Power module having retractable cord

• US 7,189,107 B1
• Filed: 09/23/2005
• Issued: 03/13/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 09/22/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Sauder Woodworking Company
• Original Assignee: O'Sullivan Industries Holdings, Inc.
• Inventors: Franks, Michael L., Strayer, Mark
• Primary Examiner(s): DINH, PHUONG K
• Application Number:
  US11/234,567
• Time in Patent Office: 536 Days
• Field of Search: 439/650, 439/651, 439/652, 439/214, 439/501, 108/50.02, 191/12.2 R, 191/12.4
• US Class Current: 439/501
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6456 comprising keying elements at different positions along the periphery of the connector
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/72 Means for accommodating flexible lead within the holder

Abstract

A power module including a housing, a plurality of first electrical connectors coupled to the housing, a second electrical connector coupled to an end of an extension cord that is configured to extend from and retract back into the housing, and a power cord coupled to the housing and configured to energize the second electrical connector via the extension cord and each of the plurality of first electrical connectors.

Claims

1. A power module, comprising:

a housing having an external surface and a keyed, external profile, wherein the keyed, external profile is configured to cooperate with a corresponding profile of a furniture piece into which the power module is configured to be inserted;

a plurality of first female electrical connectors each fixed to the external surface of the housing;

a second female electrical connector coupled to an end of an extension cord extendable from the housing; and

a power cord coupled to the housing and configured to energize the second female electrical connector, via the extension cord, and each of the plurality of first female electrical connectors.

2. The power module of claim 1 wherein the extension cord is configured to be stored internal to the housing and be extended from the housing to a variable length during use.

3. The power module of claim 2 wherein the extension cord is configured to be retracted into the housing by hand manipulation.

4. The power module of claim 2 wherein the extension cord is configured to self-retract into the housing when extended from the housing.

5. The power module of claim 1 wherein the keyed, external profile includes elongated projections configured to cooperate with corresponding recesses of the furniture piece profile.

6. The power module of claim 5 wherein the furniture piece is selected from the group consisting of:

storage means;

cabinetry;

a tool box;

a chest;

a furniture piece; and

a workbench.

7. The power module of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of first female electrical connectors is grounded.

8. The power module of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of first female electrical connectors is surge-protected.

9. The power module of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of first female electrical connectors is a UL-listed connector.

10. The power module of claim 1 further comprising a switch configured to energize each of the plurality of first female electrical connectors with electricity received from the power cord.

11. The power module of claim 10 wherein the switch is further configured to energize the second female electrical connector via the extension cord.

12. The power module of claim 1 wherein the keyed, external profile includes elongated recesses configured to cooperate with corresponding features of the furniture piece profile.

13. A power module, comprising:

a housing having an external front surface and an external side surface, wherein the external side surface includes a first feature;

a plurality of first female electrical connectors coupled to the external front surface of the housing;

an extension cord stored internal to the housing and configured to be retractably extended from the housing to a variable length;

a second female electrical connector coupled to an external end of the extension cord; and

a power cord coupled to and extending from the housing and configured to energize the second female electrical connector, via the extension cord, and each of the plurality of first female electrical connectors;

wherein the first feature is configured to cooperate with a second feature of a corresponding profile of a furniture piece into which the power module is configured to be inserted; and

wherein the power module is configured to be received into the furniture piece profile only when the power module is oriented relative to the furniture piece profile in a manner that the first and second features engage.

14. The power module of claim 13 wherein the extension cord is configured to be retracted into the housing by hand manipulation.

15. The power module of claim 13 wherein the extension cord is configured to self-retract into the housing when extended from the housing.

16. The power module of claim 13 wherein each of the first and second features is selected from the group consisting of:

a ridge;

a slot;

a groove;

a boss;

an elongated projection; and

an elongated recess.

17. The power module of claim 13 wherein each of the plurality of first female electrical connectors is a grounded, surge-protected, UL-listed connector.

18. The power module of claim 13 further comprising a switch configured to energize each of the plurality of first female electrical connectors with electricity received from the power cord.

19. A power module, comprising:

a housing configured to be received into an opening in a furniture piece in an orientation determined by engagement of an external feature of the housing with an internal feature of the furniture piece opening;

a plurality of first female electrical connectors each coupled to an external surface of the housing;

an extension cord stored internal to the housing and configured to;

extend from the housing to a variable length; and

self-retract into the housing;

a second female electrical connector coupled to an external end of the extension cord; and

a power cord coupled to the housing and configured to energize the second female electrical connector, via the extension cord, and each of the plurality of first female electrical connectors.

20. The power module of claim 19 wherein the external feature of the housing and the internal feature of the furniture piece opening are each selected from the group consisting of:

a ridge;

a slot;

a groove;

a boss;

an elongated projection; and

an elongated recess.