INSULATING ELECTRICAL PLUGS AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE

摘要

Electrical plugs having single and double insulation as well as the method for manufacturing the double insulating electrical plugs are disclosed. The single insulated electrical plugs have internal walls which electrically isolate the electrical connectors. The single insulated electrical plug has a one-piece body with a central base which accepts the electrical connectors, as well as two covers hingably coupled to the base to secure the connectors in place. The double insulated electrical plugs are insulated by both an inner body as well as the overmold material. The inner body has vents which enable overmold material to be injected into the inner portions of the inner body as well as onto the outside of the inner body. During the manufacturing process, molten material flows over the outside of the inner body, and also flows into the interior of the inner body to provide two layers of electrical insulation.

主权项

1. An electrical plug comprising:
a wire assembly comprising an electrical cord having at least two wires and at least two electrical connectors, each connector having an electrical prong, a mounting tab, and a wire connector, the electrical connectors connected to a corresponding wire forming at least two electric power lines; a one-piece body comprising:
a base having one or more latching mechanisms and at least two cavities, each of the cavities having a through-hole for receiving a corresponding electrical prong;a first cover hingably coupled to the base on a first side of the base, the first cover rotatable about a first axis generally parallel with the length of the wires positioned near the body; and,a second cover hingably coupled to the base on a second side of the base opposite the first side of the base, the second cover rotatable about a second axis generally parallel with the length of the wires positioned near the body; wherein the first and second covers are movable from open positions exposing the cavities in the base to closed positions where the first and second covers each couple to the latching mechanisms of the base, the first and second covers partially surrounding the cavities.