Electricity: conductors and insulators – Covers or face plates – With closure for face plate opening
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-10
2001-08-21
Reichard, Dean A. (Department: 2831)
Electricity: conductors and insulators
Covers or face plates
With closure for face plate opening
C220S242000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06278063
ABSTRACT:
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to multi-way electrical adaptors, and particularly, although not exclusively, to adaptors for connecting a plurality of appliances having mains plugs, to a single socket outlet.
It may also be usefully applied to other types of “multi-way” adaptors, such as those required to connect a number of telecommunication devices, to a single telephone socket.
In a typical office or home environment, where it is necessary to use such multi-way adaptors because of the large number of electrical and electronic appliances such as computers, TV, Hi Fi, etc which are to be connected to the mains, there typically results an unsightly and possibly dangerous tangle of cables, which is difficult to control. Accordingly, the present invention seeks to provide an arrangement which facilitates the control of such cables, and is very simple to put into effect, without requiring any specialised electrical equipment.
Accordingly, a first aspect of the present invention provides an enclosure adapted to house a multi-way cable connector, including means for accessing the interior of the enclosure to connect appliances to the multi-way connector, exit means for an input cable and for appliance connector cables, and internal storage space for surplus cable.
The exit means for cables may comprise a single aperture or slot, or may comprise separate apertures for the input and output cables.
The enclosure may be adapted to perform additional functions, as well as simply housing the multi-way connector. In addition to the facility for storing surplus cable, the interior may also be adapted to act as a general purpose container or carrying case for portable appliances requiring the use of the multi-way connector themselves, for example, power tools, lap top computers, or other such portable appliances. In such cases, the interior of the enclosure may include recesses or pockets adapted to receive such items and the exterior is preferably provided with a carrying handle.
According to a further feature of the invention, the exterior of the enclosure may be adapted to perform an additional function, for example to act as a foot rest, stool, or small table.
In a preferred form of the invention the enclosure comprises inner and outer shells which are releasably connected by means of “snap-fit” fasteners, for example of the plug and socket type. Preferably, the inner shell is reversible, relative to the outer shell, between a first position in which the assembly is adapted for use in horizontal, floor standing mode (for example as a footrest) and a second position in which it is adapted for use in a vertical, suspended mode (for example attached to the edge of a desk).
Some embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
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Fay Sharpe Fagan Minnich & McKee LLP
First Major Assets Limited
Patel Dhiru R.
Reichard Dean A.
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