POWER STRIP MODULES AND SYSTEMS

• US 20070123108A1
• Filed: 11/10/2006
• Published: 05/31/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 11/11/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Botir Sagdullaev, Irina Ivanova
• Original Assignee: Botir Sagdullaev, Irina Ivanova
• Inventors: Ivanova, Irina, Sagdullaev, Botir
• Granted Patent: US 7,371,122 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 439/620.220
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/514 composed as a modular blocks or assembly, i.e. composed of co-operating parts provided with contact members or holding contact members between them
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 25/003 the coupling part being secured only to wires or cables
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 9/2408 Modular blocks H01R9/26 takes precedence

Abstract

A power distribution system, in particular a power strip, includes one or more modules. The module housing typically approximates the shape of a rectangular or triangular block. In a preferred embodiment, the module approximates a cube and provides six major surfaces, each approximately at right angle to its neighboring major surfaces. Preferably, one major surface provides a male plug, while each remaining major surface provides a single female electrical socket. Such a module is spatially compact, aesthetically and visually appealing, and relieves the excessive bulk of oversized plugs that would otherwise block access to one or more sockets. A single module offers a stand-alone socket adapter, while a plurality of compatible modules can be joined together to form an adjustable power strip. Modules can be distinguished, such as by color, to specify function or use, and compatible modules can be conveniently provided in a kit.

Claims

1. A modular socket kit for an electrical outlet, comprising at least first and second modules, wherein each module comprises a housing including at least three major surfaces, wherein each major surface is at an angle to each neighboring major surface, wherein the first module comprises

a) a male electrical plug extending from a first major surface;

and

b) two female electrical sockets, the sockets positioned on second and third major surfaces and electrically connected through the first module to the male plug; and

wherein the second module comprises

a) a male electrical plug extending from a first major surface and being adapted to be received in at least one female socket of the first module without blocking access to the other female socket, wherein the first major surface of the second module and the major surface with the female socket of the first module make general intimate contact with each other; and

b) two female electrical sockets, the sockets positioned on second and third major surfaces and electrically connected through the second module to the male plug.

2. The kit of claim 1, wherein the housing is approximately shaped as a cube and includes six major surfaces, wherein each major surface is approximately at a right angle to each neighboring major surface.

3. The kit of claim 2, wherein each module further includes five female electrical sockets, the sockets positioned on second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth major surfaces and electrically connected through the module to the male plug.

4. The kit of claim 1, wherein the housing is approximately shaped as a triangular block, including three major surfaces, wherein each major surface is at an angle to each neighboring major surface.

5. The kit of claim 4, wherein two of the major surfaces are approximately at a right angle to each other.

6. The kit of claim 1, wherein at least one module further comprises visible identification to distinguish it from at least one other module.

7. The kit of claim 6, wherein the visible identification indicates use or function of the module.

8. The kit of any of claims 1-5, wherein the first module further includes a surge protector electrically connected between the male plug and the female sockets of the first module to provide surge protection to a device connected to any of the female sockets.

9. The kit of any of claims 1-5, wherein the male electrical plug of the first module is connected to the first module by a power cord.

10. The kit of claim 1, further including a power switch in the first module to control the application of power from the male plug to the female sockets.

16. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the male electrical plug is connected to the adapter housing by a power cord.

11. A socket adapter for an electrical outlet, comprising a housing including at least three major surfaces, wherein each major surface is at an angle to each neighboring major surface, wherein the adapter includes

a) a male plug extending from a first major surface;

and

b) two female electrical sockets, the sockets positioned on second and third major surfaces and electrically connected through the adapter to the male plug, the first major surface and at least one of the second and third major surfaces having complementary shapes so that when located on separate modules and brought together they make intimate contact and do not block access to the other female electrical socket.

12. The adapter of claim 11, wherein the housing is approximately shaped as a cube and includes six major surfaces, wherein each major surface is approximately at a right angle to each neighboring major surface.

13. The adapter of claim 12, further including five female electrical sockets, the sockets positioned on second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth major surfaces and electrically connected through the module to the male plug.

14. The adapter of claim 11, wherein the housing is approximately shaped as a triangular block including three major surfaces, wherein each major surface is at an angle to each neighboring major surface.

15. The adapter of claim 14, wherein two of the major surfaces are approximately at a right angle to each other.

17. The adapter of any of claims 11-15, further including a surge protector electrically connected between the male plug and the female sockets to provide surge protection to a device connected to any of the female sockets.

18. The adapter claim 11, further including a power switch to control the application of power from the male plug to the female sockets.