GB2591505A

GB2591505A - Safety shield

Info

Publication number: GB2591505A
Application number: GB2001340.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Brook Richard
Original assignee: SOCKITZ Ltd
Current assignee: SOCKITZ Ltd
Priority date: 2020-01-30
Filing date: 2020-01-30
Publication date: 2021-08-04
Also published as: GB2592085A; GB202008176D0; GB202001340D0

Abstract

An apparatus 101 for providing a safety shield extending between an electrical back box 201 and an electrical accessory 204 comprises surrounding member 102 103 comprising a supporting wall and a flange 113 extending outwardly from said supporting wall. The supporting wall defines an aperture 112, and the flange is formed continuously around the perimeter of the aperture. The surrounding member may comprise first and second surround portions 102 103 which are removably attachable as two identical halves with attachment means 117. A protective cover for the electrical accessory 204 may be releasably attached to the flange 113.

Description

I

Safety Shield

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is the first application for a patent directed towards the invention and the subject Matter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus for providing a safety shield extending between an electrical back box and an electrical accessory, a kit of parts comprising such an apparatus, and a method of securing an electrical accessory to an electrical back box or ceiling member.

Electrical installations in buildings can take place as either a refurbishment or a new electrical installation. In such installations, it is known for a 'first fix' to be performed, which typically involves the installation of back boxes and inserting cables to provide an electrical supply. Following this, a 'second fix' is performed, in which electrical accessories, such as light switches, plug sockets, light fittings or similar, are connected to the cables and consequently the electrical supply. During the process, plasters, tilers or painters for example, may also be involved in their roles to refurbish or decorate the building.

A first problem is that during these works a period of time may exist wherein the electrical point is unavailable for use. The present applicant provided a suitable safety shield to solve this problem in patent GB 2 465 645. When the safety shield of GB 2 465 646 is fitted along with the electrical accessory, however, the electrical accessory itself is exposed. This means that during refurbishment or decorating procedures, the newly fitted electrical accessory can be damaged or dirtied by paint, plaster or other materials involved in the refurbishment.

In some cases, tradespeople are known to cover the electrical accessory with plastic bags to protect the electrical accessory. However, this puts the electrical accessory out of use or at a risk of damage if it is still used.

It is also desirable to avoid or reduce the use of plastic bags in this way for environmental reasons.

Further, in many modem buildings, walls are often constructed to comprise dry line walls in which a wall, constructed from breeze blocks or similar, provides attachment for conventional electrical back boxes. In front of these walls, a plasterboard support is constructed, leaving a gap between the wall and the plasterboard. A problem occurs that, over time during use, debris falls into the electrical back box, leading to failures in the electrical accessory.

The present application looks to improve the previously known safety shield in order to address these issues at least.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for providing a safety shield extending between an electrical back box and an electrical accessory, comprising: a surrounding member comprising a supporting wall and a flange extending outwardly from said supporting wall; wherein said supporting wall defines an aperture, and said flange is formed continuously around the perimeter of said aperture. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit of parts for providing protection of an electrical accessory during installation works, comprising: the apparatus of claim 1; and a protective cover receivable by said flange.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of securing an electrical accessory to an electrical back box or ceiling member, comprising the steps oft electrically connecting said electrical 26 accessory to a cable emerging from said electrical back box or ceiling member; obtaining an apparatus according to claim 1; passing said cable through said aperture; and securing said electrical accessory to said electrical back box or ceiling member.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of securing an electrical accessory to an electrical back box or ceiling member, comprising the steps of: electrically connecting said electrical accessory to a cable emerging from said electrical back box or ceiling member; obtaining an apparatus according to claim 2; attaching said first surround portion to the second surround portion to define an aperture; passing said cable through said aperture; and securing said electrical accessory to said electrical back box or ceiling member.

Embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The detailed embodiments show the best mode known to the inventor and provide support for the invention as claimed. However, they are only exemplary and should not be used to interpret or limit the scope of the claims. Their purpose is to provide a teaching to those skilled in the art. Components and processes distinguished by ordinal phrases such as "first" and "second" do not necessarily define an order or ranking of any sort.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows an apparatus for providing a safety shield extending between an electrical back box and an electrical accessory; Figure 2 shows an exploded schematic view of the apparatus of Figure 1 extending between an electrical accessory and electrical back box; Figure 3 shows a protective cover suitable for use with the apparatus of Figure 1 which may be provided in combination with the apparatus as a kit of parts; Figure 4 shows the apparatus of Figure 1 with the protective cover of Figure 3 release* attached thereto; Figure 5 shows an alternative apparatus for providing a safety shield extending between an electrical back box and an electrical accessory; Figure 6 shows the apparatus of Figure 5 with a suitable protective cover releasably attached thereto; Figures 7A and 78 show plan view from both the top and bottom of the apparatus and protective cover of Figure 6; Figure 8 shows a further example embodiment of an apparatus for providing a safety shield; Figure 9 shows a wall arrangement of a typical commercial or residential building; Figure 10 shows an apparatus utilised in the wall arrangement of Figure 9; Figure 11 shows a further example apparatus which can be utilised in the scenario depicted in Figure 9; Figure 12 shows an alternative embodiment of an apparatus suitable for use in the scenario of Figure 9; Figure 13 shows an alternative view of the apparatus of Figure 12 showing the apparatus in combination with an electrical back box; and Figures 14A and 146 show a further example apparatus for providing a safety shield for extending between an electrical back box and an electrical accessory.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Figure / An apparatus for providing a safety shield for utilisation between an electrical back box and an electrical accessory is shown in Figure 1.

Apparatus 101 comprises a surrounding member comprising a first surround portion 102 and a second surround portion 103. First surround portion 102 comprises a first wall portion 104 and a first flange portion 105. Flange portion 105 extends outwardly from a first end 106 of wall portion 104 to a second end 107 of wail portion 104.

Similarly, second surround portion 103 comprises a second wall portion 108 and second flange portion 109. Flange portion 109 extends outwardly from a third end 110 of wall portion 108 to a fourth end 111 of wall portion 108. In use, surround portions 102 and 103 are releasably attachable to each other such that when attached in the manner shown in Figure 1, wall portion 104 and wall portion 108 together form a supporting wall defining aperture 112 with flange portion 105 and flange portion 109 forming a flange 113 which extends continuously around the perimeter of aperture 112. In this way, flange 113 extends three hundred and sixty degrees (3609).

In the embodiment, and as shown, flange portions 105 and 109 extend from a front face 114 of wall portion 104 and front face 115 of wall portion 108 respectively.

In the embodiment, apparatus 101 comprises a receiving means 116 which is configured to receive a protective cover as will be described further in Figures 3 and 4. In the embodiment, the receiving means comprises a grooved runner which extends around at least part of flange portions 105 and 109 respectively. It is appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, other receiving means may be utilised and this may include the flange itself simply providing a protrusion which slots into a corresponding protective cover. Other receiving means such as fasteners or clips may also be provided in further 16 embodiments.

As previously noted, surround portion 102 and surround portion 103 are releasably attachable to each other and further comprise an attachment means which is configured to attach surround portion 102 to surround portion 103. In the embodiment, attachment means 117 comprises hole 118 defined by surround portion 102 and hole 119 defined by surround portion 103. As illustrated, hole 118 is located at end 106 of wall portion 104 and hole 119 is located at end 110 of wall portion 108. Additionally, hole 118 is located on an inner face of surround portion 102 and hole 119 is located on an outer face on surround portion 103 in which the inner face is substantially opposite to the outer face. Thus, in this way, when attached, hole 118 and hole 119 mutually co-operate and align so as to enable receipt of a suitable fastener.

In an embodiment, attachment means 117 comprises an alignment means to enable alignment of hole 118 and 119. Thus, in an example embodiment, the alignment means comprises a pin adjacent to hole 118 and a corresponding socket adjacent to hole 119. Attachment means 117 also comprises further holes located in a substantially opposite manner at the other ends 107 and 111 of surround portions 102 and 103. These holes are substantially similar to holes 118 and 119.

Consequenty, it is appreciated that, in the embodiment, surround portion 102 is substantially identical in shape to surround portion 103. Thus, each surround portion may be mass produced such that any two surround portions can be combined to create apparatus 101 in the manner shown.

