NZ242414A - Wall socket includes reelable extension lead - Google Patents

Description

242414 N.Z. PATENT Or'r'iCE 2 4 JUL 1997 PATENTS FORM NO. 5 Fee No. 4: $260.00 PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION After Provisional No: 242414 Dated: 16 April 1992 James & Wells Ref: RETRACTABLE SOCKET APPARATUS I Walenhoia Sikorska, a Polish citizen and New Zealand resident of 5 Gill Crescent, Blockhouse Bay, Auckland, New Zealand hereby declare the invention for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me, and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement: *4?4l This invention relates to retractable socket apparatus.

For the purposes of this specification: the term "socket" is understood to include electrical power points and wall mounted telephone jackpoints. The term "socket" is understood to include electrical sockets and telephone jackpoints mounted on or housed within a socket. The term "lead" is understood to include both electrical leads and/or telephone leads.

Electricity is an almost universally used energy source, and is available or present in almost every household or building.

A house is usually provided with a number of electrical power points throughout various rooms, and these power points allow for a dweller to access and utilise electricity for the operation of various electrical appliances such as televisions, irons, electric heaters, clothes dryers, radios, stereos and the like.

However, a problem associated with the use of power points is that the electrical lead of an appliance may not be long enough to reach a particular power point from its desired resting or usage position.

Electrical extension leads are therefore available, and are used to enable an appliance to be plugged into a power point which would otherwise be out of reach. However disadvantages associated with the use of extension leads are: not everyone has immediate access to an extension lead when one is required; extension leads are easily lost or misplaced and may be difficult to find when required; an extension lead may already be in use with respect to another electrical appliance(s). It can be appreciated 242 41 A therefore that tracking down and/or making available an extension lead for use as aforesaid may be a fiddly and time consuming chore, and somewhat tiresome.

Another disadvantage associated with the use of extension leads is that two electrical plug connections result from their use. That is, there is one electrical plug connection between the power point and one end of the extension lead, and another plug connection between the other end of the extension lead and the lead of the electrical appliance plugged in. There is therefore twice the risk of a plug connection being bumped and/or accidentally disconnected, and/or (more importantly) twice the risk of an electrical mishap occurring (since two plug connection points are in use instead of one).

Telephone jackpoint(s) are also available within a household, and enable a telephone(s) to be plugged in and used. However, a telephone lead may not be long enough to reach a telephone jackpoint from its desired resting or usage position.

Telephone extension leads are. therefore also available to enable a telephone to be used at a place remote or distant from a telephone jackpoint. However, disadvantages associated with the use of telephone extension leads are similar to the disadvantages outlined above with respect to the use of electrical extension leads.

Another disadvantage associated with telephone extension leads is that they may easily become twisted or knotted if left lying around when the telephone is not being used. Moreover, some telephone extension leads 242 41 4 come in the form of a hand held reel which may be placed near to the telephone jackpoint. Such reels may get in the way of a user, or be otherwise bumped or kicked, and furthermore they cause the telephone lead to become twisted when being wound up after use.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided retractable socket apparatus comprising: - (a) a housing; (b) a face plate for the housing; (c) at least two sockets housed or mounted within or upon said face plate, wherein at least one socket is removable from said face plate and the one or more other sockets are standard sockets disposed within or upon said face plate; and (d) a length of lead wound about retractable storage means disposed within said housing, said length of lead being in communication at a first end thereof with an electrical mains or telephone network, and in communication at a second end thereof to said at least one socket. 242 414 According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided retractable socket apparatus substantially as described above wherein said retractable storage means is in the form of a rotatable drum.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided retractable socket apparatus substantially as described above wherein said rotatable drum is able to rotate in a first direction whereby said length of lead may be paid out from said drum, there also being provided means for rotating paid drum in a second direction for retracting said length of lead when desired.

A socket apparatus may be provided with any number of sockets as required or as desired, however at least one of these sockets should be removable from the socket apparatus, substantially as described herein. Preferably, each socket disposed upon or within a socket apparatus, whether removable or not, should have its own on/off switch.

Any suitable means for rendering the socket removable with respect to the socket apparatus may be utilised. For example, the socket rna3' be removable by virtue of being attached to the socket apparatus by a "push-and-twist" locking system - similar to how a light bulb is fitted. Alternatively, the socket may push into a spring loaded retaining mechanism which may be released by any suitable means such as by pushing a button disposed on the face plate of the socket apparatus.

Preferably, the socket may nestingly rest within or engage with an opening or aperture in the face plate, and be retained in its nestled or engaged position by tension from the lead retractable storage means disposed 242 41 4 within the housing. The socket may be tapered, or be provided with other suitable means, for providing a snug fit between the plug and the face plate and/or the opening or aperture passing through same. The removable socket may therefore be removed from the face plate by grasping the sides of the socket and pulling the socket away from the face plate. The tension, if any, provided by the lead retractable storage means should not be too great whereby the socket and lead are difficult to remove from the face plate and housing. The lead retractable storage means should therefore preferably be of a form which allows for the ready paying out of lead when the socket is remcved from the face plate. However, there should be sufficient tension on the lead when the removable socket returned to the face plate so that it does not drop down or out of the face plate, or become dislodged from the face plate if accidentally bumped or knocked. There may be provided means for releasably locking the removable socket on or within the face plate when it is not in use. Any such means may be utilised.

The length of lead for the socket apparatus may preferably be wound around or about the retractable storage means disposed within the housing of the socket apparatus. Preferably, a first end of the length of lead should be in communication with an electrical mains or telephone network, and the second end of the length of lead should be in commiiwication with the removable socket.

Any suitable lead retractable storage means may be utilised as required or as desired. Preferably, the retractable storage means may be in the form of a rotatable drum. Preferably, the drum may be able to rotate in a first 24 2 41 A direction whereby the length of lead may be paid out from the drum. The rotatable drum may also be provided with any suitable means for rotating the drum in a second direction for retracting the length of lead when or as required or desired.

Preferably, the means for rotating the drum in the second direction may be provided by an electrical winding mechanism disposed within or adjacent to the drum. Any suitable electrical winding mechanism may be utilised. Preferably, the electrical winding mechanism may be operated or activated by a switch, and this switch may preferably be disposed on or within the face plate of the socket apparatus.

Preferably, the electrical winding mechanism may be powered by mains electricity. Alternatively, or additionally, the electrical winding mechanism may be battery powered, or be provided with a battery powered back up.

Alternatively, or additionally, there may be provided manual means for rotating the drum in the second direction for retracting the length of lead. Such manual means may comprise a handle which may be attached or attachable to an appropriate attachment means such as a nut disposed on the outside of the face plate, or any other surface behind which the drum may be mounted or housed.

Another alternative may be to have the drum mounted on a releasable ratchet type mechanism similar to how roller (Holland) blinds operate.

The rotatable drum may be of any suitable size, shape or configuration as required or as desired, or as dictated by the size of the housing or area 242414 where the retractable socket apparatus is to be stored or housed. In New Zealand any apparatus stored behind or within in a wall must not extend deeper than 53mm. Hence, the diameter of the rotatable drum may be substantial so that sufficient lead can be stored or housed around or about same.

There may be provided means for guiding the length of lead about the rotatable drum when the length of lead is being retracted so that it may be stored about or around the drum in an ordered fashion.

There may also be provided guide means, for example rollers, disposed on the rear side of the face plate to guide the lead through the socket opening or aperture in the face plate when the length of lead is being retracted therethrough.

Any length of lead may be utilised as required or as desired. It is envisaged that the length of lead for a telephone jackpoint will be greater than the length of lead required for an electrical power point.

Preferably, the face plate may be removable from the housing to allow access to the retractable storage means disposed within the housing, for example for maintenance purposes.

Preferably the retractable socket apparatus, substantially as described herein, may be adapted to be mounted behind or within a wall. In this way, the length of lead and means for retractably storing same are conveniently stored out of sight. Moreover, the retractable socket apparatus will not take up any room or space within the room or area that it is to be utilised. 8 242414 The retractable socket apparatus, may be housed within or behind a wall or structure during the construction stage of the wall or structure. Alternatively, the retractable socket apparatus, may be fitted to an existing wall or structure by removing a panel or section of the wall or structure. Hence, the retractable socket apparatus may be sold and/or fitted to a suitable wall or structure as one unit. The length of lead may then be connected at its first end thereof to an electrical mains or telephone network as appropriate. It is also envisaged that the retractable socket apparatus, whether it comprises a unit as described above, or otherwise, may be used or fitted to replace an existing standard wall socket.

It is envisaged that the retractable socket apparatus substantially as described herein may be particularly useful when an electrical appliance or telephone lead is not able to reach a socket, or when it is desirable or necessary to operate the appliance or telephone away from a position where its own lead would reach the socket. In this situation, the removable plug of the retractable socket apparatus may be removed from the face plate and pulled across the room to a desired position, and whereby the appliance or telephone may be plugged therein. When the telephone or appliance is no longer to be used in this position, it may be removed from the removable socket, and the lead (and socket) may be retracted, until the removable socket is returned to its resting place on or within the face plate.

For electrical socket apparatus it may be necessary to have two sockets, one removable and one standard. This is because the removable socket should not be utilised unless the length of lead is entirely removed and pulled out 242414 from the retractable storage means. This is because a coiled up electrical lead generates heat, and it would not be desirable to be generating heat within a coil of electrical lead behind a wall or within the socket apparatus housing. Hence, the standard socket may be utilised when the lead of the electrical appliance to be used reaches the socket. The removable socket should be utilised when the lead of the electrical appliance to be used does not reach the socket from its required or desired usage position.

The two sockets should be clearly labelled as to which one is removable and which one is standard. Since it may be undesirable to use the removable socket when its length of lead is not fully removed from the socket apparatus there may be provided safety means to prevent use of the removable socket if any lead remains wrapped around the drum or other retractable storage means. Such means may include means for sensing if any lead is still housed around the drum when the on/off switch of the removable socket is activated.

There may be also provided any suitable means for maintaining the electrical or telephonic connection between the first end of the lead and the electrical mains or telephone network when the drum is rotating. For example, conventional means such as a slip ring or rotating carbon contact may be utilised in an appropriate manner.

The present invention has been described with respect to a removable socket being housed within or mounted on the face plate of a socket apparatus. However, it is to be appreciated that our invention would work equally as well if there were no socket apparatus face plate, as such, that 242 41 4 is, if the removable socket was mounted or housed directly within or upon a wall or other structure or surface.

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1: is a front view of retractable socket apparatus for an electrical power point, and Figure 2: is an exploded side view of the embodiment shown in figure 1, and Figure 3: is a front view of retractable socket apparatus for a telephone jackpoint, and Figure 4: is an exploded side view of the embodiment shown in figure 3.

Having regard to figures 1 and 2 there is shown retractable socket apparatus, generally indicated by arrow 1. The socket apparatus 1 is for an electrical power point or outlet.

The apparatus 1 comprises a housing 2, and a removable face plate 3 for the housing 2. The face plate 3 is removably fixed to the housing 2 by four screws 4a-d.

Disposed on or within the face plate 3 are two electrical sockets 5,6. The socket 5 is a standard electrical socket fixed to and within the face plate 3. The socket 6 is a removable socket. The standard socket 5 is operated by the 11 24 2 41 4 on/off switch 7, and the removable socket 6 is operated by the on/off switch 8.

The apparatus 1 also comprises a length of lead 9 wound about retractable storage means in the form of a rotatable drum 10 disposed within the housing 2. The length of lead 9 is in communication at a first end 11 thereof with an electrical mains (not shown). The lead 9 is in communication at its second end 12 thereof with the removable socket 6.

The drum 10 is free to rotate about the central pivot 13. The drum 10 is provided with an electrical winding mechanism disposed within the centre of the drum 10, as generally indicated by arrow 14. The winding mechanism 14 is a ratchet-type mechanism, and is powered by the electrical mains (mains and conne' t;on to same not shown). The winding mechanism 14 is activated by a sliding switch 15 disposed on the outside of the face plate 3.

The drum 10 is able to rotate in a first (clockwise) direction (direction indicated by arrow 16 in figure 1) whereby the length of lead 9 may be paid out from the drum 10. The winding mechanism 14 allows for the lead 9 and therefore the removable socket 6, to be retracted when desired or as required. The direction of rotation of tho drum 10 when retracting the lead 9 is indicated by arrow 17 in figure 1 (anticlockwise).

The removable socket 6 has tapered shoulders 18a,b to allow for it to nestingly engage and snugly fit or sit within the aperture 19 through the face plate 3. There is also provided a guide roller 20 for guiding the lead 9 through the aperture 19 when it is being retracted about the drum 10. 242414 The first end 11 of the lead 9 utilises a rotating carbon electrical connection to maintain electrical connection with the mains when or as the drum 10 rotates (rotating carbon connection not shown).

The drum 10 is 20cm in diameter and 3cm in width. The length of lead 9 is 6m. The housing 2 and drum 10 are comprised of aluminium. The face plate 3 is plastic.

If an electrical appliance is to be utilised and the lead of the electrical appliance will reach the socket apparatus 1, then the standard socket 5 should be utilised. If the electrical appliance cord will not reach the apparatus 1 from its desired or required usage position, then the removable socket 6 is removed from the face plate 3 and the length of lead 9 pulled out. The lead 9 is pulled out entirely so that any heating of the lead 9 does not occur behind a wall in which the apparatus 1 may be mounted or housed.

The plug of the electrical appliance may then be plugged into the removable socket 6 and the appliance operated by turning the on/off switch 8 to an on position. The socket 6 and lead 9 may be retracted activating the winding mechanism by switch 15, and thereby retracting the lead 9 about the drum 10, and returning the removable socket 6 to the face plate 3.

It is found that there is sufficient tension on the lead 9 when it is fully retracted about the drum 10 to adequately maintain the removable socket 6 within or upon the face plate 3.

It is envisaged that the apparatus 1 may be particularly suitable for use with electrical appliances that are frequently used and then put away, for 24 2 414 example irons, blow dryers, electric razors, and the like, where it will be more convenient to bring the socket 6 to the appliance, rather than take the appliance to the socket 6 or apparatus 1.

Having regard to figures 3 and 4, there is shown retractable socket apparatus 30 for a telephone jackpoint.

The apparatus comprises a housing 31, with a removable face plate 32. The removable face plate 32 is removably fixed to the housing 31 by screws 33a-d.

The apparatus 30 is provided with a removable jackpoint socket 34. The apparatus 30 also comprises a length of telephone lead 34 wound about retractable storage means in the form of a rotatable drum 36. The lead 35 is in communication at a first end 37 thereof with a telephone network (not shown) and in communication at a second end 38 thereof to the removable socket 34.

The apparatus 30 is of substantially the same construction as the apparatus disclosed in figures 1 and 2, and for convenience, features of the apparatus 30 which are the same as the apparatus 1 will not be unnecessarily repeated.

The drum 36 is free to rotate about the central pivot 39. The drum 36 is provided with rotation means in the form of a winding mechanism 40. The winding mechanism 40 is electrically powered by an electrical mains (not shown) and is activated by the switch 41 disposed on the face plate 32. 14 242414 The diameter of the drum 36 is 13cm, and the width of the drum 36 is 4cm. The length of lead 35 is 10m.

In use, the removable socket 34 may be removed from the face plate 32 and the lead 35 pulled out to an appropriate point where the jackpoint socket of a telephone may be plugged into the removable plug 34. Unlike the apparatus 1 the entire length of the lead 35 need not be pulled out from the drum 36 in order that the apparatus 30 be utilised. This is because the telephone lead 35 will not heat up during use as will an electrical lead 9.

The lead 35 may be retracted by operating the switch 41 and therefore the winding mechanism 40.

A telephone lead jackpoint may be plugged into the removable socket 34 whilst the socket is in the position as shown in figures 3 and 4, and only removed if necessary during a conversation. There is no on/off switch provided for the apparatus 30 as one is not required.

Advantages of our retractable apparatus 1, 30 include: there is no requirement for a person to rush around and locate an extension cord when an appliance or telephone is to be used or positioned away from the nearest socket: a household may be provided with permanent and readily available extension leads at each socket: the leads 9,35 and retractable storage means 10,36 are preferably concealed and stored behind or within a wall, and therefore do not take up any space when not in use: an electrical socket apparatus 1 may be provided with two sockets, one fixed 5 and one removable 6. 24 2 4 Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope thereof, as defined in the appended claims. 16

Claims (10)

242414 WHAT I CLAIM IS;

1. (a) (b) (c) (d)

2.

3. Retractable socket apparatus comprising: -a housing, a face plate for the housing, at least two sockets housed or mounted within or upon said face plate, wherein at least one socket is removable from said face plate, and the one or more other sockets are standard sockets directly connected to the electrical mains or a telephone network disposed within or upon said face plate, and a length of lead wound about retractable storage means disposed within said housing, said length of lead being connected at a first end thereof to an electrical mains or a telephone network, and in communication at a second end thereof to said at least one removable socket. Retractable socket apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said retractable storage means is in the form of a rotatable drum. Retractable socket apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said rotatable drum is able to rotate in a first direction whereby said length of lead may be paid out from said drum, there also being provided means for rotating said drum in a second direction for retracting said length of lead when required. 17 * 2424 14

4. Retractable socket apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein said means for rotating said drum is provided by an electrical winding mechanism disposed within said drum.

5. Retractable socket apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein said electrical winding mechanism is operated by a switch disposed on or within said face plate.

6. Retractable socket apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said length of lead is 6 metres.

7. Retractable socket apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein there is provided means for gtiiding the length of lead about the rotatable drum when said length of lead is being retracted.

8. Retractable socket apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said face plate is removable from said housing.

9. Retractable socket apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said apparatus is adapted to be mounted behind or within a wall.

10. Retractable socket apparatus as claimed in claim 1 substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. WALENTYNA SIKORSKA END OF CLAIMS is