Electrical connectors – With insulation other than conductor sheath – Plural-contact coupling part
Reexamination Certificate
1998-12-31
2001-11-13
Abrams, Neil (Department: 2839)
Electrical connectors
With insulation other than conductor sheath
Plural-contact coupling part
Reexamination Certificate
active
06315617
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of electrical power distribution and, more particularly to distribution of electrical power from a main power supply line to auxiliary power lines and devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Power distribution from a main power supply line to multiple power connections has generally been accomplished by multiple-outlet electrical extension cords well known in the art. Such an extension cord device is connected to a main power line, or source of electric power, and provides a plurality of electrical connector outlets for connecting auxiliary power lines or electrical devices. Most of these extension cords make no provision for attaching extra connector outlets which allow for connection of additional power lines or electrical devices.
Many of these well known power distribution strips, such as now commonly used for connection of desk top computer equipment, include overload protection by way of a fuse or a circuit breaker. In addition, these power strip devices often incorporate a manual on-off switch, allowing the user to interrupt the flow of electric power from the main power supply line to the auxiliary outlets. Standard power strips, such as often used for connecting personal computers to a source of electrical power, illustrate these features but do not provide the user with the flexible choice of adding or subtracting control features, such as circuit breakers, on-off switches, overload indicators, timers, and the like.
Multiple socket attachment devices, also well known in the art, are used to connect to an electrical wall socket for distributing power therefrom to a plurality of additional connector receptacles provided on the device, multiplying the number of available outlets from the usual two located at the wall outlet, to six, eight, or sometimes more. Multiple socket devices provide the user with a fixed number of added connector outlets, a number over which the user has no control. If the user wishes to add outlets to such a device, additional multiple socket units must be connected on top of the first multiple socket device, creating a bulky, unsightly and unsafe arrangement that projects out from the electrical outlet on the wall.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
With the foregoing in mind, the present invention advantageously provides an apparatus for distributing electrical power from a main power line to a plurality of auxiliary power line connector receptacles, and advantageously provides capabilities not afforded by existing power distribution devices, in that it allows the user to adjust the number of available electrical outlets available, provides various combinations of power control functions, and maintains a relatively slim profile against a wall outlet.
The apparatus includes a main power distribution module and auxiliary power distribution modules which connect to the main power distribution module. The main power distribution module has a main housing which allows the user to matingly connect auxiliary power distribution modules to the main housing, thus allowing the user to easily add outlets to the device. The power distribution apparatus also allows flexible choice in the number and type of electrical function devices positioned to control those electrical outlets by providing those control functions not only on the main power distribution module, but also through the auxiliary power distribution modules which may be additionally connected to the main module. The main housing is shaped to provide recessed side walls which matingly accept the complementary shape of the connecting auxiliary power distribution modules and, thereby, allows for adding electrical outlets to the apparatus while maintaining a slim profile against a wall outlet. The present invention, thus, provides a solution to the bulky, unsightly and unsafe combination of multiple socket outlets stacked one upon the other.
The main power distribution module includes a main power line connector, a main housing, and a plurality of auxiliary power line connector receptacles formed on the main housing. The main power line connector essentially includes connector pins extending from the main housing for electrically engaging with a main power supply line, usually by connecting to a wall electrical outlet. The main housing has a bottom wall, a top wall, three substantially planar spaced-apart side walls, and three recessed spaced-apart side walls each connected to and extending between two of the three substantially planar spaced-apart side walls. In a preferred embodiment, the recessed side walls provide arc shaped hollows into which fit the complementary shapes of the auxiliary power distribution modules. The main housing further includes one or more auxiliary power line connector receptacles, preferably located on the top wall of the main housing, for connecting auxiliary power lines, electrical devices and the like, for obtaining power. In addition, the main housing may include added features, such as a power disconnect switch, a power overload warning indicator, a circuit breaker, a timer switch, or any combination of these functions.
The apparatus also includes one or more auxiliary power distribution modules, having a shape complementary in fit to the arc shaped hollows created on the main power distribution module by its recessed side walls. Each auxiliary power distribution module includes an auxiliary power line connector receptacle to which an auxiliary power line may be connected for obtaining electrical power. In addition, each auxiliary power distribution module may be disposed with the same added power control features as the main power distribution module, such as a power disconnect switch, a power overload warning indicator, a circuit breaker, a timer switch, or any combination of these functions.
The apparatus may also be disposed with a power converter for conversion of electrical power from standard American 110 Volt alternating current to standard European 220 Volt power. The apparatus may also be configured to convert alternating current, from either American or European voltage to 12 Volt direct current. Additionally, the apparatus may include a current converter to change 15 Amp current to 30 Amp current, or vice versa.
The present invention also includes methods for distributing power from a main power supply line to auxiliary lines by electrically connecting a main power distribution module to the main power supply line, electrically connecting at least one auxiliary power distribution module to the main power distribution module so that an outer surface of the auxiliary power distribution module abuttingly contacts an outer surface of the main power distribution module, and by providing a power function device on the auxiliary power distribution module for responsively interacting with the power being distributed from the main power supply line to the auxiliary power distribution module.
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Abrams Neil
Allen Dyer Doppelt Milbrath & Gilchrist, P.A.
Duverne J. F.
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