Patent Application
20060176643
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
This invention relates generally to the field of time controls, and more specifically to an apparatus which integrates a time control into a detachable power cord.
The invention has its basis in two observations. First, many electrical and electronic products are now designed with a detachable power cord. This approach has several advantages. For the manufacturer, this provides the ability to service multiple types of power connectors by altering only the inexpensive power cord's configuration, while the more expensive base product can remain the same for all applications. For the consumer, if the power cord becomes damaged, it can be easily and safely replaced at little cost and without affecting the base unit.
The second observation is that it is often desirable to limit the operation of an electrical or electronic device by setting time restrictions. A prime example of this is video games. These games are generally very appealing to children but can lead to addictive behavior, thus it is of interest to limit their use. Other examples of products that could benefit from such limited operation include computers, radios, and televisions.
The invention addresses the latter need by taking advantage of the former condition. That is, the invention integrates a time control directly into a detachable power cord.
The present invention relies on a time control to limit the usage of an electrical or electronic load. By itself, this concept is described by several existing U.S. patents. Probably the simplest of these is U.S. Pat. No. 3,833,779 to Leone, “Television Timer to Regulate Television Viewing Time.” This design places a time control within a locked enclosure. Within this same locked enclosure is a power outlet to which the load's existing power cord is connected, thus providing security to ensure the time control is not bypassed. A variation of this design is seen in U.S. Pat. No. 6,519,208 to DeVries where the enclosure is attached to a wall outlet.
This basic concept of applying time restrictions to limit load usage, whereby the controlling device includes a general-purpose power outlet for connection to the load's existing power cord, is expanded upon in other prior art. U.S. Pat. No. 4,588,901 to Maclay et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,331,353 to Levenson both apply programmable time limits to load usage. These designs determine load status (ON or OFF) by monitoring load current. When the load is found to be ON, the day's time allotment is decremented until it reaches zero, at which time the load is disabled by opening a switch in series with the power outlet. U.S. Pat. No. 5,231,310 to Oh describes a similar system, with particular attention lent to the mechanism which secures the load's existing power cord to the controlled power outlet. Such a time-limiting, load-current monitoring power control scheme is not unique, nor is it unlike the timing and control operation presented in the invention. However, these existing designs and others like them provide only general power inputs and outputs; they are not designed to completely replace an existing power cord, and thus require a mechanical locking mechanism to effectively prevent others from bypassing the control features.
This need for a physical locking mechanism to capture an existing power cord is expanded upon by U.S. Pat. 5,283,475 to Berger, which places an emphasis on mechanical locking features and uses time-of-day as the basis for control, whereby the design only enables its power output during a programmed time and is not cognizant of whether the load is ON or OFF.
There are a multitude of other patents that address the concept of applying a time-based restriction on an electrical load. U.S. Pat. No. 4,348,696 to Beier illustrates a television viewing control device which requires each user to enter a password to energize the power output, at which time that user's time allotment is debited until no time remains. As such, the control must be made aware, through password entry, of when operation starts and ends. The password entry also provides system security, along with the ubiquitous mechanical interlock for the load's existing power cord. A variation of this concept is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,046,157 to Smith et al. wherein a separate “user card” is required for system access and control, whereby said “user card” is presented to the device to enable power and begin timing. Still, without a mechanical interlock for the load's existing power cord, this system will not be effective. We also see U.S. Pat. No. 5,051,837 to McJunkin, presented as a home entertainment equipment control apparatus. It is a more refined design, again offering time-based control of a device having its existing power cord connected to the controlled power outlet, and again requiring a mechanical interlock for security.
Other prior art of interest includes U.S. Pat. No. 6,011,328 to Smith. This patent does not provide for any time-based control, but instead offers secure access for enabling power. This design approach again requires the use of a mechanical locking mechanism to ensure the load's existing power cord remains secure. U.S. Pat. No. 5,731,763 to Herweck et al. also presents an access controller that interfaces with an existing power cord and requires a mechanical interlock in order to provide security. As with Smith, this patent addresses access control only and does not introduce any timing mechanisms. U.S. Pat. No. 5,731,763 to Herweck et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 6,777,828 to Rothstein describe similar systems which introduce remote control.
All the previously mentioned designs operate with AC power in and AC power out. We also see U.S. Pat. No. 5,795,229 to Johnson which operates with AC power in but having a plurality of DC power outputs. This system is primarily for power distribution. It offers a master control switch, but does not provide any time-based control or load status monitoring, such as current sensing.
All of the above employ a control means which serves to interrupt power to an external electrical or electronic device. Other patents exist which present a similar time-based load restriction, but function by interrupting a low-level signal rather than a power source. Examples of this can be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 5,060,079 to Rufus-Isaacs, U.S. Pat. No. 5,168,372 to Sweetser, U.S. Pat. No. 5,231,661 to Harnum et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,382,983 to Kwoh et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,548,345 to Brian et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,917,256 to Broadbent II, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,025,869 to Stas et al. These designs all provide a different design than the invention, as they interrupt a low-level signal (such as a video feed) rather than a power source. We also see U.S. Pat. No. 5,964,661 to Dodge which includes embodiments that switch both signal and power lines. It is further noted that Stas also describes a power interruption means similar to that described by Levenson and Maclay and Oh, though this feature is not claimed by Stas.
The primary deficiency in all this prior technology is the need to interface with an existing power cord. This presents several disadvantages, the most obvious of which is security. In order to make these existing devices tamper-proof, they must provide a means to physically secure the load's existing power cord to the control. Otherwise an unauthorized user could simply unplug the load's power cord from the control and plug it directly into an appropriate wall outlet, thus bypassing the control mechanism. By comparison, the present invention completely replaces an existing detachable power cord. This removes any ability to bypass the control mechanism, thus eliminating the need for any mechanical interlocks.
Prior technology is at further disadvantage for simplicity of installation. Existing designs typically require a dedicated space for mounting, which can be considerable and obtrusive for some products. Aesthetics can also be a concern for some applications. By comparison, the present invention merely replaces the load's existing detachable power cord, so there is no need for any specific mounting.
A final disadvantage of prior art is product cost. The present invention's simple, compact design can easily be manufactured for less cost than any other device providing similar function.
The primary object of the invention is to incorporate an integral time control into a detachable power cord.
Another object of the invention is to provide a low-cost electrical load timing solution combining simple installation with straightforward, secure operation.
Another object of the invention is to limit the amount of time an electrical load can be used on a given day of the week.
A further object of the invention is to allow programmable usage settings that are secured via keyswitch access.
Yet another object of the invention is to store programmed settings and time-related data in non-volatile memory.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed an apparatus which integrates a time control into a detachable power cord comprising: an integral power input cord having a power input connector capable of being connected directly to a power source, an integral power output cord having a power output connector capable of being connected directly to an electrical load, a switch means for enabling or disabling power to said power output cord, a load status detection means for determining whether said electrical load is ON or OFF, a timekeeping means for tracking time-of-day, a programmable time limit scheme which defines time-based restrictions for usage of said electrical load, a control means which monitors said load status detection means and said timekeeping means, and controls said switch means as defined by said time limit scheme, a non-volatile storage means for retaining data from said timekeeping means and said time limit scheme when input power is removed, a security means for gaining access to, and providing security for, said timekeeping means and said time limit scheme, and a numeric display and a plurality of pushbuttons for system interaction and data entry.
The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.
Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.
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It is noted that a plurality of Power Output Cords could be provided for any of these embodiments, along with a plurality of Load Switches and Current Sensors, to accommodate multiple power outputs for use by different users and/or different loads.
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In accordance with an important feature of the invention, there is shown
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The timing and control abilities of the invention are not novel and are well described by prior art. The true essence of the invention is its ability to replace an existing detachable power cord, therein providing an inherent security and simplicity that cannot otherwise be achieved, while simultaneously allowing a low-cost design that can be easily manufactured with standard components. Because the invention integrates specific power input and output connectors, it is a simple exercise to create additional models for any power cord application.
Overall use of the apparatus will first involve installation, which simply involves replacing an existing detachable power cord with the invention. From here, a key is used to move the keyswitch to the SET position, which then allows the user to enter the present day, time of day, and time limits for each day of the week. Upon completion of data entry, the keyswitch is returned to the RUN position and the key removed for security. This action will load a time remaining counter with the day's programmed time allotment. The invention then monitors electrical current flowing to the load connected to the output power cord. When current flow is detected, the device is assumed to be in operation so the time remaining counter is decremented. As the time remaining approaches zero, a warning beeper can sound to alert the user to save any data needed or desired in the future. When time remaining reaches zero, power to the power output cord is switched OFF, thereby disabling the load connected to the power output cord. At midnight, the next day's time allotment is loaded into the time remaining counter and, if necessary, power to the power output cord is switched back ON.
Further operational enhancement could be obtained by introducing a remote control using radio waves, infrared light, or power line communications. In addition to allowing control from a distant location, this would further allow the invention to be programmed through a computer or other device having greater graphics and interface capability. This would allow more sophisticated control programs to be created in a more capable and familiar environment.
Still further enhancement could be achieved by using passwords or other security codes to replace or augment the keyswitch function.
Additional operating modes might include the ability to maintain output power continuously ON, or continuously OFF. In addition, the time-based control might incorporated specific time periods during which output power is disabled.
While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
