling the sliding bar through the front clutch opening and moving the jaw 1005 closer to the frame and the primary jaw teeth 1002 closer to the frame teeth 1003 and the rear clutch can prevent the sliding bar from moving the jaw 1005 away from the frame, according to an embodiment.
(35) FIG. 11 is a front view of a triple lockout device 1500, shown in a closed configuration, which has been connected to three circuit breaker switches 2001 2002 2006, according to an embodiment. The method of connecting the triple lockout device 1500 to the three circuit breaker switches 2001 2002 2006 can be similar to the method used to connect the lockout device 100 to a single circuit breaker switch (not shown). The first step can be to place the primary circuit breaker switch 2002 between the primary jaw teeth 1502 and the frame teeth 1501 by placing the bottom of the double lockout device 1500 in a plane that is roughly parallel to the face of the primary circuit breaker 2003, and roughly perpendicular to the primary circuit breaker switch 2002. To perform this step, the jaw 1505 must be located at a sufficient distance from the frame, which can be achieved by moving the sliding bar (not shown) through the rear clutch (not shown) and the front clutch (not shown). This sliding movement can be facilitated by pressing the rear clutch against the frame, or into a plane roughly parallel to the frame. The handle can then be pivoted down toward the housing a sufficient number of times, in a ratcheting motion, so that both the primary jaw teeth 1502 and the frame teeth 1501 can be in contact with the primary circuit breaker switch 2002. The secondary jaw teeth 1503 can be in contact with the secondary circuit breaker switch 2001, while the tertiary jaw teeth 1504 can be in contact with the tertiary circuit breaker switch 2006. Specifically, radial movement of the handle can actuate the front clutch in an oscillating motion pulling the sliding bar through the front clutch opening and moving the jaw 1505 closer to the frame and the primary jaw teeth 1502 closer to the frame teeth 1503 and the rear clutch can prevent the sliding bar from moving the jaw 1505 away from the frame, according to an embodiment.
(36) Although the present device has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments of the present device, which may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and range of equivalents of the present device.
