Randal Scamacca

US Patent:

55896650, Dec 31, 1996

Filed:

Jun 7, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/254953

Inventors:

Randal Scamacca - Seymour IN

International Classification:

H02G 314
H05K 503

US Classification:

174 67

Abstract:

An electrical wall-outlet has a special decorative face plate secured to the socket by a standard retainer screw in the usual manner. Socket surrounding recesses in the face plate have bayonet connector pins in the walls thereof. A longitudinally-halved, cylindrical plug-retainer cup has one bayonet-style connector slot in a wall of one half, and a modified bayonet-style slot and aperture in the opposite half wall thereof. Two narrow elongate slots are provided in the opposite half on each side of the slot and aperture combination forming a cantilever portion of the wall, with the aperture and adjacent slot located adjacent the distal end of the cantilever near the open end of the cup which can be pushed inward by an adult person applying the force properly, and permitting rotation of the retainer cup into position to securely latch the aperture around the pin and secure the cup to the face plate. The cup halves are hinged for mounting on the electrical cord to the plug before or after installation of the plug in the socket, and subsequent advance and attachment of the cup to the face plate, enclosing the plug and preventing its removal from the socket.