CA2658172A1 - Power distribution apparatuses and methods - Google Patents

Abstract

cord having an electrical conductor, a male electrical plug in electrical communication with the electrical conductor, and a female socket in electrical communication with the electrical conductor; and a thermochromatic material in contact with the extension cord, the thermochromatic material configured to change from a first color to a second color upon detecting a temperature at or above a threshold temperature.

Description

POWER DISTRIBUTION APPARATUSES AND METHODS
Background Electrical cords, and in particular extension cords, are used extensively in many applications, in both residential and commercial applications, because they provide a way to deliver electrical power from an electrical outlet to equipment that is far away from the outlet. However, there are significant issues surrounding safety and convenience that are associated with the use of extension cords.
One safety issue often associated with construction sites is the use of many extension cords because of the large number of tools that need electricity to operate. Typically these devices may not be plugged into the same cord because they would, in combination, require too much current to be safely provided through a single cord. This safety concern is especially true at construction sites where at least some of the equipment draws a large amount of power.
Furthermore, additional extension cords may be necessary because different pieces of equipment require different amounts of voltage to operate.
For example, most electrically operated devices require a 120V source. However, some devices use a large amount of power and thus require 208V or 240V supplies.
Extensive usage of extension cords increases the probability of an electrical fault, cord degradation, or cord overloading. Cord degradation and failure when using a high-amperage power source and cord can cause fires, electrical shocks, and other hazards. Existing safety fuses and ground fault interrupter (GFI) circuits within electrical cords can sense sudden catastrophic electrical events, such as power failures, power surges, or other electrical or physical events caused on the source side of the electrical cord. These safety devices are integrated into the electrical cord and allow an electrical cord to disconnect upon occurrence of an electrical event.
Fuses and GFI circuits may not protect against various types of gradual failures, such as due to physical wear or thermal degradation. Sudden short circuits at the load end of the cord remain unprotected by these devices as well.
Additionally, fuses and GFI circuits are typically connected in series with the cord so that if the fuse or GFI circuit is tripped, the entire cord is disabled.
When a cord has multiple receptacles providing power to different tools and devices, a failure in one of the devices would trip the fuse or GFI and disconnect power to all of the receptacles and all of the devices that are plugged into the cord. Such an event can be startling and potentially hazardous to other users.
Heating is another safety problem for both commercial and residential extension cords even when the cord is overloaded. Extension cords that have a flaw such as a loose connector, partially broken wire, or kink have a point of increased resistance that causes resistive heating even when the current drawn through the cord is within its rated capacity. Such conditions can cause the extension cord to overheat and potentially ignite starting a fire, especially if the extension cord is adjacent a flammable material such as wood, clothing, or chemicals.
Yet another problem relates to extension cords that include locking mechanisms holding the male electrical plug portion in a female socket. These extension cords, called "twist lock" cords, prevent disconnection of the cord in case someone trips on the cord or the cord is otherwise unintentionally pulled from its socket connection to a power source, such as an electrical generator or a wall socket.
When connecting a twist lock plug, the user inserts the plug into the receptacle and twists it to lock it in place to prevent it from being accidentally pulled from the receptacle. The difficulty is that the cross-section of the housing for a male twist lock plug is typically circular. Such configurations make it difficult to make a visual determination of whether the plug was properly twisted to lock it into the receptacle.
Additionally, construction workers and even casual residential users occasionally need to set up temporary power distribution for tools and use temporary lights to illuminate a room, work area, or work product. In some applications, the workers simply lay out a bunch of extension cords on the ground, which is dangerous because they are tripping hazards that the workers can fall over.
The cords are also easily disconnected from one another and from their tools causing an unexpected loss of power. For lighting, the workers either plug in temporary lamps that rest on the floor, a table top, or create a temporary string of lights by hard wiring sockets to a pair of wires and hanging them from a ceiling or other structure.
However, having to build a dedicated, hard wired light string is expensive and cumbersome.

2 Summary One aspect of the claimed invention is a temperature sensing extension cord comprising an extension cord having an electrical conductor, a male electrical plug in electrical communication with the electrical conductor, and a female socket in electrical communication with the electrical conductor. A
thermochromatic material is in contact with the extension cord. The thermochromatic material is configured to change from a first color to a second color upon detecting a temperature at or above a threshold temperature.
Another aspect of the invention is a method of monitoring the temperature of an extension cord. The method comprises applying a thermochromatic material to an extension cord; sensing a temperature of at least a portion of the extension cord with the thermochromatic material; and changing a color of the thermochromatic material upon detecting a temperature at or above a threshold temperature.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a front view of an extension cord showing a male plug, female sockets, and socket blocks of the cord, in which various aspects of the present disclosure can be implemented;
Figures 2A-2F are schematic views of various extension cords having integrated ground fault circuit protection;
Figures 3A-3B are schematic views of circuit sections shown in Figure 2A;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the extension cord shown in Figure 1 having an optional adapter for the male plug of the extension cord;
Figures 5A and 5B are front views of alternative socket block configurations having circuit identifying marks for use with the extension cord shown in Figure 1;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of a female socket and socket block with an optional cap and an optional mooring member;

3 Figure 7 is a front view of the extension cord shown in Figure 5 being held off the ground by use of mooring members attached to the socket blocks of the cord;
Figure 8A is a perspective view of a prior art twist lock cord;
Figure 8B is a perspective side view of a male connector for a twist lock cord;
Figure 8C is a functional schematic view of showing locked and unlocked positions of the male twist lock connector shown in Figure 8B;
Figure 9A-9B are schematic views of electricity distribution from an electrical generator;
Figures 1OA-1OD are schematic views of various extension cords having integrated thermal failure detection;
Figures 11A-11C are schematic views of various electrical cords having integrated thermal failure detection;
Figure 12 is a front view of an extension cord having a thermochromatic material to indicate temperature of the cord;
Figure 13A is a side view of a female socket having an adjustable anchor in a closed position;
Figure 13B is a front view of the female socket shown in Figure 13A
with the adjustable anchor in the closed position;
Figure 14A is a side view of the female socket shown in Figure 13A
when the adjustable anchor is in an open position;
Figure 14B is a front view of the female socket shown in Figure 13A
when the adjustable anchor is in an open position;
Figure 15 is a side view of an extension cord having intermittently spaced sockets and adjustable anchors in an open position and mounted on a vertical surface;
Figure 16 is a side view of an extension cord having intermittently spaced sockets and adjustable anchors in a closed position suspended;
Figure 17 is a side view of an electrical adaptor having an anchor and a fastener;
Figures 18A and 18B are perspective and side views, respectively, of the fastener shown in Figure 17;

4 Figure 19 is a side view of the electrical adaptor shown in Figure 17 connecting two extension cords;
Figure 20 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the adaptor of shown in Figure 17;
Figure 21 is a side view of another alternative embodiment of the adaptor shown in Figure 17; and Figure 22 is a view of a temporary lighting fixture having a fastener to secure the fixture to a female socket Detailed Description Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the appended claims.
Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 shows an exemplary extension cord 10 in which aspects of the present disclosure can be implemented. The exemplary cord 10 provides electrical connections at a plurality of locations along its length. The extension cord 10 includes a male plug 12 attached to one end within a housing 13, with socket blocks 22 housing female sockets 20 disposed along the cord.
The male plug 12 electrically connects to two or more conducting wires and an optional ground wire, as discussed herein. The conducting wires and optional ground wire are typically bound together into a single cord 16 that is covered by an insulated sheathing 18. The gauge of the conducting wires is chosen based on the length and expected use of the extension cord. Thicker wires are appropriate for longer cords and for cords used in heavy-duty applications that have large power requirements. Finer gauged wires are used for household extension cords.
Typically, the socket blocks 22, insulated sheathing 18, and the housing 13 of the male plug 12 are constructed from plastics or polymers. In one possible embodiment, the male plug 12, socket blocks 22, and insulated sheathing

5 18 are molded together to form one continuous piece. This continuously molded embodiment of the extension cord is desirable because of the elimination of joints between the sheathing and the plug or socket blocks. Such joints often weaken the cord integrity and may provide an avenue for the entry of moisture into the interior of the cord which may short or damage the conducting wires.
The socket blocks 22 reside at intervals along the length of the extension cord 10. These intervals are typically regular, but may also be irregular.
Each socket block 22 houses two female sockets 20. In other possible embodiments, however, the socket blocks 22 house one female socket 20 or three or more female sockets 20. Yet other possible embodiments of the extension cord 10 include a mixture of sockets blocks containing different numbers of female sockets, such as one female socket in some of the socket blocks and two female sockets in other socket blocks.
Each of the female sockets 20 is an electrical socket that electrically connects to at least two wires in the cord 10. In a possible embodiment, one or more of the female sockets 20 is a twist lock socket, as described herein. In another possible embodiment, one or more of the female sockets 20 is a three prong socket and includes the optional ground wire. Additional embodiments of the extension cord described herein are discussed in U.S. Patent No. 5,902,148, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Safety devices reside at various locations along the extension cord 10, which is configurable for use with such devices. The safety devices reside at any of a variety of locations along the extension cord, although in some embodiments the devices reside near the male plug 12 or female socket 20 due to the propensity for electrical fault or failure occurrences in those locations. In a possible embodiment, the housing 13 for the male plug 12 encloses a safety device integrated with the extension cord 10. In another possible embodiment, the socket block 22 or other female connector housing encloses a safety device as well. In various embodiments, the housings 13 and socket block 22 enclose ground fault circuit interrupters.
In other embodiments, the housings 13 and socket block 22 include a thermal or temperature indicator circuit formed by the combination of a thermal switch and an indicator, or some other heat sensing configuration. Additionally, the male plug 12 can include a male twist lock configuration, whether that configuration is a standard

