U.S. patent application number 11/761660 was filed with the patent office on 2008-09-04 for dc receptacle.
Invention is credited to Norman R. BYRNE.
Application Number | 20080214033 11/761660 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39733419 |
Filed Date | 2008-09-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080214033 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BYRNE; Norman R. |
September 4, 2008 |
DC RECEPTACLE
Abstract
A DC receptacle block (410) includes a DC receptacle (414) for
interconnecting to a DC plug (430). The DC receptacle (414) is
electrically engageable with a junction block (402) having buses or
wires (DC-1, DC-2) carrying DC power.
Inventors: |
BYRNE; Norman R.; (Ada,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VARNUM, RIDDERING, SCHMIDT & HOWLETT LLP
333 BRIDGE STREET, NW, P.O. BOX 352
GRAND RAPIDS
MI
49501-0352
US
|
Family ID: |
39733419 |
Appl. No.: |
11/761660 |
Filed: |
June 12, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60812854 |
Jun 12, 2006 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
439/215 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01R 31/02 20130101;
H01R 25/162 20130101; H02G 3/00 20130101; H01R 25/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
439/215 |
International
Class: |
H01R 4/60 20060101
H01R004/60 |
Claims
1. A raceway assembly having a plurality of junction blocks
electrically interconnected together, and having buses or wires
carrying at least one DC power circuit, said raceway assembly
further comprising: a DC receptacle block having a DC receptacle
electrically engageable with said DC buses or wires.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This Application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/812,854, filed Jun. 12, 2006.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO A MICROFISHE APPENDIX
[0003] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] The present invention relates to electrical power systems
and, more particularly, to arrangements providing for DC
integration of power within raceway assemblies having electrical
junction blocks and receptacle blocks.
[0006] 2. Background Art
[0007] The use of computers, associated computer peripherals (e.g.
printers and the like), copiers, facsimile machines, sophisticated
telecommunications equipment and other electronic devices is
continuing to rapidly increase in commercial, industrial and office
environments. As a result, the importance of efficiently supplying
power throughout these environments is also increasing. For
example, the use of modular office systems, with multiple
workstations and interior walls, has led to electrical systems
relatively more sophisticated than conventional designs comprising
receptacle mounts and electrical receptacles in stationary walls,
with the receptacles energized from incoming power supplies
extending through wall interiors. Such conventional and stationary
wall-mounted systems were often located a substantial distance from
the electrical devices to be energized and numerous electrical
cords connecting the devices to the outlets would cause unsightly
and sometimes dangerous entanglements. Thereafter, movable
pluggable units having a number of receptacles on a common power
source cord to be plugged into the conventional utility outlets
were used. Again, however, such units resulted in unsightly and
entangled arrays of electrical device cords.
[0008] With the growth of the use of electrical power in office
systems, it became known to employ removable wall panels or the
like, which defined modular workplace areas. Further, raceway areas
were developed for use in the panels or other structures, for
accommodating electrical wiring and electrical junction blocks near
the locations to be energized. Typically, junction blocks were
mounted within the raceway areas by attaching them with various
types of structural arrangements. Outlet receptacle blocks having a
number of receptacles were first formed as an integral part of the
junction blocks. Thereafter, it became known to employ receptacles
which were assembled as devices separate from the junction blocks,
but were mechanically and electrically connectable to the junction
blocks. During the past two decades, a substantial amount of
research and development have been directed to raceways, junction
blocks and receptacles, means for interconnection of the junction
blocks and receptacles, and mounting of the junction blocks within
the raceways.
[0009] Most of the known electrical power systems utilizing modular
configurations and raceway assemblies are specifically directed to
AC power. Also, it is known to utilize conventional RJ-11, RJ-45 or
similar types of input/output configurations with electrical
lift-up systems or other systems utilized with office
furniture.
[0010] It would be advantageous and an object of the invention, to
provide for DC integration of electrical AC power raceway
assemblies, without requiring a substantial number of differing
types of components. That is, it is a further object of the
invention to provide for DC power, using various receptacle
configurations, and also using known raceway assemblies with the
concept of junction blocks within which receptacle blocks may be
engaged.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In accordance with the invention, a raceway assembly is
provided having a plurality of junction blocks electrically
interconnected together. The junction blocks have buses or wires
carrying at least one DC power circuit. The raceway assembly
further comprises a DC receptacle block having a DC receptacle
electrically engageable with the DC buses or wires.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The invention will now be described with respect to the
drawings, in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective and partially exploded view
illustrating a prior art electrical junction block having a
plurality of terminals representing a plurality of different
electrical circuits, and an electrical outlet receptacle block
which can be selectively and electrically interconnected to
different ones of the electrical circuits;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective and partially exploded view similar
to FIG. 1, but illustrating the opposing side of the junction
block, and with a second plurality of terminals representing the
plurality of different electrical circuits referred to with respect
to FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a further perspective and partially exploded view
similar to FIG. 1, but illustrating the electrical outlet
receptacle block in a reverse perspective view, so as to illustrate
the particular connector set of the receptacle block which would be
electrically interconnected to a connector set of the electrical
junction block, assuming that the electrical outlet receptacle
block is moved from the position illustrated in FIG. 1 into the
electrical junction block through movement along arrow line A shown
in FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the electrical outlet
receptacle block illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, with the view being
a reversed perspective view so as to show the underside
thereof;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the electrical junction
block and the outlet receptacle block of FIG. 1, with the outlet
receptacle block in an electrically engaged position with the
junction block, in a circuit 1 orientation;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the electrical junction block
and outlet receptacle block illustrated in FIG. 5, taken along
section lines 6-6 of FIG. 5;
[0019] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of the electrical
junction block illustrated in FIG. 6, taken within circle 7 and
illustrating the relative positioning of the electrical outlet
receptacle block and the electrical junction block when the outlet
receptacle block is electrically engaged with the junction block in
a circuit 1 orientation;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of an electrical outlet
receptacle block as illustrated in FIG. 4, illustrating the
particular locking latch which is in an underside position, and
further showing its position relative to the locking tab of the
electrical junction block as the outlet receptacle block is being
moved into an electrically engaging position with the junction
block in a circuit 1 orientation;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view similar to FIG. 8, and
illustrating the locking latch of the outlet receptacle block being
pushed upwardly by the locking tab of the junction block as the
receptacle block is moved into the electrically engaging
position;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view similar to FIGS. 8 and
