GB2594716A

GB2594716A - Weatherproof socket

Info

Publication number: GB2594716A
Application number: GB2006555.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Gubbins Stephen
Original assignee: Luceco PLC
Current assignee: Luceco PLC
Priority date: 2020-05-04
Filing date: 2020-05-04
Publication date: 2021-11-10
Anticipated expiration: 2040-05-04
Also published as: GB202006555D0; CN113612056A; GB2594716B

Abstract

A weather resistant housing (figure 1, 100) suitable for an electrical socket 206 comprises a base 104 and a cover 106 that define respective first and second portions of a cable guide 110, 114, and portions of an internal cavity 202 suitable for receiving the electrical socket 206 and a plug when inserted into the electrical socket 206. The base 104 and cover 106 are joined by a hinge 200 to allow movement of the base 104 and the cover 106 between an open and a closed position. The first and second portions of the cable guide 110, 114 extend outwards from the internal cavity 202 in the vicinity of a latch assembly 116 and extend at least as far as a distal end (figure 5, 512) of the latch assembly 116. When the cover 106 is in the closed position, a seal assembly 211, 213 within the cable guide defines a substantially cylindrical aperture (figure 1, 126) suitable for an electrical cable (figure 1, 128). The first and second parts 211, 213 of the seal assembly may each comprise first and second portions 210, 212.

Description

WEATHERPROOF SOCKET

BACKGROUND

[0001] Electrical outlets for the provision of electricity are ubiquitous. Electrical outlets are common both within and external to buildings and structures. Whilst internal outlets typically do not require additional protection, the potential exposure of an outdoor electrical outlet to water is dangerous. To minimise the risks of exposure of the electrical outlet, weatherproof sockets are typically used to confer protection from the elements. Conventional weatherproof sockets typically comprise a housing for the electrical outlet, wherein the housing is openable by the operation of a latch. A sealed compartment in the housing allows the cable to run from a plug inputted into the electrical outlet to the outside of the weatherproof housing, enabling the user to operate a powered appliance.

[0002] Weatherproof sockets are intended to protect the electrical outlet from exposure to precipitation and to minimise other forms of potential damage attributable to weather, for example, winds. In order to confer a high degree of protection against the elements, the latches disposed on the outside of the weatherproof housing are typically very difficult for a user to operate. Whilst this maintains the protection conferred against the weather, it makes it challenging for a user to gain access to the electrical outlet itself. These latches are often small and cumbersome. A user may choose to use pliers or other tools, for example, in order to gain access to the electrical outlet, making accessing such sockets time-consuming, inconvenient and frustrating. For users with reduced dexterity, operating such latches may even be completely unmanageable. This makes it difficult for a user to utilise the electrical outlet at all. It also makes it challenging for the user to access the outlet for use with different appliances or to simply unplug an appliance once the user has finished operating it.

[0003] Whilst the sockets are intended to confer protection against the elements, typically, the sealed compartment in the housing that allows the cable to protrude needs to accommodate a range of varying cable sizes. Whilst this provides adaptability for the user when operating different appliances, it makes it difficult to completely seal the electrical outlet against water ingress, thereby increasing the risk of potentially dangerous exposure to precipitation.

[0004] It would be desirable to provide a weatherproof socket that improves accessibility to the electrical outlet for the user whilst maintaining the protection conferred by conventional weatherproof sockets.

[0005] The embodiments described below are provided by way of example only and are not limiting of implementations which solve any or all of the disadvantages of known weatherproof sockets.

SUMMARY

[0006] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0007] A weather resistant housing for an electrical socket is described. It comprises a base and a cover that define respective first and second portions of a cable guide and portions of an internal cavity for receiving the electrical socket and a plug when inserted into the electrical socket. The base and cover are joined by a hinge to allow movement of the base and the cover between an open and a closed position. A latch assembly is configured to lock the base and cover in a closed position. The first and second portions of the cable guide extend outwards from the internal cavity in the vicinity of the latch assembly and extend at least as far as a distal end of the latch assembly. When the cover is in the closed position, a seal assembly within the cable guide defines a substantially cylindrical aperture for an electrical cable.

[0008] According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a weather resistant housing for an electrical socket, the housing comprising: a base and a cover, the base and cover defining respective first and second portions of a cable guide and respective first and second portions of an internal cavity for receiving the electrical socket and a plug when inserted into the electrical socket; a hinge configured to allow relative movement of the base and the cover between an open and a closed position; a latch assembly configured to lock the base and cover in a closed position; and a seal assembly, wherein: the first and second portions of the cable guide extend outwards from the internal cavity in the vicinity of the latch assembly and extend at least as far as a distal end of the latch assembly; the seal assembly comprises a first part in the base and a second part in the cover and each of the first and second parts extend from an interface between the internal cavity and the cable guide and along substantially the entire length of the cable guide; and when the cover is in the closed position, the second part is in contact with the first part and seal assembly defines a substantially cylindrical aperture for an electrical cable.

[0009] The first part of the seal assembly may be further comprised of: a first portion located at the interface between the first portion of the intemal cavity and the first portion of the cable guide; and a second portion within the first portion of the cable guide; the second part of the seal assembly is further comprised of: a first portion located at the interface between the second portion of the internal cavity and the second portion of the cable guide; a second portion within the second portion of the cable guide.

[0010] A distal end of the first portion of each part of the seal assembly may be in contact with a proximal end of the second portion of the same part of the seal assembly.

[0011] The first and second portions of the first part of the seal assembly may be integrally formed and the first and second portions of the second part of the seal assembly may be integrally formed.

[0012] An inner surface of the second portion of the first and/or second parts of the seal assembly may comprise an embossed pattern.

[0013] The first and/or the second part of the seal assembly may be deformable.

[0014] The latch assembly may be attached by a pivot to one of the base and the cover and is configured to move between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the latch assembly is configured to engage with a contoured element on the other of the base and the cover and in the second position, the latch assembly is configured to disengage from the contoured element.

[0015] The latch assembly may be attached to the cover and the contoured element is disposed on the base.

[0016] The latch assembly may comprise a tab and a hook and wherein the first and second portions of the cable guide extend outwards from the intemal cavity in the vicinity of the latch assembly and extend at least as far as a distal end of the tab.

[0017] The first and second portions of the cable guide may extend outwards from the internal cavity in the vicinity of the latch assembly and may extend at least as far as a distal end of the latch assembly such that a distal end of the cable guide aligns with a distal end of the latch assembly.

[0018] The first and second portions of the cable guide may be substantially the same size.

[0019] The housing may further comprise at least one lug on each of the base and the cover, each lug comprising an aperture configured for use with a padlock.

[0020] The housing may be configured to accommodate a plurality of electrical sockets and may comprise a cable guide, a seal assembly and a latch assembly for each electrical socket.

[0021] A second aspect provides a weather resistant socket comprising a weather resistant housing according to the first aspect and one or more electrical sockets within the weather resistant housing.

[0022] The above features may be combined as appropriate, as would be apparent to a skilled person, and may be combined with any of the aspects of the examples described herein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 is an exemplary diagram of a weather resistant socket in a closed position. [0024] Figure 2 is an exemplary diagram of a weather resistant socket in an open position.

[0025] Figures 3A-30 are exemplary diagrams of various perspective views of a cable guide. [0026] Figure 4 shows various examples of a section of the seal assembly.

[0027] Figure 5 is another exemplary diagram of a weather resistant socket in a closed position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0028] Described herein is an improved weather resistant socket and a novel technique for enhancing the accessibility of a weather resistant socket, whilst maintaining the protection conferred to the electrical outlet against the elements.

[0029] Weather resistant sockets, alternatively referred to as weatherproof sockets or outdoor sockets, exist to protect an electrical outlet contained within the housing of the socket from potentially dangerous exposure to weather. In order to maintain a high level of protection for the electrical outlet, such sockets may be difficult for a user to open; however a user generally needs to open the socket regularly, i.e. to plug in an appliance (such as lawnmower) before use and then to unplug the appliance after use.

[0030] A housing for a socket may include one or more latches that may be operable by the exertion of a pull force on the underside of the latch. This may be done by hand or may require greater intervention in the form of tools such a pliers. Such an interaction may result in discomfort or strain for the user, particularly for those users with limited hand / finger strength or dexterity. In order to facilitate accessibility of the electrical outlet, it may be advantageous to extend the length of the latches such that they are less onerous to operate. However, this leads to latches that are more prone to accidental opening, particularly when a user is operating an appliance connected to the electrical outlet as the strain on the cable is more likely to cause the cable to accidentally engage the latch such that it opens. Accidental opening may inadvertently expose the electrical outlet to the weather and resulting in safety risks and potential damage. There is therefore a need to ensure that weather resistant sockets with such easy-opening latches are not accidentally operated.

[0031] Described herein is a weather resistant housing for a socket with easy-opening latches and a seal assembly located at least partially within a cable guide. The seal assembly engages the cable extending from the electrical outlet over substantially the entire length of the cable guide, thereby reducing the strain exerted on the plug and socket during operation of the appliance and reducing the possibility of any water ingress. This increases the safety of the socket. Additionally, the length of the cable guide is such that the cable cannot make contact with the latch. This minimises the risk of accidental opening of the latches, thereby maintaining the protection conferred on the electrical outlet by containment in the housing.

[0032] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary diagram of a weather resistant housing in a closed position and FIG. 2 shows an exemplary diagram of a weather resistant housing in an open position. Socket housings to which the examples apply may have different shapes, sizes, and different numbers and/or placements of features from the examples shown in FIGs. 1 and 2. In the example shown in FIGs. 1 and 2, the housing 100 is comprised of a base 104 and a cover 106 connected by a hinge 200. For each electrical socket 206 that is housed within (or could be housed within) the housing 100, the housing 100 further comprises a latch assembly 116, a cable guide 124 and a seal assembly (not visible in FIG. 1) with the cable guide 124 positioned such that it is aligned with the position of the electrical socket (i.e. such that the cable from a plug inserted into the socket can pass through the cable guide, preferably such that the cable is substantially straight). In the examples shown in the drawings, all the housings are designed to accommodate two electrical sockets 206 (which may also be referred to as 'outlets') and hence comprise two latch assemblies, two cable guides and two seal assemblies, with each cable guide being aligned with one of the electrical sockets. It will be appreciated that in other examples, the housings may be designed to accommodate only one electrical socket (and hence comprise a single latch assembly, single cable guide and single seal assembly) or more than two electrical sockets.

[0033] Respective first 108 and second 112 portions of the base 104 and cover 106 define respective first and second portions of an internal cavity 202 for receiving an electrical socket 206. It will be appreciated that the base 104 and cover 106 may define an internal cavity for receiving multiple electrical sockets and multiple plugs when inserted into the sockets.

[0034] The housing 100 in the examples in FIGs. 1 and 2 is substantially rectangular but it is appreciated that the housing 100 can be any suitable shape provided that the base 104 and cover 106 can define the internal cavity 202 for receiving an electrical socket 206 and a plug inserted into the electrical socket (not shown in the drawings). The housing 100 may be manufactured from any suitable material for protection against the elements including but not limited to plastics.

[0035] The base 104 of the housing 100 is mountable to a wall or other structure upon which an electrical socket or sockets may be affixed.

[0036] The base 104 and the cover 106 are hingeably attached to allow the relative movement of the base 104 and the cover 106 between an open and closed position. FIG. 1 shows the housing 100 in a locked closed position, in which the base 104 and the cover 106 of the housing are locked together by means of the latch assemblies. FIG. 2 shows the housing 100 in an open position, in which the interlocking of the base 104 and the cover 106 of the housing 100 by means of the latch assemblies 116 is released, allowing the base 104 and cover 106 to be separated by the operation of the hinge.

[0037] The base 104 and cover 106 are locked in the closed position by the operation of a latch assembly 116, which in the examples shown, is attached by means of a pivot 117 to the cover 106. The latch assembly 116 comprises an integrally formed tab 118 and hook 120. The latch assembly 116 is operated by applying pressure (i.e. a push force) to the tab 118 on one side or the other of the pivot, thereby rocking the entire assembly between a first and a second position. The ability to operate the latch assembly 116 (i.e. to both lock and unlock the latch) by means of pressure (i.e. a push force) makes the latch easier to operate, particularly for those with reduced finger strength and/or dexterity.

[0038] In various examples in which the housing 100 is locked in the closed position (e.g. as shown in FIG. 1), the latch assembly 116 occupies a first position, enabling the hook 120 to align (or engage) with a contoured feature, which may be referred to as a hook-alignable element 122, on the base 104. In comparison, in the arrangement of FIG. 2, the latch assembly 116 occupies the second position. Moving the latch assembly from the first to the second position allows the hook 120 and the hook-alignable element 122 to move out of alignment (e.g. such that the hook 120 is no longer engaged over the contoured feature on the base which may be a ridge or lip), releasing the interlocking of the base 104 and the cover 106. This in turn allows the housing 100 to be opened to enable access to the electrical socket 206 disposed within the internal cavity 202. Once in the open position, a user can insert a plug into the socket and/or remove a plug previously inserted into the socket.

[0039] The latch assembly 116 moves about the pivot 117 between the first and second position when pressure is applied to one or other end of the tab 118 -in particular, by applying pressure to the tab at a position towards the distal end of the tab 118 (i.e. between the pivot and the distal end), the latch assembly is moved into the first position (as shown in FIG. 1) and by applying pressure to the tab at a position towards the proximal end of the tab 118 (i.e. between the pivot and the proximal end), the latch assembly is moved into the second position. In various examples the length of the tab 118 (measured perpendicular to the pivot 117) may be 40mm or longer and in one example, the tab 118 may be approximately 56mm long. As described above, having this elongated tab makes the latch much easier to operate (e.g. to move the latch between the first and second positions, thereby locking or unlocking the housing). Any surface of the tab 118 may be embossed with a pattern to make it easier for a user to operate and in the example shown, the upper surface of the tab 118 is embossed at least at its distal and proximal ends.

[0040] It will be appreciated that in other examples the latch assembly 116 may instead be attached by means of a pivot to the base 104, in which case the hook-alignable element 122 is located on the cover 106.

[0041] A cable guide 124, also known as a cable compartment, a cable channel, or a cable support, in combination with the seal assembly (not visible in FIG. 1) defines a substantially cylindrical aperture 126 for an electrical cable when in the closed position. As shown in FIG. 1, this cylindrical aperture 126 provides an external opening to the housing. The base 104 and cover 106 define respective first 110 and second 114 portions of the cable guide 124. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the first and second portions 110, 114 are the same size; however, in other examples one of the portions may define more of the substantially cylindrical aperture than the other. In various examples, the first and second portions may have a substantially arcuate cross-section and in various examples, the outer diameter of the cable guide may be approximately 18mm.

[0042] The cable guide 124 extends outwards from the internal cavity. The cable guide is configured to receive a cable 128. The cable 128 extends from the electrical socket disposed within the internal cavity through the cable guide to the outside to allow operation of the powered appliance. In various examples the cable guide 124 is formed on the edge of the housing 100 that is proximal to the floor in order to avoid any additional exposure to weather and to promote drainage, but it is appreciated that the cable guide 124 can be formed at any position on the housing 100 so long as the aperture of the cable guide 124 can align with the electrical socket such that a cable 128 can run from the electrical socket through the cable guide 124 with minimal distortion. In the examples shown in FIGs. 1 and 2, the cable guide 124 is also formed on the edge of the housing 100 that is opposite the hinge 200 and in the vicinity of the latch assembly 116.

[0043] As described above, the housing 100 comprises one cable guide 124 for each socket that is contained within (or can be accommodated within) the housing 100 and the example shown in FIG. 1 comprises two cable guides.

[0044] In FIG. 1, the two portions 110, 114 of the cable guide are shown positioned proximate to (and in many examples, in contact with) each other. In comparison, in FIG. 2, when the housing is open, the base 104 and cover 106 are separated. This results in physical separation of the two portions of the cable guide 124.

[0045] As shown clearly in FIG. 2, the first portion 110 of the cable guide 124 extends outwards from the internal cavity portion 108 of the base 104. The second portion 114 of the cable guide 124 extends outwards from the internal cavity portion 112 of the cover 106.

[0046] The housing 100 includes a seal assembly within each cable guide 124. The seal assembly, which is visible in FIG. 2 because the housing is open, comprises a first part 211 in the base and a second part 213 in the cover. Each of the first and second parts extend from an interface between the internal cavity and the cable guide and along substantially the entire length of the cable guide.

[0047] The first 211 and second 213 parts of the seal assembly may each be formed from two separate portions that are in physical contact, alternatively the two separate portions that make up each of the first and second parts of the seal assembly may be integrally formed (i.e. each of the first and second parts comprise a single component). For the purposes of the following description, the seal assembly is described as comprising four elements (the two portions forming the first part and the two portions forming the second part); however, the following description is equally applicable to both where these portions are formed separately but the two portions forming a part are positioned in contact with each other and where the two portions that make up a part are integrally formed.

[0048] In various examples, and as visible in the open position as shown in FIG. 2, the first part 211 of the seal assembly comprises a first portion 210 at the interface between the internal cavity portion 108 of the base 104 and the first portion 110 of the cable guide and a second portion 212 within the first portion 110 of the cable guide. The first 210 and second portion 212 of the first part 211 of the seal assembly may be in physical contact with each other or may be integrally formed. The first 211 part of the seal assembly extends from the interface between the internal cavity portion 108 of the base 104 and the first portion 110 of the cable guide substantially along the entire length of the first portion 110 of the cable guide. The second part 213 of the seal assembly comprises a first portion at the interface between the internal cavity 112 portion of the cover 106 and a second portion 214 within the second portion 114 of the cable guide. The first and second portion 214 of the second part 213 of the seal assembly may be in physical contact with each other or may be integrally formed. The second part 213 of the seal assembly extends from the interface between the internal cavity portion 112 of the cover 106 and the second portion 114 of the cable guide substantially along the entire length of the cable guide. Whilst the first portion of the second part of the seal assembly is not visible in FIG. 2, its structure is a mirror image of the first portion 210 of the first part 211 of the seal assembly.

[0049] FIGs. 3A-30 show various views of the cable guide and seal assembly in more detail. FIGs. 3A and 38 show various perspectives of the cable guide 124 when the housing 100 is in the closed position. FIGs. 3C and 3D show various perspectives of the cable guide 124 when the housing 200 is in the open position and because the housing is in the open position, the seal assembly can also be seen.

[0050] In the closed position, the cable guide 124, in combination with the seal assembly, defines a substantially cylindrical aperture 126 for an electrical cable. The base 104 and cover 106 define respective first 110 and second 114 portions of the cable guide 124. In the orientation shown in FIGs. 3A and 38, these first and second portions may also be referred to as lower and upper portions of the cable guide. As shown in FIG. 3A, the cable guide 124 may have a substantially square or rectangular cross-section with rounded corners and in various examples the rectangular section of the cable guide may be approximately 18mm x 19mm.

[0051] As described above, the cable guide 124 extends outwards from the internal cavity 202 and in various examples the cable guide 124 may extend by around 19mm beyond the rest of the housing (e.g. beyond the hook-alignable element). The cable guide is configured to receive a cable 128 (as shown in FIG. 1). In use the cable 128 extends from the electrical socket 206 (as shown in FIG. 2) disposed within the internal cavity 202 through the cable guide 124 to the outside to allow operation of the powered appliance.

[0052] The first (or lower) portion 110 of the cable guide 124 defines a first channel within which the second portion 212 of the first part 211 of the seal assembly is located. The second (or upper) portion 114 of the cable guide 124 defines a second channel within which the second portion 214 of the second part 213 of the seal assembly is located. The second portions 212, 214 of the first 211 and second 213 parts of the seal assembly extend from the distal end of the cable guide 124 to the first portions of the first and second parts of the seal assembly. When the housing 100 is closed, the first 110 and second 114 portions of the cable guide 124 come together and the first 211 and second 213 parts of the seal assembly come together to define a substantially cylindrical aperture 126 for an electrical cable. The substantially cylindrical aperture is formed from the alignment of the first channel and the second channel and alignment of the second portions 212, 214 of each of the first and second parts of the seal assembly within those channels. In comparison (as shown in FIGs. 3C and 3D), when the housing 200 is open, the base 104 and cover 106 are separated, separating the portions 110, 114 of the cable guide 124 and the first and second channels.

[0053] The cable guide 124 extends from the internal cavity. In the closed position, the substantially cylindrical aperture extends from internal cavity. In the open position, the first and second channels extend from the respective internal cavity portions of the base 104 and the cover 106.

[0054] The first portion 210 of the first part 211 of the seal assembly is also shown in FIG. 3C. As described above, it is located at the interface between the internal cavity portion 108 of the base 104 and the first portion 110 of the cable guide. As shown in FIG. 3C, this first portion 210 comprises an array of seal elements 210A-210C which may be arranged parallel to each other and/or at regular intervals and which are connected by a plate of seal material that is in contact with the base 104 (not visible in FIG. 3C). In the example shown in the drawings, each array comprises three seal elements. Each seal element may be rectangular in shape (e.g. element 210C) or may be rectangular with a substantially semi-circular cut-out (e.g. elements 210A, 210B). Each seal element may be around 1-2mm thick. The first portion of the second part 213 of the seal assembly is identical to the first portion 210 of the first part 211 of the seal assembly but is instead positioned in the corresponding position at the interface between the internal cavity portion 112 of the cover 106 and the second portion 114 of the cable guide and the plate of seal material that connects the array of seal elements is in contact with the cover. When a user closes the housing 100, the first portion of the second part 213 of the seal assembly aligns with the first portion 210 of the first part 211 of the seal assembly, enclosing the cable (i.e. each element in the array of seal elements in the first portion 210 of the first part 211 of the seal assembly aligns with an element in the array of seal elements in the first portion of the second part 213 of the seal assembly). As shown in FIG. 3C, the outermost element 210C of the array of seal elements 210 is in contact with the proximal end of the second portion 212 of first part 211 of the seal assembly and in various examples, the two portions may be integrally formed.

[0055] FIG. 4 shows perspective views of three different examples of the second portions 212, 214 of the first 211 or second part 213 of the seal assembly. As described above, the second portions 212, 214 of the first 211 and second 213 parts of the seal assembly are located in the cable guide and these portions may be identical (e.g. both like one of portions 402, 404, 406). Each of the portions comprises an embossed pattern on the inner curved surface and any suitable embossed pattern may be used, In the first and third example portions 402, 406 the embossed pattern comprises an array of parallel, circumferential ridges which may be arranged at regular intervals. In the second example portion 404 the embossed pattern comprises an array of arrow-shaped ridges arranged at regular intervals. In yet further variations, the embossed pattern may comprise other arrangements of ridges (e.g. a criss-cross or lattice arrangement of ridges). In various examples, the length of the portions of the second seal arrangement may be approximately 21.5mm and the portions may have an inner diameter of around 4mm (e.g. 3.9mm) and an outer diameter of around 7mm. As the portions sit within the channels formed by the first and second portions of the cable guide, the outer dimensions of these portions (e.g. a length of around 21.5mm and an outer diameter of around 7mm) correspond to the dimensions of the channels formed by the first and second portions of the cable guide (i.e. correspond to the inner profile of the cable guide portions).

[0056] The first and second parts which form the seal assembly operate to engage the cable in a fixed position, thereby to reduce strain where the cable enters the plug, and to prevent moisture ingress along the cable. The first and second parts of the seal assembly can also accommodate cables of varying thicknesses whilst still reducing the strain on the cable and preventing moisture ingress. The embossed pattern, described above, serves to increase the grip on the cable (and hence reduce the strain on the plug when in use) and assists in preventing moisture ingress (particularly for cables of different sizes).

[0057] It is appreciated that the first and second parts of the seal assembly may be deformable. The respective seal parts may be entirely comprised of any deformable material. Alternatively, the respective seal parts, and in particular the second portions of each of the seal parts, may be formed with a deformable layer. In yet further examples, the respective seal parts, and in particular the second portions of each of the seal parts, may be formed from a substantially rigid material; however, they may be shaped such that the parts are deformable. In various examples, the second portions 212, 214 of the first 211 and second 213 parts of the seal assembly may have one or more cut-outs 408 (e.g. recesses) in the outer surface (i.e. in the face that is resting in the channel of the cable guide portion) to increase the deformability of the seal portion. The deformability serves to increase the grip on the cable (and hence reduce the strain on the plug when in use) and assists in preventing moisture ingress (particularly for cables of different sizes).

[0058] The first 211 and second 213 parts of the seal assembly may be manufactured entirely from any suitable material(s), including but not limited to, plastic polymers including polyvinyl chloride, rubber, gel or any other combination thereof [0059] As shown in FIGs. 3A-3D, the hook 120 of the latch assembly 116 extends from the underside of the tab 118 and may be comprised of two prongs 120A, 120B configured to align with the hook alignable element 122. In alternative examples, it is appreciated that the hook 120 can be comprised of any number of prongs provided that alignment and disengagement with the hook-alignable element 122 can be achieved. In the examples shown, the latch assembly 116 is formed in the vicinity of the cable guide 124, e.g. with one prong either side of the cable guide. This means that an even force is applied around the cable guide to hold the portions of the seal assembly in contact with each other and further reduce the possibility of moisture ingress.

[0060] As described above, the cable guide extends outwards from the internal cavity in the vicinity of the latch assembly 116 and extends at least as far as a distal end 512 of the latch assembly. This reduces the likelihood of accidental operation of the latches when in use (i.e. as a consequence of the cable coming into contact with the latch assembly 116, and in particular the distal end of the tab). In various examples, as shown in FIG. 5, the cable guide 124 extends from the housing by substantially the same distance as the tab 118 of the latch assembly 116 (i.e. such that the distal end 510 of the cable guide is substantially aligned with the distal end 512 of the latch assembly). This ensures that the arc of the cable 128 does not contact and accidentally disengage the tab 118. It is appreciated that the cable guide 124 can be of any length provided that the arc of the cable cannot contact the tab 118 of the latch assembly 116 as it exits from the cable guide 124, e.g. the cable guide 124 may be longer than (i.e. extend further from the body of the housing) than the tab or in examples where the cable guide 124 is shorter than (i.e. does not extend further from the body of the housing) than the tab, the maximum amount by which it can be shorter is dependent upon a minimum bend radius of the cable 128, such that even when bent along its minimum bend radius the cable cannot come into contact with the distal edge of the tab 118.

[0061] Also as shown in FIG. 5 (and also in FIG. 1), the proximal end of the tab 118 is located within a recess in the cover 106. This further reduces the likelihood of accidental opening of the latch assembly which, as described above, would expose the sockets to the weather and reduce the overall safety of the housing.

[0062] In various examples, the housing 100 additionally comprises lugs 502 (shown in FIGs. 1 and 2), positioned on the distal corners of the housing 100 relative to the hinged edge, configured for use with padlocks to increase the security of the housing 100.

[0063] Although the present invention has been described in connection with some examples, it is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein. Rather, the scope of the present invention is limited only by the accompanying claims. Additionally, although a feature may appear to be described in connection with particular examples, one skilled in the art would recognize that various features of the described examples may be combined in accordance with the invention. In the claims, the term 'comprising' does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps.

[0064] Furthermore, the order of features in the claims does not imply any specific order in which the features must be performed and in particular the order of individual steps in a method claim does not imply that the steps must be performed in this order. Rather, the steps may be performed in any suitable order. In addition, singular references do not exclude a plurality. Thus, references to 'a', 'an', 'first', 'second', etc. do not preclude a plurality. In the claims, the term 'comprising' or "including" does not exclude the presence of other elements.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A weather resistant housing (100) for an electrical socket (206), the housing comprising: a base (104) and a cover (106), the base and cover defining respective first and second portions of a cable guide (110, 114) and respective first and second portions of an internal cavity for receiving the electrical socket and a plug when inserted into the electrical socket; a hinge (200) configured to allow relative movement of the base and the cover between an open and a closed position; a latch assembly (116) configured to lock the base and cover in a closed position; and a seal assembly, wherein: the first and second portions of the cable guide (110, 114) extend outwards from the internal cavity in the vicinity of the latch assembly and extend at least as far as a distal end (512) of the latch assembly; the seal assembly comprises a first part (211) in the base and a second part (213) in the cover and each of the first and second parts extend from an interface between the internal cavity and the cable guide and along substantially the entire length of the cable guide; and when the cover is in the closed position, the second part is in contact with the first part and seal assembly defines a substantially cylindrical aperture (126) for an electrical cable.
2. The housing of claim 1, wherein: the first part (211) of the seal assembly is further comprised of a first portion (210) located at the interface between the first portion of the internal cavity and the first portion of the cable guide; and a second portion (212) within the first portion of the cable guide; the second part of the seal assembly is further comprised of: a first portion located at the interface between the second portion of the internal cavity and the second portion of the cable guide; a second portion (214) within the second portion of the cable guide.
3. The housing of claim 2, wherein a distal end of the first portion of each part of the seal assembly is in contact with a proximal end of the second portion of the same part of the seal assembly.
4. The housing of claim 2, wherein the first and second portions of the first part of the seal assembly are integrally formed and the first and second portions of the second part of the seal assembly are integrally formed.
5. The housing of any of claims 2-4, wherein an inner surface of the second portion of the first and/or second parts of the seal assembly comprises an embossed pattern.
6. The housing of any preceding claim, wherein the first and/or the second part of the seal assembly is deformable.
7. The housing of any preceding claim, wherein the latch assembly is attached by a pivot (117) to one of the base and the cover and is configured to move between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the latch assembly is configured to engage with a contoured element (122) on the other of the base and the cover and in the second position, the latch assembly is configured to disengage from the contoured element.
8. The housing of claim 7, wherein the latch assembly is attached to the cover and the contoured element is disposed on the base.
9. The housing of any preceding claim, wherein the latch assembly comprises a tab (118) and a hook (120) and wherein the first and second portions of the cable guide extend outwards from the internal cavity in the vicinity of the latch assembly and extend at least as far as a distal end of the tab.
10. The housing of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second portions of the cable guide extend outwards from the internal cavity in the vicinity of the latch assembly and extend at least as far as a distal end (512) of the latch assembly such that a distal end (510) of the cable guide aligns with a distal end (512) of the latch assembly.
11. The housing of any preceding claims, wherein the first and second portions of the cable guide are substantially the same size.
12. The housing of any preceding claim, wherein the housing further comprises at least one lug (502) on each of the base and the cover, each lug comprising an aperture configured for use with a padlock.
13. The housing of any preceding claim, wherein the housing is configured to accommodate a plurality of electrical sockets and comprising a cable guide, a seal assembly and a latch assembly for each electrical socket.
14. A weather resistant socket comprising a weather resistant housing according to any of the preceding claims and one or more electrical sockets within the weather resistant housing.