Abstract:
Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide improved techniques for connecting an electrical device to an external power source. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an electrical device is disclosed having various types of connections to a power source. The connections may also provide power transformation.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
   The present invention relates generally to electrical devices and, more particularly, to power adapters or connectors for electrical devices. 
   BACKGROUND 
   An electrical device often requires a connection to a power supply in order for the electrical device to receive the necessary power to operate. For example, a wireless network range expander typically must be connected to a power outlet via a power supply cord to receive power and operate properly. As another example, a portable device (e.g., a laptop computer, a portable telephone, or a personal digital assistant (PDA) device) that operates by receiving power from an internal battery may also need to be periodically connected to an external power supply via a power supply cord to recharge the battery. 
   One drawback associated with the electrical device is that when a user plugs in the power supply cord to connect the electrical device to a power outlet, the power supply cord is often cumbersome and unwieldy and may be a hazard to pedestrians who may trip on the power supply cord. Furthermore, there may be no convenient location to place the electrical device once it is connected to the power outlet (e.g., while the electrical device is recharging). 
   Additionally, a user may desire to have an alternative to the power supply cord for connecting the electrical device to the power outlet, especially if the power supply cord includes a power transformer (e.g., an alternating current (AC) adapter for converting AC power to direct current (DC) power). For example, it may be difficult to plug in a power supply cord having a power transformer if there is not sufficient room to accommodate the power transformer. As a result, there is a need for improved techniques for connecting an electrical device to an external power source (e.g., a power outlet). 
   SUMMARY 
   Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide improved techniques for connecting an electrical device to an external power source. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an electrical device is disclosed having various types of connections to a power source. As an example, the electrical device may have different types of interchangeable power connectors (or couplers) that can attach to the electrical device and provide a connection to the power source (e.g., a power outlet). One type of power coupler has a standard power supply cord to allow the electrical device to be plugged into the wall outlet to receive power. Another type of power coupler has only prongs (i.e., no power supply cord) for plugging directly into the wall outlet. A user may select the desired power coupler to couple to the electrical device based upon the user&#39;s requirements. 
   The power couplers may also include a power transformer to provide the proper power conversion for the electrical device. Consequently, the electrical device may be utilized throughout the world, with the power coupler selected based on the location and taking into account plug configuration and power source. 
   More specifically, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus includes an electrical device; at least one terminal, coupled to the electrical device, adapted to provide a path for electrical power to the electrical device; two or more power connectors adapted to be selectively coupled to the at least one terminal and provide a path for electrical power from an external power supply to the electrical device. Each of the power connectors having at least one power terminal adapted to couple to the corresponding terminal of the apparatus; and at least one electrical prong adapted to couple to the external power supply; wherein a first one of the power connectors is adapted to selectively couple to the apparatus, with the at least one electrical prong adapted to plug directly into an electrical outlet of the external power supply; and wherein a second one of the power connectors further comprises an electrical cord adapted to couple the at least one electrical prong to the at least one power terminal, with the at least one electrical prong adapted to plug directly into an electrical outlet of the external power supply via the electrical cord. 
   In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of power connectors includes a first power connector having a plurality of first electrical prongs for coupling to a power supply and a plurality of first power terminals for coupling to corresponding terminals of an electrical device, wherein the first power connector supports the electrical device while the first power connector is coupled to the power supply; and a second power connector having an electrical cord and a plurality of second electrical prongs for coupling to the power supply via the electrical cord, and a plurality of second power terminals for coupling to the corresponding terminals of the electrical device, wherein the first power connector or the second power connector is selectively coupled to the electrical device. 
   In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method of providing power from a power supply to an electrical device includes providing two or more power adapters adapted to selectively couple to the electrical device and provide a path for power from the power supply to the electrical device, wherein a first one of the power adapters couples the electrical device directly to the power supply via one or more electrical prongs and a second one of the power adapters has an electrical cord with a plug and one or more electrical prongs to couple the electrical device to the power supply; selecting which of the power adapters to couple to the electrical device; coupling the selected power adapter to the electrical device; and coupling the selected power adapter, which is coupled to the electrical device, to the power supply. 
   In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus includes an electrical device having at least one terminal for providing a path for electrical power to the electrical device; and means for selectively coupling the at least one terminal to an external power supply, wherein the coupling means comprises at least a first coupling means and a second coupling means which are selectively coupled to the at least one terminal, the first coupling means adapted to directly couple the at least one terminal to an electrical outlet of the external power supply and suspend the apparatus from the electrical outlet, the second coupling means adapted to couple the at least one terminal to the electrical outlet which is distant from the apparatus. 
   The scope of the invention is defined by the claims, which are incorporated into this section by reference. A more complete understanding of embodiments of the present invention will be afforded to those skilled in the art, as well as a realization of additional advantages thereof, by a consideration of the following detailed description of one or more embodiments. Reference will be made to the appended sheets of drawings that will first be described briefly. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIGS. 1   a ,  1   b , and  1   c  show front, side, and bottom views illustrating an electrical device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 2   a ,  2   b , and  2   c  show bottom, end, and side views illustrating a power connector for the electrical device of  FIG. 1  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 3   a ,  3   b , and  3   c  show front, side, and bottom views illustrating the power connector of  FIG. 2  coupled to the electrical device of  FIG. 1  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates the insertion of the power connector of  FIG. 2  into the electrical device of  FIG. 1  and into a power outlet in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 5   a ,  5   b , and  5   c  show bottom, side, and end views illustrating a power connector for the electrical device of  FIG. 1  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 6   a ,  6   b , and  6   c  show front, side, and bottom views illustrating the power connector of  FIG. 5  coupled to the electrical device of  FIG. 1  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates the insertion of the power connector of  FIG. 5  into the electrical device of  FIG. 1  and into a power outlet in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   Embodiments of the present invention and their advantages are best understood by referring to the detailed description that follows. It should be appreciated that like reference numerals are used to identify like elements illustrated in one or more of the figures. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     FIGS. 1   a ,  1   b , and  1   c  show front, side, and bottom views illustrating an electrical device  100  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Electrical device  100  may represent any type of electrical device that may need to be connected to an external power source. As an example, electrical device  100  may represent a wireless network range expander having an antenna  102 , which for example functions to expand a wireless network&#39;s range beyond the range of the current access point or wireless router (e.g., by repeating the wireless signal to devices within the expander&#39;s range). 
   Electrical device  100  may require that an external power source be supplied in order for electrical device  100  to operate. Alternatively, electrical device  100  may require that an external power source be supplied periodically to recharge an internal battery or batteries of electrical device  100 . In either of these examples, electrical device  100  will need to be connected to an external power source at some point in time (e.g., temporarily or possibly permanently). 
   Electrical device  100  includes terminals  106  through which electrical power is provided to electrical device  100 . The number of terminals  106  may be varied, depending upon the desired application or requirements. For example, two of terminals  106  are shown in  FIG. 1 , but one, three, or more terminals may be implemented. As an example, three of terminals  106  may be implemented in electrical device  100  (e.g., a standard three plug power connection with one plug functioning as a ground plug). 
   Terminals  106  are connected to an external power source via a power connector (not shown in  FIG. 1 ), which is described in detail herein (e.g., in reference to  FIGS. 2 and 5 ). The power connector (also referred to herein as a power coupler or a power adapter) provides a path between terminals  106  and an external power source through which electrical device  100  receives its power. 
   For example,  FIGS. 2   a ,  2   b , and  2   c  show bottom, end, and side views illustrating a power connector  200  for electrical device  100  of  FIG. 1  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Power connector  200  includes electrical prongs  202  and terminals  206 . Prongs  202  are inserted into a power outlet while terminals  206  connect to terminals  106  of electrical device  100  to allow electrical power to be provided to electrical device  100  through prongs  202  and terminals  206 . 
   Power connector  200  may be designed to couple to or be inserted into electrical device  100 . For example, power connector  200  may include a raised portion  204  to provide a user of electrical device  100  an area to apply pressure to power connector  200  to aid in the attachment or removal of power connector  200  to or from electrical device  100 . There may also be an indentation  208  to allow power connector  200  to be latched into place when joined with electrical device  100 . 
   As an exemplary implementation,  FIGS. 3   a ,  3   b , and  3   c  show front, side, and bottom views illustrating power connector  200  of  FIG. 2  coupled to electrical device  100  of  FIG. 1  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. When power connector  200  is inserted into electrical device  100  for this example, terminals  106  are joined (or mated) with terminals  206  to provide an electrical connection. Power connector  200  may be latched into place via a latch  108  that snaps into indentation  208 . 
     FIG. 4  provides a diagram  400 , which further illustrates the exemplary insertion of power connector  200  of  FIG. 2  into electrical device  100  of  FIG. 1  and into a power outlet  402  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in diagram  400 , power connector  200  is inserted into electrical device  100 . Power connector  200 , joined with electrical device  100 , may then be inserted into power outlet  402  so that electrical power may be provided to electrical device  100  (e.g., through prongs  202  and terminals  206  and  106 ). 
   When power connector  200 , joined with electrical device  100 , is inserted into power outlet  402 , power connector  200  securely holds electrical device  100 . Consequently, if power outlet  402  is located on a wall a certain distance above the floor, for example, power connector  200  may be designed to hold or suspend electrical device  100  so that electrical device  100  does not touch the floor. Note also that antenna  102  of electrical device  100  may be positioned (e.g., rotated) to a desired direction or orientation and is shown in a different position than is shown, for example, in  FIG. 1   a.    
     FIGS. 5   a ,  5   b , and  5   c  show bottom, side, and end views illustrating a power connector  500  for electrical device  100  of  FIG. 1  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Power connector  500  is similar to power connector  200  ( FIG. 2 ), but power connector  500  includes a plug  502  and a cord  504  so that power connector  500  may plug into an external power source and supply power to electrical device  100 . Electrical device  100  may be some distance away from the external power source (i.e., the distance being limited by the length of cord  504 , which may be of any length desired). 
   Power connector  500  includes prongs  202  on plug  502 , for insertion into an electrical outlet, and terminals  206  for connecting to terminals  106  of electrical device  100  ( FIG. 1 ). Raised portion  204  may also be included to aid in the insertion and removal of power connector  500  to and from electrical device  100 . 
   As an exemplary implementation,  FIGS. 6   a ,  6   b , and  6   c  show front, side, and bottom views illustrating power connector  500  of  FIG. 5  coupled to electrical device  100  of  FIG. 1  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. When power connector  500  is inserted into electrical device  100  for this example, terminals  106  are joined (or mated) with terminals  206  to provide an electrical connection. Power connector  500  may be latched into place via latch  108  that snaps into indentation  208 . 
     FIG. 7  provides a diagram  700 , which further illustrates the exemplary insertion of power connector  500  of  FIG. 5  into electrical device  100  of  FIG. 1  and into power outlet  402  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in diagram  700 , power connector  500  is inserted into electrical device  100 . Plug  502  of power connector  200  may then be inserted into power outlet  402  so that electrical power may be provided to electrical device  100  (e.g., through prongs  202 , cord  504 , and terminals  206  and  106 ). 
   Power connectors  200  and  500  may be shaped as desired, depending upon the desired application and shape or size of electrical device  100 , so that power connector  200  or  500  may be securely joined with electrical device  100 . Power connector  200  generally must be securely joined, for example, so that when power connector  200  is inserted into power outlet  402 , power connector  200  can securely support electrical device  100 . 
   As noted above, prongs  202  may be implemented in any number and any shape, depending upon the intended applications. For example, there may be one, two, three, or more prongs and shaped as shown or rounded or positioned at different angles relative to each other to accommodate the various types of electrical outlets and power sources found throughout the world. 
   Power connectors  200  and  500  may further include a power converter or a power transformer to convert the supplied electrical power to the desired power types as required by electrical device  100 . For example, power connectors  200  and  500  may include a power converter or a power transformer to convert a 220 volts external source to 110 volts for electrical device  100 . As another example, power connectors  200  and  500  may include a power transformer to convert an external power supply voltage of 220 volts and 50 Hertz to 110 volts and 60 Hertz for electrical device  100 . As another example, power connectors  200  and  500  may include a power transformer to convert an external power supply voltage of alternating current to a direct current voltage (e.g., 110 volts alternating current to 5 volts direct current) for electrical device  100 . Consequently, various types of power converters (e.g., such as power converter  200  or  500 ) may be provided for electrical device  100  to provide the desired connection configuration to connect electrical device  100  to an external power supply and also to convert the provided power to the required type and level. 
   Embodiments described above illustrate but do not limit the invention. It should also be understood that numerous modifications and variations are possible in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined only by the following claims.