Locking electrical receptacle with elongate clamping surfaces

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United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 9281617
APP PUB NO 20120115348A1
SERIAL NO

13228331

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Importance

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Abstract

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A method and apparatus (“utility”) for securing an electrical connection formed by a mating structure including prongs of a male assembly and receptacles of a female assembly are provided. The utility includes a clamping mechanism whereby the very forces that would otherwise tend to pull the connection apart serve to actuate the clamping mechanism, thereby securing the mated pair. The apparatus may be integrated into a standard receptacle, or retrofitted to work with existing devices. In one embodiment, the clamping mechanism acts solely on the ground prong of a standard plug assembly, so that it is unnecessary to consider electrical potentials applied to the clamped prong in relation to the design of the clamping mechanism. Further, the withdrawing movement of the prongs of a plug may cause elongate clamping surfaces of the clamping mechanism to frictionally engage opposing surfaces of the clamped prong.

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First Claim

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
ZONIT STRUCTURED SOLUTIONS LLC1790 30TH STREET #140 BOULDER CO 80301

International Classification(s)

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Chapel, Steve Iliff, US 80 1533
Reaves, Martin S Boulder, US 3 25

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