6 configuration or a non-round configuration as described in more detail herein.
The female sockets 20 can include a female twist lock configuration, whether that configuration is a standard configuration or a configuration adapted to mate with a non-round male configuration as described in more detail herein.
In an application of the cord 10, light sockets can be plugged into one or more of the female sockets 20. The light sockets can include a clamp or other retaining member to secure the light socket to the female socket blocks 22. In one possible embodiment, the female socket 20 can include a detent that the clamp mates with and snaps into. Alternatively, the clamp or retaining member can be connected to the female socket 20 and receive the light socket. The light socket can include a basket or similar structure to protect a light bulb inserted in the light socket. One or more light sockets can also be packaged with the electrical cord 10 in a kit.
Examples of electrical connection configurations between the female sockets 20 and the conducting wires 14a-14g that include ground fault circuit interrupters 30 are provided in Figures 2A-2F.
One embodiment of the extension cord 10 of the present disclosure has three conducting wires and is illustrated in Figure 2A. This extension cord 10 can be used, for example, with a single phase, three wire 120/240V service.
Various embodiments of the extension cord 10 can be used with other service ratings as well, whether the service rating defines a voltage different than I20/240V, current capacity, phase, or any other operating characteristic. This type of service is often available in the United States as the primary connection from electrical transmission lines to residential and commercial properties. The extension cord includes three conducting wires 14a-c connecting the male plug 12 to the female sockets 20a-c.
The female sockets 20a-c reside within socket blocks 22, which also include ground fault circuit interrupters 30a-d.
In this configuration, one of the conducting wires 14a is a neutral wire that is typically held at or near ground. The other two conducting or circuit wires 14b, 14c are held at about 120V above ground. These latter two wires are typically called "hot" or active wires because they provide a non-zero voltage drop across any grounded object. Each circuit wire is used to establish a separate circuit to which female sockets are attached.

7 Female sockets 20a and 20b are electrically connected to different active wires to create a cord 10 with two electrically isolated circuits. One or more female sockets 20a of extension cord 10 electrically connect in parallel to the neutral wire 14a and one of the 120V active wires 14b. One or more female sockets 20b electrically connect in parallel to the neutral wire 14a and the other 120V
active wire 14c. Each of the female sockets 20a, 20b is capable of providing 120 volts to electrically operated devices plugged into that socket. In the embodiment shown, one female socket 20a or 20b is included in each socket block 22.
One or more female sockets 20c are capable of providing 240 volts, in addition to the female sockets 20a and 20b which provide 120 volts. The 240 volt female socket 20c electrically connects in parallel to both of the 120V active wires 14b and 14c (and not to the neutral wire 14a) and provides 240 volts because the 120V circuit wires are 180 out of phase. Many heavy-duty tools and appliances, such as clothes dryers, require 240 volts, while the majority of electrically operated devices in the United States operate with 120 volts. Only one cord 10 is needed to operate pieces of equipment that have different voltage ratings.
Each female socket 20a-c of Figure 2A includes ground fault circuit interrupters 30a-d incorporated within each socket block 22. The ground fault circuit interrupters 30a-d detect sudden imbalances in current flow such as can be caused by grounding of the load. This happens, for example, by a user accidentally stepping in water or otherwise causing a grounding path. The ground fault circuit interrupters 30a-d couple across the parallel electrical leads branching from the neutral wire 14a and conducting wire 14b. Each ground fault circuit interrupter 30a-d includes a transformer 32, sense circuitry 34, one or more switches 36, and one or more solenoids 38. Operation of the components of the ground fault circuit interrupters 30a-d is discussed in greater detail below in Figures 3A-3B.
The ground fault circuit interrupters 30a-d electrically isolate the female sockets 20a and 20b. If ground fault circuit interrupter 30a senses a current imbalance to socket 20a within the same socket block 22, it interrupts current flow to that socket.. Electrical connection to socket 20a associated with ground fault circuit interrupter 30d is not interrupted because it is formed from an electrical circuit parallel to the circuit disconnected by ground fault circuit interrupter 30a. An electrical tool is capable of being used if connected to any female socket 20a-b

8 associated with the non-interrupting ground fault circuit interrupters 30b-d.
Various embodiments also could include an arc fault interrupter in place of the ground fault circuit interrupter 30.
Extension cords 10 can also be made for use with voltage services other than the typical 120/240 volt service, and can include ground fault circuit interrupters in various locations along the extension cord. One example is a volt service which is often configured as a three-phase, four-wire system.
Figures 2B-2D illustrate alternative embodiments of cords for use with this type of service.
Figure 2B shows an exemplary embodiment of a cord 10 for use with a four-wire service. The cord is substantially similar to the one described in conjunction with Figure 2A, except that has a neutral wire 14d and three 120V
conducting wires 14e, 14f and 14g. Three different 120V circuits can be made.
One or more female sockets 20f electrically connect in parallel to neutral wire 14d and active wire I4e, one or more female sockets 20g electrically connect in parallel to neutral wire 14d and active wire 14f, and one or more female sockets 20h electrically connect in parallel to neutral wire 14d and active wire 14g. The four circuits corresponding to sockets 20f, 20g, and 20h, respectively, are electrically isolated due to these parallel connections. In one possible embodiment, an additional female socket 20i electrically connects in parallel between any two of the active wires 14e-14g, such as wires 14e and 14f shown. The socket 20i provides 208 volts to any electrically operated devices plugged into the socket. Ground fault circuit interrupters 30e-h are coupled across each socket 20f-i, and operate as described in conjunction with Figure 2A and 3A-B. As described above, each of the ground fault circuit interrupters 30e-h only disconnects electricity to the associated socket 20f and 20g due to the parallel connection to the conducting wires 14d-g.
In an alternative embodiment, the cord 10 has a separate neutral wire associated with each conducting wire 14e-14g. For example, a cord 10 having three conductors 14d-14g would also include three neutral wires. Each female socket would have a contact connected between the conducting wire and the neural associated with that conducting wire.
Figure 2C shows another possible embodiment of a cord 10 for use with a four wire service as described in conjunction with Figure 2B. In this embodiment, each socket block 22 incorporates multiple female sockets 20j-m,

9 which connect in parallel within each socket block 22 and to the conducting wires 14d-g. Separate ground fault circuit interrupters 30i-1 are associated with each female socket 20j-m, respectively. In this configuration, one female socket 20 can be disabled within a socket block 22 by a ground fault circuit interrupter 30 while the other female socket within the same socket block 22 remains active. All female sockets 20 in the other socket blocks 22 also remain active.
In an alternate embodiment (not shown), one ground fault circuit interrupter can be included in each socket block, and is associated with two or more female sockets. In such a configuration, both sockets within the socket block disable upon detection of a fault by a ground fault circuit interrupter.
Figure 2D shows a further possible embodiment of a cord 10 for use with a four wire service as described in conjunction with Figure 3B. In this embodiment, female sockets 20n-p are distributed along the cord 10, and electrically connected to two of the wires 14d-g. A ground fault circuit interrupter 30m couples across the wires 14d-g, and resides within the housing 13 of the male plug 12.
In this configuration, the ground fault circuit interrupter 30m detects a zero sum current across all of the conducting wires 14e-g and the neutral wire 14d. Upon detection of a current change, the ground fault circuit interrupter 30m disconnects the conducting wires 14e-g, deactivating all of the sockets 20n-p along the cord 10.
Two further embodiments are depicted in Figures 2E and 2F which include a grounding wire 24 incorporated into the extension cord 10.
Typically, grounding wire 24 is locally grounded as opposed to being grounded at the power source as is often the case for neutral wire 14a of Figure 2A or wire 14d of Figures 2B-2D.
In Figure 2E, the extension cord 10 incorporates a number of female sockets 20q electrically connected to a neutral wire 14a, a 120V conducting wire 14b, and a grounding wire 24. The extension cord 10 also incorporates a number of female sockets 20r electrically connected to the neutral wire 14a, the other conducting wire 14c, and the grounding wire 24. Each female socket 20q, 20r resides within a separate socket block, although it is understood that two or more female sockets can be incorporated in each socket block consistent with the principles described above in Figure 2C.

The socket blocks 22 each include ground fault circuit interrupters 30n-p coupled across the parallel connections to female sockets 20p-r, which reside within the socket blocks 22. This configuration corresponds to the configuration of Figure 2A, with inclusion of grounding wire 24. The ground fault circuit interrupters 30n-p are not coupled across the parallel connection to the grounding wire 24. Current within the grounding wire 24 is therefore not detected using the ground fault circuit interrupters 30n-p.
Figure 2F has a similar three wire configuration to Figure 2E, and also includes grounding wire 24. Ground fault circuit interrupter 30q couples across and detects a zero sum across all of the conducting wires 14b-c and the neutral wire 14a. Current within the grounding wire 24 is not detected using the ground fault circuit interrupter 30q. Upon detection of a fault, the ground fault circuit interrupter 30q disconnects the electrical supply to all of the female sockets 20s-t.
The extension cords 10 of the present disclosure, especially those with electrically isolated circuits, are especially useful when heavy power drawing devices or many electrically operated devices are attached to the extension cord.
The power load from these devices can be balanced between the two or more isolated circuits so that a single extension cord can be used where two or more extension cords would otherwise be required. By balancing the power load between the isolated circuits, devices may be plugged into a single extension cord and draw power which, when plugged into a typical one circuit cord would otherwise result in tripping a fuse attached to the outlet or the cord; damage the cord or the equipment plugged into it; or even causing a fire. Balancing the power load between the multiple circuits of the extension cord permits more equipment to be operated safely with a single extension cord. Ground fault circuit interruption associated with either the male plug or the female sockets of the extension cords 10 provides additional safety to each female socket 20. By incorporation of ground fault circuit interruption with each female socket, operation of all devices connected to the cord

10 is not interrupted upon detection of a fault at one female socket.
Alternatively, if the cord 10 has a separate neutral for each conducting wire, an embodiment can include a separate ground fault interrupter circuit for each separate circuit or pair of conductor and neutral wire. For example, if there are two conductors and two matching respective neutral wires, the cord can

11 include two separate ground fault interrupters 30. Thus if one circuit fails, the other circuit may still be operating and conducting electricity.
The alternative embodiments shown in Figures 2A-2F are merely illustrative. It will be recognized that the same principles can be used to construct extension cords and distribute ground fault circuit interrupters across the cords for any voltage service that has two or more conducting wires. In addition, all of the female sockets represented in each of Figures 2A-2F are not necessary for a cord constructed according to the principles of the present disclosure. For example, an extension cord can be constructed similar to the embodiment depicted in Figure by including only female sockets 20a and 20b. Such a cord would have two electrically isolated circuits, one of which would provide 120V service and the other 240V service. Extension cords can be constructed having any combination of female sockets connected to different conducting wires and any combination of female sockets within a single socket block. One or more of the electrically isolated circuits or female sockets can include ground fault circuit interrupters, in various configurations as shown above, or a combination thereof.
Ground fault circuit interrupters operate in electrical installations to disconnect a circuit when imbalanced current flow is detected between a conducting wire and a neutral wire. GFI's open the circuit because an imbalance might represent current through a person who is accidentally touching the energized part of the circuit and is therefore about to receive a potentially lethal shock.
GFI's include a normally closed switch connected to sense circuitry that is designed to open and disconnect electricity quickly enough to prevent such shocks. Figures 3A and shows exemplary schematic views of portions of the extension cord 10 of Figure including ground fault circuit interrupters 30a and 30c.
Figure 3A shows ground fault circuit interrupter 30a residing within the socket block 22 and coupled across conducting wire 14b and neutral wire 14a.
The ground fault circuit interrupter includes a transformer 32, sense circuitry 34 electrically connected to the transformer 32, and a switch 36 and solenoid 38 connected to the transformer 32 and sense circuitry 34.
The transformer 32 detects current within both the conducting wire 14b and the neutral wire 14a. In normal operation, all of the current flowing along the conducting wire 14b returns along neutral wire 14b. This causes a balanced

12 current state within the cord 10, and does not induce any current in the transformer 32. In the case of a sudden change in current flow, for example caused by a person touching a live component in the attached appliance, some of the current takes a different return path. This results in an imbalance in the current flowing in the conductors 14a and 14b or, more generally, a nonzero sum of currents from among multiple conductors. This difference causes a current to flow in the transformer 32.
The sense circuitry 34 detects current flowing to it from the transformer 32. The sense circuitry 34 activates the solenoid 38, which in turn disconnects the switch 36, which in turn disconnects the conducting wire 14b.
Disconnecting the switch 36 opens the circuit defined by the leads 14a-b by disconnecting the conducting wire 14b. The electricity supply to the circuit is interrupted, preventing potential electrocution.
In a possible embodiment, optional resistor 40 and light emitting diode 42 connect between the conducting wire 14b and the return wire 14a. The resistor 40 and light emitting diode 42 form an indicator circuit configured to illuminate the light emitting diode while the circuit connected to the socket block 22 remains active. In an alternate embodiment, the light emitting diode 42 is replaced by an incandescent bulb or other illumination device. In still other embodiments, all or a portion of the socket block 22 is formed from a translucent material, and illuminates while the light emitting diode 42 remains illuminated.
Figure 3B shows a ground fault circuit interrupter 30b coupled across conducting wires 30b-c. The ground fault circuit interrupter 30b operates similarly to the ground fault circuit interrupter 30a of Figure 3A, but is designed with switches 36 and solenoids 28 connected to the sense circuitry 34 to disconnect both of the conducting wires 14b and 14c upon detection of imbalanced current flow. Such a configuration is useful for multiphase power connections because it prevents accidental power transmission if the load connected to the female socket is accidentally grounded.
The ground fault circuit interrupters are designed so that the current is interrupted in a very short time after the imbalanced current is detected, such as a fraction of a second. This greatly reduces the chances of an electric shock being received.

13 In additional possible embodiments ground fault circuit interrupters 30 can sense current changes among more than two wires, and may require different electrical connections depending upon the configuration used. For example, a multiphase conducting wire cord may require more than one switch 36 connected to the sense circuitry 34. For clarity, the basic schematics shown in Figures 3A-3B are used throughout the present disclosure, but are understood to represent additional possible configurations of ground fault circuit interrupter wiring.
Referring now to Figure 4, a female socket 20 for use with a standard U.S. 120V male plug from an electrically operated device is shown. In this embodiment, the male plug 12 of the extension cord 10 has four prongs 44 and is configured for attachment to a 120/240V service. One common configuration for a male plug 12 to be used with a 120/240V service is a twist lock plug where the plug is inserted into an appropriate female outlet, not shown, and then the male plug is twisted to securely fasten the prongs 44 of the plug within the outlet. This type of male plug configuration ensures that the plug 12 does not come out of the outlet by simply pulling on the plug 12. Although the plug 12 shown includes four prongs 44, plugs with any number of prongs can be used in this twist lock configuration.
An optional adapter 26 may be provided for adapting this embodiment of the extension cord for use with a 120V source. This adapter 26 has a female portion configured to receive the male plug 12 of the extension cord 10 and a male portion for plugging into a female outlet of a 120V source. If such an adapter were used, for example, with the extension cord configuration of Figure 2A, the adapter would include an electrical connection between the two 120V conducting wires 14b and 14c so that they would be attached to the same prong of the adapter.
When using this adapter the electrically operated devices plugged into the extension cord will all be part of the same circuit despite using coupling configurations illustrated in Figure 2A due to the connection of the two circuit wires in the adapter.
Furthermore, instead of being a separate attachment, the adapter may alternatively be integrally coupled to the cord 10.
Other adapters may be provided for conversion between extension cords of the present disclosure and other voltage source configurations. In addition, adapters may be provided that will convert the prong configuration of the male plug

14 of the extension cord to an appropriate configuration for use in another country or region.
Figure 5A shows a socket block 22 with rectangular female sockets 20. Figure 5B shows a socket block 22 with circular female sockets 20. Other socket and socket block configurations are possible.
In one possible embodiment, a circuit identifying mark 28 is provided proximate each of the female sockets 20. The circuit identifying mark 28 may be color-coded (see Figure 5A), numbered, lettered (see Figure 5B), stamped, or otherwise configured to indicate the circuit to which the proximate female socket is attached. The circuit identifying mark 28 provides an extension cord user with information about which circuit the device is being plugged into so that the user may balance the power load of the circuit.
In another possible embodiment, the circuit identifying mark 28 is a light emitting diode or other illumination device. The light emitting diode is configured to illuminate upon connection of a male plug to the female socket 20, and is color coded to the circuit corresponding to that socket.
Figures 5A and 5B both show socket blocks 22 for use with extension cords in which the two female sockets 20 of the socket block 22 are each attached to different circuits. However, other configurations are also possible including having the female sockets 20 of each socket block 22 attached to the same circuit or alternatively, having more than one female socket in each socket block attached to the same circuit. For example, in one embodiment, not shown, two out of four female sockets in a socket block are attached to one circuit with the other two sockets attached to a second circuit.
Figure 6 shows another alternative embodiment. In this embodiment one or more of the female sockets 20 have a cap 50. Typically, there is a cap 50 for each female socket 20. The cap 50 and female socket 20 are configured so that the cap 50 can be placed on or into female socket 20 when the female socket 20 is not in use. The cap 50 provides a safety mechanism for the extension cord 10 to avoid unwanted contact between the active conducting wires 14a-14g of the extension cord 10 and individuals, moisture, or other external objects.
Additionally, a mooring member 52 is attached to either the female sockets 20 or the socket blocks 22 which can be used to hold the extension cord 10 in place. For example, the mooring member 52 may be used to fasten the extension cord 10 in a desired place or position or to hold the extension cord 10 off the ground, as depicted in Figure 7. The mooring member may be a loop or ring of material.
Alternatively, the mooring member may be a hook, strap, bracket, slot, or similar device which will permit attachment of the cord to an external object. The mooring member 52 may be used with any extension cord, not only those with multiple circuits. In one embodiment, the mooring member is integrally molded to the socket or socket block to provide a stable and durable structure.
In an alternative embodiment, the extension cord is made of a male plug, two or more conducting wires electrically connected to the male plug, and one or more female sockets electrically connected to the conducting wires with a mooring member attached to the female sockets or to a socket block which houses the female sockets. In this embodiment, the female sockets may all be electrically connected to the same conducting wires, or alternatively, they may be electrically connected to different conducting wires.
Figure 8A shows an extension cord 210 including a male twist lock plug 212. The extension cord 210 can be used in construction or other high voltage applications. The cord 210 has a male twist lock plug 212, which includes a housing 213. The cord also includes a female twist lock socket 220, configured to mateably receive a male twist lock plug 212. In use, a male twist lock plug 212 is inserted into a female twist lock socket 20, and axially rotated (either clockwise or counterclockwise, depending upon the configuration of the plug and socket) into a locked position. Removal of the male plug 212 from the female socket 220 requires twisting the male plug 212 in the opposite direction.
The male twist lock plug 212 includes a plurality of prongs 215 formed in a circular configuration to lockably mate with a female socket 220.
The male twist lock plug 212 is twisted to securely fasten the prongs 215 of the plug 212 within the outlet.
The male twist lock plug housing 213 has an oval cross-sectional shape at its face or at any other point within the housing 213. The oval shape of the housing 213 indicates the rotational position of the plug, which in turn dictates whether the plug 212 is in a locked or unlocked position when inserted into a female socket 220. In various embodiments, the plug 212 can be other non-circular shapes.

Although the plug 212 can retain a circular configuration of the prongs 215, the housing 213 can have a triangular, rectangular, or any other cross sectional shape capable of indicating the rotational position of the plug 212. In further embodiments, the male twist lock plug 213 includes an indicator which corresponds to an indicator on a corresponding female twist lock socket 220. Alignment of the indicators can indicate a locked or unlocked position of the male twist lock plug 212.
The female twist lock socket 220 optionally has an oval cross-sectional shape as well. The oval shape of the female twist lock socket 220 aligns with the oval cross sectional shape of a male twist lock plug housing 213 when in either a locked or unlocked position.
Figure 8B shows a perspective side view of a section of an electrical cord 210 including a male twist lock plug 212 with a housing 213 having an oval cross-sectional shape as described in Figure 8A. Each of the plurality of prongs 215 connects to an internal conductor, such as the conducting or neutral wires 14 of Figures 2A-2E. The housing 213 has a variable-sized oval cross section, which indicates the rotational position of the plug, showing whether the plug 212 is in a locked or unlocked position when inserted into a female socket 220.
Figure 8C shows a schematic functional view of a section of an extension cord including a male plug 212 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The non-circular cross-section of the housing 213 enables a user to readily ascertain whether the plug is in a locked position. In the embodiment shown, the oval plug is inserted in an askew position, shown in Figure 8C in dotted lines.
The askew position corresponds to an unlocked, or insertion position. When the plug 212 is fully inserted and twisted to the locked position, the oval shaped housing 213 is upright, allowing a user to readily determine the locked status of the plug 212.
Alternately, the housing 213 can be in a locked position at a different ascertainable rotational position.
Figures 9A and 9B show schematic views of the male twist lock plug 212 used in conjunction with a female socket 220 incorporated into an electrical generator 300. The electrical generator 300 provides a power source 302 that can be used at a construction site, a home, or other location where a portable or backup power supply is desired. The electrical generator 300 generates an electrical current which passes through an electrical cord 210 associated with the male twist lock plug 212 when the cord is connected to the electrical generator. Socket orientation indicia 221 located on a visible face of the socket 220 and/or socket block indicates the locked state, the unlocked state, or both the locked state and the unlocked state of the combination of the male plug 212 and female socket 220.
The socket orientation indicia 221 can include an outline displaying the cross-sectional shape of the male housing 213 when in the locked and/or unlocked positions.
Additional configurations of the socket orientation indicia 221 are possible as well. For example, a colored indicator located on the male plug can align with a colored indicator on the female socket when in a locked and/or unlocked position. In another alternative embodiment, the socket orientation indicia 221 is defined by a portion of the face of the socket block 222 (or on the face plate enclosing the female socket) that is raised, elevated, or otherwise set-off relative to adjacent portions of the socket block or surrounding structure.
The profile of the raised portion of the face plate would match the profile for the face of the male twist lock plug 212.
The female socket 220 can optionally be located within a socket block 222 incorporated into the electrical generator 300. As shown in Figure 9A, the socket block 222 can include a ground fault circuit interrupter 30 associated with the female socket 220. In such a configuration, the ground fault circuit interrupter 30 provides global ground fault protection to any electrical cord plugged into the female socket 220.
Figure 9B shows socket block 222 incorporated into the electrical generator 300 and including a female twist lock socket 220 including socket orientation indicia 221. A socket adapter 250 includes a male plug 212' used to connect to a twist lock female socket, such as the socket 220 integrated with the electrical generator 300. The socket adapter further includes a female plug 220' that can accept other male twist lock plugs, such as the male plug 212 connected to the electrical cord 210.
Connection wires connect the male plug 212' to the female socket 220' within a housing 213' of the socket adapter 250. The socket adapter 250 can optionally include a ground fault circuit interrupter 30 electrically connected between a male plug 212' and a female socket 220'. The ground fault circuit interrupter 30 resides within the housing 213' of the socket adapter 250.

Figures 1OA-IOD show schematic views of an extension cord 410 incorporating a thermal indicator circuit according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 10A shows the cord 410 including a thermal indicator circuit 430a located near a male plug 12. The cord 410 correlates to the cord 10 of Figure 3B, in that a four wire configuration is shown. The thermal indicator circuit 430a includes a thermal switch 432 and an indicator 434.
The thermal indicator circuit 430a connects across a conducting wire 14e and a neutral wire 14d in the extension cord 410. Additional thermal indicator circuits can connect between the neutral wire 14d and other conducting wires 14f-g, or between two conducting wires. The inclusion of a thermal indicator circuit does not depend upon the specific configuration of the extension cord 410;
two, three, or four or more wire cords can include thermal protection. In various embodiments, the thermal indicator circuit 430a can be located within a housing 13 of the male plug 12 and/or the thermal indicator circuit can be located along the extension cord 410.
The thermal switch 432 activates the thermal indicator circuit 430 when a temperature above a specific temperature is detected. In an exemplary embodiment, the thermal indicator circuit 430 is activated without interrupting electrical flow along the electrically conducting wires. For example, as an extension cord wears, added electrical resistance occurs at the wear areas of the cord 410. This added electrical resistance causes heat. Because cord degradation typically occurs near plug and socket connections, fires and other thermal hazards generally occur in these places as well. The thermal indicator circuit 430 provides a warning to a user of the cord 410 that potentially unsafe temperatures exist within potentially problematic locations within the cord. While the thermal indicator circuit 430 provides the warning, the electrical flow along the electrically conducting wires continues to run and is not interrupted, although other embodiments can include a switch or other mechanism to open the circuit in the event the thermal indicator is tripped.
In one embodiment, the thermal switch 432 is a thermistor, such as an NTC switching thermistor. In an exemplary embodiment, a thermistor such as an NTC switching thermistor, detects a specific temperature using the following generalized equation (1):

c, + bInR, c In R.) (1) where a, b, and c are device-specific parameters, T is the temperature, and R
is the resistance of the thermistor. The threshold value for the resistance is selected to correspond to a temperature value at or below a temperature limit for safe operation of the extension cord 410. When the temperature reaches the threshold, the resistance reaches a low enough level that the circuit is considered to be a "closed"
circuit. Other temperature sensitive switches can be used as well. Although equation (1) is presented in this disclosure, various embodiments may operate according to physical and mathematical principles other than those described by equation (1).
The thermal switch 432 generally operates to connect a circuit upon detection of a minimum temperature. Thermal switches can include thermistors, which are variable-resistance resistors, whose resistance changes according to its temperature. In one possible type of thermistor, a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor, a decrease in resistance occurs as temperature increases.
The thermistor can be made from a semiconducting material, such as a metal oxide.
Raising the temperature of such a thermistor increases the number of charge carriers in the thermistor. The more charge carriers that are available, the more current that can be conducted, and the lower the resistance of the material. In another possible type of thermistor, a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistor, an increase in resistance occurs as temperature increases. Thermal switches generally use a switching thermistor (either NTC or PTC), which means that the resistance of the thermistor either rises or falls suddenly at a certain critical temperature.
This critical temperature is the critical temperature at which the thermal switch changes state.
Other embodiments can include a thermal switch other than a thermistor.
The indicator 434 is an electrically activated indicator perceptible to a user of the cord, and indicates when the temperature reaches a specific threshold and the thermal switch 432 reaches its "closed" state. The indicator 434 activates upon activation of the thermal switch 432. The indicator 434 can include a light, such as a light-emitting diode, incandescent bulb, or other display or illumination device. The indicator 434 can also include a fuse or circuit protection device. The indicator 434 can include an audible alarm. A combination of indicators can be used in combination as well, such as multiple lights, a light and an audible alarm, a light and a fuse, or other configurations. Additionally, a light can be positioned within a housing that is at least partially translucent.
Figure I OB shows the cord 410 including a thermal indicator circuit 430b that reaches across the entire length L of the cord 410. The thermal switch 432 spans the length of the cord 410, and can include one or more indicators 434, such as one indicator at each end of the cord 410. The thermal switch 432 activates the thermal indicator circuit 430b by activating the indicators 434 upon detection of the threshold temperature (or higher) at any location along the cord 410. In a further embodiment, the thermal indicator circuit 430b spans less than the entire length L of the cord 410.
In the embodiment shown, both indicators 434 are the same type of indicator. However, in alternate embodiments various types of indicators can be used in combination, such as an audible alarm and a light emitting diode, or other combinations. In yet another possible embodiment, the indicators are replaced by or positioned in electrical series with a relay having contacts in line with conducting wire 14e and an armature activated by the thermal switch 432. When the thermal switch 432 is tripped, the armature moves the contacts and creates an open circuit in the conducting wire 14e.
Figure I OC shows the cord 410 including multiple separate circuits including female sockets 20x-z, and corresponds to Figure 3B, above, in that it shows an embodiment of a cord 410 for use with a four-wire service and including a number of socket blocks 22 dispersed along the cord 410. Each socket block 22 contains one or more female sockets 20a-c, which can be configured in a manner as described in conjunction with Figure 3. Thermal indicator circuits 430c-e reside near each socket block 22, with at least a portion of the thermal switch 432 located near the junction of the socket block 22 with a flexible portion of the cord 410 due to the high probability of wear at those locations. The thermal indicator circuits 430c-e detect thermal degradation near each socket block 22, such that a user of the cord 410 can choose to continue use of the cord 410 after one socket block 22 becomes unsafe by switching to a separate electrically isolated socket block. The indicator 434 can reside within or be located separate from the socket block 22.

