EP2481130A1 - Dispositif d'alimentation électrique comportant un sous-ensemble de type anneau permettant de recevoir les fiches secteur et/ou les adaptateurs secteur associés à une pluralité d'appareils électriques et conception de logement permettant de contenir et de masquer les fiches et les adaptateurs secteur pendant des opérations d'alimentation électrique - Google Patents
Dispositif d'alimentation électrique comportant un sous-ensemble de type anneau permettant de recevoir les fiches secteur et/ou les adaptateurs secteur associés à une pluralité d'appareils électriques et conception de logement permettant de contenir et de masquer les fiches et les adaptateurs secteur pendant des opérations d'alimentation électriqueInfo
- Publication number
- EP2481130A1 EP2481130A1 EP10819598A EP10819598A EP2481130A1 EP 2481130 A1 EP2481130 A1 EP 2481130A1 EP 10819598 A EP10819598 A EP 10819598A EP 10819598 A EP10819598 A EP 10819598A EP 2481130 A1 EP2481130 A1 EP 2481130A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- power
- electrical
- supplying device
- appliance
- cord
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R31/00—Coupling parts supported only by co-operation with counterpart
- H01R31/02—Intermediate parts for distributing energy to two or more circuits in parallel, e.g. splitter
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/72—Means for accommodating flexible lead within the holder
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R27/00—Coupling parts adapted for co-operation with two or more dissimilar counterparts
- H01R27/02—Coupling parts adapted for co-operation with two or more dissimilar counterparts for simultaneous co-operation with two or more dissimilar counterparts
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R43/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors
- H01R43/26—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors for engaging or disengaging the two parts of a coupling device
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
- H01R13/6608—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in single component
- H01R13/6625—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in single component with capacitive component
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
- H01R13/665—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in electronic circuit
- H01R13/6666—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in electronic circuit with built-in overvoltage protection
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
- H01R13/70—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
- H01R13/717—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in light source
- H01R13/7175—Light emitting diodes (LEDs)
Definitions
- the present invention relates to new and improved methods of and apparatus for supplying electrical power to electrical appliances and managing the power cords and concealing the power adapters associated therewith in diverse environments, such as desktop workstations, countertop workstations, retail point of sale (POS) stations, and the like.
- POS point of sale
- Another object of the present invention is to provide such an apparatus in the form of an electrical power supplying device (i) adapted for either floor, wall, shelf or inverted mounting, (ii) having a ringlike power supplying structure provided with a central aperture and supporting a plurality of electrical power receptacles for supplying electrical power to a plurality of electrical appliances, (iii) containing power plugs, power adapter plugs and/or mid-line type power adapter modules, and (iv) managing the excess length of power cords associated therewith.
- an electrical power supplying device adapted for either floor, wall, shelf or inverted mounting, (ii) having a ringlike power supplying structure provided with a central aperture and supporting a plurality of electrical power receptacles for supplying electrical power to a plurality of electrical appliances, (iii) containing power plugs, power adapter plugs and/or mid-line type power adapter modules, and (iv) managing the excess length of power cords associated therewith.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide such an electrical power supplying device, wherein a power cord management dowel is disposed within the aperture of the ring-like power supplying structure, for taking up the excess length of power cords associated with such electrical appliances, while allowing the remaining portion of such power cords to pass through a power cord portal, and extend along a route to their corresponding electrical appliances.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide such an electrical power supplying device, wherein a power plug is integrated with the housing, for plugging directly into a standard electrical power outlet mounted in a wall surface, and receiving electrical power therefrom to supply to a plurality of electrical appliances whose power cords are plugged into the power receptacles mounted on the ring-like structure.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide such an electrical power supplying device, wherein electrical power plugs, power adapter plugs and power adapter modules/blocks are completely concealed behind a removable cover housing portion, to restrict unauthorized access thereto by children.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide such an electrical power supplying device, which safely conceals and protects electrical power plugs, power adapter plugs and mid-line type power adapter modules/blocks, from liquid spills in diverse environments, such as at workstations, playstations, retail POS stations, hotels, guest rooms, cubicles, kitchens, traditional offices and wherever a multitude of power outlets are required.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide such an electrical power supplying device, which allows excess power cords to be easily managed about a centrally located dowel structure, passing through a ring-like power supplying structure supporting a plurality of electrical power receptacles within a concealed 3D interior volume, while permitting power cords to exit/enter the housing through a power cord portal formed through the housing structure.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide such an electrical power supplying device, which employs a ring-like power supplying device within a concealed space for receiving the electrical power plugs of electrical appliances, and within which excess power cord length is neatly managed.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide such an electrical power supplying device, which manages the excess length about a centralized dowel structure concealed within a concealed housing, and within which the battery component of a UPS unit is mounted and operably connected to a power-ring subassembly encircling the dowel structure, and supports a plurality of electrical receptacles for supplying electrical power to a plurality of electrical appliances deployed in an environment.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide such an electrical power supplying device, wherein a passive-type system of thermal management is employed to maintain the interior temperature within safe limits during operation.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved method of supplying electrical power to a plurality of electrical appliances, and managing appliance power cords using a single device that may be mounted on the floor, wall or other counter-top surface.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved method of managing the length of excess power cords of electrical appliances that are routed from a power supply device within an environment.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrical power supplying device having a ring-like subassembly for receiving the power plugs and/or power adapters associated with a plurality of electrical appliances, and a housing design for containing and concealing the same during power supply operations.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrical power supplying device having a ring-like subassembly for receiving the power plugs and/or power adapters associated with a plurality of electrical appliances, and managing excess power cord length therewithin in a concealed manner.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrical power supplying device having a ring-like power assembly for receiving electrical power plugs and/or power adapters associated with a plurality of electrical appliances, and an un-interrupted power supply (ups) unit having a battery component mounted within a centrally-disposed structure passing through a central aperture in a ring-like power assembly.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrical power supplying device having a lower deck housing region for containing and concealing a plurality of electrical power adapters associated with a plurality of electrical appliances, as well as unused electrical receptacles, and an upper deck housing region for supporting a ring-like power assembly having a central aperture and receiving the power plugs and/or power adapters of electrical appliances, while managing excess power cord length within a 3D volume passing through said central aperture.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a wall-mountable electrical power supplying device having a ring-like structure for receiving the power plugs and/or power adapters associated with a plurality of electrical appliances, and a housing for containing and concealing the same during power supply operations.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a wall-mountable electrical power supplying device for mounting to a wall surface about a standard wall-mounted power receptacle, using a mounting bracket arranged between the housing and wall surface and an electrical power supply plug integrated with the housing.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a ring-like electrical power supplying structure for receiving the electrical power plugs of a plurality of electrical appliances and powering the same.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrical power supplying device which employs a ring-like electrical power supplying structure, and is adapted for mounting vertically, horizontally, diagonally, or in an inverted position, as the application requires or end-user desires.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrical power supplying device having a ring-like structure for receiving the power plugs and/or power adapters associated with a plurality of electrical appliances, and thermal management system integrated within the device, for maintaining the temperature within the 3D interior volume of the device within safe operating limits during power supplying operations.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide such electrical power supplying device, wherein the thermal management system is realized as an electrically-passive type air ventilation system for passively cooling the 3D interior volume of the device during power supplying operations.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide such electrical power supplying device, wherein the thermal management system is realized as an electrically-active type air circulation system for actively forcing cooler air from the ambient environment to flow the device to maintain the temperature within the 3D interior volume thereof within safe operating limits during power supplying operations.
- the thermal management system is realized as an electrically-active type air circulation system for actively forcing cooler air from the ambient environment to flow the device to maintain the temperature within the 3D interior volume thereof within safe operating limits during power supplying operations.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a bracket system for mounting an electrical power supplying device about a power outlet in a wall-surface, or supporting the electrical power supplying device on a horizontal support surface.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of managing excess appliance power cord length within an electrical power supplying device while containing a plurality of appliance power plugs and appliance power adapters associated with electrical appliances supported in an environment.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of mounting an electrical power supplying structure to a standard wall-mounted electrical power receptacle.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of cooling the 3D interior volume of a concealed electrical power supplying device containing power adapters for a plurality of electrical appliances deployed in diverse environments.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of supplying electrical power to a plurality of electrical appliances in an environment.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of operating an electrical power supplying device in an environment.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of assembling an electronic power supplying device.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for snap-fit mounting electrical power receptacles and printed circuit boards on a power supplying structure for use in an electrical power supplying device.
- Fig. 1A is a first perspective view of a first environment in which a first illustrative embodiment of the electrical power supplying device of the present invention is deployed on the floor surface to supply electrical power to a number of electrical appliances present within the environment;
- Fig. IB is a second perspective view of the first embodiment in which the electrical power supplying device shown in Fig. 1A is deployed;
- Fig. 2A is a first exploded view of the electrical power supplying device shown in Figs. 1A and
- Fig. 2B is a second exploded view of the electrical power supplying device shown in Figs. 1A and
- Fig. 2C is a third exploded view of the electrical power supplying device shown in Figs. 1A and IB, shown from a different perspective to reveal other aspects of the device, including rubber feet provided on the wall-bracket/unit base to prevent sliding on floor surfaces and the like;
- Fig. 3 A is a first slide view of the electrical power supplying device shown in Figs. 2A through
- Fig. 3B is a second slide view of the electrical power supplying device shown in Figs. 2A through 2C, showing the external power receptacle, USB power port, and cable portal;
- Fig. 4 is a first perspective view of the electrical power supplying device shown in Figs. 2A through 2C, shown with its cover housing portion lifted off the power -ring housing portion;
- Fig. 5 is a plan view of the electrical power supplying device shown in Figs. 2A through 2C, shown with its cover housing portion removed and without any electrical appliances being powered by the device;
- Fig. 6A is a plan view of the power-ring subassembly of the device of Figs. 2A through 2C, showing its components mounted on its upper surface;
- Fig. 6B is a schematic representation of the electrical and electronic components supported on the power-ring subassembly shown in Fig. 6A;
- Fig. 7A is a perspective view of the electrical power supplying device of Figs. 2A through 2C, shown arranged and configured during a first step of the method of supplying electrical power to a group of appliances and managing the length of electrical power cords in accordance with the principles of the present invention
- Fig. 7B is a perspective view of the electrical power supplying device of Figs. 2A through 2C, shown arranged and configured during a second step of the method of supplying electrical power to a group of appliances and managing the length of electrical power cords in accordance with the principles of the present invention
- Fig. 7C is a perspective view of the electrical power supplying device of Figs. 2A through 2C, shown arranged and configured during the third step of the method of supplying electrical power to a group of appliances and managing the length of electrical power cords in accordance with the principles of the present invention;
- Fig. 7D is a perspective view of the electrical power supplying device of Figs. 2A through 2C, shown arranged and configured during the fourth step of the method of supplying electrical power to a group of appliances and managing the length of electrical power cords in accordance with the principles of the present invention
- Fig. 7E is a perspective view of the electrical power supplying device of Figs. 2A through 2C, shown arranged and configured during the fifth step of the method of supplying electrical power to a group of appliances and managing the length of electrical power cords in accordance with the principles of the present invention
- Fig. 7F is a perspective view of the electrical power supplying device of Figs. 2A through 2C, shown arranged and configured during the sixth step of the method of supplying electrical power to a group of appliances and managing the length of electrical power cords in accordance with the principles of the present invention;
- Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the electrical power supplying device of Figs. 2A through 2C, shown supported on a pedestal or shelf structure, rather than on a floor surface;
- Fig. 9A is a first perspective view of a second environment in which an electrical power supplying device according to a second illustrative embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a wall surface, and used to manage the power cords and concealing the power adapters of electrical appliances employed in the environment;
- Fig. 9B is a second perspective view of the second environment in which the electrical power supplying device shown in Fig. 9A is deployed;
- Fig. 1 OA is a first exploded view of the electrical power supplying device shown in Figs. 9 A and
- Fig. 1 OB is a second exploded view of the electrical power supplying device shown in Fig. 10A, shown from a different perspective to reveal other aspects of the device;
- Fig. IOC is a third exploded view of the electrical power supplying device shown in Figs. 10A and 10B, shown from a different perspective to reveal other aspects of the device;
- Fig. 10D is a first elevated side view of the electrical power supplying device of Figs. 10A through IOC;
- Fig. 10E is a second elevated side view of the electrical power supplying device of Figs. 10A through IOC;
- Fig. 11 is a first perspective view of the electrical power supplying device of Figs. 10A through 10C, shown with the cover removed from the power-ring housing portion, and supplying electrical power to a plurality of electrical appliances, and managing the length of a plurality of power cords which extend out from the power cord portal of the device;
- Fig. 12 is a plan view of the electrical power supplying device shown in Figs. 10A through IOC, shown with its cover housing removed, and without any electrical power cords connected to the device;
- Fig. 13A is a plan view of the power-ring subassembly of the device of Figs. 10A through IOC, showing electrical and electronic components mounted on its upper surface;
- Fig. 13B is a schematic representation of the electrical and electronic components supported on the power-ring subassembly shown in Fig. 13 A;
- Fig. 14A is a front perspective view of the wall-mounting bracket designed for wall-mounting the device of Figs. 10A through IOC onto a wall surface, near a standard wall-based electrical power receptacle;
- Fig. 14B is a rear perspective view of the wall-mounting bracket designed for wall-mounting the device of Figs. 10A through IOC onto a wall surface, near a standard wall-based electrical power receptacle;
- Fig. 15A is a first perspective view of the wall-supported power supplying device of Figs. 10A through IOC, shown being mounted on the wall-mounting bracket affixed to wall surface above an electrical power receptacle formed therein;
- Fig. 15B is a second rear perspective view of the wall-supported power supplying device of Fig. 15 A, shown mounted on the wall-mounting bracket and supplied with electrical (AC 120 Volt) power from the wall receptacle, via its flexible coiled power cord;
- electrical AC 120 Volt
- Fig. 16 is a frontal perspective view of the wall-supported power supplying device of Fig. 15B;
- Fig. 17A is a perspective view of the wall-supported power supplying device of Fig. 14A, shown arranged and configured during a first step of the method of supplying electrical power to a group of appliances and managing the length of electrical power cords in accordance with the principles of the present invention;
- Fig. 17B is a perspective view of the wall-supported power supplying device of Fig. 14 A, shown arranged and configured during a second step of the method of supplying electrical power to a group of appliances and managing the length of electrical power cords in accordance with the principles of the present invention;
- Fig. 17C is a perspective view of the wall-supported power supplying device of Fig. 14A, shown arranged and configured during a third step of the method of supplying electrical power to a group of appliances and managing the length of electrical power cords in accordance with the principles of the present invention;
- Fig. 17D is a perspective view of the wall-supported power supplying device of Fig. 14A, shown arranged and configured during a fourth step of the method of supplying electrical power to a group of appliances and managing the length of electrical power cords in accordance with the principles of the present invention;
- Fig. 17E is a perspective view of the wall-supported power supplying device of Fig. 14A, shown arranged and configured during the first step of the method of supplying electrical power to a group of appliances and managing the length of electrical power cords in accordance with the principles of the present invention;
- Fig. 18A is a first perspective view of a third environment in which an electrical power supplying device according to a third illustrative embodiment of the present invention is designed to plug directly into, and mount about a standard wall-based electrical receptacle or power outlet (120VAC);
- Fig. 18B is a second perspective view of the third environment in which the electrical power supplying device shown in Fig. 18A is deployed;
- Fig. 19A is a first exploded view of the electrical power supplying device shown in Figs. 18A and
- Fig. 19B is a second exploded view of the electrical power supplying device shown in Figs. 18A and 18B, shown from a different perspective to reveal other aspects of the device;
- Fig. 19C is a third exploded view of the electrical power supplying device shown in Figs. 18A and 18B, shown from yet a different perspective to reveal other aspects of the device;
- Fig. 20A is a frontal perspective view of the electrical power supplying device shown in Figs. 19A through 19C;
- Fig. 20B is a first rear perspective view of the electrical power supplying device shown in Figs. 19A through 19C;
- Fig. 20C is a second rear perspective view of the electrical power supplying device shown in Figs. 19A through 19C;
- Fig. 21 is a plan view of the electrical power supplying device of Figs. 19A through 19C, with its cover removed, and without any power plugs or power adapters plugged into electrical power receptacles supported on the power-ring subassembly of the device;
- Fig. 22 is a schematic representation of the electrical and electronic components supported on the power-ring subassembly shown in Fig. 21 ;
- Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the wall-mounting bracket of the present invention, mounted to a wall surface about an electrical power outlet;
- Fig. 24 is a perspective view of the wall-mounting bracket for the electrical power supplying device of Figs. 19A through 19C, being mounted to a wall surface;
- Fig. 25 is a perspective view of the electrical power supplying device of Figs. 19A through 19C, shown with its cover removed, and a plurality of power plugs and power adapter plugs, plugged into electrical power receptacles supported on the power-ring subassembly of the device;
- Fig. 26 is a perspective view of a fourth illustrative embodiment of the electrical power supplying device of the present invention, shown mounted on countertop surface with its cover housing portion removed, and revealing a plurality of power plugs and adapters plugged into the power-ring subassembly of the device (with power cords truncated for clarity of exposition), and a centrally disposed dowel structure encasing the backup battery component of an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) unit integrated into the device;
- UPS uninterrupted power supply
- Fig. 27 is a schematic representation showing the electronic and electrical components supported within the power-ring subassembly and dowel structure of the device shown in Fig. 26;
- Fig. 28A is a first perspective view of a fifth illustrative embodiment of the electrical power supplying device of the present invention, having a rectangular-shaped form factor;
- Fig. 28B is a second perspective view of the electrical power supplying device shown in Fig.
- Fig. 28C is a third perspective view of the electrical power supplying device of Fig. 28A;
- Fig. 29A is a first perspective view of a sixth illustrative embodiment of the electrical power supplying device of the present invention, having a triangular-shaped form factor;
- Fig. 29B is a second perspective view of the electrical power supplying device shown in Fig.
- Fig. 29C is a third perspective view of the electrical power supplying device of Fig. 29A, shown with its cover housing portion removed off from its base tray housing portion;
- Fig. 30A is a first perspective view of a seventh illustrative embodiment of the electrical power supplying device of the present invention, having a disc-shaped form factor;
- Fig. 30B is a second perspective view of the electrical power supplying device shown in Fig.
- Fig. 30C is a third perspective view of the electrical power supplying device of Fig. 30A;
- Fig. 31 is an exploded perspective view of an eight illustrative embodiment of the electrical power supplying device of the present invention for deployed on a floor surface to supply electrical power to a number of electrical appliances present within an environment;
- Fig. 32A is a plan view of the power-ring subassembly of the device of Fig. 31, showing its components mounted on its upper surface;
- Fig. 32B is a perspective view of the cable management dowel tray employed in the device of Fig. 35, shown removed from the device housing, supporting the electric powered fan within its hollow central region (i.e. air shaft), and illustrating the flow path of cool air from a first region in the external ambient environment, along through its central region and past the turbo-fan blades, and out the a second region in the external ambient environment during device operation;
- the electric powered fan within its hollow central region (i.e. air shaft)
- Fig. 32C is a schematic representation of the electrical and electronic components supported on the power-ring subassembly shown in Fig. 32A;
- Fig. 33 is a first perspective view of the electrical power supplying device of Figs. 31 shown with its cover housing portion lifted off the power-ring housing portion;
- Fig. 34 is a plan view of the electrical power supplying device shown in Figs. 33 shown with its cover housing portion removed and without any electrical appliances being powered by the device;
- Fig. 35 is a first slide view of the electrical power supplying device shown in Figs. 33 through 34, illustrating the use of a DC-type electrical motor driven fan embodied within the cable management dowel structure, to enable forced air circulation through the device, so as to automatically control the interior temperature of the 3D interior volume thereof, within safe operating limits.
- the present invention provides a new and improved method of and apparatus for supplying electrical power to electrical-energy consuming appliances, and managing the power cords and concealing the power plugs and power adapters thereof, and unused receptacles, when employed in diverse environments, such as workstations, playstations, entertainment stations, retail POS stations, hotel rooms, guest rooms, cubicles, kitchens, traditional offices and wherever a multitude of power outlets are required, and the like.
- the apparatus is realized in the form of a floor-supported electrical power supplying device 1 that is supplied with electrical power through a flexible coiled power supply cord 2, plugged into a standard 120 Volt power receptacle 4 by power plug 3.
- the apparatus is realized in the form of a wall-supported electrical power supplying device that is supplied with electrical power through a flexible coiled power supply cord 2, also plugged into a 120 Volt power receptacle 4 by its power plug 3.
- a third illustrative embodiment depicted in Figs.
- the apparatus is realized in the form of a wall-supported electrical power supplying device 1 ", that is provided with an integrated electrical power plug 65 designed to plug directly into a standard 120 Volt wall-supported power receptacle 4, about which the device is mounted using a wall-mounting bracket.
- the apparatus is realized in the form of a floor/desk/wall-supported electrical power supplying device " that is supplied with electrical power through a flexible coiled power supply cord 3 that is plugged into a standard 120 Volt power receptacle 4, and also includes an integrated uninterrupted power supply (UPS) unit 70 having a backup battery component that is integrated within the central power cord management dowel or post provided in the device.
- UPS integrated uninterrupted power supply
- a first environment is shown in which a first illustrative embodiment of the present invention is shown realized in the form of a floor-supported power supplying device 1 that is supplied with electrical power through a flexible power cord 2 whose electrical plug 4 is plugged in a standard electrical power receptacle 4.
- a number of different electrical power consuming appliances e.g. lamp 5, phone 6, LCD 7, WIFI hub 8, backup hard-drive 9, printer 10, and computer CPU 11
- device 1 e.g. lamp 5, phone 6, LCD 7, WIFI hub 8, backup hard-drive 9, printer 10, and computer CPU 11
- the electrical power supplying device 1 comprises an assembly of components, namely: a power-ring subassembly (or ring-like power supplying structure) 14 having a central aperture 14A supporting electrical receptacles 15 and electronic circuits 16, an ON/ OFF switch and indicator 17 provided with a glowing LED ring that indicates the state of the device using different glow colors (e.g.
- a deep-type base tray housing 19 adapted for supporting the power-ring assembly 14 via a set of screws or like fasteners 20, and having geometrical dimensions suitable for holding a group of mid- wire power transformer blocks 21 A and 2 IB, as shown, and provided with air circulation vents 55 on the base panel to allow air currents to flow therethrough during device operation and facilitate cooling of its interior space; a wall-bracket/unit-base 23 having a pair of arms 23A and 23B, and a foot portion 23C, each disposed at 120 degrees from each other, and having a slot 23D for receiving a post portion 58 provided on a rear surface of the base tray housing portion 19; a power-ring housing portion 25 for covering the power-ring subassembly 14 and attaching to the deep base tray housing portion 19, and provided with a set of
- a tray portion 27C disposed about the central dowel and having a pair of apertures 27D1 and 27D2 formed therein for passage of electrical power cord from above the tray portion (upper deck) to below the tray portion 27C (lower deck) where power adapter blocks 21 A, 21B are stored in a safe and concealed manner; and a top cover housing portion 28 adapted to slide onto the upper portion of the power-ring housing portion 25 and snap into position, and having (i) air vents 29 for passage of air and providing ventilation to the interior volume of the device, (ii) a set of gripping threads 30 provided along the circumference of the cover housing portion to aid in the lifting the cover as required, and (iii) a first side wall aperture 31 for the passage of electrical cords through the cable portal 13 formed in the power-ring housing cover 25, and (iv) second, third, fourth and fifth side wall apertures 32, 33, 34 and 35 for providing access to the exterior power receptacle 36, USB power port 37
- the pair of apertures 27D1 and 27D2 are formed in the dowel tray portion 27C to allow cables to travel between a bottom deck level in the central interior volume 41 of the device where power adapter blocks are stored, and an upper deck level where excess cable length of electrical power cords are wound around the central dowel, to neatly manage electrical cord length in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
- the port openings 33 and 32 are formed in the sidewall of the power-ring housing portion 25, to provide access to a USB power port 37, and an externally-accessible electrical receptacle 36.
- the electrical receptacles 15 and electronic circuit boards 16 are snap- fit mounted into mounting brackets 42 provided on the upper surface of the power-ring assembly 14, along with electrical wiring 43 among electrical and circuit board components, making the necessary interconnections as specified in Fig. 6B.
- rubber feet 45 are provided on the wall- bracket/unit base 23 to prevent sliding on floor surfaces and the like.
- the five primary components assemble easily along a common axis, lending the design to easy and cost effective product manufacture, testing, and maintenance.
- the electrical power supplying device 1 is designed for support on a floor surface, and provides external access to an external power receptacle 36 and a USB power port 37, while a bundle of power cables from electrical appliances enter/exit the cable portal 13 provided on the side of the device of the present invention.
- the cover housing portion 28 can be easily lifted off the power-ring housing portion of the floor-supported power supplying device to reveal a number of features, namely: (i) electrical power provided to a number of electrical appliances supported at the workstation of Figs. 1A and IB; (ii) several power adapter blocks supported both above and below the dowel-tray deck; and (iii) the length of a plurality of electrical cords, associated with the electrical appliances, being neatly managed about the cable management dowel 27A in accordance with the principles of the prevent invention, and ultimately extending out the power cord portal 13.
- Fig. 5 reveals a number of features: (i) that the electrical receptacles 15 are arranged in orthogonal ways to optimize space within the interior volume of the device, to accommodate the storage of power adapter plugs that are formed at the terminal portion of appliance power cords, in contrast with the power adapter blocks formed mid-way along a length of power cord, as shown in Fig. 7A; (ii) the pair of apertures 27D1 and 27D2 formed in the dowel tray deck provide for passage of electrical cord to power adapter blocks stored beneath the dowel-tray deck, in the base tray housing portion 19, as shown in Fig. 7A; and (iii) the cable portal 13 for the passage of all power chords exiting/entering the device; and (iv) the flexible electrical power cable 2 and power plug 3 adapted for connection to any suitable electrical power socket provided within the space of the workstation.
- air circulation vents 55 formed in the base portion of housing 19 and air vents 29 formed in the cover housing 28, and air vents formed in dowel post 27A provide a passive-type of thermal management system embodied within the device so that all power adapters contained therein are maintained within safe interior operating temperature limits.
- Fig. 3A illustrative cool and warm air flows are shown moving through the thermal management system.
- the power-ring subassembly 14 comprises: a substantially planar structure 14B, having a central aperture 14A for passage and location of the dowel tray deck 27C a plurality of mounting brackets 42, formed or provided on planar surface 14B, for snap-fit mounting of electrical receptacles 15, as well as electronic PC circuit boards 16 and other electrical components 17, 36, 37 and 38 specified in the electrical circuit diagram of Fig. 6B; and grooves, tracks or projections 43 provided on the surface of planar structure 14B, for the mounting and routing of electrical conductors 44 that interconnect together the electrical components in the circuit of Fig. 6B, and supply electrical power thereto, during device operation.
- FIG. 7A through 7F a method of using the floor-supported power supplying device of Figs. 2A through 2C will now be described.
- the first step of the method involves removing the cover housing portion 28 from the base housing, and then lifting the dowel tray 27 out from the interior volume of the device to allow several power adapter blocks 21 A and 21B to be stored within the base housing portion 19, as shown. Then, the electrical power plug ends of the electrical cords 83A and 83B associated with the power adapter blocks 21A and 21B are passed/routed through the first aperture 27D1 formed in the dowel tray deck 27C, while the other free ends of the electrical cords are passed/routed through the second aperture 27D2 in the dowel tray deck 27C.
- the dowel tray 27 is placed back into position, through the central aperture 14A in the power-ring subassembly 14 and associated power-ring housing portion 25, collectively, referred to as a "power-ring structure” or “ring-like power supplying structure” 46, shown in Fig. 2A. Then, the excess length of the electrical power cords of these electrical plugs is managed about a first set of sections formed on the dowel tray post 27A.
- Fig. 7C several additional power plugs 83C and 83D are plugged into electrical receptacles about the power-ring subassembly 14, and excess power cord is wrapped about an available section of the dowel post 27A, and routed out to its electrical appliance, as shown.
- a pair of power adapter plugs 48 A and 48B associated with another pair of electrical appliances are plugged into a pair of power outlets or receptacles provided by the power-ring subassembly 14, and the associated power cord routed from the power cord portal 13 to the appliance in the environment, along a predetermined route. Then any excess length of electrical power cord, associated with these electrical adapter plugs, is wrapped about an available section on the dowel tray post 27A, as described above, to neatly manage excess power cord within the device.
- the next step of the method is to replace the cover housing portion 28 onto the floor-supported power supplying device.
- the USB power plug 50 can be plugged into the USB power port 37 provided on the exterior of the device, as shown.
- a power adapter plug 28 associated with an appliance in the workstation environment can be plugged into the external power receptacle 36 supplied on the device.
- the cover housing portion 28 can be easily removed from the power-ring housing portion 25, and power plugs, power adapter plugs and/or power adapter blocks can be easily removed, added or reconfigured within the power supplying device to meet requirements of electrical appliances deployed in the work, living and/or play environment, as the case may be.
- the electrical power supplying device 1 can also be supported on a variety of surfaces other than floor surfaces, such as, for example, countertop surfaces, shelf surfaces, pedestals, table surfaces, kitchen countertop surfaces, and the like, where electrical appliances are deployed for use and require electrical power for operation.
- surfaces other than floor surfaces such as, for example, countertop surfaces, shelf surfaces, pedestals, table surfaces, kitchen countertop surfaces, and the like, where electrical appliances are deployed for use and require electrical power for operation.
- the device is shown in an interior workspace in Figs. 1A and IB, it is understood that the device of the present invention can also be used safely outdoors, provided it is protected from the natural elements, to protect from electrical shock and shorting.
- a second workstation environment in which a second illustrative embodiment of the present invention is shown realized in the form of a wall-supported electrical power supplying device 1 ' that is supplied with electrical power through a flexible coiled power cord 2 plugged into a standard electrical power receptacle 4.
- the primary difference between device 1 and device 1 ' is that the base housing portion 19' is not designed deeply, but rather with a low-profile design.