In the embodiment. aperture 112 is substantially square and corresponds to a conventional electrical back box defined under 1364662. Thus, in an embodiment, apparatus 101 is one hundred and ten millimetres (110 mm) by one hundred and ten millimetres (110 mm) in cross-sectional area having an aperture size of sixty-seven millimetres (67 mm) by sixty-seven millimetres (67 mm). In the embodiment, the depth of wall portions 104 and 108 are thirty millimetres (30 mm) with each of the holes 118 and 119 measuring fifteen millimetres (15 mm) each in length along the respective walls, It is appreciated that the dirriensions provide an example and the apparatus may be provided with alternative dimensions to suit different back boxes and different electrical accessories.

In the embodiment each surround portion is formed from a plastics material and may be moulded by an injection moulding process. Suitable plastics that may be utilised include acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene (PP) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is appreciated that other plastics materials may be utilised depending on suitability and it is further appreciated that the apparatus may also be supplied in other non-plastic materials.

Figure 2 Apparatus 101 provides a safety shield which extends between an electrical back box and an electrical accessory as illustrated in the exploded schematic view of Figure 2.

In use, during refurbishment or new electrical Installations, an electrical back box 201 may be recessed into a wall 202. Typically, electrical cables, such as electrical cable 203, are provided through electrical back box 201 to provide an electrical connection to an electrical accessory such as electrical accessory 204, In this illustrated embodiment, electrical accessory 204 comprises a light switch. Once cable 203 has been connected to accessory 204, the arrangement thereby enables a user to activate a light or other electrical fixture by means of fight switch 204 and cable 203.

In alternative embodiments, electrical accessory 204 may comprises a plug socket, light fittings or similar as an alternative to the light switch shown herein.

As shown, during refurbishment works, apparatus 101 can be placed lb between electrical back box 201 and electrical accessory 294. Thus, electrical accessory 204 can be secured to electrical back box 201 by electrically connecting electrical actessory 204 to cable 203 emerging from electrical back box 201. Apparatus 101 is then obtained and surround portion 102 is attached to surround portion 103 in the manner of Figure 1 thereby defining aperture 112 and enabling cable 20$ to pass through aperture 112._Thus, cable 203 passes through aperture 112 and secured to electrical accessory 204 so as to secure electrical accessory 204 to back box 201.

When fitted, flange 113 protrudes around the edge of electrical accessory 204, such that, and receiving means and the flange itself are accessible when fitted as explained further with respect to Figure 4.

Additionally, the method of securing involves passing a fastener, which, in this embodiment comprises a plurality of screws 206, through respective fixing holes 206 of electrical accessory 204. Each fastener is then passed through the holes of attachment means 117 of apparatus 101. Thus, fastener 205A is passed through hole 206A and corresponding holes 117 and 118 of first and second surround portions 102 and 103.

In this way, apparatus 101 permits use of electrical accessory 204 prior to completion of any refurbishment works while providing additional protection for any ingress into electrical back box 201.

Figure 3 Apparatus 101 may be provided as a kit of parts for providing protection of an electrical accessory during installation works along with a corresponding protective cover, such as protective cover 301. Protective cover 301 comprises a closed side wall which extends between a first edge 303 and a second edge 304. In this illustrated embodiment, closed side wall 302 comprises a plurality Of Side walls 305, 306, 307 and 308.

Protective cover 301 comprises a corresponding attachment means which mutually cooperates with the receiving means of apparatus 101. Thus, in one embodiment wherein the receiving means comprises the grooved runner 116, protective cover 301 comprises a corresponding slot such that to protective cover 301 is slidable over apparatus 101 as will be shown with respect to Figure 4. In an alternative embodiment, the attachment means comprises a fastener or clip to correspond with the receiving means of apparatus 101. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the attachment means may form part of protective cover 301 such that, in use, the flange of apparatus 101 co-operates with the edge of protective cover 301 such that the flange slots into the protective cover due to its shape.

Figure 4 Apparatus 101 is shown having received protective cover 301 such that protective cover 301 is releasably attached to flange 109. Thus, when apparatus 101 is connected to an electrical back box as described in Figure.2, flange 109 protrudes beyond electrical accessory 204 such that protective cover 301 is configured to slide over flange 109 and electrical accessory 204. As shown in Figure 4, protective cover 301 extends forward of front face 401 of flange 109 to define a cavity 402 between the first and second surround portions 102 and 103 and front wall 403 of protective cover 301. Thus, closed side wall 302 prevents the ingress of debris, such as plaster, paint or other building materials onto electrical accessory 204 when installation works are taking place.

Closed side wall 302 and flange 109 consequently define cavity 402 and an opening 404 which provides access to cavity 402. Thus, in this way, an operative can, during installation works, access electrical accessory 204 by placing their hand in cavity 402 in order to, for example, activate the light switch of electrical accessory 204. As protective cover 301 is mounted with closed Side wall 302 providing a shield over electrical accessory 204, any debris or similar, in use, will fall onto protective cover 301 without preventing access to electrical accessory 204 by means of opening 404.

Figure 5 An alternative apparatus for providing a safety shield extending between an electrical back box and an electrical accessory such as electrical back box 201 arid electrical accessory 204 described previously is shown in Figure 5. The embodiment of Figure 5 is substantially similar to that of apparatus 101 however, apparatus 501 differs from apparatus 101 in that it is configured for an alternatively sized electrical accessory such as those used with conventional double gang plug sockets.

Thus, in a similar way, apparatus 501 comprises a surrounding member comprising first surround portion 502 and second surround portion 503. First surround portion 502 comprises a first wall portion 504 and a first flange portion 605 which extends outwardly from end 606 of wall portion 604 to end 607 of wall portion 604.

Second surround portion 503 similarly comprises a second wall portion 508 and a flange portion 509 which extends outwardly from end 510 of wall portion 508 to end 511 of wall portion 508.

In the embodiment, surround portion 502 and 603 are releasably attachable to each other such that when attached, first wall portion 504 and second wall portion 508 together form a supporting wall defining aperture 512 such that flange portion 505 and second flange portion form flange 513 continuously around the perimeter of aperture 512. Thus, in this way, flange 113 extends three hundred and sixty degrees (360°) around the substantially rectangular aperture.

In the embodiment, flange 513 comprises a receiving means suitable for receiving a protective cover in the manner as shown in Figure 6. In the embodiment, flange portions 505 and 509 extend from a front face of wall portions 504 and 508 respectively in a similar manner to those of apparatus 101.

In a similar way to apparatus 101, apparatus 501 comprises attachment means 514 which is configured to attach surround portion 502 to surround portion 503. In a Similar way, the attachment means comprises a hole defined by the first surround portion and the second hole defined by the second surround portion in which the first hole Is located at end 506 of wall portion 504 and the second hole is located at end 510 of wall 508. Thus, the first hole is located on an inner face of the surround portion 502 and the second hole is to located on an outer face of surround portion 503 with the inner face being substantially opposite of the outer face. In an embodiment, an attachment means 514 may also comprise similar alignment means to that referred to in respect of apparatus 101. , In the embodiment, aperture 512 is substantially rectangular and surround portion 502 is substantially identical in shape to second surround portion 503. Thus, as previously indicated, a plurality of substantially similar halves of apparatus 501 can be manufactured and mass produced with two separate halves being brought together to provide the attached apparatus 501.

Figure 6 Apparatus 501 is shown in combination with protective cover 601 in a similar manner to that shown in Figure 4 in relation to apparatus 101 and protective cover 301. Protective cover 601 is functionally similar to protective cover 301 and is configured to slide over flange 513 of apparatus 501.

In this illustrated embodiment, electrical accessory 602, in the form of a conventional double gang plug socket, is shown in position with apparatus 501 mounted to the rear of electrical accessory 602. Thus, when fitted, flange 513 extends around electrical accessory 602 and protective cover 601 slides onto flange 513 without interference with electrical accessory 602.

In the embodiment, protective cover 601 is releasably attachable to flange 513 such that protective cover 601 can be removed if required. When fitted, protective cover 601 extends forward of the front face of flange 513 and defines cavity 603 between surround portions 502 and 503 and front wall 604 of protective cover 601. Thus, in this way, protective cover 601 is considered to comprise at least one closed side wall 60$ and an opening 606 which provides access to the cavity 603 and electrical accessory 602.

In addition to the features described in respect of protective cover 301, protective cover 601 further comprises a support plate 607 mounted around the mid-point of front wall 604 such that 607 extends from the inside of front wall 604 into cavity 603. This provides additional support for protective cover 801 without causing any damage to electrical accessory 602, Thus, in use, an operative may successfully access electrical equipment plugged into electrical accessory 602 and continue to use the equipment while installation works are being conducted. All the while, protective cover 601 prevents electrical accessory 602 from suffering damage from debris, paint, plaster or other materials.

