US 8,011,975 B1 · Power connector having protective interior cover

Abstract

Circuits, methods, and apparatus that may provide protection from exposed wires or terminals when a power plug is damaged or destroyed. One example may provide a plug having an inner cover that shields power carrying wires or terminals when an outer shell is damaged or destroyed. The inner cover may include openings to receive conductors, where the openings may lead to terminals or wires that connect to plug prongs. The received conductors may attach directly or indirectly to an outer shell, and further to a power cord, circuitry, or other electronic components. When the outer shell is damaged or destroyed, the conductors may pull out of the openings in the inner cover, thus disconnecting from the wires or terminals. The wires or terminals may thus remain protected by the inner shell, avoiding exposure to contact by users or inadvertent conductors.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A power plug comprising:

a bottom plate;
a plurality of prongs fixed to the bottom plate;
a plurality of terminals electrically connected to the plurality of prongs;
an inner cover fixed to the bottom plate and covering the plurality of terminals, the inner cover having a plurality of openings;
an outer shell attached to the bottom plate and covering the inner cover;
a plurality of conductors attached to the outer shell, each conductor to fit in one of the plurality of openings in the inner cover to form an electrical connection with one of the plurality of terminals;
and
a clip attached to the outer shell, wherein the plurality of conductors are attached to the clip.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Power connector having protective interior cover

Life of this patent

Power connector having protective interior cover

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20