Multipurpose Electrical Power Block

Abstract

A power cord with an integrated socket box located between its plug and connector has many advantages, especially in the construction industry. Power tools can be manufactured with this power cord so that one need not look for an extension cord when he is seeking to use a secondary tool. This power cord also allows for multiple parties to work from a single power source.

In some embodiments, the power cord is an integral part of the electrical device, such as a power tool. In other embodiments, the power cord is permanently attached to the existing electrical device. In some cases, a securing sheathe made of heat shrinking tubing is used to attach the power cord to the electrical device.

In some embodiments, the integrated socket box can have more than one socket. In at least one embodiment the integrated socket box has a ground fault interrupter.

Claims

1. A power block comprising: (a) a male plug; (b) a socket box comprising: (i) a first socket; (ii) a second socket: (c) a magnet; and (d) a belt clip.

2. The power block of claim 1 wherein said socket box further comprises: (iii) a USB port.

3. The power block of claim 1 wherein said power box further comprises: (e) a tool.

4. The power block of claim 1 wherein said belt clip allows said socket box to rotate freely.

5. The power block of claim 3 further comprising: (f) an indicia to indicate the power status of said power block.

6. The power block of claim 3 wherein said tool is a flashlight. The power block of claim 3 wherein said tool is a panic alarm.

8. The power block of claim 3 wherein said tool is a marking device.

9. The power block of claim 3 wherein said tool is a measuring device.

10. The power block of claim 3 wherein said tool is a bubble level.

11. The power block of claim 3 wherein said tool is a laser level.

12. The power block of claim 3 wherein said tool is an ammeter.

13. The power block of claim 7 wherein said panic alarm is connected to a network of power blocks.

14. The power block of claim 7 wherein said panic alarm is configured to automatically alert a user when a given condition is met.

15. The power block of claim 14 wherein said given condition is a high concentration of carbon monoxide.

16. The power block of claim 7 wherein said panic alarm creates an audible alert.

17. A customizable power block comprises: (a) a first power unit comprising a GFI; (b) a second power unit comprising a tool; and (c) a third power unit comprising a first socket and a second socket, wherein said power units are electrically connected to each other via a series of plugs and sockets.

18. The customizable power block of claim 17, wherein said power units are secured to each other via securing mechanisms, wherein said securing mechanisms are selected from the group a plurality of clips and a plurality of magnets.

19. The customizable power block of claim 17, wherein said tool is a flashlight.

20. The customizable power block of claim 17, wherein at least one of said power units comprises a USB port.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable circular saw with an integrated multi-socket power cord.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a router with an integrated multi-socket power cord.

[0028] FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of a multi-socket extension cord.

[0029] FIG. 3B is a back perspective view of the multi-socket extension cord of FIG. 3A.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a multi-socket extension cord with an integrated ground fault interrupter (GFI).

[0031] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a mechanism for securely conjoining two power cords or extension cords.

[0032] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a router with an integrated multi-socket power cord attached via the mechanism illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0033] FIG. 7A is a front perspective view of a multi-socket power block.

[0034] FIG. 7B is a back perspective view of a multi-socket power block of FIG. 7A.

[0035] FIG. 8A is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a multi-socket power block.

[0036] FIG. 8B is a bottom perspective view of the multi-socket power block shown in FIG. 8A.

[0037] FIG. 9 is a side view of a customizable multi-use power block.

[0038] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a freely-floating power block.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

[0039] The present apparatus relates to the supply of electrical power to one or more electrical devices or appliances.

[0040] The present apparatus is particularly suitable for situations where more than one device requires electrical power from the same mains outlet.

[0041] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of portable circular saw 100 with an integrated multi-socket power cord. Circular saw 100 comprises circular saw tool 110, power cable 120, plug 130 and connection 135.

[0042] Plug 130 and power cable 120 can be configured to work with a wide variety of voltages, including but not limited to 110 and 220 volts.

[0043] Circular saw 100 further has socket box 140 integrated into power cable 120. Socket box 140 can have one or more sockets such as sockets 142, 144 and 146 shown in FIG. 1.

[0044] Socket box 140 can be located at a suitable position along power cable 120. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1, socket box 140 is located close to plug 130. In other embodiments, socket box 140 can be located close to connection 135 and, in yet other embodiments, socket box 140 can be located at an intermediate position along power cable 120.

[0045] In some embodiments, two or more socket boxes 140 can be integrated into power cable 120, each socket box 140 comprising one or more sockets such as sockets 142, 144 and 146.

[0046] When plug 130 is connected to a mains power supply, sockets 142, 144 and 146 can be used to supply power to electrical devices.

[0047] A benefit of integrating power cable 120 and socket box 140 with circular saw tool 110 via connection 135 is that the one or more additional sockets (such as sockets 142, 144 and 146) are conveniently located and readily accessible to the operator of circular saw 100.

[0048] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of router 200 with an integrated multi-socket power cord. Router 200 has router tool 210, power cable 220, plug 230 and a connection 235.

[0049] In some embodiments, router 200 can have socket box 240 integrated into power cable 220. Socket box 240 can have one or more sockets such as socket 242 shown in FIG. 2. When plug 230 is connected to a mains power supply, socket 242 can be used to supply power to an electrical device.

[0050] FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of multi-socket extension cord 300. FIG. 3B is a back perspective view of multi-socket extension cord 300 of FIG. 3A.

[0051] Multi-socket extension cord 300 has male connector (or plug) 310, female connector (or socket) 320, and socket box 340. A first length of power cable 330 connects plug 310 to socket box 340, and second length of power cable 335 connects socket 320 to socket box 340.

[0052] Socket box 340 can have one or more sockets such as sockets 342, 344 and 346 as shown in FIG. 3. When plug 310 is connected to a main power supply, sockets 320, 342, 344 and 346 can supply power to electrical devices.

[0053] In some embodiments, socket box 340 can include Universal Serial Bus (USB) port 322. USB port 322 allows for various electronics, such as many smartphones and tablets, to be charged and/or powered directly from extension cord 300 without the need of an adapter. USB port 322 can be one of any of the several standards including, but not limited to, USB 1.x, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, and any future standards.

[0054] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of multi-socket extension cord 400 with an integrated ground fault interrupter (GFI).

[0055] Multi-socket extension cord 400 can have male connector (or plug) 410, female connector (or socket) 420, and socket box 440. First length of power cable 430 connects plug 410 to socket box 440, and second length of power cable 435 connects socket 420 to socket box 440.

[0056] In some embodiments, socket box 440 can light up to indicate that extension cord 400 is connected to an active power source. In other or the same embodiments, socket box 440 can include an indicia that indicates when extension cord 400 is connected to an active power source.

[0057] Socket box 440 can have one or more sockets such as sockets 442 and 444 as shown in FIG. 4. When plug 410 is connected to a main power supply, sockets 420, 442 and 444 can supply power to electrical devices.

[0058] In some embodiments, socket box 440 can have ground fault interrupter (GFI) 450. GFI 450 is desirable in situations such as when electrical devices powered via extension cord 400 are used in bathrooms or kitchens, outdoors, near swimming pools, or in connection with wet saws, wet-dry vacuums, and other power tools that are used with or near water. GFI 450 is configured to detect a leakage current of a few mA and trip a circuit breaker thereby reducing the risk of an electric shock to the user.

[0059] GFI 450 can comprise a test button and a reset button. When pressed, a test button simulates an electrical short by causing a small difference between the hot and neutral currents. If GFI 450 is working correctly, the test trips the circuit breaker. The breaker can be reset using the reset button.

[0060] A benefit of multi-socket extension cord 400 with integrated GFI is safer operation especially in environments presenting a shock hazard such as bathrooms. When no mains outlet comprising GFI is conveniently available, multi-socket extension cord 400 can provide GFI protection and reduce the risk of electric shock or other consequences of an electrical short.

[0061] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a mechanism 500 for securely conjoining two power cords or extension cords.

[0062] In the example shown in FIG. 5, plug 510 is at one end of a power cord connected to an electrical device (not shown in FIG. 5). A first length of power cable 530 connects plug 510 to the electrical device.

[0063] Socket 520 is at one end of an extension cord connectable to a mains supply outlet (not shown in FIG. 5). A second length of power cable 535 connects socket 520 to the mains supply outlet. The extension cord can be a multi-socket extension cord such as extension cord 400 of FIG. 4 or an extension cord with GFI such as extension cord 500 of FIG. 5.

[0064] A length of heat shrink tubing (or sleeve) 540 can be used to seal the connection between plug 510 and socket 520. Sleeve 540 can comprise mechanically expanded extruded plastic, for example, that shrinks around its diameter when heated. For the purposes of illustration, sleeve 450 is shown in FIG. 5 in its state prior to shrinking.

[0065] When sleeve 540 is shrunk, it forms a seal around the connection between plug 510 and socket 520. Sleeve 540 securely fastens the power cord to the extension cord, and is not intended to be detached by the user.

[0066] In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 5, sleeve 540 can be slid over plug 510 and around cable 530 before a connection is made between plug 510 and socket 520. Once the connection is made, sleeve 540 can be slid over the connection. It is generally desirable that sleeve 540 covers both plug 510 and socket 520 in their entirety, thereby providing a secure connection and, optionally, insulation and/or waterproofing.

[0067] In other embodiments, other suitable mechanisms can be used for securely and/or permanently fastening plug 510 to socket 520.

[0068] A benefit of mechanism 500 of FIG. 5 is that a cord comprising an integrated socket box (such as socket box 140 of FIG. 1, 240 of FIG. 2, 340 of FIGS. 3 and 440 of FIG. 4) can be retrofitted to an existing power cord. The existing power cord and the cord comprising the integrated socket box can be conjoined using the mechanism shown described in FIG. 5 or another suitable mechanism. The resulting conjoined cord has the benefits of a multi-socket power cord described above.

[0069] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of router 600 with an integrated multi-socket power cord 670 connected via sleeve 690. Router 600 has router tool 610, power cable 620, plug 630 and a connection 635.

[0070] In some embodiments, integrated multi-socket power cord 670 is connected to plug 630 via socket 646. Plug 630 and socket 646 can be covered via sleeve 690. Integrated multi-socket power cord 670 can comprises socket box 640 with one or more sockets such as sockets 642 and 644. When plug 630 is connected to a mains power supply, sockets 642 and 644 can be used to supply power to an electrical device.

[0071] FIG. 7A is a front perspective view of multi-socket power block 700. FIG. 7B is a back perspective view of multi-socket power block 700 of FIG. 7A.

[0072] Multi-socket power block 700 has male connector (or plug) 710 and socket box 740. In some embodiments, (such as that shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B) multi-socket power block 700 has no flexible cords.

[0073] Socket box 740 can have one or more sockets such as sockets 742, 744, 746, and 748 as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. When plug 710 is connected to a main power supply, sockets 742, 744, 746, and 748 can supply power to electrical devices.

[0074] In some embodiments, socket box 740 can include Universal Serial Bus (USB) port 722. USB port 722 allows for various electronics, such as smartphones and tablets, to be charged and/or powered directly from multi-socket power block 700 without the need of an adapter. USB port 722 can be one of any of the several standards including, but not limited to, USB 1.x, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, and future standards.

[0075] In some embodiments, multi-socket power block 700 can include magnet 780 and/or clip 790. Magnet 780 can we used to attach multi-socket power block 700 to a magnetic surface such as a user's truck, ladder or utility belt. Similarly clip 790 can be used to attach multi-socket power block 700 to a user's truck, ladder or utility belt.

[0076] In some embodiments, multi-socket power block 700 can include ground fault interrupter (GFI) (not shown).

[0077] In some embodiments, power block 800, such as that shown in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, can be equipped with at least one tool. In some embodiments, the tool is one commonly used in construction, carpentry, engineering, architecture, and related fields. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, power block 800 contains male plug 810. Power block 800 also comprises AC ports 818 and 822. Additionally, power block 800 can comprise USB port 830, and Wi-Fi range extender 826. In some embodiments, power block 800 can comprise at least one power based indicia. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8A the power indicia takes the form of light 812. Power block 800 can further comprise flash light 814, which can be mounted in a free or fixed manner, within or attached to the power block 800.

[0078] Power block 800 can comprise panic alarm 815, which can have visible indicia as well as audio signaling when the alarm is tripped. Panic alarm 815 can be set off by a variety of conditions, depending on the embodiment. In some embodiments, panic alarm 815 is networked between multiple power blocks and can locate other workers in the event of an emergency. In some embodiments, panic alarm 815 is automatically set off by a set of working conditions, such as increased carbon monoxide or the presence of a leakage current. In some embodiments, panic alarm 815 can trigger a ground fault interrupter such as those described above. In certain embodiments, a user can trigger panic alarm 815 manually.

[0079] In some embodiments, power block 800 contains an attachment mechanism, such as belt clip 816. This attachment mechanism can take the form of various buttons, hook and loop fasteners, clips, magnetic fasteners, attachment loops, links, or other means for attaching the power block to a receiving mechanism. The receiving mechanism can be a workman's tool belt. In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism allows power block 800 to float or rotate freely on at least one axis to improve mobility and help prevent cords from becoming entangled or kinked. In some embodiments, belt clip 816 can rotate freely on power block 800.

[0080] In some embodiments, tool(s) equipped to power block 800 can comprise a permanent and/or non-permanent marking device 820. In some embodiments, marking device 820 is a pencil, chalk, ink marker, friction marker or other tool for marking employed in carpentry, construction, and similar fields. Marking device 820 can be integral to power block 800 or affixed to the outside. In some embodiments, marking device 820 is hidden from plain view by a cap. In some embodiments, power block 800 can comprise magnet 824. In some embodiments, magnet 824 is opposite an attachment mechanism such as belt clip 816. Magnet 824 can be used to hold screws, nails, and other metallic objects that can be kept at ready. Magnet 824 can also be used to attached power block 800 to a magnetic surface for storage, such as a user's truck.

[0081] In some embodiments, power block 800 comprises Wi-Fi range extender 824, boosting Wi-Fi signals to improve connectivity of devices across a work site.

[0082] In the embodiments, one example being the embodiment shown in FIG. 8B, power block 800 can comprise a measuring device. In FIG. 8B, this measuring device comprises ruler 828. In some embodiments, a tape measure can be included externally or integrally to power block 800. In some embodiments, a bubble level can be affixed to or integrated into block 800. In the same or other embodiments, a laser level and/or a laser measuring device can be included in or affixed to power block 800. In some embodiments, an ammeter and/or voltmeter and/or multimeter can be included with power block 800.

[0083] Customizable power block 900 is illustrated in FIG. 9. Customizable power block 900 comprises a plurality of power units 910. In some embodiments, power units 910(a-d) are held together by corresponding sets of clips 920(a-d) or other attaching mechanism, including but not limited to, corresponding magnets. In some embodiments, power block 900 can be equipped with tool(s), including but not limited to the tools and devices described in reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B. In some embodiments, the plurality of power units 910 can be affixed to base 930, providing power. In some embodiments, base 930 is configured to charge power block 900 wirelessly. In some embodiments, the plurality of power units 910 receive power from an extension cord. In some embodiments, the plurality of power units 910 can be assembled in various orders for the user's convenience.

[0084] In some embodiments, a power block comprises a ground fault interrupter. In some embodiments, a power block can comprise a multi-socket extension cord, and/or integrated socket box. In some embodiments, wherein a power block comprises a multi-socket extension cord, tools and features such as an attachment mechanism and other tools or features described in this specification can be included in the integrated socket box of said power cord.

[0085] In some embodiments, such as the embodiment depicted in FIG. 10, a power block comprises at least one floating power interface (generally indicated as 1000), such as a socket or plug. The floating power interface can be rotated 360 degrees about an axis while still providing current to the power interface. In some embodiments, this floating power interface can be rotated about more than one axis. In at least some embodiments, a freely floating power interface comprises outer housing 1010, inner housing 1012, contacts 1014, mobile contact surfaces 1016, and current source 1018. In this embodiment, inner housing 1012 comprises a socket. Current to ports within the socket is supplied through connections between at least one contact 1014 and at least one mobile contact surface 1016. Mobile contact surface 1016 engages with contact 1014 to allow current to flow to inner housing 1012. Inner housing 1012 can then rotate about its central axis without cutting off current flow to inner housing 1012. In some embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 10, current source 1018 is a cord, and is arranged such that the assembly of inner housing 1012 and outer housing 1010 can pivot to ease tension on a cord connected to a socket. In some embodiments, springs or other suitable mechanisms are employed to establish a default position for the assembly of inner housing 1012 and outer housing 1010 within casing 1020. In some embodiments, casing 1020 is waterproof.

[0086] In some embodiments, a power block can comprise a hinge that allows a power block to bend. In some embodiments, the hinge can bend between 0 and 90 degrees. In some embodiments, this hinge has a ratcheting mechanism, such that the hinge can be set in a plurality of positions between 0 and 90 degrees. In some embodiments, a hinge can bend 90 degrees in a plurality of directions.

[0087] In the embodiments described above in reference to FIG. 1 through FIG. 9, the plug and the socket are generally of the same type of connector. Similarly, the sockets in the socket box are generally of the same type of connector as each other, and as the plug and socket at each end of the power cord or extension cord.

[0088] In other embodiments, the plug and the sockets can be different types of connectors, for example when the power cord is configured to adapt an electrical device for use in a different country than originally intended. Likewise, one or more sockets in the socket box can be different types of connector to each other, and/or to the plug or socket at each end of the power cord.

[0089] In some embodiments, a multi-socket power or extension cord, such as those described in reference to FIG. 1 through FIG. 9, can comprise one or more switches, each switch configured to turn power on and off to a corresponding socket. A benefit of integrating switches into the power or extension cord is improved safety and the capability to operate a device independently of other devices when more than one device is connected to the cord.

[0090] In some embodiments, a multiple-socket power block or extension cord, such as those described in FIG. 1 to FIG. 9 can include a wireless router capable of acting as mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. This allows the multiple-socket power block or extension cord to be used on a worksite not just to make power more accessible, but turn a worksite into a Wi-Fi hotspot. This is useful, as construction sites often do not have access to wired internet connections. In certain embodiments, a multiple-socket power block or extension cord, such as those described in FIG. 1 to FIG. 9 can include a wireless extender/booster.

[0091] The power cords and extension cords described above can be configured to accommodate a variety of electrical devices and appliances. The cord length, the number of wires, the gauge of each wire and the insulation of the outer sheath can be configured to meet the power and current requirements of electrical devices, and combinations of electrical devices, that can connect to one or more of the available sockets.

[0092] In some embodiments, a power block is permanently affixed to a main device, such as a power tool. In some of these embodiments, a power block comprises a ground fault interrupter, calibrated to detect and react to leakage currents specific to the main device to which the power block is affixed. In some embodiments, the main device is a saw or router.

[0093] While particular elements, embodiments and applications of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood that the apparatus can comprise some or all of the elements, features and functionality described above. It will also be understood, that the invention is not limited thereto since modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings.