WO2011066139A2 - Plugs and adapters - Google Patents

Plugs and adapters Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011066139A2
WO2011066139A2 PCT/US2010/056851 US2010056851W WO2011066139A2 WO 2011066139 A2 WO2011066139 A2 WO 2011066139A2 US 2010056851 W US2010056851 W US 2010056851W WO 2011066139 A2 WO2011066139 A2 WO 2011066139A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
plug
prong
prongs
electrical
receptacle
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2010/056851
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2011066139A3 (en
Inventor
Kyung Kim
Original Assignee
Kyung Kim
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Kyung Kim filed Critical Kyung Kim
Publication of WO2011066139A2 publication Critical patent/WO2011066139A2/en
Publication of WO2011066139A3 publication Critical patent/WO2011066139A3/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R24/00—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure
    • H01R24/28—Coupling parts carrying pins, blades or analogous contacts and secured only to wire or cable
    • H01R24/30—Coupling parts carrying pins, blades or analogous contacts and secured only to wire or cable with additional earth or shield contacts
    • 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
    • H01R13/44—Means for preventing access to live contacts
    • H01R13/447—Shutter or cover plate
    • H01R13/453—Shutter or cover plate opened by engagement of counterpart
    • 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
    • H01R31/06—Intermediate parts for linking two coupling parts, e.g. adapter
    • H01R31/065—Intermediate parts for linking two coupling parts, e.g. adapter with built-in electric apparatus
    • 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
    • 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
    • H01R13/7135—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch the switch being a safety switch with ground fault protector
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R2105/00—Three poles

Definitions

  • the present application relates generally to plugs for electrical receptacles.
  • the typical electrical distribution method is generally accomplished through a dual socket arrangement called a Duplex Receptacle.
  • the individual sockets of the Duplex Receptacle is wired with that specific country or region's voltage and frequency (i.e. - 120 V, 60 Hertz in the US and Canada).
  • some receptacles or individual sockets in the duplex receptacle can include tamper resistant shutters as a safety feature.
  • Such shutters can work in a variety of ways, but some work by requiring two prongs of a plug to be inserted at the same time, thereby preventing single, less plug like shapes, (e.g., paper clips, nails, pins, etc.) from readily making electrical contact with the electrical lines in the receptacle.
  • the plug comprises of a plurality of prongs which communicate with the appropriate contacts of a Dual Line, Tamper Resistant, Triple Aperture Dual Socket (DLTR TADS (described in detail in PCT App. No. PCT/US2009/046300, and included herewith as Appendix B)) Receptacle to provide access to a 4 wire, 3 pole configuration (Line 1, Line 2, Neutral, Ground).
  • DLTR TADS Dual Line, Tamper Resistant, Triple Aperture Dual Socket
  • the plug comprises a plurality of prongs which communicate with the appropriate contacts of a Dual Line, Triple Aperture Dual Socket (DL TADS) Receptacle to provide access to a 4 wire, 3 pole configuration (for example, as disclosed in U.S. App. No. 12/279162, published as Pub. No. 2009/0203242, herein presented as Appendix A).
  • the plug comprises of a plurality of prongs which communicate with the appropriate contacts of a Dual Line, Tamper Resistant (DL TR) Receptacle to provide access to a 4 wire, 3 pole configuration. In some embodiments, this is not a TADS receptacle but a standard receptacle used for receiving type A or B plugs.
  • the plug comprises of a plurality of prongs which communicate with the appropriate contacts of a Dual Line (DL) Receptacle to provide access to a 4 wire, 3 pole configuration.
  • DL Dual Line
  • this is not a TADS receptacle but a standard receptacle used for receiving type A or B plugs.
  • Fig. 1 is a back, top-right isometric view of an example embodiment comprising an example of a Dual Line, Tamper Resistant, Triple Aperture Dual Socket (DL TR TADS) Plug, extension cord, and Dual Line Powerstrip.
  • DL TR TADS Triple Aperture Dual Socket
  • FIG. 2 is a back, top-right isometric view of an example of another embodiment comprising the DL TR TADS Plug and an integral Dual Line Current Tap / Adapter.
  • Fig. 3 is a Dual Line electrical wiring schematic of a TR TADS duplex receptacle and TR standard duplex receptacle.
  • FIG. 3a is a front view of an example of a DL TR TADS Plug.
  • FIG. 3b is a front view of an example of a DL TR Plug.
  • Fig. 4 is a Dual Line electrical wiring schematic of a TADS duplex receptacle and a standard duplex receptacle.
  • Fig. 4a is a front view of an example of a DL TADS Plug.
  • Fig. 4b is a front view of an example of a DL Plug.
  • FIG. 5 is a front, top-right isometric view of an example of a DL TR TADS Plug in relation to a TR TADS duplex receptacle.
  • FIG. 6 is a front, top-right isometric view of an example of a DL TADS Plug in relation to a TADS duplex receptacle.
  • Fig. 7 is a front, top-right isometric view of an example of a DL TR Plug in relation to a TR duplex receptacle.
  • FIG. 8 is a front, top-right isometric view of an example of a DL Plug in relation to a standard duplex receptacle.
  • Fig. 9 is a Dual Line electrical wiring schematic of the example embodiment of Fig. 1.
  • more than one phase of power can be obtained from a tri-aperture, dual socket (TADS) receptacle.
  • TADS tri-aperture, dual socket
  • Some of the embodiments disclosed herein provide adapters, plugs, and/or sockets by which a TADS receptacle can be converted or used as a one phase or two phase power source.
  • wiring arrangements, adapters, plugs, and/or sockets are disclosed that allow traditional receptacles to be used as one and/or two phase power source or higher phase power source.
  • adapters, plugs, and/or sockets are provided that allow for single and/or two phase power use (or higher), while also allowing for the power receptacle (e.g., TADS) to include a tamper resistant safety shutter, as provided in PCT App. No. PCT/US2009/046300, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference and included herewith as Appendix B as part of the present application.
  • the power receptacle e.g., TADS
  • TADS tamper resistant safety shutter
  • plugs, adapters, and/or sockets are provided that allow for a tamper resistant safety shutter mechanism to be in operation.
  • the plugs, adaptors, and/or sockets can further be configured to allow for more than one phase of power (such as two phase or more).
  • duplex receptacles can be wired with one Line (alternating voltage at one set amplitude and frequency) and one Neutral or two Lines (alternating voltages at one set amplitude and frequency, but the frequencies of the two Lines being 180 degrees out of phase from each other) and one Neutral.
  • the voltage differential between one of the Lines and Neutral is at one level (from hereon referred to as low voltage) and the voltage differential between the two Lines (which are 180 degrees out of phase) is twice (from hereon referred to as high voltage) that of only one of the Lines and Neutral.
  • plugs or adapters which can access high voltage from Dual Line wired receptacles or devices.
  • the plugs or adapters can also function with a safety shutter system, for example as provided in Appendix B.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a Dual Line, Tamper Resistant, Triple Aperture Dual Socket (DL TR TADS) Plug 21 which can be attached to an extension cord 25 which can be attached to a DL Powerstrip 60 comprising at least one NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) 5-15 Socket 80 and at least one NEMA 14-20/14-60 Socket 90.
  • the cord is optional.
  • the sockets are simply on the backside of the TADS plug.
  • 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more sockets (such as 80 and 90) are electrically connected to the TADS plug so as to draw power therefrom.
  • all of the sockets are single phase or dual phase or more.
  • other sockets are provided on the socket side of the plug.
  • the electrical wiring and/or insulation in the plug is adequate for two phase power or higher phase power.
  • more than one powerstrip 60 can be electrically connected to the TADS plug.
  • more than one surface of the powerstrip can be used to place one or more of the sockets.
  • Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of a DL TR TADS Plug incorporated with a DL Current Tap/Adapter 70 comprising at least one NEMA 5-15 Socket 80 and at least one NEMA 14-20/14-60 Socket 90.
  • a DL Current Tap/Adapter 70 comprising at least one NEMA 5-15 Socket 80 and at least one NEMA 14-20/14-60 Socket 90.
  • the number, position, type of socket, etc. can be varied for a particular application.
  • Figure 3 illustrates some embodiments of a Dual Line Wiring Diagram of a TR (tamper resistant) TADS Duplex Receptacle 20 and a TR (nonTADS) Duplex Receptacle 30.
  • Line 1 101 communicates with contacts of apertures 1 and 4 of the TR TADS Duplex Receptacle 20 and contact of aperture 11 of the TR Duplex Receptacle 30.
  • Line 2 102 communicates with contacts of apertures 3 and 6 of the TR TADS Duplex Receptacle 20 and contact of aperture 13 of the TR Duplex Receptacle 30.
  • Neutral 103 communicates with contacts of apertures 2 and 5 of the TR TADS Duplex Receptacle 20 and contacts of apertures 12 and 14 of the TR Duplex Receptacle 30.
  • Ground 100 communicates with contacts of apertures 7, 8, 9, and 10 of the TR TADS Duplex Receptacle 20 and contacts of apertures 15 and 16 of the TR Duplex Receptacle 30.
  • the TR Duplex receptacle 30 can comprise a conducting member that connects apertures 12 and 14.
  • one or more TADS and/or nonTADS ("standard") receptacles can share a common neutral and/or Line 1 101 and/or Line 2 102.
  • receptacle 20 need not be connected to the same lines as receptacle 30 and are being shown in this manner for convenience.
  • the receptacles comprise heavier conducting members and/or insulating components that are appropriate for two phase or greater power systems.
  • the receptacle is provided fully wired as shown in FIG. 3, 20 and/or 30. In some embodiments, the receptacle is provided as shown in FIG. 3, 20 and/or 30, apart from the lines leaving the receptacle (100, 101, 102, and 103 can be absent and added as part of an installation process).
  • the receptacles (or adapters similar thereto) in FIG. 3 can include a tamper resistant socket or receptacle (e.g., one or more of the embodiments in Appendix B).
  • Figure 3a illustrates an embodiment of a prong configuration of an embodiment of a DL TR TADS Plug 21 attached to a 4 wire extension cord 25. All prongs suffixed with "a" communicate with the correspondingly numbered apertures of DL TR TADS Duplex Receptacle 20 of Figure 3.
  • the plug 21 can be an adapter and have sockets on the back or other surface (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2).
  • the plug and/or adapter comprises four rectangular prongs that are configured to be electrically connected to a cable, wherein each of the four prongs is configured to serve either as a hot or neutral prong of the plug.
  • the plug further comprises one or more ground prongs, which can be cylindrical or any other appropriate shape.
  • the plug is configured to make electrical contact with an upper right section of a TADS (2, 1) and simultaneously with a lower left section of a TADS (6, 5).
  • the plug is configured to make electrical contact with an upper left section of a TADS (3, 2) and simultaneously with a lower right section of a TADS (5, 4).
  • the plug can comprise a first row of two prongs along a first line, where the horizontal distance between the two prongs is the same distance as between two prongs in a type A plug.
  • the plug further comprise a second row of two prongs along a second line, where the horizontal distance between the two prongs is the same distance as between two prongs in a type A plug, and where the horizontal distance between the first and last prong is approximately twice the distance as between two prongs in a type A plug (keeping in mind that the second prong in the first row and the first prong in the second row are generally at the same horizontal space.
  • the plug is configured such that two neutral prongs (which, in some embodiments, can be slightly larger than the other prongs) are located on the plug.
  • the neutral prongs extend perpendicularly out of the plug and are rectangular when viewed on end.
  • the longer side of the rectangle of the prong forms a line that extends to and is parallel with (and overlaps with) the longer side of the rectangle of the second neutral prong (when viewed from on end).
  • the plug is configured to prevent insertion into anything other than a dual line wired TADS or TADS duplex receptacle (e.g., prevent plugging into Jumpered TADS duplex receptacles of Figures 2A, 2B, 2C of
  • Figure 3b illustrates the prong configuration of an embodiment of a DL TR Plug 31 attached to a 4 wire extension cord 25. All prongs suffixed with "a" communicate with the correspondingly numbered apertures of DL TR Duplex Receptacle 30 of Figure 3.
  • the plug 31 can be (e.g., be part of) an adapter and have sockets on the back or other surface (e.g., a standard 2 phase socket).
  • one of prongs 12A or 14A can be nonconducting and simply be used to assist in opening any tamper resistant systems in a receptacle.
  • the plug is configured to prevent insertion into anything other than a dual line wired duplex receptacle.
  • the plug in FIG. 3A and/or 3B can be used in a tamper resistant socket or receptacle. In some embodiments, the plug in FIG. 3A and/or 3B can be used in a non tamper resistant socket or receptacle.
  • Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of a Dual Line Wiring Diagram of a TADS Duplex Receptacle 40 and a Duplex Receptacle 50.
  • Line 1 101 communicates with contacts of apertures 1 and 4 of the TADS Duplex Receptacle 40 and contact of aperture 11 of the Duplex Receptacle 50.
  • Line 2 102 communicates with contacts of apertures 3 and 6 of the TADS Duplex Receptacle 40 and contact of aperture 13 of the Duplex Receptacle 50.
  • Neutral 103 communicates with contacts of apertures 2 and 5 of the TADS Duplex Receptacle 40 and contacts of apertures 12 and 14 of the Duplex Receptacle 50.
  • Ground 100 communicates with contacts of apertures 7, 8, 9, and 10 of the TADS Duplex Receptacle 40 and contacts of apertures 15 and 16 of the Duplex Receptacle 50.
  • Figure 4a illustrates an embodiment of a prong configuration of a DL TADS Plug 41 attached to a 4 wire extension cord 25. All prongs suffixed with "b" communicate with the correspondingly numbered apertures of DL TADS Duplex Receptacle 40 of Figure 4. In some embodiments, such plug and/or receptacle does not include a tamper resistant system. In some embodiments, the plug is configured to prevent insertion into anything other than a dual line wired TADS or TADS duplex receptacle (e.g., prevent plugging into Jumpered TADS duplex receptacles of Figures 2A, 2B, 2C of Appendix A).
  • Figure 4b illustrates the prong configuration of an embodiment of a DL Plug 1 attached to a 4 wire extension cord 25. All prongs suffixed with “b" communicate with the correspondingly numbered apertures of DL Duplex Receptacle 50 of Figure 4.
  • the plug in FIG. 4b can include an additional prong beneath prong 12b and to the right of prong 13b.
  • Such a prong does not need to be conducting and can be used merely to assist in opening any tamper resistant system in a receptacle.
  • the plug is configured to prevent insertion into anything other than a dual line wired duplex receptacle.
  • Figures 5-8 depict alternative views of some of the embodiments of the receptacles and the plugs noted above. Figures 5-8 also further demonstrate how some embodiments of the various plugs interact with the various receptacles. While the receptacle is simply depicted as a plate with various apertures, this is simply a shorthand system for depicting the noted arrangements (although it can also depict how the plug interacts with a faceplate for the receptacle). It is understood that the appropriate wiring, electrical contacts, and support pieces for the conducting pieces will also be located and arranged appropriately. Furthermore, while Figures 5-8 depict plugs with cords, these depictions are also representative of various adapters (if one removes the cord and adds the appropriate socket to an accessible surface of the plug).
  • Figure 9 illustrates an embodiment of the internal wiring of a DL Powerstnp 60 embodiment of Figure 1.
  • Line 1 101 communicates with prong la of the DL TR TADS Plug 21 and Line 1 contact of NEMA 5-15 Socket 80 and Line 1 contact of NEMA 14-20/14-60 Socket 90 of DL Powerstrip 60.
  • Line 2 102 communicates with prong 6a of the DL TR TADS Plug 21 and Line 2 contact of NEMA 14-20/14-60 Socket 90 of DL Powerstrip 60.
  • Ground 100 communicates with prong 9a of the DL TR TADS Plug 21 and Ground contact of NEMA 5-15 Socket 80 and Ground contact of NEMA 14-20/14-60 Socket 90 of DL Powerstrip 60.
  • Neutral 103 communicates with prongs 2a and 5a of the DL TR TADS Plug 21 and Neutral contact of NEMA 5-15 Socket 80 and Neutral contact of NEMA 14- 20/14-60 Socket 90 of DL Powerstrip 60. In some embodiments, Neutral 103 communicates with either prong 2a or prong 5a of the DL TR TADS Plug 21 but not both.
  • the Powerstrip of Figure 1 can be modified to only include the DL TR TADS Plug 21 and the extension cord 25 to be used (hard wired) to power any high or dual (high low) voltage appliance (e.g., plug-in electrical vehicles).
  • a powerstrip need not have more than one socket in every embodiment.
  • one or more of the plugs, adapters, or sockets is configured to be a plug, adapter, or socket that can access multiple lines or multiple voltages.
  • one or more of the plugs, adapters, or sockets is configured to allow for the plugs, adapters, or sockets to electrically connect to or have different voltage capacities which can be utilized in large numbers to provide ready access to electricity to power a variety of devices.
  • smaller or light duty appliances such as computers and lamps are provided with one level (or Line) of voltage
  • larger appliances such as clothes dryers, cooktops, and plug-in electric vehicles generally require much higher (or dual line) levels of voltage and can be provided with a different level or line of voltage.
  • each level of voltage utilizes a specific socket and a corresponding plug type to access the required voltage at the desired location (for example, a single line socket for general use in bedrooms and dual line sockets in the kitchen for the cooktop).
  • one or more of the plugs, adapters, or receptacles allows one to access high voltage from a Dual Line wired receptacles or devices.
  • the plug comprises a first generally planar surface, from which at least four prongs (preferably rectangular) extend generally perpendicularly from the surface.
  • the prongs are positioned so that there is a first and a second prong in a first row and a third and a fourth prong in a second row.
  • a first line drawn along the first row (through the first and second prongs) is generally parallel to a second line drawn through the second row (through the third and fourth prongs).
  • a third line drawn through the second and third prongs is generally perpendicular to the first and second lines.
  • the first and fourth prongs are not along a line that is perpendicular to the first or second lines.
  • the first and fourth prongs are located on opposite sides of the third line.
  • the second and third prongs are configured to serve as a neutral prong.
  • one or more ground prongs are also included.
  • the prongs are in electrical communication with wires in a cord.
  • the second and third prongs are in electrical contact with each other.
  • the surface on which the prongs are placed is oval or circular in shape.
  • the surface on which the prongs are placed forms a slanted or diagonal shape.
  • the surface on which the prongs are placed forms a rectangular shape.
  • one or more of the prongs need not be conducting (e.g., it need not carry an electrical load) and can simply serve to assist in opening a tamper resistant aspect on the receptacle.
  • the plug is connected to a device that uses two phase power.
  • the plug is part of an adapter and further comprises one or more sockets.
  • the plug comprises a first generally planar surface, from which at least three prongs (preferably rectangular) extend generally perpendicularly from the surface.
  • the prongs are spaced apart (identical in distance to the distance between prongs of a Type A Plug) and positioned so that the short ends of the rectangles of the prongs (when viewed from on end) are all aligned on a line.
  • the middle prong is configured to serve as a neutral prong.
  • the outer prongs are configured to serve as neutral prongs.
  • one or more ground prongs are included.
  • the prongs are in electrical communication with wires in a cord.
  • the surface on which the prongs are placed is oval or circular in shape. In some embodiments, the surface on which the prongs are placed forms a slanted or diagonal shape. In some embodiments, the surface on which the prongs are placed forms a rectangular shape. In some embodiments, the plug is connected to a device that uses two phase power. In some embodiments, the plug is part of an adapter and further comprises one or more sockets.
  • the plug comprises a first generally planar surface, from which at least four prongs (preferably rectangular) extend generally perpendicular to the surface.
  • the prongs are positioned so that there is a first and a second prong in a first row and a third and a fourth prong in a second row.
  • a first line drawn along the first row (through the first and second prongs) is generally parallel to a second line drawn through the second row (through the third and fourth prongs).
  • a third line drawn through the first and third prongs is generally perpendicular to the first and second lines.
  • a fourth line drawn through the second and fourth prongs is generally perpendicular to the first and second lines and parallel to the third line.
  • the second and fourth prongs are configured to serve as neutral prongs. In some embodiments, one or more of the neutral prongs are larger than the first or third prongs. In some embodiments, one or more ground prongs are also included. In some embodiments, the prongs are in electrical communication with wires in a cord. In some embodiments, the second and fourth prongs are in electrical contact with each other. In some embodiments, the surface on which the prongs are placed is oval or circular in shape. In some embodiments, the surface on which the prongs are placed forms a rectangular shape. In some embodiments, the plug is connected to a device that uses two phase power.
  • one or more of the prongs is not conducting (e.g., it need not carry an electrical load) and can simply serve to assist in opening a tamper resistant aspect on the receptacle.
  • the plug is part of an adapter and further comprises one or more sockets.
  • the adapter described herein can be varied in additional ways beyond what is shown in the figures.
  • the adapter can have a prong facing section of the housing 770 as shown in FIG. 5A of Appendix A.
  • the adapter can have a rearward portion of the housing 780 that (unlike FIG. 5A of Appendix A) will not have a power line, but rather a receptacle surface so that single or double phase electrical plugs can be inserted into it.
  • two phase NEMA plugs include 2-15, 2-20, 2-30, L2-15, L2-20, L2-30, 6-15, 6-20, 6-30, 6-50, L6-15, L6-20, L6-30, L6-50, 11-15, 11-20, 1 1-30, 1 1-50, LI 1-15, LI 1-20, LI 1-30, LI 1-50, 15-15, 15-20, 15-30, 15-50, 15-60, L15-15, L15-20, L15-30, L15-50, L15-60.
  • the receptacle on the rearward section of the plug 780 can be configured for any type of plug.
  • the prong section of the adapter will just have the two outer most prongs, which can be spaced approximately twice as far apart as the distance between the current prongs in a type A plug.
  • plugs there are a variety of the types of plugs that can be used with a TADS.
  • plug types include, NEMA 10-20, 10-30, 10-50, 14-30, 14-50, 6-15, 6-20, 6-30, 6-50, NEMA 2, Pin and sleeve circular connectors, IEC 60309, and BS EN 60309-2.
  • the plug adapters and various embodiments of the TADS can also be configured for Type A plugs, NEMA 2-15, 2-20, JIS 8303, Class II, type B plug, NEMA 5-15, NEMA 5-20, 5-30, 5-50, NEMA 1-15, 5-15, Lewden plugs, Type C plugs, CEE 7/16, CEE 7-17, BS 4573, sockets, Type D, BS 546, Type E, French type E, Type F, CEE 7/4, Gost 7396, Type E & F hybrid, Type G, BS 1363, Type H, Type I, AS 3112, CPCS-CCC, IRAM 2073, Type J, SEV 101 1 , IEC 60906-1 , Type K, Type L, CES 23-16/VII 10 A, CEI 23-16/VII 16 A, and Type M, for example.
  • Type A plugs NEMA 2-15, 2-20, JIS 8303, Class II, type B plug, NEMA 5-15, NEMA 5-20, 5-30, 5-50
  • any of the other receptacles for any of the other plugs are also tri-aperture, dual socket systems, or the receptacle can be added to the back 780 (Appendix A) of an adapter.
  • all that is required is that the first socket share only one aperture with the second socket.
  • the first socket can share at least one aperture with the second socket, but neither socket contains all of the apertures of the other socket.
  • the first and second sockets share one aperture, and the plug to be inserted is inserted into the first socket in a first orientation and inserted into the second socket in a second orientation.
  • a prong is configured to be a neutral prong by being appropriately sized on end so that it fits into a neutral aperture.
  • a prong is configured to be a neutral prong by being wired to provide a neutral electrical connection. While a neutral prong can be larger, unless explicitly specified, it need not be larger than other prongs (such as a hot prong).
  • kits include one or more of the following: a) at least one plug (such as a TADS compatible plug or a type A B plug); b) at least one receptacle (TADS or standard for Type B); c) a face plate for the receptacle; d) a safety shutter system; e) a wiring system for delivering two phase power to the receptacle and/or instructions for a wiring system for delivering two phase power to the receptacle; and/or f) at least one adapter, configured to receive a TADS and/or standard plug and further configured to plug into a TADS and/or standard receptacle.
  • one or more of the plugs, adapters, or sockets described herein can be employed in obtaining two-phase power from a TADS.
  • the wiring of such a TADS is disclosed within U.S. App. No. 12/279162 Published as Pub. No. 2009/0203242, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by references and included herewith as Appendix A as part of the present application.
  • one or more of the plugs, adapters, or sockets described herein can be employed and/or compatible with a multi-circuit receptacle shutter assembly, as disclosed in PCT App. No. PCT/US2009/046300, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference and included herewith as Appendix B as part of the present application.
  • adapters that allow the adaptation of a TADS arrangement into a traditional nonTADS arrangements receptacle (or plug, e.g., a type A/B plug or socket for receiving a type A/B plug) or that allow the adaptation of a traditional, nonTADS arrangement receptacle (or plug) into a TADS arrangement are also provided by using and/or providing any of the appropriate embodiments provided herein.
  • a method of providing access to a shuttered or tamper resistant TADS receptacle is provided while allowing access to single and/or dual phase power by accessing a socket on a top row of a TADS for a first phase (1 and 2 of figure 3) and accessing a second socket on a lower row (5 and 6 on FIG. 3), so that the two lines (to obtain a two phase arrangement) are accessed across two rows.
  • the plug can have two prongs for each row
  • prongs need be circuit carrying when one prong is simply being used to assist the other prong in opening the tamper resistant shutter.
  • a prong can be made of plastic or other nonconducting or low conducting material.
  • such a prong is not in electrical communication to other lines.
  • such a prong is electrically isolated.
  • such a prong is not capable of serving as a neutral or load bearing or ground prong.
  • any of the above receptacle embodiments can be combined or employed in an adapter embodiment.
  • any of the above plug embodiments can be combined or employed in an adapter embodiment.
  • any of the above shutter embodiments can be combined with an adapter embodiment and/or a receptacle embodiment.

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Abstract

Plugs, adapters, and sockets, as well as their use are provided. In some embodiments, a multi-line electrical receptacle comprising a plurality of prongs, each configured to be in communication with a different one of at least four terminals of a multi-line electrical receptacle is provided. In some embodiments, the plug is configured to access at least two hot lines, one neutral, and one ground (and the prongs are shaped accordingly). In some embodiments, the result is a 4 wire, 3 pole, multi-voltage configuration which can be utilized appropriately.

Description

PLUGS AND ADAPTERS
CLAIM FOR PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/264,184, filed November 24, 2009.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present application relates generally to plugs for electrical receptacles.
BACKGROUND OF SOME EMBODIMENTS
[0003] Electrical sockets of different voltage capacities are utilized in large numbers to provide ready access to electricity to power a variety of devices. Smaller or light duty appliances such as computers and lamps are provided with one level (or line) of voltage, while larger appliances such as clothes dryers and electric cooktops generally require much higher (e.g., dual line or dual phase) levels of voltage. Each level of voltage utilizes a specific socket and a corresponding plug type to access the required voltage at the desired location (e.g. - single line sockets for general use in bedrooms and dual line socket in the kitchen for the cooktop).
[0004] The typical electrical distribution method is generally accomplished through a dual socket arrangement called a Duplex Receptacle. The individual sockets of the Duplex Receptacle is wired with that specific country or region's voltage and frequency (i.e. - 120 V, 60 Hertz in the US and Canada).
[0005] In addition to single vs. dual or higher phase power, some receptacles or individual sockets in the duplex receptacle can include tamper resistant shutters as a safety feature. Such shutters can work in a variety of ways, but some work by requiring two prongs of a plug to be inserted at the same time, thereby preventing single, less plug like shapes, (e.g., paper clips, nails, pins, etc.) from readily making electrical contact with the electrical lines in the receptacle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In some embodiments, the plug comprises of a plurality of prongs which communicate with the appropriate contacts of a Dual Line, Tamper Resistant, Triple Aperture Dual Socket (DLTR TADS (described in detail in PCT App. No. PCT/US2009/046300, and included herewith as Appendix B)) Receptacle to provide access to a 4 wire, 3 pole configuration (Line 1, Line 2, Neutral, Ground).
[0007] In some embodiments, the plug comprises a plurality of prongs which communicate with the appropriate contacts of a Dual Line, Triple Aperture Dual Socket (DL TADS) Receptacle to provide access to a 4 wire, 3 pole configuration (for example, as disclosed in U.S. App. No. 12/279162, published as Pub. No. 2009/0203242, herein presented as Appendix A). [0008] In some embodiments, the plug comprises of a plurality of prongs which communicate with the appropriate contacts of a Dual Line, Tamper Resistant (DL TR) Receptacle to provide access to a 4 wire, 3 pole configuration. In some embodiments, this is not a TADS receptacle but a standard receptacle used for receiving type A or B plugs.
[0009] In some embodiments, the plug comprises of a plurality of prongs which communicate with the appropriate contacts of a Dual Line (DL) Receptacle to provide access to a 4 wire, 3 pole configuration. In some embodiments, this is not a TADS receptacle but a standard receptacle used for receiving type A or B plugs.
[0010] Methods of using the disclosed plugs and/or receptacles and/or adapters are also provided.
[0011] For purposes of summarizing the invention and the advantages achieved over the prior art, certain objects and advantages of the invention have been described above and as further described below. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all such objects or advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.
[0012] All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the inventions herein disclosed. These and other embodiments of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the invention not being limited to any particular preferred embodiments(s) disclosed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The features, aspects, and advantages of the invention disclosed herein are described below with reference to the drawings of certain embodiments, which are intended to illustrate and not to limit the invention.
[0014] Fig. 1 is a back, top-right isometric view of an example embodiment comprising an example of a Dual Line, Tamper Resistant, Triple Aperture Dual Socket (DL TR TADS) Plug, extension cord, and Dual Line Powerstrip.
[0015] Fig. 2 is a back, top-right isometric view of an example of another embodiment comprising the DL TR TADS Plug and an integral Dual Line Current Tap / Adapter.
[0016] Fig. 3 is a Dual Line electrical wiring schematic of a TR TADS duplex receptacle and TR standard duplex receptacle.
[0017] Fig. 3a is a front view of an example of a DL TR TADS Plug.
[0018] Fig. 3b is a front view of an example of a DL TR Plug.
[0019] Fig. 4 is a Dual Line electrical wiring schematic of a TADS duplex receptacle and a standard duplex receptacle. [0020] Fig. 4a is a front view of an example of a DL TADS Plug.
[0021] Fig. 4b is a front view of an example of a DL Plug.
[0022] Fig. 5 is a front, top-right isometric view of an example of a DL TR TADS Plug in relation to a TR TADS duplex receptacle.
[0023] Fig. 6 is a front, top-right isometric view of an example of a DL TADS Plug in relation to a TADS duplex receptacle.
[0024] Fig. 7 is a front, top-right isometric view of an example of a DL TR Plug in relation to a TR duplex receptacle.
[0025] Fig. 8 is a front, top-right isometric view of an example of a DL Plug in relation to a standard duplex receptacle.
[0026] Fig. 9 is a Dual Line electrical wiring schematic of the example embodiment of Fig. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0027] As discussed in U.S. App. No. 12/279162, published as Pub. No. 2009/0203242, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by references and included herewith as Appendix A as part of the present application, more than one phase of power can be obtained from a tri-aperture, dual socket (TADS) receptacle. Some of the embodiments disclosed herein provide adapters, plugs, and/or sockets by which a TADS receptacle can be converted or used as a one phase or two phase power source.
[0028] In some embodiments, wiring arrangements, adapters, plugs, and/or sockets are disclosed that allow traditional receptacles to be used as one and/or two phase power source or higher phase power source.
[0029] In some embodiments, adapters, plugs, and/or sockets are provided that allow for single and/or two phase power use (or higher), while also allowing for the power receptacle (e.g., TADS) to include a tamper resistant safety shutter, as provided in PCT App. No. PCT/US2009/046300, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference and included herewith as Appendix B as part of the present application.
[0030] In some embodiments, plugs, adapters, and/or sockets are provided that allow for a tamper resistant safety shutter mechanism to be in operation. In some embodiments, the plugs, adaptors, and/or sockets can further be configured to allow for more than one phase of power (such as two phase or more).
[0031] Although certain embodiments and examples are disclosed below, it will be understood by those in the art that the invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the invention herein disclosed should not be the limited by the particular embodiments described below.
[0032] In some embodiments, the present application relates generally to electrical plugs, and, more particularly, to plugs that can access multiple lines or multiple voltages. [0033] In some embodiments, duplex receptacles can be wired with one Line (alternating voltage at one set amplitude and frequency) and one Neutral or two Lines (alternating voltages at one set amplitude and frequency, but the frequencies of the two Lines being 180 degrees out of phase from each other) and one Neutral. The voltage differential between one of the Lines and Neutral is at one level (from hereon referred to as low voltage) and the voltage differential between the two Lines (which are 180 degrees out of phase) is twice (from hereon referred to as high voltage) that of only one of the Lines and Neutral. In some embodiments, it can be advantageous to be able to access high voltage at each Duplex Receptacle location (wired with two low voltage sockets), but the current standard of voltage specific sockets and plugs prevents this. Some embodiments described herein provide new types of plugs or adapters which can access high voltage from Dual Line wired receptacles or devices. In some embodiments the plugs or adapters can also function with a safety shutter system, for example as provided in Appendix B.
[0034] Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of a Dual Line, Tamper Resistant, Triple Aperture Dual Socket (DL TR TADS) Plug 21 which can be attached to an extension cord 25 which can be attached to a DL Powerstrip 60 comprising at least one NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) 5-15 Socket 80 and at least one NEMA 14-20/14-60 Socket 90. In some embodiments, the cord is optional. In some embodiments, the sockets are simply on the backside of the TADS plug. In some embodiments, 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more sockets (such as 80 and 90) are electrically connected to the TADS plug so as to draw power therefrom. In some embodiments all of the sockets are single phase or dual phase or more. In some embodiments other sockets are provided on the socket side of the plug. In some embodiments, the electrical wiring and/or insulation in the plug is adequate for two phase power or higher phase power. In some embodiments, more than one powerstrip 60 can be electrically connected to the TADS plug. In some embodiments, more than one surface of the powerstrip can be used to place one or more of the sockets.
[0035] Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of a DL TR TADS Plug incorporated with a DL Current Tap/Adapter 70 comprising at least one NEMA 5-15 Socket 80 and at least one NEMA 14-20/14-60 Socket 90. As noted above, the number, position, type of socket, etc., can be varied for a particular application.
[0036] Figure 3 illustrates some embodiments of a Dual Line Wiring Diagram of a TR (tamper resistant) TADS Duplex Receptacle 20 and a TR (nonTADS) Duplex Receptacle 30. Line 1 101 communicates with contacts of apertures 1 and 4 of the TR TADS Duplex Receptacle 20 and contact of aperture 11 of the TR Duplex Receptacle 30. Line 2 102 communicates with contacts of apertures 3 and 6 of the TR TADS Duplex Receptacle 20 and contact of aperture 13 of the TR Duplex Receptacle 30. Neutral 103 communicates with contacts of apertures 2 and 5 of the TR TADS Duplex Receptacle 20 and contacts of apertures 12 and 14 of the TR Duplex Receptacle 30. Ground 100 communicates with contacts of apertures 7, 8, 9, and 10 of the TR TADS Duplex Receptacle 20 and contacts of apertures 15 and 16 of the TR Duplex Receptacle 30. [0037] In some embodiments the TR Duplex receptacle 30 can comprise a conducting member that connects apertures 12 and 14. In some embodiments one or more TADS and/or nonTADS ("standard") receptacles can share a common neutral and/or Line 1 101 and/or Line 2 102. Of course, receptacle 20 need not be connected to the same lines as receptacle 30 and are being shown in this manner for convenience. In some embodiments the receptacles comprise heavier conducting members and/or insulating components that are appropriate for two phase or greater power systems. In some embodiments, the receptacle is provided fully wired as shown in FIG. 3, 20 and/or 30. In some embodiments, the receptacle is provided as shown in FIG. 3, 20 and/or 30, apart from the lines leaving the receptacle (100, 101, 102, and 103 can be absent and added as part of an installation process).
[0038] In some embodiments, the receptacles (or adapters similar thereto) in FIG. 3 can include a tamper resistant socket or receptacle (e.g., one or more of the embodiments in Appendix B).
[0039] Figure 3a illustrates an embodiment of a prong configuration of an embodiment of a DL TR TADS Plug 21 attached to a 4 wire extension cord 25. All prongs suffixed with "a" communicate with the correspondingly numbered apertures of DL TR TADS Duplex Receptacle 20 of Figure 3. In some embodiments, the plug 21 can be an adapter and have sockets on the back or other surface (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the plug and/or adapter comprises four rectangular prongs that are configured to be electrically connected to a cable, wherein each of the four prongs is configured to serve either as a hot or neutral prong of the plug. In some embodiments, the plug further comprises one or more ground prongs, which can be cylindrical or any other appropriate shape. In some embodiments, the plug is configured to make electrical contact with an upper right section of a TADS (2, 1) and simultaneously with a lower left section of a TADS (6, 5). In some embodiments, the plug is configured to make electrical contact with an upper left section of a TADS (3, 2) and simultaneously with a lower right section of a TADS (5, 4). In some embodiments, the plug can comprise a first row of two prongs along a first line, where the horizontal distance between the two prongs is the same distance as between two prongs in a type A plug. The plug further comprise a second row of two prongs along a second line, where the horizontal distance between the two prongs is the same distance as between two prongs in a type A plug, and where the horizontal distance between the first and last prong is approximately twice the distance as between two prongs in a type A plug (keeping in mind that the second prong in the first row and the first prong in the second row are generally at the same horizontal space. In some embodiments, the plug is configured such that two neutral prongs (which, in some embodiments, can be slightly larger than the other prongs) are located on the plug. In some embodiments, the neutral prongs extend perpendicularly out of the plug and are rectangular when viewed on end. In some embodiments, the longer side of the rectangle of the prong (when viewed from on end) forms a line that extends to and is parallel with (and overlaps with) the longer side of the rectangle of the second neutral prong (when viewed from on end). In some embodiments, the plug is configured to prevent insertion into anything other than a dual line wired TADS or TADS duplex receptacle (e.g., prevent plugging into Jumpered TADS duplex receptacles of Figures 2A, 2B, 2C of
Appendix A).
[0040] Figure 3b illustrates the prong configuration of an embodiment of a DL TR Plug 31 attached to a 4 wire extension cord 25. All prongs suffixed with "a" communicate with the correspondingly numbered apertures of DL TR Duplex Receptacle 30 of Figure 3. In some embodiments, the plug 31 can be (e.g., be part of) an adapter and have sockets on the back or other surface (e.g., a standard 2 phase socket). In some embodiments, one of prongs 12A or 14A can be nonconducting and simply be used to assist in opening any tamper resistant systems in a receptacle. In some embodiments, the plug is configured to prevent insertion into anything other than a dual line wired duplex receptacle.
[0041] In some embodiments, the plug in FIG. 3A and/or 3B can be used in a tamper resistant socket or receptacle. In some embodiments, the plug in FIG. 3A and/or 3B can be used in a non tamper resistant socket or receptacle.
[0042] Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of a Dual Line Wiring Diagram of a TADS Duplex Receptacle 40 and a Duplex Receptacle 50. Line 1 101 communicates with contacts of apertures 1 and 4 of the TADS Duplex Receptacle 40 and contact of aperture 11 of the Duplex Receptacle 50. Line 2 102 communicates with contacts of apertures 3 and 6 of the TADS Duplex Receptacle 40 and contact of aperture 13 of the Duplex Receptacle 50. Neutral 103 communicates with contacts of apertures 2 and 5 of the TADS Duplex Receptacle 40 and contacts of apertures 12 and 14 of the Duplex Receptacle 50. Ground 100 communicates with contacts of apertures 7, 8, 9, and 10 of the TADS Duplex Receptacle 40 and contacts of apertures 15 and 16 of the Duplex Receptacle 50.
[0043] Figure 4a illustrates an embodiment of a prong configuration of a DL TADS Plug 41 attached to a 4 wire extension cord 25. All prongs suffixed with "b" communicate with the correspondingly numbered apertures of DL TADS Duplex Receptacle 40 of Figure 4. In some embodiments, such plug and/or receptacle does not include a tamper resistant system. In some embodiments, the plug is configured to prevent insertion into anything other than a dual line wired TADS or TADS duplex receptacle (e.g., prevent plugging into Jumpered TADS duplex receptacles of Figures 2A, 2B, 2C of Appendix A).
[0044] Figure 4b illustrates the prong configuration of an embodiment of a DL Plug 1 attached to a 4 wire extension cord 25. All prongs suffixed with "b" communicate with the correspondingly numbered apertures of DL Duplex Receptacle 50 of Figure 4. In some embodiments, such plug and/or receptacle does not include a tamper resistant system. In some embodiments, the plug in FIG. 4b can include an additional prong beneath prong 12b and to the right of prong 13b. Such a prong does not need to be conducting and can be used merely to assist in opening any tamper resistant system in a receptacle. In some embodiments, the plug is configured to prevent insertion into anything other than a dual line wired duplex receptacle.
[0045] Figures 5-8 depict alternative views of some of the embodiments of the receptacles and the plugs noted above. Figures 5-8 also further demonstrate how some embodiments of the various plugs interact with the various receptacles. While the receptacle is simply depicted as a plate with various apertures, this is simply a shorthand system for depicting the noted arrangements (although it can also depict how the plug interacts with a faceplate for the receptacle). It is understood that the appropriate wiring, electrical contacts, and support pieces for the conducting pieces will also be located and arranged appropriately. Furthermore, while Figures 5-8 depict plugs with cords, these depictions are also representative of various adapters (if one removes the cord and adds the appropriate socket to an accessible surface of the plug).
[0046] Figure 9 illustrates an embodiment of the internal wiring of a DL Powerstnp 60 embodiment of Figure 1. In some embodiments, Line 1 101 communicates with prong la of the DL TR TADS Plug 21 and Line 1 contact of NEMA 5-15 Socket 80 and Line 1 contact of NEMA 14-20/14-60 Socket 90 of DL Powerstrip 60. Line 2 102 communicates with prong 6a of the DL TR TADS Plug 21 and Line 2 contact of NEMA 14-20/14-60 Socket 90 of DL Powerstrip 60. Ground 100 communicates with prong 9a of the DL TR TADS Plug 21 and Ground contact of NEMA 5-15 Socket 80 and Ground contact of NEMA 14-20/14-60 Socket 90 of DL Powerstrip 60. Neutral 103 communicates with prongs 2a and 5a of the DL TR TADS Plug 21 and Neutral contact of NEMA 5-15 Socket 80 and Neutral contact of NEMA 14- 20/14-60 Socket 90 of DL Powerstrip 60. In some embodiments, Neutral 103 communicates with either prong 2a or prong 5a of the DL TR TADS Plug 21 but not both.
[0047] Although not illustrated, it will be appreciated that the Powerstrip of Figure 1 can be modified to only include the DL TR TADS Plug 21 and the extension cord 25 to be used (hard wired) to power any high or dual (high low) voltage appliance (e.g., plug-in electrical vehicles). A powerstrip need not have more than one socket in every embodiment.
[0048] In some embodiments, one or more of the plugs, adapters, or sockets is configured to be a plug, adapter, or socket that can access multiple lines or multiple voltages.
[0049] In some embodiments, one or more of the plugs, adapters, or sockets is configured to allow for the plugs, adapters, or sockets to electrically connect to or have different voltage capacities which can be utilized in large numbers to provide ready access to electricity to power a variety of devices. In some embodiments, smaller or light duty appliances such as computers and lamps are provided with one level (or Line) of voltage, while larger appliances such as clothes dryers, cooktops, and plug-in electric vehicles generally require much higher (or dual line) levels of voltage and can be provided with a different level or line of voltage. In some embodiments, each level of voltage utilizes a specific socket and a corresponding plug type to access the required voltage at the desired location (for example, a single line socket for general use in bedrooms and dual line sockets in the kitchen for the cooktop).
[0050] In some embodiments, one can use the plug, adapter, and/or socket so as to access a high voltage at each Duplex Receptacle location (wired with two low voltage sockets). In some embodiments, one or more of the plugs, adapters, or receptacles allows one to access high voltage from a Dual Line wired receptacles or devices. [0051] In some embodiments, the plug comprises a first generally planar surface, from which at least four prongs (preferably rectangular) extend generally perpendicularly from the surface. In some embodiments, the prongs are positioned so that there is a first and a second prong in a first row and a third and a fourth prong in a second row. A first line drawn along the first row (through the first and second prongs) is generally parallel to a second line drawn through the second row (through the third and fourth prongs). A third line drawn through the second and third prongs is generally perpendicular to the first and second lines. The first and fourth prongs are not along a line that is perpendicular to the first or second lines. In some embodiments, the first and fourth prongs are located on opposite sides of the third line. In some embodiments, the second and third prongs are configured to serve as a neutral prong. In some embodiments, one or more ground prongs are also included. In some embodiments, the prongs are in electrical communication with wires in a cord. In some embodiments, the second and third prongs are in electrical contact with each other. In some embodiments, the surface on which the prongs are placed is oval or circular in shape. In some embodiments, the surface on which the prongs are placed forms a slanted or diagonal shape. In some embodiments, the surface on which the prongs are placed forms a rectangular shape. In some embodiments, one or more of the prongs need not be conducting (e.g., it need not carry an electrical load) and can simply serve to assist in opening a tamper resistant aspect on the receptacle. In some embodiments, the plug is connected to a device that uses two phase power. In some embodiments, the plug is part of an adapter and further comprises one or more sockets.
[0052] In some embodiments, the plug comprises a first generally planar surface, from which at least three prongs (preferably rectangular) extend generally perpendicularly from the surface. In some embodiments, the prongs are spaced apart (identical in distance to the distance between prongs of a Type A Plug) and positioned so that the short ends of the rectangles of the prongs (when viewed from on end) are all aligned on a line. In some embodiments, the middle prong is configured to serve as a neutral prong. In some embodiments, the outer prongs are configured to serve as neutral prongs. In some embodiments, one or more ground prongs are included. In some embodiments, the prongs are in electrical communication with wires in a cord. In some embodiments, the surface on which the prongs are placed is oval or circular in shape. In some embodiments, the surface on which the prongs are placed forms a slanted or diagonal shape. In some embodiments, the surface on which the prongs are placed forms a rectangular shape. In some embodiments, the plug is connected to a device that uses two phase power. In some embodiments, the plug is part of an adapter and further comprises one or more sockets.
[0053] In some embodiments, the plug comprises a first generally planar surface, from which at least four prongs (preferably rectangular) extend generally perpendicular to the surface. In some embodiments, the prongs are positioned so that there is a first and a second prong in a first row and a third and a fourth prong in a second row. A first line drawn along the first row (through the first and second prongs) is generally parallel to a second line drawn through the second row (through the third and fourth prongs). A third line drawn through the first and third prongs is generally perpendicular to the first and second lines. A fourth line drawn through the second and fourth prongs is generally perpendicular to the first and second lines and parallel to the third line. In some embodiments, the second and fourth prongs are configured to serve as neutral prongs. In some embodiments, one or more of the neutral prongs are larger than the first or third prongs. In some embodiments, one or more ground prongs are also included. In some embodiments, the prongs are in electrical communication with wires in a cord. In some embodiments, the second and fourth prongs are in electrical contact with each other. In some embodiments, the surface on which the prongs are placed is oval or circular in shape. In some embodiments, the surface on which the prongs are placed forms a rectangular shape. In some embodiments, the plug is connected to a device that uses two phase power. In some embodiments, one or more of the prongs is not conducting (e.g., it need not carry an electrical load) and can simply serve to assist in opening a tamper resistant aspect on the receptacle. In some embodiments, the plug is part of an adapter and further comprises one or more sockets.
[0054] In some embodiments, the adapter described herein can be varied in additional ways beyond what is shown in the figures. In some embodiments, the adapter can have a prong facing section of the housing 770 as shown in FIG. 5A of Appendix A. In some embodiments, the adapter can have a rearward portion of the housing 780 that (unlike FIG. 5A of Appendix A) will not have a power line, but rather a receptacle surface so that single or double phase electrical plugs can be inserted into it. Some examples of two phase NEMA plugs (and thus the receptacle surface that could be used) include 2-15, 2-20, 2-30, L2-15, L2-20, L2-30, 6-15, 6-20, 6-30, 6-50, L6-15, L6-20, L6-30, L6-50, 11-15, 11-20, 1 1-30, 1 1-50, LI 1-15, LI 1-20, LI 1-30, LI 1-50, 15-15, 15-20, 15-30, 15-50, 15-60, L15-15, L15-20, L15-30, L15-50, L15-60. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the receptacle on the rearward section of the plug 780 (Appendix A), can be configured for any type of plug. In some embodiments, the prong section of the adapter will just have the two outer most prongs, which can be spaced approximately twice as far apart as the distance between the current prongs in a type A plug.
[0055] Additionally, as will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, there are a variety of the types of plugs that can be used with a TADS. The only modification to the TADS, preferably, is an adjustment of the positioning and shaping of the apertures. Examples of plug types include, NEMA 10-20, 10-30, 10-50, 14-30, 14-50, 6-15, 6-20, 6-30, 6-50, NEMA 2, Pin and sleeve circular connectors, IEC 60309, and BS EN 60309-2. The plug adapters and various embodiments of the TADS can also be configured for Type A plugs, NEMA 2-15, 2-20, JIS 8303, Class II, type B plug, NEMA 5-15, NEMA 5-20, 5-30, 5-50, NEMA 1-15, 5-15, Lewden plugs, Type C plugs, CEE 7/16, CEE 7-17, BS 4573, sockets, Type D, BS 546, Type E, French type E, Type F, CEE 7/4, Gost 7396, Type E & F hybrid, Type G, BS 1363, Type H, Type I, AS 3112, CPCS-CCC, IRAM 2073, Type J, SEV 101 1 , IEC 60906-1 , Type K, Type L, CES 23-16/VII 10 A, CEI 23-16/VII 16 A, and Type M, for example.
[0056] Given the above disclosure, one of skill in the art can readily adjust the above TADS so that any of the other receptacles for any of the other plugs are also tri-aperture, dual socket systems, or the receptacle can be added to the back 780 (Appendix A) of an adapter. For some of these modified TADS, all that is required is that the first socket share only one aperture with the second socket. In some embodiments, the first socket can share at least one aperture with the second socket, but neither socket contains all of the apertures of the other socket. In some embodiments, the first and second sockets share one aperture, and the plug to be inserted is inserted into the first socket in a first orientation and inserted into the second socket in a second orientation.
[0057] Not all embodiments need have one or more of the above noted aspects. In some situations, the embodiments can have one or more of the above noted aspects. In some embodiments, a prong is configured to be a neutral prong by being appropriately sized on end so that it fits into a neutral aperture. In some embodiments, a prong is configured to be a neutral prong by being wired to provide a neutral electrical connection. While a neutral prong can be larger, unless explicitly specified, it need not be larger than other prongs (such as a hot prong). In some embodiments, kits are contemplated that include one or more of the following: a) at least one plug (such as a TADS compatible plug or a type A B plug); b) at least one receptacle (TADS or standard for Type B); c) a face plate for the receptacle; d) a safety shutter system; e) a wiring system for delivering two phase power to the receptacle and/or instructions for a wiring system for delivering two phase power to the receptacle; and/or f) at least one adapter, configured to receive a TADS and/or standard plug and further configured to plug into a TADS and/or standard receptacle.
[0058] In some embodiments, one or more of the plugs, adapters, or sockets described herein can be employed in obtaining two-phase power from a TADS. The wiring of such a TADS is disclosed within U.S. App. No. 12/279162 Published as Pub. No. 2009/0203242, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by references and included herewith as Appendix A as part of the present application.
[0059] In some embodiments, one or more of the plugs, adapters, or sockets described herein can be employed and/or compatible with a multi-circuit receptacle shutter assembly, as disclosed in PCT App. No. PCT/US2009/046300, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference and included herewith as Appendix B as part of the present application.
[0060] Methods of using each of the above plugs and/or receptacles for obtaining or providing single and/or dual phase power (or greater phase power) at different times or simultaneously are also provided by providing and/or using any of the appropriate embodiments provided herein.
[0061] In addition, methods involving adapters that allow the adaptation of a TADS arrangement into a traditional nonTADS arrangements receptacle (or plug, e.g., a type A/B plug or socket for receiving a type A/B plug) or that allow the adaptation of a traditional, nonTADS arrangement receptacle (or plug) into a TADS arrangement are also provided by using and/or providing any of the appropriate embodiments provided herein.
[0062] In some embodiments, a method of providing access to a shuttered or tamper resistant TADS receptacle is provided while allowing access to single and/or dual phase power by accessing a socket on a top row of a TADS for a first phase (1 and 2 of figure 3) and accessing a second socket on a lower row (5 and 6 on FIG. 3), so that the two lines (to obtain a two phase arrangement) are accessed across two rows. In embodiments that employ a tamper resistant receptacle, while the plug can have two prongs for each row
(in order to successfully open each socket by, for example, one or more mechanisms outlined in Appendix B, not all of the prongs need be circuit carrying when one prong is simply being used to assist the other prong in opening the tamper resistant shutter. In some embodiments, such a prong can be made of plastic or other nonconducting or low conducting material. In some embodiments, such a prong is not in electrical communication to other lines. In some embodiments, such a prong is electrically isolated. In some embodiments, such a prong is not capable of serving as a neutral or load bearing or ground prong.
[0063] Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while several variations of the invention have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of this invention will be readily apparent to those of skilled in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed invention. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above. When the term "plug" is used, it can also denote the arrangement for the plug side (or face) of an adapter.
[0064] As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, any of the above receptacle embodiments (including those in the appendix) can be combined or employed in an adapter embodiment. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, any of the above plug embodiments (including those in the appendix) can be combined or employed in an adapter embodiment. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, any of the above shutter embodiments (including those in the appendix) can be combined with an adapter embodiment and/or a receptacle embodiment.
[0065] In this application, the use of the singular can include the plural unless specifically stated otherwise or unless, as will be understood by one of skill in the art in light of the present disclosure, the singular is the only functional embodiment. Thus, for example, "a" can mean more than one, and "one embodiment" can mean that the description applies to multiple embodiments. Additionally, in this application, "and/or" denotes that both the inclusive meaning of "and" and, alternatively, the exclusive meaning of "or" applies to the list. Thus, the listing should be read to include all possible combinations of the items of the list and to also include each item, exclusively, from the other items. The addition of this term is not meant to denote any particular meaning to the use of the terms "and" or "or" alone. The meaning of such terms will be evident to one of skill in the art upon reading the particular disclosure.
[0066] All references cited herein, including patents, patent applications, papers, text books, and the like, and the references cited therein, to the extent that they are not already, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. In the event that one or more of the incorporated literature and similar materials differs from or contradicts this application, including but not limited to defined terms, term usage, described techniques, or the like, this application controls.
[0067] The foregoing description and Examples detail certain preferred embodiments of the invention and describes the best mode contemplated by the inventor. It will be appreciated, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing may appear in text, the invention may be practiced in many ways and the invention should be construed in accordance with the appended claims and any equivalents thereof.
[0068] As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, while the present specification may simply use one of the terms "comprise," "consists," or "consists essentially of," this is simply a shorthand way of describing all three possibilities, unless otherwise specified or unless the term is used in the claim (in which case the terms will have their normally accepted meanings under claim interpretation). Thus, as the terms are used above, they designate all three possibilities, unless explicitly noted otherwise.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A plug for a multi-line electrical receptacle comprising a plurality of prongs, each configured to be in communication with a different one of at least four terminals of a multi-line electrical receptacle, the plug configured to access a 4 wire, 3 pole, multi-voltage configuration.
2. The plug of Claim 1 , wherein one of the prongs is a ground prong.
3. The plug of Claim 1 , wherein two of the prongs are hot prongs.
4. The plug of Claim 1 , wherein one of the prongs is a neutral prong.
5. An appliance cord comprising the plug of Claim 1.
6. An appliance cord of Claim 5, further comprising a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt feature.
7. An appliance cord of Claim 5, further comprising an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupt feature.
8. A powerstrip comprising the plug of Claim 1.
9. A powerstrip of Claim 8, further comprising at least one single line (120 V) socket.
10. A powerstrip of Claim 8, further comprising at least one dual line (240 V) socket.
11. A powerstrip of Claim 8, further comprising a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt feature.
12. A powerstrip of Claim 8, further comprising an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupt feature.
13. A current tap/adapter comprising the plug of Claim 1.
14. A current tap/adapter of Claim 13, further comprising at least one single line (120 V) socket.
15. A current tap/adapter of Claim 13, further comprising at least one dual line (240 V) socket.
16. A current tap/adapter of Claim 13, further comprising a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt feature.
17. A current tap/adapter of Claim 13, further comprising an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupt feature.
18. A TADS plug or adapter configured to be capable of drawing power from a TADS having a shutter assembly, wherein the shutter assembly comprises a shutter assembly for an electrical receptacle, comprising a plurality of apertures each configured to be in communication with a different one of at least three terminals of the electrical receptacle, the shutter assembly configured to block access to each of the terminals upon insertion of a foreign object into only one of said apertures, the shutter assembly configured to allow access to two of the terminals upon simultaneous insertion of two prongs of a plug into two of said apertures.
19. An adapter that comprises a plug section and a receptacle section, wherein the plug section is configured for insertion into a TADS receptacle, and wherein the receptacle is configured to allow receipt of a first standard type-A plug (NEMA 5-15) and to serve as a NEMA 14-20/14-60 Socket.
20. A plug that comprises four rectangular prongs, wherein each of the prongs are perpendicular to a surface of the plug, wherein each prong is located on a corner of a rectangle that is within the surface of the plug, and wherein a first and second prongs are spaced apart by a same distance of prongs on a type A plug are spaced apart.
21. A plug that comprises four rectangular prongs, wherein each of the prongs are perpendicular to a surface of the plug, wherein each prong extends perpendicularly from the surface of the plug, wherein a first and second prongs are spaced apart by a same distance that prongs on a type A plug are spaced apart, wherein a third and fourth prongs are spaced apart by a same distance that prongs on a type A plug are spaced apart, and wherein the four rectangular prongs are not each located on a corner of a rectangle that is within the surface of the plug.
22. A receptacle for receiving type A electrical plugs comprising a first type A socket and a second type A socket, wherein the first type A socket comprises a first aperture and a second aperture, wherein the second type A socket comprises a third aperture and a fourth aperture, wherein the first and third apertures are electrically connected to a neutral, the second aperture is electrically connected to a first line, and the fourth aperture is electrically connected to a second line.
23. The receptacle of Claim 22, wherein the first and second lines are configured to be 180 degrees out of phase with one another.
24. A TADS plug or adapter configured to be capable of drawing power from a TADS having a shutter assembly for an electrical circuit comprising at least three terminals configured to receive a plug having two prongs, the shutter assembly comprising:
a first blocking member comprising a first inclined surface, a first open portion, and a first blocking portion configured to cover at least a first terminal of said terminals in a relaxed position; a first bias member configured to bias the first blocking member towards its relaxed position when the first blocking member is moved to an actuated position of the first blocking member;
a second blocking member comprising a second inclined surface, a second open portion, and a second blocking portion configured to cover at least a second terminal of said terminals in a relaxed position;
a second bias member configured to bias the second blocking member toward its relaxed position when the second blocking member is moved to an actuated position of the second blocking member;
a third blocking member comprising a third inclined surface, a third open portion, and a third blocking portion configured to cover at least a third terminal of said terminals in a relaxed position; and
a third bias member configured to bias the third blocking member towards its relaxed position when the third blocking member is moved to an actuated position of the third blocking member.
25. An electrical receptacle or adapter configured for delivering two-phase power, said electrical receptacle or adapter comprising:
a first electrical conductor;
a second electrical conductor;
a third electrical conductor; an element having first and second sockets each adapted to receive two circuit prongs of a standard-size electrical plug, the first socket comprising first and second apertures in the element, the second socket comprising the second aperture and a third aperture in the element, wherein insertion of a prong of an electrical plug into the first aperture provides electrical communication between the prong and the first electrical conductor, wherein insertion of a prong of an electrical plug into the second aperture provides electrical communication between the prong and the second electrical conductor, wherein insertion of the first prong of the electrical plug into the third aperture provides electrical communication between the first prong and the third electrical conductor, when the second prong of the plug is in the second aperture;
a first hot line connected to the first conductor;
a first neutral line connected to the second conductor;
a second hot line connected to the third electrical conductor, wherein the first and second hot lines are each lighter than a 12 gauge wire or heavier than a 14 gauge wire; and
a shutter assembly for an electrical receptacle, comprising a plurality of apertures each configured to be in communication with a different one of at least three terminals of the electrical receptacle, the shutter assembly configured to block access to each of the terminals upon insertion of a foreign object into only one of said apertures, the shutter assembly configured to allow access to two of the terminals upon simultaneous insertion of two prongs of a plug into two of said apertures.
26 A receptacle or adapter configured for delivering two-phase power, said receptacle or adapter comprising:
a first electrical conductor;
a second electrical conductor;
a third electrical conductor;
an element having first and second sockets each adapted to receive two circuit prongs of a standard-size electrical plug, the first socket comprising first and second apertures in the element, the second socket comprising the second aperture and a third aperture in the element, wherein insertion of a prong of an electrical plug into the first aperture provides electrical communication between the prong and the first electrical conductor, wherein insertion of a prong of an electrical plug into the second aperture provides electrical communication between the prong and the second electrical conductor, wherein insertion of the first prong of the electrical plug into the third aperture provides electrical communication between the first prong and the third electrical conductor, when the second prong of the plug is in the second aperture;
a first hot line connected to the first conductor;
a first neutral line connected to the second conductor;
a second hot line connected to the third electrical conductor, wherein the first and second hot lines are each lighter than a 12 gauge wire or heavier than a 14 gauge wire; and a shutter assembly for the receptacle or adapter, the shutter assembly comprising:
a first blocking member comprising a first inclined surface, a first open portion, and a first blocking portion configured to cover at least a first terminal of said terminals in a relaxed position;
a first bias member configured to bias the first blocking member towards its relaxed position when the first blocking member is moved to an actuated position of the first blocking member;
a second blocking member comprising a second inclined surface, a second open portion, and a second blocking portion configured to cover at least a second terminal of said terminals in a relaxed position;
a second bias member configured to bias the second blocking member toward its relaxed position when the second blocking member is moved to an actuated position of the second blocking member;
a third blocking member comprising a third inclined surface, a third open portion, and a third blocking portion configured to cover at least a third terminal of said terminals in a relaxed position; and
a third bias member configured to bias the third blocking member towards its relaxed position when the third blocking member is moved to an actuated position of the third blocking member.
27. A plug or adapter configured to be capable of drawing power from a TADS receptacle having a shutter assembly for an electrical circuit comprising at least three terminals configured to receive a plug having two prongs, the shutter assembly comprising:
a first blocking member comprising a first inclined surface, a first open portion, and a first blocking portion configured to cover at least a first terminal of said terminals in a relaxed position; a first bias member configured to bias the first blocking member towards its relaxed position when the first blocking member is moved to an actuated position of the first blocking member;
a second blocking member comprising a second inclined surface, a second open portion, and a second blocking portion configured to cover at least a second terminal of said terminals in a relaxed position;
a second bias member configured to bias the second blocking member toward its relaxed position when the second blocking member is moved to an actuated position of the second blocking member;
a third blocking member comprising a third inclined surface, a third open portion, and a third blocking portion configured to cover at least a third terminal of said terminals in a relaxed position; a third bias member configured to bias the third blocking member towards its relaxed position when the third blocking member is moved to an actuated position of the third blocking member; and wherein the TADS receptacle comprises:
a first electrical conductor;
a second electrical conductor;
a third electrical conductor;
an element having first and second sockets each adapted to receive two circuit prongs of a standard-size electrical plug, the first socket comprising first and second apertures in the element, the second socket comprising the second aperture and a third aperture in the element, wherein insertion of a prong of an electrical plug into the first aperture provides electrical communication between the prong and the first electrical conductor, wherein insertion of a prong of an electrical plug into the second aperture provides electrical communication between the prong and the second electrical conductor, wherein insertion of the first prong of the electrical plug into the third aperture provides electrical communication between the first prong and the third electrical conductor, when the second prong of the plug is in the second aperture;
a first hot line connected to the first conductor;
a first neutral line connected to the second conductor;
a second hot line connected to the third electrical conductor, wherein the first and second hot lines are each lighter than a 12 gauge wire or heavier than a 14 gauge wire.
28. A face of a plug configured for insertion into a TADS, said face of the plug comprising: a first prong that extends outward from said face and is perpendicular to said face;
a second prong that extends outward from said face and is perpendicular to said face, wherein the first and second prongs are rectangular when viewed on end, and wherein a longer side of the rectangle of the first prong lies on a line that lies on the longer side of the rectangle of the second prong;
a third prong, in a row with the first prong;
a fourth prong, in a row with the second prong.
29. The face of a plug of Claim 28, wherein the first and second prongs are larger than the third and fourth prongs.
30. The face of a plug of Claim 28, wherein the first and second prongs are configured to be inserted into a neutral aperture of a socket and wherein the third and fourth prongs are configured to be inserted in to hot apertures of a socket.
31. A receptacle or adapter configured for delivering two-phase power, said receptacle or adapter comprising:
a first electrical conductor;
a second electrical conductor;
a third electrical conductor;
an element having first and second sockets each adapted to receive two circuit prongs of a standard-size electrical plug, the first socket comprising first and second apertures in the element, the second socket comprising the second and third apertures in the element, wherein insertion of a prong of an electrical plug into the first aperture provides electrical communication between the prong and the first electrical conductor, wherein insertion of a prong of an electrical plug into the second aperture provides electrical communication between the prong and the second electrical conductor, wherein insertion of the first prong of the electrical plug into the third aperture provides electrical communication between the first prong and the third electrical conductor, when the second prong of the plug is in the second aperture;
a first hot line connected to the first conductor;
a first neutral line connected to the second conductor;
a second hot line connected to the third electrical conductor, where each line is lighter than a 10 gauge wire or heavier than a 16 gauge wire.
32. An electrical receptacle or adapter of Claim 31 , further comprising a shutter assembly comprising a plurality of apertures each configured to be in communication with a different one of at least three terminals of the electrical receptacle, the shutter assembly configured to block access to each of the terminals upon insertion of a foreign object into only one of said apertures, the shutter assembly configured to allow access to two of the terminals upon simultaneous insertion of two prongs of a plug into two of said apertures.
33. A receptacle or adapter of Claim 31 , further comprising at least one ground prong.
34. A receptacle or adapter of Claim 32, further comprising at least one ground prong.
35. A plug or adapter configured to be capable of drawing two-phase (dual line) power from a TADS duplex receptacle with shutter assemblies comprising:
a first prong that extends perpendicularly outward from a surface of the plug or adapter;
a second prong that extends perpendicularly outward from the surface of the plug or adapter;
wherein the first and second prongs are rectangular when viewed from on end, and wherein a longer side of a rectangle of an end view of the first prong lies on a line that lies on a longer side of a rectangle of an end view of the second prong;
a third prong, wherein a plane which bisects the longer side of an end view rectangle of the third prong is in line with a plane which bisects the longer side of the end view rectangle of the first prong and spaced apart in a first direction from the first prong by the same distance that prongs on a Type A plug are spaced;
a fourth prong, wherein a plane which bisects the longer side of an end view rectangle of the fourth prong is in line with a plane which bisects the longer side of the end view rectangle of the second prong and spaced apart in the opposite direction from the first direction of the third prong from the first prong by the same distance that prongs on a Type A plug are spaced; and
wherein the first and second prongs are configured to be inserted into the neutral apertures and wherein the third and fourth prongs are configured to be inserted into hot apertures of the TADS duplex receptacle with shutter assemblies.
36. A plug or adapter of Claim 35, further comprising at least one ground prong.
37. A plug or adapter configured to be capable of drawing two-phase (dual line) power from a TADS comprising:
a first, a middle, and a third prongs that extend perpendicularly outward from a surface of the plug or adapter;
wherein the prongs are rectangular when viewed from on end, and wherein the short sides of the end view rectangles of all prongs lie on a line;
wherein the prongs are spaced apart the same distance that prongs on a Type A plug are spaced; wherein the middle prong is configured to be inserted into the neutral aperture and wherein the third and first prongs are configured to be inserted into hot apertures of the TADS.
38. A plug or adapter of Claim 37, further comprising at least one ground prong.
39. A plug or adapter configured to be capable of drawing two-phase (dual line) power from a duplex (dual socket) receptacle comprising:
a first, a second, a third, and a fourth prongs that extend perpendicularly outward from a surface of the plug or adapter;
wherein the prongs are rectangular when viewed from on end, and wherein a plane which bisects the longer side of an end view rectangle of the first prong is in line with a plane which bisects the longer side of an end view rectangle of the second prong;
wherein the long sides of end view rectangles of the first and third prongs lie on a line;
wherein a plane which bisects the longer side of an end view rectangle of the third prong is in line with a plane which bisects the longer side of an end view rectangle of the fourth prong;
wherein the first and second prongs are spaced apart the same distance that prongs on a Type A plug are spaced;
wherein the third and fourth prongs are spaced apart the same distance that prongs on a Type A plug are spaced;
wherein the first and third prongs are configured to be inserted into hot apertures of a duplex receptacle; and
wherein the second and fourth prongs are configured to be inserted into neutral apertures of a duplex receptacle.
40. A plug or adapter of Claim 39, where at least the second or fourth prong(s) is/are larger than the first and third prongs.
41. A plug or adapter of Claim 39, further comprising at least one ground prong.
42. An appliance cord of Claim 5, further comprising an Electrical Fault Circuit Interrupt feature.
43. A powerstrip of Claim 8, further comprising an Electrical Fault Circuit Interrupt feature.
44. A current tap/adapter of Claim 13, further comprising an Electrical Fault Circuit Interrupt feature.
PCT/US2010/056851 2009-11-24 2010-11-16 Plugs and adapters WO2011066139A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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US61/264,184 2009-11-24

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CN102306878A (en) * 2011-06-25 2012-01-04 济南大学 Power plug for obtaining various voltages from power socket
CN104269707A (en) * 2014-09-30 2015-01-07 贵州大学 Plug board and manufacturing method thereof

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US6086391A (en) * 1998-04-02 2000-07-11 Tzu Ying Ho Safety socket head
US6217353B1 (en) * 1999-12-01 2001-04-17 Aurise Inc. Structure of a safety receptacle
US6422880B1 (en) * 2001-03-07 2002-07-23 Shun-Kuo Chiu Safety socket head
US20090203242A1 (en) * 2006-02-13 2009-08-13 Kim Kyung T Electricity distribution circuit

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US6086391A (en) * 1998-04-02 2000-07-11 Tzu Ying Ho Safety socket head
US6217353B1 (en) * 1999-12-01 2001-04-17 Aurise Inc. Structure of a safety receptacle
US6422880B1 (en) * 2001-03-07 2002-07-23 Shun-Kuo Chiu Safety socket head
US20090203242A1 (en) * 2006-02-13 2009-08-13 Kim Kyung T Electricity distribution circuit

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN102306878A (en) * 2011-06-25 2012-01-04 济南大学 Power plug for obtaining various voltages from power socket
CN104269707A (en) * 2014-09-30 2015-01-07 贵州大学 Plug board and manufacturing method thereof

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