U.S. patent application number 11/744294 was filed with the patent office on 2008-11-06 for device for rechargeable electrical apparatus retainer unit.
Invention is credited to Thomas Wysoczynski.
Application Number | 20080272258 11/744294 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39938890 |
Filed Date | 2008-11-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080272258 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wysoczynski; Thomas |
November 6, 2008 |
Device for rechargeable electrical apparatus retainer unit
Abstract
A rechargeable electrical apparatus retainer unit for use with a
conventional wall outlet including at least one plug socket and a
faceplate. The retainer has protrusions for storing the apparatus
excess extension cord from a plug inserted into the at least one
plug socket. The retainer portion has a rear wall, a bottom wall
and a front wall. The rear wall is fixedly attached to the bottom
wall and extends below the bottom wall to effectuate engagement
behind a portion of the outlet. The protrusions extend forward from
or to the side of the rear wall.
Inventors: |
Wysoczynski; Thomas;
(Carrollton, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SMITH, GAMBRELL & RUSSELL
SUITE 3100, PROMENADE II, 1230 PEACHTREE STREET, N.E.
ATLANTA
GA
30309-3592
US
|
Family ID: |
39938890 |
Appl. No.: |
11/744294 |
Filed: |
May 4, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/309.1 ;
211/26 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02J 7/0044 20130101;
F16M 13/02 20130101; F16M 13/00 20130101; F16M 11/22 20130101; H04M
1/04 20130101; H02G 3/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/309.1 ;
211/26 |
International
Class: |
A47F 7/00 20060101
A47F007/00; A47F 5/00 20060101 A47F005/00 |
Claims
1. An electrical apparatus retainer unit comprising a storage
device held in place by a faceplate, said faceplate being sized and
shaped to at least partially cover an electrical receptacle having
one or more outlets; said storage device being sized and shaped to
retain a portable electronic appliance, said storage device
comprising a front panel, a rear panel, and a bottom panel which
front panel together with a surface to which the receptacle is
attached for retaining the electrical apparatus define an interior
pocket for retaining the electrical apparatus and wherein the
retainer unit rear panel is fixedly attached to and extends below
the retainer unit bottom panel.
2. The retainer unit of claim 1 wherein the storage device is
releasably held in place between the faceplate and the outlet.
3. The retainer unit of claim 1 having protrusions extending from
the rear panel to retain an electrical apparatus electrical
cord.
4. The retainer unit of claim 1 further comprising a cavity
traversing said bottom panel.
5. A retainer unit for use with an electrical outlet face plate
attachable to a surface in supporting an electronic appliance
connected to an electrical receptacle via an electrical cord, said
retainer unit comprising: a rear panel having a perimeter
substantially complimentary with the face plate, the faceplate
supporting rear panel when covering the electrical receptacle; a
storage device connected to said rear panel, said storage device
including a support panel extending from said rear panel and a
front panel connected to said support panel and substantially
parallel to said rear panel; and a cavity traversing said support
panel to allow the electrical cord to pass through said support
panel to connect the electrical apparatus with the receptacle.
6. The retainer unit as described in claim 5, said rear panel
having a substantially rectangular perimeter with a top edge, a
bottom edge and two opposing side edges connecting said top edge
with said bottom edge.
7. The retainer unit as described in claim 6, further comprising a
pair of protrusions extending from one of said side edges to
support the electrical cord.
8. A retainer unit for use in supporting an electronic appliance
connected via an electrical cord to an electrical receptacle on a
wall, said retainer unit comprising: a faceplate to engage the
electrical outlet, said faceplate including a rear panel; a
substantially L-shaped storage device cantilevered from said rear
panel of said face plate to support the electronic appliance; and
an aperture traversing said storage device to allow the electrical
cord to pass through said L-shaped storage device to connect the
electronic appliance with the electrical outlet.
9. The retainer unit as described in claim 8, wherein said storage
device comprises: a support panel connected to said rear panel,
said aperture traversing said support panel; and a front panel
connected said support panel, said front panel being substantially
parallel to said rear panel, wherein when said retainer unit is
connected to the wall, said front panel, said support panel and the
wall form a pocket to hold the electronic appliance.
10. The retainer unit as described in claim 8, said rear panel
having a substantially rectangular perimeter with a top edge, a
bottom edge and two opposing side edges connecting said top edge
with said bottom edge.
11. The retainer unit as described in claim 10, further comprising
at least one flange extending from one of said side edges to
support the electrical cord.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a retainer unit
for use in retaining rechargeable electrical apparatus while the
apparatus is being charged and after charging is completed.
[0002] The present invention relates generally to an electrical
equipment retainer unit and, more particularly to retainer unit
held in place by a coverplate for a wall mounted electrical outlet
boxes.
[0003] Electrical boxes are well-known in residential and
commercial settings and are commonly used as a mounting structure
for installing an electrical device, such as a multi-outlet
receptacle, a switch or a fixture, into a covering, such as a wall
or panel as a connection point for connecting the electrical device
to electrical wires coupled to a main power source.
[0004] Electrical boxes typically include a back panel and one or
more side panels which project out perpendicularly from the back
panel. The back panel and the side panels together define an
interior cavity into which the electrical wiring that is connected
to the main power source is disposed. Each of the side panels
includes a free front edge, which together define an open front end
providing access into the interior cavity of the electrical
box.
[0005] With an electrical box installed into a wall or panel, the
electrical connection to the desired electrical device, such as a
dual outlet electrical receptacle, is made to the wires disposed
within the electrical box, thereby connecting the electrical device
to the main power source.
[0006] A conventional electrical device, such as a multi-outlet
receptacle or a switch, is considerably smaller in size than the
open front end of the electrical box in which it is mounted. As a
result, a portion of the open front end of the electrical box
remains open, providing access into the interior cavity of the
electrical box.
[0007] A faceplate is normally disposed over the open front end of
the electrical box to protect the electrical wires within the
interior cavity of the electrical box.
[0008] A faceplate, also commonly referred to as a cover plate,
wall plate or switch plate, is typically constructed as a flat,
rectangular plastic plate which is shaped to include one or more
openings through which a portion of the electrical device can
protrude to provide the user with a means for accessing the
electrical device. A faceplate is traditionally secured directly
onto the electrical device by one or more screws.
[0009] Portable electronic appliances, such as cellular telephones,
shavers, flashlights, personal data assistants (PDAs), tape
recorders and the like, are well-known in the art and typically
derive power from one or more batteries which are electrically
connected to the internal circuitry of the device. Battery operated
portable appliances of this type are usually provided with a
recharging circuit which enables the batteries to be recharged
rather than periodically replaced, these types of appliances being
commonly referred to as rechargeable portable electronic
appliances.
[0010] Rechargeable portable electronic appliances typically
include a connector which is integrated into its housing and which
is electrically connected to the recharging circuit. A recharging
cord is typically provided for recharging the appliance, the first
end of the cord including a connector, which is adapted to
releasably electrically connect with the connector on the
appliance, and the second end of the cord, including a conventional
plug, which is adapted to electrically connect with the two or
three prong outlet of a standard electrical receptacle. A
rechargeable appliance typically operates in either a passive mode
(i.e., when the appliance is being recharged) or an active mode
(i.e., when the appliance is being used in its intended
function).
[0011] While a rechargeable portable electronic appliance is in its
recharging mode, the user typically places the appliance on a flat
surface in close proximity to the outlet, such as a nearby counter
top or table. However, when placed on such a surface, the device is
often left exposed and unprotected from many dangerous conditions.
For example, consumers often place a recharging electronic
appliance on a counter top in close proximity to a sink or other
similar place where standing water is commonplace, or where it can
easily be dislodged, fall to the floor, and be damaged. If the
appliance, while recharging, is exposed to certain conditions, the
device can become damaged and/or cause serious bodily injury, which
is highly undesirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel
storage device.
[0013] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
novel storage device which is adapted to retain a portable
electronic appliance.
[0014] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a storage device as described above which has a limited number of
parts, is inexpensive to manufacture and which is easy to use.
[0015] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide a storage device as described above which retains a
portable electronic appliance in close proximity to the faceplate
for an electronic device, such as a dual outlet receptacle.
[0016] Accordingly, there is provided a faceplate and a storage
device attachable to or held in place by the faceplate, said
storage device being adapted to retain a portable electric
appliance.
[0017] Various other features and advantages will appear from the
description to follow. In the description, reference is made to the
accompanying drawings which form a part thereof, and in which is
shown by way of illustration, an embodiment for practicing the
invention. The embodiment will be described in sufficient detail to
enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it
is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that
structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of
the invention. The following detailed description is therefore, not
to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present
invention is best defined by the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] In the drawings wherein like reference numerals represent
like parts:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a front, right side perspective view of a
faceplate and storage device constructed according to the teachings
of the present invention, the faceplate being shown mounted over a
dual outlet electrical receptacle, the storage device being shown
holding a rechargeable appliance, the rechargeable appliance being
shown in electrical connection with an outlet of the receptacle by
means of a charger cord;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a front view of the faceplate and storage device
shown in FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a front, right side perspective view of the
storage device of the present invention shown with a faceplate in
place;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a left side view of the faceplate shown in FIG. 1,
with the wall sectioned to show the connection of the electrical
box to a wall or panel;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a right side view of the present invention;
and
[0024] FIG. 6 is a front view of another embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, there is shown a faceplate and
storage device constructed according to the teachings of the
present invention, said faceplate being identified by reference
numeral 11 and said storage device being identified by reference
numeral 13.
[0026] Storage device 13 normally is held in place by its lower or
rear panel 14 being between faceplate 11 and a wall or like
surface. Storage device 13 may be held in place by other known
means and potentially may be removably coupled to faceplate 11.
However, it is to be understood that faceplate 11 and storage
device 13 need not be limited to any particular holding means or
coupled relationship. If desired, faceplate 11 and storage device
13 could be manufactured as a unitary member without departing from
the spirit of the present invention.
[0027] As seen most clearly in FIG. 2, faceplate 11 is a unitary
device which is preferably constructed of a rigid, durable and
inexpensive material, such as molded plastic. Faceplate 11
generally is a cover and can have a flange integrally formed around
its periphery.
[0028] Faceplate 11 is shown herein as being in the form of a
conventional cover plate which can be mounted over an electrical
device 21, electrical device 21 being represented in FIG. 4 as
being in the form of a conventional receptacle which includes a
pair of electrical outlets 23. Although faceplate 11 is shown
herein as being of the type which can be mounted over a dual outlet
receptacle, it is to be understood that faceplate 11 represents any
conventional cover plate which is well-known in the art. As a
result, the faceplate 11 could be modified to be of the type which
can be mounted over other types of electrical devices without
departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example,
the faceplate 11 illustrated in FIG. 6 will be mounted over a
single outlet receptacle.
[0029] Faceplate 11 is generally rectangular and flat in shape and
comprises a substantially flat front face, a rear face, a top edge,
a bottom edge, a right side edge and a left side edge, although it
is foreseen that the faceplate 11 could take additional
non-rectangular shapes as desired by the user. Preferably, flat
front surface is convexly rounded along its outer periphery and
gradually tapers into edges for aesthetic purposes. As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2, faceplate 11 is additionally shaped to define a pair
of vertically disposed openings 37, each opening 37 being sized and
shaped to fittingly receive an associated outlet 23 therethrough.
Furthermore, faceplate 11 is shaped to define a small circular
countersunk hole 39 between openings 37. Hole 39 is sized and
shaped to receive a screw 41. In this manner, screw 41 can be
inserted through hole 39 and into a threaded bore formed in
electrical device 21 between outlets 23 so as to secure faceplate
11 in position over electrical device 21.
[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, the storage device 13
is also a unitary device which is preferably constructed of a
rigid, durable and inexpensive material, such as molded plastic.
