Abstract:
An electrical power strip with multiple outlets capable of being controlled by a wireless remote controller is herein disclosed. The handheld wireless controller is used to control the operation of the power strip via a radio frequency (RF). As such, the power strip is particularly advantageous for use under desks, behind shelves and in otherwise inaccessible locations, as the user can turn the entire power strip on and off without reaching it. Additionally, individual bypass switches are provided for each receptacle to turn it on permanently.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/189,458 filed on Aug. 20, 2008, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally electrical outlet power strips and, more particularly, to an electrical power supply strip capable of being controlled by, a wireless remote controller. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In recent years the presence of electrical and electronic devices in our lives has proliferated. It is not uncommon to have dozens of such devices in ones home. In many cases such as with personal computer systems, entertainment systems, recharging areas, and the like, it is not uncommon to have many devices competing for one (1) electrical outlet. Additionally, many of the current household electronic devices draw electricity even when turned off while in a “standby” configuration. This can lead to wasted electricity usage and inflated electric utility bills. Increasing numbers of electric utility providers are recommending users unplug electric devices with not in use. 
     Many people utilize power strips to solve these problems. Power strips typically consist of a plurality of electrical receptacles wired in parallel that receive electrical plugs from various external devices which are connected to a single source of electricity though the power strip. These power strips generally provide a single switch which allows all the connected electrical devices to be simultaneously turned on and off. Some models of power strips also provide additional features, such as power indicator lights, surge protection, individual switches for each receptacle, or receiving ports for telephone cords or coaxial cable. 
     An example of these models can be seen U.S. Pat. No. 6,509,655, issued in the name of Wang, which describes a system including electronically-controlled power strip having a plurality of receptacles. The Wang system provides electrical receptacles that are independently controlled by an integral processing control unit. 
     Other devices provide specialized functions for use with particular types of electronics, as can be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 6,586,849, issued in the name of Tarr, which describes an electrical power strip for use with a computer and associated peripheral devices that allows the peripheral devices associated with the computer to be automatically turned on or off simultaneously with the computer being turned on and off. 
     While these devices may fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each suffers from one or more disadvantage. Most notably that the turning on and off action requires physical access to the power strip. This is not always easy when such strips are under desks, behind furniture or in the back of cabinets. This typically forces a user to access the power control switch and perhaps leave the device on thus wasting power and not utilizing the power strip to its full potential. 
     One solution to this is to simply move the power strip to a more accessible location, where it may be unsightly. Another attempt to solve this problem can be seen by example in U.S. Pat. No. 6,666,712, issued in the name of Kramer, which describes a remotely switched portable outlet which provides a manually actuated switch to remotely control the power supply to the portable outlet. The Kramer outlet utilizes an attached wired control switch that can be located in a more convenient location for a user. However, these solutions still limit control of the power supply to locations adjacent to the power strip and require the user to physically engage the power strip. 
     Additionally, ornamental designs for power strips exist, as seen by example in U.S. Pat. Nos. D 304,324, issued in the name of Lovett et al. and D 411,169, issued in the name of West. However, none of these designs are similar to the present invention. 
     Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which power strips can be controlled without the requirement of physical access. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for electrical power supply strip with a means to simply and conveniently control the power supply to connected electronic devices in a remote manner and thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an outlet power strip with remote control which enables a user to turn on and off all the electrical receptacles of the power strip from a remote location. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an outlet power strip with remote control that enables external electrical devices to be de-energized when not in use, thus saving electricity and providing an economic gain for the user. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an outlet power strip with remote control that provides individual bypass switches to turn particular receptacles on permanently. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an outlet power strip with remote control that provides visual and audible indication of functional operations. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an outlet power strip with remote control that enables the power strip to be located in out of sight locations and provides a means to communicate with the power strip that does not require line of sight. 
     To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an apparatus which provides a means for powering multiple external electrical devices by a hand-held wireless remote control. In a preferred embodiment the apparatus generally comprises a housing unit having a plurality of receptacles, a switch electrically connected to each receptacle respectively, a control module coupled to the receptacles and switches, and a plurality of relays that are selectively toggled between ON and REMOTE positions. A remote control is in wireless communication with the control module and provides a means to selectively control the supply of power to the apparatus. 
     The apparatus has a first operating mode that supplies constant power to each receptacle with the relays being at the ON and a second operating mode that remotely turns power on and off to allow a user to supply and interrupt power to the particular receptacles from a remote location with the relays being at the REMOTE position. 
     The apparatus also provides a speaker that provides a distinct audible tone when powered on by the remote control and a different distinct audible tone when powered off by the remote control. An ON light further provides a visual indication when the apparatus is activated via the remote control and an OFF light provides a visual indication when the apparatus is deactivated via the remote control. 
     The present invention provides a method of utilizing the device that allows users of power strips the ability to quickly and easily turn power strips on and off without the requirement of touching or even seeing them in a manner which is quick, easy and effective. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of an outlet power strip with remote control  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 2  is an electrical block diagram of the outlet power strip with remote control  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  outlet power strip with remote control 
               20  housing unit 
               21  power cord 
               22  receptacle 
               23  switch 
               30  RF control module 
               31  RF receiver 
               32  speaker 
               330 N light 
               34  OFF light 
               35  sound modulator 
               40  hand-held remote control 
               41  RF signal 
               50  power source wiring 
               51  relay 
               60  RF transmitter 
               610 N button 
               62  OFF button 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 and 2 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes an outlet power strip with remote control (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , which provides a means for powering multiple external electrical devices by a hand-held wireless remote control  40 . The apparatus  10  comprises a plurality of receptacles  22 , a plurality of switches  23 , and a radio frequency (RF) control module  30 . Said apparatus  10  comprises two (2) modes of operation: a first mode operating as a traditional power strip  10  supplying constant power to a plurality of devices; and, a second mode operating as a power strip  10  which can be turned on and off remotely, thus providing the advantage of allowing a user the ability to power on and off a plurality of devices without having to reach said apparatus  10  which may be located in inaccessible locations. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a top perspective view of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a rectangular housing unit  20  similar to other common power strip housing units preferably made of a plastic material and fabricated by a common plastic injection molding process or the like. Said apparatus  10  also comprises a plurality of receptacles  22  that which supply power to an external electrical device. Said receptacles  22  comprise conventional trailing male electrical connectors, thereby enabling connection of corresponding female electrical connectors. Each receptacle  22  is controlled by an independent switch  23  which is comprised of a common commercially available single-pole double-throw switch located thereon a top horizontal outside surface of the housing unit  20  and corresponding thereto said associated receptacle  22 . 
     The apparatus  10  also comprises a common piezoelectric type speaker  32  or similar commercially available miniature audio device located therealong a top horizontal external surface of the housing unit  20 . Said speaker  32  provides a distinct audible tone when said apparatus  10  is powered on by a remote control  40  and a different distinct audible tone when said apparatus  10  is powered off by the remote control  40 . Said speaker  32  is interconnected for a controlling means thereto an internally located sound modulator  35  therewith conventional soldering techniques, yet other connection means may be utilized without limiting the functions of the apparatus  10 . 
     The apparatus  10  further comprises an “ON” light  33  preferably comprised of a commercially available light emitting diode (LED), yet other illuminating devices may be utilized without limiting the functions of said apparatus  10 . Said “ON” light  33  provides a visual indication when the apparatus  10  is activated via the remote control  40 . The apparatus  10  further comprises an “OFF” light  34  which is preferably comprised of a common commercially available LED and provides a visual indication when the apparatus  10  is deactivated via the remote control  40 . Said lights  33 ,  34  are located thereon a top horizontal surface of the housing unit  20  adjacent to each other. Each light  33 ,  34  is also interconnected for a controlling means thereto an internally located sound modulator  35  therewith conventional soldering techniques, yet other connection means may be utilized without limiting the functions of the apparatus  10  (see  FIG. 2 ). 
     The apparatus  10  yet further comprises a hand-held remote control  40  which comprises expected features such as, a RF transmitter  60 , an “ON” button  61 , and an “OFF” button  62 . Said remote control  40  comprises a handheld rectangular housing, thereby providing a digit operating means for the user. An external top horizontal portion of the remote control  40  comprises the “ON” button  61  and the “OFF” button  62  which are preferably conventional pushbuttons, yet other switching devices may be utilized without limiting the functions of the apparatus  10 . Said “ON” button  61  and “OFF” button  62  provides a means for the user to activate and deactivate the receptacles  22  which are positioned to the “REMOTE” position thereon the corresponding switches  23 , respectively. 
     A top side portion of the remote control  40  comprises the conventional RF transmitter  60 , thereby providing a generating and transmitting means via a RF signal  41  thereto a RF receiver  31 . The apparatus  10  preferably utilizes a RF signal  41  to communicate between the remote control  40  and said apparatus  10  providing an added benefit of not requiring a line of sight communication; however, it is understood that the invention  10  may be introduced with an infrared (IR) signal and as such should not be viewed as a limiting factor on the invention  10 . The RF signal  41  is a one-way signal and does not provide for duplex communication or confirmation of said received RF signal  41 . Said RF signal  41  would be of a frequency modulated (FM) signal on a frequency authorized for such use; however, other methods of modulation such as amplitude modulation, single side band, digital, continuous wave and the like would work equally well, and as such, should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the present invention  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an electrical block diagram of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a conventional two (2) prong power cord  21 , thereby supplying AC power to a receptacle  22  via the power source wiring  50 . The apparatus  10  also comprises an RF control module  30  comprising a RF receiver  31 , a speaker  32 , an “ON” light  33 , an “OFF” light  34 , and a sound modulator  35 . The RF control module  30  comprises a simple logic device which controls the function of the plurality of sub-components within said RF control module  30 . The sound modulator  35  provides the logic necessary to control the two (2) distinct tones from the speaker  32  when the RF control module  30  receives a RF signal  41  from the remote control  40 . 
     The apparatus  10  also comprises a plurality of relays  51  which are comprised of common commercially available latch relay or the like. As illustrated in  FIG. 2  the switch  23  has two (2) positions, the “ON” position closes the circuit to the receptacle  22  supplying constant power to any external device plugged into said receptacle  22 . The “REMOTE” position opens the circuit allowing the electrical relay  51  to control the power supplied to the receptacle  22 . The relay  51  is controlled by the RF control module  30  and opens and closes the electrical supply when said RF control module  30  receives a RF signal  41  from the RF transmitter  60  thereon the remote control  40 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the apparatus  10 ; determining an area where multiple external electrical devices require power; plugging the power cable  21  into a wall power outlet; plugging the power cords of a desired amount of external electrical devices into the receptacles  22 ; determining which electrical device requires power in a stand-by powered down mode; switching the switches  23  of those corresponding receptacles  22  that which require constant power to the “ON” position; switching the switches  23  of those corresponding receptacles  22  that which need to be powered “OFF” via the remote control  40  to the “REMOTE” position; repeating as necessary for all desired electrical devices; powering “ON” all the desired electrical devices in the “REMOTE” position via the RF signal  41  transmitted from the RF transmitter  60  thereon the remote control  40  thereto the RF receiver  31  thereon the housing unit  20 ; using the desired electrical devices as normal; powering “OFF” all of the desired electrical devices in the “REMOTE” position via the RF signal  41  transmitted from the RF transmitter  60  thereon the remote control  40  thereto the RF receiver  31  thereon the housing unit  20 ; and, benefiting from increased and improved convenience, wireless power control, and increased energy efficiency afforded a user of the present invention  10 . 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.