- device 1 ' does not have a dowel tray portion 29C, creating upper and lower decks, as provided in device 1 but rather employs a cord managing dowel or post 27A that is integrated with the bottom surface of the base housing 19'.
- the wall-mounted electrical power supplying device comprises an assembly of components, namely: a power-ring subassembly 14 having a central aperture 14A, and adapted to support electrical receptacles 15 and electronic circuits 16, an ON/ OFF switch and indicator 17 provided with a glowing LED ring that indicates the state of the device using different glow colors (e.g.
- a low-profile base tray housing 19' adapted for supporting the power-ring assembly 14 via a set of screws or like fasteners 20, and having geometrical dimensions suitable for mounting close to a wall surface, as shown; a cord management dowel 27 A secured to and positioned in the central portion of the base housing portion 19', and having provided a set of concentric flanges 27B about its outer surface, for the purpose of neatly taking up and managing excess lengths of electrical power cords associated with the appliances; a wall-bracket/unit-base 23 ' attachable to the bottom of the base tray housing 19' for mounting the device to a wall surface as shown, or horizontal mounting on a countertop or desktop surface as shown in 27A through 27C; a power-ring housing portion 25 for covering the power-ring subassembly 14 and attaching to the base housing portion 19', and provided
- air circulation vents 55 formed in the base portion of housing 19 and air vents 29 formed in the cover housing 28, and air vents formed in dowel post 27A provide a passive-type of thermal management system embodied within the device so that all power adapters contained therein are maintained within safe interior operating temperature limits.
- Fig. 16 illustrative cool and warm air flows are shown moving through the thermal management system.
- the electrical receptacles 15 and electronic circuit boards 16 are snap- fit mounted into mounting brackets 42 provided on the upper surface of the power-ring assembly 14, along with electrical wiring 44 among electrical and circuit board components, making the necessary interconnections as specified in Fig. 13B.
- rubber feet 45 are provided on the wall- bracket/unit base 23 ' to prevent marring of wall floor surfaces, and sliding on floor or desktop surfaces and the like. Also, the five primary components assemble easily along a common axis, lending the design to easy and cost effective product manufacture, testing, and maintenance.
- the electrical power supplying device is designed for support against a wall surface, and provides external access to an external power receptacle 36 and a USB power port 37, while a bundle of power cables 12 from electrical appliances enter/exit the cable portal 13 provided on the side of the device of the present invention.
- device 1 ' can be mounted on a floor surface, or on a horizontal surface as shown in Figs. 10A
- the cover housing portion 28 can be easily lifted off the power-ring housing portion of the electrical power supplying device 1 ' to reveal a number of things, namely: (i) electrical power provided to a number of electrical appliances supported at the workstation of Figs. 1A and IB; (ii) several power plugs and power adapter plugs supported about the cord management dowel 27A; and (iii) the length of a plurality of electrical cords 12, associated with the electrical appliances, being neatly managed about the cord management dowel 27A in accordance with the principles of the prevent invention, and ultimately extend out the power cord portal 13.
- Fig. 12 reveals a number of features: (i) that the electrical receptacles 15 are spaced apart and arranged in orthogonal ways to optimize space within the interior volume of the device, in order to accommodate the storage of different sized power adapter plugs that are formed at the terminal portion of appliance power chords; and (ii) the flexible electrical power cable 2 and plug 3 is adapted for connection to any suitable electrical power socket provided within the space of the workstation.
- the power-ring subassembly 14 comprises: a substantially planar structure 14B having a central aperture 14A for passage and location of the cord management dowel 27'; a plurality of mounting brackets 42, formed or provided on planar surface 43, for snap-fit mounting of electrical receptacles 15, as well as electronic PC circuit boards 16 and other electrical components 17, 36, 37 and 38 specified in the electrical circuit diagram of Fig. 13B; and grooves, tracks or projections 43C provided on the surface of planar structure 14B for the mounting and routing of electrical conductors 43 that interconnect together the electrical components in the circuit of Fig. 13B, and supply electrical power thereto, during device operation.
- the wall- mounting bracket 23 shown in Figs. 14A and 14B which comprises: (i) a pair of arm portions 23A' and 23B' each provided with screw anchors 62A and 62B, respectively, that screw into the wall surface and fasten the arm portions securely thereto to prevent movement of the mounting bracket relative to the wall surface, and capable of supporting the weight of the device; (ii) a foot portion 23C, arranged at about 120 degrees from each arm portion, and provided with a rubber non-slip pad 63 for safely contacting the wall surface; and a slot 23D' formed between arm portions 23A' and 23B' for receiving the centrally located mounting post 58 provided on the rear surface of the base housing portion 19'.
- the first step of the mounting method involves installing the mounting bracket 23 ' to a wall surface near a standard electrical power outlet 4. This is achieved by holding the mounting bracket 23 ' against the wall surface where mounting is to take place, and then screwing the pair of anchor screws 62A and 62B into the wallboard material in a manner known in the art. Then as shown in Fig. 15B, the mounting post 58 provided on the rear surface of the base housing portion 19' is slid into the mounting slot 23D' in a snap fit manner, which will bear the weight of the device while the foot portion makes contact with the wall surface, in a stable manner. Then the electrical power cord 2 of the device is plugged into the standard electrical power receptacle 4.
- the device When mounting is completed, the device will be supported on the wall surface as shown in Fig. 16. Now the device is ready for supplying electrical power to a plurality of electrical appliances and managing the excess cord length thereof in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
- Figs. 17A through 17F a method of supplying electrical power to appliances and managing excess power cord length in an environment, will now be described in connection with the wall- supported power supplying device 1 ' described above.
- the first step of the method involves removing the cover housing portion 28 from the base housing, and then routing one or more electrical power cords 2 from their respective electrical appliances, through the environment, to the power supplying device and through its power cord portal 13.
- the electrical plugs 83A, 83B are then plugged into available power receptacles 15 provided about the power-ring subassembly 14. With the electrical power cords routed neatly through the environment, the excess length of power cord between the power cord portal 13 and the electrical receptacle is wound up about an available section of the cord management dowel 27 ' disposed in the central volume of the device, so as to neatly management excess length of power cord therein.
- FIG. 17B another power cord 2 is then routed from its appliance through the environment, to the device 1 ' and through the power cord portal 13, and its electrical plug 83C is plugged into an available power receptacle provide about the power-ring subassembly. Then, the excess length of power cord between the power cord portal 15 and the power receptacle 15 is wound about an available section on the cord management dowel 27'. Then, another power cord is routed from its appliance, through the environment, to the device and through the power cord portal 13, and its power adapter plug 48A is plugged into an available power receptacle on the power-ring subassembly 14, adapted for accommodating the power adapter plug, as shown. Then the excess length of the power cord between the power cord portal 13 and the electrical receptacle 15 is wound about an available section on the cord management dowel 27', as shown.
- the power cords from another pair of electrical appliances are routed through the environment, to the power supplying device and through the power cord portal 13.
- the associated power adapter plugs (or mid-line type power adapter modules) 48B, 48C are then plugged into available electrical receptacles on the power-ring subassembly 14, as shown.
- the excess power cord between the power cord portal 13 and the electrical receptacle 15 is wrapped about an available section of the dowel post 27', as shown, in accordance with the power cord management principles of the present invention.
- the power cord bundle 12 extends out power cord portal 13 towards destination appliances deployed in the environment.
- the next step of the method is to replace the cover housing portion 28 onto the floor-supported power supplying device 1 '.
- a USB power plug 50 can be plugged into the USB power port 37 provided on the exterior of the device, as shown.
- a power adapter plug 51 ' or standard power plug associated with an appliance in the environment can be plugged into the external power receptacle 36 supplied on the device.
- the cover housing portion 28 can be easily removed from the power-ring housing 25, and power plugs, power adapter plugs and/or power adapter blocks can be easily removed, added or reconfigured within the power supplying device to meet requirements of electrical appliances deployed in the work, living and/or play environment, as the case may be.
- a third environment is shown in which a third illustrative embodiment of the present invention is shown realized in the form of a wall-supported electrical power supplying device 1 ' ' that is supplied with electrical power from an electrical wall receptacle 4, that receives an electrical power plug 65 that is integrated with the rear portion of the base housing 19" of the device.
- the primary difference between device 1 ' ' and device 1 ' is that device 1 ' ' does not have a flexible coiled power cord 2, and receives electrical power through its integrated power plug 65, when plugged directly into a standard 120 Volt electrical receptacle 4.
- devices 1 " and 1 ' are essentially the same.
- the wall-mounted electrical power supplying device 1 " comprises an assembly of components, namely: a power-ring subassembly 14' (essentially the same as subassembly 14 except not provided with a power cord connector 38) and having a central aperture 14A and adapted to support electrical receptacles 15 and electronic circuits 16, an ON/ OFF switch and indicator 17 provided with a glowing LED ring that indicates the state of the device using different glow colors (e.g.
- a low-profile base tray housing 19" adapted for supporting the power-ring assembly 14" via a set of screws or like fasteners 20, and having (i) low-profile geometrical dimensions suitable for mounting close to a wall surface, (ii) electrical power plug 65 integrated with the rear portion of the base housing 19", and fitting into a square-shaped slot 23D" formed a wall-mounting bracket 23 ", that is attachable to a wall surface, and (iii) a mounting screw 66 that projects from the rear portion of the base tray housing below the electrical power plug 65 and can be turned into threaded hole 23E" formed below the slot 23D" in the wall-mounting bracket by turning a knob 67 accessible in the front side of the base tray housing, on top of a cord management dowel 27" shown in Figs.
- a power-ring housing portion 28 for covering the power-ring subassembly 14" and attaching to the base housing portion 19", and provided with a set of plug apertures 26 for passing the electrical plugs of power cords associated with appliances to electrical receptacles 15 mounted directly behind the plug apertures 26, and a power cord portal aperture 13 allowing a group or bundle of electrical power cords associated with a set of electrical appliances, to enter/ exit the device, as shown; a cord management dowel 27 ' ' secured to and positioned in the central portion of the base tray housing portion 19", and having been provided with a set of concentric flanges 27B" about its outer surface, for the purpose of neatly taking up and managing excess lengths of electrical power cords associated with the appliances receiving power from the device (e.g.
- top cover housing portion 28 adapted to slide onto the upper portion of the power-ring housing portion 25 ' ' and snap into position, and having (i) air vents 29 for passage of air and providing ventilation to the interior of the device, (ii) a set of gripping threads 30 provided along the circumference of the cover housing portion to aid in the lifting of the cover as required, (iii) a side wall aperture 31 for the passage of electrical cords through the cable portal 13 formed in the power-ring housing cover 25 ", and (iv) side wall apertures 32, 33, and 35 providing access to the exterior power receptacle 36, USB power port 37, and ON/OFF power switch and indicator 17, respectively.
- air circulation vents 55 formed in the base portion of housing 19' and air vents 29 formed in the cover housing 28, and air vents formed in dowel post 27A" provide a passive-type of thermal management system embodied within the device to maintain power adapters contained therein with safe operating temperatures.
- Fig. 18B illustrative cool and warm air flows are shown moving through the thermal management system.
- port openings 33, 32 formed in the sidewall of the power-ring housing portion 25 " provide access to a USB power port 37, and an externally-accessible electrical receptacle 36.
- the electrical receptacles 15 and electronic circuit boards 16 are snap-fit mounted into mounting brackets 42 provided on the upper surface of the power-ring assembly 14" along with electrical wiring 43 among electrical and circuit board components 15, 16, 17, 36 and 37, making the necessary interconnections as specified in Fig. 13B.
- rubber feet 45 are provided on the wall- bracket/unit base 23 " to prevent marring of wall floor surfaces, and sliding on floor or desktop surfaces and the like.
- the five primary components assemble easily along a common axis, lending the design to easy and cost effective product manufacture, testing, and maintenance.
- the power-ring subassembly 14" comprises: a substantially planar structure 14B, having a central aperture 14A for passage and location of the cord management dowel deck 27" supported on the bottom portion of the base housing 19"; a plurality of mounting brackets 42, formed or provided on planar surface 14B, for snap-fit mounting of electrical receptacles 15, as well as electronic PC circuit boards 16 and other electrical components 17, 36 and 37 specified in the electrical circuit diagram of Fig. 19B; and grooves, tracks or projections 43 provided on the surface of planar structure 14B, for the mounting and routing of electrical conductors 44 that interconnect together the electrical components in the circuit of Fig. 2 IB, and supply electrical power thereto, during device operation.
- the electrical power supplying device 1 " is ideally designed for support against a wall surface, given its low-profile housing, and provides external access to an external power receptacle 36 and USB power port 37, while a bundle of power cables 12 from electrical appliances enter/exit the power cord portal 13 provided on the side of the wall-mountable device.
- the device 1 " is capable of providing electrical power to a number of electrical appliances supported at the workstation of Figs. 18A and 18B, while concealing the power plugs and power adapter plugs of the appliances 5 through 11 deployed within its housing, and neatly managing the excess length of electrical power cords associated with the electrical appliances, in accordance with the principles of the prevent invention.
- Fig. 21 A reveals a number of features: (i) that the electrical receptacles 15 are arranged in orthogonal ways, and spaced apart from each other, to optimize space within the interior volume of the device, to accommodate the storage of different sized power adapter plugs that are formed at the terminal portion of appliance power chords; and (ii) that the integrated power plug 65 directly plugs into any suitable wall socket 4 provided within the space of the workstation.
- bracket 23 " comprises: (i) a pair of arm portions 23A” and 23B” each provided with screw anchors 62 and 63, respectively, that screw into the wall surface and fasten the arm portions securely thereto to prevent movement of the mounting bracket relative to the wall surface, and supporting the weight of the device; (ii) a foot portion 23C", arranged at about a 120 degrees from each arm portion 23 A” and 23B", and provided with a rubber non-slip pad 63 for safely contacting the wall surface; (iii) a square-shaped slot 23D" formed between arm portions 23A" and 23B” for passage of the integrated power plug 65 and into the wall receptacle 4; and (iv) a threaded mounting hole 23E" formed below the slot 23D" in the wall- mounting bracket, for receiving threaded mounting screw 66, which is turned into mounting
- the first step of the wall mounting method involves installing the mounting bracket 23 " to a wall surface near a standard electrical power outlet 4. This is achieved by holding the mounting bracket against the wall surface where mounting is to take place, and then screwing the pair of anchor screws 62A and 62B into the wallboard material in a manner known in the art. Then, as shown in Fig. 24, the electrical power plug 65 is plugged into the wall receptacle 4, and mounting screw 66 is threaded into the mounting hole 23E", by turning knob 67, as shown in Fig. 21A, to fasten the device to the wall-mounted bracket 23 ".
- the first step of the method involves removing the cover housing portion 28 from the base housing, and then routing one or more electrical power cords from their respective electrical appliances, through the environment, to the power supplying device and through its power cord portal 13.
- the electrical plugs are then plugged into available power receptacles provided about the power-ring subassembly.
- the excess length of power cord between the power cord portal 13 and the electrical receptacle is wound about an available section of the cord management dowel 27 ' ' disposed in the central volume of the device, so as to neatly management excess power cord therein, in accordance with the present invention.