9, and illustrating the relationship of the locking latch of the
outlet receptacle block relative to the locking tab of the junction
block when the receptacle block is fully and electrically engaged
with the junction block;
[0023] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the electrical junction
block illustrated in FIG. 1, with a cable assembly which may be
electrically interconnected to the junction block;
[0024] FIG. 12 is an elevation view of one side of the outlet
receptacle block illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 13 is a plan view of the electrical outlet receptacle
block illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 14 is an elevation view of the electrical receptacle
block shown in FIG. 1, showing the opposing side of the side of the
electrical receptacle block illustrated in FIG. 12;
[0027] FIG. 15 is an underside view of the electrical receptacle
block shown in FIG. 1;
[0028] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the electrical outlet
receptacle block illustrated in FIG. 3, showing a circuit 1
orientation;
[0029] FIG. 17 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 16, but
showing the outlet receptacle block "flipped" end to end so as to
show a circuit 2 orientation;
[0030] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the outlet receptacle block
shown in FIG. 17, with the receptacle block providing for a circuit
3 orientation by "flipping" the receptacle block from top to bottom
relative to the configuration of the outlet receptacle block in
FIG. 17;
[0031] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the outlet receptacle block
shown in FIG. 18, with FIG. 19 illustrating a circuit 4 orientation
provided by flipping the outlet receptacle block end to end
relative to the configuration in FIG. 18;
[0032] FIG. 20 is a sectional elevation view of the outlet
receptacle block illustrated in FIG. 1, and showing the particular
spatial configuration corresponding to FIG. 16 with a circuit 1
configuration (looking outwardly from the backside of first facial
wall 168);
[0033] FIG. 21 is a sectional elevation view of the outlet
receptacle block similar to FIG. 20, but showing the circuit 2
orientation corresponding to the configuration of the receptacle
block illustrated in FIG. 17 (looking outwardly from the backside
of second facial wall 170);
[0034] FIG. 22 is a sectional elevation view similar to FIG. 21,
and further showing the circuit 3 orientation corresponding to the
configuration of the receptacle block illustrated in FIG. 18
(looking outwardly from the backside of first facial wall 168);
[0035] FIG. 23 is a sectional elevation view of the outlet
receptacle block, similar to FIG. 22, but showing the receptacle
block in a spatial configuration corresponding to a circuit 4
orientation, and further corresponding to the configuration of the
outlet receptacle block as illustrated in FIG. 19 (looking
outwardly from the backside of second facial wall 170);
[0036] FIG. 24 is a plan view of one conductor assembly of the
electrical junction block illustrated in FIG. 1, and further
illustrating the conductor assembly as comprising a pair of H-block
terminals having female connectors;
[0037] FIG. 25 is a prior art sectional elevation view of a prior
art outlet receptacle block, similar to the drawings of FIGS.
20-23, and illustrating the prior art configuration of the
receptacle block when hot terminals associated with the incoming
plurality of electrical circuits were spaced adjacent each other,
without any intervening neutral or ground terminals;
[0038] FIG. 26 is an exploded view showing a particular DC
receptacle block configuration in accordance with the invention,
adapted for use with a 12 volt plug;
[0039] FIG. 27 is an exploded view showing what is characterized as
a third receptacle block configuration, with a third type of
receptacle block and a third type of receptacle plug adapted for
engagement therewith;
[0040] FIG. 28 is an exploded view showing a fourth type of
receptacle block, showing the use of a DC receptacle array, and a
fourth DC plug having a particular configuration and adapted to be
engaged with any one of the receptacles of the receptacle
array;
[0041] FIG. 29 is an exploded view of a fourth embodiment of a DC
receptacle block in accordance with the invention, showing a
particular insert which may be selectively engaged with the DC
receptacle block;
[0042] FIG. 30 shows the assembly of the DC receptacle block and DC
receptacle insert shown in FIG. 29, and further shows a DC plug
adapted to be selectively engaged into the DC receptacle formed by
the DC receptacle insert;
[0043] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a tree of receptacle
inserts which may be provided as a kit, for purposes of providing a
user of the DC receptacle blocks in accordance with the invention
with various size and shapes of receptacles;
[0044] FIG. 32 is a perspective and exploded view of a raceway
assembly, showing junction blocks adapted to engage a conventional
electrical receptacle block and a DC receptacle block in accordance
with the invention;
[0045] FIG. 33 is similar to FIG. 32, but shows a slightly
different embodiment of the raceway assembly;
[0046] FIG. 34 is similar to FIG. 32, but shows the electrical
receptacle block and DC receptacle block engaging the junction
blocks;
[0047] FIG. 35 is similar to FIG. 33, but shows the electrical
receptacle block and DC receptacle block engaging the junction
blocks;
[0048] FIG. 36 is a further exploded view, showing more detail
regarding the insertion of the DC receptacle block into the
junction block;
[0049] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the junction block and DC
receptacle block of FIG. 36 in an assembled state;
[0050] FIG. 38 is a schematic diagram (and partially block diagram)
showing wiring or bus configurations for a junction block, and
particularly showing DC buses or wires within the junction block
and adapted to engage a DC receptacle block; and
[0051] FIG. 39 is a partially block diagram and partially elevation
view of a raceway assembly having both electrical receptacle blocks
and DC receptacle blocks.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0052] The principles of the invention are disclosed, by way of
example, in several embodiments of DC receptacle blocks as
described in subsequent paragraphs herein and illustrated in FIGS.
26-39. For purposes of general background regarding raceway
assemblies, junction blocks and electrical receptacles, the first
part of this disclosure describes a multiple circuit receptacle
system 100, illustrated in FIGS. 1-25. This multiple circuit
receptacle system 100 can be characterized as a prior art system.
Following the description of this system, the embodiments of DC
receptacle blocks in accordance with the invention will be
described.
[0053] The multiple circuit receptacle system 100 provides for the
presentation, at outlet receptacles of an outlet receptacle block,
of a selected one of a plurality of power supply circuits, and
changing to a different selected one of the plurality of power
supply circuits, without requiring the use of any tools, multiple
receptacle blocks, multiple junction blocks, any changes in
structure or physical orientation of junction blocks, or any
additional elements, such as circuit adapters or the like. Instead,
circuit selection is achieved by reconfiguring the physical
orientation of the outlet receptacle block, relative to its
interconnection to a power supply junction block. In the particular
embodiment disclosed herein, an 8-wire system is described, with
the capability of selecting any one of four power supply
circuits.
[0054] More specifically, and particularly with reference to FIGS.
1-15, the multiple circuit receptacle system 100 comprises a
junction block 102 having a housing 104. The housing 104 may have a
substantially symmetrical structure and be manufactured and
assembled as two opposing and substantially identical halves 106
and 108. The halves can be assembled and interconnected together
through various connecting means such as screws or the like (not
shown) secured through lugs 110 mounted or otherwise integrally
formed on the upper surface of a top portion 112 of the housing
104.
[0055] The junction block 102 is relatively conventional in design
and, as an example, can be adapted to be secured at its upper
portion to a raceway (not shown) or similar structure for housing
electrical components in modular office systems and the like. More
specifically, the means for mounting the junction block 102 to a
raceway can include the use of mounting brackets 114 having
L-shaped configurations as illustrated in FIG. 1, and positioned on
or otherwise integral with the top portion 112 of the housing 104.
