1. Field of the Invention
The field of invention includes electrical safety apparatus in combination with a container. More particularly, the field involves lighting apparatus, electrical power extensions, and electrical shock protection devices which are self-containerized for portability, safety and field use. Such devices are in compliance with most State and Federal Rules and Regulations including those of the Office of Safety and Health Administration ("OSHA").
2. Definition/Explanation of Terms
Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI). The term Ground Fault Interrupter is a shortened version of the original, longer, more descriptive terminology, Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). Both terms and acronyms are used interchangeably. Such a device is electrically in series with a power source and any given portable tool which a user may plug into a female receptacle incorporated with a GFI.
The purpose of the ground fault interrupter is to protect a user by preventing electrical shock from portable tools and power equipment. A GFI device performs its safety function by sensing minute stray currents (on the order of 4 to 6 milli-amps) which may be attempting to reach earth ground through a human's body.
These very small initial currents flowing to ground and detected by the GFI provide a near instantaneous circuit breaker which interrupts the primary electrical current from the power source. This detection occurs within approximately 1/30th of a second before higher, more dangerous current levels can build up, thus preventing electrical shock, reducing fire hazards and creating a safer work place.
Receptacle. An electrical receptacle is one or more female receivers usually of the three prong variety. They are also normally configured in pairs or multiple ganged pairs. GFI circuitry is incorporated internally and is electrically in series with the internal and external connectors in a housing for the receptacle. This configuration thereby creates an integral circuit interrupter and connection apparatus housed along with the receptacle.
Self-Containment. A plastic containment bucket assembly is a preferred form for self containing the electrical apparatus of the invention. Such a bucket provides a structural mounting apparatus and a weathertight container for housing for the GFI/receptacle unit of the invention.
External Source of Potential. In electrical terms, potential is defined as the potential to do work. It is the electrical potential above earth ground--usually measured in volts. For purposes of this self-contained invention the potential source, or primary source, is located externally, and the invention includes a safe, easy and OSHA accepted way of connecting to such a primary source.
Ground. Ground is defined electrically as zero potential and is used interchangeably with earth ground. Grounding is the act of connecting a device, wire or object electrically to a portion of a circuit which is then physically in contact with the earth usually through a conductive rod driven into the ground.
Weathertight Container. While the self-contained electrical apparatus of this invention is not absolutely waterproof in use, it is essentially so with normal care and usage. Thus, mounted electrical apparatus in combination with an easy ingress/egress container meets weathertight standards in that conventional hinged covers, lids and sealable gaskets are provided for the electrical apparatus. Moreover, the container has easy ingress/egress and is readily resealable by an open/close lid for convenient daily use by a user.
3. Description of the Prior Art
As we have progressed in our technological development, we have created more uses for tools which use electricity at temporary sites. With this proliferation, concerns for electrical safety at the job site have dramatically increased. The first major thrust into this safety area was the U.S. Electrical code requirement of a separate, third ground wire for electrically supplied power.
The next, and still current addition in the safety area of prevention of electrical shock is that of a Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI). This GFI device has become an industry standard for electrical shock protection when using portable tools. Safety has become so critical that such devices are mandated by OSHA.
GFI units are separately packaged devices between a primary power source and portable power tools. Although fine for shock protection, the nature of construction sites poses a major electrical hazards and housekeeping problems associated with GFI assemblies. Such assemblies, in the past, were thrown on the floor, tacked or tied to temporary construction members. And, in many instances, were susceptible to misuse and damage. Often, GFI units are dragged through, or left in dangerous areas, such as those where water has pooled, thus endangering the lives and safety of workers.
Turning now to the prior art, a search has turned up various patents, many of which are only of peripheral relevance to this invention. Such patents include, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,872,354 (Nestor et al, 1975). Circuitry such as disclosed in Nestor et al is incorporated in today's commercial GFIs. Nestor discloses one typical technique and circuitry for a primary circuit interruption with fast response.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,709,980 (Coll et al; 1987) is of limited relevance to the present invention. The Coll invention is specifically engineered for cable splicing of joined, contained, and underground cables. It is not designed for repeated, daily use. Its purpose is to receive a properly spliced underground cable and permanently store the same. It is not relevant in structure or function to the invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,217,298 (Jackson et al., 1993) and U.S. Pat. No. 3,066,217 (McDonald, 1962) are lighting only container devices and are unrelated to the portability and safety features of my invention. They have no relation to OSHA requirements nor safety considerations for portable electrical equipment at job sites.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,984,685 (Douglas, 1991) suggests the use of a plastic bucket for storing and removing an electrical extension cord and cord light in a specific retrievable manner. While Douglas does show the usage of a bucket as a container for such storage it does not disclose the novel features of a ground fault interrupter and bucket combination, nor the combination of the bucket as both a mounting means and weathertight storage. Moreover, Douglas does not teach or suggest a container as a light base for a pole light partially housed in the bucket nor as a weathertight container for other tools which may safely be plugged into a bucket- mounted GFI/receptacle unit.