European Ingenuity

Sure, America has Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, but last week when Petra brought home our new electric outlet covers, I realized that real ingenuity begins in Europe.

See, I've been in American childproofed homes. I've even been part of the process of childproofing them. And when you have to take out those outlet covers by digging your fingernails underneath - and then wait a couple more days for the nails to grow to appropriate electrical-cover-taking-out length you get a little frustrated. You might even be tempted to say "just let the little bugger put his finger in there. They'll learn."

That's the background for the following demonstration.
Here is the European outlet cover

And the accompanying key


First go to the closest European outlet you can find,

and push the child safety cover in.

When it's time to plug in your iron, stereo or popcorn popper simply insert the key into the keyhole in the center of the cover,

turn the key,

and pull it out.

Ta-Da! Believe it or not I haven't been able to find an American equivalent on a simple google search. American inventors, here's your opportunity!

Comments

Tracy said…
Great product! Glad to know i'm not the only one who doesn't like dealing with the American made ones.
May 9, 2009 at 10:52 AM
Anonymous said…
I've been on a hunt for these - where can I purchase them? Are they avaialable for purchase in the US? Pelase advise.
May 9, 2009 at 12:47 PM
Anonymous said…
Jeremy, Jeremy... with publishing this, you have blown your chance to be a millionaire...

Now somebody else will do it...
May 9, 2009 at 3:55 PM
Jeremy said…
Sorry Anonymous, they were purchased in Osijek Croatia. If you find them in America let me know!
May 9, 2009 at 5:25 PM
Milo Wilson said…
I love this posts Jeremy, complete with pictures and all. My only question is, what if you lose the plastic key? Do you have to use a knife or a fork to turn the lock?
May 11, 2009 at 11:50 AM
Jeremy said…
From what I can tell, nothing else can do the job that the plastic key can do. Fortunately the kit includes a backup key. If you lose both you can purchase a new set for appr. $2.
May 11, 2009 at 5:01 PM
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