The means for mounting the junction block 102 can also include
latch members 116, 118 also mounted to or otherwise integral with
the top portion 112 of the housing 104. The mounting brackets 114
can engage corresponding support brackets (not shown) attached to a
structural member of the raceway (not shown). Correspondingly, the
latch members 116, 118 can be made to engage a retaining tab (not
shown) or the like of the raceway. The use of these types of
mounting assemblies and their attachment to structural members of
raceways are disclosed in Byrne, U.S. Pat. No. 5,259,787 issued
Nov. 9, 1993 and Byrne, U.S. Pat. No. 4,993,576 issued Feb. 19,
1991.
[0056] Referring again to FIGS. 1-15, the junction block 102
includes female connector block pairs 120 extending outwardly from
opposing ends of the junction block 102. FIG. 1 illustrates one of
the female connector block pairs 120. The junction block 102 is
symmetrical in nature, and FIG. 2 illustrates the other of the
female connector block pairs 120. The female connector block pairs
120 are similar and symmetrical in nature. Each of the female
connector block pairs 120 comprises a pair of female connector sets
122.
[0057] Each of the female connector sets 122 is adapted to be
releasably engaged with cable assemblies or similar electrical
means for supplying incoming power to the junction block 102 or,
alternatively, routing power from or through junction block 102 to
other junction blocks (not shown) or other electrical devices. Such
a cable assembly may, for example, comprise a cable assembly 180
illustrated in part in FIG. 11. The cable assembly 180 includes a
cable or conduit section 182. The cable or conduit section 182 is
mechanically and electrically connected to a male connector block
184. The male connector block 184 includes, at its terminating end,
a male connector set 186 comprises a plurality of male connector
terminals 188. In FIG. 11, the male connector terminals 188 are not
actually expressly shown, but instead are located within the
individual compartments of the male connector set 186. The male
connector block 184 and cable or conduit section 182 is adapted to
be interconnected to appropriate energy sources so as to provide
electrical power to electrical receptacle blocks (subsequently
described herein) through the junction block 102. For example, the
cable assembly 180 may be directly interconnected to an incoming
power feed cable (not shown) or the like. Also, with the use of a
plurality of junction blocks 102, cable assembly 180 may be
utilized to electrically interconnect junction block 102 with other
junction blocks or, alternatively, to other electrical apparatus.
For example, the cable assembly 180 may be interconnected to
extension cables or similar means for electrical interconnections
to other devices over relatively long distances. Returning to the
end comprising the male connector set 186, the male connector
terminals 188 of the connector set 186 are adapted to mechanically
and electrically engage with any one of the female connector sets
122. As illustrated in several of the drawings, including FIGS. 1
and 11, the female connector sets 122 include corresponding female
connector terminals 123.
[0058] More specifically, each of the female connector sets 122 of
one of the female connector block pairs 120 is provided with a side
flange 124 having upper and lower recessed areas 126. The upper and
lower recessed areas 126 are adapted to assist in providing
engagement with flanges 190 of the male connector block 184
associated with the cable assembly 180. In this manner, a
releasable locking engagement can be provided between a female
connector set 122 and the male connector set 186. The side flanges
124 are preferably made of a resilient plastic material and formed
integral with the housing of the junction block 102. Preferably the
side flanges 124 are also provided with an outwardly extending
inclined end surface 128. When the surfaces 128 are engaged by
flanges, such as the flanges 190 of the male connector block 184,
the side flanges 124 will be deflected inwardly, allowing the
flanges 190 of the male connector block 184 to engage the upper and
lower recessed areas 126, so as to provide a releasable locking
engagement of the male connector set 186 and the female connector
set 122. For purposes of releasing a cable assembly 180
mechanically and electrically interconnected to a junction block
102 through the female connector set 122 and male connector set
186, pressure may be exerted inwardly on the corresponding side
flange 124, the flanges 190 of the male connector block 184 will
then be released from the recesses 126, and the male connector set
186 can then be retracted from the female connector set 122. In
addition to the foregoing, a "keying" arrangement may be utilized
for interconnecting the cable assembly 180 to the junction block
102. In this regard, each of the female connector sets 122 may be
provided with a key lug 132 at the top portion thereof, as
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 11. Correspondingly, the male connector
set 186 may be provided with a key opening 192 for receiving the
key lug 132.
[0059] The remaining elements of the junction block 102 will now be
described primarily with respect to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. With
reference thereto, the housing 104 of the junction block 102
includes a pair of spatial areas 140, 141 which are formed on
opposing sides of the junction block 102. In FIGS. 1 and 2, only
one of each of the spatial areas 140, 141 is shown. Each of the
spatial areas 140, 141 is formed through an interior back wall 132,
upper wall 144, lower wall 146 and a pair of opposing end walls
148. Extending upwardly from the lower wall 146 along a front edge
thereof is an upwardly projecting locking tab 152. The spatial
areas 140, 141 are utilized to accommodate electrical outlet
receptacle blocks, such as the receptacle block 160 illustrated in
FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 12-15, and described in greater detail in
subsequent paragraphs herein. The locking tab 152 is utilized to
releasably secure the receptacle block 160 in a position
electrically connected to the junction block 102, as also described
in subsequent paragraphs herein.
[0060] For purposes of energizing the electrical outlet receptacles
blocks 160, the junction block 102 includes, within each spatial
area 140, a female receptacle connector set 154, as primarily
illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 11. Because FIG. 1 illustrates
only one of the spatial areas 140, 141, only one of the female
receptacle connector sets 154 is illustrated in FIG. 1. With
reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the female connector set 154 associated
with each spatial area 140, 141 is located on what may be
characterized as a "left-side" of one of the end walls 148, as the
spatial area 140 or 141 is viewed looking directly toward the
spatial area 140 or 141, with the junction block 102 having an
orientation so that the latch members 116, 118 are at the top. The
female receptacle connector set 154 in each recess 140 of the
junction block 102 includes a series of female connector terminals
156 having a vertically disposed alignment as illustrated in FIGS.
1, 2, 3 and 11.
[0061] The electrical outlet receptacle block 160 will now be
described with respect to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 12-15. Referring
thereto, the outlet receptacle block 160 includes a housing 162.
The housing 162 comprises two symmetrical halves interconnected
together along the seam 164 illustrated in FIG. 1 and the seam 166
illustrated in FIG. 4. Any suitable and well known means may be
utilized for rigidly securing together the halves of the housing
162. One of the halves of the housing 162 includes a first facial
wall or surface 168 (illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 14). The
other opposing half of the housing 162 includes a corresponding
second facial wall or surface 170. The second facial wall or
surface 170 is illustrated in FIG. 14. Further, the two halves of
the housing 162 together form an upper wall 172 (illustrated in
FIGS. 1, 2 and 13), and a corresponding lower wall 174 (illustrated
in FIGS. 4 and 15). Although the description of the electrical
outlet receptacle block 160 is referring to "upper" and "lower"
walls 172, 174, respectively, it should be emphasized that with the
use of the outlet receptacle block 160 in accordance with
invention, the receptacle block 160 will be electrically
interconnected to the junction block 102 in four different physical
orientations. Accordingly, references to "upper" and "lower"
portions of the receptacle block 160 should not be taken to mean
that any such portions or elements are always in such
orientations.