The storage device 13 includes a rear panel 14 integrally connected
with an appliance holder 12. The appliance holder 12 includes a
bottom or support panel 15 and an integrally connected front panel
16 opposite the rear panel 14. When the storage device 13 is
mounted onto a wall or other surface using the faceplate 11, the
appliance holder 12 will form a pocket with the wall that is sized
and shaped to assist in retaining a portable, rechargeable,
electronic appliance 75 on the supporting panel 15 of the appliance
holder 12 between the front panel 16 and the wall. In this manner,
electronic appliance 75 can be safely retained within holder 12
while being recharged by electrical outlet or receptacle 23 via a
charger cord 77. The cord 77 may extend from the outlet 23 into
electrical connection with appliance 75 through a cavity 57 or
aperture that traverses the support panel 15. By allowing the cord
77 to pass through the support panel 15, a clean and direction
connection is provided between the appliance 75 with the electrical
receptacle 23, as discussed in more detail below.
[0031] Electronic appliance 75 is represented in FIG. 1 as a
portable, rechargeable cellular phone. However, it is to be
understood that electronic appliance 75 is not limited to being in
the form of a portable, rechargeable cellular phone. Rather,
electronic appliance 75 represents any portable, rechargeable
electronic appliance which is well-known in the art. For example,
electronic appliance 75 could represent, among other things, an
electric shaver, a flashlight, a personal data assistant (PDA), a
tape recorder or the like appliance without departing from the
spirit of the present invention.
[0032] It should be noted that the means for coupling storage
device 13 to faceplate 11 is not limited to the interrelationship
as described herein. Rather, it is to be understood that any
conventional fastening means for releasably holding two or more
objects together may be used.
[0033] In use, the combination faceplate 11 and storage device 13
can be used in the following manner. Specifically, faceplate 11 is
adapted to be readily mounted onto a wall, or other similar
surface, over electrical device 21. With faceplate 11 mounted over
electrical device 21, electrical outlets 23 are sized and shaped to
fittingly protrude through openings 37 so as to provide access to
device 21. With faceplate 11 properly mounted over electrical
device 21, with lower or rear panel 14 of device 13 between
faceplate 11 and electrical device 21, screw 41 can be disposed
through opening 39 in faceplate 11 and into threaded engagement
with a bore formed in device 21 to secure faceplate 11 and storage
device 13 in place over device 21.
[0034] When electrical device 21 is to be used to provide power to
recharge an electronic appliance 75, storage device 13 is mounted
behind faceplate 11 (between the faceplate 11 and wall) in the
manner described above. With storage device 13 so mounted, a plug
78, which is formed onto a first end of charger cord 77, is
inserted into an outlet 23 of the electrical device 21. The second
end of charger cord 77 may then traverse the cavity 57 to be then
plugged into a corresponding receptacle in the electronic appliance
75 to be charged. Charger cord 77 serves to electrically connect
the recharging circuit for appliance 75 to outlet 23.
[0035] A pair of optimal protrusions 17 or similar flange may
extend from one of the outer edges of the rear panel 14 of storage
device 13. The optimal protrusions 17 provide the user with a place
to wind the charger cord 77 to remove excess cord between the
connection with the appliance 75 and the plug 78 connection at the
receptacle 23. This provides a more appealing aesthetic appearance
and eliminates problems associated with the unbound excess cord
77.
[0036] While recharging, appliance 75 can be retained within holder
12 between front panel 16 of storage device 13 and a wall or the
like within which an electrical box is attached and houses
electrical device 21. In this manner, appliance 75 is less
susceptible to damage which could be caused by placing appliance 75
on a nearby surface, such as a table or countertop.
[0037] Once appliance 75 has completed recharging, charger cord 77
can be removed from storage device 13 and used as desired.
Furthermore, if deemed necessary, the consumer can remove storage
device 13 from faceplate 11, storage device 13 capable of being
stored in an alternate location until further recharging is
required.
[0038] The embodiment shown in the present invention is intended to
be merely exemplary and those skilled in the art shall be able to
make numerous variations and modifications to it without departing
from the spirit of the present invention. All such variations and
modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present
invention as defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *