Multi-socket assembly

• US 7,547,235 B2
• Filed: 01/20/2005
• Issued: 06/16/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 01/26/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Noa Hasid
• Original Assignee: Noa Hasid
• Inventors: Hasid, Noa
• Primary Examiner(s): Ta; Tho D
• Assistant Examiner(s): CHAMBERS, TRAVIS SLOAN
• Application Number:
  US10/587,211
• Publication Number:
  US 20070155212A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,608 Days
• Field of Search: 439/652, 439/650, 439/590, 439/170, 439/77, 439/653
• US Class Current: 439/652
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 12/59 for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/70 with built-in switch
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/717 with built-in light source
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/7175 Light emitting diodes (LEDs)
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 25/003 the coupling part being secured only to wires or cables
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 25/006 the coupling part being secured to apparatus or structure, e.g. duplex wall receptacle
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 31/02 Intermediate parts for distributing energy to two or more circuits in parallel, e.g. splitter with a holder adapted for supporting apparatus to which its counterpart is attached H01R33/92
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 31/065 with built-in electric apparatus

Abstract

A multi-socket assembly comprising a plug unit operatively connected to at least one socket unit wherein the assembly is formed as an integral body comprising at least one suitable electrically insulating material that encapsulates the electrical connections between the plug unit and the at least one socket unit.

Claims

1. A multi-socket assembly formed as a unitary, integrally molded body comprising:

a plug unit integrally formed with a first socket unit and at least one additional socket unit electrically connected to the plug unit, each being formed as blocks interconnected by a flexible bridge;

electrically insulating material encapsulating at least two parallelly spaced apart electrical connections between said plug unit and said socket units;

said electrical connections comprise a phase line, comprising electrically connected elements including a pin, conductor and at least one connector, and a neutral line, comprising electrically connected elements including a pin, conductor and at least one connector; and

the flexible bridge being of sufficient length to enable folding thereof so as to provide a compact configuration, whereby said at least one additional socket unit is aligned over said plug unit.

2. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein said blocks are formed as discs.

3. An assembly according to claim 1, comprising two said socket units linearly arranged with respect to said plug unit.

4. An assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a suitable indicator for alerting a user that the said assembly is connected to an electric source.

5. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein said indicator comprises an LED that is adapted for lighting when said assembly is connected to an electric source.

6. An assembly according to claim 1, further comprising at least one switch for selectively connecting or interrupting the electrical connection between said plug unit and said at least one said socket unit.

7. An assembly according to claim 1, particularly adapted for distributing AC current from said plug unit to said socket units.

8. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein said electrical connections further comprise a ground line, comprising electrically connected elements including a pin, conductor and at least one connector.

9. An assembly according to claim 8, wherein said earth line, phase line and neutral lines are each arranged along substantially parallel axes, and wherein the earth line axis is in-between the phase line axis and the neutral line axis.

10. An assembly according to claim 1, further comprising locking means to reversibly lock said at least one socket unit with respect to said plug unit when in said compact configuration.

11. An assembly according to claim 10, wherein said locking means comprise mutually engageable male and female elements, each comprised on facing surfaces of said plug unit and said socket unit when in the said compact configuration.

12. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein said material is a suitable plastic or rubber-based material.

13. An assembly according to claim 12, wherein said material is a flexible material.

14. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein said integral body is formed by casting said at least one encapsulating material in a suitable mold.

15. An assembly according to claim 14, wherein said plug unit and said socket units are formed as blocks interconnected via at least one of webs and bridges, and wherein a first encapsulating material is used for said blocks and a second encapsulating material is used for said bridges.

16. An assembly according to claim 15, wherein said first encapsulating material is relatively more rigid than said second encapsulating material.

17. A multi-socket assembly formed as a unitary, integrally molded body comprising:

a plug unit integrally formed with a first socket unit and at least one additional socket unit electrically connected to the plug unit, each being formed as blocks interconnected by a flexible bridge;

electrically insulating material encapsulating at least two parallelly spaced apart electrical connections between said plug unit and said socket units;

the flexible bridge being of sufficient length to enable folding thereof so as to provide a compact configuration, whereby said at least one additional socket unit is aligned over said plug unit; and

at least one locking element to reversibly lock said at least one socket unit with respect to said plug unit when in said compact configuration.

18. An assembly according to claim 17, wherein said locking element comprises mutually engageable male and female elements, each formed on facing surfaces of said plug unit and said socket unit when in said compact configuration.