[0062] The outlet receptacle block 160 further comprises a pair of
opposing receptacle faces, namely a first receptacle face 161
(illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 12), and a second receptacle face
163 opposing the first receptacle face 161 and illustrated in FIG.
14. As further illustrated, located on each of the first receptacle
face 161 and second receptacle face 163 are a pair of three-pronged
receptacles 159. The receptacles 159 each include a hot conductor,
neutral conductor and ground conductor. As illustrated in several
of the drawings, including FIGS. 12-15, each of the upper and lower
walls 172, 174, respectively, formed centralized grooves 165 and
167, respectively. That is, the groove 165 is associated with the
upper wall 172, while the groove 167 is associated with a lower
wall 174. Positioned within the groove 167 associated with the
lower wall 174 are a pair of locking latches, namely a first
locking latch 169 (FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 14 and 15), and second locking
latch 171 (FIGS. 4, 14 and 15). Each of the locking latches 169,171
is substantially identical in structure. Correspondingly,
positioned within the groove 165 associated with the upper wall 172
are another pair of locking latches, namely another first locking
latch 173, and a second locking latch 175. These locking latches
are illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 13 and 15. With reference
primarily to FIGS. 4 and 13, each of the locking latches 169, 171,
173 and 175 include as an inclined portion 176 integral with or
otherwise connected to an upper wall 172 or lower wall 174, within
one of the grooves 165 or 167. Extending outwardly from each of the
inclined portions 176 is an outer tab 177. Each of these locking
latches is resilient in nature. For example, with respect to the
first locking latch 169, and with the position shown in FIGS. 1 and
4, upwardly directed forces on the first locking latch 169 will
cause the locking latch to deflect and bend upwardly relative to
its connection to the lower wall 174. Further, however, the first
locking latch 169, as with the other locking latches, is of a
resiliency such that after the upwardly directed deflecting forces
are removed, the first locking latch 169 will return to its
conventional and normal position, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4.
Each of the locking latches may consist of a resilient plastic
material, such as polycarbonate. Such material permits deflection
in the presence of external forces, and also exhibits internal
restoring forces when the deflecting forces are removed. Such
locking latches are well known in the art. The use of the locking
latches for releasably securing the outlet receptacle block 160 in
an electrical interconnection with the junction block 102 will be
described in subsequent paragraphs herein.
[0063] The electrical outlet receptacle block 160 further includes
a pair of male connector sets 178, with each of the male connector
sets 178 extending outwardly from opposing ends of the receptacle
block 160 as illustrated in several of the drawings, including
FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. For purposes of description, the individual ones
of the pair of male connector sets 178 are designated as the first
male connector set 179 (illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2), and second
male connector set 181 (illustrated in FIG. 3). Each of the male
connector sets 179, 181 include a particular configuration of male
or bus bar terminals 183. For reasons apparent after subsequent
description herein, the male terminals 183 exist only within
certain of the connectors of the first and second male connector
sets 179, 181.
[0064] The releasable and electrical interconnection of the outlet
receptacle block 160 to the junction block 102 will now be
described primarily with respect to FIGS. 1 and 6-10. As earlier
mentioned, and as described in greater detail in subsequent
paragraphs herein, the electrical outlet receptacle block 160 is
capable of being electrically interconnected to the junction block
102 in any one of four physical orientations, so as to provide the
capability of the receptacles of the outlet receptacle block 160
being electrically interconnected to any one of four incoming
circuits. For purposes of description of these concepts and the
procedure for interconnecting the outlet receptacle block 160 to
the junction block 102, the particular configuration of the outlet
receptacle block 160 as illustrated in FIG. 1 (and FIG. 16) is
referred to herein as the "circuit 1 orientation." With reference
to FIG. 1, and for purposes of interconnecting the outlet
receptacle block 160 to the junction block 102 in the circuit 1
configuration, the outlet receptacle block 160 can first be
positioned as illustrated in FIG. 1, relative to the junction block
102. For purposes of interconnection, the receptacle block 160 will
be moved in a direction illustrated by arrow line A shown in FIG.
1. More specifically, and with reference to a "starting" position
as illustrated in FIG. 8, the receptacle block 160 can be aligned
with the junction block 102 so that the first and second locking
latches 169, 171, respectively are in alignment and positioned
slightly above the locking tab 152 of junction block 102.
[0065] As the receptacle block 160 is moved into the spatial area
140, the position of the locking tab 152 relative to the first
locking latch 169 will cause the inclined portion 176 and outer tab
177 of the first locking latch 169 to deflect upwardly as the
receptacle block 160 is moved into the spatial area 140. The
spatial area 140 is of a sufficient depth and other dimensions so
that the receptacle block 160 can be fully inserted into the
spatial area 140. After insertion of the receptacle block 160 into
the junction block 102, with the first locking latch 169 deflected
upwardly by the tab 152, the receptacle block 160 can be moved to
the "left" as illustrated by the arrow line A in FIG. 1. As the
receptacle block 160 is moved to the left within the spatial area
140, two processes occur simultaneously. Specifically, the first
male connector set 179 (FIG. 3) moves into an electrical engagement
with the female connector set 154 located on one of the end walls
148 of the junction block 102. As earlier mentioned, the first male
connector set 179 will have male terminals 183 only within certain
of the connectors of the connector set 179. Accordingly electrical
connections will be made between the male terminals 183 and only
certain of the female connector terminals 156 of the connector set
154.
[0066] At the same time that electrical interconnection is being
made between the receptacle block 160 and the junction block 102,
and as the receptacle block 160 is being moved to the left within
the spatial area 140 of the junction block 102, movement to the
left by a sufficient distance will cause the first locking latch
169 to be moved past the locking tab 152. When the first locking
latch 169 is fully moved to the left of the locking tab 152, the
upwardly directed external forces exerted by the locking tab 152
are no longer applied to the first locking latch 169, and the first
locking latch 169 moves downwardly to its "normal" position, i.e.
its configuration in the absence of any externally applied forces
(FIG. 10). This configuration of the first locking latch 169 and
the locking tab 152 is illustrated by the solid line configuration
of the outer tab 177 of the first locking latch 169 as illustrated
in FIG. 7, and as also illustrated in the partial view of FIG. 10.
With the first locking latch 169 in the position shown in solid
line format in FIG. 7 and in FIG. 10, the receptacle block 160
cannot be removed from its electrical engagement with the junction
block 102, in the absence of external forces exerted in a specific
direction on the first locking latch 169. That is, any attempt to
move the receptacle block 160 directly to the "right" within the
spatial area 140 of junction block 102, so as to electrically
disengage the receptacle block 160 from the junction block 102 is
prohibited by the position of the locking tab 152 relative to the
first locking latch 169. To actually disengage and electrically
decouple the receptacle block 160 from the junction block 102,
upwardly directed forces must be exerted on the first locking latch
169. These forces must be sufficient so as to deflect the first
locking latch 169 upwardly a sufficient distance so that the outer
tab 177 is essentially "above" the top of the locking tab 152. In
this configuration, the first locking latch 169 is permitted to
move to the "right" and above the locking tab 152. This "freedom"
of movement correspondingly permits the male terminals 183 of the
first male connector set 179 to be electrically disengaged from the
female connector terminals 156 of the connector set 154 of junction
block 102.