In an alternate configuration, a thermal indicator circuit 430a can be located proximate to the male plug 412, and is used in conjunction with the thermal indicator circuits 410c-e located near the female sockets 20x-z.
Figure 10D shows the cord 410 including two thermal indicator circuits 430f-g. Figure 10D corresponds to Figure 10A, but includes a second thermal indicator circuit 430g having different operation from the first thermal indicator circuit 430f.
Thermal indicator circuit 430f includes a thermal switch 432 and an indicator 434. Thermal indicator circuit 430g includes a thermal switch 432' and an indicator 434'. Thermal switches 432 and 432' can differ based on threshold temperature, normal state (open or closed), or other factors. Indicators 434 and 434' can be either the same or different indicators selected from among the possible indicators described above in conjunction with Figure 10A.
In a first possible embodiment, second thermal indicator circuit 430g is a warning circuit, and has a thermal switch 432' with a lower threshold temperature than thermal switch 432 of thermal indicator circuit 430f. A user of such a device is provided two levels of severity warnings for use of the electrical cord 410. In various other embodiments, the thermal switch 432' has inverse operation to the operation of thermal switch 432. In one implementation of this embodiment, thermal switch 432 is an NTC thermistor and thermal switch 432' is a PTC thermistor, and both switches 432, 432' have the same threshold temperature.
The circuit 430g remains normally connected, activating indicator 434'. When the temperature of the cord exceeds the threshold temperature, thermal switch 432' opens and deactivates indicator 434' in thermal indicator circuit 430g, and thermal switch 432 closes and activates indicator 434 in thermal indicator circuit 430f. In a possible embodiment, indicator 434' can be a green light emitting diode and indicator 434 can be a red light emitting diode. Illumination of the green light emitting diode indicates safe operation of the cord 410, and illumination of the red light emitting diode indicates hazardous operation of the cord 410. Other configuration of indicators and threshold temperatures are possible as well.
Figures 11A-11C show schematic views of various embodiments of an electrical cord 440 incorporating a thermal indicator circuit 430 into an electrical cord 440. The electrical cord 440 connects to an electrical tool 450, and can be either an extension cord as described in Figures 10A-C, or can be non-detachably incorporated onto the electrical tool 450. The electrical tool 450 can be any of a number of construction tools, such as a rotary saw, a sander, nail gun, drill, or other machinery. The electrical tool 450 can also be unrelated to construction, and can be any other type of electrical device which typically draws a high current or where cord wear could be a concern. Such devices could include, for example, a hair dryer, a microwave or other appliance, a vacuum, or other devices.
Figure 11A corresponds to Figure 1OA incorporated with an electrical tool 450, and shows the electrical cord 440 including a thermal indicator circuit 430a near or integrated with a male plug 12 as previously described. Figure 1 lB
corresponds to Figure I OB incorporated with an electrical tool 450, and shows the electrical cord 440 including a thermal indicator circuit 430b spanning the length L
of the electrical cord 440 between the male plug 12 and the electrical tool 450.
Figure 11C corresponds to both Figures 1OA and IOC, and shows the electrical cord 440 including a thermal indicator circuit 430a proximate to the male plug 12 and a second thermal indicator circuit 430c proximate to the electrical tool 450.
In each of the embodiments shown, the thermal indicator circuit 430 is connected across the neutral wire 14d and conducting wire 14e. In alternate configurations of the electrical tool, additional thermal indicator circuits 430 connect between the neutral wire l4d and a different conducting wire 14e-f in the electrical cord 440. The electrical cord 440 can include more or fewer conducting wires 14, and can include a ground wire (not shown).
Figure 12 shows an exemplary extension cord 460 having a male plug 461, one or more female sockets 463a and 463b, and an electrical conductor 465. A thermochromatic material 462 forms a thermal indicator and is mounted on or integrated into the extension cord 460 at one or more locations 462a-462h.
The thermochromatic material 462 can be formed with any type of temperature sensitive material that changes color in response to temperature as described herein.
Examples of possible thermochromatic materials include thermochromatic liquid crystals, polymers, paints, dyes, and inks.
The thermochromatic material 462 can have different forms and can be applied to the extension cord 460 in different ways. For example, the thermochromatic material 462 can be in the form of a tape, label, or other substrate having an adhesive backing that is applied to the surface of the extension cord 460.
In another possible embodiment, the thermochromatic material 462 can be a coating or material such as polymer, liquid crystal, paint, dye, or ink applied directly to extension cord 460. In this embodiment, the thermochromatic material 462 can be applied to the surface of the extension cord 460 by any suitable techniques such as brushing, spraying, or otherwise depositing it onto the surface of the extension cord 460. Alternatively, the male plug 461, one or more female sockets 463 or insulator on the conductor 465 is formed, at least in part, with the thermochromatic material 462 molded into the extension cord 460. In these embodiments, the thermochromatic material 462 is applied to the male plug 461 (e.g., thermochromatic material 462a), one or more of the female sockets 463 (e.g., thermochromatic material 462g and 462h), the conductor 465 (thermochromatic material 462b-462f), or any combination thereof.
The thermochromatic material 462 can have different sizes and shapes. Thermochromatic material 462 can be applied to the extension cord 460 during the manufacturing process or provided to users to apply to the extension cords 460 as an after-market product. Additionally, thermochromatic materials having different sizes and shapes can be positioned at different locations along a single extension cord 460.
In use, the thermochromatic material 462 changes a color upon detecting a temperature at or above a threshold temperature of the extension cord 460 so that it provides a warning that the extension cord 460 might be over-heated.
When the portion of the extension cord 460 proximal to the thermochromatic material 462 has a temperature below the threshold temperature, the color of the thermochromatic material 462 has a first color. When the portion of the extension cord 460 proximal to the thermochromatic material 462 reaches a temperature at or above the threshold temperature, the color of the thermochromatic material 462 changes to a second color which is different from the first color.
In an exemplary embodiment, once the temperature of the extension cord 460 proximal to the thermochromatic material 462 decreases and becomes lower than the threshold temperature, the thermochromatic material 462 changes its color from the second color back to the first color. In another exemplary embodiment, the color of the thermochromatic material 462 does not return to its original color even after the temperature falls below the threshold value. An advantage of applying a thermochromatic material 462 to an extension cord is that it can indicate when the extension cord 460 has reached such a temperature as to become a fire hazard.
In an alternative embodiment, the thermochromatic material 462 can be made to change a color when the temperature reaches multiple different temperature thresholds so that multiple warnings can be given to a user. For example, when the temperature of the extension cord 460 reaches or exceeds a first threshold temperature, the thermochromatic material 462 changes its color from a first color (e.g., green) to a second color (e.g., orange). This first color gives a user a first warning. When the temperature of the extension cord 460 continues to rise and reaches a second threshold, the temperature sensitive sheet 462 changes its color from the second color (orange) to a third color (e.g., red) and gives the user a second level warning which is more serious than the first warning regarding over heating of the extension cord 460. The thermochromatic material 462 can further be configured to change from any number of colors to different colors when the temperature reaches a different threshold temperature and then give more levels of warnings as described above. In another possible embodiment, the color of the thermochromatic material 462 may change continuously in responding to the continuous changes of the temperature.
In one possible application, the thermochromatic material 462 is applied to locations of the extension cord 460 that are most likely subject to failure or resistive heating. Examples of such locations are where the electrical current flows from one electrical conductor to another or the cord is most commonly subject to twisting and bending. Examples of such locations include the male plug 461, the female sockets 463, and the portion of the insulator on the conductor 465 that is adjacent to the male plug 461 and the female sockets 463. In other possible embodiments, the thermochromatic material 462 extends along substantially the entire length of the extension cord 460.
Although the thermochromatic material 462 is illustrated as being applied to an extension cord having intermittently spaced female sockets and anchors, it could be applied to many other types of cords. For example, the thermochromatic material 462 can be applied to extension cords having a single female socket or socket block, power cords for electrical devices, and the like.
Referring now to Figures 13A, 13B, 14A, and 14B an alternative embodiment of the extension cord 500, includes a female socket 520 mounted on an electrical conductor 518 having an adjustable anchor 550 that can pivot between at least two positions to enable the extension cord 500 to be either suspended or mounted on a vertical surface such as a wall, studs, or posts. The anchor 550 includes first and second anchor members 551 and 552, which are pivotally connected to a housing 514 of the female socket 520 by first and second pivots and 574, respectively. The first anchor member 551 defines a first void 553 and has a first surface 591. The second anchor member 552 defines a second void 554 and has a second surface 592. The first and second voids 553 and 554 are sized to receive a hanger for suspending the extension cord 500 and alternatively a fastener such as a screw, nail, pin, or peg to mount the extension cord 500 on a vertical surface. In the exemplary embodiment, the female socket 520 has a generally tear-drop shape configuration. Although the exemplary embodiment illustrates the adjustable anchor as forming a part of the female socket block, other embodiments will have adjustable anchors positioned along the extension cord at locations other than a female socket.
When the anchor 550 is in a first or closed position (illustrated in Figures 13A and 13B), the first and second surfaces 591 and 592 of the first and second anchor members 551 and 552, respectively, are directly adjacent to one another and the first and second voids 553 and 554 are axially aligned to one another. In a second or open position (illustrated in Figures 14A and 14B), the first and second surfaces 591 and 592 are coplanar and the voids 553 and 554 are parallel to one another and are orthogonal to the first and second surfaces 591 and 592. The first and second anchor members 551 and 552 can be pivoted between the first and second positions or any other position such as in a 90 arrangement to adapt to a corner. The adjustable anchor 550 provides flexibility to allow the extension cord to be suspended or mounted on a variety of different surfaces having a variety of different orientations and shapes.
In an exemplary embodiment, the anchor 550 is spring-loaded. For example, the anchor 550 includes first and second springs 575 and 576 which extend around the pivots 573 and 574, respectively, and between the first and second members 551 and 552 and the housing 514, respectively. The first and second springs 575 and 576 bias the first and second members 551 and 552 into the first or closed position. Alternative embodiments do not include springs 575 and 576 and the first and second anchor members 551 and 552 are not biased to any particular position. Any suitable structure that biases the first and second anchor members 551 and 552 can be used such as other spring structures. The anchor 550 can also be formed with a resilient material that naturally urges the anchor members 551 and 552 to a predetermined position. In another alternative embodiment, the first and second anchor members 551 and 552 are biased into the second or open position.
In another possible embodiment, the first and second anchor members 551 and 552 engage the housing 514 with a snap fit when in the first or closed position as described herein. The snap fit can be formed with any suitable structure such as nubs (not shown) on the first and second anchor members 551 and 552 and mating depressions (not shown) in the housing 514. The snap fit holds the first and second anchor members 551 and 552 in the closed position so that the first and second voids 553 and 554 remain aligned even when a user is not directly grasping the anchor 550. In another embodiment, the anchor 550 includes a snap fit structure that holds the first and second anchor members 551 and 552 in the second or open position. An advantage of this embodiment is that it can make the female socket 520 and anchor 550 easier to handle when mounting it on a surface as described below in conjunction with Figure 15, especially if the first and second anchor members 551 and 552 are biased in the closed position.
Figures 15 and 16 illustrate alternative ways to use the extension cord 500 and the flexibility provided by the anchor 550. The extension cord 500 includes a male plug 512, a conductor 518, and a plurality of female sockets 520a-520d.
In Figure 15, the first and second anchor members 551a-551d and 552a-552d are in the second or open position so that the first and second surfaces 591 and 592 for each anchor member 551 and 552 are coplanar and positioned against a vertical surface 593 such as a wall. The first and second anchor members 551a-551d and 552a-552d are held in place by fasteners 571a and 571a'-571d and 571d', respectively, that extend through the first and second voids 553 and 554 and are attached to the vertical surface 593. The illustrations show the fasteners 571 as screws, but other fasteners or similar structures can be used such as nails, pins, hooks, pegs, and the like. Additionally, the anchors 550a-550d can be attached to structures other than walls such as studs, posts, and the like. In Figure 16, the first and second anchor members 551a-551d and 552a-552d are in the first or closed positions so the first and second voids 553a-553d and 554a-554d are axially aligned. The extension cord 500 is then suspended by hooking the anchors 550a-550d on a hook 581a-581d, respectively, that passes through the first and second voids 553a-553d and 554a-554d. The hooks 581a-581d can be attached to an overhead structure 599 such as a ceiling or rafters. Alternatively the hooks 581a-581d can extend from a wall, from stakes planted in the ground, or from any other structure that can support the extension cord 500. Also, any structure other than a hook that can pass through the voids 553a-553d and 554a-554d can be used. An advantage of these cords is that they can be mounted on or suspended from many different types and orientations of surfaces, which allows the cords to be positioned in safe and convenient locations.
Figure 17 is a view of an electrical adaptor 600 that includes a housing 634 and three electrical connectors 636, 637, and 638 which are positioned in the housing 634. The three electrical connectors 636, 637, and 638 are in electrical communication with each other. The first electrical connector 636 is substantially axially aligned with the second electrical connector 637. In addition, the third electrical connector 638 is positioned generally orthogonal to the first electrical connector 636 and the second electrical connector 637. The first electrical connector 636 is a male electrical plug. The second and third electrical connectors 637 and 638 are female electrical sockets. In alternative embodiments, each of the first, second, third connectors 636, 637, and 638 can be either a male electrical plug or a female electrical socket.
The electrical adaptor 600 also includes fasteners 608a and 608b positioned proximate to the first electrical connector 636 (male plug) and pivotally connected to the housing 634 and adapted to secure the housing 634 to an extension cord (shown in Figure 19). The electrical adaptor 600 also includes engaging structures 639a-639d proximal to the second and third electrical connectors 637 and 638 (female sockets) configured to engage, receive, catch, or otherwise mate with a fastener (similar to fastener 608) from other extension cords or power cords from electrical devices. In the exemplary embodiment, the engaging structures 639a-639d are depressions defined in the housing 634 and arranged to receive the fastener. In alternative embodiments, the engaging structures 639a-639d are protruding flanges (not shown) or other suitable structure configured to be caught or otherwise engaged by a fastener (similar to fastener 608) from other extension cords, power cords, or electrical devices. Although the illustrated embodiment shows the fasteners 608a and 608b proximal to the male electrical plug and the engaging structures 639a-639d proximal to the female sockets, other embodiments could reverse this arrangement so the fasteners 608a and 608b is positioned proximal to the female sockets and the engaging structures 639a-639d are positioned proximal to the male plugs.
In alternative embodiments, the fasteners 608a and 608b are biased to a closed position so that the second portions 624 (described below) for each fastener 608a and 608b are urged toward one another and toward the center of the housing 634 at the site of the electrical connector 636. In various embodiments, the fasteners 608a and 608b can be spring loaded to create the bias or can be formed with a resilient material that naturally returns to the biased position.
Additionally, in other embodiments the fasteners engage the housing 634 with a snap fit such as can be formed with a nub and depression arrangement. The snap fit structure can be positioned to hold the fasteners 608a and 608b in the open position, the closed position, or both.
In one possible embodiment, the electrical adaptor 600 also includes an anchor 640 operably connected to the housing 634. The anchor 640 is formed by a hole 649 which is defined in the housing 634. The housing 634 includes a projecting member 651 to form the anchor 640 and the projecting member 651 defines the hole 649. In another possible embodiment, the anchor 640 is substantially similar to the anchor discussed above for example in Figures 13A, 13B, 14A, and 14B. In an alternative embodiment, the anchor 640 is an adjustable anchor as described in more detail herein.
Generally, the anchor 640 and the third electrical connector 638 are positioned on substantially opposite sides of the housing 634. In one possible embodiment, the anchor 640 is positioned about half way between the first electrical connector 636 and the second electrical connector 637. In alternative embodiments, the anchor 640 can be positioned anywhere along the electrical adaptor 600.

Referring now to Figures 18A-18B, the fastener 608 has a pivot 623 that pivotally connects to the housing 634 of the electrical adaptor 630. The fastener 608 has a generally L-shaped member 633 with a first portion 622 and a second portion 624. The fastener 608 pivots around the pivot 623 so the second portion 624 selectively engages an engaging structure (similar to engaging structure 639) on another electrical adaptor, extension cord, power cord, or electrical device.
The fastener 608 also has a knob or other projecting member 625 generally parallel to the second portion 624 and projecting from the first portion 622 in a direction opposite to the second portion 624. The projecting member 625 provides a structure for a user to engage with their finger and pivot the fastener 608 around the pivot 623.
The fasteners 608 can have any type of structure that allows a male plug on an electrical adaptor, extension cord, power cord, or electrical device to be secured to a female socket on another electrical adaptor, extension cord, power cord, or electrical device. In lieu of the L-shaped structure illustrated, for example, the fastener 608 can be formed with clips, threaded structures such as nuts or collars, prongs, elastic bands, hook and loop fasteners such as VELCRO brand fasteners, and the like. Additionally, the engaging structure 639 can be any structure that engages the mating fastener to secure together male plugs and female sockets.
Examples other than the illustrated depression include flanges, thread structures, elastic bands, hook and loop fasteners, and the like. In yet other embodiments, the fastener 608 may be able to secure a male plug to a female socket without an engaging structure 639.
Figure 19 is a view of the electrical adaptor 600 including two extension cords 642 and 646. Each of the extension cords 642 and 646 has intermittently spaced female sockets (not shown) and anchors (not shown) as described in more detail herein, although extension cords having a single female socket can be used. The first extension cord 642 has a female socket 699 connected to the first electrical connector 636 while the second extension cord 646 has a male plug 698 connected to the second electrical connector 637. The female socket of the first extension cord 642 has engaging structures 639e and 639f to mate with the fasteners 608a and 608b, respectively. The second extension cord 646 has fasteners 608c and 608d that mate with the engaging structures 639a and 639b, respectively when the second extension cord 646 connects to the second electrical connector 637. In addition, a third extension cord or electrical device (not shown) can be connected to the third electrical connector 638.
Additionally, alternative embodiments of the electrical adaptor 600 can include any number of electrical connectors and any combination of male plugs and female sockets. Additionally, the electrical connectors (e.g., male plugs and female sockets) can have any orientation with respect to each other including being parallel, orthogonal, or angled. The housing 634 also can have many different configurations other including a t-shape, linear shape, cross, and a 90 bend or corner shape.
Referring to Figure 20, for example, an electrical adaptor 610 is similar to the electrical adaptor 600 shown in Figure 17 except that the electrical adaptor 610 has a linear housing 611 and only first and second electrical connectors 616 and 617 positioned at opposite ends of the housing 611. The first and second electrical connectors 616 and 617 are substantially axially aligned with each other.
The first electrical connector 616 is a male electrical plug. The second electrical connector 617 is a female electrical socket. Fasteners 608a and 608b are positioned proximal to the first electrical connector 616 and an engaging structure 639 is positioned proximal to the second electrical connector 617. In the exemplary embodiment, the engaging structure 639 is a groove defined in and extending around the entire circumference of the housing 611. The electrical adaptor 610 has an anchor 640.
Figure 21 shows an electrical adaptor 620 similar to the electrical adaptor 600 shown in Figure 17 except that the electrical adaptor 620 has a fourth electrical connector 641 that is orthogonal to the first, second, and third electrical connectors 636, 637, and 638. The fourth electrical connector 641 is positioned between the first electrical connector 636 and the second electrical connector 637.
In alternative embodiments, the electrical connectors 636, 637, 638, and 641 can be any combination of male plugs and female sockets.
The electrical adaptors described herein can be used with many different types of extension cords including extension cords having intermittently spaced female sockets and/or intermittently spaced anchors. When used with extension cords having intermittently spaced anchors, the anchor 640 on the electrical adaptor 600 provides a location to suspend the string of extension cords proximal to the connection between the male plug of one cord and the mating female socket of the other cord so that the string of extension cords is supported at that location. For extension cords that have intermittently spaced anchors, but do not have any anchor proximal to the male plug or last female socket, electrical adaptors having an anchor 640 provide a way to further support the cords so the male connector receives support and does not hang down significantly lower than other portions of the extension cords. Additionally, the electrical adaptor 600 enables users to assemble a network of extension cords to establish a power distribution network that can be suspended over head, extend along vertical surfaces such as walls or studs, or simply suspended off of the ground on stakes plated in the ground to keep the extension cords out of puddles and other damp surfaces..
The electrical adaptors and extension cords also can be used with the temporary light fixtures described in more detail herein to set up temporary and/or emergency lighting at constructions sights. Alternatively, a networks or string of extension cords can be assembled with lighting fixtures connected to only some of the female sockets to provide both temporary lighting and access to electricity for other electrical devices such as tools. Furthermore, the fasteners described herein provide a mechanism to hold the various components together so they do not become inadvertently disconnected causing a sudden and unexpected loss of power that is potentially both inconvenient and dangerous.
Referring now to Figure 22, a temporary lighting fixture 700 includes a housing 702, a light-bulb socket 704, a male electrical plug 706 and fasteners 708a and 708b. The light-bulb socket 704 is positioned in the housing 702. The male electrical plug 706 is in electrical communication with the light-bulb socket 704.
The fasteners 708a and 708b are operatively connected to the housing 702 and the fastener 708 is adapted to secure the housing 702 to a female socket on an extension cord, electrical adaptor, or other electrical device. The fasteners 708a and 708b have substantially similar structure as the fastener 608 discussed in more detail herein and is configured to mate with an engaging structure similar to the engaging structure 639 also described in more detail herein.
The temporary lighting fixture 700 also includes a protective cover 710. The protective cover 710 is operatively connected to the housing 702. In addition, the protective cover 710 defines a void 712 for receiving a light-bulb (not shown) to be connected to the light-bulb socket 704. In one possible embodiment, the protective cover 710 has a basket or lattice structure. In other possible embodiments, the protective cover 710 is a translucent plastic or glass enclosure.
In the exemplary embodiment, the temporary lighting fixture 700 also includes a female electrical socket 714 which is positioned in the housing 702 and in electrical communication with the male electrical plug 706. The female electrical socket 714 also includes an engaging structure (not shown) to mate with a fastener on an extension cord, power cord, or electrical device. The engaging structure is similar to engaging structure 639 described herein, and the fastener is similar to the fastener 608 described herein.
The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the claims attached hereto.
Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims (110)

The claimed invention is:

1. A temperature sensing extension cord comprising:
an extension cord having an electrical conductor, a male electrical plug in electrical communication with the electrical conductor, and a female socket in electrical communication with the electrical conductor; and a thermochromatic material in contact with the extension cord, the thermochromatic material configured to change from a first color to a second color upon detecting a temperature at or above a threshold temperature.

2. The temperature sensing extension cord of claim 1 wherein the thermochromatic material changes to a third color upon detecting a temperature at or above a second threshold temperature.

3. The temperature sensing extension cord of claim 1 wherein the thermochromatic material is positioned on the male electrical plug.

4. The temperature sensing extension cord of claim 1 wherein the thermochromatic material is positioned on the female socket.

5. The temperature sensing extension cord of claim 1 wherein the electrical conductor is protected by an insulator and the thermochromatic material is positioned on the insulator.

6. The temperature sensing extension cord of claim 5 wherein the thermochromatic material is positioned proximal to the male plug.

7. The temperature sensing extension cord of claim 5 wherein the thermochromatic material is positioned proximal to the female socket.

8. The temperature sensing extension cord of claim 1 wherein the thermochromatic material extends along substantially the entire length of the extension cord.

9. The temperature sensing extension cord of claim 1 wherein the thermochromatic material is on one side of a substrate and an adhesive is on the opposite side of the substrate and the adhesive adheres to the extension cord.

10. The temperature sensing extension cord of claim 1 wherein the thermochromatic material is applied directly to the extension cord.

11. The temperature sensing extension cord of claim 10 wherein at least a portion of the extension cord is molded and the thermochromatic material is molded into the extension cord.

12. A method of monitoring the temperature of an extension cord, the method comprising:
applying a thermochromatic material to an extension cord;
sensing a temperature of at least a portion of the extension cord with the thermochromatic material; and changing a color of the thermochromatic material upon detecting a temperature at or above a threshold temperature.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein sensing the temperature includes sensing the temperature proximal to the male electrical plug.

14. The method of claim 12 wherein sensing the temperature includes sensing the temperature proximal to a female electrical socket.

15. The method of claim 12 wherein sensing the temperature includes sensing the temperature along substantially the entire length of the extension cord.

16. The method of claim 12 wherein applying a thermochromatic material includes adhering a substrate to the extension cord.

17. The method of claim 12 wherein applying a thermochromatic material includes applying the thermochromatic material directly onto the extension cord.

18. The method of claim 12 wherein applying a thermochromatic material includes molding the thermochromatic material into the extension cord.

19. An extension cord comprising:
a male plug;
at least two conducting wires electrically connected to the male plug, each conducting wire having a length;
a plurality of female sockets disposed at intervals along the lengths of the conducting wires; and a ground fault circuit interrupter coupled across at least two of the at least two conducting wires, the ground fault circuit interrupter electrically protecting at least a first female socket included among the plurality of female sockets.

20. The extension cord of claim 19, further comprising a second ground fault circuit interrupter protecting a second female socket included among the plurality of female sockets, wherein the second ground fault circuit interrupter is configured to interrupt current flow to the second female socket without interrupting current flow to the first female socket.

21. The extension cord of claim 19, wherein each of the plurality of female sockets is associated with one of the at least two ground fault circuit interrupters.

22. The extension cord of claim 19, wherein the ground fault circuit interrupter resides within a housing associated with the male plug.

23. The extension cord of claim 19, wherein each one of the at least two ground fault circuit interrupters is integrated within one of the plurality of female sockets.

24. The extension cord of claim 23, further comprising an indicator circuit electrically connected across the at least two conducting wires and located within the socket block.

25. The extension cord of claim 24, wherein the socket block is at least partially translucent.

26. The extension cord of claim 19, further comprising a plurality of socket blocks, each of the plurality of socket blocks including at least one of the plurality of female sockets.

27. The extension cord of claim 24, further comprising a plurality of ground fault circuit interrupters, each ground fault circuit interrupter coupled across a corresponding plurality of female sockets.

28. The extension cord of claim 24, further comprising a ground fault circuit interrupter associated with a corresponding plurality of socket blocks.

29. A male twist-lock plug comprising:
a housing having a non-circular cross sectional shape constructed to indicate a rotational position of the housing;
a plurality of conductors protruding from the housing and configured to lockably mate with a female socket, the plurality of conductors disposed in a circular configuration.

30. The male twist-lock plug of claim 29, wherein the non-circular housing has an oval-shaped cross-section.

31. The male twist-lock plug of claim 30, wherein the non-circular housing has a rectangular cross section.

32. The male twist-lock plug of claim 29, further comprising a ground fault circuit interrupter incorporated within the housing and electrically coupled across at least two of the plurality of conductors.

33. A power source comprising a socket block including:
a female twist lock socket configured to accept the male twist lock plug, the female twist lock socket including a plurality of receptacles disposed in a circular configuration and allowing rotational movement of a male plug between a locked position and an unlocked position; and socket orientation indicia on a visible portion of the female twist lock socket.

34. The power source of claim 33, wherein the socket orientation indicia comprises an indication of the locked position and shape of the male plug.

35. The power source of claim 33, includes a colored indicator configured to align with a corresponding colored indicator on the male plug.

36. An electrical generator comprising:
an electrical source configured to generate a current in an electrical circuit connected to the electrical source;
a socket block electrically connected to the electrical source, the socket block including:
a female twist lock socket configured to accept the male twist lock plug, the female twist lock socket including a plurality of receptacles disposed in a circular configuration and allowing rotational movement of a male plug between a locked position and an unlocked position; and socket orientation indicia on a visible portion of the female twist lock socket.

37. The electrical generator of claim 36, further comprising a ground fault circuit interrupter incorporated within the socket block.

38. A method of connecting a male plug to a female socket, the method comprising:

inserting a male plug into a female socket, the male plug having a housing and an indicia, and the female socket having an indicia; and rotating the male plug until the indicia on the male plug is aligned with the indicial on the female socket indicating the male plug is locked to the female socket.

39. The method of claim 38 wherein the housing on the indicia on the housing of the male plug is formed by an out-of-round cross-sectional shape of the housing and the act of rotating the male plug includes until the indicial on the male plug is aligned with the indicia on the female socket includes: rotating the male plug until the cross-sectional shape is aligned with the indicia on the female socket.

40. The method of claim 38 wherein the indicia on the housing of the male plug is a mark and the indicia on the female socket is a mark, and the act of rotating the male plug includes until the indicial on the male plug is aligned with the indicia on the female socket includes: rotating the male plug until the mark on the housing of the male plug is aligned with the mark on the female socket.

41. An extension cord comprising:
a male electrical plug;
at least two electrically conducting wires electrically connected to the male electrical plug, each electrically conducting wire having a length; and at least one thermal indicator circuit electrically connected between two of the conducting wires, the thermal indicator circuit configured to actuate an alarm upon detecting a temperature at or above a threshold temperature without interrupting electrical flow along the electrically conducting wires.

42. The extension cord of claim 41, further comprising at least one female socket disposed remotely from the male electrical plug and electrically connected to at least two of the conducting wires.

43. The extension cord of claim 41, wherein the indicator is a light source.

44. The extension cord of claim 43, wherein the indicator is a light emitting diode.

45. The extension cord of claim 41, wherein the indicator is an audible alarm.

46. The extension cord of claim 41, wherein the thermal indicator circuit includes a thermal switch.

47. The extension cord of claim 46, wherein the thermal switch comprises a thermistor.

48. The extension cord of claim 41 wherein the thermal indicator is positioned proximal to the male electrical plug.

49. The extension cord of claim 41 further comprising a female electrical socket in electrical communication with at least two of the electrically conducting wires, the thermal indicator positioned proximal to the female electrical socket.

50. The extension cord of claim 49 wherein the thermal indicator extends along more than half of the length of the electrically conducting wires.

51. The extension cord of claim 49 wherein the thermal indicator extends along substantially the entire length of the electrically conducting wires.

52. A method of monitoring the temperature of an extension cord, the method comprising:
sensing the temperature of the extension cord; and actuating an alarm upon detecting a temperature at or above a threshold temperature without interrupting electrical flow along the electrically conducting wires.

53. The method of claim 52 wherein actuating an alarm includes generating a sound.

54. The method of claim 52 wherein actuating an alarm includes illuminating a light source.

55. The method of claim 52 wherein sensing the temperature includes sensing the temperature proximal to a male electrical plug.

56. The method of claim 52 wherein sensing the temperature includes sensing the temperature proximal to a female electrical socket.

57. The method of claim 52 wherein sensing the temperature includes sensing the temperature along substantially the entire length of the extension cord.

58. An extension cord comprising:
at least two electrical conductors;
a female electrical socket; and an anchor operably connected to the electrical conductors, the anchor including first and second members defining first and second voids, respectively, the first and second members having a first position wherein the first and second voids are substantially adjacent and a second position wherein the first and second voids are coplanar.

59. The extension cord of claim 58 comprising a male electrical plug electrically connected to the at least two electrical conductors.

60. The extension cord of claim 57 wherein the first and second voids are defined as holes.

61. The extension cord of claim 60 wherein the female electrical socket includes a housing and the first and second members are operatively connected to the housing.

62. The extension cord of claim 60 wherein the first and second members are pivotally connected to the housing.

63. The extension cord of claim 60 wherein the female electrical socket and the anchor form a tear-drop shape.

64. The extension cord of claim 60 wherein the first member and the second member engage the housing with a snap fit when in the first position.

65. The extension cord of claim 64 wherein the first member and the second member engage the housing with a snap fit when in the second position.

66. The extension cord of claim 57 comprising at least two intermittently spaced female electrical sockets having a housing and anchor operatively connected to the housing.

67. An extension cord comprising:
a male electrical plug;
at least two electrical conductors in electrical communication with the male electrical plug;
at least two female electrical sockets intermittently spaced along the at least two electrical conductors, each of the at least two female sockets having a housing; and each of the at least two female electrical sockets having an anchor, each anchor including first and second members defining first and second voids, respectively, the first and second members having a first position wherein the first and second voids are substantially adjacent and a second position wherein the first and second voids are coplanar.

68. A method of mounting an extension cord on a surface wherein an anchor is operatively connected to an electrical conductor, the anchor having first and second members, each member defining a void, the method comprising:
pivoting the first and second anchor members into a position in which the voids are substantially coplanar; and mounting the anchor to the surface by positioning a mounting member through at least one of the voids defined in the first or second members.

69. A method of hanging an extension cord wherein an anchor is operatively connected to an electrical conductor, the anchor having first and second members, each member defining a void, the method comprising:
pivoting the first and second anchor members into a position in which the voids are substantially adjacent to each other; and hanging the anchor by positioning a hanger through the first and second voids defined in the first or second members.

70. An electrical adaptor for connecting extension cords, the electrical adaptor comprising:
a housing;
at least three electrical connectors positioned in the housing including at least first, second, and third electrical connectors in electrical communication with each other;
the first electrical connector substantially axially aligned with the second electrical connector;
the third electrical connector positioned generally orthogonal to the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector; and an anchor operably connected to the housing.

71. The electrical adaptor of claim 70 wherein at least one of the electrical connectors is a male electrical plug.

72. The electrical adaptor of claim 70 wherein at least one of the electrical connectors is a female electrical socket.

73. The electrical adaptor of claim 70 wherein one of the electrical connectors is a male electrical plug and two of the electrical connectors are female electrical sockets.

74. The electrical adaptor of claim 70 wherein the anchor and the third electrical connector positioned on substantially opposite sides of the housing.

75. The electrical adaptor of claim 70 wherein the anchor is positioned about half way between the first and second electrical connectors.

76. The electrical adaptor of claim 70 wherein the anchor is formed by a hole defined in the housing.

77. The electrical adaptor of claim 76 wherein the housing includes a projecting member to form the anchor and the projecting member defines the hole.

78. The electrical adaptor of claim 70 further comprising first and second extension cords, each of the first and second extension cords having an anchor, the first extension cord connected to the first electrical connector and the second extension cord connected to the second electrical connector.

79. An electrical adaptor comprising:
a housing;
at least two electrical connectors positioned in the housing including first and second electrical connectors;
the first and second electrical connectors substantially axially aligned with each other; and an anchor operably connected to the housing.

80. The electrical adaptor of claim 79 further comprising first and second extension cords, each of the first and second extension cords having an anchor, the first extension cord connected to the first electrical connector and the second extension cord connected to the second electrical connector.

81. A method of using an electrical adaptor wherein the electrical adaptor has at least two electrical connectors and an anchor, the method comprising:

electrically connecting a first extension cord to the electrical adaptor;
electrically connecting a second extension cord to the electrical adaptor; and suspending the electrical adaptor by the anchor.

82. The method of claim 81 wherein suspending the electrical adaptor includes suspending the electrical adaptor overhead.

83. The method of claim 82 wherein suspending the electrical adaptor includes suspending the electrical adaptor on a generally horizontal member.

84. The method of claim 81 wherein suspending the electrical adaptor includes suspending the electrical adaptor vertically.

85. The method of claim 81 wherein at least one of the extension cords has an anchor, the method further comprising:
suspending the anchor on the at least one of the first and second extension cords.

86. The method of claim 85 wherein the first extension cord has a first anchor and the second extension cord has a second anchor, the method further comprising:
suspending the first and second anchors.

87. The method of claim 86 wherein the first extension cord has a plurality of intermittently spaced anchors and the second extension cord has a plurality of intermittently spaced anchors, the method further comprising:
suspending at least one of the intermittently spaced anchors on each of the first and second extension cords.

88. A temporary lighting fixture comprising:
a housing;
a light-bulb socket positioned in the housing;
a male electrical plug in electrical communication with the light-bulb socket;

and a fastener operatively connected to the housing, the fastener adapted to secure the housing to an extension cord.

89. The temporary lighting fixture of claim 88 further comprising a protective cover, the protective cover being operatively connected to the housing and defining a void for receiving a light-bulb connected to the light-bulb socket.

90. The temporary lighting fixture of claim 89 wherein the protective cover has a lattice structure.

91. The temporary lighting fixture of claim 88 wherein the fastener comprises:

a first end operatively connected to the housing; and a second end adapted to selectively engage a female electrical socket on the extension cord.

92. The temporary lighting fixture of claim 91 wherein the fastener is generally L-shaped.

93. The temporary lighting fixture of claim 91 wherein the first end is pivotally connected to the housing.

94. The temporary lighting fixture of claim 88 further comprising a female electrical socket positioned in the housing and in electrical communication with the male electrical plug.

95. The temporary lighting fixture of claim 88 further comprising an electrical adaptor, the electrical adaptor being electrically connected to the male electrical plug.

96. The temporary lighting fixture of claim 95 wherein the electrical adaptor comprises:
a housing;

at least three electrical connectors positioned in the housing including at least first, second and third electrical connectors in electrical communication with each other;
the first electrical connector substantially axially aligned with the second electrical connector;
the third electrical connector positioned generally orthogonal to the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector; and an anchor operably connected to the housing.

97. The temporary lighting fixture of claim 96 wherein the third electrical connector is a female electrical socket, the female electrical socket electrically connected to the male electrical plug.

98. The temporary lighting fixture of claim 97 wherein the electrical adaptor comprises first and second extension cords, each of the first and second extension cords having an anchor, the first extension cord connected to the first electrical connector and the second extension cord connected to the second electrical connector.

99. A temporary lighting fixture comprising:
a housing;
a light-bulb socket positioned in the housing;
a male electrical plug in electrical communication with the light-bulb socket;

a female electrical socket being positioned in the housing and being in electrical communication with the male electrical plug;
a protective cover being operatively connected to the housing and defining a void for receiving a light-bulb, the protective cover having a lattice structure; and a fastener operatively connected to the housing, the fastener being generally L-shaped and adapted to secure to an extension cord.

100. A temporary lighting apparatus comprising:
an extension cord having a female electrical socket;

a light socket having a housing and a male electrical plug, the light socket being plugged into the female electrical socket; and a fastener securing the housing to the female electrical socket.

101. The temporary lighting apparatus of claim 100 wherein the extension cord includes a plurality of intermittently spaced female electrical sockets, the apparatus further comprising a plurality of light sockets having a housing and a male electrical plug, each of the light sockets being plugged into one of the intermittently spaced electrical sockets.

102. The temporary lighting apparatus of claim 100 wherein the extension cord includes at least one anchor.

103. The temporary lighting apparatus of claim 102 wherein the at least one anchor is suspended overhead.

104. The temporary lighting apparatus of claim 100 wherein the fastener includes:
a first end operatively connected to the housing; and a second end adapted to selectively engage the female electrical socket.

105. The temporary lighting apparatus of claim 104 wherein the first end is pivotally connected to the housing.

106. A method of providing temporary lighting, the method comprising:
plugging a light socket having a male electrical plug into the female electrical socket of an extension cord; and connecting a fastener between the light socket and extension cord.

107. The method of claim 106 further comprising suspending the extension cord.

108. The method of claim 107 wherein the extension cord includes an anchor, and suspending the extension cord includes suspending the extension cord by the anchor.

109. The method of claim 108 wherein suspending the extension cord includes suspending the extension cord overhead.

110. The method of claim 106 wherein:
the extension cord has a plurality of intermittently spaced female electrical sockets;
plugging a light socket having a male electrical plug into the female electrical socket includes plugging a light socket into at least two of the female electrical sockets; and connecting a fastener between the light socket and extension cord includes connecting a fastener between each of the light sockets and the female electrical sockets into which it is plugged.