US20190173246A1 - Multi-function power strip - Google Patents
Multi-function power strip Download PDFInfo
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- US20190173246A1 US20190173246A1 US16/272,780 US201916272780A US2019173246A1 US 20190173246 A1 US20190173246 A1 US 20190173246A1 US 201916272780 A US201916272780 A US 201916272780A US 2019173246 A1 US2019173246 A1 US 2019173246A1
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- module
- power strip
- transformer
- outlet
- connector
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- 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
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- 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
- H01R13/6633—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in single component with inductive component, e.g. transformer
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- 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
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- 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
- H01R13/6675—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in electronic circuit with built-in power supply
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- 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
- H01R13/68—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in fuse
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- 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
- H01R13/713—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch the switch being a safety switch
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R24/00—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure
- H01R24/60—Contacts spaced along planar side wall transverse to longitudinal axis of engagement
- H01R24/62—Sliding engagements with one side only, e.g. modular jack coupling devices
- H01R24/64—Sliding engagements with one side only, e.g. modular jack coupling devices for high frequency, e.g. RJ 45
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R24/00—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure
- H01R24/76—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure with sockets, clips or analogous contacts and secured to apparatus or structure, e.g. to a wall
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R25/00—Coupling parts adapted for simultaneous co-operation with two or more identical counterparts, e.g. for distributing energy to two or more circuits
- H01R25/14—Rails or bus-bars constructed so that the counterparts can be connected thereto at any point along their length
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R25/00—Coupling parts adapted for simultaneous co-operation with two or more identical counterparts, e.g. for distributing energy to two or more circuits
- H01R25/14—Rails or bus-bars constructed so that the counterparts can be connected thereto at any point along their length
- H01R25/142—Their counterparts
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R9/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, e.g. terminal strips or terminal blocks; Terminals or binding posts mounted upon a base or in a case; Bases therefor
- H01R9/22—Bases, e.g. strip, block, panel
- H01R9/24—Terminal blocks
- H01R9/2408—Modular blocks
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02H—EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS
- H02H9/00—Emergency protective circuit arrangements for limiting excess current or voltage without disconnection
- H02H9/04—Emergency protective circuit arrangements for limiting excess current or voltage without disconnection responsive to excess voltage
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02M—APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC, OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUT POWER; CONTROL OR REGULATION THEREOF
- H02M7/00—Conversion of ac power input into dc power output; Conversion of dc power input into ac power output
- H02M7/003—Constructional details, e.g. physical layout, assembly, wiring or busbar connections
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02M—APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC, OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUT POWER; CONTROL OR REGULATION THEREOF
- H02M7/00—Conversion of ac power input into dc power output; Conversion of dc power input into ac power output
- H02M7/02—Conversion of ac power input into dc power output without possibility of reversal
- H02M7/04—Conversion of ac power input into dc power output without possibility of reversal by static converters
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R2103/00—Two poles
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R2107/00—Four or more poles
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- 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
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
- Power Engineering (AREA)
- Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)
Abstract
Embodiments of a multi-function power strip are shown, said strip including a first endcap and a second endcap; at least one rail, said rail being adapted to engage with at least one outlet module; the rail also being engaged with a transformer module, said transformer module in electrical connection with the at least one outlet module, and adapted to receive electrical power therefrom, said transformer module further comprising a transformer adapted to transform electrical power into a plurality of voltages suitable for powering a plurality of different models of electronic accessories, and a connector forming a circuit to provide a suitable one of the plurality of voltages to an electronic accessory; and wherein the at least one outlet module and the transformer module are releasably joined together.
Description
- The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/124,052 filed Sep. 6, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,211,584, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/871,413 filed Jan. 15, 2018, now abandoned, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/380,766 filed Dec. 15, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,876,325, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/073,257 filed Mar. 17, 2016, now abandoned, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/856,782 filed Sep. 17, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,300,097, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 14/147,314, filed Jan. 3, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,147,982, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/110,644, filed May 18, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,622,756, all having the same title, and all of which are incorporated herein by this reference.
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FIG. 1 is a top view of an embodiment of the multi-function power strip. -
FIG. 2 is a top exploded view of an embodiment of the multi-function power strip. -
FIG. 3 is an isometric exploded view of an embodiment of the multi-function power strip. -
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the inter-relation of parts in an embodiment of the multi-function power strip. -
FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the module connector and module used in an embodiment of the multi-function power strip. - Embodiments of a multi-function power strip are shown and described. Generally, the multi-function power strip comprises a cord for connection to an electrical power source; a plurality of outlet modules in electrical connection with the cord, wherein said plurality of outlet modules are in electrical connection with each other; and a transformer module, said transformer module in electrical connection with at least one of the outlet modules, and adapted to receive electrical power therefrom, said transformer module further comprising, a transformer adapted to transform electrical power into a plurality of voltages suitable for powering a plurality of different models of electronic accessories, and a connector electrically connected to the transformer, and having a plurality of pins, each of the plurality of pins having a designated one of the plurality of voltages supplied thereto, and wherein the connector is configured to engage with a plurality of plugs, each of the plugs forming an electrical connection with a designated one of the plurality of pins and a ground pin, thereby forming a circuit to provide a suitable one of the plurality of voltages to an electronic accessory; and wherein the outlet modules and the transformer module are releasably joined together. Thus, embodiments of the multi-function power strip are assembled by combining together and electrically connecting a number of modular components into a single assembly.
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FIG. 1 shows a top view of a first embodiment of the multi-function power strip. As can be seen inFIG. 1 ,multi-function power strip 100 is comprised ofendcaps 101 andrail 102. Various modular components (which will be discussed in greater detail infra) are engaged withrail 102 and retained in engagement withrail 102 byend caps 101. Endcaps 101 may attach to rail 102 by means of screws or other fasteners commonly used in the art. Alternatively,endcaps 101 may engage withrail 102 by means of a friction-fit or snap-fit, and thereby be retained in connection to therail 102.First endcap 101 a is provided with a coupler (not shown) into which a cord (not shown) can be received. The cord (not shown) provides standard household electrical power, which one of skill in the art would appreciate can be between 110 and 240 volts, alternating current, with a frequency between 50 and 60 Hz. The cord is received in the endcap, and the endcap is electrically connected to the first modular component in the multi-function power strip, thereby providing household electrical power to the first modular component, and all other modular components that are joined thereto. - Referring again to
FIG. 1 , it will be appreciated that a number of modular components are engaged withrail 102. All of the modular components are electrically connected together, and each receives electrical power from the previous component in the chain. The structure and function of each will now be explained in greater detail. As shown inFIG. 1 , an embodiment ofmulti-function power strip 100 may include aswitch module 110.Switch module 110 is provided withswitch 111. Switch 111 may be a single pole, single throw switch. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate,switch 111 may be any type of switch known to the art which is capable of operating under the load conditions imposed by the transmission and handling of ordinary household electrical power, as referenced above.Switch module 110 is electrically coupled to thefirst end cap 101 a, and in such way it receives household electrical power from the cord (not shown) through thefirst endcap 101 a.Switch module 110 is also electrically coupled to the next modular component in the chain, which inFIG. 1 isfuse module 120. Electrical power flows intoswitch module 110, throughswitch 111, and out ofswitch module 110 into the next modular component in the chain. An indicator light (not shown) may be provided on the housing ofswitch module 110, or it may be incorporated into theswitch 111, as in the case of a rocker switch with light to indicate it is in the “ON” position, thereby alerting a user to the status of the power strip. By manipulatingswitch 111, a user may selectively turn on and off the flow of electrical power throughswitch module 110 to other modular components further down the chain electrically connected toswitch module 110. For this reason,switch module 110 may be provided near the beginning of the chain of modular components but it need not be. As with all of the modular components disclosed herein, the order of the components is not critical to the operation of the multi-function power strip. As long as the modular components are in electrical connection with each other, the order in which they are assembled is a matter of convenience to suit the nature of the area being serviced by the multi-function power strip. - Referring again to
FIG. 1 , the next modular component in the chain following theswitch module 110 is thefuse module 120. As with all of the modular components described,fuse module 120 is electrically connected to and receives electrical power from the component in the chain before it (i.e. in this case, the switch module). Electrical power then passes through afuse 121 and then flows out offuse module 120 into the next component in the chain. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate,fuse 121 may be any type of fuse known to the art which is capable of operating under the load conditions imposed by the transmission and handling of ordinary household electrical power. Alternatively,fuse 121 may be a circuit breaker, a ground fault circuit interruptor or any other device designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by overload or short circuit by detecting a fault condition and interrupting continuity to discontinue electrical flow. Thefuse 121 may be completely enclosed in the housing offuse module 120, such that it is not accessible by a user. Alternatively, in cases where a circuit breaker or other device that must be reset by a user after a fault occurs are used, thefuse 121 may be mounted so that it protrudes from the housing offuse module 120, so as to be accessible by a user. - Also shown in
FIG. 1 is afirst outlet module 130. As with all of the modular components described,first outlet module 130 is electrically connected to and receives electrical power from the component in the chain before it (i.e. in this case, the fuse module). The flow of electrical power is then split, and is sent both tooutlet receptacles 131 and out offirst outlet module 130 into the next component in the chain. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many different configurations ofoutlet receptacles 131 have been developed and implemented in various countries throughout the world. For example, Type A and Type B outlet configurations are commonly used in North America. The Type C outlet configuration is commonly used in continental Europe. The Type G outlet configuration is commonly used in the United Kingdom and the Type I configuration is commonly used in Australia and New Zealand. The following outlet configurations are recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art: a Type A outlet, a Type B outlet, a Type C outlet, a Type D outlet, a Type E outlet, a Type F outlet, a Type E/F hybrid outlet, a Type G outlet, a Type H outlet, a Type I outlet, a Type J outlet, a Type K outlet, a Type L outlet, and a Type M outlet.Outlet receptacles 131 may take the form of any of the outlet configurations recited above. For example, inFIG. 1 , the outlet configuration offirst outlet module 130 is a Type G outlet. In this way, the power strip may be adapted to function in various countries using different outlet configurations. Within the housing offirst outlet module 130 may be provided afuse 132 in the electrical power supply line ahead ofoutlet receptacles 131, to protect any electrical circuits plugged into the outlet receptacles from overload or short circuit. Fuse 132 may be used in addition to or in place of afuse module 120. - Also shown in
FIG. 1 is asecond outlet module 140.Second outlet module 140 is the same in all respects asfirst outlet module 130, except thatsecond outlet module 140 may have a different outlet configuration thanfirst outlet module 130. Alternatively,second outlet module 140 may have the same outlet configuration asfirst outlet module 130. For example, inFIG. 1 ,second outlet module 130 has a Type B outlet configuration, which is different thanfirst outlet module 130, which has a Type G outlet configuration. As with all of the modular components described,second outlet module 140 is electrically connected to and receives electrical power from the component in the chain before it (i.e. in this case, the first outlet module). The flow of electrical power is then split, and is sent both tooutlet receptacles 141 and out ofsecond outlet module 140 into the next component in the chain. Although not shown, within the housing ofsecond outlet module 140 may be provided a fuse in the electrical power supply line ahead ofoutlet receptacles 141, to protect any electrical circuits plugged into the outlet receptacles from overload or short circuit. The fuse may be used in addition to or in place of afuse module 120. - The
transformer module 150 is also shown inFIG. 1 . As with all of the modular components described,transformer module 150 is electrically connected to and receives electrical power from the component in the chain before it (i.e. in this case, the second outlet module). Disposed within the transformer module is a transformer (not shown). The transformer receives household electrical power from the previous component in the chain. The transformer is adapted to transform the household electrical power into a plurality of voltages suitable for powering a plurality of different models of electronic accessories. By way of example and without limitation, the transformer may be one of those supplied by the Trade Management Group Ltd. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that any transformer capable of operating under the load conditions imposed by the transmission and handling of ordinary household electrical power and capable of producing a plurality of output voltages may be suitable for use intransformer module 150. By way of example, and without limitation, the transformer may be adapted to produce the following output voltages: 16V, 18V, 20V, 22V and 24V. All of the preceding voltages may be provided at a current of approximately 5 A or less.Transformer module 150 may include aprimary output connection 151.Primary output connection 151 may be provided with a plurality of pins (not shown). Each of the plurality of pins may have a designated one of the plurality of voltages produced by the transformer supplied thereto. Additionally, a ground pin may be provided as one of the plurality of pins in the primary connector. In use, a plurality of cords with plugs may be provided to the user. Each of the plurality of plugs will fit into theprimary output connector 151 in such a way as to form an electrical connection with a designated one of the plurality of pins and the ground pin, thereby forming a circuit to provide a suitable one of the plurality of voltages to an electronic accessory. Each of the plurality of plugs will only fit into theprimary output connector 151 in a specified way, thus each of the cords and associated plugs supplies one of the designated voltages to an electronic accessory. The user determines which plug and cord combination to use to power a specified electronic accessory. -
Transformer module 150 may also be provided with asecondary output connector 152. In addition to the voltages produced by the transformer and output to theprimary output connector 151, the transformer may be adapted to produce certain secondary output voltages. By way of example and without limitation, the secondary output voltages produced by the transformer may be: 5V, 12V, 15V, and 22V. All of the preceding voltages may be provided at a current of approximately 5 A or less. In a similar fashion as described above,secondary output connection 152 may be provided with a plurality of pins (not shown). Each of the plurality of pins may have a designated one of the plurality of secondary output voltages produced by the transformer supplied thereto. Additionally, a ground pin may be provided as one of the plurality of pins in the secondary connector. In use, a plurality of cords with plugs may be provided to the user. Each of the plurality of plugs will fit into thesecondary output connector 152 in such a way as to form an electrical connection with a designated one of the plurality of pins and the ground pin, thereby forming a circuit to provide a suitable one of the plurality of secondary output voltages to a secondary electronic accessory. Each of the plurality of plugs will only fit into thesecondary output connector 152 in a specified way, thus each of the cords and associated plugs supplies one of the designated secondary output voltages to a secondary electronic accessory. The user determines which plug and cord combination to use to power a specified secondary electronic accessory. - Also shown in
FIG. 1 isUSB module 160. As with all of the modular components described,USB module 160 is electrically connected to and receives electrical power from the component in the chain before it (i.e. in this case, the transformer module). USB module is provided withUSB ports 161, which are standard Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports. Power may be provided toUSB ports 161 in two ways. In a first embodiment, the transformer intransformer module 150 may produce a USB electrical power output. By way of example and without limitation, such USB electrical power output may be a 5V 2 A power output. The USB electrical power output is then sent from thetransformer module 150 to theUSB module 160 and distributed through theUSB ports 161. In an alternate embodiment, a USB transformer may be provided withinUSB module 160. In this embodiment, the USB module receives household electrical power from the prior component in the chain (i.e. the transformer module) and steps it down to a voltage suitable for distribution through theUSB ports 161. - Several other aspects of the
USB module 160 will now be further explained. Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a specification to establish communication between devices and a host controller (usually a personal computer), and can be used to connect computer peripherals to a personal computer. USB connections can also be used with other devices such as smartphones, PDAs and video game consoles. USB connectors supply electric power to the devices connected thereto, so devices connected by USB may not require a power source of their own. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the parameters of the output from theUSB ports 161 is governed by the USB standard. The USB 2.0 standard is commonly used in many applications, andUSB module 160 and the output ofUSB ports 161 may be selected to conform to that standard. Alternatively, the USB 3.0 standard has recently introduced, andUSB module 160 and the output ofUSB ports 161 may be selected to conform to that standard. As noted above, USB connections may be used to supply power to a device or to recharge the batteries contained in a portable device. When used for charging, the electrical power supplied to theUSB ports 161 may be 5V and 0.5 A. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that certain electronic accessories, most notably Apple® products, require a higher charging amperage than those of devices which comply with the USB standards. Such devices requiring higher charging amperages may require as much as 2 A for proper charging. It should appreciated that the power supplied to all or a portion ofUSB ports 161 could be standard USB power or higher amperage charging power to accommodate devices which require higher charging amperages. - Additionally, it should be appreciated that charging electronic devices and providing USB power are not the only functions that the
USB module 160 can perform.USB module 160 may also serve as a USB hub. A USB hub is a device that expands a single USB port into several so that there are more ports available to connect devices to a host system. In such an arrangement, one of theUSB ports 161 a may be designated a USB hub port and may be connected via a USB cable (not shown) to a USB port on a personal computer.USB module 160 may contain electronic circuitry required to allowUSB module 160 to act as a USB hub. Most USB hubs use one or more integrated controller (IC's), of which several designs are available from various manufacturers and are well known to persons of skill in the art. The IC's control the flow of data between theUSB hub port 161 a and the remainingUSB ports 161, and thereby allows the remainingUSB ports 161 to act as additional USB ports connected to the personal computer connected to the USB hub. - Also shown in
FIG. 1 isnetwork module 170. Depending on the functionality implemented,network module 170 may or may not require a source of electrical power. In an embodiment wherenetwork module 170 does require electrical power,network module 170 is electrically connected to and receives electrical power from the component in the chain before it (i.e. in this case, the USB module). The power received bynetwork module 170 may be standard household electrical power, andnetwork module 170 may contain a transformer (not shown) for stepping down the household electrical power to a voltage suitable for use in the network module. Alternatively, the component in the chain before the network module 170 (in this case, the USB module) may transform the household electrical power into a voltage suitable for use in thenetwork module 170 and then pass that voltage on to thenetwork module 170.Network module 170 is provided withnetwork ports 171.Network ports 171 may be RJ45 connectors for receiving LAN (Local Area Network) data signals. Alternatively,network ports 171 may be Rill connectors for receiving telephone signals, or BNC connectors for receiving cable TV signals or other data signals. One of ordinary skill will appreciate thatnetwork ports 171 may take the form of any connector necessary to connect the required data stream to thenetwork module 170. Insidenetwork module 170 is provided a fuse, circuit breaker or the like (not shown). The fuse, circuit breaker or the like is electrically connected betweenfirst network port 171 a andsecond network port 171 b, and provides voltage and current surge protection between the two ports. In operation, a data feed cable (not shown) is connected tofirst network port 171 a. A personal computer or other device may then be connected via a data cable tosecond network port 171 b. In the event of a voltage or current spike in the data circuit, the fuse, circuit breaker or the like provided innetwork module 170 will trip, thereby preventing said voltage or current spike from reaching the personal computer or other device connected tosecond network port 171 b. In this way,network module 170 may act as a pass-through surge suppressor for LAN, telephone, CATV or other data feeds. - It should be appreciated that
network module 170 may also have more advanced features. For instance,network module 170 may function as a network switch. A network switch serves as a controller, enabling networked devices to exchange data with each other efficiently. Network switches are capable of inspecting data packets as they are received, determining the source and destination device of each packet, and forwarding them appropriately. By delivering messages only to the connected device intended, a network switch conserves network bandwidth. Ifnetwork module 170 is to be configured as a network switch, electrical power may be provided to thenetwork module 170 as described supra. Ifnetwork module 170 is to be configured as a network switch,network module 170 may be provided with more network ports than shown inFIG. 1 , for example,network module 170 may be provided with four network ports. One of the network ports may be designated a LAN input port and may be connected via a LAN cable (not shown) to a local area network.Network module 170 may be provided with electronic circuitry required to allownetwork module 170 to act as a network switch. Most network switches use one or more integrated controller (IC's), of which several designs are available from various manufacturers and are well known to persons of skill in the art. The IC's control the flow of data between the LAN input port and the remaining network ports, and thereby allows the remaining network ports to act as additional network ports for connecting additional devices to the local area network. The network switch electronic circuitry inside thenetwork module 170 directs data on the LAN to the appropriate devices connected to the network ports. Thus, the switch allows multiple devices to be connected to a single LAN connection, and provides for the accurate routing of data to the devices so connected. -
FIG. 2 shows a top exploded view of an embodiment of amulti-function power strip 100. Like numbers will be used to designate components already described with respect toFIG. 1 . As can be seen inFIG. 2 ,first endcap 101 a andendcap 101 are provided, as israil 102. Additionally,switch module 110,fuse module 120,first outlet module 130,second outlet module 140,transformer module 150,USB module 160 andnetwork module 170 are provided. As can be readily seen in the exploded view, all of the aforementioned modules are slidably engaged with therail 102, and retained in engagement with therail 102 by theendcaps 101. As has been previously pointed out, it should be appreciated that not all of the aforementioned modules need be provided in every embodiment of the power strip. For example, only a single outlet module may be provided, or the USB and/or network modules may be left out of the configuration. Thus, depending on the customer's desire for the functionality of the device, certain modules may be excluded from the assembly, or certain modules may be included in numbers in excess of what has been shown inFIG. 2 , as in the case where a customer desires numerous outlet modules in addition to all the other modules. It should be readily appreciated thatrail 102, as an extruded part, may be cut to any length and therefore may accommodate any number of modules as requested by the customer. The only limitation on the number of modules, and hence the overall length ofrail 102 and relatedly theassembly 100 is that the maximum power that can be drawn by the combination of all of the modules in the power strip is 4000 Watts. As long as the combined modules draw less than the aforementioned maximum power, any combination of modules, and any length ofrail 102 necessary to accommodate those modules may be used. - Also shown in
FIG. 2 aremodule connectors 210.Module connectors 210 electrically connect the various modules in the power strip assembly together.Module connectors 210 mate with electrical contacts formed in the housings of the various modules (not shown) and thereby electrically connect two adjacent modules together. The structure of themodule connectors 210 will be explained in greater detail with reference toFIG. 5 . Referring again toFIG. 2 , note that certain modules do not employmodule connectors 210. As shown inFIG. 2 ,USB module 160 andnetwork module 170 use attachedconnectors 220 to electrically connect those modules to the previous component in the chain. Attachedconnectors 220 have essentially the same structure asmodule connectors 210 with the exception being that attachedconnectors 220 are permanently attached to the module that they connect to the previous component in the chain. One of ordinary skill will readily appreciate that eithermodule connectors 210 or attachedconnectors 220 could be used to electrically connect any or all of the modules in the power strip together, and the selection of eithermodule connector 210 or attachedconnector 220 is simply a matter of preference or improvement of the manufacturability of the power strip. -
FIG. 3 shows an isometric exploded view of an embodiment of themulti-function power strip 100. Like numbers will be used to designate components already described with respect toFIG. 1 . As can be seen inFIG. 3 ,first endcap 101 a andendcap 101 are provided, as israil 102. Additionally,switch module 110,fuse module 120,first outlet module 130,second outlet module 140,transformer module 150,USB module 160 andnetwork module 170 are provided.FIG. 3 illustrates the manner in which the various modules engage withrail 102. As can be inFIG. 3 all of the modules are provided withtabs 310.Tabs 310 slidably engage withgroove 320 inrail 102, and thereby retain the modules in the rail.Endcaps rail 102, and haveholes 330 provided therein for attachment means (not shown) to secure theendcaps rail 102. The modules can be slid into and out of engagement with rail easily for assembly and for disassembly in the event it becomes necessary to replace one of the modules. -
FIG. 4 shows a block diagram showing the inter-relation of parts in an embodiment of the multi-function power strip. As shown inFIG. 4 ,power source 400 is a standard household electrical power source and is the power input into the multi-function power strip. The electric power may then pass throughcomponents 410 which may be an on/off switch, a circuit breaker or a fuse. The electrical power may pass through a single one, two or all three of these components, depending on the configuration of the multi-function power strip. Electrical power may then pass through an optional timer oroccupancy sensor 420. Ifcomponent 420 is a timer module, it may be a standard programmable timer that is configured to permit the flow of electrical power to components down the chain for certain periods of the day, and to block the flow of electrical power to components down the chain for certain other periods of the day. Such timers are well known to those of skill in the art, as is their inclusion in a circuit of this type. Ifcomponent 420 is an occupancy sensor module, it may contain an occupancy sensor adapted to detect the presence of a person in the area adjacent to the power strip and to turn off electrical power to components down the chain of the power strip when a person is not present in the area adjacent to the power strip. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that any occupancy sensor switch suitable for use in the area around a power strip would be suitable for use as an occupancy sensor inoccupancy sensor module 420.Occupancy sensor module 420 may operate by detecting infrared radiation in the area surrounding the power strip that is produced by the presence of a person. In operation, whenoccupancy sensor module 420 detects the presence of a person in the area surrounding the power, it allows the flow of electrical power to modules down the chain of the power strip. If the occupancy sensor does not detect the presence of a person in the area surrounding the power strip, it interrupts the flow of electrical power to the components down the chain. - As shown in
FIG. 4 , electrical power then passes intooutlet modules FIG. 4 show possible routes for the electrical power, showing that it may travel through one, two, three or all four of the outlet modules, depending on the configuration of the power strip. As shown inFIG. 4 , the outlet modules are all of different configurations,outlet module 430 is a United States configuration outlet;outlet module 440 is a European configuration outlet;outlet module 450 is a United Kingdom configuration outlet; andoutlet module 460 is a Chinese configuration outlet. One of ordinary skill will appreciate that the outlet modules may all have different configurations as shown or they may all be of a single configuration, or they may be a combination of two or more configurations. Each of the outlet modules is configured so that electrical power may be transferred to a device plugged into the outlet module, and also that electrical power is transferred to the next component in the chain. From the last outlet module, electrical power is then flows into thetransformer module 470. As discussed with respect toFIG. 1 ,transformer module 470 steps down household electrical power to a plurality of voltages suitable for powering electronic accessories and outputs those voltages though a multi-pinned connector adapted to mate with a plurality of plugs and thereby supply the appropriate voltages to electronic accessories. Electrical power then flows intoUSB module 480. As shown inFIG. 4 ,transformer module 470 may step household electrical power down to a 5V 2 A output forUSB module 480. Alternatively,USB module 480 may contain a transformer which transforms electrical power into a voltage suitable for use inUSB module 480. In such an embodiment, household electrical power would flow fromtransformer module 470 toUSB module 480.USB module 480 may receive data from and transmit data to a personal computer or other device in the case whereUSB module 480 acts as a USB hub.USB module 480 may provide a source of power tonetwork module 490.Network module 490 may act as a pass-through surge suppressor or network cables, phone cables or other data feeds. Alternatively,network module 490 may act as a network switch and may receive data from and transmit data to a personal computer or other device. -
FIG. 5 shows a side perspective view of the module connector and module used in an embodiment of the multi-function power strip. Shown inFIG. 5 is aswitch module 110 with tabs 310 (as described with reference toFIG. 3 ), however, as set forth in the description ofFIG. 2 ,module connectors 210 can be used with any of the modules described in the various embodiments of the multi-function power strip.Module connector 210 has abody 500 with afirst end 500 a. The opposite end of body 500 (not shown) is a mirror image offirst end 500 a.Body 500 ofmodule connector 210 can be fabricated from any suitable material known in the art, for example, plastic.Apertures 510 are provided infirst end body 500 a and extend all the way through the body to the opposite end (not shown). In such a way, thebody 500 has a hollow interior formed by theapertures 510. Threeapertures 510 are shown inFIG. 5 , however, it should be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that any number of apertures could be used, depending on the number of connections that must be made between the modules. By way of example and without limitation, the three apertures shown inFIG. 5 may accommodate positive, negative and ground connections between modules. In applications where an additional number of connections are required, as for example in cases where data or transformed voltages are also to be transferred between modules, more apertures may be provided.Body 500 may also be provided with analignment boss 512.Alignment boss 512 mates withalignment groove 513 on the module.Alignment boss 512 andalignment groove 513 ensure that themodule connector 210 and the module are connected in the appropriate orientation. - Disposed within the
apertures 510 arecontacts 511. Similar contacts (not shown) are disposed on the opposite end of body 500 (not shown). Thecontacts 511 may be made from copper or any material suitable for conducting electricity. Thecontacts 511 mate with and form an electrical connection with theblades 514 disposed on the module. Thecontacts 511, and the similar contacts (not shown) on the opposite end ofbody 500 are electrically connected. The similar contacts (not shown) on the opposite end ofbody 500 are likewise adapted to mate with blades (not shown) on an adjacent module. In this way, the contacts in themodule connector 210 form an electrical connection between two adjacent modules. - It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that, while the forgoing disclosure has been set forth in connection with particular embodiments and examples, the disclosure is not intended to be necessarily so limited, and that numerous other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications and departures from the embodiments, examples and uses described herein are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto. Various features of the disclosure are set forth in the following claims.
Claims (20)
1. A multi-function power strip comprising:
a cord for connection to an electrical power source;
a plurality of outlet modules in electrical connection with the cord, wherein said plurality of outlet modules are in electrical connection with each other; and
a transformer module, said transformer module in electrical connection with at least one of the outlet modules, and adapted to receive electrical power therefrom, said transformer module further comprising,
a transformer adapted to transform electrical power into a plurality of voltages suitable for powering a plurality of different models of electronic accessories, and
a primary connector electrically connected to the transformer, and having a plurality of pins, each of the plurality of pins having a designated one of the plurality of voltages supplied thereto, and wherein the connector is configured to engage with a plurality of plugs, each of the plugs forming an electrical connection with a designated one of the plurality of pins and a ground pin, thereby forming a circuit to provide a suitable one of the plurality of voltages to an electronic accessory; and
wherein the transformer module includes a secondary output connector electrically connected to the transformer.
2. The multi-function power strip of claim 1 , wherein the transformer is adapted to produce certain secondary output voltages in addition to the voltages output to the primary connector.
3. The multi-function power strip of claim 2 , wherein the secondary output voltages produced by the transformer are 5V, 12V, 15V, and 22V.
4. The multi-function power strip of claim 1 , wherein the secondary output connector is provided with a plurality of pins, each of the plurality of pins having a designated one of the plurality of secondary output voltages supplied thereto, and wherein the secondary output connector is configured to engage with a plurality of secondary output plugs, each of the secondary output plugs forming an electrical connection with a designated one of the plurality of pins and a ground pin, thereby forming a circuit to provide a suitable one of the plurality of secondary output voltages to a secondary electronic accessory.
5. The multi-function power strip of claim 1 , wherein the power strip further comprises a plurality of connectors having no exposed terminals for connecting the plurality of outlet modules and the transformer module.
6. The multi-function power strip of claim 1 , wherein the power strip further comprises at least one of the modules selected from the group consisting of a timer module, an occupancy sensor module, and a network switch module.
7. The multi-function power strip of claim 1 , wherein the power strip further comprises a surge suppression module for at least one line type selected from the group consisting of phone lines, data lines, and CATV lines.
8. The multi-function power strip of claim 1 , wherein the power strip further comprises a switch module, for selectively controlling electric power to the outlet modules and transformer module.
9. The multi-function power strip of claim 1 , wherein the power strip further comprises a surge suppression module, electrically connected to the outlet modules and the transformer module, for preventing power surges to the outlet modules and the transformer module.
10. The multi-function power strip of claim 1 , wherein the power strip further comprises a fuse electrically connected to at least one of the outlet module and the transformer module.
11. A multi-function power strip comprising:
a first endcap and a second endcap, wherein the first endcap is adapted to receive a power cord for supplying electrical power to the power strip;
at least one rail, having a proximal end and a distal end, and wherein said first endcap is attached to the proximal end of the rail and said second endcap is attached to the distal end of the rail, said rail being adapted to engage with at least one outlet module, said outlet module in electrical connection with the first endcap and adapted to receive electrical power therefrom; wherein the rail is further engaged with at least one additional module selected from the group comprising:
a transformer module further comprising a transformer adapted to transform electrical power into a plurality of voltages suitable for powering a plurality of different models of electronic accessories, and at least one connector electrically connected to the transformer and having a plurality of pins, each of the plurality of pins having a designated one of the plurality of voltages supplied thereto, and wherein the at least one connector is configured to engage with a plurality of plugs, each of the plugs forming an electrical connection with a designated one of the plurality of pins and a neutral pin, thereby forming a circuit to provide a suitable one of the plurality of voltages to an electronic accessory;
a Universal Serial Bus (USB) module, further comprising a transformer adapted to transform electrical power into a voltages suitable for distribution through a USB port, and at least one USB port, wherein the transformer is electrically coupled to the at least one USB port;
a network module further comprising a plurality of network ports in electrical connection with each other, including a first network port and second network port, wherein said first network port is adapted to receive a data feed and said second network port is adapted to provide the data feed to a personal computer or other devices connected to the second network port; and
wherein the at least one outlet module and the at least one additional module are connected by a attached connector, said attached connector having a body with a first end and a second end, the second end being a mirror image of first end; at least one aperture provided in the first end of body and extending all the way through the body to the second end; a first contact disposed within the at least one aperture at the first end of the body and a second contact disposed in the at least one aperture at the second end of the body, wherein the first and second contacts are electrically connected; and
wherein the first and second contacts mate with blades disposed in the at least one outlet module and the at least one additional module thereby forming an electrical connection between two adjacent modules.
12. The multi-function power strip of claim 11 , wherein a USB module and a network module use permanently attached connectors to electrically connect those modules to another component in the power strip.
13. The multi-function power strip of claim 11 , wherein the attached connectors have the same structure as a module connector with the exception being that the attached connectors are permanently attached to a module.
14. The multi-function power strip of claim 11 , wherein both module connectors and attached connectors are used to electrically connect the modules in the power strip together.
15. The multifunction power strip of claim 11 , wherein the blades are disposed in an opening in the at least one outlet module and the at least one additional module.
16. The multifunction power strip of claim 15 , wherein the blades do not protrude past the side of the at least one outlet module and the at least one additional module to prevent the blades from making accidental contact with persons or things which may cause an electrical shock or short circuit.
17. The multifunction power strip of claim 11 , wherein at least three apertures are provided in the attached connector.
18. The multifunction power strip of claim 11 , wherein the attached connector further comprises an alignment boss.
19. The multifunction power strip of claim 18 , wherein the at least one outlet module and the at least one additional module are provided with alignment grooves to receive the alignment boss on the module connector.
20. The multifunction power strip of claim 11 , wherein the contacts are made from any material suitable for conducting electricity.
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2015
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2016
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2018
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2019
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2020
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US10211584B2 (en) * | 2011-05-18 | 2019-02-19 | Ole Falk Smed | Multi-function power strip |
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US20160020570A1 (en) | 2016-01-21 |
US20180151994A1 (en) | 2018-05-31 |
US10211584B2 (en) | 2019-02-19 |
US8622756B2 (en) | 2014-01-07 |
US20200021071A1 (en) | 2020-01-16 |
US20200220311A1 (en) | 2020-07-09 |
US9300097B2 (en) | 2016-03-29 |
US20120295483A1 (en) | 2012-11-22 |
US20150194773A1 (en) | 2015-07-09 |
US10594097B2 (en) | 2020-03-17 |
US20170098915A1 (en) | 2017-04-06 |
US9147982B2 (en) | 2015-09-29 |
US20160218469A1 (en) | 2016-07-28 |
US9876325B2 (en) | 2018-01-23 |
US20190006804A1 (en) | 2019-01-03 |
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