[0067] The foregoing has been a description of the process for
electrical interconnection of the receptacle block 160 to the
junction block 102 when the receptacle block 160 is to be in the
circuit 1 orientation. As will be apparent from subsequent
description, the other three circuit orientations of the receptacle
block 160 which may be utilized in accordance with the invention
will cause one of the second, third or fourth locking latches 171,
173 and 175, respectively, to be in the physical position and
orientation of the first locking latch 169 for the circuit 1
orientation as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5.
[0068] The concepts of the invention specifically relating to the
capability of providing for interconnection of a single outlet
receptacle block to a selected one of a plurality of circuits will
now be described, primarily with reference to FIGS. 16-27.
Specifically, the multiple circuit receptacle system 100 can be
characterized as an "8-wire" system, although the principles of the
invention are not limited to only 8 wire system. In the 8 wire
systems disclosed herein, the cable assembly 180 includes 8 wires
(not specifically shown) inside the conduit section 182, each of
which is electrically connected to a different one of the terminal
blades (not shown) located in the male connector terminals 188 of
the male connector set 186.
[0069] The 8-wire system comprises a series of hot, neutral and
ground wires terminating on terminal blades in the connectors 188.
For purposes of description, the terminals 188 themselves will be
referred to as comprising hot, neutral and ground terminals. These
terminals 188 are further referenced, for purposes of description,
by individual reference numerals 200, 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212
and 214, as shown in FIG. 11. Further, the 8-wire system presented
at the terminals 188 can provide four separate circuits, with each
circuit consisting of three wires or terminals comprising hot,
ground and neutral wires or terminals.
[0070] To electrically interconnect the receptacle block 160 to the
junction block 102 for any one of the four circuits, one of either
the first male connector set 179 or the second male connector set
181 of the outlet receptacle block 160 will be electrically
connected to a female connector set 154 as previously described
herein. However, for each of the four power supply circuits to be
selectively applied to the receptacles 159, the receptacle block
160 will be in one of four different physical orientations,
relative to the junction block 102. For purposes of description,
the four available circuits will be identified as circuit 1,
circuit 2, circuit 3, and circuit 4. The orientations of the outlet
receptacle block relative to the junction block 102 for each of
these circuits is designated herein as the circuit 1, circuit 2,
circuit 3 and circuit 4 orientations, respectively.
[0071] To more specifically describe the foregoing concepts, the
multiple circuit receptacle system 100 is described as having
certain wires and terminals at the male connector set 186
associated with certain functional wires of a particular circuit.
The relationship between these wires and terminals for these
circuits can be defined as follows:
TABLE-US-00001 Wire or Terminal Function 200 H-4 202 N-1 204 H-3
206 G 208 IG 210 H-2 212 N-2 214 H-1
where "H-n" represents the hot wire or terminal of the nth circuit
(i.e. circuit n), "N-1" represents the first neutral wire or
terminal, "N-2" represents the second neutral wire or terminal, "G"
represents a ground wire or terminal and "IG" represents an
isolated ground or terminal.
[0072] With respect to the common and ground wires or terminals,
the four circuits may be "set up" in various ways with respect to
application to the receptacle block 160. As will be described in
subsequent paragraphs herein, the particular circuits applied to
the receptacles 159 of the receptacle block 160, and the particular
hot, neutral and ground wires or terminals associated with each
circuit will be dependent upon the relative positioning of male
terminal blades 183 in the first and second male connector sets
179, 181, respectively. In the particular configurations and
orientations of the receptacle block 160 chosen for the exemplary
embodiment 100 of a multiple circuit receptacle system in
accordance with the invention, each of the particular circuits have
the following wires or terminals electrically coupled to terminal
blades 158 of the male connector sets 179, 181:
TABLE-US-00002 Circuit No. Wire or Terminal 1 H-1 (214) N-1 (202) G
(206) 2 H-2 (210) N-1 (202) G (206) 3 H-3 (204) N-2 (212) IG (208)
4 H-4 (200) N-2 (212) IG (208)
[0073] To more fully explain the invention, the individual
connectors of the first and second male connector sets 179, 181,
respectively, of the receptacle block 160 will be numbered, with
the corresponding numbers of wires or terminals of the cable
assembly 180. That is, for example, connector 200 of the connector
set 181 as illustrated in FIG. 1 would be electrically coupled to
wire or terminal 200 of the cable assembly 180, assuming that a bus
bar terminal 183 existed in connector 200 of the connector set 181,
the connector set 181 was electrically connected to female
connector set 154 of the junction block 102, and the cable assembly
180 was connected to one of the female connector sets 122 of the
junction block 102.
[0074] For further purposes of understanding, each of the corners
of the outlet receptacle block 160 is consecutively numbered 1, 2,
3 or 4, as primarily shown in FIGS. 20-23. This numbering will be
used to facilitate describing the various physical orientations of
the receptacle block 160 when connected to the junction block 102.
Still further, and again for purposes of full description, the male
terminal blades 183 of the first and second male connector sets
179, 181 of the receptacle block 160 are characterized herein as
being integral with bus bars of the receptacle block 160, namely
bus bars 216, 218 and 220. These bus bars are primarily illustrated
in FIGS. 20-23. Further, each of the receptacles 159 is
characterized as comprising a ground receptacle terminal 222,
neutral receptacle terminal 224 and hot receptacle terminal 226.
Each of the receptacles 159 is adapted to be electrically coupled
to a grounded electrical plug, having a ground prong adapted to be
coupled to the ground terminal 222, large blade adapted to be
connected to the neutral receptacle 224, and small blade adapted to
be inserted into hot receptacle 226. The ground terminals 222 are
connected to the bus bar 218, while the neutral terminals 224 are
connected to bus bar 216 and the hot terminals 226 are connected to
the bus bar 220. The bus bar 218 can be characterized as the ground
bus bar, while the bus bar 216 can be characterized as the neutral
bus bar and the bus bar 220 can be characterized as the hot bus
bar.
[0075] The various physical orientations of the receptacle block
160, and their associated circuit selections, will now be
described. A circuit 1 configuration can be achieved by moving the
receptacle block 160 through the path indicated by arrow line A in
FIG. 1. This circuit 1 configuration is also illustrated in FIG.
16, which illustrates the second male connector set of the
receptacle block 160. For a circuit 1 configuration, the receptacle
block 160 is electrically coupled with the female connector set 154
being electrically connected to the second male connector set 181,
and with the first locking latch 169 being located at the bottom of
the receptacle block 160. For this circuit 1 configuration, the
receptacle block is in a circuit 1 orientation, as also illustrated
in FIG. 1. In this orientation, and as illustrated in FIG. 20, the
blades 183 of the bus bars 216, 218 and 220 exist in terminal
locations 202 (corresponding to N-1), 206 (corresponding to G) and
214 (corresponding to H-1), respectively. That is, circuit 1 is
achieved with the physical orientation of the receptacle block 160
shown in FIGS. 1, 16 and 20. In this configuration, and with the
particular view illustrated in FIG. 20, corner 1 is at the top
right-hand corner of the receptacle block 160.
[0076] To achieve the circuit 2 configuration, the receptacle block
160 can be removed from the junction block 102 (in the manner
previously described herein), and "flipped" end-to-end, so as to
have the circuit 2 orientation as illustrated in FIG. 21. This
circuit 2 orientation corresponds to providing the circuit 2
configuration for the receptacles 159. In this instance, the male
terminal blades 183 to be electrically connected to corresponding
connectors in the female connector set 154 correspond to wire or
connector positions 202 (N-1), 206 (G) and 210 (H-2). Accordingly,
the circuit 2 configuration consists of electrical connection
between the receptacles 159 and cable assembly wires H-2, N-1 and
G. This configuration is not only shown in FIG. 21, but is also
illustrated in FIG. 17. In this configuration, it is the male
connector set 181 which is electrically coupled to the female
connector set 154 of the junction block 102.
[0077] Assuming that the receptacle block 160 has been in the
circuit 2 orientation in the junction block 102, the receptacle
block 160 can be removed from the junction block 102 and "flipped"
from the top to the bottom so as to achieve a circuit 3 orientation
as illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 22. In the circuit 3 orientation,
the male terminal blades 183 which are interconnected to the female
connector set 154 are in connector positions 204 (H-3), 208 (IG)
and 212 (N-2). Accordingly, a circuit 3 configuration would consist
of electrical interconnection of the receptacles 159 to the wires
or connectors H-3, N-2, and IG. A circuit 3 configuration thus
provides for an isolated ground. This configuration is illustrated
in FIGS. 18 and 22. In this configuration, the male connector set
181 of the receptacle block 160 is electrically connected to the
female connector set 154.
[0078] With reference to FIGS. 18 and 22, the receptacle block 160
can be "flipped" end-to-end so as to provide for a circuit 4
orientation of the receptacle block 160. This circuit 4 orientation
is primarily illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 23. With the receptacle
block 160 in a circuit 4 orientation so as to provide for an
electrical circuit 4 configuration, the male connector set 179 of
the receptacle block 160 will be electrically connected to the
female connector set 154 of the junction block 102. The electrical
connection will be made as shown in FIG. 23, with the end of the
hot bus bar 220 being located at the connector position 200
(corresponding to H-4), while the end of the ground bus bar 218
projects outwardly from the second male connector set 181 at
connector location 208 (corresponding to IG). This location of the
bus bar 218 will provide for an isolated ground. The neutral bus
bar 216 has its end projecting outwardly through the male connector
set 179 at connector position 212 (corresponding to N-2).
[0079] It should be noted that for purposes of understanding, FIG.
20 illustrates the first facial wall 168 from the backside of the
same. That is, in viewing FIG. 20, the male terminal blades 183 of
the bus bars 216, 218 and 220 project outwardly through the second
male connector set 179 located to the right side of the receptacle
160 as viewed in FIG. 20. Correspondingly, FIG. 21, illustrating
the circuit 2 orientation of the receptacle block 160, represents a
view of the second facial wall 170 from the backside thereof. For
the circuit 2 orientation as shown in FIG. 21, the blades 183 of
the bus bars 216, 218 and 220 project outwardly through the male
connector set 181 located on the right side of the view of the
receptacle block 160 as shown in FIG. 21. For the circuit 3
orientation of the receptacle block 160, FIG. 22 illustrates the
first facial wall 168 from the backside thereof. Blades 183 of the
bus bars 216, 218 and 220 project outwardly into the male connector
set 181 at the right side of FIG. 21. Still further, for the
circuit 4 orientation illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 23, and
specifically with respect to FIG. 23, the backside of the second
facial wall 170 is shown in FIG. 23. The male terminal blades 183
of the bus bars 216, 218 and 220 project into the male connector
set 179 located at the right side of the receptacle block 160, as
viewed in FIG. 23.
[0080] To further insure an understanding of the various
orientations of the receptacle block 160 for each of the four
individual circuits, reference is again made to the individual
receptacles 159 of the receptacle block 160. For a circuit 1
orientation of the receptacle block 160, as illustrated in FIGS. 16
and 20, the receptacles 159 on the first receptacle face 161 will
be available to the user for acquiring power from the circuit 1
configuration. These same receptacles 159 presented at the first
receptacle face 161 will also be available to the user for the
circuit 3 configuration when the receptacle block 160 is in a
circuit 3 orientation, as illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 21.
Correspondingly, the receptacles 159 presented at the second
receptacle face 163 will be available for to the user in the
circuit 2 configuration and circuit 4 configuration, represented by
the receptacle block being in the circuit 2 orientation and circuit
4 orientation as illustrated in FIGS. 17, 21 and 19, 23,
respectively.
[0081] For a complete and full understanding of the electrical
components utilized for providing the multiple circuit receptacle
system 100 in accordance with the invention, reference is made to
FIG. 24. Specifically, FIG. 24 illustrates a plan sectional view of
junction block 102 (through section lines 24-24 of FIG. 1). This
plan sectional view illustrates one connector assembly 230 which is
utilized to bring incoming power through a female connector set 122
to one of the female conductor sets 154 and/or through the junction
block 102 and outwardly through another of the female connector
sets 122. Although only one connector assembly 230 is illustrated
in FIG. 24, it should be understood that with the 8-wire system and
the particular junction block 102 illustrated in FIG. 1, eight
connector assemblies 230 will be assembled as part of the junction
block 102. The eight connector assemblies 230 will be essentially
"stacked" one on top of the other in a vertical disposition. The
connector assemblies 230 can be secured within the junction block
102 and electrically isolated from one another in any conventional
and well-known manner.
[0082] Turning specifically to the connector assembly 230
illustrated in FIG. 24, the connector assembly 230 is shown in its
position relative to other elements of the junction block 102, such
as the back walls 142 and end walls 148. The connector assembly 230
includes a pair of universal electrical contacts 232, positioned on
opposing ends of the connector assembly 230. Each of the universal
electrical contacts 232 includes four symmetrically arranged female
receptacles, identified in FIG. 24 as receptacles 250-257,
respectively. Receptacles 250-253 are located on the universal
electrical contact 232 viewed on the left side of the drawing on
FIG. 24, while female receptacles 254-257 are located on the
universal electrical contact 232 shown as part of the universal
electrical contact 232 on the right side of the drawing in FIG. 24.
With reference back to the junction block 102 as illustrated in
FIG. 1, the receptacles 250, 251, 254 and 255 each correspond to
the terminals previously identified as female connector terminals
123. Correspondingly, the female receptacles 253 and 257 correspond
to female connector terminals 156 previously identified as part of
the female connector sets 154.
[0083] Turning to each of the individual female receptacles
250-257, each receptacle includes an upper cantilever member 234
and a lower cantilever member 236. The cantilever members 234, 236
are formed with arms 238. A bridge 240 extends between the arms 238
of the upper cantilever members 234. The upper and lower cantilever
members 234, 236 are flexible and resilient in nature so as to be
appropriately flexed when a male blade terminal (such as a male
blade terminal projecting from the cable assembly 180 illustrated
in FIG. 11) is inserted between the opposing cantilever members,
thereby providing electrical contact.
[0084] Each of the universal electrical contacts 232 further
includes a connecting beam 242 electrically connected by
appropriate means to each of the four female receptacles of the
contact 232. In turn, the connecting beam 242 is integral with or
otherwise electrically connects to a transition portion 244. The
transition portion 244, in turn, is connected to a channel 246. The
channel 246 may, for example, be a channel which is formed by a
pair of crimp wings or similar elements for providing appropriate
electrical connections to other elements. In the particular
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 24, each of the channels 246 is
connected to an intermediate connecting wire or bus 248. The wire
or bus 248 electrically interconnects the two universal electrical
contacts 232. Additional detail regarding connector assemblies such
as the connection assembly 230 and the universal electrical
contacts 232 are disclosed in Byrne, U.S. Pat. No. 4,990,110 issued
Feb. 5, 1991, and Byrne, U.S. Pat. No. 5,096,434, issued Mar. 17,
1992. The disclosures of these patents are hereby incorporated by
reference herein.
[0085] One other advantageous aspect of the multiple circuit
receptacle system 100 in accordance with the invention should be
described. Specifically, in prior art systems, the outlet
receptacle blocks are typically used in only one spatial
orientation. This means that the one receptacle face (i.e. the
surface where receptacles are made available to the user) and its
associated ground, neutral and hot terminals are always in the same
spatial orientation when electrically coupled to a particular
junction block.
[0086] This spatial orientation limitation is shown, in part, in
the sectional elevation view of a prior art outlet receptacle block
300 illustrated in FIG. 25. FIG. 25 is a view similar to the views
illustrated in FIGS. 20, 21, 22 and 23, in that FIG. 25 is a view
looking outwardly from the backside of a facial wall 302 of the
outlet receptacle block 300. The wall 302 which is being viewed is
a wall on which a pair of receptacles 304 are located. The outlet
receptacle block 300 includes a set of three bus bars, namely hot
bus bar 306, ground bus bar 308 and neutral bus bar 310. Further,
the prior art receptacle block 300 includes, within each receptacle
304, a hot receptacle terminal 314, ground receptacle terminal 316
and neutral receptacle terminal 318. The hot bus bar 306 is
connected to the hot receptacle terminal 314, while the ground bus
bar 308 is connected to each of the ground receptacle terminals
316. Correspondingly, the neutral bus bar 310 is connected to each
of the neutral receptacle terminals 318.
[0087] As earlier stated, the prior art outlet receptacle block 300
is adapted to have only one spatial orientation relative to an
electrically coupled junction block. Accordingly, the receptacle
terminals 314, 316 and 318 always remain in a single spatial
orientation.
[0088] As further illustrated in FIG. 25, each of the bus bars 306,
308 and 310 terminate at one end with a set of terminals extending
into a first receptacle connector set 312. At the opposing ends of
the bus bars 306, 308 and 310, terminals extend into a second
connector set 313. For purposes of description, FIG. 25 also
illustrates a female connector set 320, which could correspond to
the female receptacle connector set 154 previously described herein
and illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 11. The female connector set
320 includes a series of female connector terminals 322 as further
illustrated in FIG. 25.
[0089] With the bus bars 306, 308 and 310 having the configuration
illustrated in FIG. 25, blade terminals would be formed at opposing
ends of each of the bus bars, so as to form the receptacle
connector sets 312 and 313. In the particular orientation
illustrated in FIG. 25, one blade terminal formed at the end of the
hot bus bar 306 is aligned so that a blade terminal 324 formed at
the end thereof would be received within the female terminal 326 of
the set of female connector terminals 322. This would correspond to
connecting the outlet receptacle block 300 to a "first" hot
circuit. As further shown in FIG. 25, the bus bar 306 and its
corresponding blade terminal 324 could be constructed so as to be
positioned at other locations on the receptacle block 300. Each of
these locations would correspond to the blade terminal 324 being
received within one of the four hot female connector terminals
shown as the four "lowest" connector terminals of the set of
connector terminals 322 of connector set 320. For example, an
alternative position for the bus bar 306 and male blade terminal
324 is illustrated in dotted line format in FIG. 25, and is shown
as alternative position 328. In this alternative position, the
blade terminal 328 would be received within the female connector
terminal which would correspond to the second hot circuit
identified as "H-2." Correspondingly, FIG. 25 illustrates blade
terminals at the ends of neutral bus bar 308 as being positioned so
that they would be aligned with the female connector of connector
set 320 which corresponds to the ground or "G" conductor. FIG. 25
also illustrates the bus bar 310 as having its male blade terminals
at the terminations thereof being aligned with a first neutral
conductor, corresponding to position "N-1" as shown in FIG. 25.
[0090] In accordance with the prior art outlet receptacle 300, in
order for the receptacle block 300 to be utilized with any one of
the four separate circuits identified as H-1, H-2, H-3 or H-4, each
of the hot terminals associated with the connector set 312 must be
physically adjacent at least one of the hot female connectors of
the connector set 320. Accordingly, to provide for the capability
of readjusting the positions of the bus bars and terminating male
blade terminals, without requiring "cross over" of the bus bars,
all of the hot terminals H-1 through H-4 must be adjacent to one
another. This adjacency of the hot terminals, without any ground or
neutral terminal positioned intermediate the hot terminals, results
in a greater probability of arcing between hot terminals and other
potentially dangerous situations. As further illustrated in FIG.
25, for the hot terminals associated with the receptacle 300 to be
spaced such that ground or neutral terminals are intermediate
thereto, at least two of the three bus bars 306, 308 and 310 would
necessarily have to "overlap" each other. Again, such overlapping
or other adjacency of the bus bars 306, 308 and/or 310 would lead
to potential arcing and other safety considerations.
[0091] In contrast, and as primarily illustrated in FIGS. 20, 21,
22 and 23, the configuration of the outlet receptacle block 160 is
such that the incoming power supply circuits can be configured so
that the hot wires and terminals associated with each of the four
circuits are spaced apart from the hot wire or terminal of another
one of the power supply circuits, and a neutral or ground wire or
terminal is spaced intermediate any two of the hot wires or
terminals. Still further, this configuration is achieved without
the necessity of any of the bus bars illustrated in FIGS. 20, 21,
22 or 23 to be overlapped or otherwise adjacent. This provides a
significant advantage for the receptacle blocks in accordance with
the invention.
[0092] In accordance with the foregoing, a multiple circuit
receptacle system 100 has been disclosed and illustrated, and
represents an exemplary embodiment of the invention. More
specifically, the receptacle system 100 illustrates the use of a
receptacle block (receptacle block 160) having not only connector
sets on opposing ends of the receptacle block, but also illustrates
a single receptacle block having electrical receptacles
(receptacles 159) mounted on receptacle faces (namely, the first
receptacle face 161 and the second receptacle face 163) projecting
outwardly from opposing sides of the single receptacle block 160.
Still further, the foregoing description of the receptacle system
100 illustrates the concept of a single receptacle block providing
for the presentation, at outlet receptacles of the block, of a
selected one of a plurality of power supply circuits. The selected
one of the plurality of power supply circuits is achieved by
maneuvering the receptacle block into various spacial orientations,
relative to the junction block through which incoming power is
supplied. This capability of selecting one of a plurality of power
supply circuits does not require the use of multiple receptacles,
or the use of any tools for electrically connecting and
disconnecting the receptacle block from the junction block. Still
further, the selective multiple circuits are achieved without
requiring multiple junction blocks or any changes in structure or
physical orientation of junction blocks. Still further, the
multiple circuits are achieved without requiring any elements
additional to the receptacle block and the junction block, such as
circuit adapters or the like. Instead, circuit selection
circumflexion is achieved by manually reconfiguring the physical
orientation of the outlet receptacle block, relative to its
interconnection to the junction block.
[0093] As earlier described, the foregoing paragraphs describe a
prior art multiple circuit system 100, with additional embodiments
thereof. DC receptacle blocks in accordance with the invention will
now be described, with respect to FIGS. 26-39. Specifically, the
invention provides for the capability of making available DC power,
and various receptacle configurations, within a raceway assembly
carrying AC power and utilizing relatively conventional junction
blocks. The concepts of electrically interconnecting an electrical
receptacle block to a junction block have been described in
substantial detail in previous paragraphs herein. One concept in
accordance with the invention is that a DC receptacle block,
comprising receptacles adapted to be electrically interconnected to
DC plugs, can be electrically and physically engaged with a
junction block in the same manner as it is known to engage
electrical receptacle blocks with a junction block. In this case,
the junction block can carry AC and DC power, or alternatively, may
only carry DC power. In any event, the invention provides for DC
integration into an electrical raceway assembly, while utilizing
substantially the same components as are utilized when the raceway
assembly carries only AC power.
[0094] Turning to the drawings, FIG. 32 illustrates a raceway
assembly 400, having a series of junction blocks 402. The junction
blocks 402 are shown as being substantially interconnected
together, and an end connector 406 is attached to one of the
junction blocks 402 through a cable 404. One or both of the
junction blocks 402 can have an internal electrical configuration
substantially as shown in FIG. 38, with the integral configuration
being characterized as configuration 434. As shown in FIG. 38, the
electrical wires or buses of the junction block 434 include not
only standard and isolated AC circuits, but also include wires
(identified as "DC-1" and "DC-2") carrying DC power. Returning to
FIG. 33, further shown therein is a conventional electrical
receptacle 408. The electrical receptacle block 408 may be similar
to electrical receptacle blocks previously described herein, and
adapted to be electrically interconnected to the junction block
402. Also shown, and in accordance with the invention, is a DC
receptacle block 410. The DC receptacle block 410, like the
electrical receptacle block 408, is also adapted to be electrically
interconnected to the junction block 402, in the same manner as is
the electrical receptacle block 408, which was previously described
herein. However, with reference to FIG. 38, the DC receptacle block
410 would have its terminal blades or terminal connectors
configured so as to be interconnected to the DC buses or wires DC-1
and DC-2 as illustrated in FIG. 38. This is shown as DC connection
436. The DC receptacle block 410, with reference back to FIG. 32,
can have a DC receptacle 414. The DC receptacle 414 can be a
conventional DC receptacle, adapted to interconnect to plugs such
as the DC plug 430 illustrated in FIG. 30.
[0095] FIG. 33 shows a raceway assembly 411 similar to raceway
assembly 400, but with the junction blocks 402 separated by an
intermediate cable 412. Otherwise, the raceway assembly 411, having
the DC receptacle block 410 would operate in the same manner as the
raceway assembly 400. FIG. 34 shows the raceway assembly 400 with
the electrical receptacle 408 and DC receptacle block 410
electrically connected to the junction blocks 402. FIG. 34,
similarly, shows an assembled version of the raceway assembly 411
shown in FIG. 33.
[0096] FIG. 36 is somewhat of an enlarged view, showing the
particular manner in which the DC receptacle block 410 is
electrically interconnected to the junction block 402. FIG. 37 is
an assembled view of the components shown in FIG. 36. FIG. 39 shows
a raceway assembly 438, in somewhat of a block diagram and somewhat
of an elevation view. The raceway assembly 438 shows a series of
electrical receptacle blocks 408, with DC receptacle blocks 410
also interconnected to the raceway assembly 438.
[0097] One aspect of the DC receptacle blocks in accordance with
the invention is that they can be utilized with various types of DC
receptacles and DC plugs. For example, FIG. 26 illustrates a DC
receptacle 416 which would typically be characterized as a 12 volt
receptacle. FIG. 26 also shows the capability of electrically
engaging a 12 volt plug 418 into the DC receptacle block 416. Such
a plug is used, for example, in automobiles with cell phones and
other apparatus which may be capable of running directly off of the
automobile's DC battery. FIG. 27 illustrates a further embodiment
of a receptacle configuration 420. This particular receptacle
configuration is well known with respect to DC circuitry, and
utilizes a standard DC plug as illustrated in FIG. 27 as receptacle
block 422. A somewhat similar type of DC receptacle configuration
is illustrated in FIG. 28, and utilizes an array of DC receptacles
424. For this configuration, a further DC receptacle plug 426 may
be utilized to selectively engage any one DC receptacle within the
array 424.
[0098] FIG. 29 illustrates a further configuration of a DC
receptacle block in accordance with the invention, showing an
embodiment of a DC receptacle block 429 with a selectively
engagable DC receptacle 428. The DC receptacle insert 428 may be
any one of a series of inserts formed on a tree kit such as the
tree kit 432 illustrated in FIG. 31. In this manner, if the user
requires the kit 432, the user can select any one of the DC
receptacle inserts associated with the kit. The receptacle inserts
associated with the kit 432 may be of various sizes and
configurations. FIG. 30 illustrates a particular DC receptacle plug
430 which may be utilized with the DC receptacle insert 428 when
inserted into the DC receptacle block 429.
[0099] It will be apparent to those skilled in the pertinent arts
that other embodiments of in accordance with the invention can be
designed. That is, the principles of the invention are not limited
to the specific embodiments described herein. Accordingly, it will
be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and
other variations of the above-described illustrative embodiments of
the invention may be effected without departing from the spirit and
scope of the novel concepts of the invention.
* * * * *