The present invention generally relates to spill-proof electrical chargers.
“Pop-up” charging devices, such as kitchen receptacles for charging electrical devices via a power cord, are know. A work surface of furniture, for example a table, includes an aperture through which the charging device moves. The charging device may be powered by a cord running below the work surface. The aperture may be covered by a decorative cover during non-use, when the charging device is “popped down” in a depressed condition. When the charging device is “popped up” through the aperture and into an elevated position above the work surface, this exposes one or more electrical receptacles for receiving a power cord of an electrical device to be charged.
The present inventor is not aware of such charging devices offering wireless charging capabilities. It is difficult to design a charging device cover that overlies the aperture and surrounding work surface of a countertop, furniture or appliance in a flush, liquid-tight and aesthetic manner, as the coil wireless feature can be bulky.
It would be useful to provide a spill-proof electrical charger that can charge electrical devices wither wirelessly or using a hard-wired approach. Electrical devices that can benefit from such an approach include personal digital assistants (“PDAs”), e.g., mobile/cellular telephones, hand-held computers and other electrical devices.
The objects mentioned above, as well as other objects, are solved by the present invention, which overcomes disadvantages of prior pop-up electrical chargers, while providing new advantages not previously associated with them.
In a preferred embodiment, a relocatable power tap moveable through an aperture of a work surface and functioning as an electrical charger for one or more electrical devices is provided. The power tap may be selectively moved through the aperture between depressed and upright positions. The power tap include a charging station with one or more electrical receptacles for use in charging one or more of the electrical devices. The power tap has a top portion coupled to and located above the charging station, which top portion includes a wireless charging emitter and a cover. The cover preferably fits flush and liquid-tight with the work surface when the power tap is in the depressed position, while enabling the wireless charging emitter to be used as an electrical charger. Preferably, the charging station is located above the work surface in a spill-proof position, exposed for use as an electrical charger, when the power tap is in the upright position. At least one of the one or more electrical receptacles may include a GFCI outlet.
The terms used in the claims of the patent are intended to have their broadest meaning consistent with the requirements of law. Where alternative meanings are possible, the broadest meaning is intended. All words used in the claims are intended to be used in the normal, customary usage of grammar and the English language.
“Spill-proof” means complying with the “Spill Test” set forth in Underwriters Laboratory (UL) 1363 (ISBN 0-7629-0073-3, § 34A, Oct. 24, 2001 rev.), concerning “Relocatable Power Taps” (“RPTs”), which are mounted on a desk or similar furnishing surface, i.e., opening the cover of the RPT, and pouring 8 ounces of saline solution toward the RPT, waiting 1 minute, and then subjecting the RPT to the Dielectric Voltage-Withstand Test set forth in UL 1363, § 35.
“Relocatable Power Tap” or “RPT” has the meaning set forth in UL 1363, Glossary, 3.3 (Apr. 23, 1997 rev.), inter alia, an attachment plug cap and a length of flexible cord terminating in an enclosure in which are mounted one or more receptacles.
“Work surface” includes any surface, as well as any aperture in such surface, for receiving a RPT, or that may be used to accommodate or support an RPT, including any surface associated with countertops, furniture, appliances, etc.
The novel features which are characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, together with further objects and attendant advantages thereof, can be better understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
Set forth below is a description of what are believed to be the preferred embodiments and/or best examples of the invention claimed. Future and present alternatives and modifications to this preferred embodiment are contemplated. Any alternatives or modifications which make insubstantial changes in function, in purpose, in structure, or in result are intended to be covered by the claims of this patent.
Work unit 50, such as table or cabinet 50, may include a work surface 51, such as shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4-7.
Referring to
Still referring to
Referring to FIGS. 3, 5, 6 and 8, base portion A may include a fixing base 14 with a body having threads 14a, and a fixing ring threadably engaged to base threads 14a. Threads 14a may engage the work piece as shown, with base 14 located above the work piece, and fixing ring 16 located below the work piece and used to secure the charger to the work piece.
Data adapter 29 may be used if it is desired to add internet or phone (wired) to unit 100, and may be affixed to the bottom of ring 16 using column end cover 22. Friction plates 11 and 12, and cable tighten plate 12, are used to support prop-up spring 36. Decorative ring 23 may be used to enhance the aesthetics of the unit. When the unit is in the down position, rubber sealing gasket 26 may be pushed flush against the surrounding side of an aperture 51a of work surfaces 51 (e.g.,
Charging station C may include case 1 carrying, e.g., a 20-amp GFI (encased by receptacle adaptor 9), a 2USB charger 13 (encased by frame 7), and a terminal block 6 secured to the unit by fasteners 34. Terminal block 6 may be used for the connection of power cables from outside unit 100 with the cables inside unit 100; with this terminal block, when unit 100 is popped up or pushed down, the power cable inside will not be dragged or become loose.
Still referring to
Module adaptor 8 and blank plate 30 may be used if it is desired to install another receptacle in this area, so that an extra power receptacle or communication data port may be provided when the unit is in a depressed position.
Now referring to
Top portion B may include fixing base 14 fixably secured to a top portion of case 1, with top cover sealing gasket 26 interdisposed therein. Wireless charging emitter coil 4 may be mainly made of enameled copper wire, and may be carried by fixing base 3 accommodating a PCB board (see parts list for PCB board in
In function, electrical charger 100 may be powered by a power cord (not shown) connected to charging station C; the power cord may be run down though base portion A and into an outlet (not shown). Whether charger is in a depressed or upright position, the wireless charger may be used by placing an electrical device to be powered on protective cover 5; the battery of the device to be powered will then electronically synchronize with emitter coil 4 for charging. When charger 100 is in an upright position, exposing charging station C above the work surface, electrical devices may be charged by hard-wire connection to GFI receptacles 2 of USB charger 9.
Here is a part list for the preferred embodiment shown, summarizing the parts, and providing exemplary materials and quantities. The part numbers correspond to the reference numerals on the drawings:
Preferably, wireless charging emitter 4 is in the shape of a round coil. It will also be understood that GFI receptacle 2 or USB charger 13 may also include a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)-type outlet to prevent electrical shock in wet locations.
The above description is not intended to limit the meaning of the words used in the following claims that define the invention. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that a variety of other designs still falling within the scope of the following claims may be envisioned and used. It is contemplated that these additional examples, as well as future modifications in structure, function, or result to that disclosed here, will exist that are not substantial charges to what is claimed here, and that all such insubstantial changes in what is claimed are intended to be covered by the claims.
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Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 15492816 | Apr 2017 | US |
Child | 16927102 | US |