WO2015130625A1 - Système de fiche électrique - Google Patents

Système de fiche électrique Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2015130625A1
WO2015130625A1 PCT/US2015/017184 US2015017184W WO2015130625A1 WO 2015130625 A1 WO2015130625 A1 WO 2015130625A1 US 2015017184 W US2015017184 W US 2015017184W WO 2015130625 A1 WO2015130625 A1 WO 2015130625A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
electrical
base
vertical support
plug system
support element
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2015/017184
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Gwen BELDOCK
Donald T. Beldock
James Bleck
William Chura
Thomas Eagan
Jonathan Towle
Scott Wakefield
Original Assignee
Belpower Systems Llc
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
Priority claimed from US14/192,598 external-priority patent/US9178324B2/en
Application filed by Belpower Systems Llc filed Critical Belpower Systems Llc
Publication of WO2015130625A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015130625A1/fr

Links

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
    • H01R25/00—Coupling parts adapted for simultaneous co-operation with two or more identical counterparts, e.g. for distributing energy to two or more circuits
    • H01R25/006—Coupling parts adapted for simultaneous co-operation with two or more identical counterparts, e.g. for distributing energy to two or more circuits the coupling part being secured to apparatus or structure, e.g. duplex wall receptacle
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
    • H02G3/00—Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles
    • H02G3/02—Details
    • H02G3/04—Protective tubing or conduits, e.g. cable ladders or cable troughs
    • H02G3/0493—Service poles
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B2200/00—General construction of tables or desks
    • A47B2200/008—Tables or desks having means for applying electronic or electric devices
    • A47B2200/0081—Auxiliary apparatus with electrical connections for office furniture

Definitions

  • the subject disclosure relates to multi-outlet electrical power source connections. More particularly, the subject disclosure relates to electrical plug systems that are easily usable by users whose flexibility and/or strength has been impaired by handicap, age, illness, or injury.
  • a power strip generally includes a circuit breaker or surge (overload) protector that safely limits the electric current flowing through the strip and prevents surges of current that can damage the equipment which receives power through a power strip outlet.
  • the power strip also generally includes an on-off switch that turns the power strip on and off, thereby preventing current from reaching the outlets. If desired, each outlet may have its own switch. The switch is often illuminated.
  • Many power strips also include sensor circuits that can detect the level of current flowing through a socket, and if the socket is not "active", will place the socket in standby mode in order to reduce current consumption.
  • Power strips are used by plugging the plug into a convenient wall or floor outlet, and by plugging the plugs of multiple devices into the electrical sockets of the power strip. In order to make the connection between the devices and the power strip outlets, the user often must crawl under a desk, table, or other furniture.
  • an electric plug system includes a stabilizing base constructed to stand on a horizontal floor surface, a vertical support element supported by and extending from the base and defining a vertical axis, and an electrical socket block coupled to a top portion of the vertical support element and supported thereby.
  • the electrical socket block has a plurality of electrical sockets constructed to receive the plugs of the devices.
  • the system also includes a device holder removably attached to the vertical support element. The holder is constructed to hold at least one of the powering electrically powered devices.
  • the system includes an electrical wire extending from the horizontal electrical socket block, down the vertical support element, and along or through the base and there -beyond, the electrical wire terminating in an electrical plug constructed to plug into the wall or floor electrical outlet.
  • an electric plug system includes a reconfigurable stabilizing base constructed to stand on a horizontal floor surface.
  • the stabilizing base includes a first base portion and a second base portion removably attached to one another and in a second configuration the stabilizing base consists of the first base portion detached from the second base portion.
  • the system also includes a vertical support element supported by and extending from the first base portion of the base and defining a vertical axis.
  • the system includes an electrical socket block coupled to a top portion of the vertical support element and supported thereby, the electrical socket block having a plurality of electrical sockets adapted to receive the plugs of the devices.
  • the system includes an electrical wire extending from the horizontal electrical socket block, down the vertical support element, and along or through the base and there-beyond, the electrical wire terminating in an electrical plug constructed to plug into the wall or floor electrical outlet.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an electrical plug system viewed from the top and rear side.
  • FIG. 2 is a plan view of the electrical plug system shown in Fig. 1.
  • FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the electrical plug system shown in Fig. 1 with a device holder shown detached from the system.
  • Fig. 3B is a top perspective view of the device holder shown in Fig. 3A.
  • Fig. 4A is a perspective view of the electrical plug system of Figs. 1 and 3A shown without the device holder and shown with a portion of a base of the system disassembled.
  • Fig. 4B is a bottom perspective view of a lower portion of the system shown in Fig.
  • Fig. 5 is a top perspective view of the electrical plug system of Fig. 1 with the device holder and portion of the base disassembled.
  • Fig. 6 is an exploded assembly view of the system shown in Fig. 1.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an electrical plug system 100 viewed from the top and rear side.
  • the system includes a preferably weighted round base 102, a vertical support 104 centrally disposed in and extending from the base 102, and a socket block 106 extending from an upper end 108 of the vertical support 104.
  • the upper end 108 of the vertical support 104 flares outwards laterally and upwardly and defines a space in which the socket block 106 is received.
  • a device holder 110 is removably attached to the rear side 112 of the upper end 108 of the vertical support 104.
  • the device holder 110 includes one or more pockets 114 constructed to receive electric devices plugged (not shown) into the socket block 106, such as mobile phones, cameras, and tablet computers.
  • an upper edge of the device holder 110 is aligned with the socket block 106.
  • Fig. 2 shows a plan view of the electrical plug system 100, and shows additional detail of the socket block 106, device holder 110, and base 102.
  • the socket block 106 includes an on-off power switch 116 at the center of the socket block 106.
  • a small indicator light 118 (Fig. 5) located on the front side 120 of the upper end 108 of the support 104 may be illuminated whenever the power switch 116 is in the on position or may be operated to light independently of the switch position. Alternatively, the light 118 is optionally integrated with the power switch 116.
  • An upper surface 122 of the socket block 106 slopes downward at each side relative to the power switch 116, with e.g., two plugs 124 and one universal serial bus socket 126 on the top of each side.
  • the device holder 110 has cord guides 127 formed as J-shaped hooks. The cord guides 127 define clips that can be resiliently deformed to capture one or more cords connected to devices that are plugged into the socket block 106.
  • FIG. 3 A shows the device holder 110 detached from the upper end 108 of the support 104.
  • another cord guide 128 is exposed at the rear side 112 of the upper end 108 of the support 104.
  • the cord guide 128 defines clips 130 that can be resiliently deformed to capture one or more cords connected to devices that are plugged into the socket block 106.
  • the device holder 110 has a rear pocket 136 that is defined generally by a T-shaped arrangement.
  • a central vertical section 138 of the rear pocket 136 has open sidewalls 140 that curve upwardly to a horizontal section 142, which has closed sidewalls 144 that form a rim at the upper end of the rear pocket 136.
  • the rear pocket 136 preferably has dimensions suitable to receive a tablet computer, such as an iPad® (manufactured by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, California).
  • the device holder 110 also has a front pocket 146 between the cord guides 127.
  • the front pocket 146 has enclosed sides and is vertically shallower than the rear pocket 136, as shown in greater detail in Fig. 3B.
  • the front pocket 146 may be sized to accommodate devices, such as a cell phone or smart phone (e.g., an iphone® (manufactured by Apple Inc. of
  • Fig. 3B shows a view of the device holder 110 from a front and top side.
  • the device holder 110 has a plurality of hooks 132 that are constructed to engage and lock in
  • the hooks 132 extend from flanges of a support rack 133 of device holder 110.
  • the hooks 132 are introduced into the slots 134 and then the device holder 110 is moved downward until the hooks 132 lock into place in slots 134.
  • the device holder 110 is moved upward relative to the upper end 108 of the support 104 to unlock the hooks 132 so that the device holder 110 can be separated from the upper end 108 of the support 104.
  • Fig. 4A shows the base 102 of the electric plug system 100 in one configuration in which the base 102 is separated into a front base 150 and a rear base 152.
  • the front base 150 is shown attached to the vertical support 104, while the rear base 152 is separated from the front base 150 and the vertical support 104.
  • the front base 150 is weighted with weights or plates 184 (Fig. 4B) to support the vertical support 104 and the socket block 106 in their vertical orientation. With the rear base 152 detached, the remainder of the electrical plug system 100 can be placed closer to a wall than would be possible with the rear base 152 attached.
  • the rear base 152 is generally semicircular of a first diameter, but has a semicircular recess 154 of a second, smaller diameter formed in the center of a front side 156 of the rear base 152.
  • Tabs (connector elements) 158 extend from the front side 156 of the rear base 152.
  • the tabs 158 have a stepped profile that corresponds to a mating profile of slots 160 formed in a rear side 162 of the front base 150. Owing to the stepped profile of the tabs 158 and slots 160, the slots 160 are constructed to receive the tabs 158 in only one relative orientation of the rear base 152 and front base 150.
  • the tabs 158 and slots 160 prevents assembly of the rear base 152 upside down with respect to the front base 150.
  • the tabs 158 have holes 164 (Fig. 4B) that align with holes 166 in the notches 160 to receive screws 168 (Fig. 6) to retain the front base 150 and rear base 152 together.
  • the rear base 152 includes a plurality of rear base plates 170 and a rear base plate cover 172 that attaches to both of the rear base plates 170 with screws 174.
  • the rear base plates 170 are formed from a heavy metal and act as a weight.
  • the rear base plates 170 generally form quarter circles.
  • the rear base plates 170 are spaced from each other a sufficient amount to permit access to a base cord channel 176 formed in the rear base plate cover 172.
  • the base cord channel 176 recesses the cord 178 (Fig. 6).
  • the channel 176 also receives and directs the power cord 178 from the vertical support 104 radially outward to a rear cord opening 180 (as best seen in Figs. 4A and 6) in the rear base plate cover 172.
  • the rear side 162 of front base 150 is generally planar in the regions surrounding the slots 160, but has a semicircular extension 182 formed at the center of the rear side 162 adjacent to the vertical support 104.
  • the semicircular extension 182 is constructed to be received in the semicircular recess 154 formed in the front side 156 of the rear base 152.
  • the front base plate 184 is generally semi-circular and has a semicircular portion 188 extending centrally from a rear edge 190.
  • the front base plate 184 is made from a heavy metal and acts as a weight.
  • the notches 160 in the front base 150 are formed between grooves 192 formed in the front base cover 186 and the front base plate 184.
  • a central cord opening 194 is formed in the semicircular extension 182 between the front base cover 186 and the front base plate 184.
  • the central cord opening 194 communicates with the base cord channel 176 to further route the power cord 178 through the front base 150.
  • FIG. 6 shows an exploded assembly of the electrical plug system 100.
  • a support post 196 is attached at a lower end to an upper side 198 of the front base plate 184.
  • the support post 196 is attached at the semicircular portion 188 at a position on the front base plate 184 corresponding to the center of the base 102.
  • the support post 196 shown has a generally square cross section forming a channel through which the power cord 178 is routed.
  • a slot 200 at the lower end of the support post 196 permits the power cord 178 to route over the semicircular detent 188 of the front base plate 184 and in the central cord opening 194 formed between the front base cover 186 and the front base plate 184.
  • Holes 202 are formed in at least one of the sides of the support post 196 for securing the support post 196 to the vertical support 104, as described below.
  • the front base cover 186 has a square opening 204 formed vertically therethrough to receive the power cord 178 and the support post 196.
  • the front base cover 186 nests over the front base plate 184 and attaches thereto with screws 206.
  • the vertical support 104 includes a front support cover 208 and a rear support cover 210.
  • the front support cover 208 is attached to a side of the support post 196 with screws 210, as noted above.
  • the rear support cover 210 attaches to the front support cover 208 by snap fit connection. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that other connection arrangements can be implemented to connect the rear support cover 210 to the front support cover 208.
  • the front and rear support covers 208, 210 have a plurality of ribs 212, which are generally u- shaped. When the front and rear support covers are attached to each other, the ribs 212 surround the power cord 178 and the support post 196 to form a central channel from the upper end to the lower end of the vertical support 104. The power cord 178 is thus routed from the base 102 to the upper end 108 of the vertical support 104 through the central channel formed in the vertical support 104.
  • Fig. 6 also details the construction of the upper end 108 of the vertical support 104. Specifically, Fig. 6 shows the construction of the socket block 106 and a housing 214 formed by a front cover 216 and a rear cover 218. The front cover 216 connects to the rear cover 218 with a snap fit connection, although those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other connection types are possible. Connection flanges 220 extend from the lower ends of the front and rear covers 216, 218. The outer surface of the connection flanges 220 has a stepped profile that corresponds to a stepped profile of notches 222 formed in the upper ends of the front and rear support covers 208, 210. The notches 222 are constructed to receive the connection flanges 220.
  • connection flanges 220 include a central groove 224 having u-shaped ribs 226.
  • the power cord 178 is routed in the central groove 224.
  • the flanges 220 are secured to the front cover 208 of support 104 with screws 226. Tightening the screws 226 presses the ribs 226 of the central grooves 224 into the power cord 178 to strain relieve the power cord 178.
  • the housing 214 houses the socket block 106.
  • the socket block 106 includes a plug cover 236.
  • the switch 116 is located centrally in the plug cover 216.
  • the plug cover 216 has a plurality of openings to receive male electrical plugs and universal serial bus (USB) connectors.
  • the socket block 106 also includes a USB printed circuit board 238, which includes receptacles for electrically connecting to USB connectors.
  • the socket block 106 further includes a bussbar holder 240 to electrically connect to the male electrical plugs.
  • Also housed in the housing 214 are various electrical components for distributing power from the power cord 178 to the bussbar holder 240. In at least one embodiment, such various electrical components include a circuit board, power bussbars, a ground bussbar, and a USB bussbar.
  • Fig. 6 also shows details of the construction of the device holder 110, described above.
  • the device holder 110 is constructed of a rear portion 222 and support rack 133 connected together with screws 225.
  • the support rack 133 has a generally rectangular notch 228 formed in a rear side 230, which is otherwise generally planar.
  • the support 104 is constructed to locate the socket block 106 at between twenty-four and forty-two inches above the horizontal floor surface.
  • the support 104 is constructed with a telescoping arrangement to adjust the height of the socket block 106 with respect to the horizontal floor surface.
  • the support 104 may employ one or more of the telescoping arrangements described in U.S. Patent Application No. 13/849,621.
  • a user may attach device holder 110 to the upper end 108 of support 104.
  • the user can, for example, plug a cord of a cell phone into the socket block 106 and insert the cell phone into front pocket 146.
  • a user can, for example, plug a cord of a tablet computer into the socket block 106 and insert the tablet computer into rear pocket 136.
  • the cords of the cell phone and tablet computer can be retained in cord guides 126 while the devices are held in the device holder 110.
  • the plugs of the cell phone and tablet computer can, depending on the configuration of the cord of the cell phone and tablet computer, can either be a male electrical plug or a universal serial bus plug, which are plugged into the respective female electrical plug or universal serial bus receptacle in socket block 106. It should also be understood that depending on the available space in pockets 136 and 146, and the sizes of the devices, one or more devices may fit in one of the pockets. For example, two or more cell phones may fit in the front pocket 146.
  • a user may wish to configure electric plug system 100 so that the rear base 152 is detached from front base 150 and/or the device holder 110 is detached from the support 104.
  • a user may wish to so configure the electric plug system 100 in order to locate the system 100 closer to a wall to save space.
  • the front base 150 is weighted with plate 184.
  • the plate 184 weights the front base 150 sufficiently to prevent the system 100 from falling over even when the device holder 110 is attached to the support 104 and is holding devices in all of its pockets 136 and 146.
  • the weight of plate 184 is between 1.5 and 1.75 pounds and the weight of each plate 170 is between 0.5 and 0.6 pounds.
  • the combined weight of plate 184 and both plates 170 is between 2.5 and 3.0 lbs.
  • the weight of plate 184 and front base cover 186 is between 1.5 and 1.75 pounds and the weight of both plates 170 and rear base plate cover 172 is between 1.0 and 1.2 pounds.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur un système de fiche électrique qui comprend une base de stabilisation construite pour reposer sur une surface de plancher horizontale, un élément de support vertical porté par et s'étendant depuis la base et définissant un axe vertical, et un bloc de prise électrique couplé à une partie supérieure de l'élément de support vertical et porté par ce dernier. Le bloc de prise électrique possède une pluralité de prises électriques construites pour recevoir les fiches des dispositifs. Le système comprend également un fil électrique s'étendant depuis le bloc de prise électrique horizontal, vers le bas de l'élément de support vertical, et le long ou à travers la base et au-delà de cette dernière, le fil électrique se terminant dans une fiche électrique construite pour se brancher dans la sortie électrique de paroi ou de plancher. Le système peut comprendre un support de dispositif fixé de manière amovible à l'élément de support vertical. La base peut comprendre une première partie de base et une seconde partie de base fixées amovibles l'une à l'autre.
PCT/US2015/017184 2014-02-27 2015-02-24 Système de fiche électrique WO2015130625A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US14/192,598 2014-02-27
US14/192,598 US9178324B2 (en) 2012-11-02 2014-02-27 Electric plug system

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2015130625A1 true WO2015130625A1 (fr) 2015-09-03

Family

ID=54009532

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2015/017184 WO2015130625A1 (fr) 2014-02-27 2015-02-24 Système de fiche électrique

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2015130625A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2564521B (en) * 2017-05-03 2022-01-19 Snap On Tools Corp Power units with power outlets and USB ports

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030007360A1 (en) * 2001-07-05 2003-01-09 Duan-Cheng Hsieh Stand lamp assembly including main and auxiliary lamp units
US7060040B2 (en) * 2004-06-14 2006-06-13 Verilux, Inc. Light fixture accessory connector and mounting bracket
US7341463B2 (en) * 2006-08-04 2008-03-11 Li-Chun Lai Extension socket structure
US7821777B2 (en) * 2005-09-14 2010-10-26 Qisda Corporation Multifunction base and computer utilizing the same
US20110197794A1 (en) * 2008-10-29 2011-08-18 Nunes Vinicius Jose Gomes Portable Device for Supplying Outlets Including Retractable Electrical Extension Cord
US8110743B2 (en) * 2008-02-22 2012-02-07 Thomas & Betts International, Inc. Electrical box cover with insect guard
US20130248242A1 (en) * 2012-03-26 2013-09-26 Gwen Beldock Electric Plug System

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030007360A1 (en) * 2001-07-05 2003-01-09 Duan-Cheng Hsieh Stand lamp assembly including main and auxiliary lamp units
US7060040B2 (en) * 2004-06-14 2006-06-13 Verilux, Inc. Light fixture accessory connector and mounting bracket
US7821777B2 (en) * 2005-09-14 2010-10-26 Qisda Corporation Multifunction base and computer utilizing the same
US7341463B2 (en) * 2006-08-04 2008-03-11 Li-Chun Lai Extension socket structure
US8110743B2 (en) * 2008-02-22 2012-02-07 Thomas & Betts International, Inc. Electrical box cover with insect guard
US20110197794A1 (en) * 2008-10-29 2011-08-18 Nunes Vinicius Jose Gomes Portable Device for Supplying Outlets Including Retractable Electrical Extension Cord
US20130248242A1 (en) * 2012-03-26 2013-09-26 Gwen Beldock Electric Plug System

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2564521B (en) * 2017-05-03 2022-01-19 Snap On Tools Corp Power units with power outlets and USB ports

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