GB2376135A

GB2376135A - Extendable mains power feeding system

Info

Publication number: GB2376135A
Application number: GB0112996A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Veronica Chapman
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-05-30
Filing date: 2001-05-30
Publication date: 2002-12-04
Anticipated expiration: 2021-05-30
Also published as: GB0112996D0; GB2376135B

Abstract

A system for providing flexibly extendable mains power feeding takes the form of a base unit 1 into which individual extensions 2 can be bolted. A crossfeed connection provided by pins 8 and receptacles 11 transfers power across the system. The exposed crossfeed receptacles 11, at the end of the system, are covered by a end cap 3. The power feed to appliances is provided by receptacles 9 which are shuttered, fused, and controlled by isolating switches 5. The state of the power feed to each outlet is shown by an indicators 4. The base unit comprises an overall isolating switch 6. The system is constructed by firstly bolting an add-on extension to the base unit, and thereafter attaching additional add-ons as necessary. Such extensions are removable, and can therefore be detached and re-attached to another base unit as needs dictate.

Description

Extendable Mains Power Feeding System DESCRIPTION Extendable mains power units are available in fixed multiples. However the available multiples may not be suitable for a given circumstance. Even if the multiple is suitable at the time of purchase, the addition of another appliance may require an extra mains outlet that is not available. It is possible to purchase multi-way adaptors to overcome this problem but often the size and arrangement of the receptacles on these adaptors causes additional problems when attempting to connect the desired appliances.

The objective of this invention is to provide a reasonable number of additional mains power extensions without the drawbacks associated with current methods. It also provides the ability to move units from one base extension to another, where spare capacity exists at one place and is required at another.

Accordingly this invention comprises a base unit that is connected, via a normal mains lead, to a wall socket. The base unit provides one extended mains outlet with an individual isolation switch, together with an overall isolation switch. This invention further comprises add-on units with their own individual isolating switches. The add-on units are securely bolted together as necessary, the first being bolted to the base unit. The base unit is supplied with an end cap, which is removed and always bolted to the end of the chain in order to cover the mains crossfeeding interconnections. The state of the mains power feed to each receptacle is visually indicated on each unit.

Preferably the exteriors of the units are made of white plastics materials to correspond with normal mains power fitments.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIGURE 1 shows a plan view of the overall arrangement, FIGURE 2 shows a side view of the base and add-on units.

Designs for the majority of the components of this invention are well known. Base unit 1, add-on unit 2, and end cap 3 are made from moulding of suitable electrically insulating materials. The power indicator 4 can be a small circular neon tube, with a suitable internal resistor. Designs for isolating switches 5 and 6 are known, as are those for mains input lead 7 and shuttered mains outlet receptacles 9.

Mains crossfeed pins 8, and corresponding receptacles 11 are designed to provide a certain amount of rigidity, but their main function is to support the maximum permissible electrical power requirement.

The overall rigidity is provided by securing bolt 10, which is circlipped internally along its shank to prevent complete removal (not shown), and offers a slotted head for tightening while at the same time providing a threaded hole into which the securing bolt from another unit could be screwed. Provided that the screw threads are large enough to provide the necessary rigidity, the fit between bolt and thread should not be tight. This would ensure that each unit would separate in the desired sequence (i. e. from end cap 3 back to base unit 1) whenever a rearrangement became necessary.

The junction between two units is covered from the ingress of dirt and moisture by shaping the left-hand (orientation as shown) edges of the add-on and end cap units as a sleeve 12, which fits over a ridge shape 13 moulded into the right-hand side of each unit.

As well as keeping the junction dry and clean, these arrangements increase overall rigidity.

A suitable fuse, located in a fuse holder, would be accessible through a covering panel (not shown) situated on the underside of each unit that offers a mains outlet.

The internal connections are arranged as necessary to meet all relevant electrical standards.

Claims

Extendable Mains Power Feeding System CLAIMS 1. A system for providing a flexible number of mains power outlets in a form which comprises the following components considered to be essential: (a) Each mains outlet receptacle including an associated individual isolating switch, a visual indicator as to the state of the power feed to the same and a means of cross-feeding power to additional extensions.

(b) A base unit providing connection to an incoming mains power feed, including an overall isolating switch, the first mains outlet receptacle as defined in (a), and an end cap for the entire system.

(c) Add-on single extension units as specified in (a), including a means of accepting the power cross-feed from any other extension or base unit..

(d) Each component to be constructed to meet all relevant electrical standards.
2. A system, as claimed in the preceding claim, that is made from any suitable metals for electrical conductivity, and plastics materials for suitable electrical insulation and appearance.
3. A system substantially as claimed herein, and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.