- Another power cord is then routed from its appliance through the work environment, to the device and through the power cord portal 13, and its electrical plug is plugged into an available power receptacle provided about the power-ring subassembly. Then, the excess length of power cord between the power cord portal 13 and the electrical receptacle 15 is wound about an available section on the cord management dowel 27". Then, another power cord is routed from its appliance, through the work environment, to the device and through the power cord portal 13, and its power adapter plug is plugged into an available power receptacle on the power-ring subassembly, adapted for accommodating the power adapter plug, as shown. Then the excess length of the power cord between the power cord portal 13 and the electrical receptacle 15 is wound about an available section on the cord management dowel 27 ", as shown.
- power cords from other electrical appliances can be routed through the work environment, to the power supplying device and through the power cord portal 13.
- the associated power adapter plugs or mid line-type power adapter modules
- the associated power adapter plugs are then plugged into available electrical receptacles on the power-ring subassembly, as shown.
- the excess power cord between the power cord portal 13 and the electrical receptacle 15 is wrapped about an available section of the dowel post 27", as shown, in accordance with the power cord management principles of the present invention.
- a USB power plug 50 can be plugged into the USB power port 37 provided on the exterior of the device.
- a power (adapter) plug 51 associated with an appliance in the workstation environment can be plugged into the external power receptacle 36 supplied on the device.
- the cover housing portion 28 can be easily removed from the power-ring cover housing portion 25 ", and power plugs, power adapter plugs and/or power adapter blocks can be easily removed, added or reconfigured within the power supplying device 1 " to meet the requirements of electrical appliances deployed in the work, living and/or play environment, however the case may be.
- Figs. 26 and 27 show a fourth illustrative embodiment of the electrical power supplying device Y" of the present invention, which is similar in all respects to the device of Fig. 25, except that it also includes an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) unit 70, whose battery component 71 is mounted within the centralized cord management dowel 27 "'.
- UPS uninterrupted power supply
- the device Y" is capable of supplying conditioned AC and DC electrical power to electrical appliances at all times, i.e. even when power interruptions occur at the source electrical power receptacle supplying input power to the device.
- the ON/ OFF power switch and indicator 17 will include a glowing LED ring that indicates the state of the device using different glow colors (e.g.
- the duration in which device is capable of supplying uninterrupted AC and DC power to appliances will depend on the energy storage capacity of the battery component 71 provided within the device. The larger the energy storage capacity, the longer the available time duration of uninterrupted power from the device during power interruptions.
- air circulation vents 55 formed in the base portion of housing 19' and air vents 29 formed in the cover housing 28, and air vents formed in dowel post 27A' provide a passive-type of thermal management system embodied within the device to maintain power adapters contained therein with safe operating temperatures.
- the electrical power supplying device of the present invention does not need to have a circular or disc-like form factor, as described hereinabove, but can have other form factors, such as a rectangular-shaped form factor.
- the power-ring subassembly of this illustrative embodiment has a rectangular geometry with a rectangular shaped aperture for the positioning of elongated power cord management dowel or post structure, which otherwise performs the same functions that the dowel structure of Fig. 4 and 17B performs.
- the electrical power supplying device of the present invention is provided with a triangular-shaped form factor.
- the power-ring subassembly of this illustrative embodiment has a triangular geometry with triangular-shaped aperture for the positioning of cylindrical-shaped power cord management dowel or post structure, which otherwise performs the same functions that the dowel structure of Fig. 4 and 17B performs.
- FIGs. 30A through 30C the wall-supported electrical power supplying device of Figs. 10A through IOC is shown being used in a floor or countertop mounted fashion, using its multi-purpose mounting bracket.
- the ways in which this device and other illustrative embodiments of the present invention can be mounted in diverse environments will only be limited by one's imagination.
- An eighth illustrative embodiment of the present invention addresses such problems above by providing an electrical power supplying device with an electrically- active type integrated thermal management subsystem that helps maintain the internal temperature of the 3D interior volume within safe operating temperature limits or desired operating temperature range, and generates user alarms which when the temperature within the 3D interior volume exceeds a predetermined operating temperature range or temperature threshold.
- Such electrically-active temperature control and detection will be particularly useful or desirable in any application where it is expected that inefficient, high-loss type power adapter plugs and modules will be plugged into and contained within the device, and thus generate excessive levels of thermal energy (i.e. heat), which will require efficient forced transfer to the ambient environment.
- the eighth illustrative embodiment shown in Figs. 31 through 35 is similar in all respects to the first illustrative embodiment shown in Figs. 2A through 7F, except that device of eighth illustrative embodiment further comprises a number of components, namely: an energy-efficient DC-type electrical motor 76, rotating low-profile turbo-type blade 76B, within power cord management dowel structure 27A beneath fan protection cover/screen 76A, provided in tray structure 27, having a pair of electrical power connectors 77A formed on the edge thereof as shown in Fig.
- an energy-efficient DC-type electrical motor 76 rotating low-profile turbo-type blade 76B
- power cord management dowel structure 27A beneath fan protection cover/screen 76A
- tray structure 27 having a pair of electrical power connectors 77A formed on the edge thereof as shown in Fig.
- thermocouple-type sensors or thermo-dependent resistors
- MDC motor drive circuitry
- a microcontroller 79 interfaced with the temperature sensing circuitry (TSC) 75 and the motor drive circuitry (MDC) 78, and programmed to provide automatic temperature control within the interior 3D volume of the device, while electrical energy consuming components in the thermal management system 80 is powered by a 12 volt internal supply voltage supplied by the device itself, typically using one or more connectors 77A formed on tray structure 27 and connectors 77B formed on the ring-like subassembly 14.
- one or more DC-type electrical motor driven fans 76 can be mounted elsewhere within the interior of the device housing, such as within the cover housing portion, within the base housing portion, and/or elsewhere within the interior of the device.
- the fan blade 76B is rotated by the DC-type electric motor 76 and draws in cooler ambient air through vents 55 from a first (cooler) region in the external ambient environment, and this drawn cooler air flows over any electrical power adapter plugs and modules supported in the upper and lower deck portions of the base housing portion and plugged into power-ring subassembly of the device.
- This forced cooler air flow absorbs heat energy generated from the electrical power adapter plugs and modules contained within the 3D interior volume, to warm the air flowing thereacross, which is then forced out through vents 29 in the cover housing portion 28 to a second (warmer) region in ambient environment, while cooler air is bring drawn through vents 55 into the 3D interior volume.
- This forced air flow process is carried out under the control of microcontroller 79, which continuously monitors the temperature within the 3D interior volume, and drives the fan motor 76 at an angular velocity (in RPMs) required to automatically maintain the temperature of the 3D interior volume, within a predetermined range of safe operating temperatures.
- the desired operating temperature range, to be maintained within the interior of the device is preset and calibrated at the factory, at the time of device manufacture, to ensure reliable automated temperature control within the device of the present invention.
- control board 80 the electric motor driven fan blade 76B is driven at speeds required to transfer heat energy from the device and maintain the predetermined operating temperature range within the 3D interior volume.
- the microcontroller 79 When the programmed microcontroller 79 automatically detects high temperature conditions, that exceed a predetermined threshold level outside of the predetermined operating temperature range of the device, the microcontroller 79 will automatically (i) drive "High Temperature Warning” LED indicator 81 and piezo-electric buzzer 82 and produce visual and audible alarm signals to the end user of the device, and (ii) under particular detected conditions, might even terminate electrical power to the device, until it is checked and reconfigured by the end-user. In any particular embodiment of the present invention, the microcontroller 79 will be programmed to react and respond to such detected conditions within the device of the present invention that depend on the particular applications in which the device is used, and to satisfy any safely criteria that might be applicable in particular jurisdictions where the device will be used by consumers.
