POWER SUPPLY ATTACHMENT

• US 20130187459A1
• Filed: 01/23/2012
• Published: 07/25/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 01/23/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Twelve South, LLC
• Original Assignee: Andrew Bradford Green
• Inventors: Green, Andrew Bradford
• Granted Patent: US 9,368,966 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 307/31
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 27/02 for simultaneous co-operation with two or more dissimilar counterparts
• 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
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 3/00 Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00 Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H02M 7/003 Constructional details, e.g. physical layout, assembly, wiring or busbar connections

Abstract

A device that removably attaches to existing power supplies or adapters to provide power to one or more additional electronic devices, while not interfering or affecting the power being supplied to the primary or main electronic device by the power supply or adapter. The adapters, interfaces, connectors, cords and other components described herein may be used with any applicable electronic device, including portable electronic devices. In one embodiment, the device attaches to and provides power to a laptop computer power adapter, while simultaneously providing power to a USB port or interface.

Claims

1. An apparatus for providing power, comprising:

a case;

a power input portion on the exterior of said case and capable of being connected to a power source;

a first power output providing power of the same voltage and current type as the power source received by the power input portion, said first power output capable of being connected to a separate power adapter; and

a second power output providing power of a different voltage and current type than the power source received by the power input portion, wherein power is supplied by said first and second power outputs simultaneously.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the case is configured to be attached to the separate power adapter.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the case is L-shaped to fit onto a separate power adapter with a stepped top.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the power input portion comprises a pair of prongs.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the prongs are hinged or retractable.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second power output is a USB port or interface.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the USB port provides 10 W of power.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a cap, wherein the cap is configured to be removably attached to the case.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the cap is hollow.

10. A power adapter system, comprising:

a first power adapter comprising a power input portion adapted to receive detachable power connection modules, and a power output adapted to provide power to an electronic device; and

an ancillary power adapter attachment, said adapter attachment comprising;

(a) a case;

(b) an attachment power input portion on the exterior of said case and capable of being connected to a power source;

(c) a first attachment power output providing power of the same voltage and current type as the power source received by the attachment power input portion, said first attachment power output capable of being connected to the power input portion of the first power adapter; and

(d) a second attachment power output providing power of a different voltage and current type than the power source received by the attachment power input portion, wherein power is supplied by said first and second attachment power outputs simultaneously.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the ancillary power adapter attachment is configured to removably attach to said first power adapter to form a contiguous unit.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein the power input portion of the first power adapter is on a side of the first power adapter that is stepped, and the case is L-shaped to fit onto said stepped side when the ancillary power adapter attachment is attached to said first power adapter.

13. The system of claim 10, wherein the attachment power input portion comprises a pair of prongs.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the prongs are hinged or retractable.

15. The system of claim 10, wherein the second attachment power output is a USB port or interface.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the USB port provides 10 W of power.

17. The system of claim 10, wherein the ancillary power adapter attachment is a different color than the first power adapter.

18. The system of claim 10, wherein the case of the ancillary power adapter attachment is red in color, in whole or in part.