WO2007140370A2

WO2007140370A2 - Geometrically optimized electrical signal/power distribution device having a multiple surface receptacle arrangement

Info

Publication number: WO2007140370A2
Application number: PCT/US2007/069888
Authority: WO
Inventors: Benson Farb
Original assignee: Benson Farb
Priority date: 2006-05-30
Filing date: 2007-05-29
Publication date: 2007-12-06
Also published as: WO2007140370A3

Abstract

A signal/power distribution device (10) having a geometrically optimized form factor for a given set of design constraints. Geometric optimization is achieved through use of form factors such as the Platonic or Archimedean solids, or hexagonal prism forms. Other aspects of optimization are also disclosed, such as switch (20) and cord (18) placement with respect to these geometries so as to minimize interference with the geometric optimization, as well as receptacle or connector outlet (16) placement with respect to surfaces of the geometric form factors to optimize available space for plug-ins and minimize the potential for interference with cords (18) or other umbilical features of the plug-ins. In a preferred embodiment, a signal/power distribution device is provided having a multiple-surface receptacle arrangement allowing each plug-in to engage the device in its own plane or surface.

Description

Geometrically Optimized Electrical Signal/Power Distribution Device Having A Multiple Surface Receptacle Arrangement

Cross-reference to Related Applications [0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/809,601, which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to electrical signal distribution devices, and more particularly to electrical signal and power distribution device designs based, at least in part, on geometric efficiency.

Background of the Invention

[0003] The explosion in popularity of electronic devices, computer and communications networking arrangements, and linking of other electronic devices has made electrical signal distribution devices, such as the power strip, an ubiquitous feature in homes and offices worldwide. Presently known power strips, however, have a number of fundamental flaws. For example, existing configurations of many power strips often significantly reduce the number of usable receptacles, or sockets, of the power strip. It is not uncommon, for example, for a power strip with six sockets to have only three or even two usable sockets, the other sockets being obstructed by the device plug-ins. This is particularly a problem when the device plug-ins are in the form of transformers. The situation can actually be worse for power strips with more sockets. Another problem is that many power strips are bulky and not aesthetically pleasing. Furthermore, presently known power strip designs do not utilize space efficiently, not only in terms of socket layout relative to geometry, but also in terms of internal electrical components. [0004] The present invention addresses these and other problems through the application of mathematical principles to product design, resulting in, among other things, an electrical signal distribution device, such as a power distribution device, having a geometrically efficient design for a given set of constraints or design parameters.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] An electrical signal distribution device is disclosed herein having a geometrically optimized form factor for a given set of design constraints. The electrical signals can be power signals, communication signals, packet-based network type signals, or any other type of signal that can be applied to a distribution device. In a particular embodiment, geometric optimization is achieved through use of form factors in the form of the Platonic solids. In another embodiment, geometric optimization is achieved through use of form factors in the form of Archimedean solids. In yet another embodiment, geometric optimization is achieved through use of a polygonal prism form, such as a hexagonal prism. Other aspects of optimization are also disclosed, such as switch and cord placement with respect to these geometries so as to minimize interference with the geometric optimization, as well as receptacle placement with respect to surfaces of the geometric form factors to optimize available space for plug-ins and minimize the potential for interference with cords or other umbilical features of the plug-ins. In a preferred embodiment, the electrical signal distribution device will have a multiple-surface receptacle arrangement allowing each plug-in to engage the device in its own plane or surface.

[0006] Signal distribution devices in accordance with the principles of the present invention have many advantages. As but one example, they are more space efficient than presently-known power devices. For example, a power device in accordance with the principles of the present invention not only can give a 100% to 200% increase in the number of usable sockets, but they are much smaller and are much less bulky than known power strips. They are also easily manufacturable as set forth above. Their symmetrical nature also allows any of the faces of the device to act as a base surface. They are also aesthetically pleasing. For thousands of years the Platonic solids have been regarded as among the most aesthetically pleasing objects. They appear as central and even sacred objects in the work of Pythagoras, Plato, Da Vinci, Kepler, Durer and Escher. Other advantages and aspects will become apparent and be more fully understood from the following detailed descriptions and accompanying drawings, which set forth illustrative embodiments that are indicative of the various ways in which the principals of the invention may be employed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a signal distribution device in the form of a power distribution device in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0008] FIG. 2 includes perspective views of a second embodiment of a signal distribution device in the form of a power distribution device in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0009] FIG. 3 includes multiple perspective views of alternate embodiments of the power distribution device shown in FIG. 2.

[0010] FIG. 4 includes multiple perspective views of a third embodiment, and alternate embodiments thereof, of a signal distribution device in the form of a power distribution device in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 5 includes multiple perspective views of additional embodiments of the power distribution device shown in FIG. 4. [0012] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one of the embodiments depicted in FIG. 4 having plug-ins in the form of wall transformers engaged thereto.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a blank (i.e., the geometry unwrapped to a two- dimensional form) used to form a geometric portion in connection with the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a blank (i.e., the geometry unwrapped to a two- dimensional form) used to form a geometric portion in connection with an alternate embodiment geometric configuration in the form of an octahedron.

[0015] FIG. 9 are assembly views of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, illustrating the assembly concepts of the geometric form factors in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 10 are assembly views of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, illustrating the assembly concepts of the geometric form factors in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 11 is a plan view of an additional embodiment of a signal distribution device in the form of a truncated dodecahedron having multiple signal outlets/connectors in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

[0018] The description that follows describes, illustrates and exemplifies one or more particular embodiments of the present invention in accordance with its principles. This description is not provided to limit the invention to the embodiments described herein, but rather to explain and teach the principles of the invention in such a way to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to understand these principles and, with that understanding, be able to apply them to practice not only the embodiments described herein, but also other embodiments that may come to mind in accordance with these principles. The scope of the present invention is intended to cover all such embodiments that may fall within the scope of the appended claims, either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.

[0019] It should be noted that in the description and drawings, like or substantially similar elements may be labeled with the same reference numerals. However, sometimes these elements may be labeled with differing numbers in cases where such labeling facilitates a more clear description. Additionally, the drawings set forth herein are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in some instances proportions may have been exaggerated to more clearly depict certain features.

[0020] Turning now to the figures, there is illustrated in FIG. 1 a preferred embodiment of an exemplary signal distribution device in the form of an electrical power distribution device 10 in accordance with the principles of the present invention, which is in the shape of one of the five Platonic solids, which in this case is a cube. A Platonic solid is a convex polyhedron with faces which are convex, regular polygons, any two of which can be taken to one another by a symmetry of the polyhedron. There are exactly five Platonic solids. As understood in the art, the five Platonic solids are convex polyhedra with equivalent faces composed of congruent convex regular polygons. The Platonic solids consist of the tetrahedron (4 (equilateral) triangular faces), the cube (6 square faces), the octahedron (8 triangular faces), dodecahedron (12 pentagonal faces), and the icosahedron (20 triangular faces).

[0021] The power distribution device 10 includes an outer hollow shell or housing 12 in the form of one of the Platonic solids. As seen, the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 is in the shape of a cube, but it will be appreciated that in this embodiment, the device 10 may be in the shape of another Platonic solid, such as a tetrahedron, octahedron, dodecahedron or an icosahedron. Other embodiments are possible as well based on application of the principles of the present invention, including signal distribution devices in the form of one or more of the Archimedian solids. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, a signal distribution device, such as a power distribution device, is in the shape of a hexagonal prism, as will be described in more detail below. It should also be noted that all of the embodiments disclosed herein, and any embodiment in accordance with the principles of the present invention, can be applied not only to power distribution, but to any type of signal distribution, such as for example, coaxial cable, telephone cable, USB cable, RCA-type cable, IEEE 1394 Firewire, networking cable, etc., or any combination thereof.

[0022] Returning to the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 1, the device 10 includes a plurality of faces 14. In this particular embodiment, a power outlet 16 is provided on one or more of the faces 14. In this manner, numerous device power plugs can be plugged into device 10. It will be appreciated by those in the art that the scope of the present invention is not limited to power outlets 16 being provided on all or some of the faces 14, and, as noted above, is also not limited to power cord plug-ins. The power outlets 16 may include connections for coaxial cable connectors, telephone cable connectors, USB cable connectors, RCA-type cable connectors, S-video connections, IEEE 1394 Firewire connections, network and Ethernet-type connections, or the like, any combination thereof, or any other type of cable and connection arrangement that can be conveniently applied through the device 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the device includes a cord 18 and a switch 20.

[0023] The device 10 results in a multiple-surface receptacle arrangement, which allows each plug-in to engage the device 10 in its own plane or surface. This allows the device 10 to supply power to cords of varying shapes and sizes. Moreover, because each outlet 16 lies in its own plane (as defined by face 14), all outlets 16 will be accessible to the user, regardless of the varying shapes and sizes of device power cords 18 plugged into device 10. Another feature of the device 10 is the fact that any of the faces 14 can act as a base surface when the device 10 is placed on a supporting surface.

[0024] A second embodiment of the present invention is depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3. In this embodiment, a signal distribution device in the form of power distribution device 110 is in the shape of an Archimedean solid. As understood in the art, the thirteen Archimedean solids are convex polyhedra that have a similar arrangement of nonintersecting regular convex polygons of two or more different types arranged in the same way about each vertex with all sides the same length.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the device 110 includes a hollow shell or housing 112 in the form of one of the Archimedean solids. As seen, the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3 are in the shape of a truncated cube (i.e., a cube having beveled or truncated corners), but it will be appreciated that the device 110 may be in the shape of any of the Archimedean solids.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the device 110 includes a plurality of primary faces 114, in the shape of squares, and a plurality of truncated faces 115, in the shape of triangles (the beveled or truncated portions of the cube). In this manner, a plurality of outlets 116 are disposed on the faces 114. Additional outlets may be disposed on the faces 115. The truncation or beveling of the corners of the cube to form the faces 115 allow for placement of a cord 120 and a switch 122 of the device 10 without encroaching upon the space provided by the faces 114, which are preferably reserved for plug-ins. In a preferred embodiment, one of the plurality of the faces 115 has the cord 120 extending therefrom, whereby the device 110 can also be plugged into a wall socket to supply power thereto. In a preferred embodiment, one of the faces 115 accommodates the switch 122 for the device 110. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a set of electrical prongs (not shown) can be disposed on one of the faces 114 or 115 whereby the device 10 can be plugged directly into a wall socket 130 without the need of a cord. Because of the symmetrical nature of the device 10, any of the faces can act as the base surface.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, an optional outlet stand 132 with a cord 134 may be provided, which allows the face of the device 110 that is acting as the base surface and having a set of electrical prongs (not shown) to be plugged directly therein away from a wall outlet. This allows for a modular design, as shown in FIG. 3, wherein multiple devices 110 can be stacked by virtue of plugging each successive device 110 into an available outlet 116 of another device 110. In yet another embodiment, the outlet stand 132 and the cord 134 are integrated together with the device 110 as a single design, rather than as a modular one.

[0028] Each of the above embodiments encompasses solutions to the 3 -dimensional isoperimetric problem. In simplest terms, the 3-dimensional isoperimetric problem is understood in the art as, for any given 2-dimensional surface S (e.g., a 2-dimensional sphere), finding the geometric shape of S that encloses the greatest 3-dimensional volume than any other geometric shape of S. The embodiments presented herein, and any embodiment in accordance with the principles of the present invention, are solutions to a form of the 3- dimensional isoperimetric problem with at least one additional constraint. The constraints in some of the embodiments presented are that the shape of S is required to satisfy special properties which come from aspects of manufacturing and use. As but one example, given properties directed to ease of manufacturing, S should be constrained to have flat, planar surfaces, which would allow ease of assembly in a flat configuration that can be folded or formed at a later step. The isoperimetric problem has a different solution depending on the different constraints required. The present invention creates the most practical, usable surfaces in a given volume, subject to the constraints determined by usability and practicality.

[0029] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, depicted in FIGS. 4-6, a further extension of the solution to the 3 -dimensional isoperimetric problem is provided in the form of a device 210. While the depicted device 210 is a hexagonal prism, it will be appreciated in the art that the scope of the present invention includes numerous prismatic shapes, including those with polygonal, circular, elliptical and other bases.

[0030] The device 210 may include a plurality of faces 214, and a top and a bottom surface, or primary faces 215. A plurality of outlets 216 may be disposed on each of the plurality of faces 214, as well as on one or both of the surfaces 215. As shown on the larger embodiments depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5, the faces 214 may include more than one outlet 216. Preferably, no outlet is provided on one of the surfaces 215, which allows that end to serve as the base surface on which device 210 rests. One of the surfaces 215 can be configured with a switch 218. In a particular embodiment, a cord 220 extends from the device 210 between two adjacent faces 214 so as not to interfere with either of the surfaces 214, and whereby device 210 can be plugged into a wall socket to provide power thereto. In another embodiment, prongs are disposed on one of the surfaces 215, whereby device 210 can be plugged directly into a wall socket 230 without the need of a cord such as the cord 220.

[0031] Optionally, as shown in FIGS. 4-6, a device stand 222 can be provided with an outlet and the power cord 220 to allow an embodiment of the device 210 having a set of electrical prongs on a face acting as the base surface to be plugged therein. As with the previous embodiments, the device 210 can be designed to be modular and allow multiple devices to be nested and stacked via successive outlet and prong engagements. [0032] As shown in FIG. 6, device 210 can accommodate device plug-ins of varying shapes and sizes. Moreover, because each outlet 216 lies in its own plane (as defined by face 214 and surface 215), all outlets 216 will be accessible to the user, regardless of the varying shapes and sizes of device plug-ins plugged into device 210.

[0033] All of the embodiments described herein may include other components, such as a surge protection device, LEDs, fuses, circuit breakers, GFCI devices, or any other feature that may be found on electrical power distribution devices. Additionally, it should also be understood that the principles of the present invention can be applied to telephone and data lines, coaxial cables, S-Video cables, USB cable connections, IEEE 1394 cable connections, etc., or the like, individually or in one or more combinations.

[0034] The principles of the present invention also encompass manufacturing methods of the devices described herein. Manufacturing of any of the embodiments described herein will be done in a similar manner, and, for purposes of exemplification, only the manufacture of some of the embodiments will be discussed. It will be appreciated that these manufacturing principles will apply equally to all embodiments.

[0035] As seen in FIG. 7, in a preferred embodiment, a blank 310 is first stamped out in a flat sheet of material, preferably sheet metal or other stampable or malleable material suitable for electrical outlet applications. It will be appreciated that numerous blanks 310 can be combined on a single working sheet of metal, thereby allowing for more efficient and less expensive manufacturing. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, electrical wiring (shown by dotted lines in FIG. 7) laid out and assembled while the blank 310 remains in a flat configuration. This allows for more efficient manufacturing. The blank 310 can then be bent along a plurality of bend lines 312 to form the device. Because the device is fabricated from an initially flat blank during the manufacturing process, the internal assembly of the electrical components and associated wiring can be easily performed. This flat blank geometry approach can be applied to any of the geometric configurations contemplated herein. FIG. 8 illustrates a blank 410 with a plurality of bend lines 412 configured to form an octahedron.

[0036] The principles of the present invention also encompass molded geometric forms molded from plastic resins, such as nylon, ABS, or any other polymeric material suitable for electrical applications. In these embodiments, a two-piece interlocking geometry is utilized, which is preferably molded or vacuum formed rather than stamped. However, it should be understood that the two-piece interlocking geometry configuration can also be stamped. The preferred arrangement is shown in FIG. 9 with respect to the wall plug version of the truncated cube embodiment shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 9, the hollow shell 112 comprises two shell portions 502 and 504 that interlockingly mate together to form the hollow shell 112. A first electric sub-assembly 506 and a second electric sub-assembly 508 are configured to nest together so that they can be disposed within the hollow shell 112 while providing distribution of electrical power to each of the outlets on the faces of the shell 112. This sub-assembly combination takes advantage of the benefits of having a three- dimensionality to the device. As shown in FIG. 9, the shell portions are preferably secured to each other by a set of mechanical fasteners 510 that engage a corresponding boss 512 of one of the portions 502, 504. However, the shell portions 502, 504 can also be secured or joined by other means known in the art of consumer product design, such as, for example, by adhesive, sonic welding, or molded snap features.

[0037] FIG. 10 shows an assembly arrangement for a hexagonal prism embodiment, such as that shown in FIG. 4. In this embodiment, a hollow shell 600 comprises a first shell portion 602 and a second shell portion 604. Each of the shell portions 602, 604 are configured to interlockingly engage each other to form the shell 600. As can be seen form FIG. 10, this arrangement provides for easy assembly of electrical components that are disposed within the shell 600. As with other embodiments, the shell portions 602, 604 can be joined by mechanical fasteners, adhesive, sonic welding, molded snap features, or any other means known in the art of consumer product design.

[0038] The assembly arrangements shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate the modularity and other manufacturing benefits achieved through application of geometrically-optimized form factors.

[0039] It should be apparent from the foregoing descriptions that the principles of the present invention introduce and build upon the concept of efficiency of three-dimensionality as applied to power distribution devices in terms of design functionality, optimization and manufacturability. It should also be apparent from the foregoing descriptions that the principles of the present invention can be adopted in other device types to introduce more space-efficient and aesthetically pleasing devices. Such other device types may include distribution or connectivity devices for USB cables, RCA-type cables, IEEE 1394 cables, telephone cables, data cables, coaxial cables, PC cords, etc., or the like, and any combinations thereof.

[0040] As an example of how the principles of the present invention can be applied in other forms and with other signal-type connectors, FIG. 11 shows a geometric signal distribution device 700 having a form of a truncated dodecahedron. The device 700 includes a plurality of primary faces 702 and a plurality of truncated faces 704. In this particular embodiment, a plurality of USB connector outlets 706, Ethernet-type connector outlets 708 (such as, for example, RJ45 or 8P8C connector types), and serial port connectors 710 and parallel port connectors 712 are provided on the plurality of primary faces 702. The device 700 can be a passive device, i.e., an expansion port without its own power supply, or it can alternatively can be an active device and include a power cord or other power supply such that power outlets or other functionality requiring higher levels of power can be included. In yet another arrangement, the primary faces 702 can be used exclusively for power outlets, while the truncated faces 704 can be used for smaller connector outlets, such as the USB connector outlets 706. In this type of arrangement, the larger primary faces are available for transformer-type plugs and other power plugs, while the truncated faces are reserved for smaller type plugs.

[0041] The principles of the present invention can be applied through utilization of any number of geometric solids, such as, for example, Platonic solids, Archimedean solids, or prismatic forms, such as the hexagonal prism form.

[0042] Signal distribution devices in accordance with the principles of the present invention have many advantages. As but one example, they are more space efficient than presently-known power devices. For example, a power device in accordance with the principles of the present invention not only can give a 100% to 200% increase in the number of usable sockets, but they are much smaller and are much less bulky than known power strips. They are also easily manufacturable as set forth above. Their symmetrical nature also allow any of the faces of the device to act as a base surface. They are also aesthetically pleasing. For thousands of years the Platonic solids have been regarded as among the most aesthetically pleasing objects. They appear as central and even sacred objects in the work of Pythagoras, Plato, Da Vinci, Kepler, Durer and Escher. Other advantages, whether or not mentioned herein, will also be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Among other things, the present invention provides signal distribution devices having many features and advantages never before incorporated into prior signal distribution devices. [0043] While one or more specific embodiments have been illustrated and described in connection with the present invention, it is understood that the present invention should not be limited to any single embodiment, but rather construed in breadth and scope in accordance with recitation of the appended claims.

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed is:

1. A signal distribution device comprising: a housing having a plurality of faces defining a geometric shape of a Platonic solid; a plurality of connector outlets each disposed in one of the plurality of faces of the housing such that each of the plurality of faces has no more than one of the plurality of connector outlets disposed therein; and a cord in communication with at least one of the connector outlets and connectable to an outlet associated with one of either a separate device or a separate system.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of connector outlets comprise an outset selected from the group consisting of: a standard electrical outlet, a USB connector outlet, an RCA-type connector outlet, an S -video connector outlet, an IEEE 1394 Fire wire connector outlet, a phone jack outlet, and a network cable connector outlet.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of connector outlets comprises a standard electrical outlet.

4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the cord comprises a power cord.

5. The device of claim 3, further comprising a power cord in electrical communication with the at least one electrical outlet and extending from the device.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of faces includes one of the plurality of connector outlets.

7. The device of claim 5, further comprising a power switch disposed on one of the plurality of faces.

8. The device of claim 5, wherein the power cord extends from one of the plurality of faces.

9. The device of claim 7, wherein the power cord extends from the face having the power switch disposed thereon.

10. The device of claim 1 , wherein one of the plurality of faces acts as a base surface.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the base surface does not have one of the plurality of connector outlets.

12. The device of claim 10, further comprising a stand that is configured to support the base surface.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of faces acts as a base surface that does not have one of the plurality of connector outlets.

14. The device of claim 13, further comprising a stand that is configured to support the base surface.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein the base surface includes an electrical prong arrangement that mates with a corresponding electrical outlet in the stand.

16. The device of claim 14, wherein the plurality of connector outlets include a plurality of electrical outlets, and the stand includes an electrical prong arrangement that mates with one of the plurality of electrical outlets disposed in one of the plurality of faces of the housing.

17. The device of claim 10, wherein the base surface includes a male connector arrangement that is capable of mating with a corresponding female connector outlet of one of either a second device or a system.

18. The device of claim 10, wherein the base surface includes an electrical prong arrangement that is capable of mating with a standard electrical wall outlet.

19. The device of claim 12, further comprising a power cord extending from the stand.

20. The device of claim 12, further comprising a power switch disposed on the stand.

21. A signal distribution device comprising: a housing having a plurality of primary faces and a plurality of truncated faces defining a geometric shape of an Archimedean solid; a plurality of connector outlets each disposed in one of the plurality of primary faces of the housing; and a cord extending from the device and in communication with at least one of the connector outlets and connectable to an outlet associated with one of either a separate device or a separate system.

22. The device of claim 21, wherein each of the plurality of connector outlets comprise an outset selected from the group consisting of: a standard electrical outlet, a USB connector outlet, an RCA-type connector outlet, an S-video connector outlet, an IEEE 1394 Firewire connector outlet, a phone jack outlet, and a network cable connector outlet.

23. The device of claim 21, wherein at least one of the plurality of connector outlets comprises a standard electrical outlet.

24. The device of claim 23, further comprising a power cord in electrical communication with the at least one electrical outlet and extending from the device.

25. The device of claim 24, wherein the power cord extends from one of the plurality of truncated faces.

26. The device of claim 24, further comprising a power switch disposed on one of the plurality of truncated faces.

27. The device of claim 21, wherein each of the plurality of primary faces has no more than one of the plurality of connector outlets disposed therein.

28. The device of claim 21, wherein one of the plurality of primary faces acts as a base surface.

29. The device of claim 28, further comprising a stand that is configured to support the base surface.

30. The device of claim 29, wherein the base surface includes an electrical prong arrangement that mates with a corresponding electrical outlet in the stand.

31. The device of claim 29, wherein at least one of the plurality of connector outlets comprises a standard electrical outlet.

32. The device of claim 31, wherein the stand includes an electrical prong arrangement that mates with the at least one of electrical outlet disposed in one of the plurality of primary faces of the housing.

33. The device of claim 28, wherein the base surface includes an electrical prong arrangement that is capable of mating with a corresponding electrical outlet in a second signal distribution device.

34. The device of claim 28, wherein the base surface includes an electrical prong arrangement that is capable of mating with a standard electrical wall outlet.

35. The device of claim 29, further comprising a power cord that extends from the stand.

36. The device of claim 29, further comprising a power switch disposed on the stand.

37. The device of claim 21, wherein the housing defines the geometric shape of a truncated cube.

38. The device of claim 21, wherein the housing comprises at least two correspondingly mating housing portions.

39. The device of claim 38, wherein the mating housing portions each comprise a generally U-shaped geometry having a plurality of internal surfaces corresponding to each of the primary and the truncated faces, wherein the generally U-shaped geometry facilitates generally unobstructed access to each of the internal surfaces.

40. An signal distribution device comprising: a housing having two primary faces and a plurality of peripheral faces defining a geometric shape of a hexagonal prism; a plurality of connector outlets each disposed in one of the plurality of peripheral faces of the housing; and a cord extending from the device and in communication with at least one of the connector outlets and connectable to an outlet associated with one of either a separate device or a separate system.

41. The device of claim 40, wherein each of the plurality of connector outlets comprise an outset selected from the group consisting of: a standard electrical outlet, a USB connector outlet, an RCA-type connector outlet, an S-video connector outlet, an IEEE 1394 Firewire connector outlet, a phone jack outlet, and a network cable connector outlet.

42. The device of claim 40, wherein each of the plurality of peripheral faces of the housing includes at least one of the plurality of connector outlets.

43. The device of claim 40, wherein each of the plurality of peripheral faces of the housing includes at least two of the plurality of electrical outlets.

44. The device of claim 40, wherein at least one of the two primary faces includes an additional electrical outlet.

45. The device of claim 40, further comprising a power switch disposed on one of the primary surfaces.

46. The device of claim 40, wherein one of the two primary faces acts as a base surface.

47. The device of claim 46, further comprising a stand that is configured to support the base surface.

48. The device of claim 47, wherein the base surface includes an electrical prong arrangement that mates with a corresponding electrical outlet in the stand.

49. The device of claim 47, wherein the stand includes an electrical prong arrangement that mates with one of the plurality of electrical outlets disposed in one of the plurality of primary faces of the housing.

50. The device of claim 46, wherein the base surface includes an electrical prong arrangement that is capable of mating with a corresponding electrical outlet in a second electrical power distribution device.

51. The device of claim 46, wherein the base surface includes an electrical prong arrangement that is capable of mating with a standard electrical wall outlet.

52. The device of claim 47, wherein the power cord extends from the stand.

53. The device of claim 47, further comprising a power switch disposed on the stand.

54. The device of claim 40, wherein the housing comprises at least two correspondingly mating housing portions.

55. A method of manufacturing an electrical power distribution device having a geometric form of one of either a Platonic solid and an Archimedean solid, the method comprising the steps of: stamping a blank out of a flat sheet of material such that the blank takes a form of one of either an unfolded Platonic solid or unfolded Archimedean solid; scoring a plurality of fold lines into the blank; disposing a plurality of electrical outlets onto the blank; wiring the electrical outlets; and folding the blank to form a housing defining a geometric shape of either a Platonic or

Archimedean solid.

56. A signal distribution device comprising: a housing having a plurality of faces defining a geometric shape of a prismatic solid; a plurality of connector outlets each disposed in one of the plurality of faces of the housing such that each of the plurality of faces has no more than one of the plurality of connector outlets disposed therein; and a cord in communication with at least one of the connector outlets and connectable to an outlet associated with one of either a separate device or a separate system.

57. The device of claim 56, wherein each of the plurality of connector outlets comprise an outset selected from the group consisting of: a standard electrical outlet, a USB connector outlet, an RCA-type connector outlet, an S-video connector outlet, an DEEE 1394 Firewire connector outlet, a phone jack outlet, and a network cable connector outlet.

58. The device of claim 56, wherein at least one of the plurality of connector outlets comprises a standard electrical outlet.

59. The device of claim 58, further comprising a power cord in electrical communication with the at least one electrical outlet and extending from the device.

60. A signal distribution device comprising: a housing having a plurality of primary faces and truncated faces defining a geometric shape; a plurality of connector outlets each disposed in one of the plurality of primary faces of the housing; and a cord extending from a truncated face and in communication with at least one of the connector outlets and connectable to an outlet associated with one of either a separate device or a separate system.