- EMF shielding measures or techniques known in the EMF shielding art can be practiced to reduce or eliminate the electromagnetic field strength outside the device during operation.
- EMF shielding measures might include applying metallic foil to the interior surfaces of the housing components, as well as other suitable measures known in the art.
- the housing and other components of the electrical power supplying device of the present invention can be manufactured using injection molded plastics and/or other materials having suitable characteristics and properties which will be known to those skilled in the art.
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Abstract
La présente invention concerne un dispositif d'alimentation électrique permettant de fournir de l'électricité à un groupe d'appareils électriques situés dans un environnement. Le dispositif d'alimentation électrique comprend un cordon d'alimentation électrique à brancher dans un réceptacle d'alimentation standard au moyen d'une fiche secteur électrique, ainsi qu'une partie logement de base qui comporte un volume intérieur en 3D d'une capacité permettant de contenir une pluralité de modules transformateurs de courant associés à un groupe d'appareils électriques situés dans l'environnement. Un sous-ensemble d'alimentation en forme d'anneau est soutenu dans la partie logement de base et présente une ouverture centrale définissant les limites d'un volume intérieur 3D et conçu pour soutenir une pluralité de réceptacles électriques et un ou plusieurs circuits électriques, électriquement raccordés au cordon d'alimentation électrique. Une partie logement d'anneau d'alimentation est prévue pour couvrir le sous-ensemble d'anneau d'alimentation et possède un ensemble d'ouvertures de fiche, alignées avec les réceptacles électriques, et permet aux fiches secteur des appareils associées aux appareils électriques de se brancher dans les réceptacles électriques. Un guide de cordons permet à un groupe de cordons électriques associés au groupe d'appareils électriques d'entrer et de sortir du volume intérieur 3D de façon groupée. Une partie logement de couvercle permet de recouvrir l'ouverture centrale du sous-ensemble d'anneau d'alimentation et de masquer (i) les fiches secteur des appareils branchées dans les réceptacles électriques et (ii) les cordons d'alimentation des appareils associés aux appareils électriques et (Ui) la pluralité des modules transformateurs de courant contenus dans la partie logement.
Applications Claiming Priority (10)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/586,745 US8159085B2 (en) | 2009-09-25 | 2009-09-25 | Wall-mountable electrical power supplying device having a ring-like structure for receiving the power plugs and/or power adapters associated with a plurality of electrical appliances, and a housing containing and concealing the same during power supply operations |
US12/586,742 US20110076880A1 (en) | 2009-09-25 | 2009-09-25 | Method of managing excess appliance power cord length within an electrical power supplying device while containing a plurality of appliance power plugs and appliance power adapters associated with electrical appliances supported an environment |
US12/586,746 US8217528B2 (en) | 2009-09-25 | 2009-09-25 | Electrical power supplying device having a ring-like subassembly for receiving the power plugs and/or power adapters associated with a plurality of electrical appliances, and a housing design for containing and concealing the power plug and adaptors during power supplying operations |
US12/586,735 US8174147B2 (en) | 2009-09-25 | 2009-09-25 | Electrical power supplying device having a ring-like power assembly for receiving electrical power plugs and/or power adapters associated with a plurality of electrical appliances, and an un-interrupted power supply (UPS) unit having a battery componenent mounted within a centrally-disposed structure passing through a central aperture in said ring-like power assembly |
US12/586,734 US8193658B2 (en) | 2009-09-25 | 2009-09-25 | Electrical power supplying device having a ring-like subassembly for receiving the power plugs and/or power adapters associated with a plurality of electrical appliances, and managing excess power cord length therewithin in a concealed manner |
US12/586,728 US8002586B2 (en) | 2009-09-25 | 2009-09-25 | Electrical power supplying device having a lower deck housing region for containing and concealing a plurality of electrical power adapters associated with a plurality of electrical appliances, and an upper deck housing region for supporting a ring-like power assembly having a central aperture and receiving the power plugs and/or power adapters of electrical appliances, while managing excess power cord length within a 3D volume passing through said central aperture |
US12/586,737 US8016611B2 (en) | 2009-09-25 | 2009-09-25 | Electrical power supplying device having a ring-like structure for receiving the power plugs and/or power adapters associated with a plurality of electrical appliances, and an integrated thermal management system |
US12/586,744 US8002587B2 (en) | 2009-09-25 | 2009-09-25 | Ring-like electical power supplying structure for receiving the electrical power plugs of a plurality of electrical appliances and powering the same |
US12/586,722 US8026633B2 (en) | 2009-09-25 | 2009-09-25 | Wall-mountable electrical power supplying device for mounting to a wall surface about a standard wall-mounted power receptacle, using a mounting bracket arranged between the housing and wall surface and an electrical power supply plug integrated with the housing |
PCT/US2010/050391 WO2011038339A1 (fr) | 2009-09-25 | 2010-09-27 | Dispositif d'alimentation électrique comportant un sous-ensemble de type anneau permettant de recevoir les fiches secteur et/ou les adaptateurs secteur associés à une pluralité d'appareils électriques et conception de logement permettant de contenir et de masquer les fiches et les adaptateurs secteur pendant des opérations d'alimentation électrique |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP2481130A1 true EP2481130A1 (fr) | 2012-08-01 |
Family
ID=43796254
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP10819598A Withdrawn EP2481130A1 (fr) | 2009-09-25 | 2010-09-27 | Dispositif d'alimentation électrique comportant un sous-ensemble de type anneau permettant de recevoir les fiches secteur et/ou les adaptateurs secteur associés à une pluralité d'appareils électriques et conception de logement permettant de contenir et de masquer les fiches et les adaptateurs secteur pendant des opérations d'alimentation électrique |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2481130A1 (fr) |
WO (1) | WO2011038339A1 (fr) |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140035363A1 (en) | 2009-09-25 | 2014-02-06 | Pucline, Llc | Electrical power supplying device having a central power-receptacle assembly supplying electrical power to power plugs, adaptors and modules while concealed from view and managing excess power cord during power supplying operations |
US9927837B2 (en) | 2013-07-03 | 2018-03-27 | Pucline, Llc | Electrical power supplying system having an electrical power supplying docking station with a multi-function module for use in diverse environments |
CN112202280B (zh) * | 2020-09-25 | 2022-12-16 | 深圳市雅力士电机有限公司 | 一种电动直线推杆 |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CA2233763C (fr) * | 1998-03-31 | 2005-01-11 | Teknion Furniture Systems Limited | Station electrique |
US7247798B2 (en) * | 2003-03-03 | 2007-07-24 | Pagoto Anthony S | Personal computer wire management system |
US20060065422A1 (en) * | 2004-09-27 | 2006-03-30 | Kevin Broyles | Power strip safety box |
US7223122B2 (en) * | 2005-06-03 | 2007-05-29 | Belkin International, Inc. | Electrical connectivity system capable of being mounted to an object, and method of manufacturing same |
US7247799B2 (en) * | 2005-06-07 | 2007-07-24 | Belkin International, Inc. | Cord management device and method of manufacturing same |
US7399201B1 (en) * | 2006-02-22 | 2008-07-15 | Khorsand Amir C | Electronic device charging platform and portable electrical outlet enclosure |
US7399200B1 (en) * | 2006-09-07 | 2008-07-15 | Jeffrey Mark Eliseo | Apparatus for concealing an AC power strip and organizing power cords connected thereto |
-
2010
- 2010-09-27 EP EP10819598A patent/EP2481130A1/fr not_active Withdrawn
- 2010-09-27 WO PCT/US2010/050391 patent/WO2011038339A1/fr active Application Filing
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
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See references of WO2011038339A1 * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2011038339A1 (fr) | 2011-03-31 |
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