Networking and multimedia adapter for power outlets

• US 20070047573A1
• Filed: 08/28/2006
• Published: 03/01/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 08/29/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: STMicroelectronics International N.V. (STMicroelectronics NV)
• Original Assignee: Arkados Incorporated (Iota Communications, Inc.)
• Inventors: Ebert, Brion, Logvinov, Oleg
• Granted Patent: US 7,830,248 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 370/463
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 27/00 Coupling parts adapted for co-operation with two or more dissimilar counterparts for dissimilar contact members H01R13/35; supported only by co-operation with a counterpart H01R31/00; with a holder adapted for supporting apparatus to which its counterpart is attached H01R33/90
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 31/06 Intermediate parts for linking two coupling parts, e.g. adapter with a holder adapted for supporting apparatus to which its counterpart is attached H01R33/94

Abstract

A power outlet adaptor device having a housing, at least one multimedia, networking and/or communications component, and an electrical socket box including at least one electrical socket is provided. The multimedia, networking, and/or communications component is secured within the housing and provides multimedia, networking and/or communications capabilities. The electrical socket accommodates an electrical device plug. The housing fits around the electrical socket box. The electrical socket box electrically couples to the multimedia, networking, and/or communications component.

Claims

1. A power outlet adaptor device, comprising

a housing;

at least one multimedia, networking and/or communications component configured to be secured within said housing and further configured to provide multimedia, networking and/or communications capabilities; and

an electrical socket box including at least one electrical socket configured to accommodate an electrical device plug, wherein said housing is configured to fit around said electrical socket box;

wherein said electrical socket box is further configured to be electrically coupled to said at least one multimedia, networking, and/or communications component.

2. The adaptor device according to claim 1, wherein said adaptor device is configured to be electrically wired to an existing electrical line and further configured to replace an existing wall outlet.

3. The adaptor device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one plug configured to be electrically coupled to said electrical socket box.

4. The adaptor device according to claim 3, wherein said at least one plug is configured to be inserted into an electrical outlet and is further configured to provide power to said at least one multimedia, networking and/or communications component.

5. The adaptor device according to claim 1, wherein said housing is removable.

6. The adaptor device according to claim 1, wherein said at least one multimedia, networking and/communications component provides connection selected from a group consisting of:

wireless connection, wired connection, or wireline connection.

7. The adaptor device according to claim 1, further comprising a light-emitting device configured to emit variable intensity and color light.

8. The adaptor device according to claim 7, wherein said light-emitting device is configured to indicate status of said at least one multimedia, networking and/or communications component;

wherein said status is indicated by said variable intensity and color light.

9. The adaptor device according to claim 8, wherein said light-emitting device is further configured to indicate status of a network provided by said at least one multimedia, networking and/or communications component;

wherein said status of the network is indicated by said variable intensity and color light.

10. The adaptor device according to claim 1, further comprising at least two sockets configured to be disposed on said electrical socket box.

11. The adaptor device according to claim 1, further comprising two plugs configured to be coupled to said electrical socket box.

12. The adaptor device according to claim 11, wherein said two plugs are configured to be inserted into a two-socket electrical wall outlet.

13. The adaptor device according to claim 12, further comprising

a top plug configured to be inserted into the electrical wall outlet;

and

a bottom plug configured to be inserted into the electrical wall outlet.

14. The adaptor device according to claim 13, wherein said top plug provides power to said at least one multimedia, networking and/or communications component.

15. The adaptor device according to claim 13, wherein said bottom plug provide power to said at least one multimedia, networking, and/or communications component.

16. The adaptor device according to claim 13, wherein said top and said bottom plugs provide power to said at least one multimedia, networking and/or communications component.

17. The adaptor device according to claim 1, wherein said electrical socket box is configured to be wired to an existing electrical line and said housing is configured to be coupled to a wall opening for an electric outlet using means selected from a group consisting of:

screws, bolts, Velcro®

, clips, clamps, adhesives, and snap-ons.

18. The adaptor device according to claim 1, wherein said electrical socket box is configured to be plugged in to an existing wall outlet using at least one plug electrically coupled to said electrical socket box said housing is further configured to be coupled to one of said electrical socket box or an existing wall outlet.

19. The adaptor device according to claim 1, wherein said housing is translucent.

20. The adaptor device according to claim 1, wherein said housing is provided in a selection of colors.

21. The adaptor device according to claim 1, wherein a user can paint said housing in at least one color.

22. The adaptor device according to claim 1, wherein the adaptor device is configured to resemble the electrical wall outlet into which the adaptor device is plugged in using at least one plug.

23. The adaptor device according to claim 1, wherein the adaptor device has a substantially the same height and width as the electrical wall outlet.

24. The adaptor device according to claim 1, wherein a combination of said housing has a substantially minimal thickness and is configured to minimally protrude away from a wall.

25. A method of making a power outlet adaptor device, comprising the steps of:

providing a housing;

securing at least one multimedia, networking and/or communications component within said housing, wherein said at least one multimedia, networking and/or communications component configured to provide multimedia, networking and/or communications capabilities; and

providing an electrical socket box that includes at least one electrical socket configured to accommodate an electrical device plug, wherein said housing is configured to fit around said electrical socket box; and

electrically coupling said electrical socket box to said at least one multimedia, networking, and/or communications component.