WO2010117335A1

WO2010117335A1 - An apparatus for enabling at least one connection to an electrical device

Info

Publication number: WO2010117335A1
Application number: PCT/SG2009/000131
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yeow Mong Chia; Yak Seng Teo
Original assignee: Yeow Mong Chia; Yak Seng Teo
Priority date: 2009-04-08
Filing date: 2009-04-08
Publication date: 2010-10-14

Abstract

There is provided an apparatus for enabling at least one connection to an electrical device mounted on the apparatus. The electrical device may be selected from, for example, a lighting fixture, a flat panel television, a fan, a hand dryer, an insect zapper, surveillance camera, RF transmitter, a communications device, a point of sale machine, a Wifi hub, any combination of the aforementioned devices and so forth. It is advantageous that the at least one connection to the electrical device enables functionality of the electrical device.

Description

AN APPARATUS FOR ENABLING AT LEAST ONE CONNECTION TO AN ELECTRICAL DEVICE

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to an apparatus which enables at least one form of connectivity for an electrical device.

BACKGROUND

It is commonplace to find permanently affixed electrical fittings in any home, store outlet or office. Some of the permanently affixed electrical fittings are installed at the premises primarily for functional purposes, such as, for example, lightings for providing illumination, fans for facilitating cooling of an area, surveillance cameras for monitoring a particular area and so forth.

The permanent affixing of the electrical fittings is typically due to use of drilling apparatus and permanent securing mechanisms to affix the electrical fittings. In this regard, removal of the electrical fittings is not easily carried out without proper tools and skilled expertise at hand to remove the electrical fittings. As such, whenever the electrical fittings are installed, it is highly unusual to change the electrical fittings installed at the premises because of reasons such as, for example, inconvenience, cost, difficulty in removing the fittings and so forth.

In light of the aforementioned reasons of the preceding paragraph, it has become typical for a form and a type of the installed electrical fittings to be unchanged for a prolonged duration of time. This has often led to a sense of jadedness in relation to the perception of the installed electrical fittings. Furthermore, the sense of jadedness has also led to a wasteful situation where electrical fittings with time-transcending designs are discarded purely for the sake of change. In addition, an increasing number of electrical fittings include electronics at least for use in relation to controlling the electrical fittings. It should be noted that a wide variety of electronics may be used, and special attention needs to be directed at ensuring the operability of the wide variety of electronics. The wide variety of electronics may require, for example, power from electrical wires, data signals from data cables, communication signals from telephone wires, and so forth. Given the increasing complexity of an increasing number of electrical fittings, it can be seen that installing the fittings may also be increasingly costly.

Finally, given the permanent nature of the electrical fittings, it would be difficult to vary a purpose of a first location where an electrical fitting is installed. For example, a lighting fixture which is permanently affixed to the first location means that the first location may only have illumination and nothing else. Assuming an absence of other connection points, a user may not be able to go to the first location for something like cooling down through use of a fan.

Thus, in light of the aforementioned, it can be seen that there are issues in relation to current practices pertaining to the installation of electrical fittings. The present invention aims to address the issues and solve them.

SUMMARY

There is provided an apparatus for enabling at least one connection to an electrical device mounted on the apparatus. The apparatus includes a first support structure for providing structural support for mounting of the electrical device; a second support structure, the second support structure being mountable onto a surface (the surface being, for example, a wall, a ceiling, a floor, and any plane which is able to support the apparatus), and the first support structure being able to be mated with a second support structure; a first connector incorporated with the first support structure; a second connector incorporated with the second support structure, the first connector being able to be coupled with the second connector, and the coupling of the first connector and the second connector being for enabling the at least one connection; a first casing for the first connector, the first casing being for protection of the first connector; a second casing for the second connector, the second casing being for protection of the second connector, and the second casing being able to the mated with the first casing for enabling the coupling of the first connector and the second connector; and a first stand both for anchoring the first casing to the first support structure, and for maintaining an orientation and a position of the first casing. It is advantageous that the first casing is mounted at different heights in relation to a base of the first support structure to enable the first support structure to mate with the second support structure.

The apparatus may further include a third connector incorporated with the first support structure; and a fourth connector incorporated with the second support structure, the third connector being able to be mated with the fourth connector, and the mating of the third connector and the fourth connector being for enabling a serial port connection. The first stand may be both for anchoring the third connector to the first support structure, and for maintaining an orientation and a position of the third connector. The first stand may be of a non-uniform height above the base of the first support structure to cater to both the first casing and the third connector.

The at least one connection may be, for example, electrical, data, telephone line, any combination of the aforementioned connections and so forth. The first and second connectors may include at least one conduit such as, for example, electrical wires, data cables, telephone wires, any combination of the aforementioned conduits and so forth.

It is preferable that the second support structure includes at least one guide structure to guide a flange of the first support structure to enable mating of the first support structure with the second support structure where the first connector couples with the second connector.

It is also preferable that the second support structure includes at least one slot to allow a flange of the first support structure to slide within the at least one slot to enable mating of the first support structure with the second support structure where the first connector couples with the second connector.

The electrical device may be selected from, for example, a lighting fixture, a flat panel television, a fan, a hand dryer, an insect zapper, surveillance camera, RF transmitter, a communications device, a point of sale machine, a Wifi hub, any combination of the aforementioned devices and so forth.

The apparatus may further include a securing mechanism incorporated with the first support structure, the securing mechanism being for preventing non- intentional removal of the first support structure from the second support structure when the first support structure is mated with the second support structure. The securing mechanism may include at least one brace structure on the second support structure, the at least one brace structure being for securing the first support structure to the second support structure.

The apparatus may also further include at least one handle incorporated with the first support structure, the at least one handle being for providing a gripping structure to either aid in removal of the first support structure from the second support structure or for toggling the securing mechanism between either locking the first support structure with the second support structure or releasing the first support structure from the second support structure.

It is advantageous that the first casing shields the wires and cables of the first connector from each other, and the second casing shields the wires and cables of the second connector from each other.

The apparatus may further include a second stand both for anchoring the second casing to the second support structure, and for maintaining an orientation and a position of the second casing, wherein the second casing is located at different heights in relation to a base surface of the second support structure to enable the first support structure to mate with the second support structure. The second stand may also be both for anchoring the fourth connector to the second support structure, and for maintaining an orientation and a position of the fourth connector. It is advantageous that the second stand is of a non-uniform height above the base surface of the second support structure to cater to both the second casing and the fourth connector.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In order that the present invention may be fully understood and readily put into practical effect, there shall now be described by way of non-limitative example only preferred embodiments of the present invention, the description being with reference to the accompanying illustrative drawings.

Figure 1 shows a first perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in an open mode.

Figure 2 shows a second perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention in an intermediate mode.

Figure 3 shows a third perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention in a closed mode.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a first support structure of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a second support structure of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention during a first application.

Figure 7 shows a circuit view of some possible applications of the present invention.

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention in a closed mode.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to Figures 1 - 6, and 8 to better aid in comprehending all features of the present invention in conjunction with a description in the present section, there is provided an apparatus 20 for enabling at least one connection to an electrical device mounted on the apparatus 20. The at least one connection may be selected from, for example, an electrical connection, a data connection, a telephone line, any combination of the aforementioned connections and so forth. The electrical device may be selected from a group such as, for example, a lighting fixture, a flat panel television, a fan, a hand dryer, an insect zapper, surveillance camera, RF transmitter, a communications device, a point of sale machine, a Wifi hub and any combination of the aforementioned electrical devices. Figure 6 shows a non- limiting illustration of the apparatus 20 during use, with the electrical device 22 which is mounted on the apparatus 20 being a flat panel television. The apparatus 20 is expressed using dotted lines as the apparatus 20 is located at a back face 24 of the flat panel television, with a front face 26 of the flat panel television including a screen 28 for displaying both still and moving images. The electrical device 22 may be mounted onto the apparatus 20 using either adhesives or securing devices such as, for example, screws and nuts.

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the apparatus 20 where all essential features of the apparatus 20 are visible. The apparatus 20 may include a first support structure 30 for providing structural support for mounting of the electrical device 22 onto the apparatus 20. The first support structure 30 may be able to be mated with a second support structure 32 of the apparatus 20. The second support structure 32 may be mountable onto a surface, such as, for example, a wall, a ceiling, a floor, any plane which is able to support the apparatus 20, and so forth. The second support structure 32 may be mounted using either adhesives or securing devices such as, for example, screws and nuts. A plurality of holes 34 may be included in the second support structure 32 for use with the aforementioned securing devices.

The apparatus 20 may include a first connector 38 incorporated with the first support structure 30. The first connector 38 may include at least one conduit passing through a first opening 84, such as, for example, electrical wires, data cables, telephone wires and any combination of the aforementioned conduits. A second connector 42 may also be included in the apparatus 20. The second connector 42 may be incorporated with the second support structure 32. The second connector 42 may also include at least one conduit such as, for example, electrical wires, data cables, telephone wires and any combination of the aforementioned conduits. The apparatus 20 may also include a third connector 40 incorporated with the first support structure 30 and a fourth connector 44 incorporated with the second support structure 32, where the third connector 40 and the fourth connector 44 are mate-able counterparts of a serial port connector. It should be appreciated that position of the first connector 38 and the second connector 42 may be swapped, and similarly with the third connector 40 and the fourth connector 44.

The first connector 38 may be able to be coupled with the second connector 42. The coupling of the first connector 38 and the second connector 42 may enable the at least one connection, the at least one connection being selected from, for example, an electrical connection, a data connection, a telephone line, any combination of the aforementioned connections and so forth. Similarly, the mating of the third connector 40 and the fourth connector 44 may enable another at least one connection, the at least one connection being selected from, for example, an electrical connection, a data connection, a telephone line, any combination of the aforementioned connections and so forth.

The second support structure 32 may include at least one guide structure 36 for guiding a flange 48 of the first support structure 30 to allow the first support structure 30 to be mated with the second support structure 32 in a manner which allows the first connector 38 to be coupled with the second connector 42. The second support structure 32 may also include at least one slot 46 to allow the flange 48 of the first support structure 30 to slide within the at least one slot 46 for enabling mating of the first support structure 30 with the second support structure 32, where the first connector 38 couples with the second connector 42 and the third connector 40 mates with the fourth connector 44. Figure 2 shows the flange 48 of the first support structure 30 sliding in a first direction 50 within the at least one slot 46 of the second support structure 32 prior to coupling of the first connector 38 and the second connector 42. Figure 3 shows an instance when the first support structure 30 is fully mated with the second support structure 32, where the first connector 38 is coupled with the second connector 42 and the third connector 40 mates with the fourth connector 44 (not shown).

The apparatus 20 also includes a first casing 52 for the first connector 38. The first casing 52 may be for protection of the first connector 38. The first casing 52 may also shield the wires and cables of the first connector 38 from each other. Similarly, the apparatus 20 may also include a second casing 54 for the second connector 42, with the second casing 54 also being for protection of the second connector 42. The second casing 54 may also shield the wires and cables of the second connector 42 from each other. It is preferable that the second casing 54 may be able to the mated with the first casing 52 for enabling the coupling of the first connector 38 and the second connector 42. Either the first casing 52 or the second casing 54 may be of a male mating type. Similarly, either of the first casing 52 or the second casing 54 may be of a female receptor type.

The apparatus 20 also includes a first stand 60 for both anchoring the first casing 52 and the third connector 40 to the first support structure 30 and for maintaining an orientation and positions of the first casing 52 and the third connector 40. The first stand 60 may enable both the first casing 52 and the third connector 40 to be mounted at different heights in relation to a base 62 of the first support structure 30 to enable the first support structure 30 to mate with the second support structure 32. A position of the first stand 60 may be varied to enable the first casing 52 to be mounted at different heights. Alternatively, a plurality of stands may be used to enable the first casing 52 and the third connector 40 to be mounted at different heights. Being able to vary the height of the first casing 52 and the third connector 40 in relation to the base 62 of the first support structure 30 is advantageous in catering for differing cross-sectional profiles of the conduits of the first connector 38. For example, thicker conduits would result in a thicker first casing 52, and the thicker first casing 52 would need to be mounted at a lower height to allow the first casing 52 to be mated with the second casing 54 within the apparatus 20 when the first support structure 30 is mated with the second support structure 32. The first stand 60 need not be of a consistently uniform height above the base 62. The first stand 60 may be of a physical form to cater to requirements of both the first casing 52 and the third connector 40.

The apparatus 20 also includes a second stand 64 for both anchoring the second casing 54 and the fourth connector 44 to the second support structure 32 and for maintaining an orientation and positions of the second casing 54 and the fourth connector 44. The second stand 64 may enable the second casing 54 and the fourth connector 44 to be mounted at different heights in relation to a base surface 66 of the second support structure 32 to enable the second support structure 32 to mate with the first support structure 30. A position of the second stand 64 may be varied to enable the second casing 54 and the fourth connector 44 to be mounted at different heights. Alternatively, a plurality of stands may be used to enable the second casing 54 and the fourth connector 44 to be mounted at different heights. Being able to vary the height of the second casing 54 and the fourth connector 44 in relation to the base surface 66 of the second support structure 32 is advantageous in catering for differing cross-sectional profiles of the conduits of the second connector 42. For example, thicker conduits would result in a thicker second casing 54, and the thicker second casing 54 would need to be mounted at a lower height to allow the second casing 54 to be mated with the first casing 52 within the apparatus 20 when the first support structure 30 is mated with the second support structure 32. The second stand 64 need not be of a consistently uniform height above the base surface 66. The second stand 64 may be of a physical form to cater to requirements of both the second casing 54 and the fourth connector 44.

The apparatus 20 may also further include a securing mechanism 70 incoφorated with the first support structure 30. The securing mechanism 70 may be for preventing non-intentional removal of the first support structure 30 from the second support structure 32 when the first support structure 30 is mated with the second support structure 32. The securing mechanism 70 may includes at least one brace structure 72 on the second support structure 32 with the at least one brace structure 72 being for securing the first support structure 30 to the second support structure 32 with a use of a securing device such as, for example, screws and nuts. In the present embodiment, the at least one brace structure 72 is incorporated with the second stand 64, but it should be appreciated that the at least one brace structure 72 may be a separate structure incorporated in the second support structure 32. It should be appreciated that the securing mechanism 70 which is presented is merely illustrative, and may be replaced with other securing mechanisms 70 which could be usable in the present embodiment.

It may be possible for the apparatus 20 to further including at least one handle 80 (as shown in Figure 8) incorporated with the first support structure 30, such that the at least one handle 80 may be for providing a gripping structure to aid in removal of the first support structure 30 from the second support structure

32 in a second direction 86. The at least one handle 80 may also be usable for toggling the securing mechanism 70 between either locking the first support structure 30 with the second support structure 32 or releasing the first support structure 30 from the second support structure 32 (the toggling aspect is not shown in Figure 8).

Furthermore, the apparatus 20 may also be incorporated onto a construction such as, for example, a stand, a frame, a structure, a platform, a base and so forth. The apparatus 20 may be incorporated onto the construction either permanently or removably. It should be appreciated that the construction may allow cables/wires from the apparatus 20 to be laid in the construction to enable a workability of the apparatus 20. The construction may either be portable or may be installed at a fixed location.

Referring to Figure 7, there is shown a diagram of a circuit 10 powered by an AC power supply 8 where a plurality of the apparatus 20 may be used. A first apparatus 20(a) may be connectable at junction PQ, while a second apparatus 20(b) may be connectable at a junction RS. It should be appreciated that more junctions which enable connection to apparatus 20 may be incorporated into the circuit 10. The first apparatus 20(a) may be coupled to a switch apparatus, while the second apparatus 20(b) may be coupled to an electrical device. It should be noted that both the first apparatus 20(a) and the second apparatus 20(b) may be coupled to electrical devices. Similarly, both the first apparatus 20(a) and the second apparatus 20(b) may be coupled to switch apparatus.

In a possible instance of the circuit 10 powered by the AC power supply 8, it can be seen that the electrical device coupled to the second apparatus 20(b) may be connected at junction PQ while the switch apparatus of the first apparatus 20(a) may be connected at juncture RS. This clearly shows how the positions of the electrical device and the switch apparatus may be varied at a plurality of junctions which may be connectable to the apparatus 20. In addition, it should be appreciated that the electrical device and the switch apparatus may not be an inter-operational pair where the switch apparatus is for toggling the electrical device between "on" and "off' modes. One possibility relates to a situation where the switch apparatus is a universal remote control which is able to control a plurality of electrical devices wirelessly.

It should be appreciated that the apparatus 20 addresses all issues which were raised in the background section of the present specification. Apparatus 20 enables ease and convenience when changing electrical fixtures. This lowers cost of changing electrical fixtures and also allows for changes of electrical fixtures to be easily carried out. It should be noted that apparatus 20 also has a feature which is able to address any changes in the physical cross- sectional profiles of connection conduits.

It should also be appreciated that while the provided figures show the first support structure 30 and the second support structure 32 being mated in a length-wise configuration, the present invention also embodies an instance where the first support structure 30 and the second support structure 32 are being mated in a breadth-wise configuration.

Whilst there has been described in the foregoing description preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the technology concerned that many variations or modifications in details of design or construction may be made without departing from the present invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus for enabling at least one connection to an electrical device mounted on the apparatus, the apparatus including: a first support structure for providing structural support for mounting of the electrical device; a second support structure, the second support structure being mountable onto a surface, and the first support structure being able to be mated with a second support structure; a first connector incorporated with the first support structure; a second connector incorporated with the second support structure, the first connector being able to be coupled with the second connector, and the coupling of the first connector and the second connector being for enabling the at least one connection; a first casing for the first connector, the first casing being for protection of the first connector; a second casing for the second connector, the second casing being for protection of the second connector, and the second casing being able to the mated with the first casing for enabling the coupling of the first connector and the second connector; and a first stand both for anchoring the first casing to the first support structure, and for maintaining an orientation and a position of the first casing; wherein the first casing is mounted at different heights in relation to a base of the first support structure to enable the first support structure to mate with the second support structure.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further including: a third connector incorporated with the first support structure; and a fourth connector incorporated with the second support structure, the third connector being able to be mated with the fourth connector, and the mating of the third connector and the fourth connector being for enabling a serial port connection.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first stand is also both for anchoring the third connector to the first support structure, and for maintaining an orientation and a position of the third connector.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first stand is of a non-uniform height above the base of the first support structure to cater to both the first casing and the third connector.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one connection is selected from a group consisting of: electrical, data, telephone line, and any combination of the aforementioned connections.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the second support structure includes at least one guide structure to guide a flange of the first support structure to enable mating of the first support structure with the second support structure where the first connector couples with the second connector.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the second support structure includes at least one slot to allow a flange of the first support structure to slide within the at least one slot to enable mating of the first support structure with the second support structure where the first connector couples with the second connector.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the electrical device is selected from a group consisting of: a lighting fixture, a flat panel television, a fan, a hand dryer, an insect zapper, surveillance camera, RF transmitter, a communications device, a point of sale machine, a Wifi hub, and any combination of the aforementioned devices.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 , further including a securing mechanism incorporated with the first support structure, the securing mechanism being for preventing non-intentional removal of the first support structure from the second support structure when the first support structure is mated with the second support structure.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the securing mechanism includes at least one brace structure on the second support structure, the at least one brace structure being for securing the first support structure to the second support structure.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, further including at least one handle incorporated with the first support structure, the at least one handle being for providing a gripping structure to either aid in removal of the first support structure from the second support structure or for toggling the securing mechanism between either locking the first support structure with the second support structure or releasing the first support structure from the second support structure.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first connector includes at least one conduit selected from the group consisting of: electrical wires, data cables, telephone wires, and any combination of the aforementioned conduits.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the second connector includes at least one conduit selected from the group consisting of: electrical wires, data cables, telephone wires, and any combination of the aforementioned conduits.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first casing shields the wires and cables of the first connector from each other.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the second casing shields the wires and cables of the second connector from each other.

16. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the surface is selected from a group consisting of: a wall, a ceiling, a floor, and any plane which is able to support the apparatus.

17. The apparatus of claim 1 , further including a second stand both for anchoring the second casing to the second support structure, and for maintaining an orientation and a position of the second casing, wherein the second casing is located at different heights in relation to a base surface of the second support structure to enable the first support structure to mate with the second support structure.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the second stand is also both for anchoring the fourth connector to the second support structure, and for maintaining an orientation and a position of the fourth connector.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the second stand is of a nonuniform height above the base surface of the second support structure to cater to both the second casing and the fourth connector.