Abstract:
This invention provides a coupler having universal adaptors for compressed air, fluid, electricity, and/or data that enable a user to connect existing hoses or cords to the coupler, which is attached to a door base and/or window sash, thus allowing the door and/or window to be fully opened and closed. The body of the coupler is a U shaped clamp. The body has a thin base plate that is positioned under the door and/or window and two walls that contain electrical/pneumatic/data connectors. In one embodiment, the body is made of a durable plastic. The clamp is tightened via a tension screw with an adjustment knob or by a screwdriver. Embedded within the body are channels that allow passage of electricity, air, fluid, and/or data packets.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/218663, filed Jun. 19, 2009, which is herein incorporated in its entirety by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to power adapters and outlets. More specifically, this invention relates to a coupler having universal adaptors that allow for the transfer of electricity, compressed air, fluid, and/or data under or beside a closed door, movable wall or window sash. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Currently users of pneumatic tools, equipment having electrical power cords, fluid power systems, and/or data cables have to leave a door or window open to allow passage of hoses, cords, and/or cables into a workspace. This creates problems due to the escape or intrusion of hot or cold air, dust, noise, insects as well as damage to doors, windows, and walls. Having to leave the doors or windows open to allow the cords or hoses to pass through wastes enormous amounts of energy. There are also the inconvenience and safety issues created by not isolating the workspace, including the hazard of tripping and/or danger of pinching or cutting the cords, cables and/or hoses. Additionally, having the air/power/fluid source in the immediate work space creates noise, dust, and damage to floors and walls. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    This invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a coupler having universal adapters for compressed air, fluid, electricity, and/or data that enable a user to connect existing hoses or cords to the coupler, which is attached to a door base and/or window sash, thus allowing the door and/or window to be fully opened and closed. This invention has applications to a number of industries, including but not limited to, construction, information technology, medical, and aerospace. 
         [0005]    The body of the coupler is a generally U shaped clamp. The body accommodates a door/wall/window thickness of 2⅔ inches up to 2¼ inches. The body has a thin base plate that is positioned under the door and/or window. In one embodiment, the body is made of a durable thermoplastic, e.g. ABS. In other embodiments, the body may be made of polyurethane or thermoplastic rubber. In one embodiment, the clamp is tightened via a tension screw with an adjustment knob. In an alternative embodiment, the tension screw is tightened by a screwdriver. In all embodiments, channels that allow passage of electricity, air, gas, fluid, and/or data are embedded within the body. 
         [0006]    In one embodiment, a first wall of the clamp has one or more female electrical connectors, e.g. outlets. The second wall of the clamp has a male electrical connector, e.g. plug. In this embodiment, the channels within the body are lined with electrical conduit strips. In alternative embodiments, the female electrical connector may be positioned on a front surface, top surface, or side surface of the first wall. In the embodiment having the female electrical connector positioned on the top surface of the first wall, a protective cover for the outlet may be provided. 
         [0007]    In a second embodiment, the first wall of the clamp has an open pneumatic fitting with an external (male) screw thread, while the second wall of the clamp has an open pneumatic fitting with an internal (female) screw thread. 
         [0008]    In a third embodiment, the first wall of the clamp has one female electrical connector and an open pneumatic fitting with an external screw thread, while the second wall of the clamp has a male electrical connector and an open pneumatic fitting with an internal screw thread. 
         [0009]    In a fourth embodiment, the first and second walls of the clamp have connections for composite or RCA cables, coaxial cables, ethernet cables, phone cords, and USB ports. 
         [0010]    In a fifth embodiment, the first wall of the clamp has one female electrical connector, an open pneumatic fitting with an external screw thread, and connections for composite or RCA cables, coaxial cables, ethernet cables, phone cords, and USB ports. The second wall of the clamp has a male electrical connector, an open pneumatic fitting with an internal screw thread, and connections for composite or RCA cables, coaxial cables, ethernet cables, phone cords, and USB ports. 
         [0011]    In an alternative embodiment, the body of the coupler is generally a C shaped clamp. The first wall of the clamp has at least two female electrical connectors positioned on the front surface. The second wall of the clamp has a spring loaded clip, thumb screw, or cam locking device that holds it to a piece of wood, bench, and/or ladder for remote power access. 
         [0012]    The features and advantages described herein are not all-inclusive and, in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the drawings, specification, and claims. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and not to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    The invention description below refers to the accompanying drawings, of which: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention showing a female electrical connector and an open pneumatic fitting; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a top view thereof; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a side view thereof; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a cross section view across line D-D of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is an alternative embodiment of the present invention showing extended female electrical connectors; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is an interior view of  FIG. 5  showing the transmission channels; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a side view of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention showing a single female electrical connector; 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a second perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8  showing a male electrical connector; 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention showing two female electrical connectors positioned vertically on one wall; 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of the present invention showing two female connectors positioned horizontally on one wall; 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  is a second perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 11  showing a male electrical connector; 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention showing two female electrical connectors positioned horizontally on a top surface of one wall and having protective covers in the open position; 
           [0027]      FIG. 14  is a second perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 13  showing the protective covers in the closed position; 
           [0028]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention showing an open pneumatic connector; 
           [0029]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention showing various data connectors; 
           [0030]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention showing the body as a C shaped clamp; and 
           [0031]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention showing a female electrical connector, an open pneumatic fitting, and various data connectors. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0032]    Referring to the drawings in general and to  FIGS. 1-18  in particular, there is provided a coupler having universal adapters that allow for the transfer of electricity, compressed air, fluid, and/or data under or beside a closed door, movable wall or window sash in accordance with the present invention. 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , the coupler  100  includes a body  10 . Body  10  of coupler  100  is a generally U shaped clamp. In one embodiment, body  10  is made of a durable thermoplastic, such as ABS. In other embodiments, the body may be made of polyurethane or thermoplastic rubber. Body  10  is capable of accommodating a door/wall/window thickness of 2⅔ inches up to 2¼ inches between first wall  11  and second wall  12 . Body  10  has a base plate  15  that is positioned under door  50 . Base plate  15  integrally connects first wall  11  and second wall  12 . In one embodiment, base plate  15  has a thickness of 0.2 inches. In one embodiment, body  10  is tightened around door  50  via a tension screw with an adjustment knob  30 . In an alternative embodiment, the tension screw is tightened by a screwdriver. 
         [0034]    In one embodiment, one female electrical connector  20 , e.g. outlet, is positioned on a side surface of first wall  11  of body  10 . First wall  11  of body  10  also has an open pneumatic fitting with an internal (female) screw thread  40 . A male electrical connector  80 , e.g. plug, is positioned on a side surface of second wall  12  of body  10 . An open pneumatic fitting with an external (male) screw thread  45  is positioned next to male electrical connector  80 . 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , which is a cross sectional view taken along line D-D of  FIG. 3 , embedded within body  10  are channels  60 ,  70 . Channels  60  allow passage of electricity between female electrical connector  20  and male electrical connector  80 . Channels  70  allow passage of air, gas, and/or fluid between open pneumatic fitting with an internal (female) screw thread  40  and open pneumatic fitting with an external (male) screw thread  45  with no impedance to volume flow rate. 
         [0036]    In an alternative embodiment, shown in  FIG. 5 , coupler  500  has two female electrical connectors  520  positioned on a side surface of first wall  511  of body  510 . In this embodiment, female electrical connectors  520  extend from first wall  511 . Female electrical connectors  520  have indicator lights  505  to signal if the female electrical connector  520  is too hot to plug into. A tension screw with an adjustment knob  530  is positioned below female electrical connectors  520 . A male electrical connector  580  is positioned on a side surface of second wall  512  of body  510 . Base plate  515  integrally connects first wall  511  and second wall  512 . 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , channels  60  within body  10  are lined with electrical conduit strips  61 . Electrical conduit strips  61  run from female electrical connector  20  through first wall  11 , base plate  15  and second wall  12  to male electrical connector  80 . In one embodiment, electrical conduit strips  61  are made of copper. 
         [0038]    In an alternative embodiment, shown in  FIG. 8 , coupler  700  has a single female electrical connector  720  on a side surface of first wall  711  of body  710 . A tension screw with an adjustment knob  730  is positioned below female electrical connector  720 . As seen in  FIG. 9 , a male electrical connector  780  is positioned on a side surface of second wall  712  of body  710 . Base plate  715  integrally connects first wall  711  and second wall  712 . 
         [0039]    In an alternative embodiment, shown in  FIG. 10 , coupler  900  has two female electrical connectors  920  on first wall  911  of body  910 . The female electrical connectors  920  are positioned vertically on a side surface of first wall  911  of body  910 . A male electrical connector  980  is positioned on a side surface of second wall  912  of body  910 . A tension screw with an adjustment knob  930  is positioned below male electrical connector  980 . Base plate  915  integrally connects first wall  911  and second wall  912 . 
         [0040]    In an alternative embodiment, shown in  FIG. 11 , coupler  1100  has two female electrical connectors  1120 . However, in this embodiment, the female electrical connectors  1120  are positioned horizontally on a side surface of first wall  1111  of body  1110 . As seen in  FIG. 12 , a male electrical connector  1180  is positioned on a front surface of second wall  1112  of body  1110 . Base plate  1115  integrally connects first wall  1111  and second wall  1112 . 
         [0041]    In an alternative embodiment, shown in  FIG. 13 , coupler  1300  has two female electrical connectors  1320 . However, in this embodiment, the female electrical connectors  1320  are positioned horizontally on a top surface of first wall  1311  of body  1310 . As seen in  FIG. 14 , a male electrical connector  1380  is positioned on a front surface of second wall  1312  of body  1310 . Base plate  1315  integrally connects first wall  1311  and second wall  1312 . Protective covers  1316  are connected to first wall  1311  via a hinge  1317  and are positioned such that they sit atop female electrical connectors  1320 . 
         [0042]    In an alternative embodiment, shown in  FIG. 15 , coupler  1500  has an open pneumatic fitting with an external (male) screw thread  1540  positioned on first wall  1511  of body  1510 . An open pneumatic fitting with an internal (female) screw thread  1545  is positioned on second wall  1512  of body  1510 . A tension screw with an adjustment knob  1530  is positioned below internal (female) screw thread  1545 . Base plate  1515  integrally connects first wall  1511  and second wall  1512 . 
         [0043]    In an alternative embodiment, shown in  FIG. 16 , coupler  1600  has multiple data ports, including RCA ports  1690 , a USB port  1692 , an ethernet jack  1694 , a phone jack  1696 , and a coaxial connector  1698 . These multiple data ports are positioned on a side surface of first wall  1611  of body  1610  and a side surface of second wall  1612  of body  1610 . Base plate  1615  integrally connects first wall  1611  and second wall  1612 . In other embodiments, the data ports may include connectors and/or jacks for IEEE 1394 interfaces, fiber optics, and/or multi-pin cables. 
         [0044]    In an alternative embodiment, shown in  FIG. 17 , body  1710  of coupler  1700  is a C shaped clamp. At least two female electrical connectors  1720  are positioned on a front surface of a first wall  1711  of body  1710 . In one embodiment, a tension screw with an adjustment knob  1730  is positioned on second wall  1712  of body  1710 . In other embodiments, a spring loaded clip, a thumb screw, and/or a cam locking device is positioned on second wall  1712  to hold coupler  1700  in place on a piece of wood, tool bench, and/or ladder for remote power access. Using this embodiment on a ladder or tool bench allows the cumbersome weight and management of the power source extension cord to be attached to one side of the tool, with the shorter, lighter tool and power cord attached to the other side of the tool making a safer, more manageable access to power, at the task site. 
         [0045]    In an alternative embodiment, shown in  FIG. 18 , coupler  1900  has a female electrical connector  1920  positioned on a side surface of first wall  1991  of body  1910 . First wall  1911  of body  1910  also has an open pneumatic fitting with an internal (female) screw thread  1940  positioned next to the female electrical connector  1920 . A male electrical connector  1980  is positioned on a side surface of second wall  1912  of body  1910 . An open pneumatic fitting with an external (male) screw thread  1945  is positioned next to male electrical connector  1980 . Additionally, coupler  1900  has multiple data ports, including RCA ports  1990 , a USB port  1992 , an ethernet jack  1994 , a phone jack  1996 , and a coaxial connector  1998 . These multiple data ports are positioned on a side surface of first wall  1911  of body  1910  and a side surface of second wall  1912  of body  1910 . The multiple data ports are positioned below the female  1920  and male  1980  electrical connectors and the female  1940  and male  1945  open pneumatic fittings. Base plate  1915  integrally connects first wall  1911  and second wall  1912 . This embodiment may used in a medical setting for the transfer of gases, such as oxygen or anesthesia, as well as the transmission of data from monitors and other instrumentation. 
         [0046]    In all embodiments, channels that allow passage of electricity, air, gas, fluid, and/or data are embedded within the body. 
         [0047]    The foregoing has been a detailed description of illustrative embodiments of the invention. Various modifications and additions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope if this invention. Each of the various embodiments described above may be combined with other described embodiments in order to provide multiple features. Furthermore, while the foregoing describes a number of separate embodiments of the apparatus and method of the present invention, what has been described herein is merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. Accordingly, this description is meant to be taken only by way of example, and not to otherwise limit the scope of this invention.