Abstract
An electrical plug fastener or retention mechanism comprising a system of binding or securing electrical plugs or other connectors to avoid unintentional or accidental disconnection. The retention mechanism comprises a means for connecting to a first cord and a second cord. The retention mechanism is hinged and comprises a clamp. The clamp further comprises a clip that can also engages the first or second cord.
Claims
1. A device for securing engaged connectors, comprising; a first side including a retention mechanism comprising a fixed half and a movable half, the two halves connected at one edge, via a locking hinge, forming a clamp with a second opening engaging a second cord attached to a second connector; a second side including a second retention mechanism having similar components as the first side, comprising a second fixed half and a second movable half, the two halves connected at one edge, via a second locking hinge, forming a second clamp with a second opening engaging a second cord attached to a second connector; two elongated bars, one each attached at one end to opposing sides of the fixed half, the elongated bars each having a distal portion and a distal end extending away from the first half base past the first connector, one each of the distal ends attached at opposing sides of the second fixed half, each elongated bar including an obtuse angle at a same position on each distal portion of the elongated bars, thereby creating a greater distance between the distal portions of the two elongated bars than a first distance between the distal ends attached to the fixed half and a second distance between the hinged receptacles; wherein the first and second connectors are oriented within the elongated bars enabling engagement of the connectors and the first and second retention mechanism prohibits separation of the connectors, when closed and locked; and wherein a row of ratchet teeth are arranged in at least one of the tracks and a corresponding pawl at proximal end of each elongated bar in place of the hinge receptacle, wherein when the elongated bars are oriented in a linear fashion extending past the first connector, the pawl engages between two of the ratchet teeth, thereby prohibiting movement of the proximal end of the elongated bars along the track, and when the elongated bars are oriented perpendicular and below the tubular base, the pawl disengages from between the teeth enabling translation along the track.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the locking hinge locks when the movable half is closed upon the fixed half and the movable half includes a pin release connected to the locking hinge enabling release of the locking hinge when opening of the clamp is desired.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the second locking hinge locks when the second movable half is closed upon the second fixed half and the second movable half includes a second pin release connected to the second locking hinge enabling release of the second locking hinge when opening of the second clamp is desired.
4. A device for securing engaged connectors, comprising: a first side comprising a tubular base with a first opening engaging a first cord attached to a first connector and including two tracks positioned at opposing outer sides of the tubular base; a second side including a retention mechanism comprising a fixed half including a movable half, the two halves connected at one edge, via a locking hinge, forming a clamp with a second opening engaging a second cord attached to a second connector; two elongated bars, one each movably attached at a proximal end to a hinged receptacle in one of the tracks, the elongated bars each having a distal portion and a distal end extending away from the tubular base past the first connector, one each of the distal ends fixably attached at opposing sides of the fixed half; wherein the first and second connectors are oriented within the elongated bars enabling engagement of the connectors, and the retention mechanism prohibits separation of the connectors, once closed and locked; and wherein a row of ratchet teeth are arranged in at least one of the tracks and a corresponding pawl at proximal end of each elongated bar in place of the hinge receptacle, wherein when the elongated bars are oriented in a linear fashion extending past the first connector, the pawl engages between two of the ratchet teeth, thereby prohibiting movement of the proximal end of the elongated bars along the track, and when the elongated bars are oriented perpendicular and below the tubular base, the pawl disengages from between the teeth enabling translation along the track.
5. The device of claim 4, wherein the locking hinge locks when the movable half is closed upon the fixed half and the movable half includes a pin release connected to the locking hinge enabling release of the locking hinge when opening of the clamp is desired.
6. The device of claim 4, wherein the tubular base is removed or attached to the cord by a split running along a top side of the tubular base, the split including a first edge having a first tap or threaded hole, and a second edge having a second tap or threaded hole, the first and second holes oriented on the first and second edge creating a throughway for inserting a fastening screw or other fastener.
7. The device of claim 4, wherein the hinge receptacles translate along the tracks and the proximal ends of the elongated bars freely rotate in the hinge receptacles.
8. The device of claim 7, wherein the proximal ends of the elongated bars attach to the hinged receptacles at a perpendicular angle and the distal portions of the elongated bars include at least two obtuse angles at a same position on each distal portion of the elongated bars, thereby creating a greater distance between the distal portions of the two elongated bars than a first distance between the distal ends attached to the fixed half and a second distance between the hinge receptacles.
9. The device of claim 8, wherein the elongated bars attached at the base translate back and forth in the tracks when the clamp is in an open position enabling flexibility of movement between the connectors when engaging the first and second connectors.
10. A method for securing two engaged connector ends of power cords, comprising the steps of: a) engaging a first power cord attached to a first male or female connector through a tubular base including two tracks positioned at opposing outer sides of the tubular base; b) engaging a second power cord attached to a second male or female connector through an opening formed in a clamp comprising a fixed half and a movable half, the two halves connected at one edge, via a locking hinge; c) connecting the tubular base and the clamp via two elongated bars, each elongated bar having a proximal end connected, one each to a hinged receptacle in one of the tracks, and a distal end fixably attached to one of the opposing sides of the fixed half and each elongated bar having a distal portion between the proximal end and the distal end; and d) orienting the first and second connectors enabling engagement with each other, once engaged with the movable half closed the locking hinge lock engages preventing separation of the first and second connectors; wherein a row of ratchet teeth are arranged in at least one of the tracks and a corresponding pawl at distal end of each bar in place of the hinged receptacle, wherein when the bars are oriented in a linear fashion extending past the first connector, the pawl engages between two of the ratchet teeth thereby prohibiting movement of the distal bar ends along the track, and when the elongated bars are oriented perpendicular and below the tubular base, the pawl disengages from between the teeth enabling translation along the track.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the tubular base is removed or attached to the cord by a split running along a top side of the tubular base, the split including a first edge having a first tap or threaded hole, and a second edge having a second tap or threaded hole, the first and second holes oriented on the first and second edge creating a throughway for inserting a fastening screw or other fastener.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the hinge receptacles freely translate along the tracks and the distal ends of the elongated bars freely rotate in the hinge receptacles.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the proximal ends of the bars attach to the hinge receptacles at a perpendicular angle and the distal portions of the elongated bars include at least two obtuse angles at a same position on each distal portion of the elongated bars thereby creating a greater distance between the distal portions of the two elongated bars than a first distance between the distal ends attached to the fixed half and a second distance between the hinge receptacles.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein the elongated bars attached at the tubular base translate back and forth in the tracks when the clamp is in an open position enabling flexibility when engaging the first and second connectors.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the locking hinge locks when the movable half is closed upon the fixed half and the movable half includes a pin release when opening of the clamp is desired.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) FIG. 1 is a basic version of a securement system in an unmodified form, stripped of any connectors to show components of the system.
(2) FIG. 2 shows a side view of the system with an electrical plug, illustrating how the bars move the clamp into an engaged position.
(3) FIG. 3 shows a top view of the system securing two connectors to each other.
(4) FIG. 4A a top view of the system with only one connector.
(5) FIG. 4B shows a cross-section of the second side of the system, illustrating a clamp and parts thereof.
(6) FIG. 5 is a close-up view of the clamp shown in FIG. 4B, illustrating an embodiment of a clamp's locking mechanism and a ratcheting hinge, and how the clamp and ratcheting hinge function together.
(7) FIG. 6 shows how the bars may be adjusted to position the clamp such that it is directly adjacent to the second side of a connector, by moving the point at which bars are affixed to base of system.
(8) FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a tubular base in a modified form with at least one bar in a disengaged position.
(9) FIG. 8 shows the same version of the system illustrated in FIG. 7 with at least one bar in engaged or locked position.
(10) FIG. 9A shows another embodiment of the first side.
(11) FIG. 9B shows the embodiment of FIG. 9A turned 90 degrees, and identifies where the cross-section of the first side shown in FIGS. 10, 11 and 12.
(12) FIG. 10 shows a detailed cross-section of one embodiment of the first side illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, further illustrating a screw base with multiple threads, and the bars in an unlocked position.
(13) FIG. 11 is another embodiment of a twisting base illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, illustrating a twist base having a single groove, and the bars in a locked position.
(14) FIG. 12 illustrates the twisting base of FIG. 11 with the bars in an unlocked position.
(15) FIG. 13 shows male and female parts of the twisting base illustrated in FIG. 11 disassembled. The cylindrical male aspect is flattened to show full pattern of groove.
(16) FIG. 14 is a modified embodiment of the system of FIG. 1 of invention, which may be used for aftermarket applications.
(17) FIG. 15 shows a horizontal view of base in FIG. 14.
(18) FIG. 16 is another embodiment of the system where the first end and the second end are both comprised of clamps, which may be for semi-permanent use.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(19) FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the securement system or device. FIG. 1 shows a first side of the device, which comprises tubular base 1. Tubular base 1 further comprises a hollow cylinder with first opening 19, hinge receptacle 2a and hinge receptacle 2b (not shown), and track 3a and track 3b. Hinge receptacles 2a and 2b (not shown) attach to tubular base 1 via tracks 3a and 3b, respectively. Hinge receptacles 2a and 2b (not shown) move slidably forward and backwards on tubular base 1 via tracks 3a and 3b, respectively. Tracks 3a and 3b can be rails attached to tubular base 1, grooves carved into base 1, recessed tracks, or any other similar means. A proximal end of bar 4a and a proximal end of bar 4b connect to tubular base 1 through hinge receptacles 2a and 2b (not shown), and a distal end of bar 4a and a distal end of bar 4b connect with clamp 5, defining the second side of the device. The second side of the device comprises clamp 5, having movable half 43 and fixed half 44. The distal end of bar 4a and the distal end of bar 4b are connected to movable half 43. Clamp 5 further comprises second opening 6, hinge 7, pin release 9, clip 10, and grip 13. Clamp 5 closes with hinge 7, which may be any type of hinge, including a ratcheting hinge or any other hinge typically used in clamps. Hinge 7 closes clamp 5 securely around different gauges of cords. Hinge 7 includes rod 23 and can be released by pin release 9. Grip 13 is permanently attached to movable half 43 and is located on the opposite side of clamp 5 as hinge 7. Grip 13 may help a user close clamp 5 with greater ease, simply grasp the device, or in any other way that is helpful to a user.
(20) When in use, the device may connect any two conjoining connectors, and any cord attached to each connector. In one embodiment, the device may connect to a first plug, which may be a male conjoining plug or female conjoining plug, to a second plug, which may be a male or female conjoining plug. The first plug may be connected to a first power cord, and the second plug may be connected to a second power cord. The first power cord runs through first opening 19, and the second power cord runs through opening 6. Opening 6 may be comprised of any durable material, but is more preferably made of rubber or another material with grip that could adhere to the second power cord, thereby holding the second power cord in place. Clip 10 secures clamp 5 to the first power cord running through opening 19, such that the first power cord may be held in a fixed position. Clip 10 may also be used to hold either the first power cord, the second power cord, or any other cord at any time for the convenience of the user.
(21) Hinge receptacles 2a and 2b (not shown) may optionally be able to slide forward and backwards on tubular base 1 via tracks 3a and 3b, respectively, so that clamp 5 can be adjusted to accommodate different sizes of connectors, and so that clamp 5 is directly behind a second plug. A benefit of clamp 5 landing directly behind the second plug is that it may provide an additional means to prevent accidental disconnection between a first plug and a second plug, or any two conjoining connectors.
(22) FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the device in a disengaged position and an outline of bar 4a. Tubular base 1 is attached to first cord 12a running through first opening 19. First plug 11a may be permanently or removably affixed to power cord 12a and is directly adjacent to tubular base 1. In this illustration, first plug 11a is a male plug, and is not attached to a conjoining female plug. Hinge receptacle 2a and hinge receptacle 2b (not shown) connect with bars 4a and 4b (not shown), and enables bars 4a and 4b (not shown) to pivot clamp 5 (not shown) to an engaged or disengaged position. In this view, the device is disengaged, and bars 4a and 4b (not shown), are substantially perpendicular to tubular base 1, first plug 11a, and first cord 12a. Dotted outline of bars 4a and 4b (not shown) and the second side of the device show that bars 4a and 4b (not shown) pivot via hinge receptacles 2a and 2b (not shown), such that bars 4a and 4b (not shown) are substantially parallel to tubular base 1, first plug 11a, and first cord 12a. FIG. 2 further illustrates a dotted outline of bars 4a and 4b (not shown) and the second side of the device when in line with the first side of the device; in this position the second side of the device and clamp are in an engaged position, such that they can stabilize the connectors and prevent disconnection. The dotted outline illustrates that devices can be moved into an engaged position.
(23) FIG. 3 shows a top down view of an embodiment of the device in an engaged position. Bars 4a and 4b are substantially parallel to tubular base 1, such that second opening 6 of clamp 5 is substantially aligned with first opening 19 of tubular base 1. First power cord 12a runs through first opening 19, and second power cord 12b runs through second opening 6. First plug 11a may be permanently, semi-permanently, or removably attached to first power cord 12a, and is detachably fixed to second plug 11b, which may be permanently, semi-permanently, or removably attached to second power cord 12b. First plug 11a may be a male plug or female plug, and second plug 11b is a conjoining plug that mates with either the male or female plug of 11a. Clamp 5 is butted up against second plug 11b, which provides additional stability and may further prevent accidental disconnection between 11a and 11b. Base 1 is butted up against first plug 11a, which also provides additional stability.
(24) FIG. 4A is a top view of the device in an engaged position, with one only connector 11a. It shows clamp 5 when it is substantially in line with connector 11a.
(25) FIG. 4B shows a cross-section of one embodiment of clamp 5 revealing an internal mechanism for one embodiment of clamp 5. Here, clamp 5 comprises movable half 43 and fixed half 44. Grip 13 is attached to movable half 43, and serves as a grip for closing clamp 5, or otherwise adjusting the position of movable half 43. Dotted outline of movable half 43 shows clamp 5 in the open position. Clip 10 is attached to fixed half 44. Clip 10 may be used to hold the device in a disengaged position when clamp 5 is not in use, by engaging a first cord (not shown). Clip 10 may also be used to hold any cord for any reason. The portion of clamp 5 surrounding opening 6 may make contact with, and preferably grips, a second cord. Hinge 7 as illustrated here is a ratcheting hinge. Pin 8, and pin release 9 are also illustrated. When pin release 9 is depressed, hinge 7 is released, and clamp 5 may open and disengage the device, such that conjoining connectors can be disconnected and disengaged with the device. This embodiment is illustrated in more detail in FIG. 5.
(26) FIG. 5 is a close up view of clamp 5 as shown in FIG. 4B, further illustrating details of this embodiment of hinge 7. The hub of hinge 7 surrounds rod 23. Movable half 43 pivots from rod 23 to open or close clamp 5. Ratcheting teeth 22 interlock with pin 8. When pin 8 engages ratcheting teeth 22, movable half 43 can only move towards fixed half 44 (not shown), closing or tightening clamp 5. This is because pin 8 can only move over ratcheting teeth 22, not against them. Spring 21 is connected to pin 8 at anchor point 28b, and is connected to movable half 43 at 28a. Spring 21 provides tension that holds pin 8 in an engaged position with ratcheting teeth 22. Pin release 9 is linked to pin 8. When pin release 9 is depressed, clamp 5 opens. When depressed, pin release 9 pushes pin 8 and pin 8 disengages from ratcheting teeth 22, as shown by dotted outline of pin 8. When pin 8 is disengaged, movable half 43 can move away from fixed half 44 (not shown) allowing clamp 5 to open.
(27) A user may open an embodiment of clamp 5 as shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 5 by depressing pin release 9 and grasping grip 13 or movable half 43 to pull away fixed half 44. With the clamp open, the user could remove or add a cord and connecter to the device. A user may close this embodiment of clamp 5 by simply applying pressure to movable half 43 or grip 13, such that movable half 43 moves towards fixed half 44. Pin 8 would automatically catch or engage with ratcheting teeth 22.
(28) FIG. 6 is a top view of the device shown in FIG. 3, with two connectors, first plug 11a and second plug 11b. Here, dotted outline of bars and second side illustrate that hinge receptacles 2a and 2b are able to slide back and forth along tubular base 1, thereby moving the second side of the device. The second side may be moved, such that clamp 5 lands directly adjacent to second plug 11b. The juxtaposition of clamp 5 and second plug 11b may ensure a more secure connection between first plug 11a and second plug 11b, thus further preventing unintentional disconnection between plugs 11a and 11b, or any two conjoining connectors. The dotted outline of bars and the second side show that clamp 5 may be pulled away from plug 11b.
(29) FIG. 7 shows a side view of an embodiment of tubular base 1. This embodiment shows that track 3 may be lined with grooved teeth 14. The proximal end of bar 4a rests in hinge receptacle 2, and rests against grooved teeth 14. Pawl 15 is fixed to the proximal end of bar 4a. Pawl 15 can be a pin, catch, tooth, or similar component. Bar 4a is perpendicular to tubular base 1. In this position, pawl 15 is disengaged from groove teeth 14, which allows bar 4a to slide back and forth along track 3. Bar 4a is not shown in its entirety because it is not necessary to show the second side of the device.
(30) FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of tubular base 1 as illustrated in FIG. 7 when bars 4a and 4b (not shown) have pivoted around hinge receptacle 2, such that bar 4a is in line with tubular base 1. When bar 4a is parallel to tubular base 1, pawl 15 pivots, such that it now engages groove teeth 14, and bar 4a is locked in the desired position. This locking mechanism may provide additional stability to the second side, and may further help to prevent disengagement of connectors.
(31) FIG. 9A is a top view of another embodiment of first side. This embodiment illustrates the first side comprising conical encasement 17 and tubular encasement 20. First power cord 12a runs through the center of conical encasement 17 and tubular encasement 20. Conical encasement 17 is attached to a screw top or twist top, such that when tightened a screw top or twist top may lock bars 4a and 4b into a particular position, preventing them from moving back and forth. Encasement 20 encloses moving parts of the locking mechanism as depicted in FIG. 10.
(32) FIG. 9B is a side view of the devices of FIG. 9A turned 90 degrees. The dotted line illustrates the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 10, FIG. 11, and FIG. 12.
(33) FIG. 10 is a cross-section showing how the depicted embodiment of the invention may function. First cord 12a runs through the first side, which comprises screw top 30, base screw 16, and flexible side body 42. Base screw 16 has multiple threads which engage threads at the proximal end of screw top 30. Screw top 30 engages base screw 16, such that when screw top 30 is turned, the distal end of screw top 30 applies inward pressure to flexible side body 42. Flexible side body 42 is comprised of a slightly flexible material, including but not limited to plastic, rubber, metal alloy, aluminum, tin, steel or any other suitable material. Exterior teeth 18 (not shown) are attached to flexible side body 42. Interior teeth 40 (not shown) are attached to bars 4a and 4b and are in close proximity to exterior teeth 18 (not shown). When the distal end of screw top 30 applies enough pressure to flexible side body 42, exterior teeth 18 (not shown) interlock with interior teeth 40 (not shown), such that bars 4a and 4b are fixed in position and will not slide forward or backwards.
(34) When using an embodiment of FIGS. 9A and 9B, as further illustrated in FIG. 10, a user may slide bars 4a and 4b back and forth to adjust the location of the second side to determine a desired position. After determining a desired position, a user may lock bars 4a and 4b into position by grasping and twisting conical encasement 17, which is attached to and turns screw top 30 until screw top 30 applies enough pressure to flexible side body 42 to cause exterior teeth 18 to interlock with interior teeth 40.
(35) FIG. 11 is another embodiment of the first side in a locked position. Here, base screw 16 and screw top 30 of FIG. 10 are replaced with twisting base 34 having single groove 26, twisting top 24, and notch 25. Twisting top 24 moves notch 25 along groove 26. As notch 25 travels down groove 26, twisting top 24 moves downward, which causes the distal end of 24 to apply increasing pressure to flexible side body 42. Here, notch 25 is in a locked position, and the distal end of twisting top 24 applies enough pressure to flexible side body 42 to cause exterior teeth 18 to interlock with interior teeth 40. Thus, bars 4a and 4b are fixed in position and will not slide forward or backwards. This embodiment may allow bars 4a and 4b to become engaged and disengaged more efficiently than the embodiment shown in FIG. 10B, because doing so requires less motion to lock exterior teeth 18 with interior teeth 40.
(36) FIG. 12 shows the device of FIG. 11 in an unlocked position. Notch 25 is at the top endpoint of groove 26. This position releases pressure on flexible side body 42 such that exterior teeth 18 are disengaged from interior teeth 40.
(37) FIG. 13 shows a view of the twisting base 34 unrolled as groove pattern 35. Notch 25 of twisting top 24 is depicted, and interlocks with groove 26. Groove pattern 35 is an unrolled view of the full circumference of groove 26 illustrating an incline and divot 27. Catch 25 slides along groove 26, and in relation, moves twisting top 24 into, or out of, an engaged position. Divot 27 at the top of groove 26 holds notch 25 in an engaged position.
(38) When using an embodiment of FIGS. 9A and 9B, as further illustrated in FIG. 11, FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, a user may slide bars 4a and 4b back and forth to adjust the location of the second side to determine a desired position. After determining a desired position, a user may lock bars 4a and 4b into position by grasping and twisting conical encasement 17, which is attached to and turns twisting top 24 until twisting top 24 applies enough pressure to flexible side body 42 to cause exterior teeth 18 to interlock with interior teeth 40. This typically occurs when notch 25 is in a locked position. In some embodiments, a user may engage or disengage with as little as an approximately 90 degree turn of conical encasement 17, as much as a 360 degree turn of conical encasement 17, and preferably a 180 turn of conical encasement 17.
(39) FIG. 14 shows another embodiment similar to the device shown in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, tubular base 1 further comprises split 37 and screws 36a and 36b that hold tubular base 1 together. Split 37 and screws 36a and 36b may also allow the device to be applied as an aftermarket application. While this embodiment shows two screws, other embodiments could have as few as one screw and as many as five screws to enable aftermarket application to a cord. Additionally, split 37 could also be secured in a closed position by one or more magnets, one or more loops, one or more clasps, one or more fasteners, or any other means known in the art.
(40) FIG. 15 is a front view of tubular base 1 similar to the one depicted in FIG. 14. In this case, only one screw holds split 37. Here, split 37 is on one side of tubular base 1, which further comprises a loop or other means to attach screw 36b. Screw 36b is held in place with nut 39, and holds split 37 together.
(41) FIG. 16 illustrates a semi-permanently applicable embodiment where the first side comprises clamp 5a, which further comprises second opening 6, hinge 7, pin release 9, clip 10, and grip 13. Clamp 5a also illustrates movable half 43 and fixed half 44. Clamp 5b may comprise the same components of clamp 5a, and further comprises hinge receptacles 2a and 2b. Clamp 5b is optionally a means to enable bars 4a and 4b to move in relation to clamp 5a, such that clamp 5a can be adjusted forwards and backwards, as to accommodate connectors of varying sizes. Any means of enabling bars 4a and 4b to move back and forth in relation to the second side as described herein are also applicable to this embodiment.
