Abstract:
A power strip is scalable to provide multiple connection points within an eatery, bar or similar locale. An input power socket provides power for an individual strip whilst a similar output power socket provides power for a succeeding power strip in a group of strips. USB connection ports located within the power strip are utilized to power USB enabled devices attached thereto. A power regulation circuit provides appropriate power to the connection ports.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to an electronic device connection system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a expandable power connection system for USB devices. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Battery-powered portable electronic devices providing a variety of functions are ubiquitous. Some examples of mobile devices powered by internal rechargeable batteries are cellular phones, smart phones, tablets, personal computers and digital assistants, music players, headphones and speakers, and calculators. 
         [0003]    Cellular telephones and similar portable devices routinely come equipped with one or more Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports. The USB port facilitates internal battery charging when a suitable charging unit and cable connector is applied to the USB port. 
         [0004]    Thus, mobile devices often include a separate charging unit which coverts AC mains power to DC voltages that are used to recharge the internal batteries. If the mobile user happens to be located near a main power outlet, then the charging unit can be plugged into the wall and the charging cable can likewise be connected to the battery-powered device needing to be recharged. 
         [0005]    However, many public facilities do not provide convenient access to AC mains power for customers and visitors. Additionally, installing AC main power outlets in some facilities may not be feasible and high voltage AC main power may be deemed hazardous in some environments. 
         [0006]    Thus, there is a need for a solution that overcomes this difficulty that is scalable, easy to deploy and cost effective and that takes advantage of existing mobile technology. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention overcomes the deficiencies of the known art and the problems that remain unsolved by providing 
         [0008]    An expandable power distribution device comprising:
       a housing having
           an electronic support device attached therein   
           an input dc power port attached to the electronic support device   an output dc power port attached to the electronic support device and   a first charging port attached to the electronic support device.
 
In another aspect, a power regulation device attached to the input dc power port.
 
In another aspect, a power regulation device attached to the output dc power port.
 
In another aspect, wherein the housing further comprises:
   a linear housing.
 
In another aspect, wherein the input power port is located at an end of the electronic support device.
 
In another aspect, wherein the output power port is located at an end of the electronic support device.
 
In another aspect, wherein the input power port is located at an end of the electronic support device and the output power port is located at an opposite end of the electronic support device.
 
In another aspect, wherein the input power port is located at an end of the electronic support device.
 
In another aspect, wherein the output power port is located at an opposite end of the electronic support device.
 
In another aspect, wherein the first charging port is a USB charging port.
 
In another aspect, wherein the electronic device has two narrow ends and two longitudinal sides.
 
In another aspect, wherein the first charging port is located on a longitudinal side of the electronic support device.
 
In another aspect, further comprising:
   a second charging port located on a longitudinal side of electronic support device.
 
In another aspect, wherein the first charging port and the second charging port are on the same longitudinal side of the electronic support device.
       
 
         [0016]    In another aspect, wherein the first charging port and the second charging port are on opposite longitudinal sides of the electronic support device. 
         [0017]    A power cascading device comprising:
       a device compartment having
           a first opening in the device compartment for the placement therein of
               a first power connection device therein where the first power connection device is attached to a circuit board located within the device compartment and   
               a second opening in the device compartment for the placement therein of
               a second power connection device therein where the second power connection device is attached to the circuit board and   
               a third opening in the device compartment for the placement therein of a first charging power port attached to the circuit board.
 
In another aspect, a fourth opening in the device compartment for the placement therein of a second charging port attached to the circuit board.
 
In another aspect, a power regulator circuit integrated with the circuit board.
 
In another aspect, wherein the first and second charging ports are USB charging ports.
   
               
 
         [0024]    A linear power strip assembly comprising:
       an oblong circuit board situated within the linear power strip assembly having   a first power connection socket attached to the oblong circuit board   a second power connection socket attached to the oblong circuit board and   a charging socket also attached to the oblong circuit board.       
 
         [0029]    These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawings and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which follow. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0030]    The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, in which: 
           [0031]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram depicting a dedicated USB charging port device and power distribution system in accordance with an embodiment presented herein. 
           [0032]      FIG. 2  is an assembly diagram depicting various components of a USB charging port device in accordance with an embodiment presented herein. 
           [0033]      FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram depicting electronic circuitry of a USB charging port device in accordance with an embodiment presented herein. 
       
    
    
       [0034]    Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0035]    The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the claimed embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in each figure. 
         [0036]    Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
         [0037]    The functionality of the various example embodiments will be explained in more detail in the following description, read in conjunction with the figures illustrating the various details of the novelties taught herein. 
         [0038]    In its most general embodiment, a Bar Juice power strip comprises an input power port for acceptance of a DC main connector and one or more USB connector ports for reception of USB connector devices from USB enabled devices. Additionally, the power strip would include other necessary electronic circuitry for the charging of the connect USB devices as well as an output power port for connection to a DC main connector to a second Bar Juice power strip. Of course a bar, establishment, coffee house or similar locale would have a cascade of these arranged about its interior so as to facilitate charging of various devices therein. 
         [0039]    Thus, the present concept envisions a device that is similar to an extension cord that can charge mobile phones and other devices equipped with USB ports and/or USB-enabled charging cables. This device, or charging module, is particularly applicable in taverns and restaurants where it could be located, for example, underneath a bar, counter or table. It would also be applicable underneath or around an island or counter in a home. The device is easy to install, fit into available spaces and optionally includes a visible indicator to advise users of its presence. 
         [0040]    The electronic circuitry of the charging module can provide the proper DC voltage and current to each and every USB charging port. The mechanical configuration of the charging module is easily scalable, deployable and modifiable to accommodate various applications. Finally, the devices and systems described herein enable a safe method for charging USB-equipped mobile devices in locations with limited access to AC power mains. 
         [0041]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram depicting a dedicated USB charging port device and power distribution system in accordance with an embodiment presented herein. The AC-to-DC power supply  101  converts AC mains power to DC mains power within a lower and safe range, typically less than 48 volts DC. One or more USB charging port devices  102 ,  103 , . . . ,  10 N may be connected to the DC mains at intervals along the span to be accessible to users. Each USB charging port device contains circuitry which converts the DC power mains to the proper voltages and currents for charging batteries, which is then routed to one or more USB connectors mounted on the module. 
         [0042]    Users may be alerted to the presence of USB charging port devices  102 ,  103 , . . . ,  10 N by visible indicators mounted on the modules. Users wishing to charge their mobile devices  112 ,  113 , . . . ,  11 N may plug the charging cables associated with their devices into the USB connectors mounted on the modules. 
         [0043]      FIG. 2  is an assembly diagram depicting the mechanical configuration of a USB charging port device  200  in accordance with an embodiment presented herein. It should be appreciated that this embodiment is one of many possible module configurations for the dedicated USB charging port device and power distribution system more generally described herein. For example, there may be more or less than two USB charging port connectors on each module, and the type of USB connectors mounted on the module may be any of the basic kinds or sizes established by the USB standard which support power to enable battery charging. 
         [0044]    The module includes faceplate  201  and housing  202  molded so that the faceplate  202  fits onto a ledge running along the interior top periphery of the housing  202 ; this ledge is interrupted at various locations so as to provide space for USB ports  207  and other similar components such as DC connector  205 ; this connector is duplicated at the opposite end of the circuit board  203  so that a follow on module can be easily connected thereto. The module also includes a printed circuit board  203  containing circuitry, components and connectors necessary to perform USB charging port functions. Various screws are placed in holes on the faceplate  201  and on into corresponding threaded holes in the housing thereby locking the two together with the printed circuit board  203  there between. A mounting surface is provided for printed circuit board  203  according to the dimensions and shape thereof. 
         [0045]    Electrical power is supplied to the module via DC mains power cable/plug  204  that is engaged into power connector  205  mounted onto printed circuit board  203 . Also located thereon are visual indicators (Light Emitting Diodes, LEDs)  206 ; these are associated with USB ports  207  and are used to alert users of the presence and availability of USB charging ports on module  200 . USB ports  207  are positioned on printed circuit board  203  and provide USB charging port functionality to USB plug  208  from a mobile USB supporting device. USB plug  208  is attached to one end of a cable, the opposite end of which is attached to another USB connector or other electrical connector compatible with the mobile device needing to be charged. 
         [0046]      FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram depicting electronic circuitry of a USB charging port device in accordance with one or more embodiments presented herein. The system is logically divided into five main components as described below. The overall schematic of the USB charging system known herein as ‘Bar Juice’ is represented as item  1 . This system  1  has a step down regulator  2  for the charging system whilst  3  generally represents the electrical circuit for distribution of the regulated, fused and inductively isolated voltage to USB connector J 1 . Similarly, item  4  represents the electrical circuit for distribution of the regulated, fused and inductively isolated voltage to USB connector J 2 . Finally a schematic representation  5  of the input to output connectors for the primary voltage to other USB connector ports  60 - 63 , J 3 -J 6  on other strips. 
         [0047]    +V (6) is the primary distributed DC voltage for the system that has been designed to allow for voltages from 4.5V to 60V. Attached to this voltage node are filter parallel capacitors  7 ,  8  (C 2 , C 10 , 22 uf) that have their other ends grounded. These general input filter capacitors  7 , 8  serve the purpose to minimize noise of the input distribution voltage and ensure the switching operation of the regulator will be unimpeded. Various other smaller input filter capacitors  9 - 12  (C 4 -C 7 , 2.2 uf) are connected at one end to +V (6) and arranged in parallel with their other ends grounded. Again their purpose is the ensure proper switching of the regulator, as well as eliminate higher frequency harmonics for the system. 
         [0048]    A voltage regulator chip  17  (TPS54560 DDAR) provides the basis voltage necessary for USB charging and is connected with various devices as follows. A resistor  13  (R 2 , 442 k) forms an upper portion of a voltage divider network for the regulator, as well as an under voltage lockout for the distributed DC voltage. It is connected at one end to pin  2  (Vin) of the Voltage Regulator chip  17  as well as to the +V (6) that is also connected to the filter capacitors  7 - 12 ; its other end is connected to resistor  14  (R 7 , 90.9 k) and to EN pin  3  of chip  17 ; this other resistor  14  is the lower portion of the voltage divider network having its value selected to keep the EN pin above 1.2V. The other end of resistor  14  is grounded and also connected to resistor  15  (R 8 , 243 k) that sets the switching frequency of the regulator on pin  4  RT/CK. Pins  9  EP and  7  GND of chip  17  are grounded together. 
         [0049]    Pin  1  (B) of chip  17  is attached to one end of capacitor  16  (0.1 uf 25V) and its other end is connected to pin  8  (SW) thereof. This capacitor is designed to provide voltage to the BOOT pin on the regulator thereby enabling the output. A clipping diode  18  (D 1 ) is connected to the pin  8  of chip  17  and capacitor  16  thereby eliminating negative voltages generated by the inductor L 1   18 A (8.2 uH) also connected to pin  8  and the same contact point of capacitor  16  just described. Pin  6  of chip  17  is connected to one end of resistor  19 A R 3  16.9 k at the same nodal point as one end of Capacitor  20 . Also, a capacitor  19  C 8  4700 pf has one end connected to the other end of resistor  19 A and the capacitor  19  has its other end grounded. Capacitor  19  filters noise by covering both the R 3  and C 8  junction. This filters the regulator (noise filtration)—compensation on the regulator. 
         [0050]    Capacitor  20  (C 9 , 47 pf) is a frequency compensation capacitor for the high frequency aspects of the Error Amplifier connected at one end to pin  6  of chip  17  and grounded at its other end. Resistor  21  (R 1 , 75 k) is an upper portion of a voltage divider network used for setting the output voltage of VCC (VCC is nominally 5.2V) connected at one end to the other end of  18 A, to an end of capacitor  23 . The other end of resistor  21  is connected to pin  5  of chip  17  also connected to resistor  22  (R 4 , 13 k) that is the lower portion of a voltage divider network used for setting the output voltage. The capacitor  23  (C 3 , 220 uf) is a filter capacitor for the VCC output voltage connected to L 1   18 A and having its other end grounded. 
         [0051]    As discussed previously,  3  represents the electrical circuit for distribution of the regulated, fused and inductively isolated voltage to USB connector J 1 . A resettable fuse (PTC) F 1   24  for voltage output to USB connector J 1  is set for 2.6 amps and is connected to output Vcc its other end is attached to diode D 3   24  to ensure any voltage applied as an input to the output pin will not adversely affect the system. The circuit proceeds to two parallel inductors  26 ,  27  having their other ends connected to VCC 1 . These inductors L 2 , L 3  are placed in the circuit to eliminate any noise applied as input to the output pin. VCC 1  is nominally 5.1V applied to USB connector J 1 . Capacitors C 11 , C 13  (0.1 uf)  29 ,  28  respectively are employed to eliminate the possibility of data intrusion and are connected at one end to ground and at another end to a voltage divider network between connected resistors R 13 , R 15 . 
         [0052]    Resistors R 13   30  (75K) has its other end connected to inductors L 2 , L 3 , VCC 1  and pin  1  Vbus+5V of pin connector  38 ; it is an upper portion of voltage divider network (R 13 ) used to set D+ to a voltage compliant with Apple requirements for charging. R 15   32  (49.9 k) is grounded at one end and connected to pin  3  D+ of pin connector  38  as well as previously described; it is a lower portion of voltage divider network (R 15 ) used to set D+ to a voltage compliant with Apple requirements for charging. Similarly, resistor  31  (R 14 , 43.2 k) is an upper portion of voltage divider network used to set D− to a voltage compliant with Apple requirements for charging whilst the lower lower portion of voltage divider network is a resistor  33  (R 16 , 49.9 k) used to set D− to a voltage compliant with Apple requirements for charging. Resistor  33  has one end grounded and its other end attached to resistor  31 ; this same nodal point is connected to D− voltage of pin  2  of J 1  pin connector  38 . 
         [0053]    This point is also connected to a terminal of two parallel capacitors  34  (C 14 , 0.1 uF) and  35  (C 12 , 0.1 uF); these are employed to eliminate the possibility of data intrusion and are connected at one end to ground and at another end to a voltage divider network between connected resistors R 14 , R 16 . It should be apparent from  FIG. 3  that one terminal each of resistors  30 ,  31  to inductors  26 ,  27  and are further connected to pin  1  of pin connector  39  VBUS+5V and further to resistor  36  (R 5 , 220) which is a voltage/current limiting resistor for LED 1 . The other terminal of resistor  36  is connected to LED 1   37  which provides indication of connection to a USB port. Thus, this LED 1  indicator  37  shows when USB J 1  is active and available when lit. The other connection of LED 1  indicator  37  is connected to P 5  Jumper pins  57  to allow for indicator LED 1  and LED 2  to be lit, when M 5  is installed across both pins. M 5  is a jumper—so that the LEDs are enabled when attached or disabled when not attached. 
         [0054]    Both items  38  J 1  and  39  J 2  represent two USB right angle  4  pin connectors being utilized to receive connection of an input device. Pin  4  of both  38 ,  39  are connected to ground and pin  5  of both are connected to chassis ground. VCC 2   40  is nominally 5.1V applied to USB connector J 2  across capacitor  41  (C 18 , 10 pF) that eliminates high frequency electrical components on the power bus that is grounded on its other end. 
         [0055]    Capacitors C 17 , C 20  (0.1 uf)  42 ,  43  respectively are connected parallel to one another and are employed to eliminate the possibility of data intrusion; further these are connected at one end to ground and at another end to a voltage divider network between connected resistors  46 ,  47  (R 18 , 43.2 k, R 20 , 49.9 k); this nodal point is also connected to pin  2  of J 2   39 . Resistor  47  has its other end connected to ground whilst resistor  46  has its other terminal connected to J 2   39  and to VCC 2   44 . Resistor  45  (R 6 ,  220 ) is a voltage/current limiting resistor for LED 2   56  that is connected to  57  and LED 1   37 . LED 2   56  is an indicator that USB J 2  is active and available. 
         [0056]    Resistor  46  (R 18 , 43.2 k) is an upper portion of voltage divider network used to set D− to a voltage compliant with Apple requirements for charging whilst the lower portion of voltage divider network is a resistor  47  (R 20 , 49.9 k) used to set D− to a voltage compliant with Apple requirements for charging. Resistor  47  has one end grounded and its other end attached to resistor  46 ; this same nodal point is connected to D− voltage of pin  2  of J 2  pin connector  39 . This point is also connected to a terminal of two parallel capacitors  42  (C 17 , 0.1 uF) and  43  (C 20 , 0.1 uF); these are employed to eliminate the possibility of data intrusion and are connected at one end to ground and at another end to a voltage divider network between connected resistors R 18 , R 20 . 
         [0057]    Resistors R 17   48  (75K) has an end connected to inductors L 4 , L 5 , VCC 2 , pin  1  V Bus of pin connector  39  and an end of resistor  46 ; it is an upper portion of voltage divider network (R 17 ) used to set D+ to a voltage compliant with Apple requirements for charging at its other nodal point with resistor  49 . Resistor  49  (R 19 , 49.9 k) is grounded at one end and connected to pin  3  D+ of pin connector  39  as well as previously described; it is a lower portion of voltage divider network (R 19 ) used to set D+ to a voltage compliant with Apple requirements for charging. 
         [0058]    An end of two parallel inductors  50  (L 4 ),  51  (L 5 ) are connected to VCC 2  and are connected to resistors  46 ,  48  and VBus pin  1  of pin connector  39 . These inductors L 4 , L 5  are placed in the circuit to eliminate any noise applied as input to the output pin. VCC 2  is nominally 5.1V applied to USB connector J 2 . Capacitors C 16 , C 19  (0.1 uf)  54 ,  55  respectively are employed to eliminate the possibility of data intrusion and are connected at one end to ground and at another end to a voltage divider network between connected resistors  48 ,  49 . 
         [0059]    As discussed previously, item  4  represents the electrical circuit for distribution of the regulated, fused and inductively isolated voltage to USB connector J 2 . A resettable fuse (PTC) F 2   53  for voltage output to USB connector J 2  is set for 2.6 amps and is connected to output Vcc and its other end is attached to diode D 2   52  to ensure any voltage applied as an input to the output pin will not adversely affect the system. 
         [0060]    VCC 1   58  is nominally 5.1V applied to USB connector J 2  across capacitor  59  (C 15 , 10 pF) that eliminates high frequency electrical components on the power bus that is grounded on its other end. It should be understood that VCC  1   58 ,  59  along with VCC 2   40 ,  41  permits separate USB&#39;s. They are separated so that there is no cross talk or interconnecting between them and to ensure the integrity of each individual USB. Thus, shorting one does not affect the other/or one can not absorb all the power. 
         [0061]    Item  5  describes the provision of voltage to other power strip stages so that primary voltage is fed to other USB connector ports  60 - 63 , J 3 -J 6  on other strips. 
         [0062]    It should be apparent that the particular embodiments herein are exemplary and that numerous changes are possible and these would fall within the scope of the appended claims. For example, including the USB ports on the same side or on the opposite side of the electronic board/housing or even at their ends. Additionally, it is envisioned that the Bar Juice power strip is modifiable to have more than two USB connection ports servicing other USB enabled devices. 
         [0063]    Thus, the above-described embodiments are merely exemplary illustrations of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations, combinations, modifications or equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all the embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.