Figures TA and 78 A plan view of apparatus 501 with protective cover 601 is shown in Figures 7A and 78 from the top and bottom views respectively. In Figure 7A, the top view shows protective cover 601 mounted to apparatus 501 in which closed side wall 604 prevents any debris falling into electrical accessory 602.

In Figure 7B, when viewed from underneath, the electrical accessory 602 is visible while opening 608 provides access to cavity 603. In this way, an operative can activate a switch of electrical accessory 602 in order to ensure that use of electrical accessory 602 can be continued while installation works are being conducted, Figure S. A further apparatus in accordance with the present invention for providing a safety shield extending between an electrical back box and an electrical accessory in a substantially similar manner to that as shown in Figure 2, will now be described with respect to Figure 8.

so Apparatus 801 comprises a surrounding member comprising a first surround portion 802 and second surround portion 803. In a substantially similar manner to embodiments 101 and 501 described previously, surround portion 802 comprises a first wall portion and a first flange portion 804 which extends outwardly from a first end 805 of the first wall portion to a second end 806 of the first wall portion.

Similarly, second surround portion 803 comprises a second wall portion and a second flange portion 807 which extends outwardly from end 808 of the second wall portion to end 809 of the second wall portion.

First surround portion 802 and second surround portion 803 are releasably attachable to each other as such that when attached, as shown, the wall portions define an aperture 810 and first flange portion 802 and second flange portion 803 form a continuous flange 811 around the perimeter of aperture 810.

In the embodiment, surround portion 802 and surround portion 803 are substantially identical in shape to each other and are releasably attachable to each other by means of attachment means. In this embodiment, the attachment means comprises cooperating interlocking elements which interlock by sliding together. Thus, in this example, surround portion 803 comprises a socket 812 at end 803 and a pin 813 at end 809. Correspondingly, surround portion 802 comprises a corresponding plug 814 at end 805 and corresponding socket 815 at end 806. In this way, surround portions 802 and 803 are releasably attachable such that plug 814 slides into socket 812 and plug 813 slides into socket 815.

Apparatus 801 can then be used in a similar manner to apparatus 101 and 501 with a corresponding protective cover as necessary which is configured to slide over flange 81 to cover apparatus 801 and aperture 810.

Figure 9 An alternative embodiment, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, will be described with respect to Figures 9 to 13.

A conventional building scenario is shown in a cross-sectional diagrammatic view in Figure 9. Figure 9 shows a typical commercial or residential building in which the walls of the building comprise a first building support such as wall 901, and a second building support such as wall 902. In this arrangement, wall 901 may be constructed from a plurality of breeze blocks to which an electrical back box 903 may be attached. Mounted in front of wall 901 is building support 902 which typically comprises a plasterboard forming the front of a wall in the inside of a building. Plasterboard 902 is typically constructed a distance 904 away from wall 901 with electrical back box 903 being positioned in space 905 between the building support 901 and building support 902.

As shown, electrical cables such as electrical cable 906 are arranged in space 905 and into back box 903. Plasterboard 902 typically provides an opening 907 to which electrical back box 903 can be accessed, with a suitable electrical accessory being mounted in front of wall 902.

Figure 10 The scenario of Figure 9 is shown in Figure 10 with an apparatus in accordance with the present invention being shown in situ. Thus, electrical back box 903 is mounted to the building support 903 and an electrical accessory 1001, such as an electrical light switch, is mounted on the face or surface 1002 of plasterboard 902. Cable 906 extends through electrical back box to connect with electrical accessory 1001 so as to provide an electrical connection to electrical accessory 1001 for use in a conventional manner.

In the embodiment shown, an apparatus in accordance with the present invention 1003 is shown extending from electrical back box 903 and through opening 907 in building support 902.

Apparatus 1003 may be any of the apparatus previously described such as apparatus 101, 501 or 801 or any variation thereof. Apparatus 1003 may also be substantially similar to the apparatus described in Figures 11, 12, 13 and 14. In particular however, apparatus 1003 comprises a flange which extends continuously around the perimeter of an aperture and, when fitted in the manner shown extends further around electrical accessory 1001 such that flange 1004 protrudes around the edge of electrical accessory 1001.

In addition, flange 1004 is fitted such that it is substantially flush with the surface 1002 of second building support 902. This flush fitting enables apparatus 1003 to provide additional protection around opening 907 such that ingress to electrical back box 903 does not occur.

Apparatus 1003 also extends over back box 903 which prevents any debris that may be present in space 905 entering into back box 903. In this way, cable 906 and any further connectors present between back box 903 and electrical accessory 1001 are protected by means of apparatus 1003. In this particular application, apparatus 1003 is configured to be left in place after installation or construction works have taken place in order to protect electrical back box 903 from ingress of debris over time.

Further examples suitable for this application will now be described with respect to Figures 11, 12 and 13.

Figure VI A further apparatus which is suitable for utilisation in the application shown in Figure 10 is shown in Figure 11, In this embodiment, apparatus 1101 provides a safety shield suitable for extending between an electrical back box and art electrical accessory and comprises surrounding member 1102.

Surrounding member 1102 comprises a supporting wall 1103 and a flange 1104 which extends outwardly from the supporting wall 1103.

Supporting wall 1103 defines an aperture 1105.

Flange 1104 comprises holes, 1106 and 1107 which provide attachment to an electrical accessory. Flange 1104 further comprises a plurality of fixing holes, such as fixing hole 1108 which can be used to affix apparatus 1101 to plasterboard 902 as necessary. Thus, in use, a suitable fastening can be provided through fixing hales to provide additional support and ensure that apparatus 1101 is flush against plasterboard 902.

In the embodiment, apparatus 1101 is manufactured as a single injection moulded piece, rather than as a two-piece version previously described.

Figure 12 A further apparatus 1201 is shown in Figure 12 in which the apparatus for providing a safety shield comprises a surrounding member 1202 comprising a supporting wail 1203 and a flange 1204. Flange 1204 extends outwardly from supporting wall 1203. Supporting wall 1203 defines an aperture 1205 and flange 1204 is formed continuously around the perimeter of aperture 1205. Apparatus 1201 can be utilised in a similar way to apparatus 1101 in the flush manner depicted in Figure 10. Thus, additional fixing holes, such as fixing hole 1206 can be used to attach apparatus 1201 to plasterboard 902.

lc Apparatus 1201 further comprises a first hole 1207 and Second hole 1208. These holes are configured to receive a fastener which can allow connection of the electrical accessory to the electrical back box as identified previously.

In this illustrated embodiment, and in contrast to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 5, holes 1207 and 1208 are positioned on the lugs 1209 and 1210. Lugs 1209 and 1210 are flush with flange 1204 and do not extend along supporting wall 1203. Thus, when fitted, apparatus 1201 is fitted In line with the length of fasteners 1211 and 1212 to provide extension as will be shown further with respect to Figure 13.

Figure 13 Apparatus 1201 is shown in combination with an electrical back box 1301. Supporting wall 1203 extends over the sides of electrical back box 1301 which thus can be used to provide additional protection in the manner of Figure 10 towards protecting any cables inside electrical back box 1301 from any debris falling in space 905. Fasteners 1211 and 1212 extend through holes 1209 and 1208 respectively and, are positioned such that they align with the corresponding holes in electrical back box 1301.

In this way, as fasteners 1211 and 1212 are tightened, flange 1204 can be brought closer to electrical back box 1301 as required, and thus, apparatus 1201 can be utilised where distance 904 is of different dimensions.

Figures 14A and 14B A further embodiment in accordance with the present invention is shown with respect to Figures 14A and 14B. Figure 14A shows a plan view of an apparatus which is suitable for utilising with Circular electrical accessories such as in ceiling lights and in certain sockets. The circular apparatus 1401 shown in Figure 14 is substantially similar in function to any one of the apparatus described previously.

Thus, apparatus 1401 comprises a surrounding member 1402 comprising a supporting wall 1403 and flange 1404. Range 1404 extends outwardly from supporting wall 1403. Supporting wall 1403 further defines aperture 1405. Flange 1404 is formed continuously around the perimeter of aperture 1405. In this embodiment, flange 1404 comprises a plurality of holes, such as hole 1406, which can be utilised to assist in attachment in the flush embodiment of Figure 10.

Referring to Figure 14B, which shows a cross-sectional view of apparatus 1401, supporting wall 1403 comprises a threaded portion 1407. Threaded portion 1407 extends around the outside of supporting wall 1403 to provide a continuous circular thread which enables apparatus 1401 to be screwed into opening 907 which may be cut into plasterboard 902. This can reduce the number of fixings and ensures that apparatus 1401 can be fixed securely in place. Thus, in this embodiment, apparatus 1401 can be left in position once installation works have been completed.

Claims

CLAIMSThe invention claimed is: 1. Apparatus for providing a safety shield extending between an electrical back box and an electrical accessory, comprising: a surrounding member comprising a supporting wall and a flange extending outwardly from said supporting wall; wherein said supporting wall defines an aperture, and said flange is formed continuously around the perimeter of said aperture.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said surrounding member comprises a first surround portion and a second surround portion; said first surround portion comprises a first wall portion and a first flange portion extending outwardly from a first end of said first wall portion to a second end of said first wall portion; and said second surround portion comprises a second wall portion and a second flange portion extending outwardly from a third end of said second wall portion to a fourth end of said second wall portion; wherein said first surround portion and said second surround portion are releasably attachable to each other such that, when attached, said supporting wall comprises said first wall portion and said second wall portion, and said first flange portion and said second flange portion form said flange.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said flange extends from a front face of said supporting wall.
4. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a protective cover releasably attached to said flange.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said protective cover is slideable over said flange.
6. The apparatus of claim 4 or claim 5, wherein said protective cover extends forward of a front face of said flange to define a cavity between said surrounding member and a front wall of said protective cover.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said protective cover comprises at least one closed side wall and an opening providing access to said cavity.
8. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein said flange comprises a receiving means for receiving a protective cover.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said receiving means comprises a grooved runner.
10. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising an attachment means configured to attach said first surround portion and said second surround portion.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said attachment means comprises a first hole defined by said first surround portion and a second hole defined by said second surround portion.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said first hole is located at said first end of said first wall portion and said second hole is located at said second end of said second wall portion.
13. The apparatus of claim 11 or claim 12. wherein said first hole is located on an inner face of said first surround portion and said second hole is located on an outer face on said second surround portion, said inner face being substantially opposite said outer face.
14. The apparatus of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein said attachment Means comprises an alignment means to align said first hole and said second hole.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said alignment means comprises a pin adjacent said first hole and a corresponding socket adjacent said second hole.
16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said attachment means comprises co-operating interlocking elements which interlock by sliding together.
17. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein said aperture is any one of the following: substantially rectangular in cross-section; substantially circular in cross-section; substantially square in cross-section.
18. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said first surround portion is substantially identical in shape to said second surround portion.
19. A kit of parts for providing protection of an electrical accessory during installation works, comprising: the apparatus of claim 1; and a protective cover receivable by said flange.
20. A method of securing an electrical accessory to an electrical back box or ceiling member, comprising the steps of: electrically connecting said electrical accessory to a cable emerging so from said electrical bath box or ceiling member; obtaining an apparatus according to claim 1; passing said cable through said aperture; and securing said electrical accessory to said electrical back box or ceiling member.
21. The method Of claim 20, wherein said electrical back box is mounted to a first building support and said electrical accessory is configured to be mounted to a second building support positioned substantially parallel to said first building support having a space therebetween, said method further comprising the step of: positioning said apparatus to extend from said electrical back box and through an opening in said second building support, such that said flange is substantially flush with a surface of said second building support.
22. A method of securing an electrical accessory to an electrical back box or ceiling member, comprising the steps of: electrically connecting said electrical accessory to a cable emerging from said electrical back box or ceiling member; obtaining an apparatus according to claim 2; attaching said first surround portion to the second surround portion to define an aperture; passing said cable through said aperture; and securing said electrical accessory to said electrical back box or ceiling member.
23. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of: releasably attaching a protective cover to said flange.
24. The method of claim 21 or claim 22, further comprising the steps of passing a fastener through a fixing hole of said electrical accessory; and further passing said fastener through a first hole defined by said first surround portion and an aligned second hole defined by said second surround portion.26. The method of any one of claims 21 to 23, further comprising the step of: providing access to said electrical accessory by means of an opening in a wall of said protective cover.