Portable electric power hub with AC power receptacles and USB charging ports

A portable electric power hub comprises a housing that includes a base section having a perimeter that is defined by a plurality of straight edges that are joined by a first plurality of rounded corners. The portable electric power hub further includes an intermediate section that includes a plurality of sides that are joined together by a second plurality of rounded corners. Each side of the intermediate section is adjacent to and aligned with a corresponding one of the plurality of straight edges of the base section and each of the second plurality of rounded corners is adjacent to and aligned with a corresponding one of the first plurality of rounded corners. The portable electric power hub further includes an upper section including a plurality of angulated sides joined by a third plurality of rounded corners. Each angulated side is adjacent to and angulated with respect to a corresponding one of the plurality of sides of the intermediate section and each of the third plurality or rounded corners is adjacent to and aligned with a corresponding one of the second plurality of rounded corners. The portable electric power hub further includes at least one electric power receptacle positioned on the housing.

STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST

Not Applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a portable electric power hub for use on work surfaces such as conference tables, desks, workstations and work benches.

BACKGROUND

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention sets forth a unique and novel portable electric power hub that comprises a housing that includes a base section having a perimeter that is defined by a plurality of straight edges that are joined by a first plurality of rounded corners. The portable electric power hub further includes an intermediate section that includes a plurality of sides that are joined together by a second plurality of rounded corners. Each side of the intermediate section is adjacent to and aligned with a corresponding one of the plurality of straight edges of the base section and each of the second plurality of rounded corners is adjacent to and aligned with a corresponding one of the first plurality of rounded corners. The portable electric power hub further includes an upper section including a plurality of angulated sides joined by a third plurality of rounded corners. Each angulated side is adjacent to and angulated with respect to a corresponding one of the plurality of sides of the intermediate section and each of the third plurality or rounded corners is adjacent to and aligned with a corresponding one of the second plurality of rounded corners. The portable electric power hub further includes at least one electric power receptacle positioned on the housing.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the base section has six straight edges and six rounded corners.

Certain features and advantages of the present invention have been generally described in this summary section. However, additional features, advantages and embodiments are presented herein or will be apparent to one of ordinary skill of the art in view of the drawings, specification and claims hereof. Accordingly, it should be understood that the scope of the invention shall not be limited by the particular embodiments disclosed in this summary section.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

As used herein, “electric power receptacle” shall include any receptacle that provides an AC (alternating current) or DC (direct current) voltage and includes AC electric power receptacles that provide 110-115 VAC, DC voltage receptacles or ports and USB female sockets that are that used to charge communication devices such as smart phones, tablets, PDAs, etc. The USB female sockets include Twin USB Type-A Female Sockets.

As used herein, “work surface” shall include the top surface of an article of furniture such as a desktop, tabletop, work bench, work station or conference table.

Referring toFIGS. 1-5, there is shown portable electric power hub20in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Electric power hub20includes base section22, intermediate section24and upper section26. In an exemplary embodiment, base section22has a perimeter defined by six straight edges30,32,34,36,38and40joined by rounded corners42,44,46,48,50and52. Base section22includes top side60and bottom side62. Base section22includes a plurality of vertically upstanding hollow posts64that are attached to top side60. In one embodiment, vertically upstanding hollow posts64are integrally formed as part of base section22. Each vertically upstanding post64has an interior region and an opening66that leads to the interior region. Base section22includes a plurality of through-holes, each of which being aligned with a corresponding vertically oriented post64. Each through-hole leads to the interior region of the corresponding vertically oriented post64and is sized for receiving a corresponding screw70(seeFIG. 4). Each screw70has a predetermined length such that it extends from opening66.

Referring toFIGS. 4 and 5, base section22further includes recessed area80. In an exemplary embodiment, each recessed areas80has a substantially rectangular shape. The formation of each recessed area80in base section22results in corresponding protruding portions81on bottom side62. In an exemplary embodiment, each protruding portion81includes an exterior flat surface. Base section22includes bosses83,84and85that are integral with base section22. In an exemplary embodiment, base section22is molded plastic and bosses83,84and85are formed during the molding process that forms base section22. Boss83includes notch83A. Boss84includes notch84A. Similarly, boss85includes notch85A. Bosses83,84and85are not utilized in the embodiment shown inFIG. 5. However, the purpose and function of bosses83,84and85is described in the ensuing description with respect to the embodiment shown inFIG. 10. Referring back toFIGS. 2 and 4, a relatively pliable material86is attached to the exterior flat surface of each protruding portion81. Suitable pliable material86may be fabricated from materials such as rubber, resin, etc. The pliable material86contacts a work surface without causing any damage or surface abrasions to the work surface. In an exemplary embodiment, pliable material86is removably attached to the exterior flat surface of each protruding portion81.

Referring toFIGS. 4 and 5, base section22includes electrical cable harness100which is sized to fit around a portion of electrical cable400. Base section22further includes raised portion102that defines through-hole106which extends through the thickness of base section22and raised portion102. Threaded nut108is firmly positioned within through-hole106. This configuration provides a user with the option of attaching portable electric power hub20to a work surface. In order to take advantage of this option, the user must first drill a hole through the work surface. The user then inserts a threaded screw through the drilled hole from the bottom of the work surface. The user then must align portable electric power hub20with the drilled hole so the threaded screw enters through-hole106and becomes threadedly engaged with threaded nut108. The user rotates the threaded screw until portable electric power hub20is firmly positioned on the work surface.

Referring toFIGS. 1, 5, 8 and 9A and 9B, intermediate section24includes exterior surface120that comprises a plurality of straight sides122A-F and a plurality of rounded corners124A-F. In an exemplary embodiment, each side122A-F is substantially vertically oriented. Intermediate section24includes top side130and bottom side132. Intermediate section24includes a plurality of upstanding hollow posts134that are on top side130. In one embodiment, posts134are attached to top side130. In another embodiment, posts134are integrally formed with intermediate section24. Each post134has top opening140that leads to the hollow interior of post134and bottom opening142that allows entry into the hollow interior region. Each bottom opening142is sized to receive a corresponding vertically upstanding post64of base section22. Thus, when intermediate section24is mounted to base section22, each vertically upstanding post64is inserted through bottom opening142of a corresponding upstanding post134and into the hollow interior region of that upstanding post134. Each upstanding post134includes an alignment structure144which facilitates aligning each post134with a corresponding threaded screw-receiving member150that is attached to the interior side160of upper section26(seeFIG. 6B). The purpose of screw receiving members150is discussed in the ensuing description. In an exemplary embodiment, each alignment structure144is generally semi-circular in shape. This particular shape facilitates placement and alignment of a corresponding screw receiving member150so as to allow screws70to be inserted through upstanding post members64and134and into threaded screw inlets of screw-receiving members150in order to attach or join base section22, intermediate section24and upper section26together.

Referring toFIGS. 5, 8, 9A and 9B, intermediate section24further includes electrical circuit board covers structures200,202and204. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown inFIG. 8, electrical circuit board cover structures200,202and204extend radially from the center of intermediate section24. Electrical circuit board cover structure200includes air vents206, wire through-holes208and electrical wire terminal retainer210. Electrical wire terminal216is removably secured within electrical wire terminal retainer210. Similarly, electrical circuit board cover structure202includes air vents220, wire through-holes222and electrical wire terminal retainer224. Electrical wire terminal230is removably secured within electrical wire terminal retainer224. Electrical circuit board cover structure204includes air vents232and wire through-holes234. In this embodiment, electrical circuit board cover structure204does not have a corresponding electrical wire terminal retainer as does electrical circuit cover structures200and202. Intermediate section24further includes air vents240, the purpose of which is described in the ensuing description.

Referring toFIG. 9B, there is shown intermediate section24in upside down position. Intermediate section24further includes electrical circuit boards250,252and254. Electrical circuit board250is attached to bottom side132and positioned under electrical circuit board cover structure200. Electrical wires (not shown) are electrically connected to electrical circuit board250and pass through wire through-holes208. Electrical circuit board252is attached to bottom side132and positioned under electrical circuit board cover structure202. Electrical wires (not shown) are electrically connected to electrical circuit board252and pass through wire through-holes222. Similarly, electrical circuit board254is attached to bottom side132and positioned under electrical circuit board cover structure204. Electrical wires (not shown) are electrically connected to electrical board254and pass through wire through-holes234. In an exemplary embodiment, electrical circuit boards250,252and254are screwed via screws270to threaded inlets in upstanding posts or standoffs (not shown) that are attached to or integral with bottom side132of intermediate section24. However, it is to be understood that other techniques maybe used to attach electrical circuit boards250,252and254to bottom side132. Heat generated by electrical circuit boards250,252and254passes through air vents206,220and232, respectively. This heat also passes through air vents240(seeFIG. 5).

Referring toFIGS. 5, 8 and 9B, each electrical circuit board250,252and254includes an electric power receptacle300,302and304, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, each electric power receptacle comprises dual USB female sockets. In such an embodiment, each electrical circuit board250,252and254comprises electrical circuitry that converts 110-120 VAC to a DC voltage suitable for charging wireless communication devices such as smart phones, tablets, PDAs, etc. This DC voltage is available at each of the dual USB female sockets. In one embodiment, the dual USB female sockets are configured as dual USB Type-A Female Sockets. As shown inFIGS. 8, 9A and 9B, each USB female socket is accessible through a corresponding opening in one of the sides of the intermediate section24. For example, as shown inFIG. 8, side122A has openings350A and350B that allow access to the USB female sockets of electric power receptacle300of electrical circuit board250. Similarly, inFIG. 9B, side122E has openings352A and352B that allow access to the USB female sockets of electrical power receptacle302of electrical circuit board252. Electrical circuit board254also includes electrical power receptacle304which has dual USB female sockets that are aligned with corresponding openings (not shown) in side122C of intermediate section24.

Referring toFIGS. 9A and 9B, intermediate section24includes electrical cable400which contains “hot”, “neutral” and electrical ground wires as is known in the art. Electrical cable400includes male plug402which is adapted to be electrically connected to a source of AC electric power. Intermediate section24further includes upstanding posts404that are attached to or integrally formed with bottom side132. Each post404has threaded inlets for receiving screws406. Clamp member410has through-holes for receiving screws406. When screws406are inserted through the through-holes of clamp member410and threadedly engage the threaded inlets of posts404, clamp member410presses against electrical cable400so as to provide strain relief.

Referring toFIGS. 1, 5, 6A, 6B and 7, upper section26includes a plurality of straight sides500A-F and round curves502A-F, top exterior side504and interior side505. Straight sides500A-F are aligned with and adjacent to straight sides122A-F, respectively, of intermediate section24. Each rounded corner502A-F is aligned with and adjacent to a corresponding rounded corner124A-F, respectively, of intermediate section24. In an exemplary embodiment, straight sides500A-F are angulated inward with respect to straight sides122A-F, respectively, as shown inFIGS. 1-3. In one exemplary embodiment, the degree of angulation of each straight side500A-F is about 30 degrees. In another exemplary embodiment, the degree of angulation of each straight side500A-F is 45 degrees. However, it is to be understood that other degrees of angulation are possible. Screw receiving members150are attached to and upwardly extend from interior side505. In another embodiment, screw receiving members150are integrally formed with interior side505.

Upper section26includes electrical connector retainers550,552and554which all have the same structure. Electrical connector retainer550includes side walls560and562. The space between side walls560and562is sized to allow an electrical connector570to be frictionally positioned between sidewalls560and562. Such a configuration allows electrical connector570to be removed from electrical connector retainer550. Similarly, electrical connector572is frictionally positioned within electrical connector retainer552. Similarly, electrical connector574is frictionally positioned within electrical connector retainer554.

Upper section26includes AC electric power receptacles610,612and614. In an exemplary embodiment, AC electric power receptacles610,612and614are mounted to alternate sides of upper section26. For example, AC electric power receptacle610is mounted or attached to side500B, AC electric power receptacle612is mounted to or attached to side500D and AC electric power receptacle614is mounted or attached to side500F. In an exemplary embodiment, each AC electric power receptacle610,612and614includes resilient tabs that allow each AC electric power receptacle610,612and614to be snapped into place within a corresponding opening in one of the sides of upper section26. For example, as shown inFIGS. 6B and 7, AC electric power receptacle610includes resilient tabs800and an additional resilient tab (not shown) that is on the other side of AC electric power receptacle610which allow AC electric power receptacle610to be snapped into place within opening900in side500B. Specifically, once AC electrical power receptacle610is snapped in place, resilient tabs800abut frame802. In an exemplary embodiment, frame802is integral with upper section26. In another embodiment, frame802is attached to the interior surface of upper section26. Similarly, AC electric power receptacle612includes resilient tabs804and an additional tab (not shown) that is on the other side of AC electric power receptacle612which allow AC electric power receptacle612to be snapped into place within a corresponding opening in side500D of upper section26. Once AC electric power receptacle612is snapped into place, resilient tabs804abut frame806which may be integrally formed with upper section26or attached to the interior surface of upper section26. Similarly, AC electric power receptacle614includes resilient tabs808and a third resilient tab (not shown) on the other side of AC electric power receptacle614that allow AC electric power receptacle614to be snapped into place within a corresponding opening in side500F of upper section26. Once AC electric power receptacle614is snapped into place, resilient tabs808abut the corresponding frame (not shown but similar to frames802and806). The aforementioned resilient tabs on the AC electric power receptacles allow the AC electric power receptacles to be removably attached or mounted to upper section26. Other techniques may be used to removably attach or mount the AC electric power receptacles to upper portion26. In another embodiment, the AC electrical power receptacles are rigidly attached to upper section26.

The “hot”, “neutral” and electrical ground wires contained within electrical cable400, and additional wires (not shown) internal to portable electric power hub20and electrical wire connectors216,230,570,572and574form a wiring network that provides 110-120 VAC to AC electric power receptacles610,612and614, and electrical circuits250,252and254.

Referring toFIG. 10, there is shown portable electric power hub1000in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Portable electric power hub1000comprises a housing which comprises base section22, intermediate section1004and upper section26. Base section22has already been described herein and is therefore not described in detail. Upper section26includes AC power receptacles610,612and614. Upper section26has already been described herein and is therefore not described in detail. Section1004includes electrical circuit board covers1020,1022and1024which are similar to electric circuit board covers200,202and204shown inFIG. 8except electrical circuit board covers1020,1022and1024, and the corresponding electrical circuit boards (not shown), are arranged laterally with respect to the center point of intermediate section1004. Such a configuration shifts the position of the dual USB female sockets. Specifically, the dual USB female sockets are now located at one end of the straight side adjacent to a rounded corner. For example, as shown inFIGS. 10 and 11, dual USB female sockets1030and1032are positioned at one end of straight side1050near rounded corner1052. Electrical cable1100has the same configuration and function as cable400. Bosses83,84and85of each recessed area80support the electrical circuit boards (not shown) that are housed within laterally oriented circuit board covers1020,1022and1024. Specifically, notches83A,84A and85A of bosses83,84and85, respectively, receive corresponding portions of the electrical circuit board (not shown) thereby providing support to the electrical circuit board.

Any one of a variety of suitable materials may be used to fabricate portable electric power hubs20and1000, e.g. plastic, resin, rubber, PVC, metal, composite materials, etc.