Quick-disconnect power adapters
First Claim
1. An adapter for use in maintaining an electrical connection between an electrical device and an electrical outlet, said adapter being adapted to facilitate a safe break in said electrical connection, wherein said adapter comprises:
- a first connector that comprises a hinged element rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation and disposed in an interior portion of said first connector, said hinged element comprising;
a first set of one or more electrical contacts spaced apart said axis of rotation; and
a first magnetic portion spaced apart from said axis of rotation;
a second connector that comprises;
a second set of one or more electrical contacts; and
a second magnetic portion,wherein;
said hinged portion is adapted to rotate about said axis of rotation between;
a first position; and
a second position in which (A) said first set of one or more electrical contacts engages said second set of one of more electrical contacts when said first connector is adjacent said second connector; and
(B) said engagement between said first and second sets of contacts facilitates a communication of electrical current between said first and second connectors;
said first magnetic portion and said second magnetic portion are adapted such that an attractive force between said first and second magnetic portions causes said hinged element to rotate about said axis of rotation from said first position into said second position;
said first magnetic portion and said second magnetic portion are adapted to cooperate to form a releasable connection between said first connector and said second connector; and
said first magnetic portion and said second magnetic portion are adapted so that an application of a sufficient force pulling said first connector away from said second connector releases said connection between said first and second connectors so that said first set of electrical contacts disengages from said second set of electrical contacts.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A quick disconnect power adapter for maintaining a connection between a plug and a receptacle. In various embodiments, the quick disconnect power adapter maintains a completed circuit for providing power from a power source to an electrical device with a releasable fastener. In particular embodiments, the releasable fastener includes one or more magnets. In various embodiments, the quick disconnect power adapter is configured such that the electrical contact points of the plug and receptacle cannot be touched or otherwise contacted by a user when the plug and receptacle are not engaged.
41 Citations
19 Claims
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1. An adapter for use in maintaining an electrical connection between an electrical device and an electrical outlet, said adapter being adapted to facilitate a safe break in said electrical connection, wherein said adapter comprises:
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a first connector that comprises a hinged element rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation and disposed in an interior portion of said first connector, said hinged element comprising; a first set of one or more electrical contacts spaced apart said axis of rotation; and a first magnetic portion spaced apart from said axis of rotation; a second connector that comprises; a second set of one or more electrical contacts; and a second magnetic portion, wherein; said hinged portion is adapted to rotate about said axis of rotation between; a first position; and a second position in which (A) said first set of one or more electrical contacts engages said second set of one of more electrical contacts when said first connector is adjacent said second connector; and
(B) said engagement between said first and second sets of contacts facilitates a communication of electrical current between said first and second connectors;said first magnetic portion and said second magnetic portion are adapted such that an attractive force between said first and second magnetic portions causes said hinged element to rotate about said axis of rotation from said first position into said second position; said first magnetic portion and said second magnetic portion are adapted to cooperate to form a releasable connection between said first connector and said second connector; and said first magnetic portion and said second magnetic portion are adapted so that an application of a sufficient force pulling said first connector away from said second connector releases said connection between said first and second connectors so that said first set of electrical contacts disengages from said second set of electrical contacts. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. An adapter for use in maintaining an electrical connection between an electrical device and a source of electricity, said adapter being adapted to facilitate a safe break in said electrical connection, wherein:
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said adapter comprises; a first connector that comprises; a housing having an interior portion, wherein said housing defines one or more contact receptacles; a first set of one or more electrical contacts that at least generally correspond in size, shape, and orientation to said one or more contact receptacles, wherein said first set of one or more electrical contacts are adapted to move between;
(1) a first position in which said first set of one or more receptacles are disposed within said interior portion of said housing; and
(2) a second position in which said first set of one or more electrical contacts are disposed at least partially within said one or more contact receptacles;a second connector that comprises a second set of one or more electrical contacts, and a magnetic coupling device that is adapted to form a releasable connection between said first connector and said second connector, said magnetic coupling device comprising; a first magnetic coupling portion operatively coupled to said first set of one or more electrical contacts; and a second magnetic coupling portion operatively coupled to said second connector; said releasable connection between said first connector and said second connector is such that;
(1) said first set of one or more electrical contacts engages said second set of one or more electrical contacts through said one or more contact receptacles when said first set of one or more electrical contacts is in said second position and said first connector is adjacent said second connector; and
(2) said engagement between said first and second sets of contacts facilitates a communication of electrical current between said first and second connectors. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification