An electrical adapter assembly includes a housing defining a cutout, the housing including first electrical contacts and second electrical contacts disposed within the cutout. The electrical adapter assembly includes (i) a plug including a body having a first portion extending from an edge of a second portion, the first portion extending generally orthogonal to the second portion, (ii) electrical prongs extending from the first portion, and (iii) electrical contacts coupled to the electrical prongs. The body of the plug is receivable in the cutout in at least two orientations, and in each of the at least two orientations, one or more of the electrical contacts of the plug engage at least one of the first electrical contacts or at least one of the second electrical contacts.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present specification relates to power adapters.

BACKGROUND

Power adapters are commonly used to power a variety of electrical devices. For example, radios, phones, notebook computers, and other devices frequently receive power from a power adapter that connects to an electrical outlet. Although power adapters provide users the ability to use their electrical devices and recharge batteries, many power adapters are awkward to use.

SUMMARY

A removable plug can be coupled to a power adapter in multiple orientations. A user can select the orientation of the plug relative to the power adapter housing so that the power adapter assembly fits in the space constraints of a particular electrical outlet. For example, the electrical prongs can extend from one side when connecting to a wall outlet, and the electrical prongs can extend from a different side to connect to a socket of a power strip.

In one general aspect, an electrical adapter assembly includes: a housing defining a cutout, the housing including first electrical contacts and second electrical contacts disposed within the cutout; and a plug including a body having a first portion extending from an edge of a second portion, the first portion extending generally orthogonal to the second portion, electrical prongs extending from the first portion, and electrical contacts coupled to the electrical prongs, the body of the plug being receivable in the cutout in at least two orientations, and in each of the at least two orientations, one or more of the electrical contacts of the plug engage at least one of the first electrical contacts or at least one of the second electrical contacts.

Implementations may optionally include one or more of the following features. For example, the electrical prongs extend outward from the housing when the body of the plug is received in the cutout. The at least two orientations include a first orientation and a second orientation, in the first orientation, the electrical contacts of the plug establish an electrical connection with the first electrical contacts and the second portion of the body of the plug is disposed over the second electrical contacts, and in the second orientation, the electrical contacts of the plug establish an electrical connection with the second electrical contacts and the second portion of the body of the plug is disposed over the first electrical contacts. The housing has a first side oriented orthogonal to a second side, and in the first orientation, the electrical prongs extend in a direction orthogonal to the first side of the housing, and in the second orientation, the electrical prongs extend in a direction orthogonal to the second side of the housing. The body of the plug includes a third portion extending generally orthogonal to the first portion and the second portion, the housing further includes third electrical contacts disposed within the cutout, and the body of the plug is receivable in the cutout in at least three orientations, and in each of the at least three orientations, one or more of the electrical contacts of the plug engage at least one of the first electrical contacts, at least one of the second electrical contacts, or at least one of the third electrical contacts.

Implementations may also optionally include one or more of the following features. For example, the at least three orientations include a first orientation, a second orientation, and a third orientation, and (i) in the first orientation, the electrical contacts of the plug establish an electrical connection with the first electrical contacts, the second portion of the body is disposed over the second electrical contacts, and the third portion of the body is disposed over the third electrical contacts, (ii) in the second orientation, the electrical contacts of the plug establish an electrical connection with the second electrical contacts, the second portion of the body is disposed over the third electrical contacts, and the third portion of the body is disposed over the first electrical contacts, and (iii) in the third orientation, the electrical contacts of the plug establish an electrical connection with the third electrical contacts, the second portion of the body is disposed over the first electrical contacts, and the third portion of the body is disposed over the second electrical contacts.

In another general aspect, a power adapter includes: a housing defining a cutout, the housing having a first surface disposed within the cutout and a second surface disposed within the cutout, the first surface being generally orthogonal to the second surface; first electrical contacts disposed at the first surface; second electrical contacts disposed at the second surface, and the housing is configured to receive a body of a plug in the cutout in at least two orientations such that in each of the at least two orientations, an electrically conductive connection is established with the plug and at least one of the first electrical contacts or at least one of the second electrical contacts.

Implementations may optionally include one or more of the following features. For example, the power adapter includes adapter circuitry located in the housing, and the adapter circuitry is configured to receive electrical input from both the first electrical contacts and the second electrical contacts. The first electrical contacts and the second electrical contacts are electrically connected such that voltages applied to the first electrical contacts are transmitted to the second electrical contacts, and voltages applied to the second electrical contacts are transmitted to the first electrical contacts. The first electrical contacts protrude from the first surface and the second electrical contacts protrude from the second surface. The cutout is defined in a corner of the housing. The housing includes a cube-shaped portion disposed in the cutout, the cube-shaped portion including the first surface, the second surface, and a third surface oriented orthogonal to the first surface and the second surface. The housing has a third surface disposed within the cutout, the third surface being generally orthogonal to the first surface and the second surface, the power adapter further includes third electrical contacts disposed at the third surface, the housing is configured to receive a body of a plug in the cutout in at least three orientations such that in each of the at least three orientations, an electrically conductive connection is established between the plug and at least one of the first electrical contacts, at least one of the second electrical contacts, or at least one of the third electrical contacts.

In another general aspect, a member having a first portion extending from an edge of a second portion, the first portion extending generally along a first plane and the second portion extending along a second plane generally orthogonal to the first plane, the first portion having a first side and a second side opposite the first side; electrical prongs coupled to the first side of the first portion; and electrical contacts coupled to the electrical prongs.

Implementations may optionally include one or more of the following features. For example, the first portion defines one or more first recesses, and the second portion defines one or more second recesses having approximately the same dimensions as the first recesses, and the electrical contacts are disposed in the first recesses or the second recesses. The second portion has a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the second side of the first portion and the second side of the second portion generally forming a right angle, and the first recesses are defined in the second side of the first portion and the second recesses are defined in the second side of the second portion. The body defines an edge where the second side of the first portion meets the second side of the second portion, and the first recesses and the second recesses are defined with symmetry across the edge. The plug includes a moveable cover configured to cover the electrical contacts when the electrical plug is not coupled to a power adapter, and configured to not cover the electrical contacts when the electrical plug is coupled to a power adapter.

Implementations may also optionally include one or more of the following features. The member has a third portion extending from an edge of the first portion and a second edge of the second portion, the third portion extending along a third plane generally orthogonal to the first plane and the second plane. The third portion has a first side and a second side opposite the first side; the first portion defines one or more first recesses, and the second portion defines one or more second recesses having approximately the same dimensions as the first recesses, and the third portion defines one or more third recesses having approximately the same dimensions as the first recesses; the electrical contacts are disposed in the first recesses, the second recesses, or the third recesses; and the first recesses, the second recesses, and the third recesses are defined with symmetry across one or more edges, the edges being defined between any two of the second side of the first portion, the second side of the second portion, and the second side of the second portion.

Advantageous implementations can include one or more of the following features. An electrical plug can be coupled to a power adapter in at least two orientations. The plug can be coupled to the electrical adapter so that electrical prongs of the plug extend from different sides of the power adapter in different orientations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A power adapter receives a removable plug in at least two orientations. The various orientations of the plug permit a user to change the orientation of the plug relative to the power adapter. For example, in one orientation, the electrical prongs extend from a first side of the power adapter. In another orientation, the electrical prongs extend from a second side of the power adapter. A user can move the electrical plug from one orientation to another to permit the power adapter to make best use of the space around an electrical outlet. If the power adapter does not fit at an electrical outlet in one orientation, the user can reposition the electrical plug to another orientation to allow the power adapter to be plugged into the outlet.

FIG. 1Ais a perspective view of a power adapter10and an electrical plug30.FIG. 1Bis a perspective view of the electrical plug30ofFIG. 1A. The power adapter10receives the plug30in at least two different orientations. In each of the orientations, an electrically conductive connection is established between the power adapter10and the plug30. When coupled, the power adapter10and the electrical plug30form an electrical adapter assembly90(FIGS. 2A and 2B) that can be connected to an electrical outlet to supply power to an electrical device. As used herein, an electrical connection refers generally to an electrically conductive path established between two elements, whether or not current is flowing or a voltage is applied. The path can occur, for example, due to physical engagement of electrically conductive elements or through intervening circuitry without direct engagement.

The power adapter10includes adapter circuitry (not shown), which can be located within a housing12. The adapter circuitry can, for example, convert an alternating current (AC) input voltage to a direct current (DC) output voltage. An output cable11can be coupled to the power adapter10to provide DC power to an electrical device, such as a cellular phone, laptop computer, or media playing device.

The housing12includes generally flat sides14,16,18oriented generally perpendicular to each other such that the housing12has a block-like shape. The housing12can have a length, L, longer than the height, H, which is longer than the depth, D. Because the dimensions of the housing12can be unequal, different orientations of the housing12relative to a power outlet can have different clearance requirements. For example, when the first side14is parallel to an outlet, the length, L, of the power adapter10will extend perpendicular to the outlet. By contrast, when the second side16is parallel to the power adapter10, the depth, D, will extend perpendicular to the outlet. As a result, different orientations of the power adapter10relative to an outlet have different space requirements.

The housing12defines a cutout20in which to receive the plug30. The cutout20is defined at an edge22of the housing12where the two perpendicular sides14,16meet. The cutout20extends through a portion of both of the sides14,16, and is generally symmetrical about the edge22.

The shape and size of the cutout20are selected to approximate the shape and size of a body32of the plug30. For example, the depth of the cutout D1is approximately equal to the width, W, of a first portion34and a second portion36of the body32of the plug30. In each of the sides14,16, the cutout20has a shape that generally matches the shape of the first portion34and the second portion36of the body32of the plug30(e.g., generally rectangular or square), permitting the body32to be received in the cutout20(seeFIGS. 2A and 2B). The cutout20can have other shapes and sizes depending on the geometry of the plug30.

Within the cutout20, the housing12includes a first surface24disposed generally parallel to the first side14and a second surface26oriented generally parallel to the second side16. The first surface24and the second surface26are generally flat to engage a generally flat first inner surface38and a generally flat second inner surface40(FIG. 1B) of the body32of the plug30. In some implementations, the first surface24and the second surface26can be contoured or angled to engage the inner surfaces38,40of the body32, which may not be flat or precisely perpendicular.

At the first surface24, the power adapter10includes first electrical contacts25a,25b. At the second surface26, the power adapter10includes second electrical contacts27a,27b. The first electrical contacts25a,25band the second electrical contacts27a,27bcan each include multiple contacts, for example, one contact for a phase (e.g., active or live AC) connection, and another contact for a return (e.g., neutral) connection. Additional contacts can be included, for example, to permit a connection to ground or to permit other electrical connections. The first electrical contacts25a,25band the second electrical contacts27a,27bprotrude from their respective surfaces24,26. When the plug30is detached from the power adapter10, the power adapter10is not connected to AC power and contact with the exposed first electrical contacts25a,25band second electrical contacts27a,27bis not dangerous. In some implementations, the first electrical contacts25a,25band the second electrical contacts27a,27bcan be flush with or can be recessed into the surfaces24,26.

The first electrical contacts25a,25band the second electrical contacts27a,27bare coupled to the adapter circuitry, and are configured to receive AC power. The first electrical contacts25a,25band second electrical contacts27a,27bcan both be connected to the adapter circuitry such that electrical power applied to either the first electrical contacts25a,25bor the second electrical contacts27a,27bis transmitted to the adapter circuitry.

The first electrical contacts25a,25band the second electrical contacts27a,27bare electrically connected to each other so that power applied to the first electrical contacts25a,25balso connects power to the second electrical contacts27a,27b, and vice versa. Thus an electrical connection to either the first electrical contacts25a,25bor the second electrical contacts27a,27bwill supply power to the adapter circuitry. Alternatively, in some implementations, the first electrical contacts25a,25band the second electrical contacts27a,27bcan be electrically isolated from each other and still be coupled to the adapter circuitry.

The electrical plug30includes the body32, electrical prongs54a,54b, and electrical contacts56a,56b. The body52includes the first portion34that extends from an edge42of the second portion36. The first portion34extends generally perpendicular to the second portion36, such that the body32has a generally L-shaped cross-section. The outer surface35of the first portion34and the outer surface37of the second portion36are generally square, corresponding to the size of the cutout20. The width, W, of the first portion34and the second portion36is generally the same as the depth, D1, of the cutout20, so that the outer surfaces35,37are flush with the sides14,16of the housing12when the body32is received in the cutout20.

The electrical prongs54extend from the outer surface35of the first portion34of the body32. The electrical prongs54can extend generally perpendicular to the surface35. The electrical prongs54can include, for example, two or more prongs for insertion into an AC power outlet.

Referring toFIG. 1B, the plug30includes electrical contacts56a,56bat the first inner surface38, opposite the electrical prongs54. Each of the electrical contacts56a,56bis electrically connected to one of the electrical prongs54a,54b(for example, through a wire or conductor in the first portion34), so that voltage applied to the electrical prongs54is transmitted to the electrical contacts56a,56b. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more electrical contacts can be located at the inner surface40and can be electrically connected to the electrical prongs54a,54b.

The electrical contacts56a,56bare disposed in recesses58a,58bin the first inner surface38of the first portion34. The recesses58a,58badmit the first electrical contacts25a,25bor the second electrical contacts27a,27b, depending on the orientation of the plug30relative to the power adapter10. The second portion36defines recesses60that admit the first electrical contacts25a,25bor the second electrical contacts27a,27b(again depending on the orientation of the plug30relative to the power adapter10), but the recesses60do not include electrical contacts. The recesses60can be defined symmetrically relative to the recesses58a,58bacross an inner edge62located between the first inner surface38and the second inner surface40. For example, the recesses60can have reflectional symmetry across the inner edge62(such that the recesses60and the recesses58a,58bare mirror images of each other) or rotational symmetry (such that the position of the recesses60is rotationally offset relative to the position of the recesses58a,58bby, for example, 180 degrees), or both.

In addition, or alternatively, electrical contacts can be included in the recesses60. In some implementations, electrical contacts can be located in each of the recesses58a,58b,60. As a result, the power adapter10can include only one set of electrical contacts in the cutout20and still be able to establish an electrical connection (e.g., establish an electrically conductive path) with the plug50in multiple orientations.

Referring toFIGS. 1A and 1B, when the plug30is coupled to the power adapter10, either the first electrical contacts25a,25bor the second electrical contacts27a,27benter the recesses58a,58band engage the electrical contacts56a,56b, establishing an electrically conductive connection. Whichever of the first electrical contacts25a,25bor the second electrical contacts27a,27bdid not enter the recesses58a,58benter the recesses60. As a result, the electrical contacts25a,25b,27a,27b, which protrude from the surfaces24,26, will not impede the surfaces24,26from resting against the infer surfaces38,40of the plug30.

Because the electrical contacts56a,56bare disposed within the recesses58a,58b, the possibility that a user accidently touches the electrical contacts56a,56bwhile the electrical prongs54are connected to AC power is less than if the electrical contacts56a,56bwere flush with or protrude from the inner surface38. The plug30can include one or more safety features that further limit accidental exposure to AC power, such as fuses, circuit breakers, switches, and current limiters. The plug30can also include one or more safety features that, for example, block the electrical contacts56a,56bfrom accidental exposure to a user. An example of a safety mechanism is described in greater detail with reference toFIGS. 5A and 5B.

The plug30can be coupled to the power adapter10in at least two orientations. Although the power adapter10receives only one plug30at a time, the plug30is shown in two positions inFIG. 1Ato illustrate two different orientations.

In the first orientation, the electrical contacts56a,56bare aligned with the first electrical contacts25a,25b, for example, along a first axis80. To couple the plug30to the power adapter10in the first orientation, the user moves the body32of the plug30into the cutout20. The electrical contacts56a,56bengage the first electrical contacts25a,25bof the power adapter10, forming an electrical connection that connects the electrical prongs54a,54bto the adapter circuitry through the first electrical contacts25a,25b. The second portion36of the body32covers the second electrical contacts27a,27b, which are received in the recesses60. The electrical prongs54a,54bextend from the side14of the housing12, as shown inFIG. 2A.

The plug30and the power adapter10form a power adapter assembly90that can be used to power electrical devices. The prongs54a,54bcan be inserted into an electrical outlet so that the power adapter10provides power to one or more electrical devices. Because the second electrical contacts27a,27bare covered by the body32of the plug30, the second electrical contacts27a,27bdo not expose a user to AC power.

The plug30can be removed from the power adapter10and replaced in a second orientation relative to the power adapter10. In the second orientation, the electrical contacts56a,56bof the plug30are aligned with the second electrical contacts27a,27b, for example, along a second axis82. To couple the plug30to the power adapter10in the second orientation, the user moves the body32of the plug30into the cutout20so that the electrical contacts56a,56bengage the second electrical contacts27a,27bof the power adapter10. This forms an electrical connection between the electrical prongs54a,54band the adapter circuitry through the second electrical contacts27a,27b. In the second orientation, the second portion36of the body32covers the first electrical contacts25a,25b, and the electrical prongs54a,54bextend from the side16of the housing12, as shown inFIG. 2B.

Because the electrical prongs54a,54bextend from different sides14,16of the housing12during in the first and second orientations, the user can change the orientation of the plug30relative to the power adapter10to select the most advantageous orientation for a particular use. For example, in the first orientation, shown inFIG. 2A, the prongs54a,54bextend in a direction parallel to the length, L, of the housing12. In the first orientation, for example, the power adapter assembly90can be used with a power strip in which multiple electrical outlets are arranged in a row. With the prongs54a,54binserted in an outlet of a power strip, the length, L, of the housing extends upward so that the housing12does not obscure adjacent electrical outlets.

In the second orientation, the prongs54a,54bare oriented perpendicular to the side16, the largest side of the power adapter10. In the second orientation, the power adapter assembly90can be used at an electrical outlet in a wall. The housing12can extend parallel to the wall to avoid interfering with furniture or people passing by.

In addition, the power adapter10and the plug30maintain polarity during the first and the second orientations. Due to the arrangement of the first electrical contacts25a,25band the second electrical contacts27a,27b, the adapter circuitry receives the same electrical input regardless of the orientation of the plug30. For example, the contact25aand the contact27aare electrically connected, and the contact25band the contact27bare electrically connected. The contact25bis located above the contact25aat the surface24. By contrast, the position of the contacts27a,27bis reversed. Contact27ais located above the contact27bat the surface26.

In the first orientation, the contact56aconnects to the contact25a, and in the second orientation, the contact56aconnects to the contact27a. Even though the orientation of the plug30changes between the first orientation and the second orientation, the same prong54awill be connected to a particular input to the adapter circuitry (whether through contact25aor contact27a) in both the first orientation and the second orientation. Similarly, the prong54bwill connect to either the contact25bor the contact27bregardless of the orientation of the plug30to the power adapter10, thus maintaining polarity of the input to the adapter circuitry.

FIGS. 3A to 3Eare perspective views illustrating repositioning the electrical plug30from a first orientation (FIG. 3A) to a second orientation (FIG. 3E) relative to the power adapter10. To change the orientation, the user first disconnects the power adapter assembly90from an AC power source.

From the first orientation, the user removes the plug30from the power adapter10. In some implementations, the housing12defines a notch or groove that permits the user to pry the plug30out of the cutout20. In other implementations, the power adapter10includes a release mechanism, such as a latch or a switch that releases a fastening mechanism that secures the plug30to the power adapter10, allowing to the plug30to become uncoupled from the power adapter10.

As shown inFIG. 3C, with the plug30uncoupled from the power adapter10, the user rotates the plug 180 degrees. The user then couples the plug30to the power adapter10in the second orientation as shown inFIG. 3D. In some implementations, the plug30can be moved directly toward the edge22and placed in the cutout20to couple the plug30to the power adapter10. In some implementations, the plug30slides along an axis (for example the first axis80or the second axis82ofFIG. 1A) to be received in the cutout20. The user presses the body32of the plug30into the cutout20to couple the plug30to the power adapter10in the second orientation, and the power adapter assembly90(FIG. 3E) can be connected to a power outlet to supply power to an electric device.

FIGS. 4A to 4Fare cross-sectional views of various fastening mechanisms that can be used to couple an electrical plug to a power adapter. In some implementations, the engagement of the electrical contacts of a power adapter with recesses of the body of a plug can secure the plug to the power adapter. In addition, or alternatively, one or more fasteners such as rails, dovetail rails, tapers, clasps, clips, pins, straps, and snaps can secure a plug to a power adapter.

Referring toFIG. 4A, a plug body110is coupled to a power adapter114by an interference fit (e.g., press fit). The body110includes tapered edges111that engage tapered edges115of the power adapter114. As the body110is pressed into a cutout116in the power adapter114, friction between the tapered edges111,115holds the body110in place relative to the power adapter114.

Referring toFIG. 4B, a plug body130is secured to a power adapter134by movable pins135in a cutout138. The power adapter134includes pins135that move in a linear direction. Cavities136are defined in the power adapter134, which allow the pins135to recede into the power adapter134when a force is applied against the pin135. A spring137is coupled to each pin135.

When the body130is brought toward the power adapter134, ends131of the body130press the pins135into the cavities136. This provides the body130clearance to move further into the cutout138while loading the springs137. When the body130is received in the cutout138, recesses132defined in the ends131of the body130align with the pins135. The springs137cause the pins135to extend out of the cavities136and into the recesses132. The pins135, partially disposed in the recesses132and partially disposed in the power adapter134, secure the body130to the power adapter134. A sliding switch or other release mechanism (not shown) can be provided on the power adapter134to manually move the pins135into the power adapter134, thus releasing the body130.

Additional variations are also possible. For example, spring-loaded pins can be included in the body130, and recesses to receive the pins can be included in the power adapter. Similarly, instead of pins, protruding edges can be received into channels. As another example, pins can be moved by other mechanisms other than springs. For example, a user can manipulate a control that causes pins to extend or retract from the power adapter134or from the body130.

Referring toFIGS. 4C and 4D, a plug body140can include extensions141, such as angled rails, that are received into channels145of a power adapter144. The power adapter144defines entry points147that allow the extensions141to enter with the channels145. For example, a cutout146that receives the body140can be defined through a surface148of the power adapter144, permitting the extensions141to be placed in the channels145at the surface148. The body140can slide into place, for example, in a linear motion, and the extensions141are received in the channels145to secure the body140to the power adapter144.

Referring toFIG. 4E, a plug body150includes extensions151disposed at approximately a 45 degree angle from end surfaces152of the body150. The extensions151include a rounded end, such as a ball153. The extensions151are received in sockets155defined in a power adapter154. Each socket155includes one or more receiving members156that define an opening157slightly smaller than the width of the ball153. As the body150is coupled to the power adapter154, the balls153engage the receiving members156, causing the receiving members156to flex or become displaced enough for the balls153to pass through. As the balls153pass between the receiving members156, the receiving members156return to their original positions, narrowing the openings157to capture the balls153in the sockets155. To remove the body150from the power adapter154, the user can apply a force sufficient to flex or displace the receiving members156so that the balls153can leave the sockets155, allowing the body150to become uncoupled from the power adapter154.

Referring toFIG. 4F, a plug body160is secured to a power adapter164by locks165that engage outer surfaces161of the body160. The power adapter164defines a cutout166that receives the body160. A user can move the locks165away from the cutout166to allow the body160to enter the cutout166. For example, the locks165move in a linear direction parallel to sides167of the power adapter164. In some implementations, the locks165can rotate, tilt, twist, recede into the power adapter164, or otherwise move to allow the body160to enter the cutout166. After the body160is received in the cutout166, a user can move the locks165so that inner surfaces168of the locks165engage the outer surfaces161of the body160, capturing the body160in the cutout166. The locks165can be manually moved by the user, or can be moved in response to a user activating a control, such as a button or switch.

FIGS. 5A and 5Bare cross-sectional views of a plug210and a power adapter220illustrating a safety mechanism. The safety mechanism includes a cover213that prevents accidental exposure to an electrical contact211of the plug210when the plug210is uncoupled from a power adapter220.

The plug210includes a body216that defines a recess212and a compartment215. The electrical contact211is disposed in the recess212. The compartment215is open to the recess212, so that the cover213can extend from the compartment215into the recess212. The cover213covers the electrical contact211when the plug210is not coupled to the power adapter220(FIG. 5A), preventing a user from accidentally touching the electrical contact211. A spring214presses the cover213into the recess212.

When the plug210becomes coupled to the power adapter220, an electrical contact222of the power adapter220enters the recess212. The electrical contact222engages the cover213and moves the cover out of the recess212such that the cover213is received in the compartment215. With the cover213moved out of the recess212, the electrical contact222of the power adapter220can engage the electrical contact211of the plug210to establish an electrical connection with an electrical prong217of the plug210. When the plug210is uncoupled from the power adapter220, the spring214moves the cover213into the recess212to cover the electrical contact211of the plug210.

Additional variations are possible. For example, the cover213can be retracted from the recess by mechanisms other than direct contact with the electrical contact222. As another example, the electrical contacts located at different surfaces of a power adapter may not all be simultaneously connected to each other or to the adapter circuitry. As a result, AC power connected to electrical contacts at one surface of the power adapter may not expose AC power at electrical contacts located at different surface. If the body of the plug210breaks, some electrical contacts of the power adapter220(e.g., electrical contacts that are not positioned behind the electrical prongs) may become exposed. Nevertheless, when the exposed electrical contacts are not connected to the adapter circuitry, there is no danger to a user.

A power adapter220can include one or more switches that can connect electrical contacts of the power adapter220to and disconnect the electrical contacts from the adapter circuitry. For example, a pin extending from a surface of the plug210can engage a switch of the power adapter220, causing the switch to connect a particular set of electrical contacts of the power adapter220to the adapter circuitry. Only the particular set of electrical contacts needed for the current orientation of the plug210can be connected to the adapter circuitry, while one or more other sets of electrical contacts of the power adapter220remain disconnected from the adapter circuitry for safety.

FIGS. 6A to 6Care respectively perspective, side, and perspective views of an alternative electrical plug250.FIG. 6Dis a perspective view of an alternative power adapter280that receives the electrical plug250. The plug250includes three electrical prongs252a-252c, permitting the electrical plug250to connect to two AC terminals and an electrically grounded terminal. Like the power adapter10and the plug30ofFIGS. 1A and 1B, the plug250and the power adapter10can be coupled in at least two orientations.

The plug250includes a body251that includes a first portion254that is generally in the form of a rectangular plate. The first portion254extends in a plane from an edge of a second portion255, which is also generally in the form of a rectangular plate. The second portion255extends in a plane generally perpendicular to the plane of the first portion254. The first portion254includes an outer side258opposite an inner side260. The second portion255includes an outer side259opposite an inner side261.

Each electrical prong252a-252cis electrically connected to a corresponding electrical contact254a-254c. The electrical contacts254a-254care located in recesses256, and recesses257are defined in the inner side261. The recesses256and the recesses257are rotationally symmetrical such that the configuration of the recesses256and the recesses257is the same in their respective inner sides260,261except for a 180-degree rotation.

The power adapter280includes first electrical contacts284a-284cand second electrical contacts286a-286cthat are received in the recesses256,257. In a first orientation, the first electrical contacts284a-284care received in the recesses256, and each contact284a-284cconnects electrically with one of the electrical contacts254a-254cof the plug250. In a second orientation, the second electrical contacts286a-286care received in the recesses256, and each contact286a-286cconnects electrically with one of the electrical contacts254a-254cof the plug250.

FIG. 7Ais a perspective view of an alternative plug300and power adapter350.FIG. 7Bis a perspective view of the inside of the plug300. The power adapter350receives the plug300in at least three orientations.

The plug300includes a body302with a first portion304, a second portion306, and a third portion308. The first portion304, the second portion306, and the third portion308are each shaped as generally flat plates. The three portions304,306,308are oriented generally perpendicular to each other and meet at an exterior corner310. The three portions304,306,308have respective outer surfaces312,314,316that form three adjacent faces of a cube. The three portions304,306,308also have respective inner sides318,320,322that meet at an interior corner324defined in the body302.

The plug300includes electrical prongs326a,326bcoupled to the outer surface312of the first portion304. In the inner side318(opposite the surface312from which the electrical prongs326a,326bextend), the first portion304defines recesses324. The plug300includes an electrical contact328a,328bdisposed in each of the recesses324. Each electrical contact328a,328bis electrically connected to one of the electrical prongs326a,326b. The recesses324and the electrical contacts328a,328bcan be offset from the electrical prongs326a,326band can be connected through the body302with wires or other conductors.

The second portion306defines recesses330through the inner side320, and the third portion308defines recesses332through the inner side322. The recesses330,332do not have electrical contacts located within, but are configured to receive electrical contacts368a,368b,370a,370b,372a,372bof the power adapter350.

The power adapter350includes a housing351that has a generally block-like shape and includes three generally perpendicular exterior sides352,354,356. At a corner where the exterior sides352,354,356meet, the power adapter350defines a cutout358in which to receive the body302of the plug300. Located in the cutout358, the housing351includes a cube-shaped portion360. The cube-shaped portion360is the selected to have generally the same size as a cube-shaped cutout333defined by the inner sides318,320,322of the body302. As a result, the body302receives the cube shaped portion360in the cutout333of the body302when the cutout358receives the body302in the cutout358of the housing351.

The cube-shaped portion360includes a first side362, a second side364, and a third side366. Each of the sides362,364,366is generally flat and is perpendicular to the other two sides362,364,366. First electrical contacts368a,368bare located at the first side362, second electrical contacts370a,370bare located at the second side364, and third electrical contacts372a,372bare located at the third side366. The electrical contacts368a,368b,370a,370b,372a,372beach protrude from their respective sides362,364,366.

The electrical contacts368a,368b,370a,370b,372a,372bare arranged symmetrically about a corner373of the cube-shaped portion360. For example, the electrical contacts368a,368b,370a,370b,372a,372bare arranged with reflectional symmetry across: (i) a first edge374, formed between the first side362and the second side364; (ii) a second edge376, formed between the second side364and the third side366; and (iii) a third edge378formed between the third side366and the first side362. The positions of any set of the electrical contacts368a,368b,370a,370b,372a,372bis a mirror image or reflection of the other electrical contacts368a,368b,370a,370b,372a,372bacross any of the edges374,376,378.

The recesses324,330,332are arranged with corresponding symmetry to match the positions of the electrical contacts368a,368b,370a,370b,372a,372b. As a result, when the plug300is coupled to the power adapter350, each electrical contact368a,368b,370a,370b,372a,372bis received in one of the recesses324,330,332.

The electrical contacts368a,368b,370a,370b,372a,372bare each connected to adapter circuitry within the housing351. For example, the adapter circuitry receives electrical input from the first electrical contacts368a,368b, the second electrical contacts370a,370b, or the third electrical contacts372a,372b. In some implementations, the adapter circuitry receives electrical input simultaneously from a combination of the contacts368a,368b,370a,370b,372a,372b.

In some implementations, each of the contacts368a,370a,372aare electrically connected together so that a voltage applied to the contact368ais transmitted to the adapter circuitry and the contacts370a,372a, a voltage applied to the contact370ais transmitted to the adapter circuitry and the contacts368a,372a, and a voltage applied to the contact372ais transmitted to the adapter circuitry and the contacts370a,372a. Each of the contacts368b,370b,372bis electrically connected together in a similar manner.

The body302of the plug300is received in the cutout358in at least three orientations. In the first orientation, the body302is aligned with the housing351along, for example, a first axis390. Within the cutout358, the inner side318of the body302engages the first side362of the housing351in the cutout358. The first electrical contacts368a,368bare received in the recesses324, and engage the electrical contacts328a,328bof the plug300, establishing an electrically conductive connection. The electrical prongs326a,326bextend outward from the housing351, perpendicular to the exterior side352.

Also, in the first orientation, the electrical contacts370a,370bare covered by the second portion306and are received in the recesses330, so that the inner side320of the body302engages the second side364of the housing351. The electrical contacts372a,372bare covered by the third portion308and are received in the recesses332, so that the inner side322engages the third side366.

In the second orientation, the body302is aligned with the housing351along, for example, a second axis392. Within the cutout358, the inner side318of the body302engages the second side364of the housing351. The second electrical contacts370a,370bare received in the recesses324and engage the electrical contacts328a,328bof the plug300, establishing an electrically conductive connection. The electrical prongs326a,326bextend outward from the housing351, perpendicular to the exterior side354.

Also, in the second orientation, the first electrical contacts368a,368bare covered by the third portion308and are received in the recesses332, so that the inner side322of the body302engages the first side362of the housing351. The third electrical contacts372a,372bare covered by the second portion306and are received in the recesses330, so that the inner side320engages the third side366.

In the third orientation, the body302is aligned with the housing351along, for example, a third axis394. Within the cutout358, the inner side318of the body302engages the third side366of the housing351. The third electrical contacts372a,372bare received in the recesses324and engage the electrical contacts328a,328bof the plug300, establishing an electrically conductive connection. The electrical prongs326a,326bextend outward from the housing351, perpendicular to the exterior side356.

Also, in the third orientation, the first electrical contacts368a,368bare covered by the second portion306and are received in the recesses330, such that the inner side320of the body302engages the first side362of the housing351. The second electrical contacts370a,370bare covered by the second portion306and are received in the recesses332, such that the inner side322engages the second side364.

In each of the three orientations in which the plug300is coupled to the power adapter350, the electrical prongs326a,326bextend perpendicular to different exterior sides352,354,365of the housing351. Accordingly, the user can select a particular orientation is advantageous for a particular situation, for example, connecting the power adapter to a wall socket or a power strip. Each electrical contact368a,370a,372acan be connected together, and each electrical contact368b,370b,372bcan be connected together, so that the polarity of the electrical connection with the electrical prongs is maintained during each of the three orientations.

The plug300can be coupled to the power adapter350by, for example, moveable extensions380can protrude from or be received in the housing351. The extensions380can be located in the cutout358. For example, the extensions380can extend from surfaces382in the cutout358.

The body302of the plug300defines recesses338that receive the extensions380. For example, the body302defines the recesses338in L-shaped surfaces339that are generally perpendicular to the inner surfaces318,320, and322. The extensions380recede into the housing351to allow the body302to be positioned in the cutout358. When the body302is located in the cutout358, the extensions380extend from the housing351into the recesses338, securing the plug300to the power adapter350.

FIG. 7Cis a side cutaway view of a portion of the power adapter350illustrating a moveable extension380of the power adapter350. The extension380can be coupled to a spring384located in a compartment385. As the body302is received in the cutout358, the body302presses the extension380into the compartment385and compresses the spring384. When the body302is positioned so that one of the recesses338is positioned over the extension380, the spring384presses the extension380into the recess338to secure the body302to the housing351.

The extensions380can be refracted into the compartment385to allow the body302of the plug300to be removed from the power adapter350. For example, the power adapter350can include a switch or other control that causes the extensions to retract.

Additional variations are possible. For example, the power adapter350can receive one of several different plugs, and each plug can have a different orientation of electrical prongs. For example, two different plugs can include electrical prongs that extend in the same direction from outer surfaces of the plugs, but the orientation of the electrical prongs of can vary so that the electrical prongs of one plug are oriented at a rotational offset, such as 90 degrees, compared to the other plug. As another example, different plugs can include different shapes and sizes of electrical prongs in order to function with electrical sockets in different countries. In some implementations, a single power adapter350can be used with multiple different types of electrical sockets by using a different electrical plug.

The electrical prongs of a plug can also be located at a rotatable face coupled to the body of the plug. The rotatable face can rotate in a plane parallel to an outer side of the plug, allowing the orientation of the electrical prongs of the plug to change relative to an outer side of the plug. For example, the rotatable face can rotate up to 90 degrees, 180 degrees, 270 degrees, 360 degrees or more.

Plugs can include one, two, three or more electrical prongs, and plugs can include one, two, three or more electrical contacts. The electrical contacts of the power adapter can be arranged to connect to one or more electrical contacts of any of several different plugs. Some plugs may not establish an electrical connection with all of the electrical contacts located at a particular surface of a power adapter. Likewise, some power adapters may not establish an electrical connection with all of the electrical contacts located at a particular surface of a plug.

In some implementations, there are no recesses defined in inner surfaces of the plugs. For example, electrical contacts of a plug can be disposed on one or more inner sides and can be flush with the inner sides or can protrude from the inner sides. Accordingly, a power adapter can establish an electrical connection with electrical contacts of the plug with electrical contacts that are positioned flush with surfaces of the power adapter or recessed into the power adapter.

Particular implementations have been described. Other implementations are within the scope of the following claims. For example, the steps recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results.