Electricity: transmission to vehicles – Flexible extensions – Reels
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-05
2001-08-21
Morano, S. Joseph (Department: 2831)
Electricity: transmission to vehicles
Flexible extensions
Reels
C191S012400, C191S01200C, C174S069000, C174S1170FF, C174S1170FF
Reexamination Certificate
active
06276502
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a flat extension cord. More particularly, the invention relates to a flat extension cord that provides electrical power and/or signal communication interconnectivity in an easy-to-use, portable device that prevents snaggled wires and tripping. The invention further relates to a retractable extension cord that provides electrical power and/or signal communication interconnectivity to a device much like a tape measure. The invention also relates to a housing for a retractable extension cord where the housing utilizes rotary structure for extending or retracting the cord.
2. Description of Related Art
With the advent of remote access communication and portable computing devices, there is a need to provide reliable electrical power to these devices in a convenient fashion. Coupled with the need for reliable and convenient electrical power, is the need provide reliable and convenient data communication connections for these devices. The rising market for laptop computers alone attests to this need.
Commensurate with the need for reliable and convenient power and data communication connections, is the need for mobile and efficient peripheral devices such as printers and scanners. Mobile and efficient, in this sense, typically means small and light-weight. Additionally, there is a need to provide ergonomically designed devices that do not inhibit or interfere with users, or adversely affect the working environment.
Currently, when a laptop computer user wants to plug the computer into an electrical outlet and/or a data outlet (e.g., a network data port or a telephone jack), the user must run a power extension cord to the computer along with a separate data line cord. Because these cords may be bulky and loose, they can become entangled. The cords can also be a hazard to pedestrians who may trip over the cords, causing injury, or may pull the computer onto the floor, causing equipment damage. In a meeting where everyone brings a laptop, the resultant tangle of wires is downright hazardous.
Ergonomically designed extension cords are known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,780,994 discloses a flat extension cord for use under carpet. However, this device is not retractable into a housing and, because it is placed under the carpet, it is not readily portable. Additionally, this device does not include data transmission lines.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,590,749 ('749 patent) and 5,701,981 ('981 patent) disclose retractable cords and housings. The '749 patent discloses a spring-biased, retractable reel within a housing, wherein an electrical cord is wound around the reel. The '981 patent also discloses a spring-biased, retractable reel within a housing, wherein an electrical cord is wound around the reel. However, neither of these patents discloses a multi-functional, substantially flat extension cord for providing both power and data transmission to a device.
Thus, there is a need to provide a mobile, light-weight device that can connect portable communication and computing devices to an electrical power source and/or a data communication source. The device should allow a variable length of cord to be utilized to prevent a personnel or equipment hazard. The device also should be robust enough to withstand frequent and numerous “plugging” and “unplugging” events, and the handling and displacement associated with transportation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore a principal object of the present invention to provide a flat extension cord that can connect portable communication and/or computing devices to respective electrical power and data communication sources.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a retractable extension cord that can simultaneously connect portable communication and computing devices to both an electrical power source and a data communication source, and which can be retracted into a portable housing.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a housing for a retractable extension cord.
In one aspect of the present invention a flat extension cord includes a thin, elongate dielectric strip. A plurality of flexible electrical power conductors extend lengthwise within the strip. Additionally, a plurality of flexible data transmission conductors, electrically insulated from the electrical power conductors, extend lengthwise within said strip. A first connector is electrically connected to the plurality of electrical power conductors and the plurality of data transmission conductors at a first end of the strip. A second connector is electrically connected to the plurality of electrical power conductors at a second end of the strip. A third connector is electrically connected to the plurality of data transmission conductors at the second end of said strip. Preferably, the strip is stiff so that it lays flat on the floor, preventing tripping.
In another aspect of the present invention, a retractable, flat electrical cable includes a concave, longitudinally-extending support member, and at least one electrical conductor coupled to the support member. A housing, and a rewinder coupled to the housing which rewinds the support member and the conductor into the housing. The concave support member preferably biases the cord to add longitudinal stiffness, allowing the cord to be flat, be easily moved, and be easily extended and retracted.
In a further aspect of the present invention, a retractable extension cord includes a housing, and a spool mechanism rotatably mounted within the housing, and a flat extension cord having a first end attached to the spool mechanism and a second end extending from a first opening in the housing. The extension cord includes an elongate dielectric strip, a plurality of flexible electrical power conductors extending lengthwise within the strip, a plurality of flexible data transmission conductors electrically insulated from the electrical power conductors and extending lengthwise within the strip, and a first connector electrically connected to the plurality of electrical power conductors and the plurality of data transmission conductors at a second end of the extension cord. A second connector is mounted to an external surface of the housing and is electrically connected to the plurality of electrical power conductors at the first end of the extension cord. Additionally, a third connector is mounted in a second opening of the housing and is electrically connected to the plurality of data transmission conductors at the first end of the extension cord.
In still a further aspect of the present invention, a retractable extension cord includes a housing, a spool mechanism rotatably mounted within the housing, and a flat extension cord having a first end attached to the spool mechanism and a second end extending from a first opening in the housing. The extension cord includes an elongate dielectric strip, a plurality of flexible electrical power conductors extending lengthwise within the strip, a plurality of flexible data transmission conductors electrically insulated from the electrical power conductors and extending lengthwise within the strip, and a first connector electrically connected to the plurality of electrical power conductors and the plurality of data transmission conductors at a second end of the extension cord. A second connector is pivotally mounted to an external surface of the housing and is electrically connected to the plurality of electrical power conductors at the first end of the extension cord. A third connector mounted in a second opening of the housing is electrically connected to the plurality of data transmission conductors at the first end of the extension cord.
In an additional aspect of the present invention, a housing for a retractable extension cord includes a hollow casing having a removable cover plate and an opening through which the retractable extension cord extends. A reel mechanism is rotatably mounted within the hollow casing, and a rewinder is coupled to the reel mechanism. A b
Lee Esther S.
Leyba Martin
Jules Frantz F.
Morano S. Joseph
Zavis Katten Muchin
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